At least 10 Army veterans from the village who are under the age of 50 have expressed their willingness to serve the country again if tensions between India and Pakistan rise and lead to war. Maartalli has contributed 187 soldiers to the Indian Army since 1961, making it the highest contributor from the district. Currently, 63 people from the village are still serving in the Army, while two have laid down their lives for the nation.

Among those willing to return is 48-year-old Louis Periyanayagam, who retired as a captain just a year ago after completing 28 years of service. Louis actively participated in close combat operations. He earned the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery in Operation Nira in 2008, where he led a team and killed terrorists in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.

C. L. Anand, 51, serves as the honorary President of the Maartalli Army Association Trust. He served in the Army for 15 years and retired in 2008. He currently works as a KAS officer. Anand said, “We are trained and experienced. Hence, while the government will have a list of veterans, if they require our services, either the officials of respective regiment and corps will call us to participate in the war, and we are willing. We can participate. Also, we can write to them voluntarily, expressing our interest in participating in the war. If I could get a chance, I also wish to serve the Nation again.”

“‘Operation Sindoor' - reminds us of women who lost their loved ones and hence the name itself inspires us to achieve the desired objective selflessly. We have made precise and justifiable attacks on the terrorist launching pads of Pakistan. If Pakistan attacks then full-scale war may take place. Ours is a professional force with the highest dignity, they will deliver justice. Our Soldiers are all already on their toes at the border. We will win this war both diplomatically and militarily. Our Armed Forces will handle this both tactically and strategically," he added. 

Louis Periyanayagam added, “We are waiting for a call from Madras Regiment in Wellington, Ooty.” 

Veterans from the village, along with Anand, formed the Maartalli Army Association Trust during Anand’s tenure as ADC of Chamarajanagar. They established the trust to instil patriotism, motivate young people, guide them, and prepare them to join the Army.

The trust includes a wide range of veterans, from 84-year-old Antony Appan, who joined the Army in 1961, to Louis Periyanayagam, who returned last year. Members have served in roles ranging from soldier to captain in the BSF, Army and CRPF. They have participated in major military engagements, including the Second World War, the Indo-Pak war in 1965, the Indo-Bangladesh war in 1972, Operation Blue Star in 1985, and the Kargil War in 1999. One of them, Mariya Prakasham, was martyred in Karabu near Kargil on March 2, 2009.

Some of the younger veterans now work in the police department and serve as security personnel in banks and other institutions. According to Louis, the rest of the veterans who are still in the village are ready to go to war if needed. He stated, “We believe, serving the Nation is serving God. If we serve the Nation, God will take care of our families.”

Louis also said, “We were motivated by all those from the village who went to serve in the Army. Also, it was this belt where the forest brigand Veerappan had his activities. So we were all inspired by officers who were part of the operations to nab him. Their uniforms and body build sparked the passion to become and serve just like them.”

Louis mentioned that his son, who scored 92.5% in the SSLC exam, is now preparing to join the Navy.