“So, what does your father do? Why did you join the school at this time of the year?” This was the question that my mathematics sir had asked me, after I introduced myself on the first day of my school in my 9th class, which I had joined in the middle of the term.
My father is an Indian Army Officer, serving as Colonel. And the moment I tell this to people, the first thing that flashes across the minds of 90% people is the overflowing free booze, parties every alternate day, huge houses, style, free ration, canteen privilege, travel warrant for 1st class AC, privilege of living in a different place every year, loads of people to work for you, free parking, VIP entries and reservations, amazingly kool uniform with badges, 6-pack, muscles etc.
Actually I did not know that there were people who think this way, until that day, when my mathematics sir retorted, with a sneer on his face complemented with a side smile. “aish hai tumhari phir tho, kyun!! Sab free hai.” I had come across only the type of people who on hearing what my father does put him up on a pedestal their entire lives. But this was different. It was like a moment of revelation for me. I was only in 9th class and at that age I was not able to get over that expression my sir had given in front of 49 students.
I went to my father that evening when he returned from his “get fed to death” physical exercise routine, I crouched down next to him while he untied his shoe with my eyes wide and a very disconcerted expression on my face. That expression was enough for him because he knew there were endless questions brewing up in my mind which I had not been able to figure out myself and that he could not get away without answering them. He was very used to those expressions, still is and knows exactly what he might have to deal with. I questioned him if what my sir said was true. I knew it wasn’t but still, at that age I guess I was in that confused state of mind which needed confirmation that what I was thinking was right.
To this my father replied (surprisingly calm, I think he had been through similar situations too already), “People believe only on things that they see or want to see. And that’s what your sir also did. In a way he is not wrong because he expressed only what he saw or rather wanted to see. But you know the truth and you are my daughter. Why don’t you tell the truth to people about what your father does? It might even motivate people to join the defense services.”
I was just 15, I was smart but not so much that I could actually go up to that sir the next day and argue my points with him. I let it go. But the incident didn’t let me go. It stayed with me, and I saw many more of those side sneers till my engineering. Because I was in Hyderabad at that time and it was and still is a popular belief in southern part of India that “only those who do not study well and always want to have fun go into army as they do not have any other option”. FUN!!!! I mean come on guys!! Its Army not a night club!! And the options apparently are engineering, doctor and US. Not much of an option, are they? Pathetic!! It made me angry but I had more of pity for people who thought like that, because it was only due to lack of exposure to things like these.
That was the point when I decided to do something about it, now that I was more intellectually matured and had a better know how of things and how they worked. I took it up as a mission. And here also I am going to do the same.
I am going to tell you only what I have seen and experienced and have been through. And let me tell you that there is a lot more to it than what I tell you but I guess this is enough for those people who do not see or do not want to see the other side.
I am going to tell you how it feels like being an Army Officer’s kid. Just be with me for the next part. Will publish it in two days. You will not regret reading it. I promise.
Part 2:
http://pagalguy.com/news/being-army-officers-kid-part-2the-war-a-19122572/