SECOND IN COMMAND

Back on the home front, Jean Rodrigues, Wife of Lt. Grn. S.F. Rodrigues, the new army Chief-designate, does her own bit to make life for the war widows and army wives easier.

 She was beaming with joy and pride, she had ample reason to be. For Ms. Jean Rodrigues, wife of Lt. Gen. Sunith Francis Rodrigues, GOC-in-C of the Western Command, had just received the news that her husband was designated new Chief of army staff. Jean received the news in all humility though. She simply said, “It is, indeed, a great honour for us. But more than that, it is the responsibility that goes with the appointment which has a sobering effect.”

 Jean is a woman of culture and grace. Poised and sophisticated, there is an air of elegance about her. Her natural and friendly smile puts one at ease immediately.

 Jean loves army life as much as her husband does. Says she, “We are a very close-knit family in the army, always sharing everything, joys and sorrows, the good times and the bad. There is a special bond between all of us which is unique to those in the services.”Being the wife of the army chief, Jean is poised to play a leading role in the various commitments that go with her position. But what she enjoys most, is social work. As President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), she will be associated with various social and welfare activities to provide help to the war widows, disabled army personnel and serving jawans and their families.

 Demure and soft-spoken, Jean is always quite willing to help others. She keeps an open house for anyone who comes seeking help. And, her interest is not just transitory. She monitors progress until the case is resolved.

 Brushing aside the common misconception that army wives mostly spend their time at kitty parties, card sessions and socializing, Jean says, “This is far from the truth. In fact, a large number of them are actively engaged in welfare work and activities of the AWWA.”

 Enumerating the activities of the AWWA, she says, “The AWWA has already embarked on a certain course of action to ensure tangible benefits to the wives and children of the army personnel. Very high on our list of priorities are widows of army personnel and their dependents who need immediate help.”

 The AWWA has recently organized a successful ‘AWWA Nite’ at the Western Command to set up a vocational training centre to provide training in tailoring, knitting, handicraft, candle and soap making to the women to make them self-reliant. It also plans to build homes for those who have no one to turn to and no place to go to after retirement.

 She, however, feels that women have a key role to play in society. Talking about women’s lib, she maintains that women should come up, and contribute positively towards the general welfare of the society. But they should never forget their duty towards their family.

 To Jean, her home and family always comes first. Born and brought up in Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Jean had her early education in India. After doing Senior Cambridge, she proceeded to London where she did a secretarial training course.

She was married in 1960 to S.F. Rodrigues, who was, at that time a young captain. He hails from Goa. It was a love-cum-arranged marriage. His mother saw Jean and approved of her. She introduced them both. Jean was highly impressed by the forcefulness of his character, his keen wit and terrific sense of humor. “He had all the qualities that I had been looking for in a husband”, she says with a delightful smile.

 The Rodrigues have three children – two sons and a daughter. The eldest son is in the merchant navy and the younger one is a computer engineer. Their daughter is engaged to be married.

 A recipient of the nation’s highest peace-time gallantry award, the Param Vishisth Seva Medal, General Rodrigues is basically a family man. “He has always been a loving and responsible father to his children. No matter how busy he is, he always finds time for his family, “says Jean with satisfaction.

When General Rodrigues is not on duty, the couple spend their time playing tennis and badminton. They are very keen anglers, too. Fond of music and gardening, their garden at Chandimandir is impeccably kept. Their entry at the rose festival held this year in the city, won the first prize.

A gracious hostess and accomplished housewife, Jean loves cooking and trying out new dishes. Sunday mornings see the Rodrigues going to church. Their stay at Chandigarh, a city which they liked very much, ended when Lt. Gen. Rodrigues took over as the chief of the army and shifted to the capital.

JEAN RODRIGUES CENTRAL ARMY WIVES WELFARE ASSOCIATION 

President Room No.210, South Block

C/o Adjutant General’s Branch,

DHQ PO New Delhi – 110 011.

 

AWWA/D/1001/Per 7th Sep.90

 

Dear Anjana,

 

Thank you for your letter of Aug.16, 1990 and a copy of Femina.The article was very well written and I enjoyed reading it. I have had a few letters of offers of help, and also requests for help, after people have read the article.It was very nice meeting and talking to you, and I wish you all sucess in the future.

 

Kind regards,

 

Yours sincerely,

Jean Rodrigues

Anjana Datta
Q.No.1351,
Sector 35-B.
Chandigarh – 160 036

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