Independence has a cost – A thought for the fallen soldier

Every job is demanding, the Army demands life!

I, ……………………………………… do swear in the name in the name of?GOD that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by the law established and that?I will, as in duty bound, honesty and faithfully serve in the regular?Army of the union of India and go wherever ordered by land, sea or air, and that I will observe and obey all commands of the President of the Union of India and the commands of any officer set over me even to the peril of my life.

?All the newly commissioned officers are sworn this oath at the time of their commissioning.

On 9th March 1990 I along with 137 brother officers took the above oath with joy and pride.

It has been 33 years since we took this oath. It has been an honour to serve in the Indian Army along with other brothers in arms.

Every celebration is a joyous occasion. It is also an occasion to remember those who laid down their lives in the service of India.

I remember six of my course mates who laid their lives in the last 32 years. For me this is a ritual which I along with all our course mates have followed all through. In every get together, every party, every celebration we remember our buddies who are not with us.

1.????Gentleman cadet Prem Kumar – A gentle soul.

2.????2nd Lt Rupinder Chimney – Was with me in my college, a young man full of laughter.

3.????Capt Raju Mishra – He was my platoon mate, immaculate to the core.

4.????Maj P K Roy – Pallav was also my platoon mate in the academy, always smiling. ?

5.????Maj P K Kutty – He was one of the fittest soldiers, full of energy and zest.

6.????Lt Col A K Dixit – A thorough gentleman.

The title picture is of the plaque that our course has put at our alma mater in the remembrance of our course mates.

The best thing about the profession of soldiering is our camaraderie. A bond that is stronger than any other bond. My Army family is spread all over the globe now, all I have to do is just give a call.

I guess it gels with the job. Such a demanding job requires that kind of bonding. We gain strength from each other – one for all and all for one. ?

India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day today, that is 15th Aug 2022. The whole nation is celebrating the Independence, the Indian democracy, and the freedom that each one of us enjoy in our day today lives.

As we celebrate such a momentous occasion, I urge everyone to spare a thought for the fallen soldier.

For they gave their today for our tomorrow.

Jai Hind

Jai Hind Ki Sena