A T

Classics Inspirational

4.0  

A T

Classics Inspirational

The True Soldier

The True Soldier

5 mins
300


   'Soldier'this term gets respect from anyone who sees a soldier around them anywhere. The Soldier is one who is ready to shed his life for the sake of the Nation. They work round the clock so that we sleep in peace in our cozy homes. I really wonder how many of us bother to think how tough their lives are. How brave they and their families have to be. Are they working only for the pay cheque. No, it may not be only for that. To become a Soldier one needs a lot of courage and staunch love for the Nation.  This is a narrative about an incident I witnessed during the recently celebrated Republic day on 26th use January at New Delhi.           Independence day and Republic day both the National festivals are celebrated with reverence and respect by every Indian. Natasha and Sudhir were super excited to participate in the celebration at Kartavya path New Delhi. They got dressed up early in the morning and started to the spot as early as possible. The place was decked up for the occasion. Every nook and corner seemed appropriately presentable for the event that would unfold within some time. The tricolour that would be hoisted was ready. The songs that were being heard were so patriotic. They were making everyone emotional. Since it was a wintry morning everyone was sitting in their respective places covered with winter wear. The dignitaries were expected to arrive any time.             Natasha had watched the event on television every year without a miss. She wanted to witness it live and this time she felt she was lucky as Sudhir had some official work in Delhi around the same time and he took Natasha along with him.    

     The programme started with the arrival of all the dignataries. The President, The Prime minister and the guest of honour who is invited specially for the occasion. The flag was unfurled by the President of India with the National anthem being played. This was then followed by the marching ceremony by the different regiments of Army,Navy and Airforce along with their respective bands. Tableux from different states of India signifying their culture and tradition were displayed. The program was presided over by the President herself. The guest of honour was President of Egypt Mr. Abdel. The main attraction of this event is when the martyrs are conferred with bravery awards for their gallantry that definitely needs to be shown respect,not everyone is so brave anyways. Children too are conferred with bravery awards for showing bravery under adverse situations for the sake of others. A beating retreat ceremony marked the end of the Republic day program. Natasha and Sudhir thoroughly enjoyed the entire event and were returning to the parking place when they noticed a couple where the lady seemed to be in tears in front of a photograph that was stuck to the wall. The gentleman who might be her husband was trying. To console her. When Natasha and Sudhir soon realised that the photograph on the wall was that of a martyd soldier who might have been their son it simply moved them to tears They saluted the Soldier's photograph and very quickly took a cab and returned to the hotel they stayed in. Natasha could not get sleep as the images of the couple who were weeping ringed in her mind continuously. Somewhere in the midnight she dozed off to sleep.           

         Sudhir got busy with his work from home. He went into his office room and logged in to his laptop and was engaged with his work. Natasha got a call from her mother and sister who wanted to know about the Republic day celebration that she saw live. Natasha explained about the events very disinterestedly. Her sister sensed she was not feeling enthusiastic at all. When asked the reason for that lackluster answer Natasha narrated what she saw and how she felt about martyrs and their families.She started by saying what might be the mental state of the parents who see their martyr Son or daughter whose sacrifice might be a waste for people who have vested interests and work against their own country,but continued  to lead a comfortable life at the cost of the country to which they belong physically but are not with it emotionally or mentally. What do the parents feel when their son is slogging to protect the border amidst dropping temperatures,away from his kith and kin not knowing what the next moment will be like. Imagine their state of mind when people in power or the political leadership give  statements that may deter their fighting spirit for the Nation's sake. The fightimg spirit that every soldier has within himself or herself is the only aspect that helps them to think beyond all these petty matters and fight for the Nation. Natasha got very emotional and she had to be calmed down by Sudhir by saying that we should do our bit for the sake of the Nation when given a chance which not only means fighting for the Nation which is not everyone's ability but not to dishonour our culture,our National anthem,Our National Flag,our ethics and try to foster all these principles in the younger generation. We could do our bit this way. This calmed Natasha and she felt a bit relaxed and took a pen and paper to write down a poem about Soldiers and their sacrifices this was a sort of a tribute and gesture of respect that she wanted to express.


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