JAI JAWAN – A LETTER OF GRATITUDE TO INDIAN SOLDIERS India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day on the 15th of August 2021. As we celebrate this day, it is important to remember and acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice of the Indian Army.The Independence Day celebration is the perfect time to take a moment to thank our brave men and women in uniform. In order to express gratitude to the brave hearts who protect our nation, Rotary Club of Panvel Elite organized an initiative named – Jai Jawan – A Letter of Gratitude. This initiative received an overwhelming response as over 315 Greeting Cards and letter were received. These cards were made by school going students. 7 Schools and organisations across Panvel participated in this event by submitting creative hand-made greeting cards and letter to the Indian Army. These cards were sent to 11 different Army battalions across India. Project Chairperson – Ann Shradha Munot (First Lady of the club) said that what made this project stand out was the enthusiasm amongst the participating students who were thrilled to have got the opportunity to have their gratitude letter/greeting cards sent directly to the Indian Army. The project was highly appreciated by the Jawans and the club received responses in form of letter of acknowledgment and appreciation from the soldiers of 11 Maratha LI posted at Jammu border and 12 Maratha LI posted at Manipur border of India. One of them even called to arrange a video call with the teachers of the school who participated in the project (screenshot of the video call attached). The heartening aspect of this project was that the some of the soldiers were moved to tears to learn that children took the effort to send greetings to them and acknowledge their service to the nation. We believe that – ” Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the breath of soldiers who protect it.“ This project was featured in Rotary News Plus Magazine - March 2022 Issue (Under Greeting cards to Army Jawans Section). Following Schools participated in this project: DAV Public School, New Panvel Joseph’s High School, New Panvel Pillai Global Academy, Panvel Delhi Public School, New Panvel Smart Education Academy, Panvel Wilfred School, Panvel Jain Pathshala, Panvel A Video was made and uploaded on Club's Facebook Page showcasing Greeting Cards made by students who participated in this project. The project was featured in Rotary News Plus Magazine - November 2021 Issue (Page 16 and 17). It was also featured by two of India's leading Online News Publication. 1) Daily Hunt - http://dhunt.in/kJNXf?s=a&uu=0xa0edca01a4ad1dd7&ss=wsp 2) India Flux - https://indiaflux.com/business/rotary-club-of-panvel-elite-sends-over-300-hand-made-greetings-cards-and-letters-to-the-indian-army-on-the-occasion-of-75th-independence-day-of-india-names-the-initiative-jai-jawan/