WWF empowering soldiers to convert disability into ability

A disabled soldier being provided modified scooter during rally at Nagrota.
A disabled soldier being provided modified scooter during rally at Nagrota.

GOC provides modified scooters to ex-soldiers

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 20: A rally was held at Nagrota jointly by the efforts of Northern Command and War Wounded Foundation (WWF) on November 19-20.
War Wounded Foundation was raised at Delhi, as a 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.
Foundation 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. 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 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 the above mentioned and other issues related to injured soldiers.
During two-day rally at Nagrota, an interaction was held in Jammu Cantonment on Nov 19 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. Travel Agents Association, Jammu made commendable efforts to bring various organization under one umbrella , with the presence of imminent Citizens.
Lt Gen Asit Mistry (Retd) educated the gathering about the efforts of WWF, to help injured soldiers in various fields. 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 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.
Office 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, Jain Mahila Mandal and Greater Jammu Virtual felicitated the brave soldiers.
As a gesture the 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.
GOC White Knight Corps during rally today, addressed the gathering. 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.