Confidence and Stupidity is a very dangerous combination that goes hand in hands, yet is the rock star of social media particularly electronic media where TRP matters more than ethics. On the other hand Debate, Dignity and Veracity, are a very potent combination, yet at cross roads, being devoid of realities on ground and swinging in keeping with half-baked inputs, decibel heroics, political patronage or “my days syndrome”. Sometimes the “ghost of the shadow of personalities” , who give judgement based on perceptions, leanings and emotions, are illusions seemingly larger than the man and reality themselves.
Most consistent, is the issue of Politics over Propriety and Opposition versus the Ruling, making it Politics Above All and not Nation Above All. The casualty in most cases is “TRUTH”, and the nation playing into the hands of the adversary. It’s the age of information warfare and greater the confusion you create, lesser the credibility and the Indian you deserve to be. Indeed we are a country with highest per capita opinion, albeit with least accountability and most self-inflicted injury. So the least you can do is play your part well and be an Indian worth fighting for!!
Naam, Namak and Nishan- is that asking too much
The Indian Army(IA) is the most “Professional and Fierce Army” in the world. A soldier is the best of friend to friends, and the worst of the enemy to those who dare his motherland. A soldier is born to fight, trained to kill and willing to die. Indeed a God’s angel, the saviour of our motherland. Be it Kargil, Pulwama or Galwan, they have made the nation proud and given the enemy a “bloody nose”.The sacrifices of those brave hearts were made for the nation and you. So be a grateful Indian if nothing else can be expected from you. They stand not for politics, but for brethren’s in arms and the tricolour which flutters with their last breath. They act more than they speak, because they are “Men of Steel and not Men of Straw”. They don’t have to be cricket commentators or seek expert commentators of folklore era.
They know their business and do it better than any army in the world. Sharing of operational information is time and place sensitive to future operations, and in the fog of war initial perceptions may not be the truth. So be patient and stop misquoting a trigger happy media, or being a fastest finger first arm chair analyst, making a mockery of yourself in the sensational virtual space. Believe and trust your Army for they give their lives for your today. Forget not that the soldier is apolitical, secular and beyond partisan intentions of petty politics. For him “Naam, Namak and Nishan” is his character and “Wafadari, Imandari and Bhaichara” his DNA. For him, duty is the most supreme religion – the only one he professes (Seva Parmo Dharma). He is defined by the qualities of 5 C’s – Character, Commitment, Competence, Courage and Compassion. So, be an Indian worth fighting for!!
If you are an Indian worth the salt, then applaud the brave soldiers and the families of those fallen souls. Raise your voice to stop gossip / misinformation and play your role to ensure that the nation walks the talk on these six basic issues :
Arm him to fight, win and live to fight yet again.
Ensure his status, respect and dignity in the Society.
Keep the Institution apolitical and curb its unprofessional exploitation.
Enhance the strategic deterrence against adversaries by more potent Capacity, Capability, Credibility and Communication.
Restructure, right size, rebalance and reequip to be ready and relevant as a joint force against the future threats.
Ensure respect, care and well-being of veterans and families of our fallen soldiers / disabled warriors.
In the meantime, your “Fauji” will continue to stand tall in the line of duty and never fail the nation and You. For him the sacred prayer lies in his scripture, to be a Soldier Above All. So be an Indian worth fighting for!!
