AFVOA Newsletter 03 of 2020

Section 1-Messages CV 2 No. 03 / 2020 Page 4 of 167 Section 1 – Messages Message from the President AFVOA Chennai Vanakkam Welcome to the “Vijay Diwas” edition of the Chennai Veterans’ Vibes. This is a momentous year that launches the 50 th Anniversary Celebration of our Victory in 1971. Our Military forever changed the political map of the Subcontinent and created a new Nation, Bangladesh. Amongst our Members in the AFVOA, we are honoured to have many brave warriors who have fought the 1971 War and brought glory to our Nation. They inspire us with stories of their exploits in the War. Many have been awarded gallantry medals that continue to inspire and motivate the next generation in Chennai. Once again, we have a bumper issue that covers a spectrum of genres. Our gratitude to the authors who penned them to share with the readers. The focus is on the Indo Pak War and hence there are several articles on the events on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. The AFVOA E-Connect Series has been a sell out of sorts that has welcomed eminent speakers from the global village. Incidentally, we celebrate the Vijay Diwas with Mr Shankar Mahadevan honouring the Veterans on this historic day. Our website www.afvoa.in is closing onto 6,000 hits in 4 months, a stupendous achievement. The YouTube Channel has 130 subscribers and 2,500 views. AFVOA has indeed gone global from its humble beginnings in Adyar, 26 years ago. There are enquiries from many parts of India of Veterans wanting to join us. Several hits are from overseas. Recently, we held a successful AGM that was for the first time held virtually. 60 of our Members participated. A unanimous and significant outcome was to revise our Byelaws to be in sync with the new normal. The Editorial Committee has worked tirelessly to compile this edition despite the numerous activities like the E-Connect, AGM etc. Wg Cdr Harshavardhan and Wg Cdr C Ravishankar are an incredible Team whom I call the inseparable twins. Despite all the hardships and hurdles- giving up is not option. Just what Vijay Diwas is all about. Wishing the Readers happy reading and a Happy New Year. Jai Hind!