Since 1949, December 7 is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day or the Flag Day of India. Traditionally, the Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated to collect fund for the welfare of the Indian armed forces personnel as well as to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who safeguard India's sovereignty. Many brave and gallant heroes from the armed forces have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The Armed Forces Flag Day or the Flag Day of India is observed to create awareness towards the collection of financial aids or the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for soldiers and their families' welfare.

Under the Ministry of Defence, Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariate collects fund which is used for the welfare of its defence personnel. The official website of the Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariate has a dedicated tab for citizens who wants to help the armed forces financially. Contributions to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund are exempted from Income Tax. Pay Real Tribute by Donating Money For Bravehearts Via 'Bharat Ke Veer' App or Online at bharatkeveer.gov.in.

Here are some ways to donate money to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) for ex-servicemen, differently-abled soldiers and the families of the ones who lost their lives defending the nation.

1- Visit the official website of the Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariate - ksb.gov.in - and click on the tab 'Contribute Now' to make a transaction via credit card or debit card or net banking.

2- Go to citizen engagement platform - mygov.in - and click on the section 'Armed Forces Flag Day'. Scroll down and you will find a link 'Donate Now' to make a contribution to armed forces' fund.

3- Another way of helping armed forces is to donate money through 'Bharat Ke Veer' programme. You can either visit the official site - bharatkeveer.gov.in - or download the app with the same name on your smartphone and transact money. You can donate directly to individual braveheart's account (upto max of ₹ 15 lakhs) or may donate to the Bharat Ke Veer corpus.

4- One can also donate money through account payee cheques payable to 'Armed Forces Flag Day Fund' or deposit directly in the bank account in favour of 'ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY FUND'. Click here for bank and account details.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 07, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).