An 82-year-old retired employee from Madurai has pledged his entire life savings to support Indian soldiers through the Flag Day fund. The donation was made by submitting a will to the district administration.
Subbaiah, a resident of Harveypatti, met Madurai Collector Nishanth Krishna at the Collectorate and handed over documents covering Rs 30 lakh kept as bank deposits and gold articles worth another Rs 30 lakh stored in a bank locker in his name. He also gave a cheque for Rs 10,000.
According to officials, the will was presented during a grievance redressal camp at the Collectorate. Government officers present stood up and applauded Subbaiah, expressing appreciation and gratitude for the gesture.
Speaking to reporters, Subbaiah said he lives alone and has no wife, children or close relatives. He said he initially tried to withdraw the amounts and donate them directly, but banks did not permit it, prompting him to donate through a will. He added that he plans to contribute the monthly interest earned from his savings as well.
He also recalled that in 2013 he had pledged to donate his body to the Madurai Government Rajaji Medical College. He said the contribution was made for personal satisfaction and urged that people consider setting aside a small portion of their savings for the armed forces.
