A friend has
written a post regarding news of depositing money in some account for our
soldiers. I don’t know the bonafide of the news but there was something in the
friend’s post which has shaken the soldier in me. It was something as if it
were soldiers behind opening of this account and like faujis join fauj at their own
free will. This is something I found in bad taste. Who opened this account I am not aware. But I am sure no fauji has
approached any one and begged money out of their hard earned money. Ppl join
fauj with their own free will, that's true. But let me tell a thing, ppl don't
join fauj but faujis r born as fauji. Those who join fauj, since their
childhood they dream of being in fauj. Let me assure you friends, certainly faujis
don't need alms. They need support of their fellow countrymen. When they guard
nation in subzero temperature or under scorching sun, rain, storm or in waters
or air, leaving their old parents and children behind, they expect, those who
are left home, will be taken care of by the fellow countrymen. After walking or
tattu or camel ride, in difficult terrain for days, when they board trains,
holding AC class railway warrant in hand but without reservation, they travel upto
72 hrs sitting besides toilet, and sometimes inside the toilet, they expect frm
you, the fellow countrymen, you will take their voice to the highest level for
a confirm ticket. They don’t join fauj for money, as no currency has the
power to pay for the service rendered by a soldier to his fellow countrymen. He
joins, serves and ultimately dies owing to the emotions for his motherland. This
is the emotion and not money which separates a soldier from a mercenary. Those who
weigh everything in terms of money they can never understand what I mean to
say. But when you enjoy weekend at some beach or in a mall, when you watch the first
show of your favorite cine star’s new movie, when your entire family enjoys its
dinner at some road side family dhaba, and when you smile at your kid while he
unboards his school bus, there is somebody who does not get all these luxuries,
still he is guarding you so that you can avail all that which he is deprived
of. He has not seen his kid for months together, he has not heard his voice for
days! Last thing he knows that his child had fever, his wife was arranging
someone to visit a doctor. Yes he joined fauj on his own free will! He owns the
whole responsibility of his decision but are we so materialistic that we can
just shrug and say, ‘it was you own decision, be with it dear soldier!’
Remember my fellow
countrymen for your every smile there is someone who is sweating and bleeding
to hold it intact and to keep your head high. A soldier does not need your money
what he needs is your faith in him and support, for he has not joined fauj for
money he did so out of emotions!
