Brigadier Harishchandra Singh, an 80-year-old, retired armoured corps officer made me sit up and feel so proud of our Kshatriya traditions. The spirit of the Gita, of being ever ready to fight for a righteous cause and sacrifice even one’s life for the greater good, came alive. War clouds gathered menacingly over India and Pakistan, we were waiting for the sinister events to unfold anytime, when this old brigadier shared a letter with me. This brave officer wrote to the commandant of 68 Armoured Regiment, his old unit (guess what?) that he was ready to serve the nation on the battlefront. I reproduce the letter below:
“Dear Col. Rishi Chauhan,
In case our country goes to war with Pakistan, then I would like to offer my humble services to the Gladiators in whichever way you think fit. I can still drive a tank, fire its gun and use the radio set. I can still drive any B vehicle. I would gladly perform any other role that you would like me to perform please. I have fully recovered from my Pleural Effusion operation in February last and am fighting fit. Jaya (his wife) has also got her total knee replacement done at Command Hospital three weeks ago and will be able to walk without support soon. She is very good at handling PBOR family welfare issues in the rear please. Kindly send me your location and I’ll travel under my own arrangements the moment The Balloon Goes Up. Bajrang Bali Ki Jai.”
Surely, the offer was politely refused by the commandant, with great admiration for the spirit. He then offered to serve his parent regiment, which also was politely refused. I was amazed, but very proud to see the martial spirit of service shown by an old Kshatriya ready to serve the motherland selflessly, to the last breath!!
Bharat Mata Ki Jai!!
Prarthna Saran, President Chinmaya Mission Delhi.
