Leadership Takeaways from the Army
Smartcast Episode with Col. Vembu Shankar
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This Smartcast navigates the awe-inspiring world of Colonel Vembu Shankar (retd.), highlighting his illustrious military career, unique hobbies, and his noble venture, Project Sambandh. It delves into his early inspirations, experiences in the Indian Army, his endeavors in philately, autograph collection, expertise on Bhutan, and his unwavering commitment to the families of fallen soldiers.
Bridging Lives: A Conversation with Colonel Vembu Shankar
In a profound and inspiring conversation, Colonel Vembu Shankar (retd.), an Indian Army veteran and the founder of Project Sambandh, shares his journey from the military to initiating a noble cause. Renowned for his diverse interests ranging from philately to quizzing, Col. Shankar's story is a testament to a life dedicated beyond the uniform, focusing on a mission to reconnect and support the next of kin of army personnel who lost their lives due to non-operational reasons.
An Army Life Embellished with Heroism and Diversity
Col. Shankar's military career is nothing short of exemplary. Inspired in childhood by boy scouts and national parades, his ambition led him to the prestigious National Defense Academy, marking the beginning of an illustrious two-decade service. His narration of early experiences at 18,000 feet, braving severe conditions, and leading a life-changing operation that won him the Shaurya Chakra, underlines a career built on bravery, strategic acumen, and an unyielding resolve to serve the nation.
Yet, Colonel Shankar's life narrative extends beyond his military accolades. His multifaceted personality shines through his hobbies. From being an avid philatelist and autograph collector to mastering the art of magic, his pursuits reflect a vibrant spectrum of interests that enrich his identity far beyond his army fatigues.
Project Sambandh: A Crusade of Compassion
Perhaps the most striking chapter of Col. Shankar's journey unfolds with his retirement to spearhead Project Sambandh. Disturbed by the annual loss of around 1,500 Army personnel to non-operational reasons, and the subsequent disconnect of their families from deserved benefits and recognition, he embarked on this mission to ensure these families remain integrated within the Army's community. Through his efforts, he aims to correct, complete, and keep current the data pertaining to these families, facilitating their access to entitlements and acknowledging their sacrifices.
A touching testament to his cause is the story of a young girl inspired to become a cardiologist, a dream nurtured against the backdrop of personal loss and societal challenges. Project Sambandh, through Shankar’s initiative, has thrown a lifeline to her aspirations, showcasing the profound impact of reconnecting and supporting these families.
A Call for Broader Recognition of Our Heroes
In this dialogue, Col. Shankar underscores the importance of acknowledging and celebrating our military heroes more integrally within our societal framework. He proposes more engaging ways to introduce these incredible stories of valour and sacrifice into the public consciousness — from curricular inclusions to encouraging visits to war memorials. His narrative emphasizes that understanding and honoring our armed forces' contributions goes beyond commemorating their bravery; it's about appreciating the freedoms and peace we enjoy today.
The Future and Beyond
For Col. Shankar, the future is a canvas of possibilities to be painted with the present's brush. Continuing to evolve Project Sambandh, adapting to new challenges like the pandemic, and exploring innovative ways to serve the next of kin of fallen soldiers define his immediate priorities. With every step, he exemplifies the ethos of service before self, even beyond his uniformed service.
Col. Vembu Shankar's narrative is a compelling call to action for recognizing the silent sacrifices made by the armed forces and their families. His life, adorned with diverse interests and dedicated to a noble cause, serves as an inspirational beacon for us all. Through Project Sambandh, he not only bridges the gap between the army and its bereaved families but also reminds us of the uncelebrated heroes walking among us, whose stories of sacrifice and resilience are the true foundations of our nation.
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