A group of war-wounded soldiers from across the country struggled to make their voice heard at the Mumbai Marathon, at a time when emotions are running high over the recent killing of two Indian soldiers at the Indo-Pak border.
The war veterans, through their organisation ‘War Wounded Foundation,’ aim to raise awareness about war disability and showcase their spirit of valour and triumph over odds. The group was led by 72-year-old braveheart Lt General Vijay Oberoi, who after losing his leg at the young age of 24 in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, continued to serve the country till his retirement as the Vice-Chief of the Army in 2002.
His three-hour daily swimming schedule maintained to this day could well put many youngsters to shame.
Soon after shaking hands with members of the Pipe Band Tunes, 25 {+t}{+h} battalion of The Maratha Light Infantry, who paused their musical performance at the marathon ground to pay respect to the Septuagenarian, Oberoi said he set up the Delhi-based organisation in 2002.
The aim was to bring back soldiers who had been wounded in war into mainstream society and work to enhance their pension and other benefits.
“We have soldiers who have lost a leg or an eye or were disabled fighting the various wars for the country, but now lead dejected lives owing to social stigma. We have come to the marathon to raise awareness about their issues and tell people what they have done for the country,” added Oberoi.
The War Wounded Foundation also included Captain Satyendra Sangwan who came from Dehradun to participate in the marathon, despite losing his leg in the Kargil conflict. The international paralympics badminton champion also has over 20 medals in his kitty and is raring to go for more. Another unsung hero in this troupe included the 72-year-old 1971 war veteran, who despite losing his leg in the 1971 war, is still fighting a losing battle for his war injury pension from the Government.
“I get a meagre pension of Rs 1,755 a month, but am unable to receive the war injury pension of Rs 4,000 owing to procedural issues from the Government,” he added. The organisation, which receives no support from the Government and is funded through donations, also provides a scholarship scheme worth Rs 5,000 for rehabilitation of injured soldiers, informs Oberoi, whilst graciously obliging to a curios request for a handshake and photo-op from two beaming 5-year-old twin boys dressed up as army jawans for the marathon.
Not to be left behind in spirit was Major Devender Pal Singh, who though not part of War Wounded Foundation, has started his own organisation, ‘The Challenging Ones,’ for amputees across India, after losing his leg in the 1999 Operation Vijay in Kargil.
“We have 240 amputee members as of now and have a discussion group on Facebook, city-wise peer support groups to meet fellow amputees and provide support, counselling and financial aid, as well as to encourage them to participate in sports and adventure activities such as cycling and mountain climbing. One of our members is also preparing to climb the Mount Everest.”
manisha.jha@thehindu.co.in
sneha.p@thehindu.co.in