One has been seeing the visuals of Gen Satbir Singh, a war hero and a veteran soldier who has been spearheading the OROP battle at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar despite his advancing years and failing health.
The victory on Sunday when the PM had to intervene and which resulted in the fast-to-death by three war heroes being lifted was just the latest feather in his cap. I salute you sir for your doggedness.
Gen Satbir Singh is the gentleman with the white beard and sporting a maroon turban in the picture above (pic courtesy The Indian Express)
That the veterans had to sit on a dharna (a peaceful agitation) speaks volumes about our apathy to the cause of the ex-servicemen who risk their limb and life so that we may sleep in peace. They are often poorly equipped and enjoy inadequate logistical support while in the fore-front of the nation's borders. Even after they die their families lead a life that is not really ideal. Not something that a grateful Nation owes its fallen soldiers.
To add insult to injury are some stupid politicians who say that when they enrolled they knew the fate that could befall any one of them. That a driver in the civilian world sometimes gets a higher salary / benefits while in service and later after superannuation as compared to the ex-servicemen speaks highly of our misplaced priorities. That a politician can call them 'Paid Chowkidars' (watchmen) speaks of the said politicians ignorance and nothing else.
A nation that does not honour its heroes is destined to meets its doom. I appeal to te PM not to engage the ex-servicemen in any negotiations and to grant all that he had promised. They ask for nothing more.
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