Respecting the soldier is important – English version from Rakshak news 19 Dec 17
The soldier who places his life and limb at risk to ensure that the nation is safe and secure, has no demands, but respect and status. ‘God and soldiers are only remembered in times of trouble’ as an adage, had always been true for India. However, in recent times, there has been a slow but positive change towards respecting the soldier, possibly following trends from across the globe and impact of social media.
A video circulating on social media showed passengers at the international terminal of Delhi airport, standing and applauding soldiers transiting in uniform for a UN assignment. Airlines have also begun announcing the presence of mortal remains of martyrs on board. On an Indigo flight, in which I was present, an announcement indicating the presence of veteran officers on board, moving for their reunion, after thirty-seven years of service to the nation was made. The applause by the passengers was a welcome change.
Similarly announcing the presence of military award winners on board domestic flights is gaining ground. The latest in the list has been a circular issued by the NHAI asking its staff at toll plazas to salute or applaud serving military personnel, when they transit through, the practicality of which is not the issue, the gesture is. Airlines provide special boarding to defence personnel in uniform, though due to security instructions, none travel in uniform, unless moving onboard special military flights.
Such actions are an indicator of display of gratitude to the soldier. It may be small, but makes him feel proud and respected. It enhances his morale. Simple gestures such as special boarding privileges from airports like Srinagar, Leh, Jammu, and in the North East, where soldiers board after a troubled stint, heading home for short breaks, even if not in uniform, should become a norm as it gives a feeling of his service to the country being recognized.
A nation which respects its soldiers and veterans would always be a proud nation. In a democracy, the military is kept away from the corridors of power, rarely involved in decision making, but always at the forefront of action, implementing tough decisions made at the national level for ensuring national pride, Doklam and the surgical strike being recent examples. Hence, soldiers need positive gestures from society, indicating to them that they are special and the nation thanks them for their sacrifice.
Simultaneously every government action, seeking to degrade their status, ignoring rightful demands of widows and aged veterans has a negative impact. The government must pass directions to all ministries that issues concerning soldiers and veterans need to be viewed sympathetically. The defence minister has a significant role to play, as it is mainly her ministry, which by its recent actions has been criticized for being insensitive to the needs and problems being faced by veterans and widows.
Every soldier of today is a veteran of tomorrow. Veterans and the serving have a close bond, most being on the same page on social media. When a soldier receives news about maltreatment to widows and veterans, he begins to wonder, if the nation would care for his family, if he were to become a martyr on the line of duty. After all, each soldier loves his family and is worried for their welfare. If this thought ever comes into a soldier’s mind, it would be a sad day for India and the national leadership would be responsible.
The armed forces are the only organization in the nation without a union, lacking means to project their demands to those who matter. They have always worked silently and tirelessly battling those who seek to harm the nation. They have rushed in to aid those impacted by calamities, even ignoring their own difficulties.
It is this approach of the military which has resulted in respect and recognition flowing from the common Indian, despite some politicians and human rights activists, sitting in arm chair comfort, finding fault with their every action, including well- meaning ones. There would always be a lobby, who would seek to earn a living by criticizing the armed forces, knowing it would never respond or retaliate to their comments.
Governments in India have also never given the military its due recognition. 1965, 1971 and Kargil were wars when the armed forces proved their mettle and changed history. The world still studies these operations for their remarkable planning and perfect execution. Within the nation, they are celebrated quietly and without much fanfare. It is only within the military community that the event has relevance and is an occasion to honour widows of martyrs of these operations. Ignoring these occasions at the national level denies the public an opportunity from identifying with their own armed forces. It is only by ensuring that these victorious events are celebrated across all spectrums of society can the government enhance recognition of the military.
Instead of giving the military respect and recognition, governments over the years, fuelled by a fear of a coup, raised by a dominating bureaucracy, have lowered the status and standing of the armed forces. This has only increased heartburns and enhanced distance between the bureaucracy and the military.
It is only in India that political parties seek votes based on operations conducted by the armed forces, while simultaneously failing to grant them their rightful dues. They prefer moving rightful demands of veterans and serving to court to delay and deny, rather than granting them, thus denying recognition and respect for a service well rendered.
However, as recent incidents have proved, the common Indians’ respect for the soldier increases, even if the government ignores. This could be a warning to the government that disrespecting the soldier will lower their own standing in the eyes of the public.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army