Diplomat Correspondent
Dehradun : DD, A Mega Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Rally was held in Dehradun by the Uttarakhand Sub Area, in collaboration with the War Wounded Foundation (WWF), to provide vital support and services to Ex-Servicemen, particularly disabled soldiers who were injured in the line of duty.
The event was honored by the presence of Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (Retd), and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, who interacted with veterans and their families. Several departments from the Central and State Governments set up stalls to offer on-the-spot assistance related to pensions, banking, welfare schemes, and other veteran services.
A key highlight of the rally was the initiative by the War Wounded Foundation (WWF), a dedicated NGO working for the welfare of disabled soldiers. Lt Gen Asit Mistry (Retd), President of WWF, along with his team Brig Harcharan Singh and Col Amitabh Amit, presented an overview of the foundation’s schemes aimed at empowering war-wounded soldiers. WWF’s guiding vision is to “Help Convert Disability into Ability”.
In a major step towards self-reliance, the WWF donated a Paper Plate Making Machine to the Garhwal Regimental Centre, Lansdowne. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among disabled ESM, helping them supplement their income and gain financial independence.
With the support of the Garhwal Regimental Centre, fourteen disabled soldiers from Uttarakhand were identified for assistance. Modified scooters were approved by WWF for each of them to enhance their mobility. The keys to the scooters were handed over by the Hon’ble Governor, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, and Lt Gen Asit Mistry.
Additionally, WWF has donated over 100 mobility aids to war-wounded soldiers, significantly improving their ability to lead independent lives while also providing crucial psychological support.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (Retd) and CDS Gen Anil Chauhan lauded the efforts of the Army and WWF for creating a meaningful platform that addresses the holistic welfare of ESM, especially the disabled. They emphasized the government’s commitment to introducing new welfare schemes in line with evolving needs and acknowledged the valuable contributions of veterans to the state and the nation.
The rally concluded with the felicitation of Veer Naris and distinguished soldiers, honoring their sacrifices and unwavering service to the country.DD
