In the run-up to the launch of Mission VEER, Sainik Setu collaborated with Luminara Charitable Trust, which supported the initiative by providing volunteers to connect with the Sainik Parivar. These volunteers, known as Sainik Saathis, would play an important role in providing regular well-being calls to enrolled Veterans.
The Sainik Saathis came from a civilian background, with qualifications and experience in social work. However, they had limited exposure to the unique experiences and context of military life.
Understanding the Sainik Parivar
To prepare them for their role, Sainik Setu conducted a workshop at Hope Villa, Mangaluru, providing the Sainik Saathis with an overview of the military journey and the environment in which Veterans and their families have lived and served.
The session covered various stages and aspects of military life, including:
Selection and training
Military postings and service life
Promotion and career progression
Retirement from the Armed Forces
Life after retirement
Cantonment and military community living
Second careers after military service
The transition from a structured military environment to civilian life
The objective was not merely to familiarise the volunteers with military terminology, but to help them understand the context behind the conversations they would have with Veterans.
Building Meaningful Connections
A well-being conversation with a Veteran can be very different from a conventional social interaction. Understanding the Veteran’s journey, experiences and transition helps the Sainik Saathis listen with greater context, empathy and sensitivity.
The workshop therefore, formed an important part of Mission VEER’s preparation, helping bridge the gap between the civilian and military worlds and equipping volunteers to engage meaningfully with the Sainik Parivar.
The Sainik Saathis would go on to become the human connection at the heart of Mission VEER—listening with empathy, dignity and confidentiality.
Sainik Setu – Wellbeing and Beyond.
