"Gp Capt" Sachin

This is not about Sachin Tendulkar.  Sachin is an all time great sportsperson who has contributed immensely to the quality of Indian cricket in particular and to the game of cricket in general. Over decades he has given cause to Indians and all cricket fans of the world to rejoice. Along the way he has also exhibited virtues like integrity, honesty, perseverance and unquestionable love for game and country. He loves his family. He is human and humane and supports many charitable initiatives.

So, Sachin this is not about you.

Awards and recognitions are given to performers for achievements. They are specific like say ‘Cricketer of the year’ or ‘Arjuna award’ and non specific like the Padma series. There are rules governing these awards. There can be logical reasoning in bestowing these awards.

But I believe a military uniform can not be awarded or bestowed; it has to be earned. It has to be earned through months and years of grind, sweat and toil.

It has to be earned living through emotions of long periods of separation from your loved ones. It has to be earned by experiencing the reality of a possibility of not being able to see your loved ones at all in your life time. Therein lies the sanctity of a soldier. Therein lies the sanctity of the uniform. The uniform has to be earned and not given away for free.

I dare say some of the vestiges of the ‘Raj’ still lie hidden in the archaic rule books somewhere. Our democratic system has not had the time and gumption to revise them.  The British bestowed military ranks on a few kings from whom they had taken away their armies! Let us frame our own rules. Let us not be under an illusion that the youth of today will come in hordes to join the military just because you give undeserved ranks to certain achievers/celebrities. I say again it was long ago the Mughals and the British ruled over India. The British left our shores more than six decades ago.

When will the Government and people of India to give the soldier his due; give it at least now; even if it is more than six decades and five wars after independence.