Celebrating the spirit of the Indian Army

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis Truer words were never spoken! Patriotism, heroism, discipline, honour and courage are the words that best describe our Indian Army. Known for their valor and strength, the bravehearts of the Indian Army have attracted me since childhood. Their striking personality has always impressed me. These fine-looking youths after joining the Army inherit a glorious heritage and time honoured traditions. Once my uncle – who himself is a retired Major – quoted Benjamin Franklin to describe the spirit of the Indian Army, “Where liberty dwells, there is my country”. Though I was too young to grasp the full meaning of the words, I did get the gist of it. That was when, I think, I fell in love for the first time in my life. Yes, my first love was the Indian Army. I remember the days when, while crossing the Army cantonment area in my city with my papa on his scooter, I used to watch the Army men parading and exercising. The sight never failed to fascinate me. That love has still not faded; in fact, it has grown with the years. You won`t believe it, but I joined an Army school just to better understand the army life. That proximity, in its turn, nuanced not only my understanding of the Army, but of life itself. ``Be an Army man. Be a winner for life`` the words had a special meaning and inspiration for me. A job in the Army is one of the most difficult in the world. Their life is a struggle. Only a person imbued with passion, discipline and confidence can achieve their dignity and strength and earn the respect and admiration of his peers. They are the apple of every girl`s eye and an object of envy for all boys. That they also cut a striking figure is of course an added advantage! Till some time back I used to be amazed that there are people who can stay away from their family for long periods of time; though they are always aware that they can die any second. All my opinions went through a course correction when I had a small chat with a young lieutenant who was posted in Leh. To quote: `Everyone knows that life is a continuous journey. It does not end when I die. That is what I tell my parents and the ones who care for me, when they worry about me. But I also tell them that even if I were to die and be born again, in my next birth I will again join the Army and serve my nation. That’s my motto for all lives to come.” His words were an eye-opener for me and I realized why Army men are so different from others. Every Army man thinks that it`s his job to protect his motherland. Any enemy to the country is his foe and that gives him the strength to lead a bold and adventurous life. Just imagine if I lived with the possibility of dying the next day how would I behave. I would want to live every moment to the fullest and share the most with my loved ones. That is what they try to do. They often serve at places of extreme temperatures. They are posted at Siachen, which is one of the coldest places on the planet, and in the burning deserts of Rajasthan. They leave the comforts of their home to share a minimal life with their colleagues in bunkers. Roles for all Goals The Army has played a prominent role throughout last year. Whether we talk of Bihar floods or the Mumbai siege, they have done their best to combat the worst situations. They are the ones who stay awake so that we may sleep peacefully. Can we ever forget Sandeep Unnikrishnan and others who gave their lives for the cause of saving Mumbai? The Army was helpful even in resolving the recent episode of strikes by Oil PSUs. The Territorial Army monitored the events and maintained a balance especially regarding transportation and loading-unloading activities. Lifestyle Duties aside, their lifestyle is unusual. Smartly dressed, closely cropped haircut washboard belly and powerful physique makes them most charming and attractive. Adventure is certainly a way of life for them. Their eventful lives involve trekking, and all the daring games that we cannot even imagine in our dreams. Sometimes I just wish even I were a part of that life! “This world rests on the arms of heroes like a son on those of his sire”. These lines speak volumes about heroism and courage of the Indian Army. One who fails to acknowledge this spirit can never understand the nation to which he belongs. “On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation” - Thomas William Parsons. Thus, on the occasion of 61st Indian Army Day celebrations I salute our country`s Army men. Jai Hind!