All set for second innings: From havildar to naib subedar, over 1,100 ex-servicemen participate in job fair in Ahmedabad

A native of Surendranagar with a B A English degree, Kumar was among the nearly 1,100 aspirants who participated in the job fair organised by the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR), under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Ministry of Defence, at the Ahmedabad Military Station Friday.

“What stood out for me is that every ex-serviceman has a unique background, and the companies that came seemed to reflect that diversity. I have applied in five firms. While nothing has been finalised yet, a few have given positive indications after initial resume- screening and interviews. For many ex-servicemen (ESMs) like me, this fair has been like a bridge, connecting us directly with employers and giving us a genuine shot at a second career,” he told The Indian Express.

According to a statement from the Gujarat Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO), ESMs from the Army, Navy and Air Force registered for the fair that saw the participation of 50 corporate employers offering more than 1,000 jobs.

Initiated in 2014 by the DGR, the event was being held after a gap of six years.

Devjibhai Vanvi, 46, from Gir Somnath has been working as a site manager with a Japanese firm for the past five years. “I came to the job fair looking for better opportunities. I submitted my resume to four or five companies, including firms from the pharmaceutical sector and GIFT City. The response was encouraging; many of them assured they would get in touch with me for the next round,” said Vanvi who retired as a naib subedar in 2019, having served the Army for 22 years.

The event was inaugurated by Commodore Vikrant Kishore, Principal Director, DGR, who emphasised the government’s commitment to resettling ex-servicemen, most of whom are retired between the ages of 35 and 40 to maintain a youthful profile in the armed forces. “They still carry family responsibilities and need a second career. It’s our collective duty to support their rehabilitation through appropriate training and employment opportunities,” he said.

Kishore noted that DESW works through three key units — DGR, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) to run welfare schemes for ESMs, war widows and battle casualties. These include job reservations and self-employment opportunities. However, given the limited scope of government jobs, he urged the private sector to come forward and provide the ESMs with opportunities. He assured the corporate sector of the capability of ESMs, highlighting their experience in operating fighter jets, tanks, submarines, and complex machinery. “They can be seamlessly integrated into roles involving public safety and beyond,” he said, adding that DGR has planned 18 job fairs for 2025-26. He also highlighted the new online registration platform, allowing ESMs and companies to connect directly.

Referring to the Central government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, he said these require skilled and dependable manpower. “And who better than our ESMs?”, Kishore asked, urging the companies to inform DGR about the skills of the contemporary market so that targeted training programmes can be designed for the job-seekers.

Suresh Solanki, 42, who retired from the post of sipahi in 2020, after 17 years of service, said he has shared his resume with five to six companies. “They have assured me that they will get back,” said the Ahmedabad resident. Though he expressed happiness with the job fair, Solanki said most companies didn’t share details about the salary on offer. “So, I will have to wait and see how it actually pans out.”

Vimal Ambani, former Chairman of CII Gujarat and MD of Tower Overseas Ltd, said the skills of ESMs align perfectly with the needs of the Indian industry. “In a state where industrial accidents are on the rise, the discipline and rigour that ESMs bring to the table can be a game-changer,” he said.

For 49-year-old Ajay Patel, who retired as Havildar in 2017 after 19 years of service, the job fair gave a glimpse of what the corporate world expects. “Five companies responded positively, but I shortlisted only three based on location preferences. I already have an interview lined up with one of them next Saturday,” said the Amreli resident.

Chief guest, Maj Gen Gaurav Bagga, GOC 11 RAPID, said, “When you hire an ESM, you’re not just getting a worker. You’re getting a trained manager, someone who has risen through the ranks, learned leadership through experience, and led men in combat.”

Other notable attendees included Himanshu Patel (Senior VP, Vadodara Chamber of Commerce & Industry), Apurva Shah (Senior VP, GCCI), Pathik Patwari (Director, Nexus Group and past GCCI president), and Col Vijay Pandey (Head of Security, Adani Power & AESL).

For Pandy Pankil Kumar, a 42-year-old retired havildar, the job fair was a chance to get back into employment after a yearlong break.

“After retiring, I took a year off to give myself some breathing space and reflect. Today, I felt that decision paid off. The only concern is that some of the jobs being offered at far-off locations come with salaries that don’t quite justify the move. Companies should consider offering better compensation for roles that require relocation. That said, the job fair was a great platform, especially for those of us who don’t have a strong network or corporate background. It helped us connect with the right people,” he said.

Vishal, a representative of ZURU Tech, one of the recruiting companies, said, “We are interested in the Defence sector and believe in the Army’s potential. It is a proud moment for us to be here.”

(Jay Jani is an intern at The Indian Express, Ahmedabad)