Character maketh a man or woman. Albert Einstein said, "Most people say that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character." Now you could replace "scientist" with any other vocation or profession. Last week, amidst the continuing cacophony of Covid news with blame games being played out in the media, two other images stood out. One was of the serving Naval Chief, Admiral Karambir Singh doing push - ups with his erstwhile National Defence Academy squadron mates, while on a visit to the Academy to review the graduation parade of the 140th Course, and the other, of young Nitika Kaul Dhoundiyal being 'pipped' on commissioning into the Indian Army at Officers' Training Academy Chennai. Both these pictures convey stories of camaraderie, grit, determination, humility and above all, character.

The role of any great institution is , undoubtedly, to build character, defined as the 'mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.' Military academies, the world over are considered as the cradles of leadership. The alumni of National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Officers' Training Academy, Air Force Academy and Indian Naval Academy have exhibited their valour and courage time and again, both during peace and war and in service to the nation during adversity and natural calamities. It is the distinctive culture and ethos, customs and traditions of men/women in uniform that bind them sans boundaries. In one fell swoop of a gesture the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh earned the respect and admiration of the young cadets of Hunter Squadron, just about entering their twenties, on the threshold of a career in uniform, for a lifetime. Humility, is a virtue that few possess, especially in the senior ranks of the military, and by his gesture the CNS equated himself with the cadets of the NDA, indirectly conveying the message that we are all equal.

The story of young Lt Nitika Kaul Dhoundiyal, is one of immeasurable grit and determination against adversity. Widowed at a young age, barely a year before their first anniversary, when her husband Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was martyred fighting terrorists, she decided to give up on her corporate career and don the uniform in service to the nation following her late husband's footsteps. Major VS Dhoundiyal was martyred post Pulwama attack of Feb 2019, fighting Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and was decorated posthumously with Shaurya Chakra, awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice while not engaged in direct action with the enemy. Exhibiting indomitable courage, grit and determination, six months after the demise of her husband she decided to join the Indian Army and started preparing in earnest to join the Short Service Commission (Women) Officers Course at the Officers' Training Academy. On graduation, in her own words, this is what she had to say, "The journey has been marvellous, and I believe my journey has just started. Last eleven months have made me learn so many things in my life. I want to thank everyone who has kept faith in me. Please have faith in yourself. There is absolutely nothing that can stop you from achieving what you have aimed for. Just have faith. Jaihind." Great words of wisdom from a young girl on the threshold of a career in uniform.

There is a lot that the nation can learn from these two inspirational stories, in times of gloom. No matter how long or dark the night, the sun will rise again. Don't give up, because courage does not always roar, at times it quietly says with humility that I will try again tomorrow and victory shall be mine. Live a life with compassion and character because that is what will make you a man or, a woman.