Military Nursing Service (MNS) celebrated its Centenary with a landmark ceremony in the capital, honouring a hundred years of selfless service, professional excellence, and compassion. The event was graced by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, who lauded MNS officers as true frontline warriors in both peace and conflict.
The commemorative ceremony was attended by senior government officials, top leadership of the Armed Forces Medical Services, veterans, and serving officers of the Military Nursing Service from across the country.
The highlights of the occasion included the release of a Commemorative Postal Stamp and First Day Cover, symbolising national recognition of the century-long journey of MNS. A Centenary Diary chronicling the achievements and experiences of nursing officers, and a documentary film tracing MNS’s contributions across wars, humanitarian relief, peacekeeping operations, and nation-building, were also unveiled.
The centenary celebrations took place on October 1, 2025, beginning with a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, followed by the main commemorative function at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
In his address, Raksha Rajya Mantri praised the MNS for its unwavering commitment to duty across generations. He recalled their vital role in operations such as evacuation missions from Wuhan, Operation Namaste, Operation Samudra Setu, and the management of PM CARES hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring their role as frontline warriors in service of the nation.
A special tribute was paid to the women officers who set new benchmarks of courage in Operation Sindoor, including Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi, reflecting the spirit of Nari Shakti. He highlighted that as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation, women are leading from the front across sectors, and MNS embodies this leadership in the Armed Forces.
Military Nursing Service, established in 1926, has been at the forefront of military healthcare for a century. From serving in battlefields to humanitarian missions, its officers have combined compassion with professionalism, leaving a proud legacy of service. The centenary celebrations not only honoured this legacy but also reaffirmed the vital role of MNS in India’s defence and healthcare ecosystem.
