Page 1 of 4

European Journal of Business &

Social Sciences

Available at https://ejbss.org/

ISSN: 2235-767X

Volume 07 Issue 03

March 2019

Available online: https://ejbss.org/ P a g e | 391

Nationalism in Post Independent India amongst the Soldiers

Vikram choudhary,

Education deptt .Punjab govt,

E-mail : V9649300004@gmail.com

Abstract:-

Nationalism is a political, social and economic ideology and movement characterizes by

the promotion of the interests of a particular nation1. Try to consolidate nationalism as an

ideology through past to modern Indian struggle. Those war heros sacrifice even after the

independence so bravely for their nation.

Keywords – lathis, satyagrahis

Before defining the nationalism, we need to know what is nation? “A nation is a state or a

country with defined borders and territory which shares common an similar kind of identity,

traditions, history, religion, culture and language”. Whereas “nationalism is a intense feelings of

commitment or loyalty to one’s own nation or culture” (The French revolution and Napolion era)

The growth of Indian nationalism stated in 19th century. Political unification of India, Fall

of India’s old social and economic system, the beginning of modern trade and industries, rise of

new social classes laid the basis of nationalism.

Nationalism feelings amongst the soldiers is the most. During Battle of Buxar (1764)

soldiers refused to fight against own nation people under British Indian army. The greatest of the

most wide spread armed uprising which shook the foundation of British rule in India was the

(revolt of 1857).In moderan india indipandance era Dharasana satyagrah (1930). The most

sinister incident cover up by American journalist, Webb miller an eye witness to the beating of

satyagrahis with steel tipped lathis. Indian soldiers of British army revolted against British,

because of theirs common sentiments and that was the feeling of oneness.

During second world war Azad Hind Fauz Created by Ras Bihari Bose led by Subhash

Chandra Bose,people (male and female) voluntarily joined the Azad Hind Fauz (Indian Nation

Army) despite knowing the fact that “they are not going to get back anything by sacrificing their

lives for the Nation”. This was the feelings of Nationalism.

Page 2 of 4

European Journal of Business &

Social Sciences

Available at https://ejbss.org/

ISSN: 2235-767X

Volume 07 Issue 03

March 2019

Available online: https://ejbss.org/ P a g e | 392

Till 1947 youth from the villages of the providences were picked up to join Army Youth

joined to get privileges and protection from british Army against their atrocities over people.

Youth was also not interested unwilling to join British Army because. Soldiers were made to

deploy abroad and fight for british interest. In Indian soldiers were even used against Indian to

suppress revolts and uprising of Indian against British rule. After independence, Indian became

sovereign in 1950. British Indian Army came into its own indentify as Indian Army. Youth

started joining Indian Army willingly. Youth was well aware that soldiers life is difficult and

they have sacrifice everything even their life for the sake of the country. Indian Army fought

against Pakistan in 1948 Indian got setbacks in 1962, fighting against china at Northern and

Eastern frontiers border. Soldiers fought till their last breath because of love for their country.

Even after this setback, Indian soldiers fought courageously with valor in 1965. A sparkling

victory with surrender of 90, 000 Pakistani forces personnel came in 1972 resulting in creation of

Bangladesh, 1984 siachin conflict and 1999 Siachin conflict and 1999 kargil war are footprints

of Indian soldiers nationalism.

For the country. Indian Army is playing a vital role not only at frontiers but also

intrernally. Army is used for settling internal disturbances in country in order to help local

administration Army is being used during riots, natural calamities like floods and Tsunami

Where Army has performed the best. Army has a vital role in United Nations Peace Keeping

Forces. India as 2nd largest contribution through these peach keeping forces.

In present scenario, when people are running after money & comfort, we see soldiers

performing their services selflessly from a temperature of 50 degree Celsius in Rajasthan to (-)

50 degree Celsius at glaciers in most inhospitable area & inclement conditions & geographical

areas. They are with limited resources salary pay & perks. They live away from their families for

long duration of their life. There life and miserable living condition gives us thought. Why the so

people join Army, “why they are serving and sacrificing so much without expecting returns”.

This is because of their superior teachings.

“Safety, honor and welfare for the country come first, always and every time. Honer,

welfare and the comfort of the men you command come next your own comfort and welfare

comes last, always and every time”.

A soldier has selflessness and sacrificing nature in blood. A degree of self satisfaction is

found in soldiers. A soldier feels happy in serving in such difficulties just for the country. While

going for the Nation, Capt Manoj Pandey (PVC) told that.

Page 3 of 4

European Journal of Business &

Social Sciences

Available at https://ejbss.org/

ISSN: 2235-767X

Volume 07 Issue 03

March 2019

Available online: https://ejbss.org/ P a g e | 393

“If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear, I will kill death. Either I will come

back after hosting tri-colour or will come wrapped in tri-colour, but I will come back surly”

quoted by Capt. Vikram Batra (PVC) of 13 J&K rifles hero of Kargil war.

In our schools student sings National Anthems, teachers teaches them the stories of

martyrs, which give them a feelings to serve the country there are families whose all the

members are in Army. Traditions of joining forces and serve the Nation with pride and honor is

seen in present days in Indian families. There are families behind the soldiers who encourage and

support them Recently. It has been seen as tradition in the soldiers families that if a soldier is

martyr, soldier’s widow, son or daughter joins the Army.

High standards of motivation is found in Indian soldiers Each Indian army regiment have

their way cry. This war cry keeps them motivated with full of nationalism. These regiments have

traditions of victory, gallant, valour etc. Soldiers follow these.

Traditions and further adds glory the these regimental traditions by performing much

more better each time.

We all are aware about rifle man Jaswant Singh Rawat (MVC) whose valour impressed by even

Chinese commander. He single handedly fought the Chinese army for three days during 1962

war. Jaswant Singh Rawat display valour and his love for his country. He has proved to be a

great source of inspiration to Indian soldiers since.

It is the Tri-colour which motivates them. For few people, tri-colour is piece of cloth but

for most of us it motivates us for the country, our identity. It unites us and reminds us for the

sacrifices made by our ancestors for independence. It gives us trust for the country.

In present, post independence era. Government ensures reserved rights an privileges to

soldiers. Soldiers, family is taken well care by the organization of the Army. Set up of the

Government is such that, soldiers serving in field area, counter insurgency, uncongenial areas are

given priority and their families are taken well care. This gives a soldier of sacrifice, an

honorable job with no politics, an lastly a motivated.

Saviour of the country and protection of its men

Impressive lectures and theories are often not enough therefore, what we actually need today is

love and respect for our country.

Reference: -

1.wikipedia Anderson,Benedict(1983) imagined communities: Reflection on