The Hero

by Sonali Makkar

Sonali is a close friend of my cousin Sangeeta Gaitonde Kulkarni. She has written this lovely poem on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Nawang’s Supreme Sacrifice on November 11, 2020.

The lovely Marigold illustrations are of Sangeeta’s 12 year old daughter Arya. Her Marigold illustrations have been extensively used in the Marigold posters

He lay there cold and dead
Not a tear for him was shed
All eyes looked guilty
All eyes looked away

They knew the deed was done
His story reached far and wide
Medals were bestowed
What good were these now
Tell his mother shes so old.

A soldier’s life he lived
Die for his country
Thats what he did.

Salute our heroes
They dont fear
They don’t think twice
When the enemy is near.

Say a prayer
Ring the temple bell
Anything to tell the world
Its here he fell.

Dont forget his story
Dont forget his life.
Thats everything he did for you
It wasnt even his fight.