HYDERABAD: Indian Air Force is a glorious organization that has time and again risen to a myriad of challenges. It has shown remarkable reliability and an unprecedented effectiveness in times of need and built the confidence among all Indians. The fortitude and valorous deeds of its men have won many a laurel! The attitude and lifestyle of most ‘ faujis ’ is a perfect blend of duty and pleasure. In fact it won’t be wrong to say that Air Force is like a big family that learns to care for each other, spirits are high, life-long friendships are struck and no one stands alone in moments of grief or sorrow.
Have you ever wondered as what the women-folk do while the men are away in their flying machines? Well, the Air Force family has smart, independent, educated and motivated women who work for betterment through an All India Association called the Air Force Wives Welfare Association or the AFWWA.
This association has come a long way and activities are a reflection of the tireless work performed by committed ‘Sanginis .’ AFWWA was formed in 1970, encompassing a wide range of activities meeting all the welfare requirements of the IAF fraternity.
Sandeep Tandon, wife of Group Captain Rakesh Tandon, is the president of AFWWA, Begumpet and actively contributes to the aims of this venture.
She says, “AFWWA is not only about meetings, entertainment and interaction but also about bringing about awareness in various fields. We stress on welfare activities like conducting lectures on women health, parenting, marriage-counselling where we invite experts on these subjects. We have regular Health camps for early detection of breast and ovarian cancers, with ultrasound and Pap smear facilities. Blood donation and eye care camps are held.
Qualified Doctors are invited and women can freely discuss their medical problems with them. AFWWA also concentrates heavily on education. We have coaching and abacus classes for students.
Funds are raised twice a year for an orphanage for street children.
We donate books, food items, stationary, linen and toys. It is one of our major roles also to provide moral and immediate financial support to war-widows. The best of counselling is provided through our special cell, ‘ Samvedna .’ It also helps in any paper-work for further support.
Apart from this we have scholarships for meritorious students and for students good at sports. These are both at regional and central level. Funds are also raised for disabled children.
We also have the AFWWA thrift shop that caters to the needs of all families, in all Air Force Stations, bringing the best possible quality of fooditems, clothing, linen, jewellery, utensils, and stationary, all under one roof. Some of our stations are away from cities. So it is a blessing to residents.” Well, loads of understanding, appreciation for each other’s needs, interaction and a friendly environment seem to be the secret of happiness in the lives of these brave men and their families!