AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 49 of 61 Opening Address by the President It is my privilege to stand before you and speak as the President of our Association for the last two years. Let me now greet every one of you on our 19 th anniversary that we celebrate today. The Association has come a long way. Creating institutions is difficult and sustaining Institutions is even more difficult. But for the tireless effort of some of the pioneers, many of whom are here, the AFVOA would not be what it is today. Every member is valuable not only as a member but also as a person attending our meetings. In numbers we rejoice, not just on the rolls, but in the fact that we have a large percentage showing up. The future of AFVOA cannot be the exclusive concern of a handful; it is in fact safely in the hands of each one of you. Our Patron has been our guiding light. A man of immense energy and infective enthusiasm, he sets a fine example of how we should live our lives. His message is clear. Count your blessings, not your age. And one of our blessings, you all will agree, is to be part of this Association. Let me also place on record my greatest appreciation for Brig K Muthulaxmi, our VP, and Col RS Varadan, our Treasurer. I also thank some of our senior members and other well-wishers who have given us so much support whenever we needed it. Lastly my grateful thanks to you members and your gracious ladies who have stood by us and made our job easier. Very soon you will have a new team at the helm of affairs. They will need your support and wise counsel. Before I sign off, I may assure them of our support and guidance if and when required. Knowing you all, I may assure them on your behalf that many of our past office bearers and our senior members will be more than happy to give their assistance if sought. Long live AFVOA. Jai Hind. Passing of the Minutes of the AGM held on 28 Jul 2012 The minutes were circulated electronically and also as hard copies in Aug 2012. No comments on the minutes were received. If the members agree we may pass the minutes of the meeting. Col A Krishnaswami proposed that the minutes be passed. Surg Capt (IN) CV Natarajan seconded the proposal. Annual Report 2012-2013 I present before you, the Annual report of our Armed Forces Veteran Officers Association for the period 28 July 2012 (our last AGM) till today, 27 July 2013. Our Association has lived up to the core ideals and objectives that it has set before itself, in the best traditions of the Armed Forces. In order to interact and to remain in touch, we exchange news and views and also share happiness and grief. We have brought out five Newsletters and held four regular meetings apart from the memorable picnic, that was organized at the Air Force Station Officer’s Mess Avadi to build the spirit of camaraderie with our sister Service. Remembering our Martyrs To pay homage to our fallen comrades and remember their valiant deeds, wreaths were laid on the occasion of the Third All faith Memorial Service for Martyrs of Uniformed Services of Independent India at The Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai on 15 Dec 2012. The eulogy oration was delivered by our President, Maj Gen (Retd) CT Chari, AVSM. He stated “We shall continue to pay homage to our martyrs in the years to come not just as a ceremony but as an emotional tryst.”