What Do The Veterans Need?

What do the veterans need in their 60s, 70s and 80s?

Medical cover? A house? Financial independence?

Well, most veterans have all three! The question still remains- what do the veterans need?

Station Commander (Navy), Secunderabad provided the right answer! The Veterans need to manage their medication, mend their clothes and remain trim! Navy Day Barakhana yesterday had a surprise gift for every veteran. It wasn't the usual wall-calendar or a navy memento, but a small box having unique items. Items which every veteran needs. Barakhana for those readers not familiar with the Armed Forces in India, is a ceremonial gathering of all the officers and men of a Unit along with their families. It is usually held on the Raising Day, Republic Day and Independence Day every year.

Most Veterans in their 60s, 70s and 80s are on regular medication (Cheers to all those who don't need any medication as yet!). One challenge they face is to read the name as well as the expiry date of medicines which is always in fine print! You need a magnifying glass to read it. So, the Navy Day hamper contained a magnifying glass.

The next item frequently needed is a small scissors to cut the medicine strips.

The next need is to do small mending like buttons, hooks etc. Apart from a needle and thread, you need the gadget to insert the thread into the needle. Similarly, veterans' clothes need minor alterations over the years. They need to remove the thread stiches without tearing or damaging the apparel. The gift hamper contained all this so thoughtfully. See the pictures below.

The last item in the hamper was a measuring tape. Purpose?

It is a high utility item for taking measurements of table cloth, mats, curtains etc. It can be hung on a wall hook for handy reach. All of the above items were packed in a plastic container, which itself can be used as a medicine box! So, once again a big thank you to Rear Adm V Raja Shekar and his team for such a thoughtful gift on Navy Day.

Here are a few more pictures of Navy House Secunderabad, tastefully illuminated for the evening.

The signage at the entrance to the Navy House commemorates 50th year of India's victory in 1971 Indo-Pak War. Readers may browse our earlier story titled '50th Year of 1971 War' which also included a tribute by the Naval children to The Victory Flame as it traversed the length and breadth of India.

We wish all the readers and fellow veterans, a very Happy Navy Day.

Hail Navy. Shun-no-Varuna. Jai Hind.

    - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad and former Commodore, Indian Navy/ 5th Dec 2021

#navyday #navyweek #navyveterans #Navygifthamper #barakhana #teamwork #gratitude #fallenbutnotforgotten #thankingtheveterans #innovativememento #utilitygiftstoveterans #stncdrnavysecunderabad #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh