On this auspicious day,
We salute you,

The real reason why this nation stands tall and lives on,
And why we are still known as "Indians"..

You, the ones who are on call day and night,
Keeping watch, be it in the scorching heat or the bitter cold..

You, the ones who put this nation ahead of everything,
Why, even before your own lives..

You, who just like most, detest wars and wish they never happened,
But just can't stand the sight of your motherland in peril..

You, the ones who wipe your tears and fears,
To shield your land, your people, your identity..

You, the ones who stake your liberty,
Just to see the tricolour wave freely..

You, the ones who are ready to give it your all,
And stand unwavered even in the eye of death..

You who bleed and yet battle it till your very last breath,
Believing that your lives are worth sacrificing, if that means a better tomorrow for the rest.

You, the ones who are willing to conquer even death,
If the situation demands for it..

We salute you,
Dear soldiers, our real heroes!

© Gayathri Mukund