About Veer Mitra Society (VMS)
The Veer Mitra Society stands as a testament to the unwavering gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. By bridging the gaps in post-service support, the Society is dedicated to empowering the veteran community through meaningful welfare programmes, advocacy, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Together, we honour the past, support the present, and build a brighter future for those who have served our nation.The Veer Mitra Society stands as a testament to the unwavering gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. By bridging the gaps in post-service support, the Society is dedicated to empowering the veteran community through meaningful welfare programmes, advocacy, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Together, we honour the past, support the present, and build a brighter future for those who have served our nation.
Our Story: The Foundation of Veer Mitra Society!
The Veer Mitra Society (VMS) was born out of a shared vision and a sense of responsibility among the naval coursemates of the 18th Integrated Course of the Indian Navy and the 56th Course of the National Defence Academy. These veterans came together to address the pressing need for a comprehensive welfare programme tailored specifically to the challenges faced by senior veterans and their families.
The journey began with thoughtful discussions focused on critical issues such as medical insurance and overall welfare. One key concern was the growing complexity of the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and its ability to support the increasing demands of a longer-living veteran population.
During these conversations, Sudha Ramanujam, an experienced insurance professional, highlighted an alarming trend: medical insurance costs were projected to rise by as much as 100% in the coming five years. This, coupled with the limitations of existing health schemes, underscored the need for an innovative solution to support veterans and their families.
Inspired by the relatively younger age profile of members from the 18th IC and 56th NDA courses, the group envisioned a peer-driven approach. This involved leveraging their collective demographic to negotiate lower premiums and create a tailored group health insurance plan. The goal was to complement existing ECHS coverage by addressing liabilities below a certain threshold and extending benefits to dependents, including parents, in-laws, children, and even grandchildren.
To turn this vision into reality, a demographic survey was conducted, gathering valuable data on potential beneficiaries. Armed with this information, Sudha engaged with insurers to explore the feasibility of a customised group insurance scheme. Proposals were refined and presented at a pivotal course gathering in Lonavala in November 2023, marking a significant milestone in the Society’s formation.
The Veer Mitra Society stands as a testament to the unwavering gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. By bridging the gaps in post-service support, the Society is dedicated to empowering the veteran community through meaningful welfare programmes, advocacy, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Together, we honour the past, support the present, and build a brighter future for those who have served our nation.
Strategic Intent
To build a community where every veteran and their family can thrive, with access to resources, opportunities, and care that honour their service and sacrifice.
Long term Objective
To create a comprehensive support system for veterans and their families, addressing critical aspects such as healthcare, education, financial stability, and community well-being.
Our Values
Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and respect.
Service: A commitment to serving those who served the nation.
Compassion: Providing support with empathy and understanding.
Excellence: Striving for the best outcomes in every initiative.
Our Impact Areas
We seek to empower veterans and their families
through a range of initiatives:
Healthcare: Access to affordable medical insurance.
Community: Regular events fostering camaraderie and support.
Financial & Legal Advice: Guidance on financial planning and legal matters.
Education: Support for education and awareness
Advocacy: Protecting and promoting veterans' rights.
Healthcare: Access to affordable medical insurance.
Community: Regular events fostering camaraderie and support.
Financial & Legal Advice: Guidance on financial planning and legal matters.
Education: Support for education and awareness
Advocacy: Protecting and promoting veterans' rights.
Founding Members
The founding office bearers, whose efforts have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, are as follows: