DNA Edit: One with our soldiers

The Armed Forces Week, dedicated to raise awareness about the sacrifices and dedication of the armed forces among the citizens, is a worthy cause.

The men, who risk their lives to keep the country safe from enemies both within and outside the country and contribute significantly to global peace, deserve unstinting praise. The week-long programme, that began on December 1 and will culminate on December 7, and coincides with the Armed Forces Flag Day, should inspire people to loosen their purse strings for the welfare of disabled ex-servicemen, war widows, and children of martyrs.

In his last Mann ki Baat address, PM Narendra Modi had been effusive in praise for soldiers, drawing attention to the fact that India is the first nation to send women soldiers on peace-keeping missions, and that it trains peacekeepers from 85 countries.

He also pointed out that India is one of the three countries to have sent 18,000 soldiers for various UN peace-keeping missions, and that currently 7,000 of them are deployed to restore peace and order in strife-torn regions. This is a remarkable achievement.

India has one of the largest military forces in the world, and the modernisation efforts currently underway would make it one of the most powerful entities. After the BJP-led NDA came to power in 2014 at the Centre, there has been a resurgence in importance given to our armed forces through various government-led initiatives.

Citizens have grown alert to the silent dedication of men and women who never bothered to step into the limelight. The people of India have a sacred responsibility towards these bravehearts whose round-the-clock vigil allows a billion-plus people to sleep in peace.