Spare a moment to thank the soldier

Harsha Kakar
India has just finished celebrating its 68th Republic day, wherein the nation smiled proudly when the military walked down Rajpath in its finery and perfect unison. The laying of the wreath by the Prime Minister at the memorial of known and unknown soldiers, at India Gate, prior to the commencement of the event, was a solemn moment. The display of weapons and the fly past by the air force had everyone witnessing,spellbound. The presentation of the Ashoka Chakra, the highest peace time gallantry award, to a brave heart, whose late husband personally eliminated three dreaded militants, had the audience fighting back tears, as she silently, gracefully and humbly accepted it from the President. At the same time, near the parade venue, many military officers, in ceremonials, were being turned away from the defence enclosure as it was occupied by others, not meant to be there. Their request, that it was a defence enclosure, fell on deaf ears.
In J&K and the North East, while the nation celebrated, the army remained on extra high alert to prevent any untoward incident by militants, which could mar the celebratory mood of the nation or even interrupt the festivities in states, still battling militancy. Those deployed on the border kept a strong vigil to prevent any infiltration. At the same time, news kept flowing in of loss of lives of officers and men, in avalanches which swept their camps, in remote areas of           J&K, where they were holding firm,ensuring security, irrespective of pending dangers. In fact, it is our bonded duty as citizens of India, to spare a moment to thank the soldier, standing guard at remote locations or battling militancy, while we savour the joy of the occasion and relish in our secure environment.
The soldier that we need to thank is one who comes from the same humble background, as most Indians. He would in his younger days, prior to wearing the uniform, never held a weapon, must less fired one in anger. He was absorbed into the military fold and transformed into a responsible citizen, filled with nationalist feeling, disciplined and trained into becoming a killing machine, capable of battling the most hardened and motivated militants, whom our neighbour pushes across. He is taught never to give in, give his best, including his life, when he is expected to.
The same soldier is also a father, brother, son and a husband, who loves his kith and kin, as any of us. The fact that he spends less time with his family and more with the establishment he is tasked to serve, does not make him any different. He is easily distinguishable in any crowd by the manner of his walk, dress, behaviour and temperament. He also faces anguish and worries, when he hears sad news from home, but is compelled to put all that behind, when he is on a mission, as any momentary loss of concentration by him, could lead to loss of lives of his comrades, an act which he can ill afford. Every time he leaves the security of his camp on an operation, he never knows, if this is his last. He moves because he must, the nation expects him to and his comrades bank on him, as much as he banks on them.
He does his job, well aware that the Government has still not provided him his dues, as he belongs to the only service yet to receive the benefits of the Seventh Pay Commission. He also knows that there are forces within the Government machinery, which are jealous of his success and hence plant road blocks to deny him his rights and let him down, whether it is in allowances, disability pensions or even a post retirement opportunity. Every soldier is aware of the harm and damage, which the pay commission panel did to him, despite enjoying army hospitality, in the most remote places.Yet none of this affects him as he continues with his daily routine, knowing that his superiors are there, to fight for him and get the best that the Government can offer. It is this trust which makes the soldier trudge along, day after day.
The common soldier is also aware, that there are elements within his own organization, who would let it down by either corrupt means or seeking public media to broadcast their grievances, which would overshadow the hard work being done by many like him. While television battles would ramble on, the military berated, nothing would change for him, as he would continue with his routine of ensuring security. His task remains simple, protect the nation, be prepared to battle enemies of the state and at the same time, be ready to assist the civil administration, whenever there are natural calamities or the situation goes beyond the control of the local police authorities. It is this soldier which we need to thank.
The nation also needs to thank those families, who remain worried, always in the dark, when their kith and kin, serve in difficult areas, always awaiting a call just to hear the words that he is alive and well. Their pressures and tensions know no limits, however, they continue to put a brave face forward and go about their daily routine, while their heart remains in their mouth. They all dread a call with an unrecognized voice, conveying what they always fear to hear. These families are the backbone of the soldier and equally need the nation’s gratitude.
Let us as a nation solemnly thank our men in uniform and their families for giving us the security and freedom, which we enjoy the festivities of the republic week. We should spare a moment in thought for them as we celebrate the economic growth of our nation, after all, national security and national development always go hand in hand.
(The author is a retired Major                 General of the Indian Army)
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