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We all consider soldiers to be made of steel who protect us in every situation. But soldiers are also human beings and they also have their own families.There are many soldiers across the country who had to retire on compassionate grounds due to their family or other reasons
Most of them are veterans of the wars of 1971, 1965 & some are soldiers of 1962 and world war 2 along with the widows.
Among those stepping up to help is Gaurav Shukla, the founder of Support Our Heroes, an NGO dedicated to improving the lives of retired soldiers, disabled veterans, war widows, and the children of martyrs. Gaurav’s motivation stems from a deep personal connection: his father, a Kargil War veteran who served the military for 28 years, inspired him to recognize the sacrifices of not just soldiers but their families.
His team comprises highly decorated Ex-Defence Officers of all three services. Lt Gen J S Dhillon, VSM (retd), and Lt Col R D Sharma (retd) from the Army; Late Wg Cdr Vinod Nebb, VrC & Bar from the Air Force; and Cdr Gavi Kumar (retd) from the Navy.
Veterans like those who served in the 1962, 1965, 1971 wars—and even some from World War II—are now in their twilight years. Many live in poverty, forgotten by the nation they once served. Widows of fallen soldiers struggle to provide for their children.
One such widow shared, “Since my husband retired, I’ve received no support to raise or educate my children.”
Veterans discharged due to disabilities, like Gaurav’s father, often lack stable incomes. In one heart-wrenching case, the son of a war veteran earns just ₹200 a day as a daily wager.
This is the reality Gaurav wants to change.
Since its inception, Support Our Heroes has touched the lives of over 300 families across 18 states, providing:
- Monthly rations
- Medicines and medical treatments
- Educational support for children of martyrs
But the challenges are mounting.
Gaurav shares, “There’s no fixed source of income or consistent support for our mission. It’s heartbreaking to see heroes who once safeguarded our future now struggle for basic necessities.”
As Vijay Diwas on 16th December approaches, commemorating India’s glorious victory in the 1971 war, let’s come together to support the heroes who fought for our freedom.
These brave warriors gave their youth, their health, and sometimes their lives to ensure our safety. Now it’s our turn to give back.
But there is still so much more to be done...
To continue our work, we need your support. Every rupee we receive will be put to use for the following purposes:
1. Project PITHU - Provides monthly rations and basic necessities for 100 destitute and elderly non-pensioners/widows
2. Project SEHAT - Offers healthcare support for 22 soldiers/widows each month
3. Project SAKSHAM - Supports the education of children of needy or disabled soldiers
4. Administration Costs: Covers salaries, fund utilization certificates, and operational expenses
5. Expansion Initiatives: We aim to increase our outreach to more remote areas and scale up current projects to support more beneficiaries.
By donating to Support Our Heroes, you’ll ensure veterans and their families receive the dignity and support they deserve. Your contribution will go toward essentials like food, medical care, and education for their children.
Together, let’s stand with Gaurav and ensure that no war hero or their family is left behind.
EIN 20-5139364
