Charity Begins at Home: Donating to the "National Defence Fund" is a Duty, Not an Option
I assure you that the act of giving—especially for a cause as sacred as national defence—brings deep and lasting fulfilment.
Donating to the National Defence Fund is a Duty, Not an Option
Whereas hostilities erupted along the border on 7th May...
When news of fresh hostilities between India and Pakistan emerged on the afternoon of 7th May, I felt compelled to act—not merely express solidarity in words, but to contribute in a tangible and purposeful way. That very afternoon, I posted on social media my intent to donate the equivalent of my one-month pension—April’s pension, credited in the first week of May—to support the Indian Armed Forces.
The decision to tag the official Twitter handles of the Armed Forces was deliberate. I sought confirmation of the correct fund and the safest, most appropriate method of sending my contribution. Through independent research, I discovered that the National Defence Fund (NDF), managed by the Government of India, stood out as the most transparent, secure, and impactful channel.
Whereas simplicity and certainty matter in times of urgency...
The NDF’s official website—ndf.gov.in—offers a simple interface for online donations. Even though digital methods were available, I personally visited my bank the next morning to ensure that the funds were correctly and securely transferred. I lacked full confidence that an online transaction would be properly credited to the intended government account.
Thanks to a helpful and prompt Relationship Manager at HDFC Bank Limited, I was able to transfer ₹1,20,513 to the NDF that very morning.
Whereas others sought guidance on how to donate...
Since my tweet went live, many have reached out asking how to contribute. I shared a simple step-by-step guide to help them navigate the process:
Visit:
https://ndf.gov.in
Choose payment method: UPI / Debit or Credit Card / Net Banking
Complete the transaction and download the receipt
Claim tax benefit: File under Section 80G in your ITR (if under the old regime)
Why choose the NDF?
Supports Army, Navy, and Air Force welfare
100% tax deduction under Section 80G (old regime only)
Transparent and secure
No upper limit on the deductible amount
Donations above ₹2,000 must be non-cash
This makes it ideal not just for patriotic citizens but also for responsible corporate donors.
Whereas charity is often questioned, especially when made public...
Several individuals online questioned my motives: "Why make a show of charity?", they asked, invoking the spirit of gupt daan (silent giving) and नेकी कर, दरिया में डाल (Do good and cast it into the river).
To such voices, I responded with quiet clarity: in July 2021, as I was retiring from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), I had made the following personal donations from my advance retirement benefits—but had never publicised them until now:
Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar (Langar fund) – ₹21,000
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Ayodhya – ₹21,000
Masjid Construction Fund, Ayodhya (Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation) – ₹21,000
Khalsa Aid International – ₹25,000
These contributions, modest in scale but significant in intent, were made to express my lifelong belief in secular harmony and national unity. I share them now not for applause, but to offer evidence that silent charity has long been my path.
In response to my post, Pritam Singh, our retired IAS batchmate from Rajasthan, graciously shared with me a divine verse of the Holi Gurbani—a sublime invocation rich with meaning and spiritual dignity. I found it both particularly appropriate and personally inspiring in the context of this dialogue. It served as a gentle reminder that selfless giving, accompanied by remembrance of the Divine, is the highest form of service—public or private.
Whereas words of support must translate into action...
For many citizens, especially those not in military service or of the age or training to defend the border physically, this is a time to act meaningfully. Donations to the National Defence Fund enable all of us to support the welfare of soldiers and their families.
We all hope, of course, that the present skirmishes do not escalate into a full-scale war. The human and economic cost would be immense. But while diplomats and decision-makers work towards an amicable settlement or ceasefire, let us not wait in idle contemplation.
Whereas opportunism must not be allowed to masquerade as enterprise...
While countless citizens across India have responded with silent dignity and meaningful contributions to the national cause, it is deeply disheartening to witness the conduct of some corporate behemoths. At a time when the nation was grappling with the seriousness of cross-border hostilities, certain shameless corporate houses ran to file copyright applications for brand names and operations inspired by Operation Sindoor. Following a massive wave of public outrage, they were compelled to withdraw or retract those claims—but not before revealing their warped priorities.
What is even more galling is that, to date, I have heard no credible report of these same entities making any significant contribution to the National Defence Fund, or to the welfare of those bearing the brunt of these skirmishes. Needless to say, they did not flinch while spending billions of rupees on wedding celebrations for their sons—ceremonies that seemed almost endless in their vulgar display of extravagance.
While I hold no grudge against individuals spending their wealth as they deem fit—whether on private zoos or obscene spectacles of conspicuous consumption—I take strong exception to their cynical and utterly selfish attempts to monetise an operation that may cost, and in some cases has already cost, the blood of our brave soldiers and civilians along the International Border and the Line of Control (LOC). Patriotism must not become a branding opportunity for profiteering elites.
Whereas modest voices can still inspire action...
I do not suffer from any delusion of regarding myself as an "influencer". Yet, there is ample evidence on social media that my simple appeal has inspired at least a dozen individuals to make appropriate donations to the National Defence Fund. I share this not to claim credit, but in the hope that this article reaches a wider audience and serves as a catalyst for similar actions.
After all, there could be no higher or worthier national cause than supporting those who defend our sovereignty with their lives.
Whereas doing one's bit brings quiet satisfaction...
I assure you that the act of giving—especially for a cause as sacred as national defence—brings deep and lasting fulfilment. If my public sharing has encouraged even one citizen to donate, then I consider that my small boast has borne great fruit.
Now, therefore...
Friends, Romans and Countrymen—
Do not lend me your ears,
Lend your hands,
Lend your hearts,
And lend your means—
To those who guard our borders with their blood.
Let action—not applause—define our patriotism.
Jai Hind!
Donate to the National Defence Fund, now! Even if it one rupee. Just Do It!!
Post Script
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By Karan Bir Singh Sidhu, IAS (retd.) (Punjab Cadre, 1984 batch), policy analyst and geo‑strategic expert, retired Special Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, and former Deputy Commissioner Amritsar (1992–96), Additional Deputy Commissioner Amritsar (1990–92), District Magistrate, Police District Batala (1989) – a frontline administrator who battled Pakistan‑abetted proxy war.