RAKHI FOR THE NATION
I was just thinking that when it
comes to “Raksha Bandhan” every one sends Rakhis to the Defence Forces. Where
do all these smart girls and lovely ladies evaporate on Valentine’s Day, rose
day, propose day, kiss day, hug day etc. I swear, you can be rest assured that
there are lots of eligible bachelors and handsome young men and women in the
forces.
Be that as it may. This country
can be rest assured that forces are determined to keep the real enemy at bay
and they also have sworn to keep you guys and gals safe during internal
disorders. During natural calamities, they work day and night, risking their
lives disregarding their personal safety and comforts. The dichotomy comes in
when your “Rakshaks” during disasters continue to save people but cannot keep
you safe from “Bhakshaks” who lurk in every gully/mohalla & cities where
you live.
His own real sister and mother
are not safe. Actually, the soldier expects that when he has gone to the
borders to teach the enemy a lesson his kith and kin would be in safe hands.
Everyday news is filled with plight of women in our Nation. The soldier thus has
to keep a watch on two fronts. This distracts him from doing his primary role.
As a symbolic gesture, I can
understand the feelings of people who send Rakhi’s to our troops and we thank
you for that. Soldiers definitely miss nears and dear ones on such occasions. They
too are human beings after all. Thank God for mobile technology today that one
can visit home live. Unfortunately, many times it happens so that internet &
mobile signals in border and insurgency areas are weak or due to trouble brewing;
these services are taken off the air, besides soldiers have security
restrictions.
I would say that if you see a man
in uniform just fold your hands and say “Namaste”. If you know how to salute,
just wish him JAI HIND. This man is “pyaar ka bhookha”. His “Izzat” is the only
thing he cares for, just give him that and he will willingly lay down his life.
If you are “open minded” enough just open your arms and give him a hug, I can swear
he will have moist eyes and treat you as his own family member with one “jadoo
ki jhappie”.
I remember once during the year long
haul deployment of OP-PARAKARAM we had many families who came to meet us in one
of the messes. My family could not join in as they were not in the station
where I was posted. My daughter was about a year old then and when I saw small
children of other officers, I got very sentimental. I had not seen my little
one for almost six months. I was busy preparing train loads, truck load tables
and logistics et al. There was no time to think of family.
That afternoon Maj Dhaiya’s
little daughter, who was the exact age of my daughter, was in my lap all the
time. I poured all my love and affection on this little bundle of joy. Finally
when they left, I was sad inside but happy also as the fauji family does not
let you miss your near and dear ones. There were tears and smiles, there were
hugs and handshakes, there were promises to party till cows come home on return
and we did.
Sisters, I suggest you get hold
of all policemen in your beat area and tie Rakhis to them. They need to ensure
your safety more. Get hold of all Goonda mawalis for this special day. Make
them promise that henceforth they will not commit any crime. Get your police
inspector to make areas free for women to walk safe. Catch hold of all road
side Romeo’s and fill their hands with Rakhi’s. At least some percentage of
them will start to behave. Soldiers will always remain your protectors without
doubt.
The soldier ties a Rakhi on his
wrist for the nation in a form of an oval disc also called a dog tag with his
name and number engraved, during operations. I would suggest tie a friendship
band to this soldier who is transiting through your area, at an airport or
train. Give him that little space where he can sit comfortably and go to his
destination as he would have been given his orders to move at short notice.
If nothing else then just say a
small prayer for him. Remember, for him his duty and his nation comes first
always and every time. By the way he won’t
mind a chocolate on any day. Does anyone care? I wonder!!!!!!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© Noel Ellis
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