Monday 5 May 2014

Hats Off To Heroes...

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One week ago, our WhatsApp Family group got the following message from my Brother-in-law (BIL) that made us think.

"Major Mukund of 44 Rashtriy Rifles laid down his life fighting terrorists at Shopian Kashmir.... While the whole nation gripped in election fever and busy with IPL matches please pay homage to this brave soldier ........ Mukund"


Image Courtesy: Daily Bhaskar



Personally, I didn't know about this until my BIL informed us. I was saddened to learn of the loss.

Everyday our soldiers are facing dangers and threats protecting our nation & us while we lead cushioned lives. Heartfelt gratitude to our heroes who unflinching sacrifice themselves for our motherland...

Image Courtesy: The Hindu

Heroes are those who sacrifice themselves & their families.
Heroes are also those who are parents or family-members of Heroes, who have sacrificed themselves...

My BIL works with the Indian Navy. Today, he has sent the following message:

(Message Begins)
"
A SOLDIER’S FATHER

By : WING COMDR VENKI IYER

~~ The helicopter appeared over the late morning horizon. We were to receive Mr Lachhman Singh Rathore who was visiting our Flight Unit to perform the last rites of his son, Flying Officer Vikram Singh.

~~ Only the day before, I had sent the telegram, “Deeply regret to inform that your son Flying Officer Vikram Singh lost his life in a flying accident early this morning. Death was instantaneous.” It was the first time for me- to meet and manage the bereaved next of kin, in this case the Father of the brave officer.

~~ While most of the desolate family members insist on seeing the body, many a time there isn’t a body to show !! Flying Officer Vikram Singh’s remains were only a few kilos –scrapped from what was left in the cockpit. We had to weigh the wooden coffin with wood and earth.

~~The pilot brought the helicopter to a perfect touchdown. Soon Mr Lachhman Singh Rathor was helped down the ladder.A small and frail man he was, maybe of 80 years, clad in an immaculate dhoti.

~~As I approached him, he asked in a quiet and dignified whisper, “Are you Venki, the Flight Commander?” “Yes Sir.” “Vikram had spoken to me about you. I’d like to speak to you alone for a minute.”

~~ We walked to the edge of the concrete apron. ‘I have lost a son, and you have lost a friend. I’m sure that you have taken great care in arranging the funeral. Please tell me when and where you want my presence and what you want me to do. I’ll be there for everything. Later, I would like to meet Vikram’s friends, see his room and, if it is permitted, visit his work place. I then would like to return home tomorrow morning.”

~~A commander couldn’t have given me clearer instructions.

Image Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle
~~The funeral, with full military honours, was concluded by late afternoon. After the final echoes of the ‘Last Post’ faded away, Lachhman Singh spent the evening talking to the Squadron Pilots. Vikram’s roommate took him to see Vikram’s room. Lachhman Singh desired to spend the night in his son’s room instead of the guest house we had reserved for him. Early next morning after a tour of the squadron area, my boss took him to his office.

~~A while later, the staff car took Lachhman Singh to the civil airfield two hours away.

~~As the car disappeared round the corner, I remarked to my Boss, “A brave man he is. Spoke to me like a General when he told me exactly what he expected from us during his stay here. I have never seen a more composed man on such an occasion. I admire him.”

~~ “Yes, Mr Lachhman Singh Rathore is a warrior in his own way. He sired three sons and has laid to rest all three of them.

~~ His first son Captain Ghanshyam Singh of the Gurkha Rifles was killed in Ladakh in 1962 War. His second son, Major Bir Singh, died along the Ichogil Canal in 1965 in an ambush. His youngest, Vikram Singh, who had the courage to join the Air Force, is also gone now.
more to our country’s defence than All of us combined.”

~~Yes, he is indeed a brave Indian ; in fact HE is MORE INDIAN than anyone else - His sacrifice can never ever be repaid by the Country !! He is almost a Martyr himself !!

~~ But our Great Nation does Not know this simple Giant -- India only knows that Super Rich Cricketers need to be conferred BHARAT RATNA while a bunch of actors and actresses need to be conferred PADMA VIBHUSHANs and PADMASHREEs !!

~~ But what about the ' Losers ' ?? Those who have SIMPLY LOST their EVERYTHING to the Nation. Like this Father of Three Brave Soldiers. ~~

----------------

[[ PLEASE DO PASS THIS ON TO EVERY SINGLE POLITICIAN, BUREAUCRAT AND EVERY SINGLE INDIAN CITIZEN WHO DOES NOT HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE ARMED FORCES -- THAT's THE LEAST WE CAN DO AS OUR ONLY TRIBUTE TO THIS FATHER]]
"
(Message Ends)
-----------------

I am sharing this on my Blog and hope this message reaches everyone.
Can only create awareness & pay tribute to the patriotic citizens...

Wish there was no War, no terrorists, no fight over borders/territory... 
Wish brave sons & daughters never fell prey to bullets in any country...

Dear Soldiers & Families, indebted by your sacrifice & valour against foes,
Words fail us when we learn of your heart-touching stories. Hats Off to Heroes...

37 comments:

  1. So glad you posted this on your blog, Anita. It is really sad that such news don't really bothers anyone now in the political circles. Because Major Vardrajan was from Chennai, there was quite a bit of coverage in the Chennai edition of the newspaper I subscribe to. But can't say about the TV news bcos I don't watch that. A teacher of mine had also forwarded me the message "A Soldier's Father" that you have also shared here. I was so touched when I read that, and now reading it again I am so moved. Whatever respect and tribute we can pay to these martyrs isn't enough. If only the political class would wake up and start loving their motherland even a fraction of what these soldiers feel for India...wouldn't that be a great day for India?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true, Beloo.
      I share your views. Hope we all value our country & ensure many great days for India.

      Delete
  2. Wish there were no borders
    Wish there were no soldiers
    Wish war existed only in the dictionary
    and every citizen a visionary
    Is peace extinct?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing these apt lines. Totally agree, Kalpanaji.

      Delete
  3. I too wish there were no borders and that there were no soldiers to guard them.
    Respect and tribute to all these brave soldiers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sadly, we don't respect or care who we truly should. This post made me so emotional and angry too. Angry at our system. :(

    ReplyDelete
  5. i don't know what to say .. sadly i'm too contributing towards that miserable system somehow .. and this is truth (i'm not terrorist :P but neither a perfectly responsible citizen too :( )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel the same, Ankur :(
      I never use ":(". However, this is the first Post in my Blog where I am using it...

      Delete
  6. We have a pathetic system :-( my heart goes with those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for US ..thanks a lot for sharing this on your blog Anita..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mani, I feel the same as you.
      This is the least I could do.

      Delete
  7. Quite true! We never honor those deserving of honor. How then will we create a Society that has any values worth mentioning?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True Sureshji.
      Sad that who "deserve" honor depends on the persons deciding to honor.
      Politicians may not recognize or realize the contribution/loss of such families...

      Delete
  8. Good post Anita, appreciate your concern...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Alok. I just shared my Brother-in-law's messages...

      Delete
  9. Very true Anita.. The present day situation is so sad.. but question is what can be done about this on a serious note? nothing at all? can we do something for these soldiers? Sometimes I wonder why are they protecting us, when the deadliest enemy lives within the country tearing the country apart.. may be it is time we all become soldiers to protect the criminals of the country.. if we do our job, then their job is also justified..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True Shruti. May each of us be a soldier for our country....

      Delete
  10. That is such an heart wrenching post here, Anita. You have done really a commendable job by paying an homage, to our javans. God bless us all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Bhavya, it's truly moving. May God bless us & give sense to those people responsible for Wars...

      Delete
  11. Very Valid & thought provoking last point..!! What about those who sacrificed their loved ones for the nation??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right Pratik. Wing Cmdr Venki Iyer has raised the right Qn...

      I am glad you had shared about Major Mukund in your Post-
      http://crazytruefacts.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/even-a-salute-is-not-enough/

      We need to share all info & create awareness. Our heartfelt thoughts, gratitude & respect for all those who have sacrificed- whether by laying down their lives are whether by surviving without loved ones who are martyred...

      Delete
  12. it is so sad that our nation is being run by leaders who dont give a thought. We sleep a sound sleep because of these brave officers who are ready to give their life for Us..

    but as you say what about those these brave officers leave behind , I have personal experience of them suffering because the only bread winner in the house .. gave his life and the Govt has calmly forgotten them.


    I am of the same view as you, I also think along with the GOvt and leaders its OUR fault too we too have forgotten , are we doing our bit for the heroes .. ARE WE...
    Bikram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bikram.
      All these relevant points have been raised by Wing Comdr Venki Iyer...

      I just shared his views...
      Many Qns are now in our heads.
      How can things be fine unless War is stopped...

      Delete
  13. Very nice post! Really we do take very less care about the true heroes of our nation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right Gargi. All this strikes a chord with us. Heroes deserve better treatment.

      Delete
  14. Salute and Respect to the ones who braves extreme weather conditions and militants and save us. The one sacrificed their sleeps so that we can sleep peacefully. Remembering all those brave soldiers who are there for supporting and protecting us.
    Thanks Anita for this post so that at least we take care of them in our minds!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True Krishna.
      Feeling terribly helpless.
      The least we can do...

      Delete
  15. Respect! What a man! He is really brave. Thanks for making us aware of this Anita.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, true. So many sacrifices for our country.
      I have my Brother-in-law to thank for making us aware...

      Delete
  16. I bow down before the mighty soldiers and guards of our borders and security. When I see people so corrupt all around, a thought of these valiant heroes makes me think that honesty and true love for nation and duty still exists.

    ReplyDelete
  17. So true, Anita. Whether kargil, Uttarakhand we have forgotten the sons of the soil and real heroes who sacrifice their lives for us. They are remembered for a day, whether Vikram Singh, Vikram Batra, Major Sundeep Unikrishnan, Ashok Kamte or Vijay Salaskar. These are true heroes that makes our national flags flying high.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right Vishal.
      Heroes must be treated with respect & get all the regard they deserve. That's the least we can do...

      Delete
  18. Anita, you brought tears to the eyes by this post-Tears of tribute to all those great Indians like Lachman Singh.Thank you..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Even I am moved reading such heart-touching stories...
      Tears of tribute & gratitude are the least we can offer.

      Delete
  19. A long back event and an old story, but as the news keeps repeating in Watsaap and media, I was curious to know the facts behind the content of message. Strangely, though the news is true it is neither covered in any news paper or search engines take you to any relevant data persisting to the story!!! All I find is generous Bloggers who have captured them in their memories and dedications. Strange world.

    ReplyDelete

Your words mean a lot to me.

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