Ex-servicemen should motivate youth to lead disciplined lives, Lt. General Jagbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area, has said.
He was speaking while inaugurating the ex-servicemen rally organised at the Colachel Stadium, Pangode Military Camp, under the aegis of the Station Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram, on Sunday.
Lt. Gen. Singh said the country looked up to the ex-servicemen for inspiration.
“The country lacked the aspect of discipline. This was often neglected while discussing other issues such as corruption that affected the country. The veterans of the armed forces must concentrate on their spheres of influence. When discipline is ensured due importance, every other thing will fall in place,” he said.
He also called ex-servicemen to present their problems in a collective manner. The presence of numerous organisations has often resulted in issues being presented in a manner that contradicted each other.
He also held the view that the veterans must ensure a responsible utilisation of the facility of canteens that has been provided to them.
Sale of liquor
“There have been numerous complaints that many items, mainly liquor that were sold at these facilities, were being resold with an eye on profit. You have been soldiers of pride and not businessmen. It will only be a matter of time when the facility will be withdrawn if it is continued to be misused,” he warned. Nearly 2,000 veterans including those of the Indo-Pak war of 1965 assembled at the stadium to participate in the event organised to address their grievances. Gifts and financial assistance were presented to 41 women and six modified two-wheelers were provided to physically challenged soldiers or their relatives. Stall were set up by Army Recruitment Organisation, Regional Centre of ECHS, Family Welfare Organisation of Pangode Military Station, at the stadium.
A brass band from Madras Engineering Group performed on the occasion. NCC Cadets presented a welcome song.
Major General A.K. Singh, General Officer Commanding Karnataka & Kerala Sub Area; Major General C.P. Singh, Additional Director General, NCC Directorate (Kerala & Lakshadweep); and Brigadier Samir Salunke, Station Commander, Pangode Military Station; Captain (Rtd.) K.K. Govindan Nair, Director, Department of Sainik Welfare were among those who were present at the function.
