On a TV news debate recently, Maj Gen Gagandeep Bakshi SM, VSM broke down and cried. Without going into the whys and wherefores of the debate or the politics of the issue being discussed there, let us look at what the symbolism of what the national flag means to the Indian soldier. Let us take a moment to consider how these men and women work each day to uphold the sovereignty of our nation; a sovereignty that is represented by our national anthem, national and regimental (for that soldier) flags and other emblems.
The flag is symbolic of what the soldier works for
Our soldiers are posted at various locations in the country, on borders, in harsh and hostile environments; many that are inimical to life and well being. The soldier is tasked with ensuring that the frontiers of the country remain safe and so does its citizens, and the soldier performs this task without question, without hesitation and often at a great deal of personal cost. Non family postings mean long periods of aching loneliness, living away from the family and being unable to participate in festivals, family celebrations and more. Hardship postings mean living with the bare basics; without the ordinary necessities and luxuries that most of us take for granted. There is hostile terrain, harsh and extreme climate to contend with.
The solider is never off duty – quite literally; and may be called up at any time of the day and night to attend to an issue in the line of duty. The fact that there could (and frequently is) a phone call in the middle of the night is part of life for the soldier. In the middle of this, that soldier draws solace from that national flag; knows that the hardship, the privation and the sacrifice endured have not been in vain. When that tricolour is seen hoisted there is a moment of quite pride in all those hearts; a conviction that here is a life of worth, of purpose.
The ‘ordinary’ soldier becomes extraordinary
Param Vir Chakra winner Honorary Captain Bana Singh after whom Bana Top In Siachen is named
A sense of pride in one’s work, a sense of solidarity with other soldiers of a close knit, united team and the notion of working towards a lofty ideal keeps that soldier sane. When called upon to do so, that soldier then is able to perform feats of great valour and astonishing heroism.
The stories behind Bana Top in Siachen, the legend of O P Baba and now most recently the heartrending story of Siachen’s Miracle Man tell stories of immense hardship, tremendous courage and a willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice – that of one’s life. All for the motherland and to see her foremost symbol, the tricolour, fly high with pride.
Here is the video clip from the Newshour.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfSN9dxmb6Q
Author – Reena Daruwalla
