We’ve all heard people say that the real heroes aren’t those whom we see on the screen but those who protect our nation. Today, I happened to meet one such individual who is among those brave men from the Indian Armed Forces who led from the front during a crucial Indian battle. While his accolades and those of his unit are huge, yet there wasn’t a mention of him in any of the history books we grew up studying.
It made me wonder why? Why aren’t those who give up their lives for the nation truly remembered? Why is their legacy not well-preserved for generations to seek inspiration from? Why do such Indian Armed Forces heroes not find mention among those few who managed to come into the limelight?
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I had so many questions in my mind, yet no one to answer them. These brave men and women who lay down their lives so easily are like you and me. They have families just like us civilians; they have a husband or wife waiting for them at home, a child who awaits their arrival with gifts and surprises, a mother looking forward to feeding them their favourite dishes, and friends who can’t wait to hear all their battle stories over drinks.
While some of these brave men manage to arrive back home safe and sound, some reach only wrapped in tricolour. What happens to their legacy? What happens to the stories they had carried in their heart to be shared with their loved ones when they reach back home? Their stories, like their lives, are sacrificed for a nation that is too quick to forget them and move on with their lives.
Yes, many of you might say that life doesn’t stop for anyone. Many might argue that the soldiers are never forgotten; they always remain in our hearts. While I would agree with every argument that’s put forth, what I wouldn’t agree to is the fact that only on special days like Independence Day, Republic Day, Vijay Diwas, or Victory Day and more, these heroes are remembered.
When the Indian Armed Forces can truly embody the spirit of ‘leave no man behind’ and continue to look after the ones left behind after a soldier makes a supreme sacrifice, why can’t we as citizens do the same? I would have never sat down to ponder over these questions had I not met a gentleman soldier today who went above and beyond to serve his country, yet when I googled his name for research, I couldn’t find his mention anywhere.
I hope this changes in years to come as the stories these brave men have aren’t just motivating for those aspiring to join the forces but also for the civilians who wish to lead their life with integrity and dedication. Till then, I leave you with these questions and thoughts to ponder over just like me.
PS: This is entirely my own opinion and in no way, it is to offend anyone from the forces or otherwise. It’s a challenge I faced while doing research for my work that led to these thoughts which I felt like sharing.