National security is a collective responsibility of the entire nation MoU Defence Sanjay Seth
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Monday, said that national security is a collective responsibility of the entire nation, urging citizens to adopt a firm “Nation First” approach, as India observed Vijay Diwas to mark its historic victory in the 1971 war. He was addressing a Grand National programme organised by Veterans India to honour the supreme sacrifice of the Armed Forces and commemorate the surrender of Pakistani forces that led to the creation of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation.
The programme was presided over by Seth as the Chief Guest, while Ram Lal Ji, Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), attended as the Distinguished Guest. Veterans, policymakers, academicians and representatives of civil society participated in large numbers.
Recalling the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers on December 16, 1971, Seth described Vijay Diwas as one of the proudest moments in India’s military history. He said the Indian Army not only guards the nation’s borders but also ensures the security of 140 crore citizens.
Highlighting the Government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers and ex-servicemen, he referred to initiatives such as One Rank One Pension (OROP)and employment support measures. Addressing the gathering, Ram Lal paid tribute to the Armed Forces for their decisive role in the 1971 war and for continuing to defend the nation under challenging conditions.
Several eminent personalities attended the programme, including Dr BK Mishra, Founder and National President of Veterans India; Professor (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe; Professoressor (Dr) TGSitaram; Professor. Vinay Kumar Pathak; Justice PN Ravindran; DrMR Jayaram; social worker Raushan Kumar Singh; and Professor (Dr) Sunil Parik, among others.
During the programme, the Pride of Nation Awards 2025 were presented for outstanding contributions in social service, education and nation-building. Founded in 2015, Veterans India said it has grown into a nationwide, non-political movement with over 3.8 million members, working across sectors to promote unity, self-reliance and value-based nation-building across the country.
