Nationalism, National Unity & Indian Army In Salute the soldier 13 Jan 18
While the army does not hold patent rights for nationalism and national unity, it alone has done more to enhance this feeling within the nation as compared to any other institution or organization. Every soldier is a nationalist, willing to lay down his life safeguarding the nation’s citizens & interest. He walks into the line of fire knowing he may lose his life and carries within him unlimited liability as part of his duty to the Nation. In religious terms, the Indian army has no Hindus or Moslems in its ranks, only soldiers. It has no separate Mandir, Gurudwara, Church or Mosque in its operational units. It only has a Sarv Dharam Sthal (an abode for all religions). It is a unique institution epitomising the symbolic union of different religions under one roof representing all major religions of the world. It is in this one place that Janmashtami, Gur Purab, Easter and Id are celebrated and attended by all religions. Soldiers operate without caste, creed or religion. There is no column for caste or creed in a soldier’s records as all are equal and there is no differentiation. The army only enters religion in a soldier data base as it is essential for last rites, in case mortal remains cannot be sent back home.
It does not recruit soldiers based on any caste quotas, in fact this is the only quota less institution in the country. An individual requires to be physically and medically fit with the requisite intelligence and education levels to join, nothing else matters. Once selected he becomes a member of one of the best professionally trained Armies of the world and serves the nation with courage, commitment & conviction, accomplishing his task and fulfilling his responsibility with discipline, devotion, dedication and determination.
The army has been at the forefront of aid to civil authorities keeping local customs in mind and heart, without any care for whom it is assisting. During the Srinagar floods and earthquake in the valley, it reached the unreachable and helped even those who were pelting them with stones just a day prior. It did so without any hard feelings or anger, but with concern, after all, they are our own brethren.
During riots it has always been respected because it has been fair and just, not seeking to target any group or community. It has provided succour to all who have desired it, without differentiation. Hence, it is the most sought-after institution to restore order and has almost become the first responder in all emergencies.
Nationalism is at an all time high, when the widow of a brave soldier walks slowly up the stairs to receive recognition from the President for the ultimate sacrifice of her husband in the line of duty. Nationalism shines when the army marches down Raj path in perfect unison in all its finery. Every Indian was proud of the nation and its army, when it recaptured Tiger Hill and placed the national flag at its peak. The selfless leadership of young officers of the Indian Army at the forefront of their troops achieved many a victory, through at times at the cost of their lives during the Kargil conflict. The Indian Army also proved that years of involvement in low intensity conflicts and counter insurgency operations had not blunted the tenaciousness and fighting edge of the forces. It has won wars through close inter services cooperation, professional higher direction of war and cogent political – strategic direction. Kargil brought the nation together. Even today, in every city and village, mass crowds turn up to attend the last rites of a brave soldier martyred along the line of duty. Cries of “Jai Hind” – ‘Bharat Mata Ki jai’ rent the air, casting religion, caste, creed or political affinities aside. This is true nationalism and flowing from the heart of every Indian solely because of the deeds of the army.
Institutions are lining up to place war trophies or vintage army equipment at their premises to inculcate nationalism within their students. This indicates that authorities heading institutions have realized that students can inculcate nationalism by connecting with the army. The Indian army has the unviable record of fighting insurgents for over six decades, perhaps unparalleled in the annals of military history. It has sacrificed thousands of men in these operations. It is perhaps the biggest learning organization, which continuously hones its skills with unflinching professional quest. The army belongs to the nation, formed by those representing every ethnic community, every language, dialect and every religion which exists in this great nation. It is your army, for you and by you, hence be proud of your soldier, give him the respect he deserves, as after all he is there to shed his life today for your happiness and security in the days ahead. The army represents ‘UNITY IN DIVERSITY’ of this great nation of ours. Its very name represents nationalism and national unity.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army