CITIZEN – SOLDIER CONNECT
The history of soldiering in India stretches all the way back to the Indus Valley civilization. The tapestry of Vedic history is interwoven with anecdotes of wars between rival kingdoms. Hence the tradition of soldiering amongst the Indian citizenry is one that stretches back eons.
The raison d’etre of the Indian soldier has been inexorably linked to the protection of his hearth, home and his community. Thomas macaulay’s words. “How can a man due better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers and the temples of his gods”is a sentiment that holds true for the Indian soldier.
The relationship between the Indian Soldier and the citizenry is intensely symbiotic. The basic social structure of the country results in a soldier who is wedded to the society and its turbulences i.e any event in civil society would have an effect on the soldier.This rich legacy of a robust soldier – civilian connect has transpired into a scenario today in which the Indian Army has provided yeomanry service to the citizenry on multifarious occasions. In addition to its role as a net security provider in areas that it is deployed, the Army also is actively involved in civic action efforts.
Operation Sadbhavana is a prime example of the Army engaging the civil populace of J&K and carrying out civic aid activities in the fields of education, sports, adventure etc. Such efforts, apart from ameliorating the condition of the civil populace, also helps in strengthening the relationship between civilians and soldiers.
The connect between soldiers and citizens is vibrant and is further strengthened by the professional conduct and the empathetic response by the Armed forces. The citizens of the country also recognize this fact and whole heartedly support the Armed forces in all its endeavors.
