GUARDING THE NATION AT EVERY STEP, SERVING THE MOTHERLAND WITH EVERY BREATH
The 60th Foundation Day of the BSF was celebrated on Sunday. On the occasion of BSF’s Foundation Day, Pawan Arora, CEO and Managing Editor of First India News, conducted a special interview with BSF IG ML Garg at BOP RK Tibba, located at India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, during an extraordinary and daring shooting session for the ‘Keynote By Pawan Arora’ show. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including the foundation of BSF, its activities, challenges, & its role in wars and counter-terrorism. During the discussion, IG Garg emphasised that BSF’s ultimate goal is to protect the country and serve the motherland.
Q. We are sitting in this atmosphere, people cannot even imagine it. What will be the India-Pakistan border like? How does the wire fencing look? How are our soldiers patrolling here day and night? Whatever the weather—winter, summer, or rain—they do not even care. In such a situation, as the BSF celebrates 60 glorious years, how is the force marking this special occasion? What events and programs are being organized to commemorate it?
A. ML Garg: The BSF has completed 59 years, and the 60th year is beginning today. The journey of BSF has been full of challenges, and here we have learned everything in real-time or live. The BSF guards the India-Pakistan and IndiaBangladesh borders, both of which are highly sensitive. The Government of India has full trust in the BSF, and it is because of this faith that we are able to accomplish all our tasks. The motto of the BSF, as you mentioned, is “Jeevan Paryant Kartavya” (Duty Unto Death). Apart from this, there is the mindset of “Any Task, Any Time, and Anywhere.” The core belief is “Janani Janma Bhoomischa Swargadapi Gariyasi,” meaning that mother and motherland are greater than heaven. We work around the clock with full responsibility.
Q. I have been quite familiar with the work of the BSF. It’s an organization that operates both during peacetime and wartime. While the army primarily functions in times of war, the BSF is active in maintaining peace as well. In situations where people see a uniform, they often assume everyone is a ‘Fauji’ (soldier). So, what exactly distinguishes the roles of the Army and the BSF?
A. There is a significant difference in the way the Indian Army and BSF operate. The Indian Army is widely regarded as one of the best in the world and its primary role is to protect the country, stepping in when conflict arises. Their duties come into play primarily during wartime. On the other hand, the role of the BSF is quite distinct. We are stationed on the border round-the-clock with no concept of leave. This is an essential part of our duty. We spend most of our time on the front lines, and the conditions are challenging no matter where you are deployed.
Q. Your controlling ministry is different from that of the Army. While the Army comes under the Ministry of Defence, the BSF falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs. How is coordination maintained between the two forces despite this difference?
A. The BSF has dual roles. During wartime, we fight alongside the Army, while in peacetime, our primary responsibility is border security. In addition, we have other duties, whether it’s combating terrorism or dealing with Naxalism, for which the Ministry of Home Affairs guides us. During war, we also cross into enemy territory with the Army. In areas where the Army establishes control, we take on administrative responsibilities, handle war prisoners, and ensure supply lines remain open—these are some of the tasks we perform.
Q. In an initial surgical strike, you don’t participate, like in the famous surgical strike. Does that mean only the Army goes for such operations?
A. Yes, definitely. The Army goes in such operations.
Q. I see in the background that the soldiers are constantly on patrol. This is a very tough job. How do the soldiers maintain their morale in such challenging conditions? What kind of motivation do you provide to keep them so dedicated?
A. There are three main reasons behind this. First, our training is designed in such a way that we are prepared to stay here, in these conditions, 365 days a year. Wild animals may come, but it doesn’t affect us. We don’t even kill snakes because we have antivenom. Second, our working is fair, and we have the support of the government. A soldier knows that behind him stands a strong nation, a powerful government, and a capable force. The third and most important reason is that it is ingrained in our minds that this is our motherland, and it is our duty to protect it.
