The Sin that is Committed by Killing One, Who Does Not Deserve to Be Killed, Is As Great as the Sin, of Not Killing One Who Deserves to Be Killed.
Mahabharat Udyoga Parva. Chapter 72, Verse 18
We entered the 21st century with the Y2K bust. The visionaries who predicted doomsday had to redeem their stature and come up with something quite different. At that point in time, the Indian Diaspora was flourishing, emails heralded monumental achievements of Indians, our girls had won most beauty pageants, Indian Armed Forces were unconquerable - recollect Kargil of 1999 and shooting of the Atlantique - our economy was expanding; things looked hunky-dory for good old Bharat. In this exuberant ambience we were told that the 21st century belongs to Asia, and it caught every Indian's imagination.
Western intelligentsia, we said smugly, looks at India with respect. India with China will decide international matters for a century, we argued. Finally, our 5,000 year old civilisation is getting its place in the sun. India has arrived.
This euphoria permeated the psyche of the Indian Armed Forces and 'Think Tanks' comprising mainly retired military officers. They started writing and expounding theories and critiques on why India must become a regional power, especially since the West is saying so. The source of this astounding deduction seemed to be the single Super Power, the US. Unfortunately we ignored the fact that policies and doctrines emerging from the US on use and impact of military power have failed consistently after the Second Great War, and that many American doctrines during World War II were utter failures too. But since the victor writes history, they were smothered. So here we were, in 2001 CE, basking in the assumed glory of becoming the Regional Power. No one asked why we should become a Regional Power. Strange?
This article may be construed as a diatribe against preferred thought, and seems defeatist. On the contrary, it is time for the Indian Armed Forces, and their mentors in and out of Government, to question favourite theories and pleasant conclusions based on unsubstantiated and easily demolished deductions that please the ego, but not the soul.
What Does It Mean?
First, it is pertinent to remind ourselves that we have essentially been branded as a Regional Power by the US and her partners. But what does being a Regional Power mean in real terms? Are we to police this region? If yes, do we have the capability to do it? Do we have the military, bureaucratic and most of all political courage to become the Regional Policeman?
Events from 2001 till now have proven otherwise.
Does Regional Power mean that other powers should consult us before engaging militarily/ economically/ diplomatically in this region? But the US and its allies never bothered to tell, let alone ask India, before they intervened in Afghanistan/ Pakistan. Has China talked to us before their interactions with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar? In fact does any nation of this region seek India's advice before making agreements with other nations of or outside this region?
The answer to each of these questions is a No.
If we take the way ahead to become a Regional Power, will this change?
Doubtful. To be able to project power, we bought Admiral Gorshkov from Russia and named her Vikramaditya. But where is the ship? Where is that power on high seas? Our horizon does not even show the outline of a carrier.
The Arihant (the lead ship of India's Arihant class of nuclear-powered submarines) has not been armed as yet, and we do not have a indigenously manufactured fighter/bomber. Nor do we have the Missile regime that makes the military might of a Regional Power credible. Our Main Battle Tank is an utter failure. How then can we call ourselves a Regional Power? Who accepts or even believes that India is, or can be a Regional Power?
No one.
Is there not something amiss in this perception? How can there be 'a way ahead', when we do not have the means to pave the path?
Readers may be probably getting annoyed at the direction this article is taking? It is intentional.
Do they know?
What type of governance have we shown since the dawn of the 21st Century? What reliability and continuance of policies, both internal and external have we demonstrated to the world? Who were the visionaries and planners that we showcased to buttress the mantle of Regional Power? All our luminaries are abroad.
Has our infrastructure in transportation on land, air and waters been enhanced as befits a Regional Power? Have we come anywhere close to the energy demands that are imperative to be a Regional Power? Has the Government of the day, NDA or UPA, shown the tidiness and resolve of an aspiring Regional Power? Has our ability to educate Indians to behave as a Regional Power been honed and upgraded? Have Governments, both Central and State, taken appropriate actions to secure India and Indians?
Once again the answer to each question is a sad No. How then can we write so laudably and convincingly about the way ahead, when there is no one to tread that path?
Just soldiers, sailors and airmen with some paramilitary thrown in for colour, do not make a Regional Power. How has our Cabinet functioned under crisis? What quality of administrative advice is given by bureaucrats from Finance, Energy, Defence, Intelligence, Agriculture, Security, to the political leadership? Is that advice evident to Indians and other nations? How pliant is the Cabinet to political party bosses? Are the powerful 'behind the scene' actors aware of what a Regional Power means, or do they just parrot the jargon?
There has been much dismay at India not getting a permanent seat in UNSC, and we have blamed others for this. But we have never accepted that governance in India has been of consistent poor quality, and just being the second largest nation in Asia with one billion plus population, and about a million strong army, does not qualify for permanent seat in UNSC. India herself is to blame for remaining just another member of UN. The basic cause for this embarrassment is poor governance over many years, with no visible signs of change for the better. How can there be 'a way ahead' as a Regional Power if we are unable to govern ourselves?
Forget about a Regional Power, even an ordinary power keeps its military closely associated in their decision making process. Indian bureaucracy and its political patrons make sure that faujis are the last to know about decisions that intimately and intricately involve military forces. This is not the hallmark of a Regional Power. The dictum that military must remain under civilian control does not mean keeping the military out of the decision making loop. It means closely integrating military advisers for all decisions that may or may not demand military action, and finally making a decision that is binding on all elements of Indian governance.
Media reports now talk of getting a military adviser to tackle the Naxal menace. It has taken the Indian politico-bureaucratic-police establishment more than 30 years to realise that military advice on Naxals may be worthwhile. Is this how a Regional Power functions? Other nations observe the patterns of Indian governance, and decide whether India can be ignored, and we are disregarded. How can a civilian centric decision to engage in a military campaign succeed, if military advice is not taken from the start?
But the disdain that bureaucrats and politicians have for the military, results in poor strategic military decisions like IPKF, Parakram, Cease Fire of 1947-48, the return of 93,000 POWs to Pakistan without any quid pro quo, the return of Haji Pir salient in 1965, non-use of the IAF fighters in 1962, and many more. What is frightening is that others know about it, but Indians are blissfully ignorant, and with more than 75 percent of the educated populace unaware of its military capability, such a nation cannot be a Regional Power. The military is prohibited from informing their civilian brethren about the gaping holes in the decision matrix, thus preventing public debate and outcry. This is not the hallmark of a Regional Power.
How can we 'go ahead', if there is no one to tread the path?
Military Umbrella?
Which 'umbrella' is being alluded to? Is there a nation in this region that will accept Indian Military Umbrella (IMU)? When the Indian military hierarchy is surprised by its own Government about the Course of Action, who will accept cover under this fragile and poorly administered arrangement?
Even laymen know that when the military is screened from military decisions, the result has to be a failure, the umbrella becomes unreliable.
A Regional Power does not get sucked into dead-end military adventures that are doomed to fail. When super powers are failing, we without the wherewithal, want to offer a tattered umbrella? Our airborne assault in Maldives in Nov 88, was successful despite civilian-bureaucratic, and to some extent military gung-ho attitudes. Lady luck played a greater role than strategic decision making. Notwithstanding that more than 20 years have elapsed, the process remains unchanged. It is pertinent to warn ourselves of the dangers of being overwhelmed by jingoistic jargon like 'Study of Contemporary Conflicts', 'Comprehensive National Power', 'Hard and Soft Power', 'From Euro-Atlantic West to Asia'. Goldman Sachs says that India has 4th largest GDP, and she will be a developed nation by 2050. These are doctored reports, controlled by the host nation to place India on a pedestal, saying that the path we follow is correct creating a false sense of well being, though evidence shows otherwise.
We fail to remind ourselves that the very same West feared an undivided India and created a permanent schism in our sub-continent. Economic disinformation campaigns by super powers have caused untold misery across the globe, and we are falling into that trap.
What kind of Indian Military Umbrella can we build without a strong, reliable, accountable, and efficient Defence industry? DRDO, PSUs and Ordnance Factories have floundered for ages. The world knows it, the regional nations know it, the Govt of the day knows it, the military knows it, but ordinary Indians are blissfully unaware that military hardware with the soldier, sailor and airman is unreliable and certainly not 'state-of-the-art' as befits a Regional Power. The equipment supplied to the Armed Forces, Paramilitary, Police hinders rather than enhancing their fighting capability. The INSAS rifle, Arjun tank. Indra radar, Aakash, Nag, Kaveri, LCA, Saras, armoured jackets, winter clothing, simple webbing, are significant failures in content, time frames, effectiveness, reliability, robustness.
What military umbrella can India offer with unreliable design, manufacturing and maintenance from her Defence Industries? Where is 'the way ahead' for India to be a Regional Power, when her military might is poorly supported by indigenous industry? The private sector can willingly take over defence production if we hand over most of our DRDO, Ordnance Factories and PSUs that have consistently failed India. Military umbrellas demand uninterrupted support by reliable, disciplined, innovative industrial capacity, not behemoths that exist as job creation cesspools controlled by self serving politico/bureaucratic powers.
Human Resources - Our Youth
To be considered a Regional Power, by ourselves and others, a well educated, healthy, motivated, disciplined youth needs to be the bedrock of our strength. Just witness the way we have callously destroyed our education system with crass political interference, regular messing around with syllabi, poorly paid teachers, inadequate infrastructure. Are these the hallmark of a Regional Power? Higher education is an uncontrolled disaster. IIM and IIT products seek avenues outside India, and we have encouraged this trend with gross salary in dollars as evidence of huge success stories. There are no Mohans of Swades in real life, youngsters do not want to work towards making India a Regional Power. The dissatisfaction levels are scary, and politicisation of our under-graduate community is frightening. Who then will look at us as a potential Regional Power, and we want to remain so for another 90 years? The situation is comic. We want to be a Regional Power without the wherewithal in governance, military hardware, military inputs into decision making, educated and motivated youth, energy generation, food security, and to top it all, a political leadership that takes its cues from filial rather than professional unbiased advice. Central as well as State leadership is created on family contacts rather than political acumen. Why should other nations of this Region have faith in such a flimsy political frame-work without any genuine signs of the youth wanting to remedy it?
Vibrant fallacy
The words 'vibrant democracy' is so widely abused from all platforms that it feels like an advertisement, bombarding citizens with painful regularity. The sad truth is that there is nothing 'vibrant' about our democratic processes, nor about our parliamentarians and legislators. We just cannot get rid of acknowledged criminals from politics, we just cannot insulate the Police from vibrant interference by politicians, nor can we have politics without the family tree. Look at the innumerable 'first families'. Does a Regional Power depend on the whims and fancies of a few families? Why in heavens name should any nation in this region be willing to get associated with India ruled by families rather than stand-alone politicians and unencumbered bureaucrats?
Efforts to inject meritocracy into politics is invariably junked by family pressures, as also by old timers who will not go away. Octogenarians with ossified minds and inability to appreciate today’s realities, makes one wonder what really is vibrant about our democracy? Who makes policies, ill informed matriarchs, or wise and experienced officers from the IAS?
The MEA does not even bother to send officers to attend courses at initial and mid-level military institutions where actual forces, strategies as well as tactics are discussed and war-gamed. Thus they do not understand military compulsions, limitations and capabilities. Witness their botching up of the Sri Lanka imbroglio with OP PAWAN, controlling operations from New Delhi through pliable military leadership. How on the earth will they have any idea of what it takes to defend India's frontiers? The job of our foreign service is to ensure that India is surrounded by friends, but they have successfully created antagonistic neighbours, with full support from juvenile political leadership. As has been repeatedly said, Indian diplomats and the MEA will never let national interests interfere with their adherence to principles. This is not the characteristic and attribute of a Regional Power. The MEA bosses keep, insisting on the need to take a 'holistic eagles' view rather than look at issues like a 'worm'. True, indeed true, but how can this part of India's vibrant democracy, the MEA, ensure a holistic soaring eagle viewpoint if they remain wormlike and accept nothing from other equally vibrant elements of Indian democracy? Besides, unless these holistic and eagle eye viewpoints are debated publicly in the full glare of our media, they will remain the exclusive obstinate worm-like views espoused for the last 60 years. Behave like a tortoise you will be treated like one.
The Military Takeover Paranoia
There has been since Pandit Nehru's time the false bogey of a military coup in India - a bogey mischievously nurtured by pliant incompetent politicians and abetted by wily civil servants. It was the basis for creating huge paramilitary forces as a counterpoise, to supposedly prevent that fearful military take-over. A more despicable and unwarranted canard without any substantiated evidence could not have been espoused and sustained. The total apolitical nature of the Armed Forces has been the strongest and unshakable pillar of Indian democracy, proven under greatest of provocation both during peace and war.
The shabby treatment meted out to the Armed Forces by bureaucrats and politicians at varying levels of hierarchy has been obnoxious and yet the Generals, Admirals and Air Marshals have strictly remained in their barracks. A more powerful democratic rock of India does not exist. Lackeys and sycophants of both the bureaucracy and its political leadership have sustained this bogey of a military coup, and is one of the shameful reasons why military leaders are excluded from the highest decision making groups, in which ironically, military strategies and even tactics are discussed and formalised. On many an occasions, gung-ho military leaders have added fuel to this atrocious fire. There is no soldier, sailor or airman who wants to take over governance of India and ruin the effectiveness or blunt the sharpness of the Indian military machine. This fact alone is the one mainstay that convinces the rest of the world that Indian democracy is thriving, vivacious and safe.
Stop press!
To effectively operate as a Regional Power, the nation needs a very responsible and mature media which can bear the burden of being part of that 'power'. While the Fourth Estate must have its freedoms to ensure that the State does not impinge on other functions, it has some inescapable duties. It is no secret that our media is far from mature, and is unfailingly aping western media styles. Both print and electronic media have succumbed to jingoistic methods, making non-issues appear important with the infamous, 'Breaking News'.
Editors, who have limited knowledge on governance, economics, security, education, agriculture, commerce, industry, military, espouse policies that reek of ignorance and borrowed information. TV anchors declare their critically analysed deductions before the issue has been understood and examined. They attempt influencing policy by their unfounded pronouncements only because of their unimpeded reach across, the ether. They demand 'freedom of expression and the right to know', but will not honour others freedom to know the truth as separated from media generated 'facts'-amazing demands from the fourth Estate. Other nations will shy away from associating with a nation where their vital interests and confidential agreements, are twisted out of context and proportion by the media.
To top it all, the Indian media is heavily financed by non Indian institutions which effectively control what is broadcast and written, and blow up matters that serve their wicked designs. Very similar to bombastic definitions and dictums that emerge from Western Think Tanks which are well known for spreading misinformation to lull both adversaries and friends alike, into a false sense of well-being. That the 21st Century belongs to Asia is one such example. If indeed India and China are to determine what the world will do in the next this century, the first 10 years has not shown it to be so.
The Judiciary of a Regional Power
Finally, all disputes land up in a court of law. A Regional Power should have a judiciary that is above board and open to criticism. Indian judiciary is lacking in both vistas. Corruption, constantly being exposed at different levels in the judicial system including cronyism with the police on one hand, and criminals on the other, is frightening. Why should any nation agree to come under our 'umbrella' when it would well nigh involve getting embroiled with the Indian judiciary? A Regional Power does not display such unacceptable systemic infallibilities in its judicial system. The ban on suppliers of military hardware, ammunition for Bofors artillery, may be good in law, but it is stupid for the security of the homeland. Did the judge bother to consult any military official about the adverse impact if he ruled as he did? When a citizen objects it is contempt of court. What about contempt of India's security? What about contempt of India and Indians? Why should any nation place its security under Indian military umbrella when it can be jeopardised by a judge who sees only the law?
High Investments to Regional Power
If the adult population of India is expected to support the desire to become a Regional Power, Indian governance will have to display better capabilities. Very high investments will have to be committed towards rising to the level of a Regional Power and remaining there. Can we commit such resources today and continue for another 10 years? Proponents of Regional Power say that 'power is respected even if it whispers'. Observe the timidity demonstrated by India in response to anything the Chinese do with Tibet, Arunachal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Africa, and Dalai Lama.
Our overwhelming desire to appear non-aggressive stymies any positive reaction to not just China, but all other nations. So where is the power? What will we whisper? It will be a cry in the dark. Our most valuable investment is a disciplined, educated, well informed population that understands what it means to be a Regional Power , what sacrifices will be necessary and for how long. What rich dividends can Indians expect in return for supporting the vision of a Regional Power? Will it generate greater respectability, increased influence, and larger share in trade in the region? If not why should Indians forfeit their due for this illusory position? We hesitate to ask this question because the ego knows the answer is negative.
Road less travelled
The proverbial synergy that is an elemental imperative is far from evident in the Armed Forces. The unhealthy competition between them for positions, appointments, and budgets has been the main trap-door that bureaucrats consistently open with willing support of their political masters. We have been falling victim to their guile, always and every time. Increasing defence expenditure is not the panacea to become a Regional Power. The bureaucrats and technocrats must also believe in the benefits of being a Regional Power, and initiate processes towards that aim. It is the sacred duty of the media to correctly inform us about India's move towards becoming a Regional Power, and how it is beneficial. Unless the regional countries accept and declare Indian governance, industry, technology, and military strength as the best option for progress, how can the average Indian see a personal benefit in supporting the concept of Regional Power? This average Indian must see his 'stake' blossom in making India a Regional Power. Is it there?
Why Should We Become a Regional Power?
Is it not amazing that not one proponent of India becoming a Regional Power has clarified as to why India should become a Regional Power?
We entered into the Indo-Sri Lanka accord wanting to behave like a Regional Power, but failed miserably. We tried to influence events in Nepal, and failed. We have been utterly unsuccessful in dealing with Bangladesh's support and protection to insurgents, the problem of enclaves, and their cosying up with China. Myanmar has not done enough to prevent insurgency and drugs even though we have been embarrassingly silent on their human rights record. Pakistan needs no mention, and our influence in Af-Pak affairs is dismal. Maldives and Bhutan are possibly the only nations where we are able to shape things our way.
There is a terrible mismatch between what we can do, what we have done so far, what we are permitted to do by the nations in our region, what our internal incongruities and dissonance prevents us from doing, and the unattainable desire to become a Regional Power. But the question remains, why do we wish to become a Regional Power? What gains does the ordinary Indian get? After all he will have to pay for this status in various ways, and as said earlier, becoming a Regional Power demands heavy, continuous and prolonged investments. We have not demonstrated that capacity for investment, nor have we shown the willingness to modify our methodology of synergising all elements of governance. Why do we wish to become a Regional Power? When this question is repeatedly asked, and satisfactorily answered for all to understand, then we can proceed.
Instead of researching, advocating and insisting on a path to become a Regional Power, let's find a wide road to become a power within. Let our strategists and thinkers concentrate on getting our act together. Let us forget about influencing events from Khyber Pass to Elephant Pass to Yangoon to Lhasa to Chittagong to Male to Karachi.
We need to look at and resolve our ills and inadequacies in Sopore, Imphal, Jharkhand, Kalahandi, Telangana, Vidarbha. We must destroy rampant corruption, controlled inefficiency, poor political leadership, piteous infrastructure, gross indiscipline, disregard for the rule of law, and many more ailments that India and Indians suffer from.
Let us first become a 'power within'. We will then not need to project ourselves as a Regional Power. Others will approach us to assume that role.
Friday, October 8, 2010
As a serving army officer, I never stop marvelling at the gullibility of our countrymen to be provoked with alacrity into virulence in the name of religion. I have never heard the word 'secular' during all my service -- and yet, the simple things that are done simply in the army make it appear like an island of sanity in a sea of hatred.
In the army, each officer identifies with the religion of his troops. In regiments where the soldiers are from more than one religion, the officers -- and indeed all jawans attend the weekly religious prayers of all the faiths. How many times have I trooped out of the battalion mandir and, having worn my shoes, entered the battalion church next door? A few years ago it all became simpler -- mandirs, masjids, gurudwars and churches began to share premises all over the army. It saved us the walk.
Perhaps it is so because the army genuinely believes in two central 'truths' -- oneness of god and victory in operations. Both are so sacred we cannot nitpick and question the basics.
In fact, sometimes the army mixes up the two! On a visit to the holy cave at Amarnath a few years ago I saw a plaque mounted on the side of the hill by a battalion that had once guarded the annual Yatra. It said, 'Best wishes from -....- battalion. Deployed for Operation Amarnath.
On another instance, I remember a commanding officer ordered the battalion maulaviji to conduct the proceedings of Janamashtmi prayers because the panditji had to proceed on leave on compassionate grounds. No eyebrows were raised. It was the most rousing and best-prepared sermon on Lord Krishna I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.
On the Line of Control, a company of Khemkhani Muslim soldiers replaced a Dogra battalion. Over the next few days, the post was shelled heavily by Pakistanis, and there were a few non-fatal casualties.
One day, the junior commissioned officer of the company, Subedar Sarwar Khan walked up to the company commander Major Sharma and said, "Sahib, ever since the Dogras left, the mandir has been shut. Why don't you open it once every evening and do aarti? Why are we displeasing the gods?"
Major Sharma shamefacedly confessed he did not know all the words of the aarti. Subedar Sarwar went away and that night, huddled over the radio set under a weak lantern light, painstakingly took down the words of the aarti from the post of another battalion!
How many of us know that along the entire border with Pakistan, our troops abstain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food on all Thursdays? The reason: It is called the Peer day -- essentially a day of religious significance for the Muslims.
In 1984, after Operation Bluestar there was anguish in the Sikh community over the desecration of the holiest of their shrines. Some of this anger and hurt was visible in the army too.
I remember the first Sikh festival days after the event -- the number of army personnel of every religious denomination that thronged the regimental gurudwara of the nearest Sikh battalion was the largest I had seen. I distinctly remember each officer and soldier who put his forehead to the ground to pay obeisance appeared to linger just a wee bit longer than usual. Was I imagining this? I do not think so. There was that empathy and caring implicit in the quality of the gesture that appeared to say, "You are hurt and we all understand."
We were deployed on the Line of Control those days. Soon after the news of disaffection among a small section of Sikh troops was broadcast on the BBC, Pakistani troops deployed opposite the Sikh battalion yelled across to express their 'solidarity' with the Sikhs.
The Sikh havildar shouted back that the Pakistanis had better not harbour any wrong notions. "If you dare move towards this post, we will mow you down."
Finally, a real -- and true -- gem....
Two boys of a Sikh regiment battalion were overheard discussing this a day before Christmas.
"Why are we having a holiday tomorrow?" asked Sepoy Singh.
"It is Christmas," replied the wiser Naik Singh.
"But what is Christmas?"
"Christmas," replied Naik Singh, with his eyes half shut in reverence and hands in a spontaneous prayer-clasp, "is the guruparb of the Christians."
In the army, each officer identifies with the religion of his troops. In regiments where the soldiers are from more than one religion, the officers -- and indeed all jawans attend the weekly religious prayers of all the faiths. How many times have I trooped out of the battalion mandir and, having worn my shoes, entered the battalion church next door? A few years ago it all became simpler -- mandirs, masjids, gurudwars and churches began to share premises all over the army. It saved us the walk.
Perhaps it is so because the army genuinely believes in two central 'truths' -- oneness of god and victory in operations. Both are so sacred we cannot nitpick and question the basics.
In fact, sometimes the army mixes up the two! On a visit to the holy cave at Amarnath a few years ago I saw a plaque mounted on the side of the hill by a battalion that had once guarded the annual Yatra. It said, 'Best wishes from -....- battalion. Deployed for Operation Amarnath.
On another instance, I remember a commanding officer ordered the battalion maulaviji to conduct the proceedings of Janamashtmi prayers because the panditji had to proceed on leave on compassionate grounds. No eyebrows were raised. It was the most rousing and best-prepared sermon on Lord Krishna I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.
On the Line of Control, a company of Khemkhani Muslim soldiers replaced a Dogra battalion. Over the next few days, the post was shelled heavily by Pakistanis, and there were a few non-fatal casualties.
One day, the junior commissioned officer of the company, Subedar Sarwar Khan walked up to the company commander Major Sharma and said, "Sahib, ever since the Dogras left, the mandir has been shut. Why don't you open it once every evening and do aarti? Why are we displeasing the gods?"
Major Sharma shamefacedly confessed he did not know all the words of the aarti. Subedar Sarwar went away and that night, huddled over the radio set under a weak lantern light, painstakingly took down the words of the aarti from the post of another battalion!
How many of us know that along the entire border with Pakistan, our troops abstain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food on all Thursdays? The reason: It is called the Peer day -- essentially a day of religious significance for the Muslims.
In 1984, after Operation Bluestar there was anguish in the Sikh community over the desecration of the holiest of their shrines. Some of this anger and hurt was visible in the army too.
I remember the first Sikh festival days after the event -- the number of army personnel of every religious denomination that thronged the regimental gurudwara of the nearest Sikh battalion was the largest I had seen. I distinctly remember each officer and soldier who put his forehead to the ground to pay obeisance appeared to linger just a wee bit longer than usual. Was I imagining this? I do not think so. There was that empathy and caring implicit in the quality of the gesture that appeared to say, "You are hurt and we all understand."
We were deployed on the Line of Control those days. Soon after the news of disaffection among a small section of Sikh troops was broadcast on the BBC, Pakistani troops deployed opposite the Sikh battalion yelled across to express their 'solidarity' with the Sikhs.
The Sikh havildar shouted back that the Pakistanis had better not harbour any wrong notions. "If you dare move towards this post, we will mow you down."
Finally, a real -- and true -- gem....
Two boys of a Sikh regiment battalion were overheard discussing this a day before Christmas.
"Why are we having a holiday tomorrow?" asked Sepoy Singh.
"It is Christmas," replied the wiser Naik Singh.
"But what is Christmas?"
"Christmas," replied Naik Singh, with his eyes half shut in reverence and hands in a spontaneous prayer-clasp, "is the guruparb of the Christians."
Thursday, October 7, 2010
why do I still serve you ?
Why do I still serve you?
How you play with us, did you ever see?
At Seven, I had decided what I wanted to be;
I would serve you to the end,
All these boundaries I would defend.
Now you make me look like a fool,
When at seventeen and just out of school;
Went to the place where they made "men out of boys"
Lived a tough life …sacrificed a few joys…
In those days, I would see my "civilian" friends,
Living a life with the fashion trends;
Enjoying their so called "college days"
While I sweated and bled in the sun and haze…
But I never thought twice about what where or why
All I knew was when the time came, I'd be ready to do or die.
At 21 and with my commission in hand,
Under the glory of the parade and the band,
I took the oath to protect you over land, air or sea,
And make the supreme sacrifice when the need came to be.
I stood there with a sense of recognition,
But on that day I never had the premonition,
that when the time came to give me my due,
You'd just say, "What is so great that you do?"
Long back you promised a well-to-do life;
And when I'm away, take care of my wife.
You came and saw the hardships I live through,
And I saw you make a note or two,
And I hoped you would realise the worth of me;
but now I know you'll never be able to see,
Because you only see the glorified life of mine,
Did you see the place where death looms all the time?
Did you meet the man standing guard in the snow?
The name of his newborn he does not know...
Did you meet the man whose father breathed his last?
While the sailor patrolled our seas so vast?
You still know I'll not be the one to raise my voice
I will stand tall and protect you in Nagaland, Baramulla and Thois.
But that's just me you have in the sun and rain,
For now at twenty-four, you make me think again;
About the decision I made, seven years back;
Should I have chosen another life, some other track?
Will I tell my son to follow my lead?
Will I tell my son, you'll get all that you need?
This is the country you will serve;
This country will give you all that you deserve?
I heard you tell the world "India is shining"
I told my men, that's a reason for us to be smiling
This is the India you and I will defend!
But tell me how long will you be able to pretend?
You go on promising all that you may,
But it's the souls of your own men you betray.
Did you read how some of our eminent citizens
Write about me and ridicule my very existence?
I ask you to please come and see what I do,
Come and have a look at what I go through
Live my life just for a day
Maybe you'll have something else to say?
I will still risk my life without a sigh
To keep your tri-color flag flying high
but today I ask myself a question or two…
Oh Oh India…. Why do I still serve you?
- A poem by an unknown soldier in Kashmir...
How you play with us, did you ever see?
At Seven, I had decided what I wanted to be;
I would serve you to the end,
All these boundaries I would defend.
Now you make me look like a fool,
When at seventeen and just out of school;
Went to the place where they made "men out of boys"
Lived a tough life …sacrificed a few joys…
In those days, I would see my "civilian" friends,
Living a life with the fashion trends;
Enjoying their so called "college days"
While I sweated and bled in the sun and haze…
But I never thought twice about what where or why
All I knew was when the time came, I'd be ready to do or die.
At 21 and with my commission in hand,
Under the glory of the parade and the band,
I took the oath to protect you over land, air or sea,
And make the supreme sacrifice when the need came to be.
I stood there with a sense of recognition,
But on that day I never had the premonition,
that when the time came to give me my due,
You'd just say, "What is so great that you do?"
Long back you promised a well-to-do life;
And when I'm away, take care of my wife.
You came and saw the hardships I live through,
And I saw you make a note or two,
And I hoped you would realise the worth of me;
but now I know you'll never be able to see,
Because you only see the glorified life of mine,
Did you see the place where death looms all the time?
Did you meet the man standing guard in the snow?
The name of his newborn he does not know...
Did you meet the man whose father breathed his last?
While the sailor patrolled our seas so vast?
You still know I'll not be the one to raise my voice
I will stand tall and protect you in Nagaland, Baramulla and Thois.
But that's just me you have in the sun and rain,
For now at twenty-four, you make me think again;
About the decision I made, seven years back;
Should I have chosen another life, some other track?
Will I tell my son to follow my lead?
Will I tell my son, you'll get all that you need?
This is the country you will serve;
This country will give you all that you deserve?
I heard you tell the world "India is shining"
I told my men, that's a reason for us to be smiling
This is the India you and I will defend!
But tell me how long will you be able to pretend?
You go on promising all that you may,
But it's the souls of your own men you betray.
Did you read how some of our eminent citizens
Write about me and ridicule my very existence?
I ask you to please come and see what I do,
Come and have a look at what I go through
Live my life just for a day
Maybe you'll have something else to say?
I will still risk my life without a sigh
To keep your tri-color flag flying high
but today I ask myself a question or two…
Oh Oh India…. Why do I still serve you?
- A poem by an unknown soldier in Kashmir...
Friday, April 30, 2010
General Patton
Recently I was reminded of General Patton’s speech to his troops. I have been pondering the matter of urban educated Indians and their apparent apathy towards participating in the political process that fundamentally affects the way India is and how it is going to be. India lacks effective leadership.
There are those who call themselves leaders but they are a sorry bunch. They are leaders because India does not have real leaders: men and women of vision, passion, intelligence and integrity. Just consider the man (I use that word loosely and with some hesitation) who heads the government. Hard to use words like vision, passion, intelligence, and integrity in connection with him, isn’t it?
Leaders inspire, they move the people to action, they make people get up and get the important bits done. In our case, we have ersatz leaders. They bear the same resemblance to a real leader as a cardboard cutout of the Superman bears to a man.
That brought to mind the speech that General George S Patton, Jr gave to the American soldiers of the 6th Armored Division in England on 31st May 1944.
Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. You won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.
Men, all this stuff you’ve heard about America not wanting to fight, wanting to stay out of the war, is a lot of horse dung. Americans traditionally love to fight. All real Americans, love the sting of battle. When you were kids, you all admired the champion marble shooter, the fastest runner, the big league ball players, the toughest boxers …
Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser. Americans play to win all the time. I wouldn’t give a hoot in Hell for a man who lost and laughed. That’s why Americans have never lost and will never lose a war. Because the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans.
Now, an army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team. This individuality stuff is a bunch of crap. The Bilious bastards who wrote that stuff about individuality for the Saturday Evening Post, don’t know anything more about real battle than they do about fornicating.
Now we have the finest food and equipment, the best spirit, and the best men in the world. You know … My God, I actually pity those poor bastards we’re going up against. My God, I do. We’re not just going to shoot the bastards, we’re going to cut out their living guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We’re going to murder those lousy Hun bastards by the bushel.
Now some of you boys, I know, are wondering whether or not you’ll chicken out under fire. Don’t worry about it. I can assure you that you’ll all do your duty. The Nazis are the enemy. Wade into them. Spill their blood, shoot them in the belly. When you put your hand into a bunch of goo, that a moment before was your best friends face, you’ll know what to do.
Now there’s another thing I want you to remember. I don’t want to get any messages saying that we are holding our position. We’re not holding anything, we’ll let the Hun do that. We are advancing constantly, and we’re not interested in holding onto anything except the enemy.We’re going to kick the hell out of him all the time, and we’re going to go through him like crap through a goose. We’re going to hold onto him by the nose, and we’re going to kick him in the ass.
Now, there’s one thing that you men will be able to say when you get back home, and you may thank God for it.
Thirty years from now when you’re sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee, and he asks you, What did you do in the great World War Two? You won’t have to say, Well, I shoveled shit in Louisiana.
Alright now, you sons of bitches, you know how I feel. I will be proud to lead you wonderful guys into battle anytime, anywhere. That’s all.
Patton was a warrior and an American hero.
India too has warrior heroes by the truckloads — from the fabled Arjuna who fought on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (with a little bit of help from his friend and mentor Sri Krishna), to Emperor Ashoka, to Shivaji Maharaj, to Jhansi ki Rani, to Subhas Chandra Bose, to the unknown soldiers that fought bravely in the many wars that India was forced into by its friendly neighbour.
I find it curious that Americans make movies about heroes like General Patton. But when it comes to India, the movies are about Gandhi and his pacifism in the face of the enemy. This needs to change.
What India needs now is the emergence of a leader who is a true warrior. We need a leader who is not afraid, and who can light a fire in the bellies of Indians.
There are those who call themselves leaders but they are a sorry bunch. They are leaders because India does not have real leaders: men and women of vision, passion, intelligence and integrity. Just consider the man (I use that word loosely and with some hesitation) who heads the government. Hard to use words like vision, passion, intelligence, and integrity in connection with him, isn’t it?
Leaders inspire, they move the people to action, they make people get up and get the important bits done. In our case, we have ersatz leaders. They bear the same resemblance to a real leader as a cardboard cutout of the Superman bears to a man.
That brought to mind the speech that General George S Patton, Jr gave to the American soldiers of the 6th Armored Division in England on 31st May 1944.
Now I want you to remember that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. You won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.
Men, all this stuff you’ve heard about America not wanting to fight, wanting to stay out of the war, is a lot of horse dung. Americans traditionally love to fight. All real Americans, love the sting of battle. When you were kids, you all admired the champion marble shooter, the fastest runner, the big league ball players, the toughest boxers …
Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser. Americans play to win all the time. I wouldn’t give a hoot in Hell for a man who lost and laughed. That’s why Americans have never lost and will never lose a war. Because the very thought of losing is hateful to Americans.
Now, an army is a team. It lives, eats, sleeps, fights as a team. This individuality stuff is a bunch of crap. The Bilious bastards who wrote that stuff about individuality for the Saturday Evening Post, don’t know anything more about real battle than they do about fornicating.
Now we have the finest food and equipment, the best spirit, and the best men in the world. You know … My God, I actually pity those poor bastards we’re going up against. My God, I do. We’re not just going to shoot the bastards, we’re going to cut out their living guts and use them to grease the treads of our tanks. We’re going to murder those lousy Hun bastards by the bushel.
Now some of you boys, I know, are wondering whether or not you’ll chicken out under fire. Don’t worry about it. I can assure you that you’ll all do your duty. The Nazis are the enemy. Wade into them. Spill their blood, shoot them in the belly. When you put your hand into a bunch of goo, that a moment before was your best friends face, you’ll know what to do.
Now there’s another thing I want you to remember. I don’t want to get any messages saying that we are holding our position. We’re not holding anything, we’ll let the Hun do that. We are advancing constantly, and we’re not interested in holding onto anything except the enemy.We’re going to kick the hell out of him all the time, and we’re going to go through him like crap through a goose. We’re going to hold onto him by the nose, and we’re going to kick him in the ass.
Now, there’s one thing that you men will be able to say when you get back home, and you may thank God for it.
Thirty years from now when you’re sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee, and he asks you, What did you do in the great World War Two? You won’t have to say, Well, I shoveled shit in Louisiana.
Alright now, you sons of bitches, you know how I feel. I will be proud to lead you wonderful guys into battle anytime, anywhere. That’s all.
Patton was a warrior and an American hero.
India too has warrior heroes by the truckloads — from the fabled Arjuna who fought on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (with a little bit of help from his friend and mentor Sri Krishna), to Emperor Ashoka, to Shivaji Maharaj, to Jhansi ki Rani, to Subhas Chandra Bose, to the unknown soldiers that fought bravely in the many wars that India was forced into by its friendly neighbour.
I find it curious that Americans make movies about heroes like General Patton. But when it comes to India, the movies are about Gandhi and his pacifism in the face of the enemy. This needs to change.
What India needs now is the emergence of a leader who is a true warrior. We need a leader who is not afraid, and who can light a fire in the bellies of Indians.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Last Post
The Last Post
If you have ever been to a military funeral in which The Last Post was played; this will bring a new meaning to it.
Here is something everyone should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
We have all heard the haunting song, 'The Last Post.' It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post' used at military funerals was born.
The words are:
Day is done. Gone the sun.
From the lakes. From the hills. From the sky. All is well.
Safely rest. God is nigh. Fading light
Dims the sight. And a star. Gems the sky. Gleaming bright.
From a far. Drawing nigh. Falls the night.
Thanks and praise. For our days.
Neath the sun. Neath the stars. Neath the sky
As we go. This we know. God is nigh
I too have felt the chills while listening to 'The Last Post' but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
Also Remember Those Who Have Served and Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
If you have ever been to a military funeral in which The Last Post was played; this will bring a new meaning to it.
Here is something everyone should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
We have all heard the haunting song, 'The Last Post.' It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.
When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.
The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post' used at military funerals was born.
The words are:
Day is done. Gone the sun.
From the lakes. From the hills. From the sky. All is well.
Safely rest. God is nigh. Fading light
Dims the sight. And a star. Gems the sky. Gleaming bright.
From a far. Drawing nigh. Falls the night.
Thanks and praise. For our days.
Neath the sun. Neath the stars. Neath the sky
As we go. This we know. God is nigh
I too have felt the chills while listening to 'The Last Post' but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
Also Remember Those Who Have Served and Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
A soldier died today
A Poem Worth Reading
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the VFW,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small..
It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.."
Pass On The Patriotism!
YOU can make a difference…
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the VFW,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small..
It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.."
Pass On The Patriotism!
YOU can make a difference…
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A request from Dr Kalia, father of late Lt Saurabh Kalia
Dear Fellow INDIAN ,
SPARE 5-MINUTES from ur busy schedule .PLEASE !!!
Lt. Saurabh Kalia of 4 JAT Regiment of the Indian Army laid down his life at the young age of 22 for the nation while guarding the frontiers at Kargil. His parents, indeed the Indian Army and nation itself, lost a dedicated, honest and brave son.
He was the first officer to detect and inform about Pakistani intrusion. Pakistan captured him and his patrol party of 5 brave men alive on May 15, 1999 from the Indian side of LOC. They were kept in captivity for three weeks and subjected to unprecedented brutal torture, evident from their bodies handed over by Pakistan Army on June 9, 1999.
The Pakistanis indulged in dastardly acts of inflicting burns on these Indian officers with cigarettes, piercing their ears with hot rods, removing their eyes before puncturing them and breaking most of the bones and teeth. They even chopped off various limbs and private organs of the Indian soldiers besides inflicting unimaginable physical and mental torture.
After 22 days of torture, the brave soldiers were ultimately shot dead. A detailed post-mortem report is with the Indian Army. Pakistan dared to humiliate India this way flouting all international norms. They proved the extent to which they can degrade humanity. However, the Indian soldiers did not break while undergoing all this unimaginable barbarism, which speaks volumes of their patriotism, grit, determination, tenacity and valour - something all of India should be proud of.
Sacrificing oneself for the nation is an honour every soldier would be proud of, but no parent, army or nation can accept what happened to these brave sons of India . I am afraid every parent may think twice to send their child in the armed forces if we all fall short of our duty in safeguarding the PRISONERS OF WAR AND LET THEM MEET THE FATE OF LT.SAURABH KALIA.
It may also send a demoralising signal to the army personnel fighting for the Nation that our POWs in Pak cannot be taken care of. It is a matter of shame and disgust that most of Indian Human Rights Organisations by and large, showed apathy in this matter.
Through this humble submission, may I appeal to all the civilized people irrespective of colour, caste, region, religion and political lineage to stir their conscience and rise to take this as a NATIONAL ISSUE !!!
International Human Rights Organizations must be approached to expose and
pressure Pakistan to identify, book and punish all those who perpetrated this heinous crime to our men in uniform.
If Pakistan is allowed to go unpunished in this case, we can only imagine
the consequences.
Below is the list of 5 other soldiers who preferred to die for the country rather than open their mouths in front of enemy -
1. Sep. Arjun Ram s/o Sh. Chokka Ram; Village & PO Gudi.
Teh. & Dist. Nagaur, (Rajasthan)
2. Sep. Bhanwar Lal Bagaria h/o Smt. Santosh Devi; Village Sivelara;
Teh.& Dist.Sikar (Rajasthan)
3. Sep. Bhikaram h/o Smt. Bhawri Devi; Village Patasar;
Teh. Pachpatva;Distt. Barmer (Rajasthan)
4. Sep. Moola Ram h/o Smt. Rameshwari Devi; Village Katori;
Teh. Jayal;Dist. Nagaur(Rajasthan)
5. Sep. Naresh Singh h/o Smt. Kalpana Devi; Village Chhoti Tallam;
Teh.Iglab; Dist.Aligarh (UP)
Yours truly,
Dr. N.K. Kalia (Lt. Saurabh Kalia's father).
Saurabh Nagar,
Palampur-176061
Himachal Pradesh
Tel: +91 (01894) 32065
Let us give a supporting hand to Dr. Kalia in his efforts to get justice.
Remember, Lt. Kalia and his colleagues died on the front so that we could
sleep peacefully in our homes.
SPARE 5-MINUTES from ur busy schedule .PLEASE !!!
Lt. Saurabh Kalia of 4 JAT Regiment of the Indian Army laid down his life at the young age of 22 for the nation while guarding the frontiers at Kargil. His parents, indeed the Indian Army and nation itself, lost a dedicated, honest and brave son.
He was the first officer to detect and inform about Pakistani intrusion. Pakistan captured him and his patrol party of 5 brave men alive on May 15, 1999 from the Indian side of LOC. They were kept in captivity for three weeks and subjected to unprecedented brutal torture, evident from their bodies handed over by Pakistan Army on June 9, 1999.
The Pakistanis indulged in dastardly acts of inflicting burns on these Indian officers with cigarettes, piercing their ears with hot rods, removing their eyes before puncturing them and breaking most of the bones and teeth. They even chopped off various limbs and private organs of the Indian soldiers besides inflicting unimaginable physical and mental torture.
After 22 days of torture, the brave soldiers were ultimately shot dead. A detailed post-mortem report is with the Indian Army. Pakistan dared to humiliate India this way flouting all international norms. They proved the extent to which they can degrade humanity. However, the Indian soldiers did not break while undergoing all this unimaginable barbarism, which speaks volumes of their patriotism, grit, determination, tenacity and valour - something all of India should be proud of.
Sacrificing oneself for the nation is an honour every soldier would be proud of, but no parent, army or nation can accept what happened to these brave sons of India . I am afraid every parent may think twice to send their child in the armed forces if we all fall short of our duty in safeguarding the PRISONERS OF WAR AND LET THEM MEET THE FATE OF LT.SAURABH KALIA.
It may also send a demoralising signal to the army personnel fighting for the Nation that our POWs in Pak cannot be taken care of. It is a matter of shame and disgust that most of Indian Human Rights Organisations by and large, showed apathy in this matter.
Through this humble submission, may I appeal to all the civilized people irrespective of colour, caste, region, religion and political lineage to stir their conscience and rise to take this as a NATIONAL ISSUE !!!
International Human Rights Organizations must be approached to expose and
pressure Pakistan to identify, book and punish all those who perpetrated this heinous crime to our men in uniform.
If Pakistan is allowed to go unpunished in this case, we can only imagine
the consequences.
Below is the list of 5 other soldiers who preferred to die for the country rather than open their mouths in front of enemy -
1. Sep. Arjun Ram s/o Sh. Chokka Ram; Village & PO Gudi.
Teh. & Dist. Nagaur, (Rajasthan)
2. Sep. Bhanwar Lal Bagaria h/o Smt. Santosh Devi; Village Sivelara;
Teh.& Dist.Sikar (Rajasthan)
3. Sep. Bhikaram h/o Smt. Bhawri Devi; Village Patasar;
Teh. Pachpatva;Distt. Barmer (Rajasthan)
4. Sep. Moola Ram h/o Smt. Rameshwari Devi; Village Katori;
Teh. Jayal;Dist. Nagaur(Rajasthan)
5. Sep. Naresh Singh h/o Smt. Kalpana Devi; Village Chhoti Tallam;
Teh.Iglab; Dist.Aligarh (UP)
Yours truly,
Dr. N.K. Kalia (Lt. Saurabh Kalia's father).
Saurabh Nagar,
Palampur-176061
Himachal Pradesh
Tel: +91 (01894) 32065
Let us give a supporting hand to Dr. Kalia in his efforts to get justice.
Remember, Lt. Kalia and his colleagues died on the front so that we could
sleep peacefully in our homes.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
In The Line of Fire
Do spare a few moments to read through the text. We all have pressures in life we are all in the line of fire.
Subject: in the line of fire......
Vivek Pradhan was not a happy man.. Even the plush comfort of the air-conditioned compartment of the Shatabdi express could not cool his frayed nerves. He was the Project Manager and still not entitled to air travel. It was not the prestige he sought, he had tried to reason with the admin person, it was the savings in time. As PM, he had so many things to do!!
He opened his case and took out the laptop, determined to put the time to some good use.
'Are you from the software industry sir?' the man beside him was staring appreciatively at the laptop. Vivek glanced briefly and mumbled in affirmation, handling the laptop now with exaggerated care and importance as if it were an expensive car.
'You people have brought so much advancement to the country, Sir. Today everything is getting computerized. '
'Thanks,' smiled Vivek, turning around to give the man a look. He always found it difficult to resist appreciation. The man was young and stockily built like a sportsman... .. He looked simple and strangely out of place in that little lap of luxury like a small town boy in a prep school. He probably was a railway sportsman making the most of his free traveling pass.
'You people always amaze me,' the man continued, 'You sit in an office and write something on a computer and it does so many big things outside.'
Vivek smiled deprecatingly. Naiveness demanded reasoning not anger.
'It is not as simple as that my friend. It is not just a question of
writing a few lines. There is a lot of process that goes behind it.'
For a moment, he was tempted to explain the entire Software
Development Lifecycle but restrained himself to a single statement.
'It is complex, very complex.'
'It has to be. No wonder you people are so highly paid,' came the reply.
This was not turning out as Vivek had thought. A hint of belligerence crept into his so far affable, persuasive tone.
'Everyone just sees the money. No one sees the amount of hard work we have to put in. Indians have such a narrow concept of hard work. Just because we sit in an air-conditioned office, does not mean our brows do not sweat. You exercise the muscle; we exercise the mind and believe me that is no less taxing.'
He could see, he had the man where he wanted, and it was time to drive home the point. 'Let me give you an example. Take this train. The entire railway reservation system is computerized. You can book a train ticket between any two stations from any of the hundreds of computerized
booking centers across the country.
Thousands of transactions accessing a single database, at a time concurrently; data integrity, locking, data security. Do you understand the complexity in designing and coding such a system?'
The man was awestruck; quite like a child at a planetarium. This was something big and beyond his imagination.
'You design and code such things?'
'I used to,' Vivek paused for effect, 'but now I am the Project Manager.'
'Oh!' sighed the man, as if the storm had passed over, 'so your life is easy now.'
This was like the last straw for Vivek. He retorted, 'Oh come on, does life ever get easy as you go up the ladder. Responsibility only brings
more work. Design and coding! That is the easier part. Now I do not do it, but I am responsible for it and believe me, that is far more stressful. My job is to get the work done in time and with the highest quality.
To tell you about the pressures, there is the customer at one end, always changing his requirements, the user at the other, wanting something else, and your boss, always expecting you to have finished it yesterday.'
Vivek paused in his diatribe, his belligerence fading with
self-realization. What he had said, was not merely the outburst of a wronged man, it was the truth. And one need not get angry while defending the truth.
'My friend,' he concluded triumphantly, 'you don't know what it is to be in the Line of Fire'.
The man sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as if in realization.
When he spoke after sometime, it was with a calm certainty that surprised Vivek.
'I know sir,..... I know what it is to be in the Line of Fire......'
He was staring blankly, as if no passenger, no train existed, just a vast expanse of time.
'There were 30 of us when we were ordered to capture Point 4875 in the cover of the night.
The enemy was firing from the top.
There was no knowing where the next bullet was going to come from and for whom.
In the morning when we finally hoisted the tri-colour at the top only 4 of us were alive.'
'You are a...?'
'I am Subedar Sushant from the 13 J&K Rifles on duty at Peak 4875 in
Kargil. They tell me I have completed my term and can opt for a soft
assignment.
But, tell me sir, can one give up duty just because it makes life easier?
On the dawn of that capture, one of my colleagues lay injured in the
snow, open to enemy fire while we were hiding behind a bunker.
It was my job to go and fetch that soldier to safety. But my captain
sahib refused me permission and went ahead himself.
He said that the first pledge he had taken as a Gentleman Cadet was to
put the safety and welfare of the nation foremost followed by the
safety and welfare of the men he commanded... ....his own personal
safety came last, always and every time.'
'He was killed ...as he shielded and brought that injured soldier into
the bunker.. Every morning thereafter, as we stood guard, I could see
him taking all those bullets, which were actually meant for me . I
know sir....I know, what it is to be in the Line of Fire.'
Vivek looked at him in disbelief not sure of how to respond. Abruptly,
he switched off the laptop.
It seemed trivial, even insulting to edit a Word document in the
presence of a man for whom valour and duty was a daily part of life;
valour and sense of duty which he had so far attributed only to epical
heroes.
The train slowed down as it pulled into the station, and Subedar
Sushant picked up his bags to alight.
'It was nice meeting you sir.'
Vivek fumbled with the handshake.
This hand... had climbed mountains, pressed the trigger, and hoisted
the tri-colour. Suddenly, as if by impulse, he stood up at attention
and his right hand went up in an impromptu salute....
It was the least he felt he could do for the country.
The incident he narrated during the capture of Peak 4875 is a
true-life incident during the Kargil war.
BE POLITE & EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING A HARD BATTLE.
Live humbly & there are great people around us.
ps. if ur eyes turned moist it's probably because the computer screen is too bright !!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Obituary: Lt. Gen. Pankaj Shivram Joshi
| BANDE MEIN THA DUM CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN |
| When Lt. Gen (Retd) Pankaj Shivram Joshi PVSM, AVSM, VSM, The first Chief of Staff of the Integrated Defence Command passed away in an Indore hospital on July 1, 2009 a cloak of sadness enveloped the small cantonment town of Mhow where he had settled after almost 41 years in the Indian Army. He will continue to be a source of inspiration for for all his compatriots. , writes Dev Kumar Vasudevan Jen Joshi’s wife Mrs. Prabha Joshi was kind enough to give me some time when I requested her. She talked to me in detail about Pankaj Joshi the soldier, husband and father. He was born on Sept 9, 1943 in Peshawar where his father, a civil servant, was then posted. They shifted to Delhi in 1947. Pankaj and his brother Kuldeep joined the Nutan Marathi Vidyalaya, Pune. After his schooling Pankaj was selected for the 21st course at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. After passing out as a Gentleman Cadet of the 30th regular course, IMA, Dehra Dun, he was commissioned in the First Battalion of Eight Gorkha Rifles in December 1962. He served in Ladakh and participated in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. It was in 1967, while on a mine-clearing operation in Sikkim, that he lost one of his legs. The other leg was also amputated soon. A normal man would have accepted defeat but Pankaj Joshi was made of sterner stuff. He fought back. It was a painful journey but he had the support of his wife, family and friends. Within eight months of his loss and nine operations later he was fitted with a pair of artificial limbs at the Artificial Limb Centre, Pune. He was cycling to the Centre within a fortnight. He was soon walking upto eight kilometers a day. His activities included walking, swimming and mountain climbing. He had also participated in the Himalayan Car Rally and in a 42 kilometres cycling marathon in Delhi. It was in 1968 that Pankaj met a young lady named Mukta Kale. In due course they decided to become lifemates. It was not smooth sailing. Mukta’s mother was not very comfortable with the idea of Mukta marrying a man in Pankaj’s condition. “She was not sure whether Pankaj and I would be able to have children. So I went to our family doctor who was like an uncle to me. He convinced my mother of the soundness of my decision. In any case I had decided that if we didn’t have any children of our own we would certainly adopt a child.” Pankaj had got an equally brave life partner for himself. After marriage Mukta became Prabha and within a few years she and Pankaj became the proud parents of a daughter Unnati, who is now a US based architect, and Sameer, who is a teacher of French. “The children were allowed to choose their own careers,” Prabha Joshi told me, “we never imposed our will on them. The only thing Pankaj ensured was that they grew up as normal middle class children. So there was no staff car to drop them at school or a sahayak to polish their shoes or make their beds.” After completing a B.A. degree in Russian from the Jawaharlal Nehru University he was selected for the Staff College at Wellington. This was a turning point as he decided against leaving the Army. In 1978-79 the Army changed the rules for medically categorizing officers. “My husband was then posted in the College of Combat and the then Commandant General Sundarji once overheard him speaking in fluent Gurkhali to a JCO of his battalion who was visiting Mhow. He was so impressed by the fact that Pankaj had totally merged himself with his Paltan that he went all out to help him prove that he was fit to command the same battalion.” Pankaj Joshi was able to prove to a medical board that he was as fit as any officer without a disability. He had also played eighteen holes of golf with the Army doctor who had to check his physical fitness. He was then given command of his battalion - the 1/8 Gurkha Rifles. “When he took over command of the Paltan,” said Mrs. Prabha Joshi with tears in her eyes, “he told his men that he was returning to the battalion after fourteen years of banishment the way Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of vanvaas.” He also had instructional stints at the Higher Command Wing of the College of Combat (now Army War College) Mhow and the DSSC Wellington. He had also attended the Higher Command Course of the United States Army War College. His career graph kept rising after that. He commanded an Armoured brigade, an Armoured Division and 12 Corps. He was the second officer with a disability after Lt. Gen Vijay Oberoi to attain the rank of Lieutenant General. In 1998 during the Prime Ministership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pokharan nuclear blasts were conducted under his command. He held the appointment of Additional Director General Mechanised Forces at Army HQ and the Commandant of the College of Combat, Mhow. He went on to become the GOC-in-C of the Central Command, Lucknow, and was then chosen as the first ever Chief of Staff of the Integrated Defence Command. When General Joshi was once interviewed by the Indian Express he had said, ‘‘There is only one thing that stops a handicapped person from doing things normally - society. It makes you feel handicapped by perpetually offering you help. In my home no one does that. If I have to change a bulb or get something from a high shelf I do it myself.’’ Even in death he taught us all a lesson as he willed his body to be donated for medical studies and research. A wish which his brave family fulfilled. “Both of us had decided to donate our bodies,” said Mrs. Joshi. A multi-faceted personality Pankaj Joshi’s interests included Indian classical music, bird watching, environment, pottery and writing. |
IT Shayari by a friend
| Kal jab woh mile thhe.... to dil mein hui ek sound. Aur aaj mile to kehte hain..... your 'file not found!'  Jo muddat se hota aaya hai, woh repeat kar doonga... Tu naa mili to apni zindagi 'ctrl+alt+delete' kar doonga... Shayad mere pyar ko taste karna bhool gaye... Dil sey aisa cut kiya ke paste karna bhool gaye... Laakhon honge nigaah mein kabhi mujhe bhi pick karo... Mere pyaar ke icon pe kabhi to double-click karo... Roz subha hum karte hain pyar se unhe good morning... Woh aise ghoor ke dekti hain jaise 0 errors aur 5 warning... Aisa bhi nahin hai ke I don't like your face. Par dil ke storage mein No more disk space. Ghar se jab tum nikale pehen ke reshmi gown. Jaane kitne dilon ka ho gaya, ek dum Server down. |
Kitne ne bhi humse door hon woh
pahunch jaati hai baat foran untak ;
Internet ki kripa se aaj kal
shayari too has gone high -tech .
Friday, March 5, 2010
Poem
हर ख़ुशी है लोगों के दमन में ,
पर एक हंसी के लिए वक़्त नहीं ...
दिन रात दौड़ती दुनिया में ,
ज़िन्दगी के लिए ही वक़्त नहीं .
माँ की लोरी का एहसास तो है ,
पर माँ को माँ कहने का वक़्त नहीं .
सारे रिश्तों को तो हम मार चुके ,
अब उन्हें दफ़नाने का भी वक़्त नहीं .
सारे नाम मोबाइल में हैं ,
पर दोस्ती के लए वक़्त नहीं
गैरों की क्या बात करें ,
जब अपनों के लिए ही वक़्त नहीं .
आँखों में है नींद बड़ी ,
पर सोने का वक़्त नहीं .
दिल है ग़मों से भरा हुआ ,
पर रोने का भी वक़्त नहीं .
पैसों की दौड़ में ऐसे दौड़े ,
की थकने का भी वक़्त नहीं .
पराये एहसासों की क्या कद्र करें ,
जब अपने सपनो के लिए ही वक़्त नहीं ..
तू ही बता ए ज़िन्दगी ,
इस ज़िन्दगी का क्या होगा ,
की हर पल मरने वालों को ,
जीने के लिए भी वक़्त नहीं .........
Fines under Motor Vehicle Act
India: Fines for violation of traffic rules…please don’t pay a penny more!!!
Note : Under section 177 of Motor Vehicle Act, fine for rule violation done by Cab and Auto Rickshaw is Rs 50/- and for Other Vehicles fine is Rs 100.
List of Important Traffic Offences & Compounding Fee Charged
| Sr.No. | Description of Offences | Motor Vehicle Act Sections | Compounding Fee |
| 1 | Parking in 'No Parking' Zone. | MVA - 119/177 | 100 |
| 2 | Parking at a corner/turning. | MVA - 119/177 | 100 |
| 3 | Double Parking of Vehicle. | MVA - 119/177 | 100 |
| 4 | Vehicle entering in a 'No Entry' Zone. | MVA - 119/177 | 100 |
| 5 | No 'U' Turn. | MVA - 119/177 | 100 |
| 6 | Obstruction to other vehicle or Pedestrians. | MVA- 122/177 | 100 |
| 7 | Driving on the wrong side. | MVA- 119/177 | 100 |
| 8 | Overtaking a vehicle from left side. | MVA-119/177 | 100 |
| 9 | Disobeying traffic signs or signals. | MVA-119/177 | 100 |
| 10 | Carrying passenger on footboard. | MVA-123/177 | 100 |
| 11 | Licence not in possession. | MVA-130/177 | 100 |
| 12 | Owner not giving information about his / her driving License. | MVA- 133/177 | 100 |
| 13 | Using unsafe vehicle. | MVA- 190(1)/177 | 100 |
| 14 | Driving under influence of Alcohol. | MVA- 185(1) | Non Compoundable |
| 15 | Driving two wheeler without a Helmet | MVA- 129/177 | 100 |
| 16 | Carrying passengers on Bonnet/Cabin/running Board. | MVA- 123(2)/177 | 100 |
| 17 | Driving without Licence. | MVA- 3(1)/181 | 300 |
| 18 | Giving vehicle to a person who has no driving licence. | MVA- 5/180 | 300 |
| 19 | Rash Driving. | MVA- 184 | 500 |
| 20 | Underage person (below 18 Yrs of age) driving geared vehicle. | MVA- 4(1)/181 | 300 |
| 21 | Underage person (below 16 Yrs of age) driving non- geared vehicle. | MVA- 4(1)/181 | 300 |
| 22 | Speeding or Lane cutting. | MVA- 112/183 | 200 |
| 23 | Driving or giving out for use uninsured vehicle. | MVA- 146/196 | 300 |
| 24 | Triple seat driving. | MVA-128 | 100 |
| 25 | Driving or giving out for use unregistered vehicle. | MVA- 39/192 | 1000 |
| 26 | Unauthorised transport of passengers or goods without valid permit. | MVA- 66(1)/192 | Non Compoundable |
| 27 | Ignoring Traffic Officer's Signal. | MVA- 132(1)a/179 | 200 |
| 28 | Parking Rickshaw/Taxi not in an Authorised Rickshaw Stand. | MMVR-21(5)/177 | 100 |
| 29 | Demanding excess Auto / Taxi meter charges. | MMVR- 21(12)/177 | 100 |
| 30 | Auto or Taxi driver refusing to carry passenger(s) to nearby destination. | MMVR- 22(d)/177 | 100 |
| 31 | Demanding Auto / Taxi fare beyond the Meter Charges applicable. | MMVR-21(d)/177 | 100 |
| 32 | Dazzling/Glaring Light. | MMVR- 235/177 | 100 |
| 33 | Illegal/Fancy Number Plate. | MMVR- 235(2)/177 | 100 |
| 34 | Parking On Footpath. | MMVR- 237(1)/177 | 100 |
| 35 | Auto / Taxi driver deliberately not taking the shortest route to a passenger's destination. | MMVR- 21(8)/177 | 100 |
| 36 | Auto / Taxi drivers soliciting passengers. | MMVR-21(13)/177 | 100 |
| 37 | Auto / Taxi driver smoking while driving. | MMVR- 21(16)/177 | 100 |
| 37 | Auto / Taxi driver not in uniform while driving. | MMVR- 31(1)/177 | 100 |
| 38 | Carrying persons or articles causing obstruction to the driver's seat. | MMVR- 23(1)/177 | 100 |
| 39 | Blowing horn in a Silence Zone. | MMVR- 231/177 | 100 |
| 40 | Driving Auto/Taxi without valid badge. | MMVR- 24(2)/177 | 100 |
| 41 | Carrying Goods of more than 12 feet in height. | MMVR- 229/177 | 100 |
| 42 | Driving heavy vehicle with Back Door or Latch Open. | MMVR- 229(2)/177 | 100 |
| 43 | Not having Light on Number Plate | MMVR- 236(1)/177 | 100 |
| 44 | Negligence while reversing your vehicle. | MMVR- 233/177 | 100 |
| 45 | Filling of less petrol by Taxi/Auto driver while carrying passenger(s). | MMVR- 21(14)/177 | 100 |
| 46 | Not keeping Auto / Taxi Clean. | MMVR- 21(29)/177 | 100 |
| 47 | Carrying excess passengers in Auto/Taxi... | MMVR- 21(20)/177 | 100 |
| 48 | Not having side or rear view mirror. | MMVR- 161/177 | 100 |
| 49 | Keeping TV set or Video on Dash Board. | MMVR- 162/177 | 100 |
| 50 | Using mobile phone while driving. | MMVR- 250(a)/177 | 100 |
| 51 | Stopping on Zebra crossing. | MMVR- 237(1)/177 | 100 |
| 52 | Driving without Mud Guard. | MMVR- 165/177 | 100 |
| 53 | Driving without wiper in rainy season (3/4 Wheelers). | CMVR-101/177 | 100 |
| 54 | Driving with worn out or torn tyres. | CMVR-94(2)/177 | 100 |
| 55 | Driving without reflector light. | CMVR-104(1)/177 | 100 |
| 56 | No Head/Tail Lamps. | CMVR- 105/177 | 100 |
| 57 | Vehicle stopping without flashing parking light at night. | CMVR- 109/177 | 100 |
| 58 | Blowing or installing of Pressure/Multisound Horn. | CMVR -119(2)/190(2)MVA | 500 |
| 59 | Dark tinted glasses (less than 75% Visibility from outside). | CMVR-100/177 | 100 |
| 60 | Not displaying 'L' Board (Front & Rear) incase of learner's License. | CMVR- 3(c)/177 | 100 |
| 61 | Offence under Emission Control Act. (No PUC) | CMVR-115(2)/190(2)MVA | 500 |
| 62 | Parking on wrong side. | RRR-15(2)(1)/177 | 100 |
| 63 | Parking or stopping within 10 mtrs of a Bus Stop. | RRR-15(2)(1)/177 | 100 |
| 64 | Stopping on a Bridge. | RRR-15(2)(1)/177 | 100 |
| 65 | Stopping within an Island. | RRR-15(2)(1)/177 | 100 |
| 66 | Driving on wrong side. | RRR-15(2)(1)/177 | 100 |
| 67 | Lane Cutting while driving. | RRR-18(2)/177 | 100 |
| 68 | Ignoring rules of Road Marking or Lane Marking. | RRR-18(2)/177 | 100 |
| 69 | Parking in front of a Gate. | RRR-15(2)(8)/177 | 100 |
| CRANE/ TOWING / LIFTING CHARGES | ||
| Sr. No. | Type Of Vehicle | Lifting Charges (Rs) |
| 1 | Heavy Vehicle (Truck /Tanker/Trailers/Bus) | 1,000 |
| 2 | Light Vehicle (Car/Jeep) | 200 |
| 3 | Three Wheeler Vehicles | 100 |
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