Mr Gokhale has touched the raw nerve of the polity of the country & also that of the Executive. Past 66 yrs has seen the polity, under influence from executive, has progressively increased the hold over the Defence Services. The facet that has dictated this is the highly misplaced fear that Services may not stage a coup as has happened in the neighbouring countries. Then is the misconception that expenditure on defence is at the expense of the development of the nation. Today, the situations of insurgency & naxalism is the direct result of the omission of the polity & executive & all expense to control these are thus not demanded by Services. Yes, the J&K issue is different but then the decisions of keeping the services deployed there are political & Services are ensuring the safety of the nation's borders. Thus this facet is also of the decision makers. The emphasis on growth cannot be faulted but then there must be a corresponding growth in the Services too & in this all uniformed agencies are included. Unless the polity & the executive realise this act of omission there can be no improvement on this issue. The sceptical fear of the unknown, this may be denied by many though, has to be removed their minds to enable the Govts of the day to become mindful of the needs of the Services who are despite all handicaps "Giving Their Today for Our Tomorrow". There is nothing more than sacrificing their lives that the soldiers can offer. This
Re: The Tragedy of the Indian Army
by some one on Jan 07, 2014 12:15 PM
Indians have given up the Right to Think and now live on borrowed thoughts of mostly pseudo Foreign origin. Western countries have deep disrespect for Aliens, which includes India and Indians. That attitude has been swallowed whole by the young in India and their attitude of disdain and disrespect for the nation and national issues shows it. Indians will very probably have to pay dearly for it. If India survives the combined onslaught of the Axis made up of Pakistan, China, and USA then Indians might get an opportunity to learn the value of freedom of thought and develop respect for their nation. However that change will not happen without a great deal of suffering and possible end of India as a modern nation state. Freedom demands a continuous payment of blood price. The current generations of Indians are not willing to pay the price.
The subject is a large one. The present soldiers are better informed and educated. They do not join for food, but something more. Any bad humiliating action by their seniors may not be tolerated. They joined because they thought somthing else, but they experienced something else. It is a thin line now and Officers must understand that the men have joined for a career.
Can the army/Navy Or Air Force give the percentage figures of jawans leaving after the initial bonds of 15 or 20 years? That figure will speak about the need to introspect the relations
Re: Corruption
by socrates singh on Dec 10, 2013 12:07 PM
do you seriously expect the armed forces to be paragons of virtue when every other institute in the country is corrupt!
Re: Corruption
by V S on Jun 09, 2012 07:31 PM
not true. wherever it is , its dealt with severely unlike civil where every corrupt person is a minister.
no doubt about the contributions of the army to the nation. but corruption is rampant at all levels even in the army. checks and balance are always required.
Re: BAD...WORST...WORST!!! - INDIAN ARMED FORCES
by raghvendra singh on Apr 22, 2012 10:25 AM
Pity your ignorance. When you are asked to swim with your hands tied and then be criticized? In Kargil defence forces were restricted by NOT entering Pakistan because of international reasons! Have you even climbed up a mountain to comment like this?? Obnoxious thinking.
Re: BAD...WORST...WORST!!! - INDIAN ARMED FORCES
by raghvendra singh on Apr 22, 2012 10:34 AM
An honest General rightfully claiming his correct age. Evidence shows he has resisted corruption and tried to clean up the system. if allowed his rightful one extra year he will clean up system better. but will this suit those who are corrupt? that is the bone of contention!
Re: BAD...WORST...WORST!!! - INDIAN ARMED FORCES
by Dipak Bose on Apr 23, 2012 08:04 AM
In 1971 Indian Army took 8 months to prepare for the war. Mrs Gandhi wanted Manekshaw to invade East Pakistan in March 1971 but it was not possible because of lack of materials. Indian army became ready only in November 1971 after India has signed the Treaty of Friendship with the Soviet Union. By that time 3 million people, almost all Hindus, were slaughtered by Pakistan Army in East Pakistan. In Kargil, India was not ready; that was the reason for the high casualty.
This is a gem of a piece. Thank you editor, Mr. Nitin Gokhale. In one article you have illuminated the the horizon; Indians are not in dark anymore and they will demand change - respect, recognition, salary improvement, help to get back to civilian life, education for children, and much more. They all must be granted to Indian soldier. They are overdue.
