<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that it is the duty of the government to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen; they are the asset of the country. </span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br />''</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Addressing ex-servicemen at a function organised on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day in Dehradun, Defense Minister said that due to the selfless devotion and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel, the citizens of the country feel safe and walk with their heads held high. He said that the brave soldiers of the country have contributed immensely to transforming the image of India as a powerful and respected nation across the globe. He said that every soldier of today is a respected ex-soldier of tomorrow. Mr. Singh said that the pension, medical and other facilities being provided to ex-servicemen are a small token of the nation's respect towards the sacrifice and commitment made by them, assuring them of the government's full support for their welfare.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">On the occasion, the Defence Minister also highlighted the website "Maa Bharati Ke Sapoot" launched in October last year for the speedy redressal of grievances of ex-servicemen. in which, It has been said that people can contribute to the Armed Forces War Casualties Welfare Fund through the portal.</span></p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222;">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday launched the "Soul of Steel" Alpine Challenge, an initiative to promote tourism in the border areas. Along with this, Mr. Singh flagged off the 460-kilometer-long car rally "Road to the End". The rally will reach its destination in the Garhwal Himalayas near Niti village in Chamoli district in the next three days.</span></p>