5.2. Bravehearts - My Dear Soldiers - Class 7 - Poorvi

BhashaLab
Jun 24
5 min read

Author: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Textbook: Poorvi

Genre: Poem (Patriotic Verse)

Summary

The poem My Dear Soldiers by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is a heartfelt tribute to the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of Indian soldiers who guard the nation under extreme conditions. The poet appreciates their silent, selfless service, often performed in isolation and harsh environments. While citizens sleep peacefully, soldiers remain awake, guarding borders in snow, scorching heat, deserts, marshes, valleys, and even seas and skies. Their unwavering commitment is likened to that of spiritual yogis, showcasing their mental strength and discipline. The poem also refers to the wind chimes as symbols of gratitude vibrating in honour of the soldiers’ courage. The phrase “prime of your youth given to the nation” highlights their sacrifice of personal life and comforts for national safety. With deep admiration, the poet concludes by praying for the well-being and safety of these bravehearts. Through vivid imagery and sincere emotion, Dr. Kalam encourages every citizen to remember and respect the silent protectors of the nation.

Character Sketch

(Not applicable – This is a poem and does not have individual characters. The soldiers as a collective are the central focus.)

Themes

Theme	Description
Patriotism	The poem celebrates the dedication of soldiers to the nation’s safety.
Sacrifice	Highlights how soldiers give up their youth and comfort for the country.
Vigilance & Discipline	Shows that soldiers remain alert and disciplined in every terrain and weather.
Gratitude	Emphasises that we must be thankful and pray for our soldiers' safety.
Nature’s Challenges	Describes the extreme environments soldiers operate in to protect the nation.

✨ Poetic Devices

Device	Example
Imagery	“Windy season or snowy days / Or scorching sun’s sweltering rays”
Simile	“Treading the lonely expanses as yogis”
Metaphor	“Wind chimes of my land vibrate your feat”
Repetition	Repetition of “you” and “we” for emotional emphasis and rhythm
Alliteration	“season or snowy”, “surveillance in seas”, “scorching sun’s sweltering rays”

Title Justification

The title “My Dear Soldiers” is an apt and emotional dedication to the brave men and women who serve the country. The use of the word “dear” reflects personal affection and deep respect. The poem is a direct address to soldiers, expressing collective admiration, gratitude, and prayers for their safety. Through this title, Dr. Kalam establishes a heartfelt connection between the common citizen and the soldier, turning a formal tribute into a personal expression of love for the guardians of the nation.

One-Mark Questions :

What kind of weather conditions do the soldiers face according to the poem?→ The poem mentions soldiers working in “windy season”, “snowy days”, and “scorching sun’s sweltering rays”. This shows that soldiers endure all types of harsh weather conditions without hesitation.
Why does the poet compare soldiers to yogis?
→ The poet compares soldiers to yogis to highlight their self-discipline and solitude. Just like yogis walk alone in spiritual pursuit, soldiers patrol vast lonely terrains with focus and dedication.
What does the line ‘Prime of your youth given to the nation’ mean?
→ This line means that soldiers give the most energetic and vibrant part of their lives to serve the nation. It shows the ultimate sacrifice of personal dreams and youth for national duty.
What is the tone of the poem?
→ The tone of the poem is admiring, respectful, and prayerful. It shows deep love, pride, and reverence for the soldiers.
How does the poet end the poem?
→ The poet ends the poem with a prayer, saying, “May the Lord bless you all!” It reflects a sincere wish for the safety and well-being of every soldier.

Three-Mark Questions :

How does the poet highlight the commitment of the soldiers? Provide examples from the poem to support your answer.
→ Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam highlights the unwavering commitment of soldiers by portraying them as constant guardians of the nation. They remain alert and awake while others sleep peacefully. Despite extreme weather—snow, heat, wind—they never abandon their duty. The poet uses phrases like “treading the lonely expanses as yogis” to show their disciplined and focused nature. Their service continues in every terrain—mountains, valleys, deserts, marshes, seas, and skies. The poet emphasizes that soldiers devote the best years of their youth to the nation, showing their deep sense of duty.
How is the theme of the poem conveyed through imagery? Support your answer with examples from the poem.
→ The theme of patriotism and sacrifice is powerfully conveyed through vivid imagery in the poem. Phrases like “scorching sun’s sweltering rays”, “windy season or snowy days”, and “climbing the heights or striding the valleys” create strong visual pictures of difficult environments. These images help readers understand the physical and emotional hardships that soldiers face every day. The comparison to yogis evokes a spiritual connection to their work. Through such descriptive language, the poet allows the reader to feel both admiration and gratitude for the soldiers’ endurance and loyalty.
What is the significance of the line ‘Prime of your youth given to the nation!!’ with reference to sacrifice and service?
→ This line signifies the most valuable contribution of a soldier—their youth. Instead of pursuing personal goals or pleasures, soldiers dedicate their early and most energetic years to protect the country. This sacrifice highlights their selflessness and patriotism. It also reflects the reality that many soldiers begin service at a young age and often face dangerous situations early in life. Their time, energy, and even lives are given to the nation without expectations of personal reward. The line shows that their service is not just a duty but a life-defining mission.

Value-Based Question

Why is it important for every citizen to express gratitude and pray for the well-being of soldiers?

→ Soldiers protect the freedom, peace, and dignity of a nation by risking their lives in extreme conditions. Without their tireless efforts, citizens could not live in safety. Expressing gratitude reminds us of the human cost behind national security. Praying for their well-being is a way to honour their sacrifices and show emotional support. It helps build a compassionate, respectful society that values service and patriotism.

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