Obviously, words cannot describe enough the work and sacrifices that our soldiers do, and the hardships they face. But, are they mere protectors of our country? Not really! They are certainly much more than that. They are the nation’s breath, without which the nation wouldn’t thrive, and without which, we as human beings, wouldn’t survive! As the citizens of this country, we will always remain indebted to the soldiers of our country.
But, as a matter of fact, do we really ever think of giving back something to our soldiers? Do we really respect and honor our soldiers? Have we really ever thought of visiting a shahid soldier’s house, embracing his children, lending our support to his family, and contribute our bit to their happiness? Unfortunately, not many of us think this way, but fortunately, some of us do, and the name for this thought is ‘SIRF’.
Surprisingly, ‘SIRF’ is an initiative led by common people like us, however, with an uncommon vision, and with a simple, straight, but significant objective and that is to acknowledge, appreciate, respect ,honor and support the soldiers of our country and their families.
Mrs. Sumedha Chithade, has been following the ideologies of the greats like Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Swatantravir Sawarkar, and Amte pariwar, and these ideals have always lingered in her mind since childhood. Queen Mary Technical Institute incident and the encouragement provided by Shri. Yogesh Chithade, to go beyond books and contribute a change to society, ignited a deep hidden passion to help the soldiers and their families, as well as increase their awareness of statutory requirements. She continues to be an active contributor towards soldier's welfare. Her passion, devotion, and urge to help soldiers get their due respect and courtesy made her sell her own bangles, and raise funds for the welfare of our soldiers! She truly serves as an inspiration for all those who wish to offer selfless service!
As an Ex-air force By An ex-serviceman from the Indian Air Force, Shri. Yogesh Chithade has himself experienced the life of a soldier and therefore empathizes with the hardships they go through and the challenges they come across under adverse conditions. Shri. Yogesh Chithade always thought of initiating changes through actions and not just through reading books or teaching. He doesn’t deny the importance of education, but believes more in being a helping hand, rather than being praying lips. He has been instrumental in inspiring Mrs. Sumedha Chithade to pursue her passion and in gathering resources as well as spreading awareness about soldiers and their life amongst people of all the age groups, especially school children.
Soldiers Independent Rehabilitation Foundation, better known as ‘SIRF’ is one of those exceptional initiatives that not only lends a helping hand and kind support to the families of shahid soldiers, families of martyred and disabled soldiers, but also felicitates the families of the martyred and disabled soldiers by organising felicitation ceremonies to ensure that the bravery and courage of the real heros of our country reaches the common masses and inspires the youth of our country to join the Armed Forces and be a soldier.
Officially incepted in the year 2017, and led by two visionaries, Shri. Yogesh Chithade(Ex.IAF) and Mrs. Sumedha Chithade(Teacher by profession) proud parents of army officer. ‘SIRF’ has its roots laid way back in the year 1999 when the latter visited & & attended a small ceremony at Queen Mary Technical Institute (Kirkee,pune) (working towards the welfare of the disabled soldiers) along with a couple of her students on the auspicious occasion of Rakshabandhan. Despite their war injuries and disabilities, the pride, patriotism and happiness in them and their selfless and generous gesture to gift every girl that tied a rakhi to them, inspired Mr & Mrs Chithade to pursue their passion to serve the soldiers of our nation in their own unique way.
Soldiers Independent Rehabilitation Foundation (‘SIRF’) includes the word independent, and therefore it doesn’t necessarily intend to offer only financial help to the soldier families, but helping them stand and prosper in life on their own. ‘SIRF’ intends to help such families and soldiers with finances, the access to employment opportunities, building capabilities through training and development, eternally offer moral support, and whenever we are together with shahid soldier’s families, it is a auspicious day for us.
Besides, another significant objective towards which ‘SIRF’ works tirelessly is that of spreading awareness about the life of soldiers, the life of their families back home, the sacrifices that both at their levels do, to develop respect for our own soldiers, and to inspire students to opt armed forces as a career option.
SIRF believes and work with Philosophy ‘Service Before Self’ for nation building.
Besides serving the common cause of soldier's independent rehabilitation, the couple has one thing in common and that is their idols. ‘SIRF’ is connected with spirituality and the happiness of pure giving! It is spirituality, along with couple’s passion to help soldiers, due to which the organization continues to work in a selfless and tireless manner. ‘SIRF’ also idolizes real-life soldiers and their selfless services that refer to their determination of staying rock solid and living upto their pledge to serve the nation in every circumstance, and to place nation before self!
To contribute towards building a responsible society that acknowledges, appreciates, honor, respect and empathizes with soldiers and their sacrifices for the country.
To mobilize responsible citizens, funds and spread awareness about soldier's work amongst everyone.
Our values at ‘SIRF’ are extremely simple. We follow the principle that states values are real only when demonstrated. Our work reflects our values, and we are sincere towards applying our values while we work for our purpose and objectives.
Passion:
Extremely passionate about rehabilitating soldiers and letting people know, acknowledge and appreciate their sacrifices towards the nation.
Transparency:
Although money isn’t the principal criteria or objective of running ‘SIRF’, ‘SIRF’ maintains an absolute transparency in regard to the donation transactions that happen, the source of funds and its end beneficiaries.
Trustworthiness:
‘SIRF’ understands the need and significance of trustworthiness. It works tirelessly towards strengthening the mutual bond of trust.
Empathy:
‘SIRF’ lives upto its commitment of empathizing with the soldiers and offer them every possible help, in the form of finances, training and development, job and business assistance, etc.
Caring:
‘SIRF’ cares for soldiers and their families, and therefore ensures that their work reaches every corner of the country, and they receive all the acknowledgment and help that they deserve.
Simplicity:
‘SIRF’ likes to keep things simple. It doesn’t believe in hyping or promoting its work or achievements. It works on a simple principal and that is helping soldiers rehabilitate independently.
Late AC Yogesh Chithade
(ESM- Indian Air Force)
Founder Chairman & Ex-President SIRF, Pune
Mrs Sumedha Yogesh Chithade
(Retd School Teacher & Motivational Speaker)
Co-founder and President SIRF, Pune
Mrs. Anuradha D Kotibhaskar
Vice President
Mrs. Sucheta Dandekar
Secretary
Mrs. Vandana Neurgaonkar
Treasurer
Mr Prakash Devsthali
(ESM - Indian Air Force)
Trustee
Mrs. Prachi P. Deosthali
Trustee
Mr. Parnal Dekhane
Trustee
