In India, the courage and
sacrifice of our soldiers are widely honoured, yet the journey of their
wives—the Veernaris—often remains unnoticed. These "brave
women," as the term translates, are the silent strength behind our
soldiers, enduring personal loss while navigating life’s challenges. The
Veernari Shakti Resettlement Foundation, founded to empower these women, aims
to recognise and support them meaningfully.
Who Are the
Veernaris?
Veernaris are the widows of
soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. Young and often from
rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, these women face immense
responsibilities after their loss, from raising children to managing finances
and confronting societal norms. Their journey is further challenged by limited
educational opportunities and meager pensions, often insufficient to meet basic
needs.
Government statistics reveal
the gravity of this issue, with over 680,000 Veernaris across India, making it
the highest soldier widow population globally. Every year, an additional
1,200-1,600 soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice. Most are from entry-level
ranks, with the average martyrdom age being 22-32 years, leaving their widows
between 18-27 years old. Resuming an independent life is difficult for these
young women, given their limited education, which often doesn’t go beyond the
10th grade. Further, the typical pension, ranging between ₹10,500-₹15,500 per
month, barely covers essential expenses, making financial and psychological
support crucial for a dignified livelihood.
The Mission of
Veernari Shakti Resettlement Foundation
Under the guidance of founder
Mr Prashant Tewari, the foundation works to provide holistic support to
Veernaris, helping them regain independence through financial assistance,
career training, and emotional support. The organisation’s mission is to ease
their burden and equip them to lead empowered lives.
- Financial Assistance: The
foundation offers monetary support to alleviate Veernaris’ financial
stress, enabling them to invest in their children’s education and manage
household expenses.
- Vocational Training: Training
programs help Veernaris develop employable skills, from tailoring and
computer literacy to small business management, ensuring sustainable
livelihoods and a boost in confidence.
- Emotional and Community Support: Recognizing
the emotional toll of their loss, the foundation offers grief counselling
and connects Veernaris with others in similar situations, fostering a
supportive community.
Profile of Mr.
Prashant Tewari: A Visionary in Supporting India’s Soldier Widows
Mr. Prashant Tewari, a notable
figure in India’s social service realm, has been at the forefront of championing
the welfare of Veernaris. His journey is deeply influenced by his father, Major
(Late) Bhupendra Shankar Tewari, a war-disabled officer who served in the 1965
and 1971 India-Pakistan wars. Although Mr. Tewari aspired to join the army, he
redirected his resolve toward serving soldiers' families through his
foundation, founded in 2016.
Founding the
Veernari Shakti Resettlement Foundation
Mr. Tewari’s personal
commitment led him to establish the foundation, aiming to bridge the gaps in
support for Veernaris who struggle with both emotional and economic burdens.
Through his efforts, the foundation has become a symbol of hope, offering both
immediate relief and long-term stability.
A Comprehensive
Approach: Skill Development and Empowerment
The foundation provides a range
of programs, from vocational training to legal counseling, fostering
sustainable livelihoods for Veernaris. In 2023, it launched a Drone
Pilot License Training Course, a first-of-its-kind initiative by an NGO in
India, offering Veernaris new career paths in an emerging field.
Support for the
Next Generation
Mr. Tewari’s vision extends to
the children of martyrs, providing scholarships, career counseling, and access
to online education, especially for girls facing societal challenges. These
efforts help secure a promising future for the children of fallen heroes.
Community
Initiatives and Success Stories
Veer Nari Shakti relies on
community-driven initiatives, donations, and partnerships to ensure a broad
impact. Platforms like Donatekart help
connect the organisation with compassionate individuals nationwide who wish to
contribute to this cause. These contributions help run empowerment programs and
ensure that more Veer Naris can benefit from these services.
A recent success story from
Veer Nari Shakti involves the transformation of a widow from a small village in
Rajasthan. With training from the organisation, she has established a small
business making handcrafted items, which she sells online. Her story shows how
empowerment and support can help a Veer Nari create a future full of hope and
self-reliance.
How You Can Help
Supporting Veer Nari Shakti’s
mission can make a real difference in the lives of veer naris across India.
There are various ways to contribute:
- Direct Donations: Financial donations are among the most
effective ways to support the organisation’s initiatives. Donations can be
made through platforms like Donatekart, which helps ensure transparency
and accountability in the fund utilisation process.
- Spreading Awareness: Share
information about Veer Nari Shakti within your social circles to help
amplify the cause. This increased visibility can attract more support for
the organisation and help it reach a more significant number of Veer
Naris.
- Volunteering: For those interested in direct involvement,
volunteering can be an incredibly impactful way to contribute. Volunteers
can assist in training programs, organising events, or providing
logistical support to the organisation.
Veer Nari Shakti’s mission is a
potent reminder that while our soldiers' sacrifices are invaluable, their
wives' journeys deserve recognition, support, and respect. By honouring and
empowering these women, we celebrate the spirit of service and sacrifice
central to our nation’s defence forces.
To connect with Veernari Shakti Resettlement Foundation and support its
cause, contact Prashant Tewari at 9821022008 or email vnsrfoundation@gmail.com . Through
unity, we can help empower the silent heroes carrying the legacy of India’s
brave hearts.