Dear Soldier,
I come from a lineage of defence personnel. My great great grandfather was a commandant of Ganga Risala (13 grenadiers) and the successive generations are still serving the Indian army. So, I have always been surrounded by war stories and incidents. These touching stories connected me to your sacrifices and the many hurdles faced by you. Listening to these stories created a bond between you – the unknown men – and me. My luxuries and happiness are related to your sacrifices.
I can lead a normal life because you, the men in uniform, are doing your duty without fail.
You have given up your luxuries – hot showers, meals with your family, and a cosy bed. You have given up your ability to wake up and go to bed whenever you please, or watch your favourite TV show, or to even dress the way you would like to. Your life revolves around your duty to protect our country.
My Sandesh to a Soldier, the man who may have missed the birth of his child and the women who have missed the milestones of their children is: Thank you. I could not imagine what it feels like for a parent or a spouse to not be there for their loved ones when most needed. You are strong and your families too are. Thank you to the wives of the soldiers, who suffered alone during childbirth, thank you to the daughter who missed out on the father-daughter dance, and thank you to the son who had to become the 'man' of the house very early in life.
It is because of you that I am always confident and relaxed. I know we are safe, thanks to you.
Jai Hind,
Devendra Pratap Singh
Inderpura, Rajasthan
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