An emoticon is not enough

The terrorist attack on Pathankot is on. The social media is abuzz with emoticons in tribute to our soldiers and defence personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the base. For many of us our role ends with a ‘like’ or emoticon on social media when we read about them. But does our responsibility end with that? Having decided mine does not, I make the journey to the Sainik Welfare office once a year and make a donation. It’s not much, but it’s something.

The Sainik Welfare office – there are many in the country – collects money for the benefit of injured soldiers and the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  

Showing solidarity with an emoticon is good. But I feel doing something is much better. Knowing a couple of soldiers personally has also opened my eyes wider to their lives and work. I know I don’t do much with a small monetary donation. But at least it’ll do much more for them than a periodic emoticon.

For this Republic Day, I suggest you also move beyond the emoticon. Do something for the Indian defence forces. One small way is by making a donation.

The cheques can be addressed to the:

Collector and President Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer Mumbai Upnagar

Send them to:

Zilla Sainik Welfare Officer,
Mumbai Suburban District,
New Administrative Building, 9^th floor,
Government Colony,
Bandra East,
Mumbai 400 051