When the President shared a cup of tea with war heroes

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday hosted a high tea for 1965 war veterans in the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex as the country celebrated the golden jubilee of the war with Pakistan.

Amid protests by a section of ex-servicemen over the issue of One Rank One Pension, some veterans attended the event along with their family members.

President Pranab Mukherjee felicitates Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Distinguished Flying Cross. The 96-year-old war veteran was honoured for displaying successful leadership and immense capability. Photograph: PresidentofIndiaRB/Facebook

The event was all about honouring the unsung valour of our soldiers during the ’65 war. And no 1965 war event would be complete without the mention of Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid, Param Vir Chakra awardee. His bravery and capability of knocking out five tanks over two days, effectively derailing the enemy offensive, is the stuff of legends. President Mukherjee honours his valour by felicitating his wife Rasoolan Bibi. Photograph: PresidentofIndiaRB/Facebook

President Pranab Mukherjee presents an award to the Zarine M Boyce, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel A B Tarapore, Param Vir Chakra awardee (posthumous) for his courage, fearlessness, determination and daring. Photograph: PresidentofIndiaRB/Facebook

The President also interacted with the veterans at the cultural auditorium in the Presidential estate. Late Chaman Lal, a fireman during the Indo-Pak war in 1965, was also honoured for his efforts as not only did he prevent the destruction of wagons and valuable stores but also saved the life of hundreds of people. Photograph: PresidentofIndiaRB/Facebook

The President also spent time with the other war heroes as they recollected their acts of bravery and the dangers they faced during the war. Photograph: PresidentofIndiaRB/Facebook

It seems this war veteran is too excited to share his war stories. President Mukherjee smiles on as the hero recounts his memories of the war. Photograph: PresidentofIndiaRB/Facebook

OUR SPECIAL SERIES: THE 1965 WAR, 50 YEARS LATER

• My salute to arguably India's greatest military hero
• Param Vir Chakra Abdul Hamid, a Hero's Hero
• Asal Uttar, the battle that turned the tide of the 1965 war
• 'When we fight a war we forget the danger'
• A grateful nation and a proud school
• The Hero of the Battle of Dograi
• The daredevil fighter pilot who survived a Pakistani bullet
• Two wars and a romance
• The general who saved Punjab in the '65 war