Nagrota: Indian Army’s Northern Command and War Wounded Foundation (WWF) have organised a two-day rally at Nagrota in Jammu & Kashmir on November 19-20, in an attempt to address the challenges being faced by the injured soldiers.
It was felt that the soldiers who sustained injuries require 24/7 help from an attendant as mobility has been issues with them and psychological health may require professional assistance.
During their two-day rally, an interaction was carried out in Jammu Cantonment between 110 disabled soldiers and prominent Citizens / Organizations of Jammu.
“This was a unique interaction, where the Citizens Felicitated the War Heroes and expressed their gratitude for the sacrifices made by the soldiers,” Jammu defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said.
“Travel Agents Association, Jammu made commendable efforts to bring various Organization under one umbrella , with the presence of imminent Citizens,” he said.
About War Wounded Foundation
Raised as a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) at Delhi by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi and Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, the War Wounded Foundation has been working as to empower War Wounded Soldiers by converting Disability into Ability.
Presently, Lt Gen Asit Mistri (Retired) is the President of WWF.
Retired Army persons are appointed in different geographic zones, for maintaining intricate and close Liaison with the Disabled Soldiers.
“WWF has been able to provide a common platform to all the Injured Soldiers and is putting sustained efforts in a systematic and effective way to understand, analyze and project various issues related to Wounded Soldiers with the appropriate authorities.”
“Injuries have an effect on the physical and mental health of a soldier.”
WWF has set up a Chair of Excellence at USI, New Delhi, for research on issues related to Injured Soldiers, and the recommendations are put forward to the Government.
Lt Gen Asit Mistri (Retired) educated the gathering about the efforts of WWF, to help Injured Soldiers in various fields.
Mr. ID Soni spoke on the requirement of Sacrifices to maintain Freedom and the need to keep the Morale of Soldiers high by including stories of their valor in school text books to make the youth proud of the Armed Forces.
Vote of Thanks was delivered by Capt Anil Gour, on behalf of all Organizations of Jammu.
Officials of Chamber of Commerce, BBIA, Travel Agents Association, Raghunath Bazar Business Association, PHDCCI, Jammu Hills Club, NCCHWO, Rotary Club Jammu Tawi/Jammu Elite/City, Old Age Home Amphalla, Agarwwal Samaj, SS Jain Sabha Talab Tiloo/Trikuta Nagar, Jain Mahila Mandal Talab Tillo and Greater Jammu Virtual felicitated the Brave Soldiers.
As a gesture to exhibit Jointness of efforts, officials of various Organizations extended their support to find suitable Employment in Industries for Injured soldiers. The occasion was graced by Senior Army Officers from Nagrota and Jammu.
The GOC White Knight Corps presented 10 Modified Scooters to Injured Soldiers. “This would make them independent for their day today movements and help them to start new ventures.”
A Symposium was also held by experts in the field of Mental and physical health (Dr Vikas Padha, MD), Job Opportunities (Mr Anil Suri) and Motivation and Positivity(Col Ajay Raina,SM).
Government Self Employment Schemes under KVIB were covered by Brig Harcharan Singh, Director North WWF.
The Govt Policies and new additions were explained by Col Veteran from Pathankot.
Lt Gen Asit Mistry covered various initiatives of WWF providing support to Disabled soldiers through various schemes.
They are also visited, in the process, by officials of WWF, which cements the bond of brotherhood and Camaraderie further. Various initiatives undertaken by WWF are as under:-
(a) Provision of Modified Scooters/ Electric Wheel Chair to Disabled Veterans.
(b)Modification of Bathrooms, to make them User Friendly.
(c) Financial Help for Daughter's Marriage.
(d) Help to Disabled Veterans to start a new Venture.
(e) Participation in various Sports events like Bombay Marathon by Disabled Soldiers, to motivate disabled soldiers to face the challenges of life and develop a positive outlook.
(f)Sp other ventures/events connected with Disabled Soldier.
Few War Wounded Soldiers shared their experiences on initiatives taken by them in living life with a positive outlook, by active participation in Social life, Sports ,Social Welfare activities and Business.
“There is a plan to start a helpline, which would enable Experts to provide Counseling to the Injured Soldiers. Ex HOD of Jammu University, Prof(Dr) Arti Bakshi was present to announce her support for the venture.”
