As one more year passes on since Indian Independence, I remember this live story, much shared during the post-Kargil War (India with Pakistan) period. Vivek Pradhan, the Project Manager of a software company, had to take the Shatabdi Express train. As the train left the station, he opened his case and took out the laptop, determined to put the time to some good use.
"Are you from the software industry sir?" The question was from a sixty plus old man sitting aside. Vivek mumbled in affirmation, handling the laptop now with exaggerated care and importance as if it was an expensive car. The man continued, "You sit in an office and write something on a computer and it does so many big things outside." Vivek smiled deprecatingly. "It is not as simple as that my friend. Everyone just sees the money. No one sees the amount of hard work we have to put in. Just because we sit in an air-conditioned office doesn't mean our brows don't sweat. My friend," he concluded triumphantly, "you don't know what it is to be in the line of fire."
The man sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as if in realisation. When he spoke after sometime, it was with a calm certainty that surprised Vivek. "I know sir, I know what it is to be in the line of fire," He was staring blankly as if no passenger, no train existed, just a vast expanse of time. "There were 30 of us when we were ordered to capture Point 4875 in the cover of the night. The enemy was firing from the top. In the morning when we finally hoisted the tricolour at the top, only 4 of us were alive." "You are a..?" "I am Subedar Sushant from the ‘13 J&K Rifles’ on duty at Peak 4875 in Kargil. They tell me I have completed my term and can opt for a land assignment. But tell me sir, can one give up duty just because it makes life easier. On the dawn of that capture one of my colleagues lay injured in the snow, open to enemy fire while we were hiding behind a bunker. It was my job to go and fetch that soldier to safety. But my captain refused me permission and went ahead himself. He said that the first pledge he had taken as a Gentleman Cadet was to put the safety and welfare of the nation foremost, followed by the safety and welfare of the men he commanded. He was killed as he shielded that soldier into the bunker. Every morning now as I stand guard I can see him taking all those bullets, which were actually meant for me. I know sir; I know what it is to be in the line of fire."
Vivek looked at him in disbelief not sure of his reply. Abruptly he switched off the laptop. It seemed trivial, even insulting to edit a word document in the presence of a man for whom valour and duty was a daily part of life. The train slowed down as it pulled into the station and Subedar Sushant picked up his bags to alight. "It was nice meeting you sir." Vivek fumbled with the handshake. This was the hand that had climbed mountains, pressed the trigger and hoisted the tricolour. Suddenly, as if by impulse he stood at attention and his right hand went up in an impromptu salute. It was the least he felt he could do for the country.
As we walk like giraffes, head away from our hearts, do we ever remember these patriots who guard our borders, or busy in power and money games? ‘Can one give up duty just because it makes life easier?’ The question is still haunting my senses.
PS: Major Batra sacrificed his life while trying to save one of the men he commanded, as victory was within sight. He was later awarded the Param Vir Chakra - the nation's highest military award.
