
For most of us, our father is our first Hero. How would you feel if you found your father had achievements in bravery. The wars (1962, 1965, 1971) fought by India after independence (15 August 1947) are present in our school history. As we study about these our hearts are filled with pride for the defence services.
This year marks 50 years of the victory of the 1971 war. Let me share my school story on this war. The teacher had given an elaborate description of the bravery of our defense services during this war. I was so moved that I repeated the same description to my mother in the evening. My father listened to all this with a smile. At the end, I said I wish we could have met a war veteran of 1971. My mother replied “Why only 1971, you can meet a war veteran who was in both 1965 and 1971 wars. He is sitting right in front of you”. She pointed at my father. That day I came to know my father had started his career from Indian navy and was a two time war veteran. I never heard him speak about this. He showed me his war medals after I insisted. I don’t have words to explain how proud I was of my father. It seemed like discovering a hero further. I have seen people talking endlessly about their smallest of achievement but my father never spoke about his achievements. He taught me “Actions are louder than words”.
I have met so many people in my life but am yet to meet another war veteran. True heroes never speak about their achievements. They just do their work with selfless dedication. The discipline and dedication of Defense brings out the best in people. My father taught me many things through his life. I hope these values remain in our lives. I wish everyone a “Happy Father’s Day”.