Bangalore: A medal is perhaps the only symbol of recognition and honour that a soldier gets after facing death in the eye, on the frontier. With their names engraved, the medals gleam in the light of the gallant lives they have led. But hundreds of ex-servicemen in Delhi surrendered their medals on March 8, and on Sunday in Bangalore, as a mark of protest to the present dispensation on their pension, as per the 6th Pay Commission. Since their pension amounts vary according to the year in which they have served, and not according to the period of service, they are demanding ‘one rank, one pension’. A total of 582 medals were surrendered on Sunday.
‘GOVT DOESN’T RESPECT US’
“Medals are most precious to a soldier. But today, we are ready to part even with that sole piece of honour because we realize that the government has no respect for soldiers. I might have retired long ago but if I have to live comfortably, then I should get pension equal to those who retire now. The police, MPs, everyone has ‘one rank, one pension’ system, then why discriminate us?” said Colonel Cyrus Dalal, who retired from the Corps of Signals. Ex-servicemen from different parts of South India like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tanjavur and Vellore were also present, and surrendered their medals. Service medals, including medals for gallantary in wars, will be sent back to President Pratibha Patil, who is also supreme commander of the Army.
UNITED THEY STAND
Some who have also served as major generals in different parts of the country, dropped their numerous medals. Infosys HR director T V Mohandas Pai, who supported the ex-servicemen at the protest, said: “These are the people who have been protecting us. They leave their families and personal lives for the country. It is shameful that we are forcing our brave soldiers to take this extreme step.” Lead India winner R K Misra regretted that there were no civil society members supporting the soldiers on Sunday. “What is the point of giving us these medals when you don’t respect us? War widows and mothers who have lost their sons in the wars have given back their medals in Delhi. Today, many soldiers from South India have surrendered their gallantry medals, some who had even won even nine medals,” said state convener, Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement, Colonel S S Rajan.
THEIR PRIVATE WAR
Ex-fighter pilot Keith Lewis surrendered the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VSM), Brigadier Narasimhan surrendered one AVSM and one Vishisht Seva Medal, and many others surrendered stars they had received during the 1971 war.
Navigate to TOI Bangalore, 16 March 2009, Page 2
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