Highway Heroes

Despite braving the odds, many of which would prove to be fatal or economically draining, truck drivers are not given the respect they deserve.

- Mahendra Arya

A soldier fighting on the borders of our country is our hero. He has opted a life which is full of risks and calls for him to be away from his family. He has to practice hard discipline, stay fit and always live with the prospect of laying down his life for his country. A big incentive for him would be the prospect of laying down his life for his beloved country. To perform his duty, he gets a handsome salary. He gets perks and a good life during peace times. He gets a pension on retirement or death. He gets recognition as a high and mighty soldier who dedicated his life and times for his country. He gets recognition for laying down his life. He is undoubtedly the hero. After the soldier, it is the turn of the humble farmer.

The farmer burns out his body in scorching summer, chilling winter and heavy rains to grow the crop that will feed the country. He braves fatal risks much as a soldier does. Like being bitten by a poisonous snake, or by being harmed by lightning as he works in his farm anticipating good rains. He is the one who feeds the nation by braving numerous odds and risks. He feeds the 125 crore population of the country. The former prime minister of the country, Lal Bahadur Shastri, recognized the contribution of the farmer with the slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’. He equated the farmer with a soldier in stature. In view of the hardships faced by a farmer, the government has been striving to provide him with better working conditions by rolling out schemes that guarantee a minimum purchase price for his crops. It has been striving to provide the farmer with insurance benefits against crop failure, with easy loans and a waiver package as and when the need is felt.

Not a hero