Mysuru: “When a soldier dies while on service, politicians and government officers including higher authorities gather and show respect to the lost life but when the who serve the country risking their lives, retire and return home, no officials or politicians come forward to honour them which is really unfortunate,” said former Havaldar C M Shridhar from Chikkvaddara Gudi, K R Nagar Taluk, Mysuru. He retired from Indian army few days ago. As a mark of respect to the soldiers, through the Sainik Welfare Board, he along with other ex-servicemen will be sending a letter to the President of India requesting him to start celebrating “Soldiers Day” on any working day as a national festival.
People had come in large numbers to welcome Shridar after he retired from the Indian Army after successfully completing 18 years of service including working in Jammu and Kashmir and other vulnerable places across the country apart from working in the Black Cat team. However, Shridhar had bitter experiences from few officials belonging to K R Nagar Taluk including the local police while he was being accorded a warm welcome through a procession by the people of K R Nagar.
“When a soldier dies in the battle field or by the terrorists, they are given respect by the taluk officials and politicians concern but it’s not the same when he comes back to his place after successfully serving in the army which is really unfortunate. We celebrate many special days in schools and colleges but we are not organising any special day for our soldiers who sacrifice their life for the country. Hence I request the government to organise any working day as ‘Soldiers Day’ which will really motivate many youngsters to join the army. My humble request to the government is to dedicate atleast 30 or 60 minutes on a working day to commemorate the sacrifice and hardwork of the soldiers for the nation. If such a day is celebrated, it boosts up patriotism among the youngsters and also makes the soldiers happy with the recognition they get for their sincere service. I request the taluk officers concerned to recognise such service and honour them when they come back to their place after serving the country. In this regard, I will also be writing letter to the President of India, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Governor of Karnataka, Chief Minister and District Collector through our Sainik Board”, added Shridhar.
‘Awareness on various facilities to ex-servicemen should be created’
The ex-serviceman also mentioned that because of the prevailing corruption, even some of the soldiers are getting deviated. “When a solider goes for house or site registration, the authorities even ask bribe from him. Because of the rampant corruption everywhere, some of the soldiers are even getting deviated. Hence, the government should make special arraignments for ex-servicemen so that they never get disappointed”, added Shridhar.
‘Special budget allocation to felicitate and honor soldiers’
“The state governments concerned should allocate special budget allocation to felicitate and honour soldiers. Whenever a solider retires, the taluk authorities concerned should make use of the funds to honour the soldiers”, said Shridhar.
