I have never felt so Indian before. Probably because I am writing this sitting in one of the last village at the border, Turtuk. Siachin is somewhere around and Indian Army is omnipresent.

A strangely safe feeling sitting in a deserted land amidst the Men in Uniforms who are protecting the borders day and night, month after month! I have never felt so grateful towards our Armed forces before. Travelling across NH1 since last couple of weeks I feel deep sense of gratitude. While we civilians lay amidst the 4 cozy walls of our homes, these Men sit here addressing any damn calamity or day-to-day issues. I really don’t know how I personally can pay back to whatever these Men are doing! The home made food that we gave them brought a bright smile on their faces, and that’s when I understood the importance of a Mother tongue. Few of them were so glad to talk in Marathi with us. The more I write, the more I feel I wish to express.

The other day at Kargil war memorial, I could barely see the names written in gold. My eyes continued to be blurred. At one point I just couldn’t stop sobbing. Each one of them helped me stand fearlessly at that very land. Tololing! I remember it written in bold on the mountain behind the Indian Flag that was standing proudly before it! It was so overwhelming! I was way deeply touched. My chest was filled with pride, because I know I am related to each one of them with this magical bond called being, an Indian!