India - a story

Batch No. 358

India a Story 

Mrs. Kaur’s interview

As a journalist, I have had the opportunity to interview countless denizen, each having a story, unique and sublime. But as I sit here and ponder about India – A story, I start recollecting glimpses of my most cherished interview. It was the summer of 2010. As the hot wave of Loo tingled the core of my existence, I entered a dingy dimly lit room in the homely village of Rampur. My editor insisted that I must interview this one inspiring person, who shall leave me in splits forever. I was really skeptical as I had previously interviewed so many dignitaries. Who knew that this one person shall change my life forever. 

As I sipped the hot cup of home made Chai, Mrs. Harmeet Kaur entered the room. At this juncture, I must tell you something about the silver haired lady. Mrs. Kaur is the proud mother of two of the bravest soldiery that the country had seen. The mother of two martyrs proudly stood besides framed photographs of her two pearls As she hinted the photographer to capture this scene, indeed, I was quite perplexed as I could never have imagined someone in mourning to radiate such amounts of pride. This began an interview which changed my life forever. Here are the excerpts of the interview

Me: Hello Ma’am! I am really sorry for your loss. I would like to start the interview by asking you about the your children’s early years. How did  you inspire them to dedicate their lives for the Nation? 

Mrs. Kaur : Thank you for your condolences. I lost my two jewels but I am sure that God must be a proud of them as I am. As a mother I am indeed shattered to see the lifeless bodies of my children. They had so much ahead of them, but it was my darling’s last wish that I must always remember them for the brave souls that they were. As a soldier they embodied the ideals of a true patriot.  

I believe that the songs that I recited in their tender, had a profound influence on their character. I remember how Raj would always sing ‘Vande mataram’ as he started his day at school. And how ‘Bharat Mata Ki jai’ would be a line that Kamal would always say to himself. I made sure that I would impart the true message of our ancient texts such as Bhagwad Gita & would tell them stories of how Bhagat Singh dedicated his life for the nation. As a mother I focused on giving them a nutritious diet and lassi was something that my two kinds would always have. 

Me: Ma’am, as a mother, what the reason for sending & inspiring your children for army? 

Mrs. Kaur India, our motherland is the home of brave and selfless souls. India soldiers are the bravest ones. We have won wars without tact and bravery. It is the heartfelt dedication of these brave souls which has truly developed the story of India. From the youth. I had never forced my children to join the army. But it was the stories of the countless brave souls which inspired my children. 

Me: Ma’am what is your message for the mothers of this country? 

Mrs. Kaur: It is our responsibility a smothers to mould them into heartfelt citizens. Joining the army is not the only way of serving our nation. Indeed there are so many ways of serving the nation. But those who encourage their children to chase wealth and forget about our motherland.

They should not do this. As mothers we should ensure that the service of our brave soldiers should never be forgotten. Their tales should inspire generations to come.

Me: Thank you ma’am! It has been a sheer pleasure interviewing you. It is indeed people like you who have weaved the tale India a story.