A salute to my brothers called soldiers!

They boarded the train with all their loads

Down the seats they pushed them all

As their dear ones waved them good bye

Both returned to their seats in a sigh

Hairstyle proved their identity

Nation's keepers, country's servants

Destined to leave their kith and kin,

To forgo home for their home country

Bravery, loyalty, their brains filled with

Devotion to Bharat Matha and her children too

With their uniform as a mask to their lives

To kill or be killed, all for the nation's cause

I was coming home after a visit to my parents

Returning to my family that waits in love

Drenched in sweet memories of love and care

I never thought of these simple people around

One of them spread the white jamakkaalam

He stretched himself, without a word

His eyes were swollen, maybe he cried all night

No smile, a blank brave face he wore as a look

A phone call came, from his beloved wife

A chat which broke in sad silence

His last words were too sharp and firm

"This is the life of a soldier..Don't cry"

He gazed at the phone as it ended with a beep

He left her to tears and tried to swallow his pain

There ended the tearful chat of two broken hearts

Silence couldn’t bring an end to their thoughts

She would've wiped her eyes with the edge of her sari

And must’ve taken a breath, to face her life alone

Or would've hugged her kids so close

To draw some solace and hope to move on

He didn't talk a word to his friend

With the white sheet he covered from head to toe

He looked like a corpse clad to be buried

I wondered if he was covering his tears

Late was his lunch, from a big pack he gulped

May be his mom packed it with a heart full of love 

When will he taste another homemade food?

When will he eat with his family again?

Never in my day or night or sleep or work

Have I ever thought about these guardian angels!

Each moment they risk their life for the country

While we kill each other in hatred and vengeance

In my heart a war had already started

Did I take all these people for granted?

The Jawans and Kisans who protect and feed me

Giving all the comforts which no money can buy 

There are very many Indians who know not

That there are soldiers on borders who guard

Ready to fight the enemy without a choice

To save us from swords and gunshots

Brethren, I feel sorry for my ignorance

I feel proud of you and your service

With no one and nothing to protect you

You provide us a place to live in peace

For many, you may be lesser lives made to doom

But you are the greatest, and deserve our respect

"Jai Jawan!" "Jai Kisan!" I'll keep you in my thoughts

My prayers and wishes for your homecoming, safe

As I got down at dusk from the train

He was hidden under the white sheet again

As I entered home to join my family cheers

I knew that I live in the charity of these selfless people

May your parents be blessed for their sacrifice

May your wife be blessed with courage to fight her pain

May your children look at you with respect and love

May God bless you for making our home, a heaven!