Breaking Silence: “Peacekeepers” Addresses The Neglect Of U.S. Veterans Through A Human Lens

Since time immemorial, filmmakers have vividly captured the essence of the Indian freedom struggle on celluloid. Whether it was “The Revolt of 1857” or “The Swadeshi Movement” across India, Rani Laxmibai’s relentless battles or Queen Nachiyar’s wars against the British, we have witnessed it all. The freedom movements of Bhagat Singh, Bose, Rai, and Savarkar advocating for Indian Independence, along with the legacies of Shivaji and Sambhaji have sparked inspiration in many.

Consecutively, Gandhi’s movement of Non-cooperation and Non-violence had engulfed the entire nation. These pivotal moments have been realistically brought to life on screen. The fascination with the Indian freedom struggle has captivated not only Indian filmmakers but also filmmakers from all over the world, who have created films about India’s independence and its leaders, such as Attenborough’s Gandhi and so forth. However, there is yet to be an Indian filmmaker who has chosen to explore the American way of life in this manner or created a narrative focused on the U.S. war veterans, and that too an all-American, tribute piece in a quintessential Hollywood style.

American filmmakers have often portrayed the merits of the U.S. Army on the silver screen or in a docu-series depicting its involvement in fighting wars and its presence in various countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. The maverick filmmaker, Pankaj Purohit, thinks that the harsh realities faced by American war veterans have often been kept under wraps. Thereupon, exploring this topic, Purohit is now shedding light on these issues with a human touch, which thereby reflects the true lives of war veterans. This poignant tale depicts their daily struggles, unfulfilled aspirations, and unachieved dreams.

It is a bold move by this international filmmaker of Indian origin, who has traveled a path less traveled by any other Asian filmmaker. This choice to portray the challenges faced by war veterans is not one that many filmmakers would willingly take, especially highlighting that life is not a bed of roses for them. Crossover filmmaker Purohit said, “It felt like living a dream to receive such an opportunity to make a subject on this aspect of war veterans.” It was an accomplishment for him to be offered a narrative of this magnitude. Purohit has always been known for making unconventional films that touch upon the stark realities of life, which is what makes him different from others.

“Surprisingly, I was approached and entrusted with doing justice with such a sensitive topic where mainly Caucasian men and women are the soldiers. As an immigrant, I had the responsibility of telling this significant and heartfelt story. It was a huge undertaking,” international filmmaker Purohit said. The germ of the idea came about when he wandered the streets of LA, observing the lives of homeless people. Over a period of time, Purohit interacted with veterans who were coping with PTSD, and found a consequential story to tell. His curiosity led him to write this poignant story about veterans’ precarious conditions and their subsequent outcomes. He highlighted the lackadaisical approach by the system and the neglect the veterans face after serving their nation with honesty, dedication, and patriotism.

After the 9/11 attacks in New York, Americans were connected by the common thread of sorrow and the shared sense of duty. The brutal terrorist attacks had shaken the American people to the core. The fear of the citizens was insurmountable. They felt grief and fury in their minds. A justified rage seeking retribution against the terrorists was widespread. Consequently, their anger propelled the system and the military to start a war against Afghanistan,” Purohit stated.

President George W. Bush responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and ordered military action in Afghanistan, known as “Operation Enduring Freedom,” targeting Al-Qaeda and removing the Taliban regime that had provided sanctuary to them. This response caused heightened security measures and a subsequent shift in foreign policy, with lasting impacts on American society and the global landscape. The American soldiers dedicated themselves completely to the cause of the nation, putting their personal lives and families on the back burner. This act was in response to what was labeled the most lethal terrorist attack in American history, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans and international citizens. In the aftermath of this disaster, the Afghanistan base faced significant challenges due to altercations with local Afghanis. Despite the conflict, the valiant troops chose to stand in harm’s way for their country. The veterans’ commitment and bravery reflected the unfathomable patriotism on their part. The

U.S. military bravely fought in Afghanistan to bring the situation under control, and the rest is history.

This narrative piece highlights the root causes of the 9/11 attacks in New York. It is infused with patriotism, showcasing both male and female soldiers aware of the dire consequences, but refused to give up. “Those soldiers wanted to die fighting for their country with honor, dignity, and pride, and eventually paying the ultimate price. Their sacrifice will be remembered by Americans and shall be etched in the sands of time,” filmmaker Purohit said.

In this piece, we reflect on the aftermath of the Twin Towers plane crash. Mayhem and panic ensued in New York streets. The fear among the people was palpable. Thereafter, at the overseas base in Afghanistan, the soldiers were suddenly and brutally attacked while guarding their positions. On this unfateful day, they were outnumbered and had limited aid. Despite the overwhelming odds, fueled by their deep sense of camaraderie, they fought bravely. During this chaos, it became clear that death was imminent. Among them was a female soldier named “Page,” who, in a remarkable display of sacrifice, wrapped herself in the U.S. flag before being shot and killed. Amidst the bombings and the barrage of bullets, American soldiers laid down their lives and showed unparalleled courage in the face of absolute terror.

The subject serves as a social commentary, expressing a viewpoint on a specific issue; the neglect and lack of care for veterans, both at home and abroad. It also critiques the socio- political aspect and socio-cultural beliefs that have existed in American society, highlighting the interactions between individuals and the system, where many problems arise. The piece aims to shed light on the veterans’ struggles, urging the government and society to be more proactive and empathetic toward them. “It calls for a sensitive approach, advocating for a guardian-like role in supporting those who protect our borders and maintain peace, internally and externally. It requires a compassionate outlook toward the peacekeepers, who safeguard our country from intruders,” Purohit further expressed.

Additionally, the shift in foreign policy increasingly relies on military interventions to address security threats and global conflicts related to terrorism and unrest. In a geopolitically complex world, the “controversial stance” of the U.S. in this warfare adds pressure on the soldiers, as

U.S. policies overseas have often been viewed unfavorably in certain parts of the world. From Bush to Obama to Trump, foreign policy has had a tumultuous trajectory, which has not improved the conditions or helped the cause of U.S. Army war veterans any further.

According to a recent survey, military members indicated that their enthusiasm for recommending military service has declined. Although the quality of life for veterans is a significant issue, the consequences of failed wars cannot be overlooked. From the veterans’ standpoint, many veterans are dissatisfied due to their strained relationship with the system and the treatment they receive, both domestically and overseas. “They seem frustrated with how things are being handled, leading to a constant tussle between military reactions and bureaucratic processes. The system often makes harsh decisions on their behalf, with a lack of seriousness or even disdain at times, which further exacerbates their frustrations,” Purohit said.

The state of U.S. veterans sheds light on the concern regarding who is responsible for their welfare. Purohit provides a hard-hitting account of this issue in “Peacekeepers,” highlighting how society and bureaucracy have been remarkably tone-deaf in their disregard for the dignity and aspiration of U.S. war veterans. “There are times when they feel they have no answers, nowhere to go, and no door to knock on. It is important to hold the government accountable for its role in perpetuating the conditions that lead to veterans’ struggles. A systemic change is the need of the hour, as several war veterans are dealing with issues like mental health, which require immediate attention. Major systemic reforms are required to address how war veterans are treated. Additionally, we need to promote actionable solutions that advocate for a narrative that encourages collaboration among veterans, the military, and government agencies to address the challenges faced by veterans more effectively. Governments can do better, improve job security, and rehabilitation for veterans returning from war. However cliché it may sound but love is the answer,” Purohit concluded.