( AI translated version of Hindi story –  मैं तो अग्निपुंज बनूंगा! )

Upon hearing Sharad’s words, Baburao Shinde’s temper soared to great heights, and he felt an immense sense of frustration. It seemed as though his visit to Sharad’s house was in vain, and Sharad couldn’t bear their happiness. Baburao regretted setting foot in Sharad’s house, as it appeared that Sharad was on fire just at the mention of Agniveer. With this, Baburao returned home, and his spirits were dampened for the next two days.

This incident occurred two days prior to the present day. On this particular evening, Baburao was cycling back home after completing his office duty when his mobile phone rang. He pulled over, took his old keypad phone from his kurta, and saw that it was a call from his son, Praveen, who was away studying in Pune. He answered the call amidst the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in his mind.

Baburao Shinde – Yes, son, tell me, is everything alright? 

He heard his son’s cheerful voice on the other end of the line.

Praveen – Babuji, I have some great news. I’ve been selected as an Agniveer.

Upon hearing this news, a big smile spread across Baburao’s face, and he said,

Baburao Shinde – Wow, son! This is fantastic news. It’s a blessing from Ganpati Bappa and your mother. Now I’m certain about your career for at least the next four years.

Praveen – Yes, Baba! In my childhood, you instilled values and patriotism in me by narrating stories of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, Tanaji, and others. Today, I get to share this good news with you. Baba, you’ll see, all our troubles will fade away.

As Baburao basked in the feeling of gratitude reflected in his son’s voice, his chest swelled with pride. He spoke with a quivering voice.

Baburao Shinde – Alright, son! This is the result of your hard work. Now, when are you coming to Nashik?

Praveen – Baba, I have to start my duty on the first of next month. I still have ten days! I’ll be in Nashik in a day or two, and I’ll seek blessings from you and mother.

Baburao Shinde – Alright, son, come whenever you’re free. We’ll be waiting. I was just on my way, and I need to get home quickly to share this good news with your mother as well.

Praveen – Alright, Baba! Take care. Saying this, Praveen hung up the phone.

The good news shared by Praveen reinvigorated Baburao’s tired legs as he pedaled swiftly and arrived at their quarters in the peon’s quarters, where he rang the bell enthusiastically. Seeing the joy on his face, Praveen’s wife, Vrinda, also smiled and asked cheerfully,

Vrinda – What’s gotten into you today, Praveen’s Baba? Why do you look so happy? Did you get a promotion at work? Did you go from being a peon to a clerk?

Baburao, with a mysterious smile, replied, “No, Vrinda! We’ve got even better news! Our son is going to serve in the Agniveer.”

Vrinda – Wow, that’s amazing news! But what about Praveen’s studies? Vrinda inquired with a tinge of concern.

Baburao Shinde – Well, Praveen is 18 years old now. I’m sure he’ll manage everything going forward. We wish for his life to be peaceful and without any troubles. We don’t want any problems for him, Vrinda said, expressing her worries.

Praveen reassured them – Don’t worry, Baba. I’ve thought this through. I want to become an Agniveer. I don’t want to spend my life as an office peon or a district collector. I have the opportunity to serve our country at a young age. Isn’t that enough?

Baburao Shinde – That’s all well and good, son, but what about the salary and pension? Sharad was telling us that there might not be much benefit in this job. Baburao voiced the doubts raised by Sharad, not hiding his concerns.

Praveen – Baba, are you also influenced by Sharad’s words? I don’t know what misconceptions people have about this job.

Then Praveen paused for a moment and added – Baba, instead of worrying about this, let’s consult an expert.

After pondering for a while, Baburao suggested – Son, do you remember Vijay Chavan’s uncle? When he was a Colonel in the army, he was posted in Kashmir. On weekends, he’d come to his bungalow at Bada. He gained recognition for his exceptional bravery during an encounter with terrorists in Rajouri five years ago and received a gallantry medal. He’s now living in the same bungalow after retiring from the army. Before I started working as a government office peon, I worked as a gardener at his bungalow for about a year.

Praveen – Yes, I remember, Baba. I was always fascinated by his uniform and the way he carried himself. If you sowed the seeds of patriotism in my heart by sharing stories of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji, Tanaji, and others, he provided the fertilizer and water to help that seed grow with his words and status. We can find answers by seeking advice from him.

Baburao – Alright, son! Should we also take Sharad to his house?

Praveen – That’s a good idea.

Baburao managed to convince Sharad to accompany them to Colonel Chavan’s bungalow. On a Sunday, Baburao, Praveen, and Sharad arrived at Chavan’s bungalow.

Upon seeing Colonel Saheb, Praveen saluted and enthusiastically greeted him with “Jaihind, sir!”

In response, Colonel Saheb replied, “Jai Hind,” and invited all three to his drawing room. They were awestruck by what they saw. A magnificent picture of Bharatmata adorned the wall just inside the door, and a large showcase displayed medals and newspaper clippings that praised Colonel Saheb’s bravery. All three hesitantly took their seats on the plush sofa.

Colonel Saheb immediately recognized Baburao, ordered tea and snacks for everyone, and inquired about their visit.

Colonel Saheb – So, what brings you here, my friends?

Praveen, with some hesitation, spoke up – Sir, I’ve decided to join Agniveer. I’ve been selected, but Sharad’s uncle and my Baba have some concerns about this decision.

Colonel Saheb – Congratulations on your selection, my boy. That’s fantastic news! Please share your doubts openly; I’m here to help.

Sharad – Sir, by joining Agniveer, we may be secure for the next four years, but what about after that? Could my child’s future be at risk? He has his entire life ahead of him.

Baburao – Yes, sir. Is it possible that my son might regret this decision later on?

Colonel Saheb’s temper flared upon hearing these doubts. He spoke in a commanding voice.

Colonel Saheb – Praveen has made a wise decision. As for the future, if one plans wisely, not only will the future be secure, but life after retirement will also be peaceful. If he joins the army now and leaves after four years, there will be no shortage of job opportunities for him. Being an ex-serviceman will open doors, and he can pursue further studies if he desires.

Sharad – Please forgive me, Colonel Saheb, but I’ve heard that Agniveers receive a meager pension after retirement. Will that be enough for a secure future?

Sharad asked in a hushed tone, lacking the courage to say much in front of Colonel Saheb.

Colonel Saheb – Sharad, I understand you have your concerns. However, the value of military service is not measured by money. If I had joined the army solely for financial gain, I wouldn’t have earned the medals and fame I have today. Do we not have a duty to Mother India, the country, and society in which we grew up? By becoming an Agniveer, Praveen is also contributing. Moreover, 25 percent of selected Agniveers have the opportunity to continue serving in the army in the future. If Praveen’s fortune favors him, he may not need to look elsewhere for a job. He can remain in the army even after four years. If he wishes to pursue further education, there are few restrictions, and he can study as much as he wants. Regarding financial concerns, if the Rs. 14-15 lakhs received after retirement are invested wisely, he can enjoy a comfortable income throughout his life. Additionally, there are provisions for financial assistance in case an Agniveer is martyred or becomes disabled during service. The families of martyred Agniveers receive more than Rs. 1 crore, including the service fund and interest. Besides, they receive the remaining salary as well.

With each statement, Colonel Saheb’s voice grew stronger, and Sharad’s doubts began to fade. He spoke sheepishly.

Sharad – I apologize, Colonel Sahib. I now understand that the spirit of serving the country holds greater value than money. Money may come and go, but it’s better if our lives are meaningful to our nation.

Baburao expressed his gratitude with a humble tone – Colonel Saheb, your words have opened my eyes. Any doubts I had have been resolved, and I won’t hinder my son’s path to becoming an Agniveer.

Hearing this, Praveen’s eyes filled with joy, and he raised his fist in the air, exclaiming, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” He couldn’t wait to get home to share the news of Colonel Saheb’s approval with his mother.

(Imaginary Story