Support Martyr families by participating in a Marathon "Soldierathon"

It is well known that India has one of the biggest defence forces in the world. But few little lesser known facts are :

• As per Indian Govt. statistics, the number of Soldier Widows (from Indian Armed Forces only) stands at 6.8 Lacs, the highest in the world. Every year we are losing 1200-1600 soldiers ( i.e. 3 - 4 Soldiers per day ).
• The average age of martyrdom of these men is 22 - 32 years and that of their wives is 17 - 23 years.
• The average education of these women is between the 6th - 12th Class.
• More than 97 % of fallen soldiers are from the lowest most ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. ( Sepoy, Lance Naik, Naik, Havaldar ).
• The majority of VeerNaris receive meagre Ordinary Pension. Sudden family responsibilities, societal criticalities & low pension forces these VeerNaris (Martyr Widows) especially accident cases into depression and frustration, leading to the need for Psychological assistance along with financial stability. Sadly, employment avenues are NIL. Disabled soldiers too are unable to find livelihood/employment options in the Private / Public sector.

They and their children deserve support for a dignified & secured livelihood and we as a society could do our bit for this. 

All VeerNari’s ( of lower ranks ) hail from Rural Areas & Villages and are from very Simple background. If they do not get proper livelihood they are forced to return to their villages after the schooling of their children is over. It is imperative to establish a few Martyr families on "sustainable livelihood projects", which could inspire other Martyr families also to take free hands-on training in this upcoming centre.

Demand for Cakes and Bakery products is always on a rise. Bakery business can easily be started by Martyr families with adequate training and assistance. A little expertise and investment in types of equipment are all that is needed to get the business rolling. Families could start by making Cakes, Cupcakes, and Bread initially. Backend team would promote on social media platforms and within the circles through word of mouth publicity. ( More than 06 Martyr families can be accommodated in one food truck ). Numerous Martyr families could also be trained to replicate the same model in near future in their city. This livelihood Guidance Centre will focus on sustainable livelihood projects related to food and eatery thereby providing a source of dignified livelihood to these families. 

Owing to reasons mentioned earlier, there is a need for an ‘end to end approach’ starting from Psychological stability & counseling by other VeerNaris ( Martyr Widows); Educational & Training support to self & dependents ( via initial Career Counseling, Aptitude profiling, Personality Development & Guidance in Employment generation) & Grooming to get an entry in Armed Forces / PMF entries. This can be achieved by establishing a Guidance Centre (VLC) run by VeerNaris for VeerNaris & their dependents. VLC would extend customized support via daily calls – Psychological Counseling (- use multilingual languages to speak to rural & remotely based Martyr families across India to cater to 500 - 5000+ Martyr Widows & families.), Legal Counseling, Investment advisory, Career counseling to Martyr children ( VeerBacche ), Discussion with State Govt. & local officials on their issues and any other assistance that they may need. By bringing the Veer Naari under the umbrella of the VLC, they will be ensured of a secure future where they are empowered and independent to live their life as honorably as they would have if their spouse was alive.