: Col SS Rajan being bestowed the Veteran Achiever Award by the COAS on Wednesday, 08 April 2026 at Dronacharya Hall, ASC Centre & College, Bangalore.

Standing from Left to Right:

1. Comdt ASC Centre & College, Bangalore.
2. COAS
3. Col Rajan holding the Veteran Achiever Medallion & Parchments document of the Award.
4. CoS, HQ Dakshin Bharat Area, Chennai.

shaking hands with Col Rajan

The other three Veteran Achievers are:

1. Col Sharath Bhandary, from Corps of Signals, who rendered yeoman service as President, Mangalore Dist Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association; President, Karnataka Rubber Plant Growers Association; and was Mangalore Metropolitan Magistrate for six years, a unique honor bestowed on a retired Service Officer.
2. Hav Thimayya, a Madras Sapper, Karnataka Rajyothsava Day Awardee; a recipient of numerous State & National Awards for his contribution to Scientific Farming & Agriculture; and who delivers talks annually to the IAS Trainees at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy, Mussoorie, on the subject of Scientific Farming & Agriculture.
3. Cdr (IN) Santhanam, an authority on various provisions of ECHS; who has been rendering yeo…
   In all humility, I dedicate this Award to my Team of retired Officers, JCOs, NCOs & Men who have stood by me through times thick & thin in organising & conducting various Ex-Servicemen activities, incl Welfare of Ex-Servicemen & their families.
4. Veteran Achievers Award: Recognising Contributions, Rewarding Excellence #GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS felicitated four distinguished veterans during his visit to Bengaluru for their exceptional contribution to nation-building, social welfare and community empowerment. Havildar SC Thimmaiah (Retd) has significantly transformed rural livelihoods in Kodagu through innovative integrated agro-farming practices. By promoting labour-saving techniques and multi-cropping systems, he has driven widespread adoption across regions. His impactful work has earned him numerous honours, including recognition from ICAR and the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award for excellence in agriculture. Colonel SS Rajan (Retd) has devoted himself to the welfare and resettlement of veterans. He has actively addressed a wide range of issues affecting ex-servicemen and represented their concerns with state authorities. He has also ensured the dignified conduct of Commemoration Ceremonies such as Kargil Diwas and Vijay Diwas at the National Military Memorial, Bengaluru, while continuing to mentor youth and veterans towards meaningful national service. Colonel Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandaray (Retd) has rendered exemplary service in public administration and veteran welfare. As Chairman of the Lok Adalat under the Karnataka High Court, he has effectively resolved numerous grievances of veterans. He has also spearheaded several social initiatives, supporting economically weaker sections, guiding youth towards career in the Armed Forces, and leading welfare activities through charitable organisations. Commander Veeraghava Kuppuswamy Santhanam (Retd) has harnessed digital platforms to support the veteran community by spreading awareness on ECHS policies and procedures. With over 128 informative videos and hands-on volunteer assistance in hospitals, he has enabled countless veterans to access healthcare benefits and navigate reimbursement processes with ease. “Service is a lifelong journey – building a stronger, united India.” #RespectAndRecognition #Veterans #NationBuilding