Jai Javan Independence Day celebrations with the soldiers disabled at the war front

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with soldiers from the warfront? That’s exactly what happened at the Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City’s legacy project titled “Jai Javan”

The idea for Jai Javan was conceived four years ago. Through this initiative, RCBF members spend their Independence Day with soldiers who once defended our borders during the Kargil War period. These soldiers, who now reside in the Queens Mary Institute of Technology based in Pune, are forgotten by the society and they occupy themselves by pursuing courses like Computer Technology, Management and so on.

Despite having genuinely served the cause of these disabled soldiers, the institute has not gained the kind of recognition it deserves. The Javans too have been deprived of the celebrity and media attention, they used to enjoy earlier. This has led them to believe that their presence bears no value to the country, as they are incapable of serving the Indian Army anymore.

When this lack of recognition came to the notice of the young members of RCBF, they immediately came up with the idea to dedicate a few hours in the service of the brave men who once risked their lives for our safety. Every year, RCBFites visit these soldiers and spend a couple of hours in their company.  

This year was no different. Under the leadership of President Rtr. Hetika Gala and Community Service Director Rtr. Shikha Gadia, the club took strength of 39 members plus representatives from the Rotaract International District 3140 to Pune on the 15th August 2011. The members rallied at Mithibai College at 2:30AM and departed via bus for Pune. On reaching Pune at 8:00AM, they witnessed the flag hoisting at the institute and then held an interactive session and shared some light moments with the soldiers. The soldiers were glad of an opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge with the young enthusiasts.

In the end, the soldiers were delighted to be granted with an audience with such zeal and vigour and the Rotaractors too ignited the flame of patriotism within them and left for home with some memories to cherish for a lifetime.