Nagpur retiree donates Rs 25.51 lakh to Army Welfare Fund
Retired bank employee Shreekant Sahasrabuddhe has donated Rs 25.51 lakh from his lifetime savings to the Army Central Welfare Fund, which aids serving soldiers, war widows, disabled veterans and the families of martyrs.
The cheque for Rs 25.51 lakh was formally handed over to Major General Navtej S Sohal, General Officer Commanding of the Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub Area, in Nagpur on Thursday.
Defence officials explained that the Army Central Welfare Fund plays a vital role in providing financial assistance and welfare support to serving personnel, disabled soldiers, war widows and families of those who have sacrificed their lives in service.
Sahasrabuddhe, a septuagenarian retiree, had initially saved the money to travel the world with his wife after retirement. However, his wife died six months before his retirement, ending their plans.
With their children now settled, the family decided that the savings could serve a more meaningful purpose by benefiting the families of soldiers serving the nation.
Speaking about his decision, Sahasrabuddhe said, “My wife and I were both employed at the Punjab National Bank. We had decided that after retirement, we would use one provident fund for travelling and keep the other for our children. Therefore, both funds remained intact until that point. That very night, the thought struck me that I should donate the money meant for my unfulfilled dream to the military. I knew these funds would be used for the welfare of the families–specifically the children and widows–of soldiers who lose their lives at the borders. I realised I would derive far more joy from this than I ever would have from travelling with my wife…I cannot hold back my tears. I am overwhelmed with such joy–it is hard to put into words. As I said, this brings me far more happiness than travelling with my wife ever could have. Wherever she is watching from, she must be happy today.”
Defence officials commended the donation, calling it an inspiring example of selfless service and dedication to the welfare of the armed forces community. Sahasrabuddhe’s generosity has been widely recognised as a model of civic responsibility and gratitude towards those serving the nation.
