‘Empowering soldiers to convert disability into ability’

Nagrota, Nov 20: Northern Command and War Wounded Foundation (WWF) jointly organised a rally, which also included an interaction between disabled soldiers and prominent citizens and organisations of Jammu, on November 19 and 20 at Nagrota.

War Wounded Foundation was raised at Delhi, as an NGO by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi and Maj Gen Ian Cardozo with an aim 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.

PRO Defence Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said, “On November 19, an interaction was carried out in Jammu cantonment between 110 disabled soldiers and prominent citizens and 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. Travel Agents Association Jammu made commendable efforts to bring various organizations under one umbrella in the presence of eminent citizens.”
Lt Gen Asit Mistry (retired) educated the gathering about the efforts of WWF, to help Injured soldiers in various fields. I D 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 valour 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; Aggarwal Samaj; SS Jain Sabha Talab Tillo and Trikuta Nagar; Jain Mahila Mandal Talab Tillo and Greater Jammu virtually 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. Senior army officers from Nagrota and Jammu also participated,” Lt Col Bartwal said.

He said that on November 20, a rally was held at Nagrota wherein GOC White Knight Corps addressed the gathering. In the presence of Lt Gen Asit Mistri and other officials of WWF and army, the GOC presented 10 modified scooters to Injured soldiers. “This would make them independent for their day today movements and help them to start new ventures,” Lt Col Bartwal said.

A symposium was also held by experts in the field of mental and physical health by Dr Vikas Padha, MD; job opportunities by Anil Suri and motivation and positivity by Col Ajay Raina. Government Self Employment Schemes under KVIB were covered by Brig Harcharan Singh, Director North WWF. The government policies and new additions were explained by a veteran (Colonel) 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.
“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, analyse 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. A chair of excellence has been established by WWF at USI, New Delhi, for research on issues related to injured soldiers, and the recommendations are put forward to the government,” it was stated.

“It was seen that injuries sustained by the soldiers, besides restricting mobility, may require 24/7 help from an attendant and psychological health may require professional assistance. Through innovative means, the rally almost every year attempts to address these issues related to injured soldiers,” Lt Col Bartwal said.
He stated that various initiatives undertaken by WWF include provision of modified scooters, electric wheelchair to disabled veterans; modification of bathrooms, to make them user friendly; financial help for daughter’s marriage; help to disabled veterans to start a new venture; 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 and special other ventures or events connected with them (disabled soldiers).

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,” Lt Col Bartwal said.