In a quiet corner of Mohali, a remarkable story of solidarity and service unfolds every Friday. For nearly a quarter of a century, a dedicated group of retired defence personnel has been waging a quiet battle to ensure their fellow veterans and their families receive the pensions and benefits rightfully owed to them.
A Makeshift Office with a Mighty Mission
Their office is unconventional—a car park opposite the CSD canteen in Mohali. Here, under the open sky, the Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell holds its weekly meetings. Led by its president, Lt Col SS Sohi (retd), this unique non-governmental organisation comprises long-retired officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and jawans from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It stands as a rare and powerful example of tri-service cooperation dedicated solely to veterans' welfare.
The group listens to complaints from veterans, widows, and next of kin who have been unable to navigate official channels or find help elsewhere. Operating for nearly 25 years, the cell has become a last resort for many who feel abandoned by the system.
The Indefatigable Volunteers and Their Challenges
The volunteers are a cross-section of India's armed forces. Among them are Col D Nain, Col Manmohan Singh, Capt Gurmeet Singh, Capt R S Bhatti, Capt Makhan Singh, Subedar Jaswant, Chief Petty Officer Parkash Singh, Sergeant Rashpal Singh, Master Warrant Officers Joginder Singh and S N Ojha. They are joined by a civilian volunteer, Om Parkash.
Their journey has not been without obstacles. Over the years, they have operated from park benches, moving locations as the Mohali CSD canteen shifted. The current site is their third in 22 years. They have faced resistance from officials managing the canteens and the Zila Sainik Board, at times being denied entry or seating. Yet, their resolve has never wavered.
"We have helped around 500 ex-servicemen and veterans so far to secure their pensionary dues," says Lt Col Sohi, a veteran of the Bihar Regiment who founded the NGO. "We have also managed to get several rules changed that were detrimental to veterans." He credits the record offices of the three services and service headquarters for their support in this endeavour.
Persistence in the Face of Adversity
The cell operates on a nominal fee, charging only Rs 20 for documentation from those seeking assistance. This symbolic amount underscores their non-commercial, service-oriented ethos.
Lt Col Sohi acknowledges that their methods sometimes ruffle feathers. "Many officials think we are troublesome and unnecessarily persistent," he admits. However, the group's focus remains unshakably on those in dire need. "We assist veterans and their families who get no help from officials, or who are unable to pursue their cases due to poor health. We do not mind being called names as long as veterans get what is rightfully theirs."
Their work highlights a critical gap in post-retirement support systems for India's defence personnel. By providing guidance, filling complex forms, and persistently following up with authorities, this small band of volunteers ensures that the service and sacrifice of soldiers are honoured with the dignity of rightful dues, long after they have hung up their uniforms.
