Air Marshal Brijesh Jayal says…

Those who serve silently: Let us not forget the contribution and sacrifice of Mrs Madhulika Rawat

The recent IAF helicopter accident in Nilgiri Hills that has taken fourteen precious lives has cast a pall of gloom over the nation. The tragedy stands magnified as amongst those who lost their lives was the senior-most ranking military officer of the armed forces and the first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat along with his wife, Mrs Madhulika Rawat.

Not surprisingly, the electronic media has been awash with this coverage — even to the extent of attempting to analyse the possible causes of the mishap — when a formal Court of Inquiry should be the best platform for such investigation.

That veterans of varying expertise and colour of uniform volunteer to participate in such hollow and mindless debate from the comfort of their living rooms, is regrettable as such a speculative debate at a sensitive juncture can cast doubts in the mind of the public on the professionalism of those in uniform that were involved in this mission.

But this is not the subject of this column. Instead, it is something that strikes at the very heart of military purpose and ethos — the honour code that guides all those who choose military as their service to the nation. That of upholding the safety, honour and welfare of the country first followed by that of the men and women they command next, with their own last, always and every time.

One such passenger on board the ill- fated Mi-17 was Mrs Madhulika Rawat, the only lady on board and also the only one not a government servant or in the pay of the state, who tragically also paid the ultimate price.

No media debate raised the basic issue of what circumstances led a non- government servant to be part of what was essentially a military entourage? In the process, it lost a valuable opportunity to sensitise us, the people, on the stellar role that families of uniformed men and women play towards national security of the nation; the sacrifices they make and the challenges they face, often living for long periods away from their spouses.

Career progression in the armed forces brings with it added responsibilities and one such vital one is the welfare and morale of those one is privileged to command. Undoubtedly, it was towards this sacred duty that Mrs Madhulika Rawat was heading to Defence Services Staff College along with her husband, where one can guess her formal schedule towards welfare of service families, would perhaps have been as hectic as that of her husband. That she also gave her all in the line of duty along with all the others accompanying the CDS needs to be recorded for posterity. This would not only be a befitting tribute to her service to the nation, but also a tribute to all service families who stand silently in support of their loved ones in uniform. To borrow a quote from the English Poet John Milton, “They also serve who only stand and wait.”