The tradition of martial music and other traditions have always been strong in our defence forces. There are regimental songs and some quaint traditions that impart colour to the lives of our soldiers. The spirit of festivity is as strong. Cantonments and other military installations usually have places of religious worship that host communal events for various communities, Eid celebrations, Pathh or langar at the gurudwara and so on. So this little video of our soldiers going the garba in freezing conditions is very much in keeping with these traditions:
A union minister tweeted this video of soldiers dancing to a traditional folk song of Gujarat. The very incongruity of performing the garba in military garb including snow boots, in the snow is interesting.
Instances such as these reveal the human face of our men and women in uniform and the life they have chosen to embrace. When posted in hostile locations far from home, our soldiers have to create their own entertainment. They have to find ways to lift their morale; remain engaged.
Embracing traditions dear to them is one way to impart a sense of normalcy to days spent battling enemy hostilities as well as inhospitable weather and conditions.
Soldiers often have to stay in inaccessible places without their families for extended periods; without even being able to contact them regularly. This is a daily reality. Many are mindful of the tough conditions that soldiers live with.
A moment just to say thanks.
This Twitter user’s bio says he is a veteran sailor and questions some of the government policies that seem to go against the interest of the soldier.
Some people pointed out that while those in positions of power pay lip service to our men and women in uniform, they don’t put their money where their mouth is. For instance, issues such as OROP and pay commissions are still not addressed adequately. Policymakers as well as the public at large need to realise the unique challenges of the soldier. Not only do defence personnel knowingly take up jobs that could put their lives in danger, but they also face the big challenge of making a lateral shift to an alternative career in the middle of their professional life.
The military is structured as such; it is important to have a young, fit and lean workforce; ergo a large majority of defence personnel would retire in their 30s and 40s. As such, meaningful policy changes would be more important than sharing admittedly heartening videos of our soldiers making the best of difficult conditions.
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