Pain is temporary; Glory is forever.

Sometimes we fail to recognise the hidden strength that runs through our veins. And we keep on searching elsewhere but never peek through the curtains of our lives and look for the wand of power.

• On completion of training in Officers Training Academy, Cadets are asked for their option of the branch (Arms/Services), they would like to join.“  INFANTRY “ yes that’s what I chose as I knew the tough is for the toughest. Sometimes, even when we take a courageous step, choose to battle and confront our fears; the mind always seeks that little comfort zone. I found it in my language and culture. Being a  guy from Kerala I chose to stay close to my language and troops. I found a home away from home in “The Madras” Regiment. 
• The ingredients of my hard work, commitment and determination were shaping my destiny.  One thing led to another. I could feel the expanse of my wings growing, the pyramid of my dreams was shaping and the pinnacle was too high.  My hunger to explore a new role with more challenges increased with time. My ambition lured me more than the warmth of my comfort zone. I knew I can’t be in the same unit if I wanted to grow further. The drive to make my own identity made me work hard day and night and I was gifted with the much-awaited opportunity. I received a call from the National Security Guard (NSG) for Probation.

• Induction to NSG is subject to the successful completion of three months probation (Commando Course) at NSG Training Centre. Being an NSG Commando - an honourable position comes with rigorous commando training. Training that won’t let your muscles sleep and your brain slowly gets narrowed down to focus on one single goal. I faced all the hardships and wounds with a grin and continued with the physical tests. It is a different feeling altogether, an emotion that is inexplicable and reigns over the land of freedom. For the very first time, I felt the bittersweet definition of a true blanket of responsibility, the blanket which the Security forces put over the dear citizens of this nation, and that very ability channels a sense of pride within you. 
• Difficulties are surest means to know if you are following the correct path. They showed up soon to make me believe I was right.  We had 90 days of training. All the determined souls out there buried their worldly desires and focused on this training. Days turned into weeks and weeks into a month.  During the second month, I had a ligament injury while running my 10 Kms route march. Though I could complete my run and prove myself to be a fighter, little did I know the devils of difficulty have just started their job. The doctor announced that it would take 20 - 25 days to recover completely. My world was at a standstill when I realised it meant I can’t participate in 20 Km route march scheduled 10 days away. 
• In the training, we are asked to perform the rigid task of route march. Route march stands out of the crowd when you measure it on a scale of toughness. Here you are examined about your mental and physical strength with a weight on your shoulder as you march. Your shoulder and arms dutifully carry the backpack and weapons, your mental stability controls the fatigue and constantly releases a message of willingness and ability within you. This entire process is tilted more towards your mind’s sharp capability to keep calm and control your entire system. 
• Being injured during a commando course is a soldier’s worst nightmare. Giving up was the last thing I would want to do after coming so far. Giving up would only build a room filled with regrets and disappointment. 
• Since I could not run for 20km route march, I knew that if I don’t succeed in the next important test, which was 30 km route march, it would simply mean going back to my unit as a failure and remain as a regret forever. I just had two roads in front of me, either pack my bag and surrender in front of the pain and go back to the starting point or use the pain as a weapon and run after the smile of success. 

• I made up my mind that I would close all the doors that lead to embarrassment, and truly fight against the obstacles until the last drop of blood. I pulled up my socks, pushed the painkiller injection and made a concoction of pain and determination that gave birth to strength within me. That run for me was a run fuelled by the burning fire that grew gradually within me. Determined to fight back the trail of unfortunate events, the fire of determination made me complete my race. By the time I was done, I could not even remove my shoe because of the swollen feet and had to tear it open. But standing over there, the taste of being qualified was way sweeter than the mere pain.

We are subjected to different emotions on a daily basis- Happiness, pain, sorrow, fear, anxiety. If we do not invite pain into our lives, how are we going to taste the flavour of happiness? We often keep complaining about the misfortune that overshadows our lives, but why can’t we just sit and admire the gamut of contrasting emotions that life throws at us, and live life every second. Be it when you are in pain, or when you are victorious. Nothing is permanent, we need to learn to live through it all.

( to be continued ...)