Ilive in Grand Omaxe and some time back I was appalled to read some derogatory remarks about Defence personnel in the group what’s app. Well, my husband is an Army veteran and I
have first-hand experience of Army life and believe me, it is very challenging. It is not a life of comfort and luxury and definitely not highly paid.
It isn’t easy to join the Defence services – candidates are tested physically, intellectually and psychologically, and only the best get selected. Once selected, they undergo rigorous training to equip them for the difficult job which lies ahead and believe me. The job is tough not only for the personnel but for the families as well! It involves both mental and physical challenges which could break lesser persons!
Defence personnel are called upon to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens from external and internal threats. Not only do they have to deal with terrorists (home grown as well as those from outside), but in times of natural calamities like floods and earthquakes relief and rescue operations are conducted by defence personnel. They are the ones who are sent on foreign missions to help out friendly nations in distress. While normal citizens go on with their lives, very few of them realise that they are safe and sleep well at night because the country is secure thanks to the dedicated defence personnel!
While they are performing these Herculean tasks, their families have to fend for themselves. They have to learn to adjust and adapt in new places as defence personnel never stay for long in one place. The children change schools frequently and manage without the father’s presence very often. Many defence personnel lose their lives while performing their duty.
Believe me, it is a hard life but it is harder to hear derogatory remarks about these heroes who dedicate their lives to protecting the country and its citizens. They are deserving of praise, gratitude and admiration and not criticism!
by Ranjana Manchanda (Grand Omaxe, Sector-93B)
