‘Thai pirandhal vazhi pirakum’. This is a saying which always comes to our minds in the month of January as it marks the first celebration of the year. A day or should I say ‘days’ rejoiced by the Tamilians. It is the time of harvest, celebrated for four days by the farmers who serve as real life heroes. Today, we are indeed very much glad as we have arrived at that time of the year where celebrations are at its peak. While the pongal festival is celebrated all over the state I would like to recall one of the famous dialogues “don’t underestimate the power of the common man”. It is true indeed because it is by the power of such common citizens that we are able to feed ourselves and today is the day they taste the fruits of the hard work and efforts they put to provide us with food.

   While we celebrate the heroes of agriculture on one hand there is another set of heroes who are equally celebrated on this day all over the nation. I’m not sure how many of us are aware that today is the 68th Indian Army Day. Every year, January 15 is celebrated as Army Day in India remarking the succession of Lieutenant General K.M. Cariappa as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949. This day is celebrated in honour of all the brave hearts who have sacrificed their lives to protect us and our country from all mishaps. The celebration that takes place in Delhi, includes paying homage to the valiant soldiers who have lost their lives serving the nation, followed by a parade carried out by the Indian army soldiers which involves the exhibition of BLT T-72, T-90 tanks, Brahmos Missile, carrier Mortar Tracked Vehicle, 155 MM Soltum Gun, Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps, to name a few.

We are benefitted by them every day but not all of us get to thank them. We may not get an opportunity to appreciate them but we can always make sure to take a moment and pray for their wellness.

These real life heroes remind us that heroism doesn’t stop with just movies. They sacrifice their entire life to serve the nation which they consider as their duty. Without the presence of either one of these heroes our peaceful and satisfactory life will be a question mark. They cover themselves with mud and snow so that we can feed ourselves and lead a peaceful life. We are benefitted by them every day but not all of us get to thank them. We may not get an opportunity to appreciate them but we can always make sure to take a moment and pray for their wellness. It is because of the farmers that we are able to lay our hands on food and it is because of the brave soldiers that we are able to eat that food in peace. Maybe it is not a coincidence after all that both these heroes are being celebrated on the same day.