WE ARE INDIAN ARMY

When the terror and the tumult of hate shall cease And life be refashioned on anvils of peace, And your love shall offer memorial thanks To the comrades who fought in your dauntless ranks, And you honor the deeds of the deathless ones, Remember the blood of thy martyred sons!

—Sarojini Naidu

India's laments for every soldier's martyrdom are no less heartfelt than those of a mother who has lost her children. In the midst of our daily routines, we rarely take time to think about the valiant acts of those unsung heroes who have enabled us to take our country's safety for granted. Let us honor the courage and sacrifice that have encased us in a safe haven, fearless of the adversary. Let us kneel down to the families that support these soldiers and send them away for days on end, unsure of their return. Let us hold our heads up high and express gratitude to every man and woman who has had the strength and commitment to defend their motherland at every cost.

Our flag flies not for the wind, but with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.

Since the Indus Valley Civilization, India has possessed military capability. Millions of Indian troops volunteered to fight in battles, from Alexander's conquests until the First World War. Indian soldiers' loyalties became mixed as the Indian Independence movement developed rapidly in 1946. Every year on January 15, Indian Army Day commemorates the day when British commander-in-chief Lord Kitchener handed over the command of the Indian army to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. Despite the fact that India gained independence in 1947, the handover did not occur until 1949.

They are warriors of steel, capable of standing tall even in the most trying of circumstances. They persevere in the face of bitter cold and blistering heat to remain brave, alert and committed to us.

While every Indian soldier deserves admiration, there are a few whose deeds have become legends. Let us look at one such tale of bravado.

During the Kargil War, at the tender age of 19, Yogendra Singh Yadav volunteered to capture three vital bunkers on Tiger Hill, which were located at the top of a steep, snow-covered, 16,500-foot-high cliff. He was essential in discreetly climbing it and killing opposing Pakistani soldiers. He did it without any rope while suffering from 16 gunshot wounds and 3 grenade attack injuries. Wounded and torn, he continued to fight till the end. Yadav had already neutralized the opposing attack by the time the remainder of the Indian platoon arrived. This gave Indian soldiers the upper hand, and they were able to complete one of the most difficult operations of the Kargil war: the Tiger Hill capture. This courageous soldier holds the distinction of being the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, an award given to those who go above and beyond the call of duty.

In an interview, he was asked: what advice would you like to give to those who dream of becoming a soldier but for some reason cannot accomplish it? he replied:

“Not every Indian can be a soldier- this statement is false. In actuality, everyone is a soldier; the only difference is that they are not dressed in a uniform. All you need is love and emotions for your nation. Empowering personalities like Bhagat Singh and others did not wear uniforms but sacrificed their lives for the country and lived like soldiers. Regardless of your field of work, devote your life to the task at hand and strive to achieve your goal. No one can stop you from attaining your aims if you believe in yourself and your work. People argue that there is God, but science claims otherwise. I feel the entire university is driven by some type of energy. That power will lead you to victory if you believe in yourself and work hard. It is something I have felt myself. Despite the fact that I had more than ten bullet wounds, I never lost faith in myself or my work. This is why I am here in front of you today.”

Oh brave hearts, oh doughty ones- we bow before you. Happy Indian Army day!