Gallantry awards

Sir, - The article ``Meddling with gallantry awards'' by Major- General (retd.) D'Souza (The Hindu, Jan 2) is very candid and forthright. It should open the eyes of the Defence Ministry to bring about a ``foolproof'' system by which there is no miscarriage in conferring gallantry awards and the deserving soldier is honoured and the kin of the valorous soldier is well compensated.

Mr. D'Souza does not hesitate to point out how well the Victoria Cross recipients are respected and cared for in Britain and its dominions even today although World War II ended 55 years ago. In summarising the article as a prelude, it is aptly stated that ``our young men in the Armed Forces irrespective of their ranks are motivated by the highest ideals of nationalism and patriotism. To them it is immaterial whether their deeds cause incalculable grief to their loved ones or leave their children orphaned behind.''

As an ex-Airman it was this motto in my heart that made me plunge into a rebellion against the mighty British from Feb. 18, 1946 to Feb. 23, 1946 (nomenclatured as RIN Mutiny) and the revolt left many a soldier and their kin orphaned and many widows to fend for themselves, and the rulers of post-independent India have left them unnoticed.

As an ex-soldier and freedom fighter, I feel that in the interest of the country and its defence, the government heeds the advice and acts - better late than never.

P.R.K. Chari,

Chennai

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