Guwahati

A soldier never retires. A veteran of 1971 India-Pakistan War Captain (Retired) Amar Jeet Kumar and many others have lived upto this adage while offering his services to the nation during Operation Sindoor.

Kumar offered to rejoin duty to serve the country during Operation Sindoor. The Indian top brass praised the course and sense of duty of the 75-year-old Amar Jeet Kumar who was among scores of other who wrote to Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who expressed their willingness to serve the country again.

Describing their unwavering dedication as an epitome of the 'country is bigger than itself' attitude, the Indian Army on Wednesday released a short video on its social media platform, which also referred to Captain Kumar's letter.

“I was part of the Nava Akal Infantry, which played a pivotal role in training the Mukti Bahini, a guerrilla resistance movement that fought against the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War. I took part in the battle of Garibpur, fought against the enemy and we won on November 21, 1971,” said Captain Kumar, who was inducted into the army in March 1970.

In his letter to the commander, he wrote that "he is physically fit and mentally ready to accompany troops on the battlefield. The skills and experience of veterans can prove very beneficial even on today's battlefield."

His letter along with  stories of other vetrans willing to rejoin the Indian Army during the operation against Pakistan was posted on the official X handle of the Army:

OPERATION SINDOOR: A Testament to Eternal Service

Our brave #Veterans' indomitable spirit shines brighter than ever as they step forward to serve once again. Their unwavering dedication epitomizes #ServiceBeforeSelf, inspiring a nation and igniting hope in every heart.… pic.twitter.com/RDmS8IKMIv

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 14, 2025

“I was also willing to accept a smaller role, that too without any remuneration or compensation. I was also ready to join duty immediately. I am not the only veteran to come forward like this, we are several veterans ready for any fight in the future,” the veteran said.

On the Operation Sindoor, Captain Kumar said India's military action was appropriate and precise. “This was not an act of war, but the destruction of terrorist camps.” He asked those spreading falsehood on the operation on social media to refrain from such actions at this crucial time,” he added.

On his post-retirement days, Captain Kumar speaks about he being invited to Dhaka. “The then Bangladesh government invited us to their country on December 16, It was a really nice treat. I remember that no one searched us at the airport. The security forces told us that we saved their lives,” he said. 

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Born in Bathinda, Punjab, Captain Kumar currently lives in Mohali with his family. His daughter is an Ayurvedic doctor.