The Evening Retreat:

Nothing could have prepared us for the triumphant echoes of the evening retreat parade, the sounds of which are still so alive in our memories. We were amongst the sea of crowd that had gathered on both sides of Wagah border, displaying such sense of belonging to their country, enthusiasm and also a great sense of pride for the soldiers in their smart attire and high-heeled boots shouting commands to their peers. The whole performance was packed with a high sense of drama and a fierce competitive streak.

People started pouring in from as early as 4 PM. Permission is required to go near the gates where the parade is performed. BSF Jawans encouraged children to run down the road with Indian flag with patriotic songs playing in the background. The easy dances by the groups of youngsters on Punjabi folk songs and bollywood numbers did well to maintain a celebratory mood while the BSF and army personnel settled the ever growing crowds. Every eye was on the watch waiting for the parade to start. Finally, with the call of one of the BSF guards, the parade begins with the clanking of boots from both the sides of the border. The actions and expressions of soldiers on both sides of the border are a mirror image of each other. They also performed certain actions that displayed their superiority over their counterpart across the gate, pounding the ground with angry, long strides. And finally, the gates closed with the anthem playing at both sides and flags lowered.

We came back with a heady feeling and a newfound respect at the discipline and grandeur of our defense forces. There was another thought in my mind about people sitting on both sides; sharing the same history, nurturing their fields with the same water and yet having such strong feeling of negativity for each other. I have heard from friends who have visited Pakistan about the warmth and hospitality showed by people living there. They sing the same Bollywood numbers that we sing and they pin up the same posters of actresses that we like. I so much hope that this dramatic display of hostile competition someday changes into a display of mutual respect and trust. I hope someday the clanging of boots give way to showing respect to the other’s national anthem and exchanging flowers. Can we hope for such a day?