CAN THE TWO RAWATS IN UTTARAKHAND MAKE
IT HAPPEN
The ex servicemen (esm) of Uttarakhand
are a valuable human resource and are spread over the 13 districts of the
State. The districts of Dehra Dun, Haridwar, Kotdwar and Haldwani have the
largest concentration of this community and are organized into various esm
organizations, prominent among which is the Uttarakhand Ex Servicemen League
(uesl). The uesl, in its recently held election for the President, unanimously
elected Brig (retd) R S Rawat to the office. Rawat, a fourth generation officer
of the Garhwal Rifles and the illustrious son of the centenarian Lt Col Inder S
Rawat, KC has been involved with uesl
for the past six to seven years and has been tirelessly and selflessly working
to alleviate the sufferings and problems which consume veterans. Particularly,
in addressing and settling pension related discrepancies of war widows, the old
and those who are ignorant of their entitlements. This involves visiting the
remote areas in the upper reaches of Garhwal and Kumaon, with farthest first as
a working principle, writing to the Adjutant General’s branch in Army HQ, CDA
pension in Allahabad, Record offices, Head office of SBI in Mumbai and making
many a personal visits to the local branches of SBI; all aimed at resolving
discrepancies and discordances. Many have benefited from the effort and many
continue to reach out to him for help and support. Notwithstanding this, the
devastation that visited Uttarakhand in Jun 2013 struck an empathetic chord in
his heart and mind, which became his inspiration to work for the afflicted
people of our society. With a view to enter the process of helping out the
needy in the second stage of the collective effort to rescue, provide relief,
rehabilitate and restore; the uesl launched itself into a fund raising campaign
from its own veterans, some corporate houses and NGOs. Which, it did in quick
time. But then, aware of the extremely low credibility of the State government
apparatus in delivering relief to the needy from funds donated by individuals
and institutions / organizations, Brig Rawat decided to transport food and
materials through the uesl network. It was a job well done and without any
publicity or else making a show for the public to lap up and applaud.
But, then, the uesl must understand that
in these times of media dominance and influence in public life, it is equally
important for one’s work to be picked up and showcased, essentially to mobilize
people’s opinion, which is the sine qua non of work involving social causes
that survive on goodwill, fiscal and material contributions. The uesl, which
was able to collect about Rs 13 lacs of money and material, both inclusive,
spent every single rupee in providing the much wanted aid to the unfortunate
people. Therefore, when Brig Rawat in his acceptance speech to the august
gathering of veterans, on the occasion of his being unanimously elected as
President of uesl, reiterated his commitment to work for society at large, it
was heartwarming and welcomed by one and all. However, the uesl must get
wizened by its experience of the recent past and while working indefatigably
for those who are impacted by the vicissitudes of life and living, not yield
its turf to the expedient political leadership of the State and its impudent
bureaucracy. Given the presence of the valuable human resource of esm, which
abounds in almost all districts, tehsils and villages of Garhwal and Kumaon, it
will be in the fitness of things for the uesl to better organize itself in all
13 districts and expand its membership. Thereafter, infuse a greater sense of
involvement among the esm and enthuse them to work towards not only its own
brotherhood of veterans, but also act as a social watchdog and balm for the
pain of the local people. Keeping in mind the geographical, geological and
weather conditions obtaining in Uttarakhand, which make it into a highly
vulnerable region for natural disasters to occur, the esm can be effectively
and intelligently used to further people interests. Having said that, the uesl
should work towards preparing a road map for working as an adjunct to the
district and local government, in a spirit of stake holder ship with the State
government. With a view to integrate the various district organizations of the
uesl into the mainstream of public life at local levels, the uesl needs to
evolve and work on a business model which will provide an inflow of fiscal
support on an annual basis from the State government. This essentially to cater
for the remuneration of such esm as are identified and appointed as subordinate
Nodal officers, through the various district and uesl HQ. The modalities for
selection and the charter of duties for these appointees will be codified and
formalized, with a view to assign responsibility and fix accountability. It
will be well worth the effort on the part of the uesl to arrange for a meeting
with the Chief Minister, Shri Harish Rawat and make a presentation to him about
this initiative, which can gainfully utilize the abilities, skills, innate
discipline and commitment of the esm, who reside in the State, to work in
tandem with the government and thus create a readily available pool of man
power, which can support the State effort in times of such crisis, as visited
Uttarakhand in Jun 2013.
Brig S D Dangwal
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