Veteran’s Day Celebration 2026 – Sainik Setu × Luminara Charitable Trust
India observes Armed Forces Veterans’ Day on 14 January each year to honour the service and sacrifices of its Veterans. The day marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, on 14 January 1953. First observed in 2017, the occasion recognises the contribution of the Veteran community and expresses solidarity with Veterans and the families of fallen soldiers.
In 2026, Sainik Setu collaborated with Luminara Charitable Trust to mark Veterans’ Day with a focus on the emotional well-being of Veterans and their families.
The event featured an insightful talk on emotional wellbeing by Dr. Lavina Noronha, Founder Trustee of Luminara Charitable Trust. A social worker, counsellor and educator, Dr. Lavina has extensive experience in academia and direct patient care. She is also associated with Ave Maria Palliative Care and Susheg Charitable Trust, and coordinates the Suicide Lifeline, supporting individuals in crisis.
An alumna of NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Dr. Lavina holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, where her research focused on parental responses to adolescent suicide attempts.
Sainik Setu expresses its sincere gratitude to the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Ex-Servicemen Association (ESMA) for its support and for enabling the successful conduct of the event.We deeply appreciate their continued cooperation in furthering initiatives aimed at the well-being and empowerment of Veterans and their families.
Sainik Setu – Wellbeing and Beyond.
