Actress Barkha Singh,daughter of a naval officer,looks back on how growing up in a military family shaped her views on patriotism. Talking during India's 79th Independence Day, she said patriotism is just part of her day-to-day life,not something she actively thinks about.
"Patriotism,I think,is a way of life. It's not something I have to think of or consciously do to be patriotic. We've just grown up listening to 'Jai Hind' instead of a 'Hello,'" she said. For Singh, these nuances make patriotism natural.
Her father, now retired,planted values that deeply affected her. Singh remembers the thrill of frequent moves due to his military career. "Growing up as a Fauji child,one of my favourite and core memories is the transfers—the whole excitement of moving to a new place and making new friends," she said.
Unlike many kids who have just a couple of first days of school, Singh and her siblings had many. "It felt daunting then, but I think it just made us lot more outgoing," she explained. Each move meant adapting and making new friends,enriching her childhood .
Discipline, key in military life,is another lesson Singh carries into adulthood. She recalled sticking to a strict schedule, even on summer breaks. "We'd wake up at quarter to six to be in pool by 6 or 6:15,followed by lessons, horse riding, everything on time . Everything was clockwork," she said.
This upbringing shaped her work ethic. "I have carried that discipline into my professional and daily life. My team sometimes gets a little annoyed with how much importance I give to being on time and doing things exactly when they're supposed to be done," she noted. Her punctuality reflects her upbringing.
As Independence Day nears, Singh feels its significance more deeply. Though she doesn't live in military housing anymore, her father's veteran status earns respect in their community . "Now Independence Day feels very special because everyone in the colony has so much respect for Dad being a veteran. He is always called to hoist the flag in our colony," she shared.
Her father's service still resonates with those around them,and she takes pride in respect he receives. "Watching Dad and seeing the respect and reverence he gets for all the years of his service is a very special memory," she added.
This Independence Day, Singh urges people to remember the sacrifices of armed forces personnel. "We should keep all the jawans, all the officers,everyone serving in armed forces—whether in Navy,Army,or Air Force—in our prayers,keep them in mind,and just thank them for their contribution," she said. A simple thank you means a lot to those who have served .
Singh started as a child artist and has made her mark across films, TV, and digital media. Her notable works include Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, Samrat & Co., Engineering Girls, Please Find Attached, Masaba Masaba,Four More Shots Please!,and Silence... Can You Hear It?. Reflecting on her upbringing, Singh embodies the discipline and patriotism that define her identity.
