Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha’s 19th National Convention adopts Hyderabad Declaration, outlines 10-point action agenda for veterans and patriotic citizens
SECUNDERABAD, September 21, 2026: Veterans and patriotic citizens from across the country came together in Secunderabad for the 19th National Convention of the Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha, with a collective resolve to contribute their experience, discipline and spirit of service towards building a developed India by 2047.
Held at the Kalam Auditorium of the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), the convention was organised under the theme “Viksit Bharat 2047: Role of Veterans and Patriotic Citizens”.
Telangana Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla was the Chief Guest at the forenoon session. The proceedings began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Maj Gen N Srinivas Rao (Retd), National Vice President, Dakshin Bharat, and State President, Telangana, hosted the convention and presented a memento to the Governor.
Around 100 delegates from different parts of the country participated in the convention, including State Presidents and office-bearers of the Sanstha, Mahila Wing representatives, parents of Shaheed Sipahi and Veer Naris, veterans, serving officers, educators and other patriotic citizens.
Several distinguished personalities attended the event, including Acharya (Dr) Lokesh Muni, Founder of the World Peace Center; Lt Gen Neeraj Varshney, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, MCEME; Air Marshal Rahul Bhasin, VM, Commandant, Air Force Academy, Hyderabad; Shri Narendra Ram Nambula, Founder, Lifespan Industries; Col Tejendra Pal Tyagi, VrC, National President, Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha; Prof (Dr) Neelam Pawar; Maj Gen M L Aswal; Smt Anuradha Rao; Lt Gen K Ravi Prasad, PVSM, VSM (Retd); Lt Gen K Surendra Nath, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), former GOC-in-C; and Dr Nisheeta Dixit.
The afternoon session was presided over by Maj Gen G Srinivas, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Sub Area, and Colonel Commandant, Regiment of Artillery.
The deliberations focused on ways veterans and citizens can contribute to national development through youth mentoring, character building, skill development and entrepreneurship. Participants also discussed national security, civil-defence awareness, cyber preparedness, promotion of Swadeshi and local enterprises, Nari Shakti, community health, fitness and sports, disaster response, environmental responsibility, and preservation of India’s cultural and military heritage.
Hyderabad Declaration adopted
A key outcome of the convention was the unanimous adoption of the Hyderabad Declaration by veterans, Veer Naris and patriotic citizens.
The declaration seeks to transform the experience and discipline of veterans, along with the energy of patriotic citizens, into time-bound and measurable programmes for national development.
The 10-point agenda includes promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliance; strengthening security and preparedness; encouraging citizens to view nation-building as a shared civic responsibility; supporting Swadeshi, entrepreneurship and quality; mentoring and skilling young people through the “One Veteran – Ten Youth” mission; advancing Nari Shakti and inclusive participation; supporting last-mile social justice; promoting fitness, sports and environmental responsibility; developing disaster resilience through a voluntary Veteran National Emergency Reserve; and preserving India’s heritage and national integration in the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
Call for National Veterans Policy 2047
The Hyderabad Declaration also appeals to the Government of India to consider a National Veterans Policy 2047, proposed in three stages — Veteran Welfare, Veteran Empowerment and Veteran Nation-Building.
The declaration proposes supporting mechanisms including a National Veteran Digital Gateway, National Veteran Talent Bank and Veteran National Service Programme. It also calls for strengthening the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, establishing a National Veterans Policy and Coordination Council, and institutionalising sustained cooperation between the government and recognised veteran organisations.
The Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha said the declaration would be pursued through annual, time-bound and measurable action plans at the national, zonal, State and district levels. Progress will be reviewed at subsequent national conventions.
The organisation’s guiding vision is: “Every Veteran – A Continuing Contributor to Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Telangana unit highlights public service
The Telangana State Unit also showcased its public-service initiatives, including free medical camps and distribution of medicines, eye check-ups, motivational lectures, adventure activities and observances of Kargil Vijay Diwas and Independence Day.
The unit also highlighted bicycle rallies for schoolchildren and visits to Paramvir Chakra Park as part of its efforts to connect younger generations with India’s military heritage and values of service.
The convention concluded with a collective commitment to building secure, self-reliant, united, inclusive and responsible communities, guided by the principles of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and service before self.