We all want a country we can be proud of. A nation where we live with dignity and safety. A nation respected globally for its strength, not feared for its violence. A country that commands honor on international platforms and produces citizens the world admires. Wouldn't everyone agree with that?
Now, I do acknowledge — war has, at times, been considered the final resort in extreme situations. But the question is: should it be the first instinct, or even a common choice, in our modern world? No. Not in a democracy. Not in a world where dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation are the core values of peacekeeping.
Let’s speak logically. War destroys economies. It drains resources. It claims millions of innocent lives — soldiers, civilians, children. It leaves behind not victory, but grief. Powerful countries often withdraw support from aggressive nations. And without international cooperation, countries — especially developing ones — suffer diplomatically, economically, and technologically.
Emotionally, war breaks families. Imagine a child waiting to show his perfect report card to his soldier father — and instead receives news of his death. That child is left not just without a parent, but without purpose. This is not a fictional story — it’s the reality for thousands after every war.
And what of the soldiers? As a great Indian general once said: “Soldiers are not meant to die on borders — they are meant to defend them.” But in war, soldiers are used as pawns. Not for noble causes — but for political, racial, or territorial egos.
Look at history. The Kargil War. The Russia-Ukraine War. Israel-Palestine. What did any of these truly solve? Land? Pride? Religion? In the end, they only planted deeper roots of hatred. Citizens suffer. Generations grow up with fear and enmity. Nations collapse internally while appearing strong externally.
In today’s world, choosing diplomacy is seen as cowardice. But let me ask — is peace truly cowardly? Isn’t it easier to fight than to forgive? We must redefine bravery — bravery is when a leader takes a peaceful stand, knowing the world may mock him, but his people will live.
Gandhi said, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other.” And though that may seem idealistic, the philosophy holds — nonviolence is the only path to lasting peace. Anyone can drop a bomb. Few can drop their pride.
Wars aren’t about justice anymore. They’re about ego satisfaction — national or personal. We, the youth, need to challenge this. We must raise awareness that the true strength of a nation lies not in its missiles, but in its diplomacy. Not in destruction, but in resilience. Not in taking lives, but in saving them.
To conclude — wars may show power, but peace shows greatness. And history always remembers the great nations.