Giving martyrs their rightful due

Widow of one of nation’s greatest war heroes manages with a measly pension of Rs5,000. DNA asks if the injustice will affect how many perceive the force.

It’s not easy to join the army and combat rigours in service of nation

It’s not that people are not opting for the armed forces, it’s just that the selection procedure is difficult and tough that everybody cannot enter the services. One needs to be mentally and physically fit to handle the situation and conditions, one has to face during his tenure. Also, the army headquarters in Delhi decides on executing plans about motivating youngsters to join the forces. For instance, trips are made to schools and colleges, presentations are shown so that the youth get motivated to join the armed forces. There is no doubt about the fact that the forces are in the public eye. But one cannot judge or say anything about the public’s attitude, when it comes to appreciating war martyrs or officials. It is their own perception and sometimes they show their acknowledgement and sometimes they don’t, however we continue to do our job.        —Captain Manohar Nambiar, chief PRO, Defence (Mumbai)

Remuneration is much better now

Major Shaitan Singh’s wife deserves the revised pension according to the pay commission after his death. If she is not getting her dues, then she has the right to take action and ask authorities the reason behind the same. There are various reasons for youngsters shunning enrolment into the armed forces. For beginners, today’s generation is used to a free and carefree lifestyle, without any control. Most of them have an easy going attitude and do things at a relaxed pace. They lack discipline too. Another factor is that today there are numerous opportunities, available in the private sector, which bestow good disposable income. These opportunities weren’t there a few decades ago and joining the services was considered an honourable job. Today the feeling of national honour is missing. However this doesn’t mean that youngsters don’t value patriotism. It’s just that their concept of doing something for the country is different from what it was a few years ago. Moreover, pay packages and facilities available in the forces have improved and increased. Therefore, I think that youngsters should look at it as a good career option. It’s a job which gives great satisfaction and honour.   
    —Colonel (retd) VM Verma

Such incidents demoralise aspirants

Even today, joining the army is a dream of every citizen. But it turns into a nightmare when such unfortunate incidents expose the reality behind the facade. Army is the shield which protects us from predators and the government should understand that such incidents would not only break the morale of armymen, but it will repel aspirants from joining it. Though prestige is a vital part of any individual’s career graph, monetary benefits are also important. If it is not there, it will dissuade people from joining the defence service. Private jobs are well-paying and have a greater sense of security, while a career in the forces is fraught with risks.               —Vikram Tanwer, PR manager

At least guarantee family’s security 

There is no doubt that what the army does for the country is incomparable with any sacrifice. They not only take the risk or sacrifice their life; however their families suffer if someone dies. I may aspire for a job in the army, but I’m not sure if the nation will take care of my family. This is the reason many youngsters don’t prefer army jobs. After looking at Major Shaitan Singh’s wife’s situation, how can any youngster want to be in the army. Nowadays no one has the time to care for anybody, even relatives and friends don’t take efforts to help the needy family. Therefore the government must make serious efforts to ensure that the family’s financial security is guaranteed.    
—Pavitra Naik, BMM student

More exposure about materialistic life

We are not grateful about our martyrs. We pay condolences and then we betray their families. While special forces saved Mumbai from terrorists, what did they get in return? The army is facing a dearth of officers and soldiers. Youngsters especially in metros are keen in earning fame, money than serving and dying for the county. I’m not saying the passion has been lost, but it has dampened their morale. People want to get into ‘happening’ careers like fashion designing and modelling. Youngsters are not interested in a career in the defence services, because there is pressure that they need to ‘excel’. There is enough exposure to materialistic life.   
—Shailendra Pandey, associate consultant

They are remembered only in crisis

Earlier it was a matter of respect when someone joined the armed forces, but it’s not the case any more. Today, youngsters don’t want to give up their lifestyle for a job which will restrict their freedom and has an authoritative undertone. In simple words, the forces have lost their sheen. Also, as a society, we are too busy in making money and going about with our daily activities, that we have no time to appreciate people who sacrifice their lives to keep us safe. Take 26/11, for instance, after the rescue operation, everyone was in awe of the NSG commandos and police officials, but today how many of us even spare a moment to think about them. Today we are back in our cocoon.   
—Anuj Chheda, marketing director

Involve media to show appreciation 

Yes, the army used to be a sought-after option for youngsters earlier, but not any longer. Only youngsters whose families are in the services will think about joining the armed forces. In the prevailing call centre culture, only a handful of people will think of enlisting for the tough job. No one can be forced to join the army and there are many aspirants who are willing to join, but fall short of some important quality. This seems just one of such incidents, but if such things can’t deter youngsters who actually would want to do something for their country. The media can play a role and show appreciation and gratitude towards war martyrs and in turn spread awareness among the youth.   
—Hardik Rajgor, student        

Spread awareness among the youth

We conveniently forget about our war martyrs. This was proved in the aftermath of the November 26 Mumbai attacks. Those who sacrificed their lives, were dragged into dirty politics. People must join the army out of pure passion, there cannot be any force. During war time, the recruitment has gone up. This spirit may be dull during peace time. Gen next is very much interested in a career in the services. There are more that a billion people, almost 35 % are youngsters. The army must go to college campuses and schools and spread awareness. They must try to convince them that there are great opportunities available. If they repeatedly do so, then I’m sure there will be a change of heart   
—Aziz Khan, media professional