Toronto/IBNS: Consulate General of India, Toronto, is planning to organize the fourth edition of its ‘Varishtha Yoddha’ initiative in near future.

Recognizing this unique program, the Consulate plans to felicitate veterans of the armed forces of the Government of India for their contributions and sacrifices.

Veterans above the age of 75 years were felicitated during the last three editions of the marquee event held in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The eligibility criteria for this year’s awards are as below:

a) The veterans should be above 70 years of age as of August 15, 2023.
b) The veterans should have served in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air-Force.
c) The veteran should be a resident of the Consular Jurisdiction (see link) of Consulate General of India, Toronto.
d) The veterans should not have been felicitated by our office in any of the previous editions of 'Varishtha Yoddha'.

For the organization of the event, the Consulate in the past has relied on the support of three veterans’ associations in GTA, the details of which are given below:. 

(a) Veterans’ Association of OntarioContact: Capt. Ranjit Dhaliwal- Ph: 647-760-9001, email- [email protected]
(b) Indian Air Force Veterans Community Association, Canada Contact: Sh. Suba Bajwa- Ph: 416-666-4959, email: [email protected]
(c) Naval Foundation- Contact: Cdr. Vineet Nagia – Ph: 289-828-6041, email: [email protected]

Those eligible for the felicitation and desiring for the award, are requested to send their nominations through any of the above-mentioned associations to reach us latest by 15th May 2023 along with the following details:

I. Name
II. Rank
III. PIO/ NRI
iv. Passport Number/ OCI Card number
v. Date of Birth
vi. Current profession
vii. State of origin (in India)
viii. Address in Canada
ix. Phone number (Canada)
x. Email
xi. Brief Particulars of Service including War participation, if any 

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)