Disabled war veterans to run Mumbai Marathon to raise awareness

Sixteen war veterans, soldiers disabled while serving their country at the borders, will be participating in the Mumbai Marathon on Sunday for the eighth straight year. The 16 veterans include four officers, two junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and 10 jawans. All of them have suffered severe injuries. On Sunday, they will all be running in the 'dream run' category under the banner of the 'war wounded foundation', an NGO set up to take care of disabled soldiers from the Indian armed forces.

The warriors will sport red and white t-shirts, and will be led from the front by 79-year-old Lt General Vijay Oberoi and former vice chief of army staff, 82-year-old Major General Ian Cardozo. Oberoi, who as a young captain, lost his right leg in the 1965 war with Pakistan, said, "Despite severe difficulties, we are participating in the marathon. The main purpose of this is to spread the message that physical limitations do not stop a soldier from being useful to society, and they strive to succeed even despite these challenges."

"There are 10,000 war-disabled armymen in India. Through our NGO, we are taking jobs to their villages, developing their skills and constructing disabled-friendly latrines," he said.

Lt Gen. Oberoi especially praised the spirit, warmth and enthusiasm of Mumbaikars during the marathon, saying it boosts their morale and motivates them to return every year for the event.