Nagpur retiree foregoes world tour dream, donates Rs 25.51 lakh to Army Welfare Fund
Nagpur, June 14
In a remarkable gesture of patriotism and social responsibility, retired bank employee Shreekant Sahasrabuddhe donated Rs 25.51 lakh from his lifetime savings to the Army Central Welfare Fund, which supports serving soldiers, war widows, disabled veterans and the families of martyrs.
The donation was formally handed over on Thursday when Sahasrabuddhe presented a cheque of Rs 25.51 lakh to Major General Navtej S Sohal, General Officer Commanding of the Uttar Maharashtra and Gujarat Sub Area, in Nagpur.
According to defence officials, the Army Central Welfare Fund plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and welfare support to serving personnel, disabled soldiers, war widows, and the families of those who have made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
Sahasrabuddhe, a septuagenarian retired bank employee, had originally saved the money with the dream of travelling the world after retirement along with his wife. However, his wife passed away six months before his retirement, bringing an end to those plans.
With their children now settled, the family decided that the savings could be better utilised for a cause that benefits the families of soldiers who serve the nation.
Speaking about his decision, Sahasrabuddhe said, 'My wife and I were both employed at the Punjab National Bank. We had decided that after retirement, we would use one provident fund for travelling and keep the other for our children. Therefore, both funds remained intact until that point. That very night, the thought struck me that I should donate the money meant for my unfulfilled dream to the military. I knew these funds would be used for the welfare of the families--specifically the children and widows--of soldiers who lose their lives at the borders. I realised I would derive far more joy from this than I ever would have from travelling with my wife...I cannot hold back my tears. I am overwhelmed with such joy--it is hard to put into words. As I said, this brings me far more happiness than travelling with my wife ever could have. Wherever she is watching from, she must be happy today."
Defence officials praised the contribution, describing it as an inspiring example of selfless service and commitment to the welfare of the armed forces community. Sahasrabuddhe's act of generosity has been widely appreciated as a model of civic responsibility and gratitude towards the men and women serving the nation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Truly touching. It's not just about the money—it's about the mindset. He could have easily spent it on himself or given it to his children, but he chose the families of soldiers who serve in harsh conditions. His wife must be smiling down from heaven. 😢
The fact that he mentioned "wherever she is watching, she must be happy" breaks my heart. This is the kind of love that goes beyond lifetimes. While we complain about traffic and inflation, this man quietly gave his life savings. Hope the Army uses this well for their families. 🙏
Salute to his spirit! But honestly, it makes me think—why does it take a personal tragedy for people to realize they can make a difference? We should have more systemic ways to support the armed forces. Still, this is an incredible act of selflessness. Much respect.
Incredible. It reminds me of those stories where ordinary people do extraordinary things. His words about being "overwhelmed with joy" show that true happiness comes from giving, not hoarding. Hope this inspires other retirees with similar savings to think about such causes. 🇮🇳
There is something deeply spiritual about this decision. In our culture, we often talk about 'seva' but seeing it in practice is humbling. His act is a reminder that true wealth is not in what you accumulate, but in what you let go of for others. May his story be a lesson for us all.
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