AFVOA Newletters of Year 2002

Page 22 of 84 in a befitting manner. Dedicated staff for the management of widows’ - welfare: The GOC announced that a dedicated cell would be established for the welfare of widows of retired personnel. This cell would ensure that widows were made aware of their rights, and received all dues applicable to them as well as advise them on the management of financial resources. Establishment of old age homes: The establishment of old age homes for retired senior personnel was under active consideration. Suitable land for this purpose was being identified. The GOC sought suggestions from the experience available in a body such as the AFVOA for points for discussion in the regular civil/military coordination meetings that brought together Area HQ and the administration at District and State Government levels periodically. He also sought similar suggestions for the welfare of ex servicemen for taking up with higher formations. The GOC expressed happiness and sense of honour at being invited to the gathering. Announcements by Col A Krishnaswami, VrC, VSM**, Jak Rif Col Krishnaswami mentioned the benefits in respect of gallantry award winners. He also added that the existing booklet on Actions to be Taken by in the event of the demise of a retired officer was being revised to make it much more exhaustive and comprehensive. Naming of the new committee for the Year 2002-2003 Col Krishnaswami announced the names of those who had been ‘detailed to volunteer’, in the best Service traditions, for the new committee. To lighten the burden, he announced that he himself had volunteered to continue as the Member - Finance. Maj Gen N Viswanathan, Kumaon was nominated the President. Col N Viswanathan, Engrs, Cdr SR Prasad and Wg Cdr ME Muthu were requested to continue on the committee. Brig K Muthulaxmi, MNS, was nominated as the lady member. While the yoke of the AFVOA is probably a not an unpleasant one, it is necessary that a willing and dedicated shadow cabinet be identified which can understudy the main committee, and then take over. Thanks to Outgoing President Col Krishnaswami – the incoming Secretary, took on the pleasant task of thanking Gen Ram Naidu – the outgoing President, for the signal progress that the AFVOA had made during his stewardship. This included a very well organised picnic, honouring the octogenarian veterans and bringing over the Area commander to attend one of our regular meetings. This visit should act as a forerunner for the heads of the other two services to follow suit. The occasion was rendered poignant because of the fact that Maj Gen Ram Naidu and Mrs Naidu are leaving our midst shortly to take up residence at the General’s farm in Palamaner. Our prayers and good wishes for Gen and Mrs Naidu for a contented and purposeful future in their new location. He can be contacted at rprcnaidu@yahoo.com . The attendance was far in excess of the numbers for which confirmations had been received. Catering was done for 120 members based on guesswork and extrapolation. However, the caterer had come prepared to cater for the additional numbers without many problems. Dinner was delicious, tasty and sumptuous. For the first time, two counters were opened