KOCHI: They dedicate the flower of their youth in the service of the nation, but the government often ignores their sacrifice. The state government has forgotten his yeoman’s services to the nation, but Captain Thomas Philipose, the only Keralite alive to be bestowed with the country’s second highest wartime gallantry medal, is determined that his fate should not befall upon his brethren.
Thomas, who is a ‘Maha Vir Chakra’ awardee for his heroic efforts in keeping the enemy forces at bay in Basantar sector of Punjab during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, has built a memorial to honour the war veterans in his 3 cents of land at Aranmula at an expense of over Rs 7 lakh.
“The inauguration of Jai Jawan Memorial at Erumakkad Junction near Aranmula will be held at 10.30 am on Saturday,” he told ‘Express’. The memorial, built in honour of the veterans of the Madras Regiment, freedom fighters, martyrs of various wars fought by India and veterans of Armed Forces will be inaugurated by Veena George MLA.
Captain Thomas’ ‘Jai Jawan Memorial’ is a stinking reminder to the successive governments in the state that have not chosen to salute the soldiers who protect our borders. In fact, there’s a bridge named after the Captain in Jammu and Kashmir: A military auditorium at RS Pura in the Samba sector of Jammu bears his name and there’s even a gymnasium dedicated to him in the Nilgiris. “In our state, film personalities, politicians and sportspersons are honoured by the government with roads and bylanes named after them and statues erected in their honour. But, war heroes, veterans and martyrs are often ignored,” rues Thomas.
Prior to the inaugural function on Saturday, a colourful procession will be taken out. Serving Army officers, soldiers and veterans of the Armed Forces will participate in the procession from Erumakkad Kalluvaramb Junction to the memorial site. The procession will be accompanied by NCC, Scouts, Student Police Cadets and schoolchildren. Brigadier P V Sahadevan will hoist the flag to mark the occasion. Memorial committee chairman Captain Thomas Philipose will welcome the gathering while Brigadier Varghese Jacob will preside over the function.