Soldiers and officers of the Indian Army’s Dakshin Bharat Area (DBA) having jurisdiction over the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are underscoring the adages ‘Once a Soldier Always A Soldier’ and ‘I am a soldier. I fight where I am told and I win where I fight’.
This time around, their fight is against coronavirus. Since the civilians in these States are well served by the respective Governments, the DBA, more popular by its name Southern Command, took up another challenge. The Army establishment through its words and deeds sent a message to the retired soldiers, officers, war widows in these States that they were not alone in this world and the soldiers and officers respect and adore them though the veterans and their dependents are away from the regiments and brigades.
The DBA launched a Whats App messaging system and reached the retired soldiers, war widows and those above 70 years of age in particular to enquire about their needs and well being. The mission was named Operation Naman and the objective was to offer moral support to those who had devoted their lives for the nation and to resolve their concerns, if any.
“The focus was to assist them in addressing health issues, delivering essential supplies and groceries to needy veterans, offer help in commutation and extending canteen facilities on priority basis. The Rajya Sainik Boards and Zilla Sainik Boards played crucial role in making the operation a success” said a release by the Army’s Southern Command.
A Special Cell was established at Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington in the picturesque Nilgiris from where the serving officers and soldiers contacted all Ex Service Men and War Widows and enquired their well-being similar to the manner in which youngsters in the family asking their grand fathers and grand mothers about their health and well being.
“Special activities are being carried out by Karnataka & Kerala Sub Area (KKSA). A war widow who has uterus cancer requires regular blood and platelets. She got admitted in a delicate condition during lockdown. She has been given continuous support by the Headquarters. Special arrangements have been made to provide blood and platelets supply. 23 service personnel have been sent for blood transfusion. Also a case has been taken up for one-time financial grant to tide away the present financial difficulties,” said the release.
Captain K Gopakumar who retired from Indian Navy who is in charge of the Naval personnel in Kerala told The Pioneer that he was in contact with soldiers and sailors to ensure that all is well with them. “Our Whats App Group is tracking the well being of all our former personnel and their families and attend to their needs,” said the Captain.
Elderly veterans especially above the age of 80 were in for a surprise when the soldiers delivered a cake along with a card on behalf of General Officer Commanding Dakshin Bharat Area.
This may look a small act to ordinary mortals but for us it is a message from the Commander that the Army cares its former brave hearts,” said a war veteran who preferred to remain anonymous.