I AM THE INFANTRY by Lt Gen Mukesh Sabharwal , (Infantry Veteran)

I AM THE INFANTRY,

You have seen me, everywhere

In thick of battle, without a care

From Mahabharata, to the present day

I have so far, kept the enemy at बे

Rifle and bayonet, in my hand

My gutsy charge,  the foe couldn’t stand

And at my feet lay victory

              I am the Infantry.

Warfare really started with me

Thereafter came the Cavalry

Gunners and Sappers, followed suit

Arms and Services, then took root

Fought at first, with sword and spear

With shield to protect, and dagger to bear

Added musket to my armoury

         I am the Infantry

Fought raiders in Kashmir, to stem the tide

Didn’t let Poonch, Naushera, or Tithwal slide

Freed Hyderabad and Goa, with relative ease

With grit and courage, fought the Chinese

In ‘65 beat, the Pakistanis in the West Determined and firm,

I stood the test  Dograi was captured, and so was Hajipir

          I am the Infantry.

For varied operations, in territory unforeseen

I am plunged into action, violent and mean

With the UN to oversee, peace prevail

For Congo and Gaza, I set a sail

With IPKF in Sri Lanka, sought a decision

In Maldives I acted, with surgical precision

In Kargil I made the enemy flee

          I am the Infantry.

Pride of the Army, am marksman and stalker

Vigilant at Siachen, guard the frontier

Ensure freedom to citizens, all the while

Forced to hunt terrorist, and hostile

I heliland, paradrop, slither and ski

There is none other, as adaptable as me

For survival eat shakar-paras and poorie

       I am the Infantry.

In the final analysis, when results we decide

The necessary cutting edge, doth I provide

May peace prevail, at the borders

I stay For the honour of the motherland, my life

I lay Sacrifice and obedience, are my “dharm-o-imaan”

Valour and courage, my “izzat-o-shaan”

My jewels are my Regiments, and camaraderie

             I am the Infantry.