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“I am making this statement as an act of wilful defiance of military authority because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it. I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that this war on which I entered as a war of defence and liberation has now become a war of aggression and conquest.” – Seigfried Sassoon.

Dulceet Decorum Est is a latin translation for “It is pleasant and proper to die for one’s country.” This notion of love and sacrifice which intends to provoke and stir emotions of patriotism and nationalism in an individual dates back to the time of famous Roman Poet Horace (65-8 BC).

The eulogistic glorification and exaggeration about making a career in the hemisphere of navy, army and air force often beguiles young men and women to get associated with it. The honour and deliverance one is bestowed with, accolades by the state, special benefits and services is what one looks forward to while thinking about it as a profession which may sound very lucrative but it has a seamy side too. All these bounties are bait in disguise to invite young men to guard the territories of state. Away from their family and friends, their loved ones, in abnormal weather conditions and at the cost of their lives, to serve as watchmen for their country.

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But one really wonders, what resulted in this provision of security and defence for countries? Why does the government of every state invest huge amount of funds in the defence hemisphere? What is the need? Why is the idea of pacifism, utopian and fictional? Why is it that our history has witnessed catastrophic destruction and annihilation; sweeping a large number of population?

The hunger for money, power and resources has always annihilated the peace and tranquillity and provoked political upheaval and social unrest. The stereotypical ideology of glorifying the death of soldiers induces people to get involved in wars and violence and take up jobs in military and army. The actual concept of war is hollow and meaningless. Today we may not see actual wars going on as our ancestors witnessed but terrorism, civil war, cold war and political tensions between countries hold the hazardous potential of turning into one. Violence, be it of any kind, will never be fruitful and even if one comes out as triumphant and victorious, there will be no one to celebrate and share this victory with. The history of mankind is pregnant with agonised incidents of violence which serve no good but remain as sad and shameful memories in the minds and hearts of people.

This piece of writing may not find its relevance in the contemporary conditions because we cannot observe any real wars or violence around us but the stereotypical view of dying for one’s country needs to be questioned and challenged. We need to establish a flag of universal brotherhood and peace, curbing terrorism and anger that drives people insane and they don’t see what is right but only what is left. Violence, be it domestic or political, on whatever scale, can end if you want it to. And then perhaps, we can divert the youth of the world to become doctors, engineers, journalists, teachers, sportspersons, economists and contribute to the intelligentsia rather than killing those unknown people who are standing with guns in their hands in front of them. 


Suhani Arora
Columnist




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