FOR WAR VETERANS
   Date :16-Jan-2020

Time and Tide_1 &nbs
 
 
THE Indian Army’s proposal to the Government to institute special pension for veterans of the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan will be welcomed by all. This shows how the Armed forces take care of their veterans after their retirement. The veterans of those crucial wars especially deserve to be so rewarded as they were either emergency recruits or had been given short service commission. Hence they could not avail pensionary benefits as are applicable to the regulars. If the Government accepts the Army’s proposal that would be an apt recognition of the exemplary services those men had rendered in the service of the motherland. Though much delay has already caused in recognising the sacrifices of those brave sons it would be in the fitness of things to correct the anomaly even now. Such a recognition would elate the families of the veterans who have already passed away and for those alive it will be a gift worth cherishing for the rest of their lives as more than financial help it would be a reminder of their valour and expression of nation’s gratitude.
 
RUDE JOLT
 
THIS is an important year for Indian cricket with a slew of marquee events lined up for higher glory. The upcoming New Zealand tour, Twenty20 World Cup, and at the fag end of 2020 is the most-awaited tour to Australia. Keeping the busy calendar in context the rude jolt inflicted by Australia in the first One-Dayer at Mumbai on Tuesday serves really well for India to reassess their plans and strategies. Australia simply steamrolled the Men in Blue with a ten-wicket drubbing that came contrary to expectations after the superlative show against visiting West Indies and Sri Lanka teams over the last few weeks. Then again, this underlines the difference between good teams and top teams. In Australia, India have met more than a match. With a full-strength opposition, India have no option than to switch gears and take out the ‘A’ game. That entails unconditional acknowledgement of Australia’s quality and a quick change in mindset. India have the ability to bounce back. This is the real test for champions.