Gambhir’s Plea for Army Veteran Gets Prompt Defence Min Action

The recently-retired cricketer spotted the ex-serviceman at New Delhi’s Connaught Place on Saturday, 2 February.

2011 World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir spotted ex-serviceman Mr Peethabaran at New Delhi’s Connaught Place on 2 February.

(Photo: PTI & Gautam Gambhir/Altered by The Quint)

Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir’s plea seeking help for an Indian Army veteran has received an immediate response from the Defence Ministry, which has assured swift action.

The 2011 World Cup winner posted a picture on Twitter on Saturday, 2 February, which showed a man claiming to be an ex-serviceman who wasn’t receiving any support from the Army due to “technical reasons”.

He’s Mr Peethabaran, who served in the Indian Army in 1965 &1971 wars which can be verified by his ID. He claims due to technical reasons he can’t get support from the Army,” Gambhir tweeted after spotting the man in New Delhi’s Connaught Place.

Gambhir’s call to the Ministry of Defence didn’t go unnoticed, and the defence spokesperson’s handle issued a prompt reply.

“We appreciate the concern raised by you and assure that the response will be quick and complete. @adgpi

<a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD">Defence Spokesperson</a> via Twitter

The action was immediate, as Gambhir confirmed with another tweet later on Saturday. While thanking the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army, the 37-year-old ex-cricketer pointed out the steps being taken to aid Mr Peethabaran – which include a hip replacement surgery, and a monthly grant from the Rajya Sainik Board.