An ode to the unknown soldier

He loves Hindi songs.
Just like you.

He hates injections.
Just like you.

He cried each time Amitabh died.
Just like you.

He’s been in love once or twice.
Just like you.

He’ll bleed if you cut him.
Just like you.

He’s happiest at home.
Just like you.

He loves the smell of rain on sun scorched earth.
Just like you.

He cheered India at old Trafford.
Just like you.

He dreams for his children.
Just like you.

He’s gone to die for a stranger.
And that stranger is you.

- Copied from the Internet.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water

You complain of a 'headache', and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.


Respect the soldiers.... we sleep comfortably because they is guarding the frontiers...

And I am back :)

Nearly 2.5 years since I last blogged...I know...I know...Everyone said that this will happen...and I did fall prey to this game called life...

2.5 years, 2 long trips to UK, 1 to Switzerland, 1 to New Zealand and in the meanwhile, close friends have got married, another close friend is getting married in nearly a month and I am also planning to start a masters :) 

Life has been busy, but I cannot use that as an excuse.

In this new year, I hope to be more regular with my blog.

Happy New Year Everyone :) Have a good one :) 

Gyaan...

While modifying some program, came across the following warning that someone had put way back in 1989. 

Tough, I know...but so is the real world :P

Happy Birthday to me :)

Finally a quarter of a century complete :) 

And what better way to start the day that to read how much people love you :)

Thank you so much Vishal :)

Fauji Brat

Someone shared these awesome lines on Facebook...and they do sum up the lives of Defence kids..with families always on the move..

" My hometown is nowhere, my friends are everywhere. I grew up with the knowledge that home is where the... heart is and the family….Mobility is my way of life. Some would wonder about roots, yet they are as deep and strong as the mighty oak. I sink them quickly, absorbing all an area offers and hopefully, giving enrichment in return. Travel has taught me to be open. Shaking hands with the universe, I find brotherhood in all men.

Farewells are never easy. Yet, even in sorrow comes strength and ability to face tomorrow with anticipation… .If when we leave one place, I feel that half my world is left behind. I also know that the other half is waiting to be met.

Friendships are formed in hours and kept for decades. I will never grow up with someone, but I will mature with many.

Be it inevitable that paths part, there is constant hope that they will meet again. Love of country,respect and pride fill my being when Old Glory passes in review. When I stand to honor that flag, so also do I stand in honor of all soldiers, and most especially, to the parents whose life created mine Because of this, I have shared in the rich heritage of Indian Military life."

This post is for all the friends I have made in the 24 years of my life...friends whom I still cherish... :)

Only @ BITS

If you are a BITSian, you will understand this...

Only @ BITS -http://onlyatbits.com

I experience these just some years back :) ...and now I feel old :(