Indian Army is true microcosm of all religions at the unit and regiment level. Indian Army remains deployed on the borders, Line of Control (LC), Line of Actual Control (LAC), in the islands and in the hinterland. While all the festivals are celebrated and observed in the Indian Army, the festival of lights called Deepawali has special significance for a fighting Army and combat ready Army like the Indian Army.
Deepawali is essentially a celebration of victory. Deepawali celebrates the triumphant return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the embodiment of evil Ravana. For a professional Army, the victory over the enemy is most important existential parameter. Therefore, the Indian Army which has vowed to remain victorious at all times celebrates Deepawali with maximum fervour. But the festival also prepares the Indian Army to be battle ready after a series of serious training and preparatory hard work prior to the festival proper.
In broad terms, Indian Army is deployed in field stations, which are at the borders and forward locations, be it in plains, deserts, mountains, jungles or islands. Here in these field stations, the troops stay single and their families are not permitted. In field stations, the Army remains ready for war and combat at all times. Rest of the Army stays in peace stations, which are in the hinterland, in military stations and cantonments. In peace stations, the Army trains and prepares for war. The arms, ammunition, equipment, vehicles and all types of infrastructure is maintained, beefed up and inspected for their battle worthiness. Since Deepawali is celebrated in the month of October/ November, the troops and soldiers go through such preparation and groundwork right from the month of January. After the hard work and realistic training of almost ten months, the Indian Army is at its peak of combat readiness. The celebration of Deepawali by the Indian soldiers, be it at the icy heights of Siachen Glacier or in a metro like Chennai is a joyous and jubilant affirmation of its commitment to victory.
The main focus for the soldiers posted in field stations is to keep their bunkers and field fortifications clean while maintaining the camouflage. In the peace stations, the focus is on maintenance and cleanliness of the habitat, all types of accommodation, logistic facilities and hospitals. The lighting of the buildings in the peace stations is sober and soldier like. In peace stations, a Deepawali Mela is organised a week prior to Deepawali proper, so that this event does not disturb the religious rituals prior to Deepawali. The Deepawali Mela is one day event where the units put up their stalls of Deepawali fare, be it Deeyas, Candles, decoration items or eating joints. There is lot of fun and frolic which builds bonhomie between the soldiers of all religions. In the evening, a fire works display is organised which brings cheer to the soldiers and their families.
In Army, the officer cadre joins the soldiers in all the celebrations. During Deepawali, the officers and senior leadership makes it a point to visit the isolated posts and carry sweets for the soldiers. The leadership of the Army is conscious of the sentiments of their soldiers and celebrate Deepawali with them as part of the extended family. Prime Minister Modi has started this beautiful tradition of celebrating Deepawali with the soldiers in the border areas, right from the year 2014. It is heartening to note that this year, the Raksha Mantri and the service chiefs are celebrating Deepawali with troops in the forward locations. I personally have very happy memories of celebrating Deepawali with troops in the forward locations and isolated posts during my military career.
The beauty of Deepawali is that it unites all the soldiers and binds them into a cohesive fighting force. The spirit of Deepawali infuses new life into a tough regime and brings much cheer and relief to our battle-hardened soldiers. The regiment or battalion becomes a well-knit unit fully capable of taking on the existing and emerging challenges to internal and external security of the nation. The Chinese withdrawal in the Eastern Ladakh is one humble Deepawali gift from the Indian Army to a grateful nation. Shubh Deepawali to my countrymen and my special Deepawali greetings to all ranks of the Indian Army. Jai Hind. Jai Bharat.
