While the whole country is celebrating Diwali with their families, we want to thank army families. Families whose sons, fathers, brothers, daughters, sisters, or mothers are at the border keeping our families safe. Here is the story of one such army family, who share what Diwali means for army families.
Amid Pakistan’s unprovoked ceasefire violation on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to light a lamp on the occasion of Diwali for India’s brave soldiers.
In his audio message, Prime Minister mentioned:
Friends, we also have to remember our brave soldiers who guard the borders even during the festivals.
They are serving Bharat Mata and providing security. We must celebrate only after remembering them. We must also light a lamp for these brave sons and daughters of Mother India. I also want to tell my brave soldiers- you may be at the borders, but the entire country is with you, praying for you.
I also salute the families whose sons and daughters are guarding our borders. Every such person, who are not with their families due to national duties, I convey my deepest gratitude to them.”
Here is an inspiring story of one such family. While sharing how her family was different from the rest of ours, this army daughter shared with HoB,
“I was 3 when I realised that my father wasn’t like other dads, my father wasn’t around as much — he was out, fighting wars.
We only saw him once a year, and I remember whenever we spoke about him, my mom would be worried. We didn’t have any cell phones or emails back then, she could only write to him.
When they met, or through his letters he told mom about what was going on on the other side. The horrible wars between India and Pakistan that produced casualties by the minute. Losing his fellow soldiers because a land mine exploded under his truck; having bombs blast right outside his station. These aren’t conversations that happen in normal households.
Every time he left, mom would pray to not see him wrapped in a tri colour, but to have him back just as he left.
When my baby brother was born, my father was at war and she was so worried that dad may never be able to see his son, ever. But mom never let us feel his absence or her fear. I’ve never come across a stronger breed than that of army wives. They have indomitable spirits.
No matter what, our house was always echoing with positivity.My fondest memories are during Diwali, both my brother and I would be upset because everyone would be celebrating with their families — every kid would have their fathers bursting crackers.
But we didn’t — to make us happy, my mom would decorate house and get us crackers — saying that dad had sent them. She made sure we celebrated, saying that dad was always thinking of us.
When we grew older, both my brother and I started respecting my father, and my mother for their sacrifices. We weren’t ignorant and have always seen, and paid more attention to all the terrors happening across the world. So we knew, that what our father was doing — was the need of the hour.
At one point I too decided to be part of the army, I’m working on it and hopefully will be soon. I want to carry on the family legacy.
When I was in college, I met the love of my life through common friends and he is an army kid too. So we both really got along, and a few years ago when he told me that he was leaving to become a serving officer in the army, I cried tears of pride.
For those who choose to fight for their country — even though they may have families, their first duty will always be the nation. And being part of such a family, is a matter of dignity for me.
Years have been sacrificed by thousands of families, spent with their sons and husbands away.
Each time we wait for them to come home, and thank our stars when they do. But we also know that if there is a day that they don’t, they martyred just so that there is light in every household, there is everlasting hope, and a celebration of good over evil.”
At IFORHER, we are in awe of every army family who makes countless sacrifices to keep our country and families safe. We hope this Diwali, you will lit one lamp for our soldiers who are going to be away from their families so that we can be with ours. It’s high time we start celebrating these real heroes!