J.G.R. Gilbert, an 88-year-old World War II veteran from Kothagudem town, hogged the limelight at a felicitation ceremony organised by the District Sainik Welfare Office here by virtue of his inspirational qualities - discipline and compassion.
The function was organised to honour the World War II veterans and widows besides, those ex-servicemen who participated in the 1965 Indo-Pak war .
Retired Colonel P. Ramesh Kumar, Director, Sainik Welfare, Telangana State, District Sainik Welfare Officer P Rajeshwara Sastry and others were present.
Clad in a dark suit, Mr. Gilbert, one of the few surviving soldiers of World War II from the district, arrived at the venue of the ceremony along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. The octogenarian and several other ex-servicemen and war widows were felicitated by the organisers amid applause from the audience.
The organisers read out the tales of valour of Indian soldiers who fought several fierce wars at the altar of duty.
A visibly delighted Mr. Gilbert recalled the days of World War II and the hostile conditions in which he served as a soldier in African continent and Rangoon (Myanmar) during 1942-45. I have joined the Singareni Collieries Company Limited in 1950 as a clerk and served the company till my retirement, he recalled, adding that he takes pride in associating himself with the Singareni coalfields, the driving force behind the country’s economy.
Peace should prevail everywhere to usher in prosperity for all and bright future for coming generations, he hoped.
Disciplinarian
My grandfather helped several youth improve their English language skills and excel in various examinations by utilising his leisure time after his retirement from the Singareni company, said Daniel, the grandson of Mr Gilbert. He is an epitome of discipline, hard work and above all generosity, remarked Mr Daniel, a lecturer.
He brought up his seven daughters with great affection after the death of his wife, while he was 44-years-old, said an associate of the octogenarian.
Mr. Gilbert is a great soldier and a father above all a person with service bent of mind. His two son-in-laws served in the Armed Forces and got retired a few years ago, he added.
