On Saturday, Gautam Gambhir, cricketer and one of the heroes of World Cup 2011, urged the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to help an Army veteran, after he spotted him begging at Connaught Place, New Delhi.
The star cricketer shared a picture of the army veteran on Twitter and stated that he could not get support from the Army due to “technical reasons”. In his tweet on December 2, Veteran cricketer further claimed, “He’s Mr. Peethambaran, 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 d Army”. Former team India player further urged the Defense Minister and Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army), to intervene into the matter.
In a quick response to the tweet, the Defense Spokesperson assured complete support to the army veteran adding, “We appreciate the concern raised by you and assure that the response will be quick and complete”. In another tweet, Gambhir thanked the Defense Ministry on this quick response and further action without delay.
Thanks @adgpi for explaining in detail how they have taken care of Mr Peethabaran. From his hip replacement surgery to a monthly grant from Rajya Sainik Board, they have assisted him like their own. Grateful. Thanks @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/SVG8w1FMjM
— Gautam Gambhir (Modi Ka Parivar) (@GautamGambhir) February 2, 2019
But this is not the first time that the veteran cricketer had helped the needy. Time and again, Gautam Gambhir took hard stance over issues of national pride. Earlier in the month of September last year, during the Asia Cup, Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir was sitting on a panel discussion on ABP News which was holding a conference with ARY News of Pakistan. A brief between former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi and Gautam Gambhir took place which went on in a civil manner despite the Pakistani anchor trying to provoke the two to clash on live television.
Post the chat with the former Pakistani cricketer the Pakistani anchor tried to belittle the Indian cricket team with provoking statements. He repeatedly pointed out that the Indian side was coming to the Asia Cup after losing to England in tests and One-day Internationals while the Pakistani side had come to the series after winning a series in and against Zimbabwe in August. Gautam Gambhir was visibly infuriated with the cheap shots of the anchor and he went on to explain angrily that there is a huge difference between losing against England in England and in winning against a team like Zimbabwe. The Pakistani anchor was shown his place swiftly by the Indian batsman.
THIS IS EPIC!!! 😂🔥
Gautam Gambhir shuts the Pakistani media with his savage replies! #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/UAaNJ7vXJo— Team Gautam Gambhir (@gautamgambhir97) September 18, 2018
Not only that, In a surprise to many, cricketer Gautam Gambhir has fiercely criticized BCCI, CoA and CAB for allowing cricketer cum parliamentarian Muhammad Azharuddin to ring the iconic bell at the Eden Gardens before the start of the T20 series between India and West Indies. In a heartfelt post on Twitter, Gautam Gambhir expressed his disgust at such brazen disregard for rules, as a ‘tainted’ cricketer was allowed to be felicitated in one of the most prestigious cricket stadiums of India.
Apart from this, Gautam Gambhir had also extended financial aid to ailing boxer Dingko Singh and also asked others to support the Indian boxing champion and Asian Games gold medalist. Gambhir’s love for nation is unprecedented and impeccable. There are rumors too that he may contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election on BJP’s ticket.