With the spectre of war once again darkening the skies between India and Pakistan, patriotism in its purest form emerged from a quiet village by the Teesta River. Amid the growing military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, Manoranjan Roy, a young man from Panbari village in Jalpaiguri district, left home to join the Indian Army as an Agniveer—a modern-day soldier trained under India’s reformed recruitment model.

War-like Situation Escalates Across India-Pakistan Border

On the intervening night of May 8–9, Pakistani drone and missile attacks targeted civilian and strategic zones in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab, triggering nationwide alerts and heightening war readiness across India. With air raids, border skirmishes, and rising casualties dominating headlines, the Indian armed forces have initiated retaliatory strikes deep across the Line of Control. In this charged and volatile climate, Manoranjan’s decision to join the military is not just timely—it is emblematic of the spirit of sacrifice that defines India’s sons and daughters.

A Village’s Pride, A Family’s Sacrifice

As the red vehicle carrying Manoranjan departed his village early Friday morning, hundreds of villagers lined the narrow, dusty path—some waving, some crying, but all united in pride.

“This is what true patriotism looks like,” said his father, a farmer with calloused hands and a heart now heavy with emotion. “My son has chosen to serve the nation when it’s needed the most. That is the greatest honour any father can ask for.”

His mother, tearful yet proud, held his hand one last time before he boarded the vehicle bound for Bengaluru, where his military training will begin. “I gave birth to him, but now the nation calls him. May Durga protect him,” she said.

North Bengal on High Alert

The entire Maynaguri block has been on high alert since war-like conditions emerged. Surveillance drones, increased troop movement, and blackout drills are becoming part of daily life in Bengal’s northern belt. Yet, in the middle of this uncertainty, Manoranjan’s departure stirred something deeper: a collective belief that India will endure, not only because of its missiles and might, but because of the spirit of its citizens.

Agniveer: A New Generation of Warriors

The Agniveer scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2022, aims to recruit young Indians into the armed forces for a four-year period, with a focus on agility, technology, and modern warfare. For youths like Manoranjan, it is not just a career—it’s a call to protect the sovereignty and dignity of Bharat Mata.

A Farewell Etched in Memory

As the car carrying him disappeared down the village’s last bend, children stopped playing, elders folded their hands in silent blessings, and hundreds of villagers raised their hands in farewell—a poignant reminder that while war is waged by armies, it is endured, supported, and made meaningful by people.
In this charged moment of history, Manoranjan Roy is no longer just a village boy from Teesta’s banks—he is a soldier of India.