This New Year, let's not forget our heroes in uniform

As the nation celebrates the festive season and gears up for the New Year's evening plans of outings, movies, visit to a scenic destination and so on, you continue to do your job. From the icy and freezing Siachen in the north to the deep blue sea down south; from the dusty sand dunes in the West to the dense green forest in the eastern front, you - "Our Men In Uniform" guard our frontiers 24x7 and work tirelessly to shield our motherland from hostile forces.

There's a certain amount of freedom we enjoy, a carefree attitude, all because there are eyes watching over us. Some as mentioned earlier, within our frontiers, while some beyond it. We thank our unsung heroes, our protectors who preserve the sovereignty of our beautiful country.

While we party on New Year's eve or enjoy a special dinner with family and friends, there are men who sacrifice these moments. Scanning baggage at the airport or stations to constantly monitoring the borders; whether it's 30 degree C or -30 degree C you put in extra hours to help decongest the traffic so that people can reach home safe and in time for that final countdown to the new year.

Words won't be enough to describe your sacrifices and efforts that help us live in a stable environment minus the clouds of war and hostility. There are vultures circling the nation, but your constant vigilance to safeguard our national security is unparalleled.

I wish there were words to express my gratitude to you for your efforts to build a peaceful nation and "Thank You" would be an understatement. But my heart is indebted, full of love and appreciation to you all. I will keep you in my prayers.

May God bless and protect you while you are away from your loved ones. Have a great year ahead.