Not only country, they silently serve native Ambur too

In an age when most of those involved in social service seek recognition, the jawans prefer to keep a low profile. Their latest initiative was renovating a dilapidated bus shelter at Chinnavarigam village near Ambur at a cost of Rs 18,000, the funds for which was raised from their own salaries. “We do not seek donations from anybody, nor do we accept such offers. We plan to help our fellow men with money from our salaries,” said one of the personnel who is part of the group, Ambur Jawans, refusing to reveal his name.

Asked how they maintained accounts, the member said: “Presently I look after accounts. Before the 5th of every month, all the 50 members put in their share from their salaries to my account. When I return to duty, I will hand over the proceeds to another member who will continue the same.”

Stating that they have undertaken 36 such works in four months, the member said, “We started out by giving groceries worth Rs 1,000 to those affected by the lockdown. The bus stop renovation is the 37th work.”

The jawans also invited a former serviceman – who himself had donated money for the cause – to inaugurate the shelter in the absence of the local VAO, revenue inspector and tahsildar who did not turn up.

Asked what they planned to do next, the member said the group has received request from a woman in Ambur Kaspa area seeking help to provide a roof for her house. “We will inspect it and do the needful.”