When we talk of Jammu & Kashmir all that comes to our mind is the strife that is going on there, the agitations, stone pelting, terrorists being shot dead, army men losing lives…….. a population that feels disgruntled, and politicians making their career over this turmoil. But every now and then, there comes a story of goodness, struggle and success that emanates from that soil. One such was the story of Sehmat portrayed beautifully in the recent movie Raazi played by Alia Bhatt or the grit showed by Sepoy Aurangzeb before his death in the hands of terrorists.
There is another one that caught my attention recently. It is from the Jammu region of 
Samba. What was one thing common among seven women – 55 year old Biaso Devi & Chanchalo Kumari, 60 year Prakasho Devi, 56 year Sheeshna Kumari, 58 year Parkasho Devi & Gharo Devi and 26 year old Simmi Devi. They all were widows whose husbands had served in the Indian Army. After the death of their husbands, each one of them had a tale to narrate, one of suffering, loneliness and lack of finances. Each one struggled to make ends meet and look after their kids and family.
The Army in the local garrison was already well known for its close interaction with the local population. They had made a mark consistently guided by the Rising Star Corps HQ, Gurj Division and the Mission First Brigade who were well known for their Samba Super 40 academic excellence mission where in the local boys and girls had qualified for central competitive exams. That story is for another day.
The area is well known for walnuts and apples. Who doesn’t relish these goodies. While interacting with the locals one day and after listening to the sad stories of the widows, Brigadier Anil Raman hit upon the idea. Why not do something with the local resources and ensure the produce be marketed well so that there is an employment generation opportunity.
Aseem foundation, an NGO from Pune, have great experience of more than 
15 years. They know and understand local problems in states like Jammu and Kashmir and the North-Eastern states. Aseem Foundation worked with the Army to establish the Olive Green Bakery at Samba under the aegis of Army Wives Welfare Organisation. The initiative involved a manufacturing point at Samba Military Station for special Apple Walnut Chocolates, Caramel Walnut Chocolates and Walnut Biscuits. All help was provided by the Army under Operation Sadbhavana. With the knowledge imparted by the Aseem Foundation members, the local produce of Apples and Walnuts were made into Apple Walnut Cookies under the brand name Olive Green Cookies.
These were then marketed all over India. You too can order your cookies. From today, let these cookies give you company along with your cuppa tea. It just costs you Rs 55/- for a box of tasty fresh 10 cookies. And it is delivered to your house through courier.
Four widowed women who were taken in this project work at the Olive 
Green Bakery. Today Simmi Devi proudly pays school fees of her daughter and takes care of her needs. Prakasho Devi is able to pay school fees of her two grand-children and also cater to their daily requirements. Chanchalo Kumari is able to help her son in day to day running of the house. A week back Biaso Devi filled up admission form worth Rs 2000/- for her daughter Arti Devi from her first salary. These women are now beaming at this God sent opportunity and thank the Army for this new lease of life. A life of purpose, dignity and peace. Three more joined in later hearing about the new lease of respectable life this project has given them.
Great Work Aseem Foundation, Rising Star Corps, Gurj Division and Mission First Brigade and Brigadier Anil Raman, the man behind the idea. Kudos!
This Independence Day, You too can do your bit. Buy your cookies from them. Help these brave widows of Samba to sustain their lives with dignity. Get your first order going. TO ORDER Click here -> http://www.aseemfoundation.org/olivegreen.htmland follow the process by filling your requirement.
Every bite you take goes into making a future for these soldier’s widows. Its time for my Cuppa tea with Olive Green Cookies.
Great work. We salute all of you
Nice write up, Sajan. Kudos, Anil !!
Really commendable initiative by Brig Raman for making these women self-sufficient, earning an income so that they can live with their head held high.
Are these ladies not getting pension and I am sure all children of soldier killed in Action have access to free education… if not…then you should first work on that….rather then giving them an alternative
Ungrateful. Insenstitve you are….
Great job friends. Keep it going. All good wishes to you for this wonderful job.
i m a fauji. but i dont agree with using fauj for charity.
they deserve our respect.
I respect your opinion. This is not charity. They are working to earn their living. Charity is when we donate for free. We are not! Please appreciate the difference
Everyone has his own view about any action taken by others. I’m also a Fauji and support such acts. These people at such backward areas are unable to find employment, hence giving them an opportunity is a noble act. Others should try and be more creative and find some more innovative ways to increase employment opportunities for others too
Good morning, pls do let me know how do I order the cookies ?
There is a link in the end of the blog. Please click on it and you may order
Why can’t we make it a CSD item. If that happens, probably, the veer Naris will not be even able to keep Pace with the orders they have to supply. If you think it is a suggestion worth considering than take up the case with appropriate people.
Capt Ram Chander,
Commandant (Retd)
Could not see the link anywhere. Please send me the link on chander1509@gmail.com
Good Suggestion. The link is in the last but one para. Please check and order
Excellent gesture by Brig Raman to make these ladies stand on their feet. A laudable event undertaken. Hope this catches on at other mil stns as well.
Doing gr8 job. Thanks to Aseem foundation n Brig Raman. Appreciate the idea..
A job well done by the army in helpin widows earn a livelihood. Salute to all of them.
Great initiative and wonderful way of supporting the dependents of combatants.
Why can’t we make it a CSD item. If that happens, probably, the veer Naris will not be even able to keep Pace with the orders they have to supply. If you think it is a suggestion worth considering than take up the case with appropriate people.
Capt Ram Chander,
Commandant (Retd)
I m pleased to c this positive development. Having served as Adm Cmdt Samba gives me sakoon well done Brig Anil sir.
A great initiative …I wish them good luck and great success… I have placed a small order and if I find them good, which I expect them to be …. I intend placing my Diwali order with them.
Sajan. More than anything I commend your effort to bring these superlatives initiatives to light. Most of us sitting on the sidelines don’t know about them. Kudos to you.
I am positive that these words in your blogs will reach the right quarters.
Commendable effort n such Projects should also be opend all over Punjab Himachal Haryana Rajasthan UP n other parts of country depending upon nmbr of Exsm Widows Veer Naris residing there n these should also be sold rhru CSD Canteens. Gof Bless all for this initiative which will gve dignity n self reliance to these families
Jai Hind
I am placing my first order with a hope that the product meets the required taste and if found acceptable I shall spread the word to innumerable contacts
This is really a nice work for a good cause! We all should wholeheartedly support the commendable activity of these real heroines of India. Jay Hind!!!
We should all support this commendable activity of all these heroines of our great country INDIA! JAY HIND!
Excellent iniative.
Quality must match with other brands in the marketplace in order to excel.
How does one receive the order placed ?
I could not find the option for the Apple Walnut biscuits.
May i request for 2 pkts of Apple Walnut out of the 5 placed for the Olive green ? Thank you.
All cookies are made of Apple Walnut.
Orders are shipped through courier.
You may write to info@aseemfoundation.org for any queries.
From which site do we place order
The link to order is given in the last but one para.
Love what you are doing. Practical. Please make it easy for fauji families to get them by selling in CSD as someone else has already suggested. The moment an item becomes popular through Canteen, its fame (& market) spread widely.
Hello,
I have a small business where I want to sell your product and support them
This is a great initiative. The lives of the ladies are made with the training and help given to them. Locally available items are being used to make such delicious cookies for all to relish and give these ladies a decent lifestyle.
I would love to get the cookies for my house.
In the link provided, there is no option of selecting different varieties at one go. I had to put 2 different orders while selecting both the different products. Also while mentioning the address there is no provision for mentioning pincode and state, hope you would be able to get the product delivered. Otherwise it’s a great initiative. Kailash Desar
Indeed a great job done by AWWA and Aseem Foundation.
But it is also pertinent to find out the status of benefits for the children of these war widows
The cookies business can be supplement to their
Govt. Benefits but not a substitute!!
I do hope that this aspect is not overlooked
How do I order 4 pkts each of walnut apple and olive green cookies
Olive Green Cookies are Apple Walnut Cookies. You can place your order in the link in the last but one para of the blog
Excellent work.Not clear how to order and pay.
Dear Maj Bhatia, There is a link in the second last paragraph. Click on that. It will take you to the Order page. Fill you order and then Pay Online button will take you for payment at PayUMoney where you will your address and details.
Great initiative and good job .Salute to all ladies for their efforts .Thanks to Assem Foundation for nobel work .
Good suggestions
Great Initiative by Brig Raman to help war widows as the Central Govt. is spectator and does nothing except looking after themselves. Some more initiatives will go a long way to reach closer to d needy.
Really heartening to hear about the initiative.
Sajan! you’ve done a good job by posting it.
Great job…:)!!!
I bow to the promotors of the project.veer Nari deserve to be revered .Col R S Nehra retd
I hope the product is as good as the write up.Great contribution to a good cause by Samba BDE, it’s Cdr who must have conceived the idea and the Veer Naris who joined. Let us all do our duty – spread the word and place a big order.
Great ! I could not place order on line.
The order link is in the last but one paragraph Sir. If there any other issues please feel free to get in touch with info@aseemfoundation.org
Sajan , great write up . Kudos to you for bringing details & Brig Raman for his superlative effort . Excellent gesture
Excellent initiative and well coordinated efforts..Let us join and hold their hands in support of their mission..
Kudos to all those involved in instilling pride of widows of army personnel . I am ordering 10 packets for trial n if I find it worth a gift , will order 200 packs for Diwali gift.
This is great initiative, I am sure it will be good success. If it can be added in CSD list will be best. God bless.
Excellent initiative by the great human being Brig Anil Raman . This is the quality of leader who thinks and takes initiative under the thick and thin phase of men under his leadership.i salute you sir
Great going .Keep it up .
Heartiest Congratulations to Brig Raman & the Team ‘Aseem Foundation’ .
A Gr8 initiative Sir.
I salute you.
Please try and get included in CSD list.
EXCELLENT
In fauj, the thought of financial security stays pivoted around pay, pensions, family pensions etc. We need to come out of this mould and consider limitless opportunities for entrepreneurship even in humble beginnings in the small scale sector. ESMs too, only look for a second innings in a job. Our future and the country’s future lies in independent, low risk small scale businesses. It is important to dvlp this culture in Vir Naris and ESMs. I appre Brig Anil Raman for his idea and initiative.
I have placed the order, if you intend to do any corporate sale, i will try at my place of work. Do get in touch.
Dis initiative needs as widespread awareness as possible. I hope to do my twobit in its circulation. Hope it gets all d success it deserves.
I Salute these Brave Army Wives!
Hats off to Aseem Foundation, for their noble concept of enabling them to live with
Swabhimaan. Jai Hind!
Heart warming to know that Aseem Foundation has helped these Brave Army Widows to live with Dignity. Jai Hind!
Please give otion to select a few packs of both tje varieties available as 8 packs of the same flvr at a time would be difficult to consume.
Your concern has been conveyed to Aseem Foundation. You too can write to them at info@aseemfoundation.org
Lots of things and industries can be created in Jammu and Kashmir provided the government change the special status of Kashmir and allow people to buy land and setup factory units.
The best initiative.Dignified and respect ful.regards.
A great initiative to allow Armed Forces widows to live with dignity.
I can suggest another initiative that is producing Apple Cider Vinegar which has come into line light during past few years with host of theuraptic uses. This can be produced from Maharaja Apples produced in the Valley in abundance and generally goes waste
Good initiative and through this medium this effort will reach to thousands. I wish a respectable and self made life for these bravehearts.
I sincerely appreciate such initiative by olive green female brigade. I will try my best to spread word about this attempt by Olive Green Brigade. For regular as well as festive consumption such products have fragrance of our soil.
I salute Olive Green Brigade.
Great initiate & support by Aseem Foundation is remarkable. Wish them the best & I am tempted to order.
Why not supply these cookies to local canteens .
Great initiative with real philantherpic results. I live in Jammu, and would like some outlet for marketing to locals.. May be Brig. Harcharan Singh (retd. ) , can help.,
Need 4 walnut and 4 olive green cookies pk @ Rs 55
each. Please facilitate payment and delivery. Contact self on 9818150220 and ltcolskbedi@gmail.
com
Please spell out the method of ordering for these. Lot of people have shown interest to order for these.
Wg Cdr RK KAPOOR (v)
Please click on the link in the second last paragraph and you will get the payment and order flow
I wanted to place an order for 3 Walnut & Apple cookies and pay online there’s no option to choose that way. We are made to choose one category only. There’s a need to revamp the order and payment process; may be an option for COD (Cash On Delivery) and tie up with delivery agencies like Swiggy/Zomato etc. May be you can also introduce low sugar or sugar-free ones for diabetics like me. And why not enter CSD chain. That’s lot of captive business.
Excellent activity to elliviate their economic standard with sustainable business..hats off to all the Ladies. We have made SHG..group of such women 8 retired soldiers wives +3 widows of soldiers and with sainik bank’s help with RS.10 lakh subsidy and loan from other bank bought 45 seater buses . The buses were given on rent to corporate agency.. sustainable activity gives quantum money for their livelihood.. DRDA PDsir Nitin Thade..Prof Ramesh Ohol .Mr.Shirolkar LDM are the initiator..
I would like to order for the a cookies but cannot find any link for placing it.
Please see the last but one para. You will find the link to order.
I placed an order 2 weeks ago & paid for it. Haven’t received it yet.
Any idea when I will receive it?
Mrs. Khurshid Tarapore
You can write to info@aseemfoundation.org They had sent a mail to all informing them about the approximate date of delivery.
Great effort to help the needy. It has brought cheers and livelyness to the life of veteran ladies.
Needs introduction into CSDs/ AWWA/AFWWA/NWWA outlets
Got my pack of cookies yesterday. Can’t stop eating them! Really delicious. Good job!
HEALTHY FOR MY CHILDREN & THEY ARE ENJOYING IT. THANK U
Its a great initiative. I want to distribute these cookies during our ganapati festival . Once I place order how long does it take to receive.them ?
Good quality cookies and fresh. Only advice is to pack the cookies in a hard box so that it doesn’t get damaged during transit.
Thanks
Very very good and appreciable work,we all should buy.
me n my ftiend have also ordered cookies worth 1000/ on 12 th Aug 2018 but still we not received .
Wonderful step by Army & Aseem NGO and very nicely written by Mr. Sajjan.
An excellent initiative by the Samba brigade. Kudos to the Cdr and all the best to the ladies.
Sir, Army can do wonders by helping war windows.
I am really happy for initiating.
Love and sucess.