Esse Quam Videri

'To be,rather than to seem' - A couple of years back I had the great opportunity to be part of the Indian Army.I had cleared the NDA exam and was all set to appear for the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview in Bangalore.I must admit that I was not too keen to join the Army before that and it was only on a friend's request that I took the exam.However,when the opportunity presented itself,I was most surprised to see the great prestige the Army commands.So,I decided to give it a shot.I was dragged to meet a retired Colonel to ascertain my abilities.After a candid and brief conversation,the verdict was favourable.It was the Col who suggested that I travel to Bangalore on my own.To assuage my father's concerns,he assured him that 'these rascals' can handle almost anything.The next day,I was the new guy at 'The Cavalier'.There,I was told a few things to improve my chances -
1. Whatever you are asked , make sure you mention the Army.
2.Get yourself acquainted with the weapons and ranks of the Army
3.Always pretend to be ready for any challenge,EVEN IT IS AGAINST YOUR JUDGMENT.
BUT WHY ?
Before I could find out the D-Day had come and I was on a train to Bangalore.Throughout the journey,I went through turbulent attacks of homesickness so much so that I got off the train determined to do everything against what I had been advised.At the station,I was greeted by an indifferent group of people,all of whom seemed to be in love with the Army !
Instantly,I retreated into my cocoon.I was taken in a bus to the SSB centre.There,we were greeted by some officers and given instructions for our stay.The barracks were spartan.After the initial introductions,we were off to the mess for dinner.The spread was lavish but the food was tasteless-no salt,no sugar,nothing at all.After dinner,we moved back to the barracks.I met some rather interesting people and realised soon enough that most of them had no chance of clearing that interview but I had a feeling that they were counting more on luck than anything else.We all chatted late into the night.I was woken by the alarm at about 0430 am and frantically made through the showers and breakfast.at 0600 am we were at the conference hall.We were given a few tests and true to my intentions I did everything that could get me kicked out.This surprised my peers and I was hounded by a group of 30 strong who wanted to know what was I upto ? The results came out after an hour and as expected I barely managed to fail.But to my surprise,most of my mates did too ! I saw men cry like kids.After the results,an officer addressed us he told us " This is not the end of the world.The fact that you came for the interview proves that you are all patriots without doubt.The country will be safe in your hands.The Army now knows that it will always have good men to fall back on if the need arose.Don't take this as a failure but a lesson.Don't think that there is a closed door but imagine the number of doors which are open.Please,come again. Don't leave without having your lunch,we don't want your families to think that Army didn't feed you.And mark my words gentlemen, now that you have tasted our salt,you are part of the Army and vice versa."

These words have stayed with me till date.I now realise why I was given those suggestions at the training school.We must realize that the military purpose transcends all.There is zero scope for failure.The soldier must be be committed to the duty,there must not be even an iota of doubt in his mind.One must really want to be part of the Army,be in love with the institution.At this juncture,I see myself a transformed man - eager and ready.