“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” – these legendary words of Sir Winston Churchill sounds so true in the context of the Armed Forces Flag Day that falls on December 7.
Those working in State Government offices will know and remember this day because of the contribution they would have made towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). For those in the private sector (who do not make any contribution), this day remains unknown. For their sake, it will not be amiss to flip back the pages of history to know something about the day.
‘Armistice Day’ after World War I was observed on November 11. It was also called the ‘Poppy Day’ because on this day tokens of poppies were sold to the public and the amount so collected was used for the war veterans and their families.
As this date became inappropriate after Independence, the Defence Committee decided on August 28, 1949 that Flag Day will be observed on December 7 every year to “honour the valiant dead, to salute the veteran brave and to renew the pledge with the active serving personnel”.
A concerted effort is made on this day to raise collections from the public. Some Armed Forces formations also arrange variety shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes to create awareness about the day. The week leading to the Flag Day is celebrated as Armed Forces Week. Flags, car stickers in red, deep blue and light colours, representing the Tri Services are distributed to the public throughout the country by the Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariat, the central agency that oversees the resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen, and controls the AFFDF.
The Directorate of Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare in each State looks after the welfare of the ex-servicemen (ESM) and their widows. The office of the Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare in Coimbatore at Jawans' Bhawan caters to the same needs.
Every contribution is receipted and goes into the main kitty of the Directorate. What more, it is also 100 per cent tax exempted under Sec 80G.
The day is observed based on the belief that it is the duty of every Indian to look after the wellbeing of those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. Flag Day is an opportunity for every Indian citizen to contribute most generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
Also, according to the Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariat website, “Government measures at the Centre and the State level alone are inadequate to provide support to the disabled, non-pensioner, old and infirm ESM, their families, war widows and orphaned children”.
This refers to the nearly 60,000 Defence personnel who are compulsorily retired every year in order to keep the Armed Forces fit. It also caters to the non-pensioner category of people such as the World War II veterans who do not receive pension.
This year, the Defence Ministry has launched a massive digital campaign from December 1-7. The campaign, aimed at obtaining contribution for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, was made available on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms.
People can contribute using a SBI UPI code: armedforcesflagdayfund@sbi, Paytm UPI code 88004 62175 @paytm, or on http://ksb.gov.in/armed-forces-flag-day-fund.htm
The campaign is not only aimed at collecting funds, but also to encourage people to wear the Armed Forces flag with pride to show their support and solidarity. These flags are available at all government offices.