2 hrs ·
HANUMANTHAPPA KOPPAD R.I.P.
I am watching an impressive ceremony for Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad who finally gave up the fight this morning. The Army ceremony is poignant, dignified and appropriate.
But my problem is why aren't there such ceremonies for all our soldiers and officers who die on duty? I detect a certain inherent proclivity for some chamchagiri here. If the PM hadn't flagged his concern by visiting the battling soldier in hospital, I am very sceptical if even a single senior officer would have cared to visit Hanumathappa. Or if the Army would have mounted such an impressive memorial service?
Nine more soldiers of the Madras Regiment died in the avalanche. Their bodies are still up on the snowy heights. Let's hope the Army will accord them a similar honor.
I wish this becomes the new norm for all battlefield military casualties and a senior officer is present for every military service. All casualties must be brought to Delhi first for the due honors before the remains are sent to the villages and hometowns for cremation or burial.
The US military has a permanent honor guard at a military airport near Washington DC who perform a dignified spit and polish drill before the body/bodies are sent to the final resting place.
Surely our military can afford the cost of flying the immediate family for the ceremony? Only when we honour our dead warriors and celebrate their lives will the Military become a preferred vocation in India.
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