Bengaluru, the Garden City and Silicon Valley of India, is a powerhouse of education, research, and industry. Standing here, I believe this city plays a pivotal role in achieving our national ideal of Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India by 2047).

This pursuit of national development finds inspiration in the concept of Atma Jnana (knowledge of the self), which leads to confidence and pride. This reflection is particularly resonant here, beside the Mysore Lancers Memorial.

One hundred and seven years ago, on September 23, 1918, the Mysore Lancers, along with the Jodhpur and Hyderabad Lancers of the 15th Cavalry Brigade, achieved the impossible by charging and capturing Haifa. This was a clash of swords and spears against modern artillery and machine guns—and it was the courage of the Indian soldiers that prevailed. This victory re-established the valour of the Indian soldier and the capability of Indian military leaders.

Courage Rooted in Dharma

What motivated these soldiers to achieve the unattainable? It was India's 5,000-year-old legacy of standing by Dharma (righteousness), a moral code of conduct against injustice.

The soldiers drew profound confidence from the Shrimat Bhagavad Gita, which teaches that the soul, the Atma, is indestructible: "The weapons cannot cut it... the fire cannot burn it." Entering battle with this fearlessness, victory is inevitable.

This bravery is encapsulated in the Gita's famous teaching: If you get slain in battle, you achieve Swarga (heaven), and if you win, you enjoy Prithvi (the earth). This is the call to fight for Dharma.

A Momentous Legacy

The Battle of Haifa was a decisive victory that contributed to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire by 1922 and set the stage for the modern Middle East, including the creation of Israel. Crucially, the confidence gained by Indian soldiers in winning a modern war under Indian leadership provided a fresh impetus to the Indian Freedom Movement at home.

As we celebrate this day, which incidentally falls during Navaratri—a time dedicated to the Mother Brahmacharini, who signifies both courage and restraint—we recognize that both qualities are vital for success in life.

The rationale of Indian soldiering is beautifully summarized in the ancient mantra: "Aham Rashtri Sangamani Vasunam" ("I am the one who gives confidence to the whole nation"). This is the essence of the Indian Army and the Indian nation as we march confidently towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Lt. Gen. A. K. Singh (Retd.)

Ajai Kumar Singh PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM is a retired general officer of the Indian Army. He was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command of the Indian Army. He assumed the post upon the superannuation of Lieutenant General Jai Singh Nain. He previously served as General Officer Commanding XXXIII Corps.