Do learn from the defence forces.

It is very true. Your religion is the religion of the troops you command, your unit and your regiment. You die for your country in the ultimate reckoning. The truth, however, is that you die for your regiment which, sometimes, has members from many religions and castes, though it may be named after one group or region to instill a sense of belonging.

Also as an officer, one has to compulsorily learn the language of the troops! Could be Tamil, Punjabi, Gurkhali, Assamese, Bengali or whatever! You go to pray at all places of worship that your troops pray and celebrate all festivals. That is why the Indian Army has always beaten the Pakistanis. 

It is not that their troops are inferior, it's the Officer Class. The ratio of officer to soldier dying in battle is much higher in the case of the Indian Army as compared to the Pakistani Army in all the wars fought so far. Reason, Indian officers lead from the front and the troops are willing to follow their officer and give their life. That has been the tradition.

To give an example of this relationship : in the 1965 War, a Major George (Malayalee) of the Gurkha Regiment was captured by the Pakistanis and his mutilated body was found stuck to a tree, by his troops. The Gurkhas went with their khukris drawn (the curved dagger used in close combat and part of the Gurkha culture) and returned with numerous pairs of ears and magazines of the Pakistani soldiers responsible for this heinous and cowardly act.

Once the khukri is drawn out of its sheath, it has to see blood. If nothing else, they snick their finger to let the blood touch the blade and then they put it back. The Gurkhas are very loyal and fearsome fighters.

This is applicable to all the Indian Army Regiments. India has the highest battlefield in the world, Siachen Glacier, 18 to 22,000 ft high and all the possible terrains in the world! The American troops come to train with the Indian troops to learn High Altitude warfare and Jungle warfare.

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In the villages, every Shaheed's (Martyr) home is a War Memorial and the parents are proud that their son died for the country!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Earlier the 'aarathi' of the house was carried out as is the usual practice on all Wednesdays.

Attended the webinar, "Generation of Green Economy through People's Participation" by Shri TKA Nair, IAS, Former Principal Secretary Secretary to the PM. It was interesting.

Today, too, there was an unscheduled power interruption for the entire day from 0930 - 1830 hrs. Have to speak to the local KSEB head and stress upon the fact that he cannot do this without prior intimation and sufficient warning to the consumers. It's utter nonsense!

PS.

Adieu Vani's Achhamma.

Vani's achhamma, all of 97 years, passed into the mist of time around a half past 3 in the wee hours of the morning due to old age complications. I remember her lively nature, chirpy with plenty of interesting conversation, outgoing nature and so full of love. Today is 'Dwaadasi', an auspicious occasion and therefore, because her death happened on this day, it's believed that her soul has gone to heaven! 

May her noble soul rest in peace. With tears and prayers.