The Friends I Have Never Met

Dear Voice of Chitran Readers,

Namasthe!

friendship is often described as a bond built through conversations, shared memories, laughter, and time spent together. But every year, when Friendship Day arrives, my heart remembers a group of people whose names I do not know, whose faces I may never see, yet whose friendship I experience every single day.

They are the soldiers of Bharat.

I have never shaken their hands. I have never thanked them in person. I do not know whether they are standing today on the icy heights of the Himalayas, in the scorching deserts of Rajasthan, deep inside dense forests, or sailing across the vast oceans.

Yet, while I sleep peacefully, they remain awake.

While I celebrate festivals with my family, many of them stand guard, miles away from theirs.

Isn't that the purest form of friendship?

A true friend protects your happiness without asking for recognition. A true brother stands between you and danger without expecting anything in return. That is exactly what our soldiers do, not just for one person, but for every Indian.

Whenever I hear the story of a soldier's sacrifice, I pause.

Behind every uniform is someone's beloved son or daughter.

Someone's husband or wife.

Someone's father or mother.

Someone's brother or sister.

Yet they choose to become protectors of an entire nation.

Behind every medal is a story of courage.

Behind every salute is a promise that Mother Bharat will always come first.

Their service constantly reminds me that patriotism is not merely about waving the National Flag or posting messages on social media. Patriotism is reflected in how honestly we work, how responsibly we perform our duties, how respectfully we treat one another, and how sincerely we contribute to our nation.

On this Friendship Day and as Raksha Bandhan approaches, I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

As an Indian citizen, I have witnessed his leadership during some of the most challenging periods in our nation's recent history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood before the nation with reassurance and resolve. Following the Pulwama terror attack, the country witnessed determined leadership during a time of national grief. Through the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he encouraged India to become stronger and more self-reliant. During Operation Sindoor, many Indians looked to the nation's leadership with confidence and hope.

Every citizen may hold different opinions about public policies, but for me, leadership means standing with the nation during times of uncertainty, making difficult decisions, and constantly reminding every Indian that the nation's safety comes first.

Yet, every successful mission ultimately rests on the courage of the brave men and women who wear the uniform.

They are the hands that defend our borders.

They are the eyes that remain awake while we sleep.

They are the hearts that beat for Bharat before themselves.

Friendship Day carries a special emotion because Raksha Bandhan is also around the corner.

Traditionally, a sister ties a Rakhi on her brother's wrist as a symbol of love, trust, and protection.

I may never have the opportunity to tie a Rakhi to the brave soldiers guarding our nation.

I may never know their names.

They may never know mine.

But from the depths of my heart, I send each one of them an invisible Rakhi, woven with gratitude, respect, prayers, and affection.

To me, you are not strangers.

You are my brothers.

You are my friends.

You are my silent strength.

You are the shield of Mother Bharat.

Thank you for protecting our today, so that we may dream of a better tomorrow.

May God bless every soldier and our PM Modiji.. with strength during difficult times, courage in every mission, and the joy of returning safely to their loved ones.

May Bharat always remain united, peaceful, prosperous, and secure.

To every brave soldier of Bharat...

Happy Friendship Day.

Happy Raksha Bandhan.

From the heart of an unknown sister...thank you for being the truest friends and the strongest brothers a nation could ever ask for.

With love, prayers, and endless gratitude,

Your Sister and Friend,

Swetha Vishnuchittan

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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