Bikers ride for Army veterans' cause

Gurgaon: As many as 160 bikers from different Delhi-NCR-based biking groups came together to ride with Army veterans on Republic Day. The young men joined the Army veterans in their fight against what they call the many injustices done to them.
The bike rally started near Ambience mall at 7.30 am and proceeded through NH-8, stopping at the Biker Café on Golf Course Road.Around 20 different biker groups and communities, including Bikers For Good, The Victorians, Ironmen and Riding Bulls Of Delhi, took part in the rally.
Marking the initiative, the bikers launched a calendar which had various themes showcasing issues such as OROP (one rank one pension), justice for disabled soldiers, and uplift of war widows. Colonel Manoj Keshwar (retired), one of the organisers, said he felt with time, pride in associating with the armed forces is fading among the general masses, and hence it has become important to revive it in society.
"It is unfortunate people who give up creature comforts and go to remote areas to defend the nation, have to ask for things as basic as a bulletproof jacket or boots. This shows the armed forces are not a priority for either the government or the public," said Keshwar. He added that through this initiative, they hope to create awareness on issues like pension for war widows, which is still as low as Rs 2,000-3,000 per month.
Veterans who took part in the event were ecstatic to see young blood coming forward to support their cause. Colonel Anil Kaul (retired), a Vir Chakra awardee, said it was great to see such voluntary initiatives from society. "Through this bike ride, the participants have become part of our struggle. I hope through their involvement the word on our issues will travel faster," said Kaul. He added that the young people have brought vitality to an otherwise 'old group of officers' cause.