War veterans and their family members pay tribute to the martyrs at the annual function of War Veterans Officers’ Association in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Picture by Sanjib Mukherhjee

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 15: War veterans today observed the annual day of War Veteran Officers’ Association.

Started 16 years ago, this is an occasion when retired officers of the armed forces gather here and share their thoughts and views on various issues. R.C. Moharana, secretary of the association, said their aim was to conduct social and recreational activities of the war veterans and their family members.

“We provide every possible assistance to the war veterans and their families. We are taking up various activities to create awareness among people about the armed forces and motivate youths to join this prestigious service. We also provide health care service to the veterans,” said Moharana.

The association members said they had been providing scholarships to the meritorious children of war veterans. Besides, they resolve different issues and problems faced by these people. Moharana said that this year, they conducted a plantation drive at Sainik School and a health camp in Jagatsinghpur, along with holding many other programmes at various places in the state.

Today, the association bestowed a lifetime achievement award to retired lieutenant colonel K.M. Acharya, who was in Territorial Army. Eighty-year-old Acharya had actively participated during the Chinese incursion in 1962, Indo-Pak war in 1965, Bangladesh liberation war in 1972 and was part of the peace-keeping force sent to Sri Lanka in 1987. The association also felicitated Vijayalaxmi Mohanty, the widow of retired colonel M.P. Mohanty, who was an engineer and had joined the army.

The association organised a drawing competition, English essay writing and English debate competition among Sainik School students on the occasion. President of the association B. Routray said though Odias constituted 3.5 per cent of the national population, very few people joined the armed forces. He urged more people to join this service and show the true colour of Odias, who were historically known for their bravery.

Lieutenant general Rajiv Bhatia, commandant of Armed Air Defence College, Gopalpur, donated Rs 31,000 to the association on this occasion.