On 26 January 2026, Mrs. Damayanti V. Tambay was invited by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to attend the Republic Day celebration at his residence, representing WWA.

On the occasion of Republic Day, 26 January 2026, WWA organized a drawing and poem-writing competition in which students as well as the children of office staff participated.

On 7 December 2025, Mrs. Damayanti V. Tambay received a Certificate of Recognition from the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, and the Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Rekha Gupta, for her timeless efforts and support for our Armed Forces, and for serving as an inspirational role model in society in the field of social service.

On 10 April 2023, Mrs. Damayanti V. Tambay was invited as the Chief Guest for the NCC Annual Fest 'Nischay 2023' at Miranda House.

The War Widows Association is deeply saddened at the demise of Padma Bhushan Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri. It was with an absolute sense of disbelief that we bid farewell to our Founding Chairperson Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri as she left for heavenly abode on 19th December 2023.

However, her incredible legacy lives on through the institutions she built, the alliances she initiated, the outreach she achieved, the large number of projects and policies that she was personally involved with and above all through her guidance to the War Widows Association. The War Widows Association is deeply indebted to her for her contribution as a friend, a guide and a mentor.

Her thoughts and spirit shall always guide us. We invite you to join us to pay one last tribute to this incredible personality who achieved so very much in her lifetime. Please join us on this very poignant occasion and in celebrating Mohini Giri.

A meeting under the Chairmanship of the Secretary DESW, Mr. B Anand was organized in the conference hall of War Widow Association at Shaheed Bhawan on 30th May 2022 in the morning at 9 am. The team from Ex – Servicemen Welfare was comprised of Dr. Pudi Hari Prasad, Joint Secretary/ESW/MOD followed by Mr. Sarvjit Singh, Deputy Secretary, Mr. Ajay Kumar Aggarwal, DS, DESW, Capt. Satish Kumar, Division (KSB), Mr. Alok Nigam, Under Secretary (PG), MOD, DESW, AVM SK Gagneja, Vice President AFA, Group Captain Kamlesh Singh, DAV, Air Force, Brig Kartar Singh, President, ESL, Col Jagdev Singh Yadav, SM (V) and General Secretary ESL. The members of the War Widow Association who attended the meeting were Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, Chairperson WWA, Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, President WWA, Mrs. Shalini Kathpalia, General Secretary WWA, Mrs. Raj Sharma, Vice President WWA, Mrs. Anjali Karkare, Mrs. Geeta Dod, Vice President WWA, Mrs. Jasjeevan Kaur, Mrs. Mohinder Bakshi, Mrs. Anuradha Deo Phadnis, Cdr. (Retd) R W Pathak, Advisor WWA, Mrs. Meera Khanna, Advisor WWA and Veer Naries of Kargil War.

The focus of the meeting was to discuss anomalies related to pension and other grievances of war widows’ especially in re-marriage cases. Mrs. Anuradha Deo Phadnis, Mrs. Geeta Dod, Mrs. Jasjeevan Kaur and Mrs. Raj Sharma were few of the above mentioned cases. The Veer Naries of Kargil war represented by Mrs. Devyanti Devi had some queries regarding railway Id cards. Mrs. Anjali Karkare had the requirement of an Id card to be issued to avail travel concessions that are permissible for defense people. All the queries and issues raised by the WWA representatives were attended by the members of Ex-Servicemen welfare. The interaction was fruitful and adequate guidance was given for the further actions to be taken in certain cases. Both the teams had a sumptuous lunch together.

Visit by Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi and Mrs. Shekhawat to Group Captain & Mrs. Tiwari and family to pay respect to Late Squadron Leader Shishir Tewari, their son and gratitude to the family 10th August 2022. They also visited Ms. Shikha Jain to pay tribute to late Major Rohit Kumar who was martyred on 21st September 2021 during Operation Rakshak and gratitude to the wife and the parents.

Advocacy to address gaps and challenges of veer pariwars Chaired by Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, Chairperson WWA on 29th & 30th September 2022. The presentation was made by Mrs. Meghna Girish of ‘Major Akshay Girish Memorial Trust’ in collaboration with War Widows Association New Delhi. Families from across the country attended this programme. All the women participants were presented a salwar suit and Rs. 1000/- by WWA. Later all the guests were taken out for the sightseeing by the trust.

President WWA and Veer Parivars of WWA paying tribute to the Flight Lieutenant Sumit Mohanty at the Air Force auditorium at New Delhi on 6th November 2022.

The Veer Naries from the War Widows Association participated in the Rezangla Shourya Divas Samaroh at Rezangla Yudha Smarak, on 18th November 2022. This programme was organized to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Rezangla Battle in the 1962 Indo China war where homage was paid to the soldiers of the Ahir community of Kumaon battalion.

The ladies who represented Veer Naries Sangathan from WWA were General Secretary Mrs Anjali Karkare, Joint Secretary Mrs. Neelam Devi, Vice President Mrs. Devyanti Devi and the Admin Officer Mrs. Prema Kala. At Rezangla they were received by Shri Rao Sanjay Singh and the Secretary of Shourya Samiti Shri Rao Naresh Chauhan.

Many speeches were delivered by various people honouring the soldiers of Rezangla battle. The main theme was Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. The financial help of Rs. 5000/- was given to the daughters of 1962 soldiers of battle of Rezangla by Rezangla Shourya Samiti for their education. Last year during the Rezangla Shourya Divas WWA presented cheques of Rs 10,000/- each to 77 Veer Naries.

A visit to a Veer Nari Mrs. Sarika Gulati and her family by the President WWA Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare and the Administrative officer Mrs. Prema Kala on 23rd December 2022.

Attending ‘7th ARMED FORCES VETERANS DAY’ on 14th January 2023 with a team from WWA in Manekshaw Building New Delhi.

Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay President WWA was invited to join wife Mrs. Radha Sharma, his parents and peers at Faridabad, Haryana where tribute was paid to Lt Col Rishubh Sharma, Aviator and other similar families on 24th January 2023. On that occasion Veer Nari Mrs. Parvesh Ghai was also honoured for the bravery and sacrifice of her husband Lt. Col V P Ghai, MVC.

To mark the occasion of the Martyrs Day on 30th January 2023 a lecture on the topic ‘PLAYING FRIEND NOT GOD: CENTRALITY OF PEOPLE IN ADDRESSING CONFLICT SUSTAINABLY’ was organized at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, India International Centre, Delhi at 11 AM. The keynote speaker for the occasion was Lt Gen Syed Ata Husnain, PVSM, VYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM** (Retd.)

Along with our honourable Chairperson Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, the other prominent guests for the day were Lt Gen Shankar Prasad, PVSM, VSM and Patron, WWA, Lt Gen V. G. Khandare, Patron WWA, Dr. Ramakanth Dwivedi, Advisor WWA, Air Marshal Ananth Raman representing Chief of Air Staff, Captain A K Sharma representing chief of Naval staff, veterans Lt Gen and Mrs. Chaturvedi, Senior Professor JNU Mrs. Nirmala Joshi and all the Veer Naries.

As a mark of respect to all those who laid their lives to safeguard the nation, the programme started with the wreath laying by the Chief Guest Lt Gen & Mrs. Syed Ata Husnain followed by all the other distinguished guests. Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, President WWA welcomed all the guests and briefed about the contribution made by the Chairperson WWA, Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri towards WWA in the past 50 years. Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri talked about the vision and mission of WWA and thanked all Veer Naries to be a part of WWA. Mrs. Anjali Karkare took over the day’s proceedings and invited the Chairperson WWA, President WWA, all the speakers to be seated on the dias. Both the speakers expressed their views on the topic selected for lecture with great enthusiasm and zeal. Mrs. Anjali Karkare, General Secretary WWA gave vote of thanks and invited all to join for the lunch.

Lt. Col Ravinder Randhawa paying tribute to her husband late Major Sukhwinder Jeet Singh Randhawa KC, SM on 27/2/2023 with the President WWA at War Memorial, New Delhi.

Under the flagship of the honourable Chairperson Dr. Mrs. V. Mohini Giri War Widows Association, Guild of Service together with Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smriti celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March 2023 in the Kirti Mandap hall of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti premises at 5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi.

The programme started at 10.30 am with the wreath laying ceremony to pay tribute to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and all brave soldiers who laid down their life for the Nation. Dr. Mrs. V. Mohini Giri welcomed warmly Lt Gen Chaturvedi (Retd), Mrs. Sushma Seth, Mrs. Lalitha Anantharaman, Vice-President AFWWA, Mr. V N Kaila and Mrs. Sunita Kaila, Dr. Sumana Arora, Senior Consultant, Niti Aayog, members of WWA and all other distinguished guests.

The cultural programme started with the prayer ‘Hum ko Man ki Shakti Dena’ sung by the school children from Najaf Garh school. There were Bhajans, the message of the UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres was read out, and prayers from different faiths were rendered. In the end the Gen Secretary of WWA Mrs Anjali Karkare thanked all the performers and conveyed special thanks to Shri Vijay Goel, MP and Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti and staff who contributed to make this event a success. Tea and snacks were served by WWA to all present there.

President WWA Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay paying homage to Lt. Kiran Shekhawat on her 8th Balidaan Divas on 25th March 2023 at Varunika Naval Auditorium at Chanakya Puri, New Delhi. Naik Deepchand fought in Kargil. Later in a blast he lost both his legs and one arm. Yet do not miss the smile on his face. This is a true picture of an Indian Soldier.

The premises of War Widow Association in Shaheed Bhawan was beautifully decorated with flowers and colourful rangoli on 7th April 2023 for the inauguration of Homeopathy clinic. The main Guests were the Chairperson, WWA, Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, WWA advisor Gen V G Khandare and Mrs. Meera Khanna, Gen R K Raina, Group Captain Tewari, Veer Naries and many members of the Guild for Service.

The General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare welcomed all the honourable guests. The Homeopathic clinic was inaugurated by Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri together with Gen Khandare at 11.30 A.M. At the onset a prayer was sung by the children who used to attend the English classes in WWA. Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri addressed the audience and thanked them to be a part of the initiative taken by War Widow Association to provide free Homeopathic treatment to all the Veer Naries and their dependants. She announced that the Homeopathic treatment is also free for underprivileged class of the society. Gen V G Khandare in his speech appreciated the noble work and efforts done by WWA for humanity. The President WWA Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay threw light on the vision of WWA about the purpose of opening this Homeopathic clinic. Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi talked regarding the advantages of Homeopathic medicines and the timings of the clinic in WWA i.e. every Friday from 11 am to 1.00 pm (now open Monday to Friday 11 am to 1.00 pm). In the end the General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare gave vote of thanks and requested all to join for tea and refreshments.

On 21st April 2023 a Yoga session was held in the inner hall of WWA premises at 11 A.M. It was attended by the President WWA, Mrs. Damayanti V.Tambay, General Secretary WWA, Mrs. Anjali Karkare, Treasurer Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi, Administrative officer WWA, Mrs. Prema Kala, Mrs. Pammi Bhardwaj and Mrs. Kamlesh Jain member of WWA.

Mr. Ajay Kumar Shastri well known Yoga expert from JNU made everyone do yoga under his supervision and guidance. Everyone brought their personal yoga mats and enthusiastically performed yoga for one hour and 45 minutes. He gave a live demonstration and involved all of the staff members and those present to do various mudras and asanas. He also answered queries regarding common problems like pain in the back, neck pain, arthritis, and gave remedies for weak bones and the importance of organic seeds like Flax seeds. The Session ended with a total relaxation mode with Shavasana. After the session tea and biscuits were served and a small token of gratitude was given to Mr. Ajay Kumar Shastri.

Mr. Giridhar Gopal Gulati, Chairman and Managing Director of the United Group of Institutions honoured the Veer Naries on the occasion of their Founder’s Day celebration in the college auditorium at the Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida. The chief guest Maj Gen Prem Gulati, a highly decorated Army veteran spoke about his experiences in the Army and the role of students in nation building.

From the team of WWA the function was attended by Mrs. Damayanti Tambay, President WWA, Mrs. Devayanti Devi, Vice President WWA, Mrs. Anjali Karkare, General Secretary WWA, Mrs. Neelam Devi, Joint Secretary, Mrs. Poonam Katoch, Administrative officer WWA, and other members. The Veer Naries were honoured on the stage by the host and the chief guest by way of a shawl, plaque and a cheque of Rs. 15000 each. After the felicitation there was a nice spread of lunch. It was certainly a well-organized and grand function.

The senior officials from CGDA Head Quarters were invited by Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, President WWA on Wednesday, 17th May 2023 in the premises of WWA, Shaheed Bhawan, New Delhi at 2 pm to share their expertise and have one to one interaction with the representatives from the War Widow Association. Dr. Bhartendu Singh, Joint Controller CGDA deputed the three senior officials Mr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, SAO, Mr. Santosh Panjiyar, AAO and Mr. R S Mishra, AO to conduct this meeting.

All the participants were requested to bring their original papers such as PPO, bank account book etc. The team from CGDA was well versed with all the procedures followed at CGDA for disbursal of pension etc. They updated all the participants about the likely problem areas regarding pension, arrears, gave clarity on how to calculate the actual pension as on date. The CGDA team very efficiently answered all their queries and could resolve all the pension related issues of war widows individually. On the request of Mrs. Anjali Karkare, they provided an insight on OROP and SPARSH too. Mr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Accounts Officer gave the Demo about opening and handling the SPARSH portal. On behalf of all the members of WWA President Mrs. Damayanti V. Tambay expressed her gratitude. The whole event was well organized by the administrative staff of WWA and went off smoothly.

To keep up the spirit of yoga and to celebrate the International Yoga Day a yoga session was organized in the premises of War Widow Association, Shaheed Bhawan with Mr. Ajay Kumar Shastri, a renowned yoga teacher from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

The Veer Naries along with the staff of WWA was invited to participate. The two hours yoga session started at 11.00 am. The President WWA Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare, Administrative officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch and all the office staff participated. Mr. Shastri himself demonstrated all the asanas and made everyone do the same, explaining their benefits. Overall it was a beneficial and fruitful session. Everyone enjoyed and actively participated wholeheartedly.

The Guild for Service under the guidance of Dr. Mrs. V. Mohini Giri organized and celebrated ‘The International Widows Day’ on 23rd June 2023 at 11.30 am at Maa Dham, Chattikara road, Vrindavan. The Veer Naries and staff of War Widow Association were cordially invited by the Chairperson Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri. The six member team comprising General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare, Vice President Mrs. Devyanti Devi, Treasurer Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi, Administrative Officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch, members Mrs. Ganga Devi and Mrs. Bimla Devi attended the celebrations.

On this special day the chief Mahanta of the Pashupati Nath Temple in Nepal was the Chief Guest along with many other distinguished guests. The programme started with Mrs. Rama Vaidyanatha’s Bharatnatayam dance performance followed by Bhajans with live music. The Chief Mahanta honoured Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, Veer Naries and all the residents of Maa Dham by presenting them a shawl. The community meal was served after the function was over.

The officials from the Directorate of Ex-Servicemen I HQ MOD (Navy) CMDE Alok Ananda, YSM, CMDE (ESM Affairs) and CDR Saikat Mondal, CDR (ESM Affairs) made a courtesy visit to the War Widow Association at Shaheed Bhawan at 3 pm on 11th July 2023 to discuss varied issues concerning war widows and how to resolve the problems faced by them at different levels. They shared the vision of their organization and had a fruitful discussion with Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, President WWA, Mrs. Raj Sharma, Vice-President WWA and Mrs. Poonam Katoch, Administrative Officer WWA representing War Widows Association.

Many important and grave issues related to the emotional and financial sufferings of Veer Naries were pointed out. The Vice-President WWA, Mrs. Raj Sharma very aptly said that War Widow Association is a ‘RAY OF HOPE’ for all Veer Naries who can use our services. We are hopeful that the views and experiences shared in this open forum will certainly help in the well being of war widows of all the three armed forces.

The team of the War Widows Association headed by the Chairperson WWA Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri visited the Veer Naris at Vijay Veer Aavas, Kargil Apartments at Dwarka, New Delhi on the day of Kargil Divas on 26th July 2023 in the morning. In the community hall the Veer Naris placed the picture of their husband and put a garland of marigold flowers around it on the stage. After that a havan was done. The President WWA Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay and the Administrative Officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch also attended the Havan ceremony. The team from WWA took three boxes of sweets to distribute as Prasad after the havan ceremony. After the Havan, everyone present there moved to the ground for the flag hoisting ceremony. The Chairperson WWA Dr. Mrs. Giri hoisted the tricolor and everyone sang the National Anthem. Team WWA interacted and spent time with all the veer naris and their families.

On 29th July 2023 a formal farewell party was organized for Mrs. Prema Kala who served in the War Widow Association for more than two decades as the Administrative officer. All the members of WWA and advisors were invited for the farewell party. The farewell was attended by the Chairperson Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, President Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, Senior Vice-President Mrs. Raj Sharma, Vice-President Mrs. Devyanti Devi, Advisor Mrs. Meera Khanna, Patron Lt. Gen V G Khandare, General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare, Joint Secretary Mrs. Nilam Singh, Treasurer Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi, Administrative officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch and many members. The General Secretary WWA Mrs Anjali Karkare welcomed Mrs. Prema Kala and all the members. All the members gave their formal introduction and talked about their experience of working with Mrs. Prema Kala. Mrs. Prema Kala was presented a token of gratitude by the Chairperson Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri. Mrs. Prema Kala cut the cake with the Chairperson. Everyone wanted to capture this emotional moment. All attendees were requested to move for lunch later.

Mrs. Anjali Karkare, General Secretary of the War Widow Association and a Veer Nari too was invited to the Annual Day Celebration of the Mayoor School at Noida on 14th August 2023. On that day a movie was also screened in the auditorium of the school for the senior students based on the book “THE SAGA OF A BRAVEHEART” by Mrs. Shakuntala Ajit Bhandarkar on the life of her husband late Lt Col Ajit V Bhandarkar. A Veer Mata Mrs. Pammi Bhardwaj was also invited by the school. The Principal of Mayoor School Mrs. Avasthy received and greeted very warmly all the guests. The aim of screening the movie on the life of courageous officer Lt Col Ajit V Bhandarkar was to motivate the young minds to serve the motherland and choose Army as their career. The entire event was a success.

Mrs. Shakuntala Ajit Bhandarkar wife of the brave heart Lt. Col Ajit V Bhandarkar decorated with Shaurya Chakra visited the office of War Widow Association on 18th August 2023. Mrs. Bhandarkar is a Veer Nari and a member of WWA presently stays in Bengaluru. She interacted informally with the President WWA Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, General Secretary WWA Mrs. Anjali Karkare and the Administrative Officer WWA Mrs. Poonam Katoch and discussed various issues related to Veer Naris. She was invited by the Mayoor School to screen the documentary that she made on her husband’s life. Mrs. Tambay presented a token of gratitude to her.

A group of 12 Veer Naries of various wars and conflicts were given the privilege to meet Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble President of India on 12th September 2023 at 4.30 pm. The meeting was arranged by the kind offices of Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, the Chairperson of WWA and assisted by Mrs Damayanti V Tambay, the President of WWA. After exchange of greetings Mrs Droupadi Murmu welcomed all the Veer Naries and we introduced ourselves one by one. Madame President greatly appreciated the sacrifice made by the brave hearts and the hardships their widows had experienced. There was a suggestion submitted by the President of WWA Mrs. Tambay that those who laid down their lives in the defence of the nation should be awarded a ‘Padak’ to be handed over to the NOK. Dr. Mrs. Mohini V Giri the Chairperson of WWA invited the Hon’ble President of India to honour one of our yearly programmes with her gracious presence. We all came out extremely happy after this meeting.

The first series of the FULL CIRCLE CLINIC WORKSHOP was organized on 29th of September 2023 at 11.30 am. The topic of this workshop was ‘TALKING TO KANI’. This workshop was the brain child of the treasurer WWA and the Homeopathic doctor Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi. The purpose was to encourage the participants to share and give vent to deep rooted feelings and to feel better mentally. This forum gave the privilege to meet and hear the remarkable Veer Naris / Veer Matas / Veer Pitas and Veer Parents who have always displayed immense strength and resilience in the face of adversity. After listening to all the speakers we all realized that in the face of adversity, it is the human connections, love, and acts of kindness that hold the greatest value. After the event the Chairperson Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri gave a small gift to all the participants as a token of gratitude. It was followed by refreshments.

On Tuesday, 10th October 2023 a Medical Camp was organized in the premises of the War Widows Association under the supervision of Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi. The General Secretary WWA, Mrs. Anjali Karkare welcomed the Chairperson and all the guests and the Administrative officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch briefed the participants about the procedure of the Bone Density test. Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi talked in details about the symptoms, cure, causes and effect of poor bone density and how one can improve and maintain a proper bone structure. Many Veer Naris from the Vijay Veer Awas, Dwarka, the full Staff of Guild of Service and GHSEE Pvt Ltd attended the medical Camp and got their test done. There were almost 65 people who keenly participated and were benefitted. All their queries were well attended and answered by Dr. Tripathi. All the participants found this test very useful and requested the Chairperson to conduct more such camps.

On 10th of January the Guild for Service and the War Widows Association together organized a function ‘Celebrating Mohini Giri – A full filled Life in the service of the under privileged’ to pay homage to Late Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri, the Founder Chairperson of both these organizations. The programme included Interfaith Peace Prayer, tribute by Meera Khanna, reading out of messages from President, Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Dr. Sonia Gandhi and others, Bhajan by Kumud Diwan, tribute by Damayanti V Tambay President War Widows Association, film on life and times of Mohini Giri, and tributes from family members and friends including Mr. Girish Giri, Mrs. Saraswati Giri, Member Secretary NCW, Dr. Syeda Hameed, and many dignitaries from AIDWA, CWDS, Mahila Dakshita Samiti and National Federation of Indian Women.

The 5th Martyrs’ Memorial lecture was organized by WWA on 3rd February in the auditorium of United Service Institution of India at Shankar Vihar, New Delhi. This was the first programme organized after the death of the founder Chairperson of WWA Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri. The Chief Guest for the day Air Marshal Dr Padma Bandopadhya Padma Shri, (Retd) PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Lt Gen Shankar Prasad (Retd) PVSM, VSM and Lt Gen V G Khandare (Retd) PVSM, AVSM, SM laid wreaths along with the President, Vice–President and the General Secretary WWA. The topic of this lecture was “THE INDUCTION OF WOMEN COMBATANTS INTO THE ARMED FORCES: OUTCOME AND CHALLENGES”. Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay gave a much-focused speech on ins & outs of women combatant officers. We all remembered Dr. Mrs. V Mohini Giri fondly and missed her a lot throughout the function. In the end a shawl was presented to the Chief Guest and angavastra to the Patrons. The congregation was invited for lunch and disbursed.

Mrs. Sarika Gulati, a Veer Nari paid tribute to her brave husband Lt Col Rajesh Gulati, SM of 220 Regiment of Army Aviation Corps on his Martyrdom Day. He was martyred on 11th February 2024 during Operation Rakshak in Manasbal, Bandipura District, Srinagar (J & K). A formal Wreath laying ceremony was conducted by his wife, son, the officers and the ladies of his unit at the National War Memorial located at India Gate, New Delhi. The WWA President Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, Admin Officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch, Mrs. Shikha Jain, Veer Nari, Veer Mata Mrs. Pammi Bhardwaj and Veer Pita Mr. Shekhawat also paid tribute to him on that day.

On 27th February 2024 a formal wreath laying ceremony was conducted at the National War Memorial located at India Gate, New Delhi. WWA representative from Maharashtra and a Veer Nari Mrs. Neela Deo Phadnis paid tribute to her brave husband Major S M Deo, SM who was martyred in 1965 war. President WWA, Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, General Secretary WWA, Mrs. Anjali Karkare, Administrative Officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch and Veer Mata Mrs. Pammi Bhardwaj also paid tribute to the warrior of 1965 war Shaheed Major S M Deo who laid his life while saving our motherland.

A Bhajan Sandhya was jointly organized by the War Widows Association, Guild for Service and Gandhi Smriti on 1.3.2024 at 3.30 pm onwards at Kirti Mandapam Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti located at Tees January Marg, New Delhi to celebrate ‘THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO DISCRIMINATION AND THE WEEK OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY’. All Veer Naris were invited to participate. Mrs. Gursharan Kaur, wife of the former Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh was the chief guest for the day. Mrs. Sushma Seth, Mr. Vijay Goel, and Mrs. Sayeeda Hameed were amongst the other distinguished guests. The programme started with welcome speech by WWA President Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay followed by interfaith peace prayer by children from Delhi. Mrs. Sudha Raghuraman acclaimed vocalist and composer presented bhajans from different parts of India which were enjoyed by the audience. Tea and samosas were served to all guests after the programme. It was a well enjoyed programme.

On 20th March 2024 Mrs. Archana Pande, President AWWA visited the War Widows Association at Shaheed Bhawan along with her staff officer Lt. Col. Gayatri Sharma and the private secretary Mrs. Poonappa at 12.30 pm. She was received by the President WWA Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare and the Administrative officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch. Mrs. Pande first visited the Homeopathy clinic and met the Homeopathy doctor Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi and the veer naris from Kargil Avas Dwarka who were the patients. She also visited the play school area and the room with sewing machines on the ground floor. After that Mrs. Archana Pande was brought to the first floor to the main office where she and her team was honoured by the President WWA and were presented bouquet and Angavastra. This was followed by a very fruitful interaction between the AAWA Chairperson and WWA team. Lot many creative activities, job opportunities and beneficial projects useful for Veer Naris were discussed. Tea and snacks were served later. In the end the guests gracefully departed after bidding WWA goodbye and assuring more such visits.

In WWA at Shaheed Bhawan an event ‘MEET AND GREET’ was organized on 5th April 2024. The third workshop of the ‘FULL CIRCLE CLINIC’ on ‘MENTAL WELL BEING’ was conducted by the treasurer and Homeopathy doctor of WWA Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi for the Veer Naris. Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, President WWA, Vice-Presidents Mrs. Raj Sharma and Mrs. Devyanti Devi, General Secretary Mrs. Anjali Karkare, Veteran member of WWA Mrs. Usha Singh, Administrative officer Mrs. Poonam Katoch, many Veer Naris from Vijay Veer Awas, Dwarka, New Delhi and some Veer Naris from Bengaluru who were touring New Delhi also participated enthusiastically. Dr. Mrs. Shubha Tripathi talked in details about Diaphragmatic Breathing, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine hormones, Glutamate & Acetylcholine and conducted creative activities and yogic breathing exercises. The prizes were distributed to the winners of the group activities. All the participants were presented a memento each. Community lunch in the end.

A small contingent of Veer Naris with their children and children of the Martyrs came on a tour to Delhi for three days i.e. 5th, 6th and 7th of April 2024. Their purpose of visiting Delhi was to pay tribute to their Shaheed husband or father at the War Memorial in New Delhi and spend time at the War Widows Association at Shaheed Bhawan. Prominent among those who visited were Smt. Sangeeta W/o Late Hav. Kashiraj Bammanalli, Smt. Pooja W/o Late LNK Parashrama Khaytannavar, Smt. Sharada Lingadalli W/o late Sepoy Basavantray Lingadalli with her daughter Sanjana and Ms. Vanita Gadaily D/o Sepoy A. Muniyappam along with her daughter Shishti. They also visited ISKCON Temple, Qutub Minar etc. in Delhi with the members of WWA. Fortunately on 5th April 2024 they could also participate in the ‘MEET AND GREET’ and the Full Circle Clinic workshop on Mental Well Being. As a souvenir they were presented a suit material along with an apron, bag and napkins made at WWA by Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay, President WWA. In the end they were served snacks and tea with all the participants of the event.

The Guild under the guidance of the late Dr V Mohini Giri has been one of the pioneering organizations working on the issue of widows and widowhood. The Guild was privileged to conduct a survey in five states with the support of the NHRC on the human rights of widows and brought out the study “Abandoned Widows: Voiced yet voiceless; visible yet invisible.” To mark the occasion of the International Widows Day the Guild for Service released the survey into the public domain so that the narrative for the empowerment of this marginalised segment is catalysed. The Special Guests of Honour on this occasion were Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Hon’ble member, National Human Rights Commission and Dr. Rashmi Singh (IAS) Principal Resident Commissioner, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. From the War Widows Association the President, Mrs. Damayanti V Tambay participated in the conference on "Abandoned Widows: Voiced yet voiceless; Visible yet Invisible" conducted by Guild of Service at India International Centre, at Max Muller Marg, New Delhi on 22nd June 2024.