How should citizens behave during wartime ?

In war-like situation, there is no doubt that the Indian Government and the defence forces will perform their duties diligently. As citizens, it becomes necessary for us to stand firmly behind our Government and ensure that no additional burden falls upon the defence forces by observing certain important principles.

You may have read or heard somewhere about the Do’s and Don’ts for wartime. This Article is a revision of some of those guidelines.

Forget mutual disputes and unite to face the enemy

Hindu Scriptures have presented clear guidelines on how citizens should behave when the country faces crisis. During Mahabharat period, Kauravas and Gandharvas got into a dispute. Chitrasen Gandharva captured and tied the Kauravas. In this situation, the Kaurav army sought Pandavas’ help. So, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir sent Bheem and Arjun for the rescue saying, ‘वयम् पंचाधिकम् शतम् । (Vayam panchadhikam shatam)’ – ‘When there are internal disputes, the 5 Pandavas and the 100 Kauravas are separate; but when an external enemy attacks us, we are 105 together’.

Accordingly, no matter how many internal disputes may exist among us today, it is beneficial not to allow the enemy to take advantage. Citizens must set aside their domestic disputes and unite for the protection of the Nation. Do not do anything that causes division in society. We should move together, speak with one voice, and maintain unity of thought.

Prioritize National interest over personal interest

When the Nation is facing a crisis, national interest is supreme over personal interest. Temporarily set aside minor personal demands, since it may place an additional burden on the Government. According to Hindu Darshan-shastra (Philosophy), an individual is a part of  the society. If society or Nation at large are in danger, the individual’s self-interest cannot be safeguarded. Example, if a boat has developed a hole, it is more important for the passenger to help plug that hole rather than saving his own luggage. Since, if the boat sinks, his luggage too will not be saved. Similarly, if Nation is in crisis, the citizen’s wealth and comforts cannot secured.

In such times, the first thought should be: How will the Nation survive? Protecting the Nation is more important than personal comforts, conveniences, or fears; because if the Nation survives, we can always gather wealth for ourselves later or present our demands to the Government later.

Reflect on what we can do for the country

Some may feel – ‘I am aged’ or ‘I am ill’, ‘I do not have physical capacity, so what can I do for the country ?’ Instead of worrying, we can praying earnestly to God, chant His Name for the protection of the country’s armed forces, the Nation, its citizens, and its wealth, and for the soldiers to get strength for battle, is the greatest contribution of all. Through our worship, the armed forces and the Nation will obtain positivity and spiritual strength, and by God’s grace, they will be protected. Of course, for this, we need not wait for war to begin. This contribution can be started not just from today, but from this very moment.

Maintain the morale of society

During wartime, it is the Dharma (Duty) of every citizen to diligently perform the assigned responsibility, whether as a doctor, soldier, farmer, or ordinary citizen. Without falling into confusion, one should work considering service to the Nation as one’s primary objective.

Indian culture believes in ‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् । (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam)’ – ‘The Earth is my family’. We owe various debts to the society we live in. Society is our larger family. In times of crisis, if morale collapses, society loses courage and gets shaken. Therefore, we must remain stable ourselves and give courage to society. Every individual possesses some skill or the other. During wartime, such skills should be used selflessly for the Nation’s welfare. For example, if someone has the skill of nursing patients, he should help citizens injured in the war. Those who know how to drive vehicles should voluntarily take the initiative to transport citizens from one place to another. Vaidyas can guide people regarding cultivation of medicinal plants, farmers can guide regarding cultivation of fruits and vegetables, grain merchants can guide regarding proper storage of food grains.

Protect the Nation’s assets

During wartime, protecting National resources is not only the responsibility of the Government or the armed forces, but also of every citizen. Arya Chanakya gave highest priority to National security. According to him – ‘Citizens should sense the signs of danger even before a crisis befalls the Nation and remain alert. Every citizen should keep watch over the enemy’s secret movements. Under no circumstances should the country’s security be compromised’.

However, in the present situation, anti-National disruptive tendencies are found in every lane in India. Such elements can incite civil unrest during wartime. In such circumstances, Indian soldiers may come under double pressure. Therefore, citizens too should, to the best of their ability, shoulder the responsibility of protecting the Nation’s property and its people.

Adharma must be renounced

During wartime, one should not store more goods than necessary, nor deprive others of their share of food or resources. This is the basic duty of every human being. Citizens should stock only essential items during wartime. In times of crisis, hoarding for selfish gains or creating artificial inflation is regarded as a sign of adharma (Unrighteousness). During such periods, rumours are often spread on a large scale, causing needless insecurity in citizens. If one does not have correct information regarding the war or any other incident, one should refrain from passing it on to others and should also advise people not to do so.

Understand the true meaning of abiding by Dharma

On one occasion, when a sultanate invasion took place, Nanasaheb Peshwa was engaged in his daily puja. His commander Malharrao Holkar requested him to temporarily set aside his worship and take up the sword. At that moment, it was necessary for the Peshwa to take the lead for the protection of the Maratha Empire.

During crisis, setting aside one’s daily routine and protecting the Nation and society becomes the highest duty. When necessary taking firm decisions to save your and others life is also regarded as Dharma. When the Motherland is in danger, protecting Her becomes the greatest path of (abiding by) Dharma for every citizen.

This is precisely what has been stated in the Shrimadbhagawadgeeta as well. When Arjun was confused about fighting his own relatives, Bhagawan Shrikrushna firmly guided him to fight, stating that this was the duty of a Kshatriya.

What should be done in wartime ?

1. Stay united.
2. Use water, seeds, and food carefully.
3. Donate blood, and provide food, medicines, and other assistance.
4. Strictly follow Government orders.
5. Sacrifice personal matters for National interest.

What should not be done in wartime ?

1. Refrain from any act that may create a rift within the society.
2. Do not spread rumours.
3. Do not engage in hoarding.
4. Do not gather unnecessarily during an emergency.
5. Do not commit an act of social betrayal by violating law.

– Mr Yogesh Jaltare (Editor-In-Chief, Sanatan Prabhat Media Group)