A Soldier’s Story

I live in the small village of Munabao in the Barmer district of Rajasthan. It marks the border where the Thar Express crosses Indian territory to enter Pakistan. I am a 12-year-old slum boy. From my childhood, I have been fond of watching trains. Whenever I was allowed to go out of the house, I used to spend my time near the railway tracks from where I could watch the passing trains. I often spotted many soldiers inside the train when they returned home or going to serve the nation at the border.

One evening, I was standing at my usual place, when a train was passing by. Suddenly it stopped because the signal ahead was not clear. About ten minutes passed but the train was still halted. Impatient passengers started getting out to stretch their aching bodies. There were few soldiers among them. I have great respect for them because they are the reason we are able to live in peace in our homes.

One of them saw me. Seeing his stare I shuddered. He called me and was walking towards me. But I stood there frozen. I made no move to approach him. He reached me and held his hand towards me in the form of a handshake. Hesitantly, I shook hands with him.

“Why do you look scared of me?” He asked.

“We save people not harm them”, he spoke again to release my tension.

“No, it’s not like that. I am just nervous”, I spoke between long breaths mustering some courage.

“You know I was also afraid of strangers as a kid just like you are. But now I am scared of anyone.”

“You are lying.” I counter-stated.

“No. It is true. Would you like to tell me your name, dear boy?” He asked.

“My name is Ramesh. I live in the nearby village.”

“Hello, Ramesh. I am Dev Rajput,” he introduced himself.

I waved hello in response. With some effort, I asked him if he can tell me how is life at the border and how he manages to stay away from home for so many months.

He agreed to answer me. He spoke, “Life at the border is not easy but tough and harsh. We have to do 10 hours of training to stay fit and healthy so that we can serve our country. We have to cook meals ourselves and we have no designated time to eat. There are even times when we have to starve. As for living away from home, it’s my love for the nation that gives me the strength to do so. I miss my family too much when I am at the camp but my country holds the priority. It helps me to focus on my job so that you can enjoy your time with your family. I, at my will, chose to be a soldier and I shall fulfill the duty that comes with it. And it’s not necessary to become a soldier to serve the nation. You can do it in other forms like civilizing the slum people, solving the disputes inside the nation, helping poor people with money and other needs, and so on.”

His words struck me through the heart. I understood and felt how their life is and what their importance is. Serving your nation is the biggest and proudest of all jobs. After talking with him I decided that I will also serve the nation in whatever way I can. I was contemplating my thoughts when the train blew the whistle and he waved me goodbye and got on the train again. The train left and I went to my home.