Diplomat Correspondent
Samba: DD, ESM Rally was held at Samba on 13 Sep 2025 by the Indian Army, to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our soldiers and to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of 1965 War. On this occasion the War Wounded Foundation was represented through Brig Harcharan Singh(Retired), Dir North Zone, WWF. Four Modified Scooters were sponsored by War Wounded Foundation (WWF), for presentation to War Disabled Soldiers.
Before the start of the Rally, Brig Harcharan Singh laid a Wreath at the War Memorial, erected in the memory of Bravehearts of 1965 War. The ESM Rally was attended by a number of ESM and senior Army Officers from Samba Garrison. A brief on the 1965 War was given to all, on the occasion, followed by a video on the Battle of Maharajke.
Thereafter, patriotic songs were presented by Mr Tejinder Singh and Suresh Bala, as a tribute to the bravery of the soldiers of the Indian Army. The veterans of the 1965 War gave out first hand accounts of the War.
Four War Wounded Soldiers were presented with Modified Scooters, sponsored by WWF. Modified Scooters provide independent mobility to War Disabled soldiers , enabling them to plan to start new enterprises, in spite of their physical disability. From time to time, interaction is carried out by WWF to know about the problems of the Disabled Soldiers and to guide them. Research Studies are sponsored through USI(New Delhi) by WWF, to analyze the problems faced by Wounded Soldiers and remedial measures are recommended to the Govt/Army authorities. The psychological support and Mobility equipment provided by WWF enables Converting Disability Into Ability. Till date, close to 100 Modified Scooters, 10 Auto Rickshaws and two Electric Wheelchairs have been distributed to Disabled ESM of J&K/North India.
Brig Harcharan Singh explained the organization of WWF, which is being headed by Lt Gen Asit Mistry (Retired), as the President. He further said that WWF is able to serve the ESM better, due to support of the Army. To provide Psy Counseling to ESM/ Wounded Soldiers, WWF has catered for services of highly trained and reputed Psychologists. Services of experienced officers are available to resolve Pension related issues of ESM. He further informed that War Injured ESM can approach WWF for help during marriage of their daughters and for starting their own enterprises.
Commander Samba Garrison appreciated the contribution made by ESM in the sensitive Border areas. He apprised that during all wars, civilians and ESM of Border areas played an important role by acting as Ears and Eyes in the security setup. He assured of all help to ESM and their families, whenever required. He said that WWF is playing a positive role in the welfare of Disabled soldiers. He informed that to avail better services, ESM must visit and utilize the facilities provided by Army ESM Sahayata Kendras and Zilla Saink Welfare Offices.DD
