news details |
|
|
| The sentinels of the Nation | | | Jasbir Sarai | 1/17/2012 11:39:42 PM |
| Throughout history, India has been known for being able to assimilate within itself a plethora of socio-cultural impulses. This has a lot to do with wide ranging topography of the Nation and the associated change in dialect, custom and lifestyle. Cultural, religious, regional, ethnic, linguistic, historical, economic and social diversity are the hallmark of India. How then is the concept of nationhood being maintained? Nationalism is facilitated within the country by its capacity to absorb all varieties of social and cultural streams and carry them along as a part of the mainstream. This ability of the country flows from some noble institutions that form an integral part of its fabric. Premier amongst them is the Indian Army.
On the eve of Indian independence, as midnight approached, Jawaharlal Nehru culminated his famous speech "Tryst with destiny' to the Indian Constituent Assembly, heralding the birth of a new Nation. An undercurrent to the euphoria was a sinking feeling of doom due to the shadow of sectarian violence and secessionism that threatened the fabric of the nascent Nation. It was not long before the two dominions of India and Pakistan erupted into riots between Hindus and Muslims causing death, disruption and agony to millions of people. This was closely followed by a tribal invasion in Kashmir and confusion with respect to the status of Princely States which had been left alone by the Indian Independence Act 1947 to choose between India and Pakistan or stay outside them. Whereas many states had sworn allegiance to the Indian Union, there were some which were vacillating. The fate of independent India would have been quite different if the Indian Army had not responded positively to the challenge of quelling the initial fires of turmoil and secessionism. The Indian army has, over the years, continued to be a symbol of multiculturalism and pluralism beautifully held together by bonds of camaraderie in times of danger and an inherent discipline. Its soldiers strive to safeguard the life and honour of the Indian people. Those that they protect are not their own kith and kin, yet they perform their duty without question, without complaint. In the line of duty each soldier stands with a companion who comes from a different social, cultural, economic and ideological background, yet, the Army as a whole comes across as one uniform force dedicated to the singular objective of protecting the integrity of its motherland. The spread of the Army across the borders of the country and also the hinterland promotes its pan-Indian identity in which regional identities and affiliations are subdued. The stationing of soldiers from the South in the rigorous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, for instance, exposes them to the culture of the beautiful State. The help and service that they render to the people of the region endears them to the local populace who in turn become more accepting of people from other regions. In fact, every formation of the Indian army could be viewed as a microcosm of the Indian Union. All this promotes national integration. The soldier of the Indian army is taught to respect the sentiments and traditions of all religions and regions of the country. No matter what part of the country the soldiers are posted to, they have no problems whatsoever in adapting to their local customs and traditions. This ability is also exhibited during the routine practice of the "Mandir Parade" wherein rituals of all religions are practiced and observed under the guidance of trained religious teachers.
Institutions like Sainik Schools and Army Schools that have been opened all over the country and activities carried out under the ambit of the National Cadet Corps bring young boys and girls of different parts of the country together on a single platform in a fairly cohesive manner. The experience gained and the exposure received by the youth in the course of such education opens their minds to new vistas and possibilities; it also instills in them pride for their country, its ideology and its achievements. Their horizons are broadened and they view themselves as citizens of a strong Nation rather than a small peripheral state or an obscure village. The Indian army thus serves as a vehicle for the promotion of national integration among the people of the country at large.
The Indian Army is a pillar that upholds the democratic tenets of our country. Surrounded mostly by alien environs that are at the best of times uncomfortable and at worst life threatening, the men of the Indian army learn to ignore small discomforts and minor differences and concentrate instead on the larger and more important issues in life, primarily those of survival with honour and integrity intact. It is this resilience that has assisted the Army in containing divisive and disruptive forces in insurgency affected regions of the country. When the chips are down it is invariably the Army that the citizens of this country look upon to restore the situation.
The Army is a disciplined force that has always worked within the framework laid down by the Indian Constitution. It operates in an exemplary manner that serves as a model code of conduct for the entire population of the country. It is a cohesive force that plays a vital role in holding the country together. It contributes to the nation not only in terms of national integration and but also towards imbibing such secular norms that are benchmarks of our democratic ideals. The Army exemplifies what is the very best in the Nation and each of its soldiers comes across as a role model for nationalism and selfless service of the motherland. As the Nation gears up to celebrate its Republic Day, it is time to also remember its sentinels with a sense of pride and honour. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
STOCK UPDATE |
|
|
 |
| BSE
Sensex |
 |
| NSE
Nifty |
|
|
| |
CRICKET UPDATE |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
