Personal Blogs
Often righteous paths are difficult too
Yesterday evening, a group of us from the Pune chapter of Sainik School Satara (Batch of 2000) met at CME, Pune to bid farewell to a friend who is heading for a field posting in the North East.
Thirteen of us gathered. At 43–44 years of age, everyone is well settled in their personal and professional lives. Yet, like every reunion, the conversations effortlessly drifted back to our school days. That’s the magic of a boarding school—years may pass, but the bond remains instant.
Many still wonder, “What if I had joined the Armed Forces?” It is a question that never seems to fade.
As the evening progressed, our conversation moved from school memories to the kind of nation we hope to leave behind. Unsurprisingly, one theme kept resurfacing: corruption.
Whether in government or outside it, corruption remains one of the biggest hurdles to Bharat’s progress. It often survives not merely because of greed, but because people fear losing time, money, or opportunities if they refuse to play by a broken system. Over time, what begins as an exception quietly becomes the norm.
I believe the antidote lies in Dharma (not religion), but the unwavering commitment to do what is right, and the courage to stand by it, even when it comes at a personal cost.
The righteous path is rarely the easier one. It may be slower and more demanding in the short term, but it is the only path that builds trust, strong institutions, and ultimately, a stronger Bharat.
Almost all of my batchmates today serve or have served in the Indian Armed Forces. Their commitment to defending our borders is deeply inspiring. But the Bharat of our dreams will be built not only by those who defend its borders, but also by patriotic citizens who refuse to compromise on their Dharma in everyday life.