Forty Souls, One Nation's Resolve

Indian Soldiers PC: Google Images

On a cold February afternoon, the earth stood still,

as a shadow of terror, carried by illwill.

Forty souls, in uniform bright,

set forth that day, to guard our light.

A deafening roar, a blinding flame,

tore through the valley, etched in pain.

The sky wept, the mountains cried,

as forty hearts beat their last, side by side.

Their dreams, their hopes, left behind,

a mother's tears, a father blind.

A child too young to understand,

why fate had stolen papa's hand.

But, in that sorrow, on that night,

rose a nation, burning bright.

No fear, no pause, just one refrain,

"Their sacrifice shall not go in vain!"

And so, at dawn, the eagles soared,

with fire, with fury, justice roared.

Across the border, deep in the night,

thunder struck in Balakot's might.

The enemy's den, once filled with pride,

stood in ruins, nowhere to hide.

A message carved in flames so high,

"For every tear, the terrorists die!"

Yet, war is never just a fight,

but courage wrapped in human might.

Abhinandan flew, his duty sworn,

fell to foes, yet stood untorn.

With head held high, unbowed, unbent,

his fearless heart, a message sent.

"I am from Bharat, strong and free,

And I will stand, with dignity!"

The world watched, the world knew,

India rose with might anew.

We bowed not once, we feared not twice,

for peace we seek, but at no price.

The tricolour waves, the bugles cry,

their souls now march in heaven's sky.

But here on earth, their tales remain,

a beacon of strength, through loss and pain.

Salute to the fallen, who lit our way,

their sacrifice, in hearts will stay.

For every dawn, for every night,

India stands—with truth and might.

This poem honours the heroes we lost during the Pulwama attack (Feb 14, 2019) and to those who avenged their sacrifice. As we celebrate love on Valentines, let's not forget this day also marks "the black day" in Indian history and pay tribute to the courageous heroes who laid down their lives for our safety and freedom.

Jai Hind!