Does India Respect and Honour Its Soldiers Adequately?

India's armed forces ensure the nation's safety, and the government takes care of the welfare of its soldiers, including providing a befitting funeral for those who give their lives in combat. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that while soldiers are honored by their defense forces, they are not celebrated enough as they should be. Despite the challenges soldiers face, they are the unsung heroes who protect our homeland.

Our respect for soldiers often falls short of what is due. Even though we value the protection they provide, we fail to express our gratitude through actions that align with the level of respect they deserve. It's time we recognize our real heroes and take steps to honor them.

The Reality for Indian Soldiers

Indian soldiers often receive less recognition compared to their contributions. In society, a movie actor's plight and achievements are often given more attention than the brave efforts of a soldier. This phenomenon is not a criticism but a call for change. The government and society must work together to create a platform where citizens can show their appreciation for soldiers. This could be through an app or a website where individuals can send gifts, cards, or loving messages to soldiers.

The Proximity Factor

A recent observation highlights how our proximity to danger influences our perception of gratitude. For instance, if you are on a lonely street at night and a brave passerby saves you from an attacker, you would feel a profound sense of indebtedness. However, if that same event were to happen in a distant location, you might feel less inclined to express your gratitude. This phenomenon can be explained by the proximity factor—the closeness and personal nature of the situation.

This concept is directly linked to the amount of care one feels towards a person or organization. The formula can be simplified as follows: Care factor Danger assumed / Distance. Based on this, the government must find ways to increase the danger assumed factor among the general public. This can be achieved through various means, such as enhancing military education and training, making military service more appealing, and encouraging national pride and respect.

Enhancing Military Awareness and Respect

One effective strategy is to improve the education system to include military history and tactics in school curriculums. Ancient Indian military strategies, significant military personalities, and modern defense strategies can all be integrated into the teaching process. Additionally, making military-grade training virtually compulsory for all adults can instill respect and a better understanding of the sacrifices soldiers make. Those who complete such training should be given preference in job applications and social benefits.

Another approach is to organize national-level quizzes and competitions that promote interest in the military and defense among young Indians. Such events can generate enthusiasm and motivate individuals to support and respect the armed forces.

A Call to Action

India's soldiers deserve the recognition and honor they’ve earned. The government and society must work together to create a culture of respect and gratitude. By implementing these changes, we can ensure that our soldiers are honored and valued, just as they honor and protect us.

Let's take a step forward and start valuing our heroes more. The time to act is now.