AFOVA New Letter 2 of Year 2021

Section 6 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 02 / 2021 Page 209 of 332 One of the possible reasons that we in India did not have a national War Memorial may be due the prophecy of Sir Winston Churchill who on the eve of granting independence to India is supposed to have said: Power will go to the hands of rascals, rogues and freebooters. All Indian leaders will be of low caliber and men of straw. They will have sweet tongues and silly hearts. They will fight amongst themselves for power and India will be lost in political squabbles. A day would come when even air and water would be taxed.” “India is merely a geographical expression. It is no more a single country than the equator. Politicians in power since Independence were keen to prove Churchill correct! It is worth pointing out that the National War Memorial at Delhi has since been constructed during February 2019. During 2013, two programmes were organized in Chennai to celebrate Kargil Diwas. The first was in the morning. We assembled at the Victory War Memorial to pay homage to the fallen warriors of the Nation. Arrangements were made by 25 PUNJAB – the infantry battalion located at Chennai. Various dignitaries representing different sections of the society laid wreaths at the memorial. This included GOC ATNK & K Area, representatives of the NOIC, AF Station Tambaram, Veer Naris, 25 Punjab, retired officers from the Armed Forces and others. As a senior citizen proud of this country, one does hope that people at all stages and levels do realize the strength that lies in UNITY. Such solemn occasions, contribute in many ways to build our unity. One hopes that in future events, more people will come for such functions. In order to set an example, politicians in power as well as officials from the State government should attend. Further besides the general public, the impressionable youth – school children, students from colleges, Scouts and Girl Guides, NCC, and prominent sportspersons and in this cinema-mad city, cinema stars, prominent industrialists and budding CEOs of various companies should take part in such gatherings. Participation of the common man is very important to foster the strength of oneness and unity of the nation.