On 15th August, the nation rises to the sound of the national anthem, proudly hoists the tricolour, and remembers the heroes who gave us our freedom. But beyond the parades and celebrations, many heroes still continue their quiet battles—away from the spotlight.
For many veterans and their families, the fight doesn’t end on the battlefield—it continues in silence, long after the war is over.
From the Son of a Soldier, A Call to Serve the Forgotten
My name is Gaurav Shukla, and I am the son of a Kargil War veteran who served in the Indian Army for 28 years. My childhood was shaped by the values of discipline, sacrifice, and service. But it was only when I grew older that I began to see the harsh truth: that many of our nation’s bravest are forgotten once they hang up their uniforms.
This realization led me to co-found Support Our Heroes, an NGO dedicated to serving retired soldiers, war widows, and the children of martyrs. We started small—with just one veteran who needed help. Today, we’ve reached over 300 families across 18 states. But there is so much more to be done.
What Does Independence Mean to a Forgotten Hero?
In 2019, the country was shaken by the image of a war veteran begging on the streets of Connaught Place. He had served in the 1965 and 1971 wars. Some called him mad. To me, he was a hero—forgotten and abandoned.
I found him after days of searching. He lived in a hut made of scrap. His only belongings were his army documents. He told me he had attempted suicide multiple times—he couldn't even afford a strong enough rope.
That moment changed my life. It reminded me that freedom must be protected not just in war, but in peace—and that protecting those who gave everything for this country is a duty that belongs to us all.
Project INSANIYAT: Medical Dignity for Those Who Fought for Ours
Through Project INSANIYAT, we provide medical assistance to veterans and their families—emergency surgeries, cancer care, rehabilitation, and essential medicines. Many of our soldiers now live with amputated limbs, damaged hearing, or chronic illnesses. Pension doesn’t always cover the cost of survival. Some can’t even afford a blood test.
They didn’t let pain stop them when they were serving the nation. We cannot let poverty stop them now from living with dignity.
Project Sashakt: Empowering Veer Naris to Reclaim Independence
Behind every uniform is a family that also serves—and suffers. When a soldier dies in action or is disabled in service, it’s the wife who becomes the strength of the family. But more often than not, these Veer Naris are left without income, guidance, or any system that stands by them.
Project Sashakt is for them. It trains widows in livelihood skills, helps them start home-run businesses, offers financial aid, and gives them back a sense of control over their lives. It turns helplessness into independence—and that is what true empowerment means.
Independence Without Gratitude Is Hollow
India is free because brave men and women gave up their tomorrows for ours. Yet today, a war hero’s son may earn just ₹200 a day as a daily wager. A Kargil widow may still wait for her pension. An 80-year-old veteran may go days without food, too proud to beg and too forgotten to be helped.
We can’t undo the pain of war. But we can ease the pain that follows it.
Recognition and letters of appreciation from four heads of state
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. We have received formal recognition from the heads of four states, who have praised our commitment to veterans' welfare. These endorsements have helped us build credibility and trust within both the military and civilian communities.
Your Support This Independence Day Can Bring Real Freedom
This 15th August, don’t just salute the flag—stand by the people who saluted it every day, even in the face of death.
Your donation to Support Our Heroes will go toward:
- Urgent medical treatments for aged and ailing veterans through Project INSANIYAT
- Livelihood training, startup aid, and dignity for Veer Naris through Project Sashakt
Support Project INSANIYAT. Support Project Sashakt. Because freedom is only meaningful when those who secured it are free from suffering.
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