Because they really do care

Anything worth doing, the faujis do it better. It is not just about surface visibility — manicured lawns, dining etiquettes, glazed spit-shine boots, crisp salute, even crisper OG uniform, charming manners that are so appealing. It is about honour. Dignity, that too. There is no way around it when early on, you are taught to take a bullet for your country, or for the man next to you. There’s honour in that.

How about dignity in old age? To grow old with your head held high, that’s a dream for most. The faujis understand that too. No one takes better care of former employees than the armed forces. The brotherhood runs deep, till much after the active years. And so they have done it again with a first for the Army — Ashrya, a home for veterans, asserts the idea of honour and dignity all over again.

Old age is a dreaded word, the reality of it strikes with force. One aches for support, someone to take care of a frail you, as your weary bones begin to knuckle under, making even mundane tasks that much harder. In smaller families and with children having taken flight to distant lands, you are pretty much on your own. For those who consider themselves plain fortunate to have children around, it is not really any better. Take a look at the changed social geometry; a circle has closed in on the elderly. Who has the time, or even the will?

“The ageing bones are just too much of a bother for the young,” says Gen Bikram Singh, former Army Chief, who introduced the welfare of the old-timers as the key result area (KRA) in 2012. “This model, which began with the Western Command (Chandimandir), was to be replicated by all commands,” he says.

While in service it is the Army Welfare Housing Organisation that takes care of lodging needs for later, community housing for the aged has taken it to a new level. The air-conditioned, ready-to-walk-in rooms — 60 in all — in Panchkula are fully furnished, with a kitchenette equipped with a mini fridge, kettle and cutlery. Built-in cupboards with lockers, study desk, flat-screen TV set, iron and ironing board, sofa set, and outdoor furniture for the balcony are part of the studio apartment. There is a separate dining mess for retired officers and JCOs/ORs (other ranks), for whom the top two floors have been reserved.

For those seeking spiritual solace, part of the top floor has been retained for Sarv Dharm Sthal, akin to the concept of  a common worship place in all cantonments, for all faiths.

“We have an ECHS health scheme for the retired and their spouses, which as such takes care of medical needs. A 95-year-old veteran has also donated a dental chair and an X-ray machine which would be part of an MI room on the premises for periodical checkups,” says Brig PP Prakash Singh, Brigadier Administration, Chandimandir. The response has been good, with 21 confirmed allotments already. “The oldest inmate we have is 95-year-old Subedar Major TD Piplani. As the word of mouth spreads, we hope to get more applications, which would be vetted by a board of officers,” says Brig Prakash.

Who are eligible? “All ex-servicemen above the age of 70 (including widows) and drawing pension can apply. It is designed to run on a pay-and-stay basis. For an officer, the monthly rental would be Rs 10,000 (exclusive of other charges), while for JCOs and ORs it would be Rs 6,000 and Rs 4,500, respectively.”

Col Manmohan (retd) is keen to move in soon. “My son’s in the Army and moves every second year, so we can’t be with him. My wife and I are finding it difficult to run the everyday affairs of the household.”

Col Vijay Nanda (retd) has two sons, one in the Navy, the other in Dubai. “My wife and I like to travel and often take off for short periods. We thought of shifting to a flat but then this came along. Having a doctor around at all times and people of the same stature and age holds the promise of a good life.”

The best part perhaps is its location. Housed within the Basantar Enclave compound in Sector 2, Panchkula, it has the reassuring feel of a mini cantonment. Bar, ante room, housekeeping, round-the-clock security, power backup, gym and yoga room and basement parking are among the other services.

“While no amount of effort is enough to compensate veterans for their invaluable contribution,” says Lt Gen KJ Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command, “this home is a small step towards that objective.” There can’t be a more befitting tribute.   

My granddad would quote these lines:

“Think of me ‘O’ passerby

As you are now so once was I

As I am now so you shall be

Prepare yourself to follow me.”

Impending old age — there’s wisdom in preparing for it, collectively.

 priyankasingh1974@gmail.com