MS Dhoni's Tribute To Armed Forces Highlights The Honour Indian Soldiers Truly Deserve

Sports mirrors the society and just like any other aspect of culture, it can act as a mechanism for both political and societal change. Since it doesn't exist in a vacuum, functioning in isolation and alienating itself from what is happening around the world is definitely not how it's supposed to be. And, this is where sportspersons come into play. Sports icons are influential public figures who are likely to make an impression on the country's youth. Their huge fan base gives them the power to influence the minds of the fans. So, at a time when Indian soldiers are paying with their lives to safeguard national interest, by sharing their work-out videos or posting holiday selfies, they unknowingly tell the youth that it is probably okay not to have an opinion. That it is okay to continue living within your own walls, and not engage. © BCCL In a series of counter-insurgency operations in three different areas of South Kashmir, the Indian armed forces handed a major setback to the terror groups in the Valley on Sunday. A total of 12 terrorists were gunned down in what turned out to be one of the biggest counter-offensives against terrorist outfits in recent times in Kashmir. The operations did render a severe blow to terror groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba, but it sadly came at the cost of five lives. Two civilians and three Army jawans lost their lives during the grueling operations. While the details on how or why the two civilians were killed aren't revealed, the demise of the three Army soldiers once again highlighted the never-ending sacrifices they make to keep us safe. It was absolutely wonderful to see the pride with which @msdhoni wore his Territorial army uniform while receiving the well deserved #PadmaBhushan today, exactly 7 years after we won the 2011 World Cup. Heartiest congratulations ! pic.twitter.com/ROdMdM7aQk — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 2, 2018 And, that's what probably instigated Mahendra Singh Dhoni's touching message for the Indian armed forces after he was bestowed with the honour of the 'Padma Bhushan'. Dhoni, who holds the rank of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, wore his uniform for the gala ceremony where he was presented with the country's highest civilian award by President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday. An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds.thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights.Jai Hind A post shared by @ mahi7781 on Apr 2, 2018 at 11:36pm PDT If his decision to don the army uniform elated Indian cricket fans, the Jharkhand cricketer's heartfelt message for the jawans further established his reputation as one true patriot. On Tuesday, the former Indian captain took to Instagram and wrote: "An honour to get the Padma Bhushan and receiving it in Uniform increases the excitement ten folds. thanks to all the Men and Women in Uniform and their families for the Sacrifices they make so that all of us could enjoy our Constitutional Rights. Jai Hind". Incidentally, Dhoni was conferred with the prestigious civilian honour on the seventh anniversary of India's famous ICC World Cup triumph in 2011. While his leadership skills propelled the Men in Blue to the final, his mighty six eventually secured the second World Cup title for India. But, in the age where sports stars generally turn a blind eye to such issues, it was great to see the mercurial Dhoni breaking the monotony and rallying behind the unsung heroes of the country while highlighting their plight.