Air Force Wireless Operator turned ‘Baba’ on discharge

In 1986 still waiting for release of his gratuity and provident fund dues

By Harish K. MongaFEROZEPUR:Barkat Ram now called as “Baba” in saffron dress,discharged from Air Force as Wireless Operator,has once again to prove himself that he is alive, to get his gratuity and GP Fund dues and is moving from pillar to post, since 1986. He is now 71 years old, still hopeful to get all his benefits on discharge very soon.He is simply 9th class passed but was given the training of wireless operator and sign in English.Because of his Navy/Air Force background he is well manner and gives a salute to all who interact with him.

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On asking him, as to why he became a “Baba”, he replied with a smile on his face, “I like simplicity and it is only in simple living and high thinking by keeping yourself away from the materialistic world.”

He is seen mostly at three places– City railway station,Baba Khetarpal Mandir and Sher Shah Wali Mazar in saffron dress.He was seen writing something on the notebook and on asking he revealed that he writes the “Friday Mantra” and one day during my routine morning walk,he disclosed that he is retiree from Air Force as Wireless Operator,created curiosity to know more about him. On the next day, he brought all his discharge book and disclosed that he has served in Indian Navy from 1960 to 1970 and from 1970 onwards he served in Air Force as Wireless Operator.

In 1971,in a group of seventy people, he was sent to Bangla Desh as a member of Mukti Bahni Sena and all were declared as dead.On coming back to India as alive,all moved to the Army Court as his documents have been crossed, which means declared as dead. However, on winning the case in his favour and after serving for 15 years,he was discharged on pension of Rs.300 per month,on 28 Feb,1985, which now has gone upto Rs.6000 per month.With a very heavy heart, he said, “Despite sacrificing for the cause of India during Bangladesh War and serving the Air Force, his gratuity and provident fund has not been released so far.He is again being questions by the Defence Pensioners Disbursing Officer (DPDO) about his survival,when once he was declared as dead.

Barkat Ram was happy to put a finger on the discharge book where there is a mention of medals, decoration and he has been awarded four medals– Sangram Medal,Poorvi Star, 25th Ind Ann Medal and 9 year Long Service Medal – which he is still to get, when he is in the evening of his life.

In the character and general behavior, he has given the remarks of “Exemplary Exceptional” by J.R.Mekerow, Wg.Cdr Commandant.I too tried to verify from the identification marks mentioned in the discharge book and were found to be correct that he is Barkat Ram.

Barkat Ram, soft spoken, is clear hearted when he disclosed that he is unmarried whereas in the charge service record, he got registered the name of brother’s wife Vimla Devi, as his wife with four sons and one daughter.On seeing his photo on the discharge book and in the present physical structure of keeping a beard, wearing saffron clothes and a small bag in his hand, none could believe that Barkat Ram had served in the Navy/Air Force.He was once caught at Suratgarh and was released on verification of his antecedents and now he keeps the Voter I.Card with him.

During the deliberations, Barkat Ram said, “His only grudge with the government is that when he has been allowed the on pension on discharge and he is physically available, what more proof is required to prove his identity to get the service benefits.”Capt Vijay Kumar from Bombay, is pursuing the case of those persons who were once declared as dead case with the Army Court and the next date is fixed 14 Aug 2012 at Fazilka in DPDO office. Bad luck for him, he is not having the contact number of any of his associate as despite desiring, I could not help him.

The Army authorities should take this as a test case as it is quite a long period of 26 years, when Barkat Ram was discharged on pension, for the release of his gratuity and provident fund dues, to live the rest of his life more comfortably and help the children of his elder brother, to whom he declared as his children.

Let us see, which way the wind blows after his last date of hearing in the Army Court.