I may be from any caste, but soldier is my name.
I have a duty to my country, I do it not for fame.
The entire nation is my family,
I'll protect all of them happily.
I chose to serve above other professions,
I never had any doubts nor any questions.
I was certain that the fire burning in me,
Was to blaze out our country's enemy.
As I walked out of my parents' arms,
Leaving behind the household charms.
Alongside tears, pride shone in their eyes,
Just as we said our final goodbyes.
I lead a tough life, under dreary conditions,
Guarding the border without any intermission.
Complaining is not my style,
I'll always do my duty with a smile.
In the army, I have found my brothers,
And although not from the same mother,
We share a common dream, a common mission,
Safe keeping country folks is our only tradition.
If something happens, and my body arrives home,
Don't cry or complain, I'm coming from the war zone.
My story will be told by the medals on my chest,
Be proud and remember, I did my best.
I may be gone, but I'm leaving behind an inheritance,
For generations that follow, my tales will be the evidence.
Preserve my uniform and my medals,
Ready my son to be the next in regimentals.
A thunderous round of applause resonated in the hall as I closed my brother's diary, and raised my head to witness a standing ovation from the audience. With a heavy fluttering heart and tearful glassy eyes, I patiently waited for the noise to die down and everyone to be seated again. I had more to say.
Even though my voice was shaky, identical to my emotional state, it was still filled with pride, when I held the mike once more. Clutching the diary in one hand and his new Param Vir Chakra in the other, I began softly.
"My brother, Veer Vijay Singh, true to his name, was only 30 years old. He wrote this poem just before leaving the house the last time. None of us expected never to see him again!"
Choking on my tears, I tried to compose myself, before continuing.
"This may be a tragedy for our family, but I'm extremely proud of my brother and his fellowmen, who became martyrs in this victorious battle against our country's enemies. My heartfelt condolences and applauds to all their living families. Nobody knows the value of the Tirangaa better than us. My nephew, Virendra, is only five years old, but he already has his father's cap on his head, and we shall leave no stone unturned to fulfill my brother's last wish."
Wiping my relentless tears, I raised the hand which was holding Veer's award and concluded my speech.
"I would like to end with Captain Vikram Batra's quote:
"Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolor, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure."
I think all our soldiers promise and accomplish the same. Thank you."
I stepped down gracefully amidst another round of ear-splitting applause and a standing ovation.
Shamim Merchant, Mumbai.
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