By : Sanighdha & Shreshtha
“The strength of a nation lies not only in its youthful energy but in the wisdom and experience of its elders.”
Human resources are considered as an asset for a country. In India, a country with a vast and diverse population, leveraging the capabilities of every demographic segment is vital for sustainable development. This includes the ageing population- an often overlooked yet valuable section of society. As India is undergoing a significant demographic transformation marked by a growing elderly population, the nation must re-imagine the roles and contributions of its elderly. According to Census 2011, the population aged 60 and above constituted 8.6% of the population. In this changing landscape, the concepts of silver employment and active ageing have gained significant relevance. Silver employment refers to the meaningful engagement of senior citizens in economic or voluntary work post- retirement, while active ageing promotes health, participation, and security for a fulfilling later life. Recognizing and institutionalizing these concepts is essential to harness the full spectrum of human capital and promote inclusive national progress.
Among the elderly population, veterans represent a distinct and highly valued group. Veterans are individuals who have served in the armed forces and have completed their active duty, often in physically demanding roles. Their contribution extends beyond warfare- they play critical roles in disaster relief, infrastructure support, training, and nation-building operations. Veterans bring with them unmatched discipline, leadership, strategic thinking, and crisis management capabilities. Their integration into civilian life after retirement poses challenges. A comprehensive approach that aligns veteran welfare with silver employment opportunities can ensure continued contribution from seasoned individuals, while also honoring their service to the nation.
Silver employment offers a pragmatic and ethical response to the challenges of an ageing society. It addresses rising old-age dependency ratios, reduces the financial burden on pension and social welfare systems, and fosters individual dignity, mental well-being, and self-reliance. In India, many retired adults continue to work out of necessity due to inadequate pension coverage and rising costs of living. However, there is also a significant segment of elderly who seek engagement beyond economic reasons- for purpose, social interaction and intellectual fulfilment. Unfortunately, systemic barriers such as age discrimination, digital illiteracy, and rigid work structures prevent the realization of this potential.
Active ageing as defined by World Health Organization is “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.” It is grounded in the belief that ageing should not be equated with decline, but rather with continued growth, engagement, and contribution. Active ageing promotes autonomy, social involvement, physical and mental fitness, and respect for elderly rights. In a culturally diverse and populous country like India, adapting and promoting the concept of active ageing is essential for ensuring that the elderly population remains integrated and valued. Understanding these concepts in tandem- veterans as a skilled subset of the elderly, silver employment as a means of engagement and active ageing as a broader framework- is key to formulating a progressive, inclusive approach to ageing in India. By redefining old age as a stage of opportunity and contribution, society can better integrate the elderly into its socio-economic framework, thus enriching the nation.
“The strength of a nation lies not only in its arms but in the minds and spirit of those who have borne them with honor.” -Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Human resources are foundational to nation-building, and within this broader canvas, military veterans hold a particularly valuable place. In the Indian context, veterans are defined as former members of the Armed Forces who have completed their active duty, often after rigorous service. While their contribution is typically celebrated in the context of defence, their capabilities span a far wider range- leadership, crisis management, technological expertise, and civic responsibility which are eminently transferable to civilian life. This multifaceted experience, accumulated over the years of structured service, equips veterans to play transformational roles in nearly every domain of public life- law, governance, education, business, health, disaster response, and beyond.
The most recognizable contribution of veterans is their leadership under pressure. Their experience in decision-making during life- threatening missions, coordinating large teams and managing unpredictable environments gives them a strategic temperament. One of the most prominent examples is Lt. Gen. Satish Dua, PVSM, UYSM, SM, VSM(Retd.), who not only played a pivotal role in the surgical strikes in Uri in 2016 but also contributed later as a policy advisor in defence think tanks. In the corporate sphere, Maj. Gen. Neeraj Bali, SM, transitioned seamlessly from leading soldiers to leading business transformations as CEO of Rodic Consultants Private Limited, where he applied military leadership to corporate settings. Veterans like these bring the rigour, foresight, and ethical clarity cultivated in uniform to the boardroom.
Veterans have also found a meaningful second career in the legal and judicial fields. Their command over discipline and procedure, coupled with a strong sense of justice, allows them to contribute as both advocates and judges. In the legal and quasi- judicial domain, veterans have assumed influential roles, particularly as administrative members of tribunals, where their domain expertise complements the adjudicative functions of judicial officers. The Armed Forces Tribunal, established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, explicitly mandates the inclusion of former high-ranking defence officers (of the rank of Major General or equivalent) as administrative members to ensure an informed and balanced application of military justice. These members bring first-hand experience of service conditions, military regulations, and operational hardships, which are crucial when adjudicating pension claims, disability benefits, and disciplinary matters.
For instance, Air Marshal Manavendra Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VSM(Retd.), with extensive experience in operational command, is serving as an Administrative Member in the Armed Forces Tribunal Chandigarh bench, working alongside counterparts to deliver well- rounded verdicts, these veterans ensure that judicial decisions are grounded not only statutory interpretation but also in the nuanced realities of military life.
Major Navdeep Singh is a veteran and a distinguished legal practitioner, currently practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He has made significant contributions to military law, both in India and globally. He is also a member of the advisory committee on military justice of the Commonwealth Secretariat and an International Fellow of the National Institute of Military Justice in Washington, DC. His leadership extends to the Armed Forces Tribunal Bar Association, where he was elected the first president. His expertise in military law is reflected in his extensive writing, including books like Military Pensions: Commentary, Case Law & Provisions, March to Justice: Global Military Law Landmarks, and In Her Defence: Landmark Judgments on Women by Supreme Court, among others. Through his scholarly work and legal practice, Major Singh continues to influence the landscape of military law. Policy- making and governance have also benefited from veterans’ involvement. Their deep understanding of logistics, public systems, and institutional structure allows them to contribute meaningfully to national planning and administration. Gen. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM(Retd.), 24th Chief of Army Staff, has served as a Minister of State in various ministries, bringing military precision to large infrastructure projects and foreign aid coordination. Similarly, Air Marshal Anil Chopra, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM(Retd.) has played a key advisory role in aviation and defence policy. Institutions like the Vivekananda International Foundation, the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), and the Observer Research Foundation regularly invite veterans to contribute to strategic reviews, white papers and round-table discussions, reflecting the growing recognition of their military acumen.
The field of education has also witnessed a quite impactful transformation due to veterans. Their roles as mentors, educators, and institution builders have reshaped the leadership ecosystem among India’s youth. Many serve as faculty in military academies, Sainik schools and NCC programs. One such example is Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Retd.), an Olympic medalist and former Union minister, has launched initiatives like “Youth for Nation Building”, aimed at integrating physical training, sports, and patriotic education in schools and colleges. Through such outreach, he encourages students to engage in civic life and leadership beyond academics.
Veterans have also contributed as faculty in legal, strategic, and defence studies. Maj. Gen. Nilendra Kumar AVSM, VSM, (Retd.), former Judge Advocate General of the Indian Army, served as Director of Amity Law School, Noida, where he taught law blending theory with battlefield ethics. In disaster management and humanitarian relief, Indian military veterans have consistently demonstrated their immense value in coordinating rapid response, managing logistics under pressure, and organizing community- level recovery efforts. Their extensive training in field-level operations, supply chain management, and inter-agency coordination positions them as natural leaders during emergencies. Veterans have also institutionalized their expertise through organizations such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), where several retired officers, including Lt. Gen. N.C. Marwah PVSM, AVSM(Retd.), have served as members. He brought his experience from counter- insurgency and border management to help shape national protocols on flood response and chemical disaster preparedness. His leadership during simulation exercises and disaster response planning has a long-term impact on India’s disaster preparedness infrastructure.
In the world of entrepreneurship and technology, veterans are increasingly launching startups and social enterprises that address national challenges. Major Sonal Gupta (Retd.) was a member of the first few batches of women officers to join the Indian army, she has been a pioneer all her professional life. She setup Navrang Creations in early 2014 with the idea of conserving the rich Indian handloom tradition and culture, where products are sourced from local artisans at each location. Sonal is a strong believer in the discipline and toughness instilled in her army career and experiences and aims to use her military and corporate knowledge to help her venture grow leaps and bounds in the future.
Others, like Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Retd.), a former Olympian and minister, use their platforms to promote youth fitness and national pride through entrepreneurial ventures in sports and education. Government programs like Startup India and the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) have also begun to recognize the value of supporting veteran entrepreneurs. The integrity instilled in the Armed Forces has made veterans ideal candidates for position in anti- corruption bodies and transparency initiatives. Maj. Gen. Anil Verma (Retd.) heads the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an organization committed to electoral transparency and accountability (ADR). In states like Tamil Nadu and Punjab, veterans have served on vigilance commissions and internal oversight panels, ensuring that public processes remain ethical and citizen-focused. Their commitment to due process and institutional honesty makes them natural enforcers of good governance.
In the realm of conflict resolution and peace building, Indian military veterans have consistently demonstrated their value as neutral, credible actors equipped with negotiation skills, operational insight, and deep cultural sensitivity. Having served in regions rife with insurgency, cross-border tension, or post-conflict trauma, veterans possess first-hand knowledge of the complex dynamics of security, trust, and reconciliation. Their lived experiences often make them more empathetic and effective in facilitating dialogue and rebuilding fractured societies.
Another instance is that of Retd. Lt. Col. Umang Kohli, who is making humongous strides in the field of Journalism, and active reporting of changing geo-political and international diplomacy apparatus. Sir has contributed widely on the issues in leading newspapers such as ‘Pioneer’ and others, including being an Executive Editor with the Life of Soldiers Magazine, whereby he actively aids young and bright minds (including veterans) to contribute on leading global issues. Having served as the Director, Media Management and Information Security with the Indian Army, Director, Public Relations of NCC; as well as having served in major positions during his stint with the Armed Forces- Lt. Col. (Retd.) Umang Kohli has a made a name for himself with his tireless dedication towards human resource development, exam preparation and motivation, truth-laden journalism, entrepreneurship (resort management and ownership-Twin Oaks, Kasauli) and active experience in the publishing-editing-and journalism sector. He serves as an inspiration not just for the youngsters but also for veterans alike, with his many ventures after hanging out his boots. One notable example is Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd.), who served extensively in Kashmir as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Corps, has been instrumental in applying a “hearts and mind” approach to conflict mitigation. Through his inclusive outreach strategies such as “Operation Sadbhavana” he engaged with local youth, clerics, and civil society actors to counter militancy with trust and development. Today, he serves on the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and advises government bodies on internal security, civil-military relations, and strategic communication.
In sum, veterans carry a multidimensional experience that is not only deeply valuable but indispensable to India’s national development. Their service does not end with the relinquishing of the uniform; it evolves into new forms of leadership across the judiciary, policymaking, education, advocacy, disaster response, entrepreneurship, and social reform. Institutions like the Ministry of Defence, the Directorate General Resettlement, and NITI Aayog must further institutionalize their reintegration by creating clear pathways into governance, policy, and professional sectors. The military prepares not just soldiers but civic leaders. India’s veterans have proven this across fields from Air Marshal Manavendra Singh in the courtroom to Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in Parliament, and from surgical strikes in Uri to advisor in policy think tanks. Their legacy is not just one of valour but of wisdom in service to the nation, in and out of uniform.
It is said that the only eligibility needed to serve one’s nation is to really love the nation, in all that you do. To express one’s gratitude towards one’s motherland is best done when a person upholds the very dignity, integrity and character of oneself in all that he/she does in the world. And who can better understand this soulful emotion, better than a soldier, someone who has served the soil of his/her birth with all that one possessed and had in life. Veterans work in high-octane environments and are used to taking decisions in the blink of any eye, therefore being one of the most-reliable as well as most resourceful assets of any given nation. And to not harness this quintessentially valuable resource, is probably the gravest imperilment that a nation will ever face.
Today, if one surfs any major social media networking platform, it is filled with stories, and life struggles of veterans, both while serving in the armed forces and even beyond that (in the civilian life during mid-life professional transitional phase). In the aforementioned contents of this research paper, the authors have tried to analyze the definitions, meanings and explanations to some of the newer terms such as, ‘silver employment’, ‘veteran support’, and ‘active ageing’; along with slicing out instances from the real-life regarding the appreciable skills that some of the armed forces’ veterans (inclusive of Indian Army, Indian Navy. Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard) have gained via their very unique employment in the earlier part of their lives. This and the next part of this research manuscript shall delve into as to how these skills can be applied properly in the transformational phase of veterans, and what are some of the instances of the same from the United States of America, which shall provide a well-rounded analysis of the issue.
Wing Commander (Retd.) Amarjit Singh Bindra quips on his LinkedIn platform, and every time he does that, he grows health and happiness. Why? Because now he is an Organic Farmer and is also motivating others to take up the line, especially the youngsters of Punjab and rural areas of Haryana (especially, Mewat, Nuh). Commander Bindra is a second-generation soldier, and a specialist in organic farms and food forests, sustainable and smart city solution expert, a military transition coach, and a smart cities exponent. This makes Commander Bindra a well-rounded and harmoniously built-up personality, with all the essentials of professional etiquette checked in positively. This is most probably the demand of society today, whereby people (especially employees) are not only morally upright but also professionally well-built to tackle any workplace emergency. Like Commander Bindra, there are a number of veterans who are working in the field of youth empowerment, youth motivation, discipline and mentorship, sports awareness, journalism and strategic thought building mechanisms, lending services to various government agencies to enhance their basic skill-set and work towards achieving realistic goals, transition coaching, management, and human resource management, et al. Veterans, thus possess the valuable assests and skills which make them valuable anywhere and everywhere, wherever they will be employed, and in cases of self-employment too.
In India, veterans are called by an alternative name, i.e., ex-servicemen. Ex-servicemen and their issues are dealt with under the different departments of the Ministry of Defense. The pension-related matters, the dismissal-related matters or matters related to disability (war-disablement monetary allowance and respectful discharge from services), etc. are all dealt with by the Ministry of Defense. In the broader picture, Ex-Servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services and Posts) Rules, 1979. It is here that the role of Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) comes into the picture. The definition of ex-servicemen is defined by every State government in their own ways, which is generally similar over all platforms, however with slight changes. For the reasons of clarity and connectivity, the definition of ex-servicemen, as given by the Punjab Government is reproduced below: “Ex-servicemen means a person who has served in any rank, whether as a combatant or a non-combatant, in the Naval, Military and Air Forces of the Union of India (hereinafter referred to as the Armed Forces of the Union of India), and who has,- (a) retired or released from such service at his or her own request after earning his or her pension; or (b) has been released from such service on medical grounds attributable to military service or circumstances beyond his control and awarded medical or other disability pension;or (c)been released, otherwise than on his own request, from such service as a result of reduction in establishment; or been released from such service after completing the specific period of engagement otherwise than at his own request or by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency, and has been given a gratuity; But does not include a person who has served in the Defence Security Corps, the General Reserve Engineering Force, the Lok Sahayak Sena and the Para Military Forces, but includes personnel of the Lok Sahayak Sena of the following categories, namely:-Pension holders for continuous embodied service; Persons with disability attributable to military service; and Gallantry award winners.”
According to various resources, “there are several welfare and rehabilitation schemes and financial assistance being provided by the Ministry of Defence to ex-servicemen. Kendriya Sainik Board is the Apex Body of Government of India responsible for laying down policies / guidelines for the welfare, rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen / dependents in the country. These policies / programmes are also being implemented by the Kendriya Sainik Board for the benefit of ex-servicemen and their families.” The Raksha-Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund (RMEWF) includes penury grant, education grant, disabled children grant, widow remarriage grant, home loan grant, medical training, vocational training, etc. to aid ex-servicemen in their lives beyond service. For treating serious cases of medical emergencies, the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF), provides medical treatment coverage for serious casualities and ailments. A number of aid and requisite help is also provided under the Financial Assistance for procuring mobility equipment to disabled ESM, Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme, reservations in all judicial/executive entrance exams along with legal career development, and further reservation for ESM in Central Government Posts. A recent very landmark decision that has been made and announced by the NALSA Legal services has been that of aiding the serving soldiers in their matters of legal disputes, especially of pension and other bureaucratic matters. The scheme regarding the employment of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) in Central Government organizations is outlined below for your perusal.
The reservation policy for Ex-Servicemen provides 10% reservation in direct recruitment posts up to the level of Assistant Commandant in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), 10% in Group C posts, and 20% in Group D posts in Central Government Ministries/Departments. In Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and Nationalized Banks, the reservation is 14.5% in Group C posts and 24.5% in Group D posts. These percentages include 4.5% reservation for disabled Ex-Servicemen and eligible dependents of defence personnel killed in action, as specified under the policy.
Not only this, but resettlement training is also provided and the same can be explained in the following words, “an option to undergo resettlement courses in reputed institutes pan India is provided to Officers, JCOs/OR and retired personnel’s through the office of Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) to enhance their educational qualifications and increase employment options post-retirement. An exemption of 100% of the course fees is given to JCOs/ORs and 60% to officers. The exempted amount against the course fees is paid by the office of DGR.”Reservation for allotment of oil-product agencies also include a 8% defense quota for ex-servicemen so that they re-employed in a much more better manner, “the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has reserved 8% quota for LPG Distributorship and Petrol / Diesel Retail Outlets for armed forces personnel, Central / State government employees, Central / State PSU employees and CAPF. This reservation is applicable to widows/dependents of those members of Armed Forces who died in war or in harness due to attributable or aggravated causes to Military Service. The eligibility certificate for the above distributorship is issued by the office of DGR.”
Not only this, but self-employment options such as- ESM Coal Loading and Transportation Schemes, Tipper attachment Schemes, Management of CNG Stations, management of company owned company operated retail outlets, management of mother dairy booths and Safal outlets, as well as employment under security agencies schemes are also given (as reported by Portal Vikaspedia- Government of India). Along with this, children’s education concessions, rail and air travel concessions, and telephone concessions are also provided. For any kind of grievance redressal, now NALSA is open to all ex-servicemen and serving soldiers, CPGRAMS, Controller General of Defense Accounts mechanisms, Army Headquarters officials, Naval Headquarters officials, Air Force Headquarters officials, as well as Department of Ex-Servicemen welfare is consistently open for providing any aid to ex-servicemen. Therefore, one can notice that the Government of India provides extensive opportunities for re-employment, apart from the opportunities of self-employment in today’s changing world. However, contrast with other nations would aid in understanding the situation better.
Starting with the United States of America, it must be noted that the United States of America’s Department of Labor provides a strikingly 900 different career options’ catalogues to choose from under its flagship Veteran Employment Services mechanism. The U.S. Department of Labor states that, “veterans who are disabled, who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over others in hiring for virtually all federal government jobs.” It is however interesting to note that the American Federal Government not only offers employment opportunities, but also the opportunity to re-educate, re-skill and re-deploy one’s skill before veterans are put into the rigmarole of re-employment. The preference to choose one’s state of re-employment and the nature of job that a veteran wishes to pursue is also asked before placement of the veteran in any sector in the future. This is probably a very unique perspective and can be imbibed by the Indian side for better re-employment opportunities for the veterans. This will provide a holistic view to both the government and the veteran so retired. The same is also followed in jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom and Australia.
In a recently delivered landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India, in the case titled Irwan Kour v. Punjab Public State Commission, the hon’ble court held that members of the military nursing service are also covered under the category of ‘ex-servicemen’ and must be given their dues after years of hard physical service along the borders. This is just one example whereby the Supreme Court of India has aided veterans in extracting their dues at the right moment. There are many more, with the latest being the application of NALSA in cases related to ex-servicemen and serving personnel. This transformative jurisprudence that has been undergoing in India, inspired by our age-old ethos is truly beneficial for all the serving and retired personnel. This is also in tandem with the essence of India, whereby transformative constitutionalism, democratic constitutionalism, constitutional morality, dynamism of the societal structure, right to equitable justice, rule of law, and tenets of natural justice are just as important as the air and the water.
As mentioned above, the veterans/ex-servicemen have a lot of life and skill in them even after they retire, and the same should be utilized for betterment of the society, in all ways possible, and in all spheres. The very idea of re-employment of veterans comes from the assumption of the charge of Hastinapura by Pandavas after they defeated the Kaurava Sena in the righetous battle of Kurukshtera (under the able direction of Lord Sri Krishna). Had veteran/ex-servicemen placement not been in vogue then, then Bharat would have genuinely lost some able rulers and administrators. This is where lies the opportunity to harness the skill-set imbibed by the military personnel. However, challenges such as lack of embracing change, translation skills, lack of proper identification of civilian eligibilities, and others do hinder progress. But these are not undefeatable for a person who has faced probably all the odds in life.
For overcoming these inhibitions- Firstly, imparting of digital literacy and digital empowerment to serving armed forces personnel before their term of services end (probably, this is now undertaken because the armed forces are rejuvenating themselves with new age weaponry and usage of drones, as well as UAV systems at a very large scale after Op. Sindoor) and application of this same suggestion on the ex-servicemen who are now leading a retired life can also aid to a great extent. This will make them much more valuable for recruiters. Secondly, the mindset of the recruiters needs an extensive change at a very large scale, in a way that they must understand that ex-servicemen can overcome any and every danger as well as risk in the systems or in the team and have the ability to take quick decisions in times of ambiguity. Thirdly, incorporation of certain steps that are taken by the governments in other jurisdictions in terms of educating those retired and placing them in a city/place of their choice can enable the military veterans to impart better knowledge and use their skills in a much better way. Fourthly and lastly, the public in general and the military veterans specifically must never exhibit any kind of shyness when talking on this subject, because until and unless clear dialogue and conversations are there, it would not be possible for the public to know what skill-set the veterans possess and for the veterans to know which skill set is actually prevalent. Conclusively, the collective efforts of the Government, the recruiting agencies, the military veterans, and the civilians will enable the redundant resources in our country to re-energize themselves and once more, contribute in a much more effective manner in the national development and progress. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.
