MANASVI SHARMA BAWA

There was once a young man who wanted to be a doctor. Who cared not for money but for helping people. Perchance, doctor he could not be. How would my life pan out he thought and then entered destiny.

1979, the young, dashing gentleman enrolled into the Indian Military Academy and his life changed forever. He traveled wide and far, met people of different backgrounds, learn’t different languages, ate all kinds of foods and lived life like there was no tomorrow.

This young man was, is and forever shall remain a Gunner.

This young man is my father. A true Gunner to the extent that one of his child was born on Gunners Day. (ME!!!! Therefore, making me the favorite child. Sorry, Bhai)

Dad, they say it is skill and not luck that makes a Soldier and you are an extraordinary example. Many a times people have come forward and told you how “lucky” you were to survive being shot multiple times, losing your finger and being in a house with terrorists without any backup. It is not luck, Dad, it is you. It is the skill that you honed as a young GC in the IMA, as a young officer in your Unit and as the man who was posted in a war waged state. It is your skill, Dad, that you are with us today doing things better than any of us can.

As a kid, many would ask me who my Hero was and my immediate response would be, Dad. I am one of those lucky one’s who can shout on top of a roof and say that my Dad fought bad guys and kicked their butts. But that is not why you are my Hero, that is just one of the reasons. You are my Hero because you do not give up. You fight. Every. Single. Day.

You fought when they said you won’t be able to walk. You fought when they said you won’t be able to write. You fought when the World least expected you to. So much so that people today don’t even notice that something is amiss when they meet you.

Every father is a hero for their daughter but mine is a Hero in every sense. My Gunner.

And as you wear your uniform for the last time today, Dad, I just want to say that I love you for everything you have given us and for being the inspiration when I am down and out. I hope to be like you some day.

Now, get out of that Uniform Daddy, wear your Golf gear and go hit some golf balls. It’s about time you relaxed.

To happy endings and new beginnings.

Many more adventures my hero. Many more.

I love you.

Always. Forever.

My Gunner. THE Gunner.