Many years ago, a twenty day holiday, to Punjab & Himachal Pradesh was capped by a visit to the Wagah Border. This is the place, where our border with Pakistan, stays open but guarded, in Punjab. We have the BSF in India and the the Pakistani Rangers on the other side.
The defining moment is the flag lowering ceremony on both sides, as the sun slips below the horizon to the West bringing on a sombre mood. Flags are lowered, simultaneously, with much aggression, watched on by cheering 'patriotic' citizens who shout their lungs out hoping their voice will be heard in Lahore and Amritsar. I was one of them.The ceremony brings you 'goose bumps' and your heart swells with pride.
Recently, the armed forces of both countries have decided to ditch the aggression and have low key programs. I agree with the sentiment though the ceremony provided much drama and excitement.
Was my voice heard in Lahore? I know not...........however I want my voice definitely heard in Delhi & Mumbai & Bengaluru! The latest scam, is the Adarsh housing scandal with even the CM of Maharashtra being part of the dirty deal. I'm not overtly concerned. Most politicians are corrupt and it is an evil that this country can't wish away in a hurry.What caused concern was that the Armed forces leadership was there too................for a flat on Napean Sea Road.Sea Facing!
The armed forces, a pillar of democracy in this country, is probably the last one worthy of respect, with the legislature, executive & judiciary being compromised time and again. Now the leadership in the armed forces are subject to finger pointing for a few crores.Is that the cost of this country? Is that the cost for selling ones soul? A few crores?
Please, let us have something that we can look up to................
2 comments:
Indian Defense has been synonymous with integrity and pride.. This scam provoked a sense of shame in me ... The non civilians I assumed were above mere civilians but... I feel sorry that I have been proved otherwise..
......the scam is scary because if lucre can corrupt our armed forces, we are truly without defense.
A reflection of the rot that has set in.
To be honest there is immense pressure on the armed forces because of the corruption that surrounds them. You can hardly expect them to live in a cocoon!
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