The Guardians of the Nation

LET US LEARN

The Guardians of the Nation

Anand and Yazhini came home from school. After washing their face, hands and legs, they sat down next to their father. Their father was watching the news on the television. There were two bowls of chickpea sundal. They ate and watched a ceremony where people were paying respect to a helmet on top of a gun. “Dad, what is this place? What are they doing?” asked Anandhan. Dad replied, “This is Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial for the soldiers who died for our country. Every year, 7th December is observed as Armed Forces Flag Day. On that day, we remember the sacrifices of our soldiers for guarding our nation. It is a great honour to serve the nation by joining the army.”

Why do the soldiers (people) die?

Answer: The soldiers die because armies of different countries indulge in a war.

When will it be stopped?

Answer: It will stop when everyone wants peace and universal brotherhood.

Yazhini proudly declared, “When I grow up, I will join the army and serve the nation.” Anandhan said, “I will become a doctor, and treat the people.” Yazhini asked, “Why don’t you join the army and serve the nation like me?” Father intervened her and said, “Joining the army is not the only way to serve the nation. Each one of us can serve the nation in our own way.” Yazhini asked, “Really dad? How can we serve the nation?” Father said, “Serving in the army is a grace, but not everyone gets a chance to serve. But, each of us has a role in our society and, by doing that role we are serving our nation.”

Father continued, “I will tell you the story of Karmugilan. He was a doctor, who died, serving the people. He was young and talented. He went to the USA for studying. His parents were very proud of him. They thought that he would live in the USA and continue his practice. But to everyone’s surprise, he came back to India and started treating poor people free of cost.”

Yazhini asked, “Were his parents not angry with him?” Dad said, “They were angry. But, they knew he was happy.”

One day, dengue broke out in the nearby villages. He left to those villages to treat the people. He saved the lives of many. He was soon well known in the village, and people poured in to get treated. But, one day he got infected by the disease and was taken to the city hospital. He was in critical condition. His parents were upset and worried. He told his parents that he had done his duty to the country and, was happy. In a couple of days, he died. In his memory, the people of the village have built a hospital and treat people at free of cost.”

“That’s really great, dad. He is a real hero.”, said Yazhini.

Father replied, “Each one of us should love and respect our country. We should treat everyone around us with love and respect. That’s the real service to the nation.”

Glossary

munching : eating something steadily

wreath : flowers arranged in a ring, for lying on a grave

ceremony : a formal event to celebrate an anniversary

memorial : a structure established to remind of a person or event

intervened : interrupt a conversation

sacrifices : giving up something more valuable

infected : contaminated with harmful things

guarding : to watch over to protect or control