India, March 20 -- My nephew was recently commissioned at the Indian Military Academy, a moment of immense pride that sustained our family's century-old tradition of joining the profession of arms. His status as a fifth-generation soldier did not go unnoticed by the Army Chief, who reviewed the passing-out parade.

Our military lineage dates back to the late 19th century when my great-grandfather took part in the Afghan Campaign in the North West Frontier Province, now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. He was part of the legendary 36th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment (now 4 Sikh) during the era of the Battle of Saragarhi, though stationed at a different outpost. His son, my grandfather, joined the Royal Indian Artillery and served in both Wo...