‘Respect this uniform, son,’ she had said, running her hands on his shoulders, enjoying the feel of the metallic stars on the uniform of the newly commissioned officer. ‘And your soul will respect you. Don’t be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that you will learn to be brave. You have a duty towards your nation and you must never weigh it with the materialistic pittance that you may sometimes receive in return. There is no greater reward than to live and die for your country, knowing that you have done your part.’
