The Tribune Impact: Hyderabad-based doctor extends aid to Kargil martyr’s mother

Aparna Banerji
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, August 1
A Hyderabad-based doctor has come forward to extend help to the mother of a Kapurthala-based Kargil martyr after The Tribune published the story of her plight in these pages.
Pediatrician D Kiran Kumar has extended monetary help of Rs 1 lakh to Kamal, the mother of Kargil martyr BSF Dy Cmdt Mohinder Raj, who lost his life in a militant attack at Bandipore in Baramulla, Kashmir, on July 13, 1999. The Deputy Commandant who had left a lucrative career in academics to serve the nation was only 31 years old when he died.
Abandoned by her daughter-in-law and after losing her husband three years ago, the martyr’s mother Kamal, who stays in Kapurthala, was left to fend for herself with a pension of mere Rs 1,500, twenty-five years after her son’s demise.
Taking note of her plight, Dr Kumar decided to donate the amount. Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Kumar said, “If a family loses a son or daughter fighting for the country, we all need to respect the commitment of the family and the huge sacrifice they made for the country. Governments do their bit, but certain measures should be taken by citizens to ensure parents or kin of such people spend the rest of their lives in comfort.”
The martyr’s mother Kamal said, “I’m very thankful to the gentleman for the help he has extended. I will be able to pass at least some days comfortably with the aid provided by him. We had been petitioning governments. I am grateful to people like him, who spare a thought for a martyr’s family.”
While the financial benefits accorded posthomously to Dy Commandant Mohinder Raj had been availed of by his widow, Kamal’s husband Mohan Lal dedicated his entire life, after his son’s martyrdom, writing to various governments and ministries seeking financial benefits, but their demands remained unaddressed. Mohan Lal, retired as district manager, Punjab Schedule Caste Financial Corporation, and had no provision of pension.