Salute the Soldier

Army In Democracy

2012-02-05T00:42:00.000-08:00

What is civilian control of the military?
Armed forces were under the king
Who was usually a soldier himself.
Alexander commanded by virtue of his
Military abilities.
Napoleon was a soldier
Who became Emperor.
Where is “civilian” control?
That is something new.

II
Then came Democracy,
Checks and balances
And Separation of Powers.
People with no military experience
Like Barrack Obama
Who could mobilise votes
Became elected leaders.
In many countries
The Elected Head of State
Is Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The power to declare war lies with the legislature
How to conduct it lies with the government.
Without military experience such a Supreme Commander
Works on the advice of a government.
This power is exercised indirectly through
The inherent powers of the Head of State.
This brings in a bureaucracy
Which should function legally and ethically.

III
In India serious issues come to a
Confrontation
In a ridiculous way.
Government misuses Air India
Does not even pay its pilots
And when they strike
Blames them for a mess it has created.
That is the only way the pilots can get paid.
The arrogance refuses to fade.

IV
There is a mess up about one entry
In a form by a young man
Nearly 40 years ago.
The documents we use to settle such matters
Are clear.
There was an error in that form.
That young man become
The Chief of Army Staff.
He tries to correct it.
But the written word
Even if erroneous
Is sacrosanct.
The bureaucrats who deal with these matters
Are insensitive, arrogant, adamant.
The error will prevail.
The officer is once told
Accept in 24 hours
We are right
Or the promotions of many will be out of sight.
Hobson’s choice.
He accepts
Then the Press goes viral
He is called a liar.

V
The Army Chief
Having exhausted all possible
Remedies
Goes to court.
People are horrified.
How can a serving General go to court
Against the Government?
He should ‘gracefully’ accept the
Erroneous Government decision.
Or he should first have resigned
So that the basic issue becomes
Irrelevant.
This is dignity.

VI
No one asks
How can the Government put up with its
Ridiculous ways
Against all evidence?
Only when cornered and under duress
Will it consider acting properly.
If this is what the Army Chief has to put up with
What is the plight of the more than million soldiers
In the Indian Army?
They face insensitive arrogance
From the bureaucracy every day.
It has now been challenged.
Legally and properly
It is good for our democracy.

VII
There will be twists and turns in this case.
Minor matters will be pontificated upon.
Whatever happens
Institutions are being tarnished
Because a few nameless bureaucrats
Are accountable to no one.
When will that change?

VIII
This is no overstatement or hyperbole.
Look at the ridiculous situation
The Government created
In the appointment of
The Chief Vigilance Commissioner
Not very long ago.
The adamant bureaucracy got away
Embarrassing the Prime Minister
And the entire Government was
Made a laughing stock.
And not for the first time.
It happened over the award of an
Honorary doctorate
To chess great Vishwanathan Anand.
This was embarrassing to the university
Wasn’t it reputation tarnished?
But the babus got away.
We never learn.
We must control the bureaucracy
For the good of the country.

IX
In the warrant of precedence
A Brigadier is equivalent to a
Deputy Commissioner.
One has 30 odd years of service
The other is a youngster in the civil service.
This is a symptom of what is wrong
It is not that we disrespect institutions
It is that we have an unaccountable bureaucracy
That exists only for itself.
And interferes everywhere.
This is Incredible India.

X
That Army Chief has done well
In fighting this issue.
He has shown he is a soldier
Fighting for honour.
Vested interests will criticise him
They may still hound him.
But he has raised his voice
On behalf of a million men
Kudos to the Chief
A true leader of men.

Heaven & Hell

2012-02-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

HEAVEN & HELL

Last night while sleeping I died...
or so it seemed,
Then I went to heaven
But only in my dream

Up there my Record Keeper met me
Standing at the Entry Gates,
He said, "I must check your record...
Please stand here and wait."

He turned and said "Your record
Is covered with terrible flaws,
On earth I see you rallied
For every losing cause."

I see that you drank rum,
smoked and killed too,
Fact is, you've done everything
A good person should never do.

We can't have people like you up here....
Throughout your life all you did was hear,
You carried out orders without pausing to think.
You never asked for instructions in ink..

Then he read the last of my record
And his eyes grew moist.
He took my hand gently and said,
"Come in.

'You stood in isolated places and shivered alone
You left your kith, kin, hearth and home
You come from an unresponsive, ungrateful nation
You were denied your rights by every Pay Commission'

He led me up to the Caretaker of Heaven ...
"Take him in and treat him well,
He has served in the Indian Military ...
He's already done his time in Hell. "

Ode to Soldier

2012-01-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the family,
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' Natha Singh 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 a pension, meagre & small..

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 Neta,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight to the skin.

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 YESTERDAY.."

A soldiers Wife

2012-01-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

A Soldiers Wife

I wear no uniforms but I am in the Army because I am his wife.

I'm in the ranks that are rarely seen, I have no rank upon my shoulders.
Salutes I do not give. But the military world is the place where I live.

I'm not in the chain of command, Orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget.

I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one who's left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man.
And the call to serve his country not all can understand.

Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married. Soldiering is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Army Wife

THE INDIAN ARMY WE GREW UP IN - THEN AND NOW By Brig Bajaj

2012-01-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

THE INDIAN ARMY WE GREW UP IN – THEN AND NOW

1971 –the June 1971 Regular Course is commissioned, goes to battle stations within six months of commissioning and emerges as a band of young war hardened veterans christened as the ‘Born to Battle Course’. Now that each and every member of our course has honourably retired and the last of the 1971 War Veterans has hung up his uniform, we nostalgically reminiscence that though life in the Army was never a bed of roses, most of us enjoyed our three to four decades of service without too many heart burns/hiccups. One really heartening aspect of our ‘life encompassing journey’ was the bonding and camaraderie developed at the National Defence Academy or the Indian Military Academy and thereafter nurtured over decades of service. These bonds grew not only amongst the officers and the men but transgressed the uniform and emerged as an even more unique and amazing kinship between the wives and children of officers and jawans!
One never imagined that these relationships between the officers, ladies and children developed so early in life, would transcend decades and become stronger over the years. Thanks to the social networking sites available today and the instant connectivity via mobile phones our generation and that of our children enjoys an unbelievable camaraderie, bonhomie and kinship even though we retired years ago! The very mention of the word ‘Army’ or ‘Services’ and ones hand automatically reaches out in a gesture of warm greeting and if required support !
Last month my daughter and son -in- law located at Gurgaon told us that they have a week off and would like to visit Rajasthan and see places like Jodhpur and Jaisalmer – places one had operated in for the better part of our lives. Since my son –in-law is from a totally civilian background I was keen to help him acquire a flavour of the army we had served in for almost forty years. I, therefore, decided to tie up accommodation for them in army areas in Rajasthan.
The children, along with our two little granddaughters drove from Delhi and, needless to say, had a wonderful holiday with the army extending hospitality at Nasirabad, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Through the children’s own connectivity, courtesy regimental networking, they came to know that one of my then young regimental officers, now the Commandant of an Armoured Regt was out with his Regiment on training in that area and therefore they arranged to meet over lunch enroute to Jaisalmer.
On 29 Dec 11,on their way back from Jaisalmer, they had decided to have breakfast with the Commandant but about 10 km short of his location they became the victims of a horrific accident trying to avoid a wayward car driver. So severe was the impact that their car turned turtle twice over and our four month old granddaughter flew out of the broken windscreen and landed on the sand providentially totally unscratched. Fortunately, the family emerged from the accident badly shaken but, with the grace of God, safe. My daughter immediately called up the Commandant and informed him of the accident.

Reacting as only the army can, he with a medical team and a recovery vehicle rushed to the spot, evacuated the hapless victims on the bitterly cold morning and took them to the Regiment where an army doctor attended to them. Though in a camp environment, he ensured the best of comfort possible for the badly traumatized family. Sacrificing his own comfort, the officer housed them in the warmest place available in the camp - his own caravan. He ensured that they were comfortably housed till they were fit enough to travel and also made alternate arrangements for them to travel to Jodhpur. He also took pains to ensure that the car was recovered and brought to the camp till it was evacuated to Delhi a day later.

The story does not end here. By some coincidence the news of the accident reached the Divisional HQ at Jodhpur where the GOC was informed about the unfortunate accident wherein the children of one Brig Bajaj, a retired Armoured Corps officer, had a miraculous escape. The General Officer Commanding , who happened to be an old student of mine and a younger colleague, did not lose time and rang me up to reassure me that all was well with the children. I was concerned about a detailed medical checkup for the four of them since all doctors in Rajasthan were on an indefinite strike. He promised me that he would personally ensure a proper medical checkup for all of them at MH Jodhpur and also make sure that they are comfortable and safe till they depart for Delhi. When the children arrived at Jodhpur they were escorted to the hospital, thoroughly examined and housed comfortably till their departure for Delhi the next afternoon. As if all this was not enough, the GOC and his wife were gracious enough to visit the children and personally enquire about their well being.

Where else can one dream of such kinship and camaraderie? It is indeed reassuring that notwithstanding all the bad mouthing, neglect and indifference suffered by our Army (read Armed Forces) at the hand of the Government, the Bureaucracy, the Media and some unscrupulous senior officers our wonderful organization is flourishing and the present day officers and men still cherish and live by the value systems we grew up with. We veterans can, therefore, rest reassured that with the current generation in place, our Services and, therefore, our country men are in safe hands!!

Can any organization be it the elitist (nose in the air) IAS, IPS or for that matter any other organization in India boast of such bonding or brotherhood ???

Brig Deepak Bajaj,VSM,(Retd)

Punjabi Confidence

2012-01-12T19:41:00.001-08:00

PUNJABI CONFIDENCE

George Bush was sitting in his office wondering whom to invade next when his telephone rang.

'Hello, Mr. Bush!' a heavily accented voice said, 'This is Gurmukh from Phagwara, District Kapurthala, Punjab .. I am ringing to inform you that we are officially declaring the war on you!'

'Well, Gurmukh,' Bush replied, 'This is indeed important news! How big is your army'

'Right now,' said Gurmukh, after a moment's calculation, 'there is myself, my cousin Sukhdev, my next door neighbor Bhagat, and the entire kabaddi team from the gurudwara. That makes eight'

Bush paused. 'I must tell you, Gurmukh that I have one million men in my army waiting to move on my command.'

'Arrey O! Main kya..' said Gurmukh. 'I'll have to ring you back!'

Sure enough, the next day, Gurmukh called again.

'Mr. Bush, it is Gurmukh, I'm calling from Phagwara STD, the war is still on! We have managed to acquire some infantry equipment!'

'And what equipment would that be, Gurmukh' Bush asked.

'Well, we have two combines, a donkey and Amrik's tractor.'

Bush sighed. 'I must tell you, Gurmukh, that I have 16,000 tanks and 14,000 armored personnel carriers. Also, I've increased my army to 1-1/2 million since we last spoke.'

'Oh teri....' said Gurmukh. 'I'll have to get back to you.'

Sure enough, Gurmukh rang again the next day.

'Mr. Bush, the war is still on! We have managed to get ourselves airborne.... .. We've modified Amrik's tractor by adding a couple of shotguns, sticking on some wings and the pind's generator. Four school pass boys from Malpur have joined us as well!'

Bush was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. 'I must tell you, Gurmukh, that I have 10,000 bombers and 20,000 fighter planes. My military complex is surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I've increased my army to TWO MILLION!'

'Tera bhala hove....' said Gurmuk, 'I'll have to ring you back.'

Sure enough, Gurmukh called again the next day.

'Kiddan, Mr.Bush! I am sorry to tell you that we have had to call off the war.'

'I'm sorry to hear that,' said Bush. 'Why the sudden change of heart'

'Well,' said Gurmukh, 'we've all had a long chat over a couple of lassi's, and decided there's no way we can feed two million prisoners of wars!'

NOW THAT'S CALLED PUNJABI CONFIDENCE

The Tea Shop

2012-01-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

THE TEA SHOP........

A tale reflecting the character & high values of the brave men guarding the nation...

They were on their way to the post where they would be deployed for next three months. The batch being relieved, was waiting anxiously for their arrival so that they could fall back to safer confines of their parent unit. Some would proceed on leave and meet their families. They were happy that they were to relieve a set of comrades who had done their job.

It was a treacherous climb and the journey was to last till the next evening. Cold winter month with intermittent snowfall added to the torture.

If only some one could offer a cup of tea, the Major thought, knowing completely well that it was a futile wish.

They continued for another hour before they came across a dilapidated structure which looked like a small shop. It was locked.

It was 2 o'clock in the night and there was no house close to the shop where the owner could be located. In any case it was not advisable to knock any doors in the night for security reasons.

It was a stalemate. No tea boys, bad luck.

The Major told the men to take some rest since they had been walking for more than three hours now.

Sir, this is a tea shop indeed and we can make tea. We will have to break the lock though. The officer was in doubt about the proposed action but a steaming cup of tea was not a bad idea. He thought for a while and permitted for the lock to be broken. The lock was broken.

They were in luck.

The place was a shop indeed and had everything required to make tea, and also a few packets of biscuits.

The tea was prepared and it brought great relief to all in the cold night. They were now ready for the long and treacherous walk ahead of them and started to get ready to move.

The officer was in thoughts. They had broken open the lock and prepared tea and consumed biscuits without the permission of the owner. The payment was due but there was no one in sight.

The Major was not however moving out without doing what was to be done. He took out a Rs 1000/- note from his wallet and kept it on the counter, pressed under the sugar container, so that the owner sees it first thing when he arrives in the morning.

He was now relieved of the guilt and ordered the move.

Days, weeks and months passed. They continued to do gallantly what they were required to do and were lucky not to loose any one from the original group in the intense insurgency situation.

And then one day, it was time to be replaced by another brave lot.

Soon they were on their way back and stopped at the same shop, which was today open with the owner in place. He was an old man with very meager resources and was happy to see eight of them with the prospect of selling at least eight cups of tea that day.

All of them had their tea and spoke to the old man about his life and experiences in general, selling tea at such remote a location.

The poor, old man had many stories to tell all of them, replete with his faith in God.

"Kya Baba, yadi Allah hota to kyaa aap ke jaisa 'Allah kaa bandaa' is haal main hota, said one of them"; moved by his poverty and faith in God.

"Nahin Sahib, aise mat kaho, God actually exists.

I got the proof a few months back.

I was going through very tough times because my only son had been severely beaten by the terrorists who wanted some information from him which he did not have. I had closed the shop early that day and had taken my son to the hospital. There were medicines to be purchased and I had no money. No one would give me a loan from fear of the terrorists. There was no hope, Sahib.

And that day Sahib, I had prayed to Allah for help.

And that day Sahib, Allah walked into my shop.

When I returned to my shop that day and saw the lock broken, I thought someone had broken in and had taken away whatever little I had. But then I saw that 'Allah' had left Rs 1000/-under the sugar pot. Sahib, I can't tell you what that money was worth that day.

Allah exists Sahib, he does.

I know people are dying every day here but all of you will soon meet your near and dear ones, your children, and you must thank your God Sahib, he is watching all of us. He does exist. He walked in my shop that day. I know he did."

The faith in his eyes was unflinching.

It was unnerving.

Seven set of eyes looked at their officer and read the order in his eyes clear and unambiguous, 'Keep quiet.'

The officer got up and paid the bill and hugged the old man.

"Yes Baba, I know,God does exist - and yes the tea was wonderful.

Seven set of eyes did not miss the moisture building in the eyes of the Major, a rare sight.

Ode to The Army Officer

2011-12-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

Dedicated to all those unknown unsung and unwept soldiers ,
Who were killed at the first sight by the dead drop looks ........

ODE TO AN ARMY OFFICER

... For you contours are easy to read than the city maps ,
You feel comfortable in jungles and get lost in metros.

For you time is in hundred hours, 3 ' O clock is a direction,
Distance is always in multiples of hundred meters and you keep on loosing North.

When people meet near pubs, cafes and discs.
You meet near water tanks, bridges and culverts.

For you Kenwood and Motorola are familiar brands of Radio sets
and Apple and Blackberry are fruits.

You never knew cars, mobiles and bikes also had series.
The only series you know is the AK's.

You remember names of all Tanzeems,
but do not know the name of IPL teams.

Stamps on your passport are of Congo and Sudan
where as others go to US, UK and Japan.

You remember the raising days,
but forget the anniversaries and birthdays.

When others talk of CEO and COO,
You only know C with only one O.

For you lol and asap is greek
and you even look for them in Appx 'C'.

When others talk of Pune, Bangalore and Gurgaon
you talk of Poonch, Lalgarh and Bongaigaon.

For you ,
The Safety Honour and Welfare of your Country comes first , Always and Every Time
and women will be from Venus and not from Mars, always and every time.

For you green and blue are own,
Red and pink are danger zones.

For you the choice of arms was more painful than the break up
and chasing girls tougher than the march up.

You will travel 500 miles to meet her ,
But will expect her to walk the last five steps.

You can take darbar of 120 rusty men for three hours,
But will be afraid to speak three magical words.

You will crack any code or language ,
But one line message of her's
with few dots and exclamation marks will confuse you.

He is not a flirt ,
He will be the last man standing ,
True to his vows and words.........!!!!!

Ode !!

2011-12-10T21:34:00.000-08:00

Ode to an Army Officer
Dedicated to all those unknown unsung and unwept soldiers,
Who were killed at the first sight
by the dead drop looks ........
For you contours are easy to read than the city maps,
You feel comfortable in jungles and get lost in metros.
For you time is in hundred hours,
3'O clock is a direction,
distance is always in multiples of hundred meters and you keep on loosing
North.
When people meet near pubs, cafes and discs.
You meet near water tanks, bridges and culverts.
For you Kenwood and Motorola are familiar brands
and apple and blackberry are fruits.
You never knew cars, mobiles and bikes also had series.
The only series you know is the AK's.
You remember names of all Tanzimes,
but do not know the name of IPL teams.
Stamps on your passport are of Congo and Sudan
where as others go to US, UK and Japan.
You remember the raising days,
but forget the anniversaries and birthdays.
When others talk of CEO and COO,
You only know C with only one O.
For you lol and asap is greek
and you even look for them in Appx 'c.
When others talk of Pune, Bangalore and Gurgaon
you talk of Poonch, Lalgarh and Bongaigaon.
For you ,
The Safety Honour and Welfare of your Country comes first, Always and Every
Time.
and women will be from Venus always and every time.
For you green and blue are own,
Red and pink are danger zones.
For you the choice of arms was more painful than the break up
and chasing girls tougher than the march up.
You will travel 500 miles to meet her,
But will expect her to walk the last five steps.
You can take darbar of 120 rusty men for three hours,
But will be afraid to speak three magical words.
You will crack any code or language,
But one line message of her's
with few dots and exclamation marks will confuse you.
For all those who thinks he is a flirt,
He will be the last man standing,
True to his vows and words.

Freedom isn't free

2011-11-17T04:22:00.000-08:00

I watched the flag pass by one day it fluttered in the breeze.

A young Lieutenant saluted it,And then he stood at ease..

I looked at him in uniform -

So young, So tall, So proud,

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years.

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,

When everything was still,

I listened to the bugler play,

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times That Taps had meant Amen.

When a flag had draped a coffin,of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children of mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands with interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard at the bottom of the sea,

Of unmarked graves in valley,

Of the price they paid for you and me,

Oh!This FREEDOM ISN'T FREE !

Article by an IAS Officer

2011-10-13T03:32:00.000-07:00

We need a permanent solution to this tussle over emoluments so that the armed forces need only confront the enemies of the nation, says T.R.Ramaswami IAS.
In the continuing debate on pay scales for the armed forces, there has to be a serious and transparent effort to ensure that the country is not faced with an unnecessary civil-military confrontation.That effort will have to come from the netas, who are the real and true bosses of the armed forces and not the civil bureaucracy. A solution may lie in what follows. This country requires the best armed forces, the best police and the best civil service. In fact that is what the British ensured.. By best one means that a person chooses which service he wants as per his desires/capabilities and not based on the vast differential in prospects in the various services.
How much differential is there?
Take Maharashtra, one of the most parsimonious with police ranks thus still retaining some merit -
The 1981 IPS batch have become 3-star generals, the 1987 are 2-star and the 1994 1-star.
In the army the corresponding years are 1972, 1975, 1979. ie a differential of 10-15 years. While the differential is more with the IAS, the variance with the IPS is all the more glaring because both are uniformed services and the grades are "visible" on the shoulders.
First some general aspects. Only the armed forces are a real profession, ie where you rise to the top only by joining at the bottom. We have had professors of economics become Finance Secretaries or even Governors of RBI. We have any number of MBBSs,engineers, MBAs, in the police force though what their qualifications lend to their jobs is a moot point. You can join at any level in the civil service, except Cabinet Secretary. A civil servant can move from Animal Husbandry to Civil Aviation to Fertilisers to Steel to yes, unfortunately, even to Defence. But the army never asks for Brigade Commanders or a Commandant of the Army War College or even Director General Military Intelligence, even from RAW or IB. Army officers can and have moved into organizations like IB and RAW but it is never the other way round. MBBS and Law graduates are only in the Medical or JAG Corps and do nothing beyond their narrow areas. Every Army Chief - in any army - has risen from being a commander of a platoon to company to battalion to brigade to division to corps to army.In fact the professionalism is so intense that no non-armoured corps officer ever commands an armoured formation , first and possibly only exception in world military history is General K. Sunderji.Perhaps it is this outstanding professionalism that irks the civil services.
Next, one must note the rigidity and steep pyramid of the army's rank structure. In the civil services any post is fungible with any grade based on political expediency and the desires of the service. For example I know of one case where one department downgraded one post in another state and up-graded one in Mumbai just to enable someone continue in Mumbai after promotion!
You can't fool around like this in the armed forces. A very good Brigadier cannot be made a Major-General and continue as brigade commander. There has to be a clear vacancy for a Major General and even then there may be others better than him. Further the top five ranks in the army comprise only 10% of the officer strength. Contrast this with the civil services where entire batches become Joint Secretaries.
Even the meaning of the word "merit" is vastly different in the army and the civil services. Some years back an officer of the Maharashtra cadre claimed that he should be the Chief Secretary as he was first in the merit list.Which merit list? At the time of entry more than 35 years before! The fact is that this is how merit is decided in the IAS and IPS. Every time a batch gets promoted the inter-se merit is still retained as at the time of entry. In other words if you are first in a batch at the time of entry, then as long as you get promoted, you continue to remain first! This is like someone in the army claiming that he should become chief because he got the Sword of Honour at the IMA. Even a Param Vir Chakra does not count for promotion, assuming that you are still alive. In the armed forces, merit is a continuous process - each time a batch is promoted the merit list is redrawn according to your performance in all the previous assignments with additional weightage given not only to the last one but also to your suitability for the next one.Thus if you are a Brigade Commander and found fit to become a Major General, you may not get a division because others have been found better to head a division. That effectively puts an end to your promotion to Lt. General.The compensation package must therefore address all the above issues. In each service, anyone must get the same total compensation by the time he reaches the 'mode rank' of his service. "Mode" is a statistical term it is the value where the maximum number of variables fall.
In the IAS normally everyone reaches Director and in the IPS it is DIG. In the army, given the aforementioned rank and grade rigidities and pyramidical structure, the mode rank cannot exceed Colonel. Thus a Colonel's gross career earnings (not salary scales alone) must be at par with that of a Director. But remember that a Colonel retires at 54, but every babu from peon to Secretary at 60 regardless of performance.Further, it takes 18-20 years to become a Colonel whereas in that time an IAS officer reaches the next higher grade of Joint Secretary, which is considered equal to a Major General.These aspects and others - like postings in non-family stations - must be addressed while fixing the overall pay scales of Colonel and below. Thereafter a Brigadier will be made equal to a Joint Secretary, a Major-General to an Additional Secretary and a Lt. General to a Secretary. The Army Commanders deserve a new rank -Colonel General - and should be above a Secretary but below Cabinet Secretary. The equalization takes place at the level of Cabinet Secretary and Army Chief.
If this is financially a problem I have another solution. Without increasing the armed forces' scales, reduce the scales of the IAS and IPS till they too have 20% shortage.
Done?
Even India 's corruption index will go down.
If the above is accepted in principle, there is a good case to review the number of posts above Colonel. Senior ranks in the armed forces have become devalued with more and more posts being created.But the same pruning exercise is necessary in the IAS and more so inthe IPS, where Directors General in some states are re-writing police manuals eg one is doing Volume I and another Volume II!
Further the civil services have such facilities as "compulsory wait" ie basically a picnic at taxpayers cost. And if you are not promoted or posted where you don't want to go they seem able to take off on leave with much ease. In the army you will be court-martialled. Also find out how many are on study leave. The country cannot afford this.
Let not someone say that the IAS and IPS exams are tougher and hence the quality of the officers better. An exam at the age of 24 has to be tougher than one at the age of 16. The taxpaying citizen is not interested in your essay/note writing capabilities or whether you know Cleopatra's grandfather.
As a citizen I always see the army being called to hold the pants of the civil services and the police and never the other way round. That's enough proof as to who is really more capable. Also recall the insensitive statements made by the IG Meerut in the Aarushi case and the Home Secretary after the blasts. Further, when the IAS and IPS hopefuls are sleeping, eating and studying, their school mates, who have joined the army, stand vigil on the borders to make it possible for them to do so. Remember that the armed forces can only fight for above the table pay. They can never compete with the civil services and definitely not with the police for the under the table variety.
Finally, there is one supreme national necessity. The political class, not the bureaucracy - which represents the real civil supremacy better become more savvy on matters relating to the armed forces. Till then they are at the mercy of the civil service, who frequently play their own little war games. At ministerial level there are some very specialized departments eg Finance, Railways,Security (Home), Foreign and Defence, where split second decisions are necessary. It is always possible to find netas savvy in finance, foreign relations and railways. Security has been addressed in getting a former IPS officer as NSA at the level of a MoS.Is it time that a professional is also brought into the Defence Ministry as MoS? The sooner the better. In fact this will be better than a CoDS because the armed forces will have someone not constrained by the Army Act or Article 33 of the Constitution.Of course the loudest howls will come from the babus. The netas must realize that a divide and rule policy cannot work where the country's security is concerned. Recall 1962?
Our army, already engaged in activities not core to their functions, including rescuing babies from borewells, should not have to engage in civil wars over their pay scales. I only hope our defence minister or anyone who would take a reasonable stand for defence forces ever gets to see this article.
It would definitely affect any person with an iota of integrity

WHY DO I FEEL CHEATED?

2011-09-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

An article by Lt Col A K Rai, Member XISF

Many people have asked me why do I feel cheated after having read my article "I Feel Cheated" in the Indian Defence Review and Sify .com. My answer:

All along my stay at RIMC, Dehradun and Training at National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun I was informed by my seniors and the armed forces officers that the Officers of the Indian Army were at par with the IAS and certainly better than the IPS and that the Major (A rank attained after 13 Years of Service at that time) in the Army was equivalent to IAS officer with not less than 12 years of service an SP with not less than 15 years of service in the IPS. We were also told that where as the IAS Officers started his career at Rs. 700/- pm an army officer started his career with Rs.750/- pm

When I got commissioned into the Indian Army on 13 June 1981 I was thrilled to have been lucky enough to join this elite service. I continued to live with this illusion till I was transferred to the Army Ordnance Corps after seven years as I had broken my knee ligament and medically downgraded. From the 7 SIKH Regt I was posted to Ordnance Depot, Shakusrbasti, New Delhi. Here my illusions were broken by the ground reality. All along we had been told that the JCOs were Class II gazetted officers. But here the JCOs were equated with non gazetted civilian employees. The equation as existing today vis a vis clerical cadre of the army and the civilian clerical cadre in the organizations having both the civilian and the armed forces personnel like the three services Headquarters, Ordnance depots etc is as given below :

Army Ranks (Clerical Cadre) Civilian Clerical Cadre
Sepoy, Lance Naik, Naik and Havildar Lower Division Clerk
Naib Subedar (Gazetted Rank) Upper Division Clerk (With less than --- five years service) (Non Gazetted Post)
Subedar (Gazetted rank) Upper Division Clerk (With more than ---- five years service), and Office Supdt ---- Grade -II (both Non Gazetted Posts)
Subedar Major (Gazetted rank) Office Supdt Grade -I ( Non Gazetted Post)

I asked how? Nobody could answer. Then as luck would have it a civilian ordnance officer (a direct entry Class II gazetted who had joined the AOC in 1981) got promoted and became CSO and thus became equivalent to a major and also became senior to me as I was a Captain then. Now this was disturbing, as a person joining AOC as a civilian Class II officer with one promotion had become senior to an Army officer who had got two promotions (Lt and Capt). More importantly did he also became equivalent to a SP with not less than 15 years of service in IPS? There was something wrong somewhere. The truth was different? I started researching I read Reports of all the Pay commissions. The end result was that over the period starting right just a few years before independence the JCOs who were gazetted officers were degraded and made equivalent to non gazetted civilian employees. The officers were degraded two ranks and that is why we find Major Generals complaining that they with 32 y6ears of service are equivalent to Civilian officers with 18 years (now 14 Years) 0f service. Surprisingly some of the very knowledgeable officers have floated this myth that "the slow promotions in the armed forces are because of the steep pyramidical hierarchy".

Now before I go further, it is necessary for the readers especially armed forces officer as to the structure of the Group A Civil Services (Class- I, II , III and IV of yesteryears have been rechristened as Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D) has been . Like the army officers get promoted from a lower rank to a higher rank, the civilian officers get promoted from a lower Pay grade to a higher pay grade. Like the Army has the same ranks for all the arms and services the Group A Civil services (including the postal and the accounts) have standard pay scales as follows. I have given the comparative table before the "upgradation of The Army ranks" took place in the early 1980s.

Civil Services Army
Pay Grade Years required for Promotion Rank Years required for Promotion
Junior Scale On Appt 2nd Lt On Appointment
Senior scale 4 years (Incl Training Period) Lt 3 1/2 Years
Junior Administrative Grade 9 years Capt 7 1/2years
Selection Grade 13 Years Major 13 years
Higher Administrative Grade 14 years Lt Col 16 years
Higher Administrative Grade- Level I 18 years Col 20 years
Higher Administrative grades As per vacancy Brig, Maj Gen, Lt Gen

By a look at the above table you will feel that in the initial years the promotions in the army are faster whereas later the promotions in the civil services are faster. So what do I feel cheated about? Because the equation is not as given above but as given below:

Civil Services Army
Pay Grade Years for Promotion Rank Years for Promotion
Junior Scale On Appointment 2nd Lt, Lt and Capt
Senior Time scale 4 years(incl training period)Major 13 years
Junior Administrative Grade 9 years Lt Col 16 years
Selection Grade 13 Years Col 20 years
Higher Administrative Grade-Level II 14 years Brig 25 years
Higher Administrative Grade-Level I 18 years Maj Gen 32 years
Higher Administrative Grades As per vacancy Lt Gen As per vacancy

It for anyone to understand that the ranks in the armed forces have deliberately been degraded by equating first three ranks of the Indian army with the lowest pay grade of the civilian Group A services and by dividing the officers in the rank of Lt Gen into Army Cdrs and equivalent other Lt Gens.

The mechanism of the degradation can be clearly seen in Para 2.3.9 Page 73 and 74 of the "Report of the Sixth Central Pay commission where till Third Pay Commission the equation of the first four ranks of army was as follows:

Junior Scale 2nd Lt and Lt
Senior Time scale Capt and Major

And at the time of Fifth central Pay Commission as follows

Junior Scale 2nd Lt, Lt and Capt
Senior Time scale Maj

This is a clear evidence of deliberate degradation of ranks where till third pay commission four ranks were made equivalent to two pay grades and then between the third and fifth pay commissions the rank of Capt. was further degraded from Senior time scale to junior scale. Incidentally this was the same very period when all out efforts were being made improve the career prospects by upgrading the appointments.. And they have again done it by degrading the rank of Lt Col. The method is very clear. First down grade and then form "AVS Committees to Upgrade" so as to improve the career prospects of the officers of the Indian Armed forces. You may see the reason why the rank of 2nd Lt was abolished. Now to upgrade they may want to do away with the rank of Lt also.

There is very simple solution, equate the gazetted with the gazetted and non gazetted with the non gazetted i.e. equate JCOs with the Group B gazetted ranks and as far as armed forces Commissioned officers are concerned introduce the rank of 2nd Lt and give one rank one pay grade as is applicable to even the most unattractive Group A civil services department of Posts and Telegraph and the accounts department. The fair and just pay scales and pay grades should be as given below to bring the army ranks on par with the civil services

Rank Pay Band Grade pay
Sep PB-1 1900
Lance Naik PB -1 2400
Naik PB - 2 4200
Havildar PB - 2 4200
Nb Subedar PB- 2 4800 (5400 after 4 years)
Subedar PB -2 6400
Subedar Major PB - 2 6400
2nd Lt PB- 3 5400
Lt PB - 3 6600
Capt PB- 3 7600
Maj PB- 3 8700
Lt Col PB - 4 8900
Col PB- 4 10000
Brig PB -4 12000
Maj Gen 80000 Status Special Secretary to Government of India
Lt Gen 80000 Status Secretary to Government of India
Lt Gen (Army Cdr) 80000 Status Principle Secretary to the Government of India

Some of the bureaucrats will say that this will result in changing of the equation that has existed since pre independence days where Maj Gen and Brig is equated with IG and DIG. My answer is the IG and DIG that the Maj Gen and DIG were equated with are rechristened as DG and ADG today.

May I request the readers who agree that the armed forces deserve a better treatment to as well as the ex servicemen to pressurize the government in not listening to the bureaucracy by sending a post card stating "I too feel Cheated. Why this step motherly treatment to the armed forces" to the Prime Minister, Defence minister and their MPs.

Written by a Fourth generation, 24 year old Career Officer in the Indian Armed Forces, spurred by the report of the 6th pay commission and a heartless

2011-09-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Written by a Fourth generation, 24 year old Career Officer in the Indian Armed Forces, spurred by the report of the 6th pay commission and a heartless article written by a 'respectable' denizen of our great country in a national daily on the armed forces and the 6th pay commission.

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 Punjab Himachal and Thoise.

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 promise 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 flag flying high
but today I ask myself a question or two…
Oh India…. Why do I still serve you?

LIEUTENANT DID YOU DIE IN VAIN?

2011-09-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

An article by Sarvar Bali, a budding journalist

LIEUTENANT DID YOU DIE IN VAIN?

I learnt about your demise from the ticker tape on one of the news channels,
last evening. It was a big encounter and a very fierce one at that. A
feeling of deep sadness enveloped me as I reflected on your youth which had
been sacrificed in Gurez Sector,in the line of duty. What does your death
mean?

By now your mortal body would be lying embalmed at the Base Hospital and
will be flown out of Srinagar later in the day,on its final journey to the
cremation ground in your native town or village.

You were too young to die,far too young! For whom and for what did you die
then? This question haunted me last night and I will attempt to answer you.

You were probably from a village or a small town of India. You were perhaps
the son of an army officer or JCO, or from an urban or rural civilian
background. You could not be from one of the big cities where iron has
entered the soul of our youth and where the only driving motivator is quest
for money in the surreal environment of the corporate world.

Why did you join the army? Of course to get a job. But than that is over
simplifying the question. You were possibly motivated by the traditions in
your family and clan,you were probably enthused by the sight of your elder
brothers,uncles or other men from your community in uniform,you were perhaps
enchanted by the cantonment life where you may have spent your growing
years.

As your body comes home, you will not get the adulations from the Government
which a soldier's body gets in the USA. Your name will not be read out in
any obituary reference in Parliament,as is done in the UK for all soldiers
who fall in combat in the line of duty.Your name will not be etched on any
national memorial because we do not have one! Symbolically you will become
the unknown soldier for the Nation, for whom the flame burns at India Gate,
but your name will not be etched there.The names engraved on that monument
are of the soldiers who died fighting for the British Indian Army and not
those who have made the supreme sacrifice for independent India! Can it get
more ironic?

But do not despair Lieutenant. Your comrades will do you proud! The
seniormost officer will lead the homage that your brother officers will pay
you before you leave the Valley of Kashmir one last time. Your unit
representatives will escort your body home. You will be carried to the
funeral pier draped in the flag for which you died fighting.The darkened and
tearful eyes of your grief-stricken mother and the stoic figure of your
father, benumbed by the enormity of this tragedy, will move even the most
cynical.

I do not know Lieutenant at what stage of the encounter you fell, mortally
wounded. But the fact that you were there on the lonely vigil across the
Line of Control in Gurez, is enough to vouch for your valour. Your unit and
formation commanders will see to it that you get the gallantry award which
you so richly deserve. In due time your father or your mother will be
presented the medal and parchment of your gallantry,which will be framed and
find the pride of place in your home.Time will dull the bitterness of this
tragic parting, which right now is the only feeling that engulfs your
parents and siblings, in its enormity.

Lieutenant you were lucky. You did not live long enough to get married and
leave behind a grieving widow. You did not live long enough to have
children. For when they would have come of age you would have seen in them a
cynicism towards the army for which you died. You will not see a young son
who thinks his father is a hero and wants to follow his footsteps in joining
the army only to be harshly dissuaded by his mother (or even father!) from
following a profession which ranks so low for the youth of our country. You
were lucky not to serve long enough to see the army getting belittled . You
did not live long enough to see the utter indifference and even disdain for
the army. Like you a large number of valiant soldiers laid down their lives
on the rocky heights of Kargil,fighting against self-imposed odds. Today it
is not even felt fit to publicly commemorate the anniversary of that
stupendous military victory,won by blood and gore,in a befitting
manner.

But do not despair Lieutenant. Your name will be etched for posterity in the
annals of your Unit and your Regiment. A silver trophy with your name
inscribed on it,will grace the center table of the unit mess.You will also
find your name in the unit Quarter Guard,where annual homage will also be
paid to you.The war memorials at the Formation HQ where you served and at
your Regimental Centre will proudly display your name for eternity.If you
joined the Army through the NDA, your name will be written in the Hut of
Remembrance through which each cadet will pass,paying homage before his
Passing Out Parade.

There will be an obituary reference to you from your comrades in the papers,
which will be flipped over by most but which will be read in detail by
people who have a connect with those who wear or wore the uniform.

As your parents head into the evening of their life,memories of your valour
will be their most precious possession. When ever your mother will think of
you her eyes will mist over but there will be more stars in them than you
ever wore on your shoulders.Your father may speak quietly about you but no
one will miss the swell of pride in his chest. For your siblings you will
always remain the real hero,and for that matter even for your community and
village. A school or a road may well be named after you and you will become
a part of the local folk-lore.

You died Lieutenant, because when the test came, you decided that you could
not let down your family,your clan and your comrades, who always expected
you,without ever saying so, to do your duty.You, Lieutenant, have done more
than your duty and made your memory their hallowed possession.

LIEUTENANT YOU DID NOT DIE IN VAIN!

Gratitude to the Anonymous Soldier

2011-08-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

Gratitude to the anonymous soldier

Dear Friends,

We must salute the soldier who lays his life to make sure that we are safe and enjoy our freedom. He does not even blink an eye once his superiors give him an order, and follows it without asking any questions. But, do we remember all those martyrs and their sacrifices in our day to day lives; do we pay them the respects and homage they deserve. Let's wake up now, it is high time we all stand together and work towards cleaning up the mess in our systems, that we all have allowed for all these years by keeping our mouths, eyes and ears shut. And these criminals have taken over our country... Let's fight together to get our nation back from them. One single sacrifice will not be enough... it may take many... The only question we have to ask ourselves is "Am I ready to sacrifice whatever it takes, for my nation"?

The average age of the army man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment dole either. He's a recent college graduate; he was probably an average student from one of the Kendriya Vidyalayas, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip -hop or country or gazals or swing and a 155mm howitzer.
He is 5 or 7 kilos lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting the insurgents or standing guard on the icy Himalayas from before dawn to well after dusk or he is at Mumbai engaging the terrorists. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. His pride and self-respect, he does not lack.
He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of combat dress: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his water bottle full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.
He feels every note of the Jana Gana Manavibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hands from their pockets, or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.

Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is your nation's Fighting Man that has kept this country free and defended your right to Freedom. He has experienced deprivation and adversity, and has seen his buddies falling to bullets and maimed and blown.

But,
He has asked nothing in return, except our acknowledgement of his existence and understanding of his human needs. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.
As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . ..
A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
Prayer wheel for our military... please don't break it Please send this on after a short prayer. Prayer Wheel
'Lord, hold our Indian Army in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.
Amen.'

Power to the people by Group Capt AG Bewoor

2010-10-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

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 todayâ€™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.

2010-10-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

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."

why do I still serve you ?

2010-10-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

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...

General Patton

2010-04-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

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.

The Last Post

2010-04-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

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.

A soldier died today

2010-04-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

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…

Signpost put up by the Indian Army at one of the highest passes in the world......

2010-04-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

A request from Dr Kalia, father of late Lt Saurabh Kalia

2010-04-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

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.

In The Line of Fire

2010-04-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

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 !!

Obituary: Lt. Gen. Pankaj Shivram Joshi

2010-03-16T10:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

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 .

Poem

2010-03-05T08:18:00.001-08:00

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

2010-03-05T03:19:00.000-08:00

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 (In Rs)
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) (Charges for 'No Parking' are not included)
1	Heavy Vehicle (Truck /Tanker/Trailers/Bus)	1,000
2	Light Vehicle (Car/Jeep)	200
3	Three Wheeler Vehicles	100

Readership

2010-03-05T03:12:00.000-08:00

Readership…

The Times of India is read by people who think they run the country.
The Economic Times is read by people who think they own the country.
The Indian Express is read by people who shouldn't run the country.
The Statesman is read by people who think they ought to run the country.
The Hindustan Times is read by people who think Delhi is a country.
The Telegraph is read by people who think Bengal is the best country.
The Malayala Manorama is read by people who think Kerala is their country, and God's ... zimble !
The Pioneer is read by people who think the Brits ran this country better.
The Saamna is read by semi-literates who think, !!+#%&, everyone should fx%k off from country.
The Femina is read by the fat wives of the rich in this country.
The Stardust is read by people who care a shit who runs the country.
The DNA is not read, but used to pack footwear by people going out of this country.

Visit to India

2010-03-05T03:11:00.001-08:00

In the days when you couldn't count on a public toilet facility, an English woman was planning a trip to India . She was registered to stay in a small guest house owned by the local Schoolmaster.
She was concerned as to whether the guest house contained a WC..
In England , a bathroom is commonly called a WC which stands for 'Water Closet'.

She wrote to the schoolmaster inquiring of the facilities about the WC.
The school master, not fluent in English, asked the local priest if he knew the meaning of WC.. Together they pondered possible meanings of the letters and concluded that the lady wanted to know if there was a 'WaysideChurch' near the house . . . a bathroom never entered their minds.
So the schoolmaster wrote the following reply:

Dear Madam,
I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is located 9 miles from the house.
It is located in the middle of a grove of pine trees, surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sundays and Thursdays.
As there are many people expected in the summer months, I suggest you arrive early. There is, however, plenty of standing room.
This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are in the habit of going regularly.
It may be of some interest to you that my daughter was married in the WC, as it was there, that she met her husband. It was a wonderful event.
There were 10 people in every seat. It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces. We can take photos in different angle.

My wife, sadly, has been ill and unable to go recently. It has been almost a year since she went last, which pains her greatly.
You will be pleased to know that many people bring their lunch and make a day of it. Others prefer to wait till the last minute and arrive just in time. I would recommend your ladyship plan to go on a Thursday as there is an organ accompaniment. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heard everywhere.

The newest addition is a bell which rings every time a person enters.

We are holding a bazaar to provide plush seats for all, since many feel it is long needed.
I look forward to escorting you there myself and seating you in a place where you can be seen by all.
With deepest regards,
The Schoolmaster

The Woman never visited India !!!!

Globalization

2010-03-01T03:10:00.000-08:00

Question:
What is the truest definition of Globalization?

Answer:
Princess
Diana's
death.

Question:
How come?

Answer :

An
English princess
with an
Egyptian boyfriend

crashes
in a French tunnel,
riding in a

German
car

with a
Dutch engine,

driven
by a Belgian

who was
drunk

on
Scottish whisky,

followed
closely by

Italian
Paparazzi,

on
Japanese motorcycles,

treated
by an American doctor,
using

Brazilian
medicines.

This is
sent to you by

an
Indian,

using

American
Bill Gates' technology,
developed in Israel

and
you're probably reading
this on your computer,

that
uses Taiwanese chips,
and

Korean
monitor,

assembled
by

Bangladeshi
workers

in a
Singapore plant,

transported
by Indian

truck drivers,

hijacked
by Indonesians,

unloaded by
Sicilian longshoremen,

and
trucked to you by Mexican illegals.

That, my friends,
is Globalization !

Holi hai bhai Holi hai --Watch out

2010-03-01T03:08:00.000-08:00

The Holi countdown has begun. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the long weekend ahead and of course, the parties. Going wild is very much the essence of Holi, and most of us enjoy this festival just because it offers the opportunity to throw restraint out of the window for a few hours.

So why not prepare yourself for the inevitable onslaught of water and colour? While colour is the essence of Holi, the skinfriendly natural dyes used a decade ago have now been replaced by synthetic dyes that have toxic effects.

To minimise the potential effects of these on the skin and hair, it's best to take precautions.

The precautions have to be taken for some days before and after Holi.

"Avoid all facial treatments during this period. If you are prone to allergies and rashes, visit your dermatologist to check whether you need precautionary medication," advises Dr Ajay Rana, a dermatologist and aesthetic physician, who is the director of Berkowits Hair and Skin Clinics.

Harsh chemicals in the colours can cause itching and rashes, which lead to eczema upon scratching. Contact dermatitis, abrasion, irritation, itching, dryness, pruritus and burning sensation are the other problems. The best way to protect your skin is to apply a thick layer of oil or petroleum jelly on the exposed parts of the body an hour before you step out.

Also, use sunscreen since the dyes present in the colours make the skin vulnerable to sun burns, darkening and rashes. There's also the risk of getting dry skin and pigmentation since some colours are photosensitive and cause the skin to burn when it is exposed to sunlight. Washing and scrubbing to remove colours aggravate the problem.

"People tend to use soaps to remove colours but these contain esters that erode the skin layers and often cause rashes," says Dr Anil Malik, consultant dermatologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital. He advises washing with a soap- free cleanser.

Dr Rana cautions against using kerosene, spirit or petrol to remove the colour and says a cream- based cleanser or baby oil is the best option. "Make sure you use cold water for washing as hot water sticks the colour on the skin," he adds.

A liberal application of moisturiser or baby oil after cleansing is also a good idea. Also, it's best to stay away from sunlight till your skin settles down.

Coming to hair, the chemicals in the colours cause the roots to become brittle and the scalp to dry up. To prevent this, use baby oil or coconut oil daily before you shampoo your hair in the days leading up to Holi. But Just like soap, don't overdo the shampoo since it may lead to hair fall.

Nails are also to be taken care of as the dye lodged in nails is hard to remove. The best way to avoid this is to use petroleum jelly. And avoid a pedicure or manicure for a day or so as these treatments can either damage the nail or the cuticle.

Don't use nailpolish remover to get the colour off as it dissolves the protective skin layer .

Quotes

2009-11-17T02:37:00.000-08:00

1. The best way to get even is to forget...

2. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death...

3. God wants spiritual fruits, not religious nuts...

4. Some folks wear their halos much too tight...

5. Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth...

6. Unless You can create the WHOLE universe in 5 days, Then perhaps giving "advice" to God, isn't such a good idea!

7. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up...

8. Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways...

9. Words are windows to the heart.

10. A skeptic is a person who when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims it's a forgery...

11. It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill ... just add a little dirt.

12. A successful marriage isn't finding the right person -- it's being the right person.

13. The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground...

14. Too many people offer God prayers with claw marks all over them.

15. The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it.

16. To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you.

17. You have to wonder about humans...they think God is dead and Elvis is alive!

18. It's okay to sit on your pity pot every now and then. Just be sure to flush once-in-awhile.

19. You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck...

20. If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.

Remembrance Day

2009-11-03T06:19:00.000-08:00

Daddy's poem.

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
he favourite dress tied with a bow,
today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mummy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay at home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all
about a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall at the back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class,
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching for
a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
‘looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her mum.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone
and though I cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
and if he could, he'd be here
but heaven's just too far.

You see he was a British Soldier
and died just this past year,
when a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Britons to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

To her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
a room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star,
and given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

Lest We Forget.

Let go off the baggage of the pretty Lady

2009-10-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Let Go Of The Baggage Of The "Pretty Lady"

Once upon a time a big monk and a little monk were traveling together. They came to the bank of a river and found the bridge was damaged. They had to wade across the river. There was a pretty lady who was stuck at the damaged bridge and couldn't cross the river.

The big monk offered to carry her across the river on his back. The lady accepted. The little monk was shocked by the move of the big monk. "How can big brother carry a lady when we are supposed to avoid all intimacy with females?" thought the little monk. But he kept quiet.

The big monk carried the lady across the river and the small monk followed unhappily. When they crossed the river, the big monk let the lady down and they parted ways with her.

All along the way for several miles, the little monk was very unhappy with the act of the big monk. He was making up all kinds of accusations about big monk in his head. This got him madder and madder. But he still kept quiet. And the big monk had no inclination to explain his situation.

Finally, at a rest point many hours later, the little monk could not stand it any further; he burst out angrily at the big monk. "How can you claim yourself a devout monk, when you seize the first opportunity to touch a female, especially when she is very pretty? All your teachings to me make you a big hypocrite. The big monk looked surprised and said, "I had put down the pretty lady at the river bank many hours ago, how come you are still carrying her along?"

Moral of the Story:

This very old Chinese Zen story reflects the thinking of many people today.

We encounter many unpleasant things in our life, they irritate us and they make us angry.

Sometimes, they cause us a lot of hurt; sometimes they cause us to be bitter or jealous. But like the little monk, we are not willing to let them go away.

We keep on carrying the baggage of the "pretty lady" with us. We let them keep on coming back to hurt us, make us angry, make us bitter and cause us a lot of agony. Why? Simply because we are not willing to put down or let go of the baggage of the "pretty lady".

We should let go of the pretty lady immediately after crossing the river that is after the unpleasant event is over. This will immediately remove all our agonies. There is no need to be further hurt by the unpleasant event after it is over.

(When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.)

Pedaller of Hope

2009-10-13T04:45:00.000-07:00

Pedaller of hope

Twelve years, 111 cycle rallies, 75 families of Prisoners Of War and martyrs, all with the selfless motive of spreading awareness and keeping them alive in Indian memory. 52-year-old Hira Lal Yadav has been cycling through the streets of India, collecting letters written by POWs and their photographs, trying to create awareness through pamphlets and mass rallies with a hope of somehow bringing back home this lost population.

SUNIL THAPLIYAL reports

Fidus Achates, perhaps this is the title that 52-year-old Hira Lal Yadav can be best honoured with as he has been acting like a trusted friend to many families for decades.

Just like the wheels of time, Yadav's cycle has reached out to families of those persons whose relatives have been Prisoners of War in many Pakistani jails.

Yadav's mission: Highlighting the plight of such families and wiping the dust from the Government's memory so that some action can be taken to bring the soldiers back home.

Since 1997, Yadav has pedaled in more than 111 cycle rallies across the country. While the initial issue taken up by him was drugs, it slowly forayed into another serious one — that of POWs.

Yadav's past is nothing extraordinary. He was just another man who came from a rural background and left his ancestral place in Gorakhpur to head for Mumbai in search of a living. That was in 1981.

The thought of trying to help others came to him while Yadav was smoking a cigarette. "After I threw the stub and walked away, I realised that my son had picked it and was puffing on it. I realised that if a child can learn a thing by just observing, perhaps my selfless motive of helping soldiers' families would force youngsters to ponder over the plight of the hundreds of soldiers languishing in jails across Pakistan, especially the one at Kot Lakhpat.

“My motive is simple. To generate enough publicity and make students and the public aware so that the POWs are released," Yadav says.

For a civilian, the war ends within a few weeks, but a soldier's family has to fight another war that rages for a lifetime. Time and again, the issue of POWs has been raised but the Pakistani Government has cursedly denied having any such prisoners. In July, 2001, when then Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf visited India, he harped on the same chord.

“However, by then the Kargil War had revealed otherwise. We have been trying to pressurise the Government to secure the release of prisoners. A delegation of family members of Indian POWs was sent to Pakistan in 2007. Even many Pakistani human rights activists are working on this," Yadav adds.

When Yadav was touring the country to raise awareness about drugs, the sacrifice of Indian soldiers came to his mind during the golden jubilee Independence Day celebrations in 1997. He says: "I started working on the POWs issue as I felt that in all our Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations we had failed to respect our soldiers.

“We only remember them during crisis. I decided to tour the country to raise awareness because, unfortunately, the young generation does not have any knowledge about the supreme sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and soldiers. There is hardly any information readily available on them.”

“The turning point of my mission came when I saw the bodies of our beloved soldiers covered by the Tricolour. Most martyrs had not even crossed their mid-20s. I felt that if such soldiers were taken POWs, then they would be suffering a great deal in jails," Yadav added.

Since then, Yadav has cycled to the homes of many martyrs, starting from that of the 1965 Indo-Pak War hero Abdul Hameed, whose act of gallantry won him the Paramveer Chakra.

During the Kargil War, Yadav travelled to the war zone from Mumbai on a bicycle without a seat. He travelled for 200 days through Nagpur, Chennai, Bihar and the Wagah border to meet his objective.

During the Kargil War, Captain Vikram Batra became a martyr. But, after 10 years, people hardly remember him. His proud father GL Batra says: "Though we do not expect anything, sometimes it hurts how people can forget the sacrifices of our soldiers. Hira Lal Yadav has been in touch with us and it gives us relief to learn that there are people who still love their soldiers and acknowledge them."

Hira has been working as a bridge between civilians and the armed forces. He collects the last letters of martyrs and POWs and shows them to college students, citing their numerous acts of heroism. He collects posters from students of universities across the country and exhibits them in various cities to spread awareness about the soldiers.

"Today's youth must come out of their fascination for the glamour world of movies and sports. They should look beyond and see soldiers as their idols," Yadav says.

"My son, Captain Saurabh Kalia, sacrificed his life for the nation. He did his duty very well. He made me proud. People respect us. Even though I lost one son, I got thousands in return. All this has come due to people like Hira Lal Yadav, who are in a mission to highlight the bravery of soldiers," said M K Kalia.

Yadav also says that when he started, dissemination of information was tough. "But now, in the era of Internet and Information Technology, people can pressurize Governments of both countries to release the prisoners".

"All this can be achieved by sending emails and being part of signature campaigns that show their concern. We don't have any other option, and we can only try. At least now people have knowledge and are worried about those 54 forgotten war heroes who are in the Pakistani jail for decades. I think this is the result of our campaign," Yadav says.

Yadav even tried his level best to help POW families financially. "Earlier, I used to have donation boxes when I went about my awareness programmes.

This generated some funds that I used to give to the needy families. However, my network is not that huge that I could get enough support for the martyrs' families. But I plan to add more people for the cause and help all those soldiers who are handicapped, or medically unfit," he adds.

Yadav says that even though the Government may not be helping him in his efforts, he's fine with it. He says: "The Government should just concentrate on its job, and I will on mine. I can't say any more in this regard."

Taking his efforts a mile forward, Hira Lal Yadav has even written a book called "Salaam Sainik" which is a collection of poems. Written in 2005, the book was released by Yogendera Singh Yadav, a Paramveer Chakra awardee.

"My poems have been well appreciated by the jawans. When I went to Ambala Cantonment for recitation of my poems, I found hundreds of army men waiting for my programme to start. After I recited the poems, I got a standing ovation from them as they truly paint a picture of the life led by them. An officer even came up and said that it was the first time that he had seen an effort made by any civilian to support the Army," Yadav added.

Yadav has been suffering from kidney stones and back problem. More so, he began his 'act of healing' at the age of 40, when most people resign themselves to the everyday burdens of life and prefer to lead a fixed routine. Yadav was also advised by doctors not to undertake any task that involved a lot of physical activity. But he carried on despite the warnings.

"No hurdle can stop me from my mission. My pain is nothing compared to the sufferings of martyrs' families. If they can bear the pain, then why can't I do this little thing for them?” questions Yadav.

Hira Lal's personal life was also affected by his honest cause. But all is well now on the home front. His 18-year-old son, Pradeep, who is in 12th standard and yearns of becoming an MBA says: "Earlier I used to miss him. Sometimes I felt bad. But as I grew up, I realised the importance of his work. Now it really makes me proud. However, as he's busy traveling and his schedule is awry, all familial responsibilities have fallen on my mother and elder brother. But we don't have any problems. We love him and can bear anything for this noble cause."

Stark reality

· In a book published in 1980 titled Bhutto — Trial and Execution written by Victoria Schofield, a senior BBC London reporter, covering the period 1978 when Bhutto was detained in Kot Lakhpat jail, Lahore. Page No 59 reads: “(Bhutto’s) cell separated from a barrack area by a 10 foot high wall did not prevent him from hearing horrific shrieks and screams at night from the other side of the wall. One of Bhutto’s lawyers made enquires amongst the jail staff and ascertained that they were in fact Indian Prisoners of War who had been rendered delinquent and mental during the course of the 1971 war.”

· The name of Major Ashok Suri was mentioned on January 6 and 7, 1972 in Punjabi Darbar programme of Lahore. His father also received letters from a Karachi jail on August 13, 1975 dated June 14/15/16, 1975 stating that their were 20 other officers with him there.

· Mohanlal Bhaskar, who was in a jail between 1968 and 1974 and repatriated on December 9, 1974 wrote a book (Main Pakistan Mein Bharat Ka Jasoos Tha) and gave a signed affidavit stating that in Fort of Attock, a Pakistani Major Ayaj Ahmed Sipra (imprisoned for conspiring against Bhutto) spoke of his befriending a Gill of the Indian Air Force and a Captain Singh of the Indian Army as well as mentioning that there were around 40 Pows of the 1965 and 1971 wars in that jail who had no chances of release.

· There is other evidence, a photo in Time magazine of Major Ghosh in a Pakistani jail published on December 27, 1971.

What goes around comes around

2009-10-13T03:24:00.000-07:00

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

One day a man saw a old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pinto was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.

He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.'

Well, all she had was a flat tire,
But for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.
Bryan never thought twice about being paid.
This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me..'

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps.. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair.. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her
Feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan ..

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.'

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the Money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....

She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything' s going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'

There is an old saying...... 'What goes around comes around.' Today I sent you this story, and I'm asking you to pass it on. Let this light shine.

Don't delete it, don't return it. Simply, pass this on to a friend

Good friends are like stars.....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

~GOD BLESS!~

2009-10-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Brave Sons of INDIA

2009-10-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

Brave sons of India

“Brave soldiers of India” (Spectrum, Sept 13) has portrayed a true picture of the bravery of Indian soldiers. Over 1.4 million Indian soldiers fought for the British in World War I. Of these, 47,000 were killed and another 65,000 were wounded. In this war, Indian soldiers became known the world over for their valour and won 12 Victoria Crosses.

The first Victoria Cross was awarded on October 31, 1914, at Hollebeke in Belgium to an infantryman Sepoy Khudadad Khan of Battalion I, 129^th Duke of Cannaught’s own Baluchis. Thus, of the 17 Victoria Crosses awarded during World War I, 12 went to the Indian soldiers. Only one of these, Rifleman Gobar Singh Negi of Battalion II, 39^th Garhwal Rifles was awarded posthumously, other VC holders had fought on to inspire their fellow soldiers. At the end of the war, 2/3 Gorkha Rifles had two living VCs in the unit.

The Britishers were very tactful, tough and tenacious. They had not considered the Indian soldiers entitled for the Victoria Cross. The “Order of Merit” instituted in 1837 was the highest gallantry award for the Indian soldiers. It was only in 1911 that Indian soldiers became entitled to receive the VC.

The courage of millions of soldiers from the Indian sub-continent, Africa and the Caribbean, who fought and died for the British in the two world wars, has been recognised now with the erection of memorial gates adjacent to the Buckingham Palace. Leading industrialists Gopichand Hinduja, Lakshmi Mittal and Avtar Lit were among influential Asians in Britain who were the driving force behind the setting up of these memorials.

Our politicians have no time for our martyrs. On Kargil Day many leaders had no time to grace the functions held to mark the occasion.

MULTAN SINGH PARIHAR, Jalari (Hamirpur)

Remembering the Brave

2009-10-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

Let us remember our Brave Soldiers.

The best way I thought to do this was to create " Salute the Soldier Foundation". My hope and aspirations with this non profit foundation is to increase community awareness and create opportunities for people to assist in the financial, emotional and spiritual needs to those who have served and sacrificed so much for this great country.I would like to invite views and suggestions.

Please click on the following link to read about Maj Gen C Venugopal, PVSM, MVC

http://www.geocitie s.com/siafdu/ amvc28.html

Lt Colonel Chittoor Venugopal was commanding a battalion of Gorkha Rifles during the operations on the Eastern Front.

On 4 December 1971, the battalion came up against well fortified enemy defences at Utrali and Darsana. The position had a series of concrete pillboxes interconnected with elaborate communication trenches. Lt Colonel Venugopal planned the attack with great professional skill. Showing complete disregard for his personal safety, he led the attack and by his presence inspired his men to achieve the objective. After the capture of these two positions, the battalion relentlessly pursued the withdrawing enemy giving him no rest or time to regroup till Jhenida was captured three days later.

Throughout, Lt Colonel Venugopal displayed conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in the best traditions of the Army.
Gen Venugopal, who is now 83 years young, is at Tirupati; and those who know him may call him on Tel No: 0877-2287242

REMEMBER

2009-10-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER

* Remember that your presence is a present to the world.
* Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.
* Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.
* Remember to take the days just one at a time.
* Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.
* Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along.
* Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.
* Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.
* Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.
* Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.
* Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry
* Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
* Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.
* Remember not to take things too seriously.
* Remember to laugh.
* Remember that a little love goes a long way.
* Remember that a lot goes forever.
* Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.
* Remember that life's treasures are people, not things.

I am a Fauji by Capt VR Rao

2009-09-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

My feet are sore, My limbs are numb
I keep walking, I keep on walking

Smile on my face, my eyes are bright
I feel no pain, am ready to fight

I have seen blood, I have seen tears
I dare the impossible, I have no fears
I am me, I am a Fauji

I am willing to give, everything I store
Ignore my blisters and ask for more

All I have is my spirit and soul
Bag full of discipline and loyalty in my role

No questions asked, I give you dependability
Pride in me, I would give my life for integrity
I am me, I am a Fauji

Strong is my vision, dear are my beliefs
Values are what I bring, sharp are my skills

Competence and commitment, Candor and will
I have always and I always will

Humility and empathy, tact and thinking
Makes me confident and defines my bearing
I am me, I am a Fauji

I live with challenges, challenges inspire me
I lead my men, their drive drives me

My team is me, I live for my team
Come thunder or storm, the mission is supreme

I give sweat and my blood for the task I do
Nothing exists for which I have said No to.
I am me, I am a Fauji

My feet are sore, my limbs are numb
I keep walking, I keep on walking

I am me, I am a Fauji…….I am me, I am a Fauji

Simple Analogy

2009-09-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Simple Analogy

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before but had once failed an entire class.

That class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on socialism. All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.

The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.

The second test average was a D! No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that.

What a profound short little paragraph that says it all

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for,that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

~~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931

By Seema Mustafa and Rahul Bedi.......

2009-09-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

HAS INDIA BECOME A SOFT STATE ?

The train from Beijing to Tibet reaches strategically sensitive heights. Packed with local Chinese and a handful of foreigners, it weaves its way through breathtaking unexplored territory, even as hacks like us stare out of the windows for a glimpse of military movement. We are not disappointed. With this railway line and a network of excellent roads extending almost till the Indian border, China has increased its capacity to move troops and materiel to the Line of Actual Control in 25 days as against the earlier six months.

China’s ongoing two-month-long Stride-2009 exercises involving over 50,000 soldiers from four major regional commands demonstrate its capability to mobilise large forces to Tibet using civilian air and rail links as well. China has billed these exercises as the PLA’s extended force projection capability. The PLA’s Rapid Reaction Forces, known locally as Resolving Emergency Mobile Combat Forces, are also capable of a 24-48-hour response to emergencies. Analysts said this implies that Beijing is capable of moving up to four divisions, or over 200,000 troops, swiftly to the Indian border if the need arises either in response to a threat or, in all likelihood, to flaunt power. The Chinese also have nine airfields in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, including four at Lhasa to facilitate the PLA’s rapid mobilisation.

Talk in New Delhi of the “China threat” — which visibly agitates Beijing — has resurfaced once again, with the 13th round of discussions on the border issue between Special Representatives M.K. Narayanan and Dai Bingguo registering little movement forward. A Chinese media offensive questioning Indian policy towards China has further alarmed India’s strategic community, with the military stepping in to suggest that the wisest course would be to focus on “quality” improvement in operational capability, instead of erring, as always, on the side of numbers.

Retired Indian Navy [IN] Chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta clarified his earlier remarks by telling Covert that he had at no stage suggested that India could not confront China, but had at a lecture pointed out that since “in both conventional and non-conventional military terms Delhi cannot match Beijing force-for-force” Indian strategy should focus on “lean and mean” capacity building. “We can, for instance, have far better ships than the Chinese have and technologically beat them at their own game,” Admiral Mehta added.

There is no sense of this realisation in India’s political establishment that remains in a state of denial over China. From occasional alarmist statements to deliberate efforts to underplay the situation to being downright supine, the Government has failed miserably in developing a strategic line of action in keeping with the fast pace of military development across India’s borders. Former Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Vijay Oberoi said it was unfortunate that “policymakers cannot take hard decisions, and are responsible for the perception that we are a soft state and so can succumb to pressure”.

COL. R. HARIHARAN from the Chennai Centre of China Studies said that most of India’s neighbours perceive it as a “soft state”. Perception is what makes beliefs and they come from how India conducts itself both internally and externally. “Most of our security related problems — inability to develop a long-term national vision, inability to use time as a resource, unresolved land and maritime border disputes, mending relations with neighbours, effectively handling homegrown insurgencies — in short failure to walk the talk — has contributed to this negative image,” according to Hariharan who played an active role with the Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka in the late 1980s.

Three “moments” to exhibit this resolve for hard action that were not seized by the Government in recent years are acknowledged by the military and strategic establishment as, not striking Pakistani assets during Kargil, not launching punitive strikes against Islamabad after the December 2001 Parliament terror attack and again after last year’s Mumbai terror attacks.

Former Deputy National Security Advisor Satish Chandra said that just after the Kargil occupation became known there was a strong view in the NDA Government that the best option to avoid multiple casualties in trying to re-occupy the heights would be to cross the border and seize territory that could then be traded for a Pakistani pullout from the occupied heights. The then Army Chief, General Ved Prakash Malik reportedly opposed this, maintaining that the Army was neither equipped nor ready for what could erupt into a full-fledged war. He was backed by the two other Service Chiefs, who were equally full of trepidation over the consequences of extending the theatre of conflict.

The second opportunity for hard action came with the attack on Parliament, but after mounting the longest ever mobilisation of its armed forces in December 2001 lasting ten months, the NDA Government withdrew its troops without either firing a single shot or, for that matter, deterring Pakistan in any noteworthy manner. Most Army officers share the view of former Army Chief Gen. S. Padmanabhan, who claimed in an interview at the time that a political decision to go to war could have resulted in significant military gains in January 2002 when the Pakistani military was still to mobilise. He did not agree with the view that at least limited air strikes on specific targets in Pakistan should have been carried out, saying, “If you really want to punish someone for something very terrible he has done, you smash him. You destroy his weapons and capture his territory.” But he stressed that there had to be a policy, a mandate decreed by the political rulers. The third opportunity, of course, was after the Mumbai attacks when the military was keen to go across the border and “hit any target to show that such a strike on a civilian target was not to be tolerated”. But the Government balked at the prospect and the “moment” passed. Chandra tersely pointed out that Pakistan and the international community are well aware that India will not take decisive military action, meekly accepting “whatever comes its way as we blunder along from one disaster to another”.

“India’s problem is that we have never imposed a price on any nation for action taken against us,” Chandra said. “We keep silent and accept whatever comes our way. Whenever there is the question of national interest being at stake, Governments must be prepared to take the consequences, and not emerge as the soft state we have become,” he added.

A CASE FOR strategic action is China, according to experts, but the Government has done little to contain or counter the spread of Chinese influence in the region. China’s “string of pearls”, as US analysts describe it, of stitching up military, diplomatic and economic alliances with all of India’s neighbours like Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and even the Maldives is deftly placing a strategic garrotte around it.

China is developing Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port in the south of the island republic, which will give it access to the Indian Ocean Region [IOR], an area of strategic influence it is seeking to dominate by developing the PLA Navy [PLAN] into a formidable blue water force, with task forces spearheaded by nuclear powered ballistic submarines. Interestingly, Sri Lanka first offered this project to India, but the usual New Delhi vacillation made it turn to China.

China also supplied the Sri Lankan military a varied range of armaments, including anti-aircraft guns, in its fight against the Tamil Tiger rebels, earning in the process Colombo’s undying gratitude for its “steadfast support”. Sri Lankan defence secretary and President Mahinda Rajapakse’s brother, Gotabaya Rajapakse told the Indian authorities, including National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan in Delhi that “security compulsions” were driving Colombo to seek military equipment from China, Pakistan and other suppliers.

China remains a long standing military and nuclear ally of Pakistan and has extended nuclear energy pacts with Bangladesh, which, in turn, has granted Beijing exploration rights for developing its coal and natural gas fields. China’s economic and diplomatic footprint is also expanding incrementally across Nepal, shifting its support from the deposed King to the Maoists, unlike India that remained on shaky ground throughout the transition of the Himalayan kingdom into a republic. Its palpable presence is in evidence in Myanmar, helping it to modernise its naval bases at Akyab, the Cocos Islands, Hainggyi, Khaukphyu, Kyun, Mergui and Zadetkyi, by building radar, refit and refuelling facilities capable of, eventually, supporting Chinese submarine operations in the Andaman Sea and the IOR.

China has also reportedly established a signals intelligence [SIGINT] facility on the Cocos Islands, 30 nautical miles from the Andamans, reportedly to monitor Indian missile test firings from the eastern Orissa coast: an activity that has proliferated since its 1998 nuclear tests. In August 2008 Indian security officials were alarmed by reports of China’s plans to “upgrade” communication and helipad facilities on the Cocos Islands as part of what it believes is Beijing’s strategy of “encircling” its neighbouring nuclear rival. Official military sources in Delhi said the apprehensions follow the unpublicised 25 June 2008 visit to the Cocos, contiguous to India’s Andaman island territory in the Bay of Bengal, by a Chinese naval delegation led by Col. Chi Ziong Feng.

IN A TANDEM effort to “ring” India, nuclear rival and Beijing-ally Pakistan has also supplied Myanmar with several shiploads of ordnance and military hardware over the past decade. Pakistan also trains Myanmar’s soldiers to operate Chinese tanks, fighter aircraft and artillery, while its officers attend Pakistani defence training institutions. Since 2001 a permanent Pakistan defence attaché has also been posted at Yangon.

Beijing, meanwhile, has made clear to India its heightened sensitivities about Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh, losing no opportunity to attack Delhi through the official and non-official channels on these prickly issues. It doggedly opposed an Asian Development Bank loan to India because a portion of it was for the development of Arunachal Pradesh, refused to give visas to a visiting delegation of Indian officials because it included an official from the “disputed territory”. The Chinese media too has been particularly critical of India recently, with several officially-sponsore d articles questioning its intent vis-à-vis Beijing, a criticism triggered by Delhi clinching a civilian nuclear deal with the US and becoming Washington’s close strategic and military ally.

Other possible future events that could have a serious and unpredictable impact on Indian national security calculations include internal developments in China, in particular those relating to the deification of the next Dalai Lama. Similar changes could result from any rapid moves towards military engagement between the US, Japan and India, which appear to be growing, albeit have slowed somewhat under the Obama administration.

Simmering Sino-Indian political, diplomatic and military tensions had also proliferated over the past two years, with the number of PLA incursions along the bilaterally disputed 4,057 km long Line of Actual Control increasing to 203 in 2008 from 170 the previous year, many of them adjoining “disputed” Arunachal Pradesh. Military officers said, in the endless cat-and-mouse game China was calculatedly “testing” India’s response to their transgressions, confident that they controlled the levers of escalation.

Militarily, India has only just started responding to the Chinese, even though, as Lt. Gen. Oberoi said, the Army has been urging New Delhi to develop its infrastructure for enhanced accessibility. After decades of neglect and diffidence, India has started constructing roads, upgrading and constructing new airstrips as well as numerous bridges to keep pace with the Chinese infrastructure. However, the military is clear that it will be at least 15 years before India can hope to catch up with China on this. Army units deployed in the region since the 1962 war remain dependent on animal transport and airdrops for supplies. Soldiers have to trek for 15 days to reach posts, as compared to China where soldiers are serviced by all weather roads.

Delhi has also cleared the raising of two Army divisions, or around 50,000 troops, for the Chinese frontier and begun stationing two Sukhoi 30 MK1 squadrons or around 36 fighter aircraft at Tezpur. The runway at Tezpur — a MiG 21 base till recently — has been renovated alongside an infrastructure upgrade to house the “air dominance” Su 30 MKIs capable of striking targets deep inside China.

TIMIDITY AND A sense of denial plague Indian decision-making, but apart from this, the military is facing systemic problems that prevent it from adopting a sustained approach to threats from across the borders. Service rivalries, ambiguous policies and vacillation in decision making are some of the roadblocks preventing India’s military modernisation and strategic nimbleness.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony recently lamented the “shameful and dangerous” situation in which the country was impelled to import 70% of its military requirements, despite repeated governmental declarations of becoming self-reliant. “We had set up the goal of self reliance 50 years ago. But it is unfortunate that we are importing 70% of our defence equipment. It is both shameful and dangerous,” he told Parliament. However, Antony is as much responsible for this as are his predecessors in office. Decisions are not taken, or delayed inordinately, defence officers pointed out. “There are many shortages, procurements are cancelled, our tanks are still without night vision equipment, negotiations for Admiral Gorshkov have still not been concluded, the aircraft carrier out of dry dock does not have any aircraft to fly,” Lt. Gen. Oberoi said, adding that the “defence sector has been badly neglected, with the Government unable to decide between the ‘butter’ and the ‘gun’.”

Admiral Mehta wondered at the tendency to ban defence companies at the drop of a hat, and mostly on complaints filed by rivals in the business. He said that conglomerates had been banned from supplying much needed weaponry to India for flimsy reasons, resulting in major losses to the country. He cited the instance of the HDW submarine saying that the purchase in the 1980s was part of a larger agreement to manufacture two submarines indigenously, and “set up a line”. He said that the decision to blacklist HDW set the industry back by over 15 years and “we are still struggling to start a line, being way behind other countries”.

“Allocation of money [for defence] has never been a problem,” Antony declared breezily. Rather, the issue has been the timely and judicious utilisation of the money allocated, he added in an ironic and unbelievably naïve censure of his own performance and inadequacy as the Defence Minister, now for a second term. In financial year 2008-09 the Ministry Of Defence [MoD] returned Rs 7,000 cr of the Rs 48,000 cr earmarked for capital or acquisition expenditure to the Central exchequer due to delayed decision making.

The Defence Minister’s five-year operational directive is invariably outdated — the last one was issued in 2002 after a 15-year hiatus and a fresh one is overdue. The appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff [CDS] has been stymied by inter-service turf wars as well as bureaucratic and political machinations. The CDS was to function as a crucial “interface” between the defence, civilian and political establishments to help reorder archaic procurement and operational procedures.

As a compromise the Government created the “watered down” Integrated Defence Staff [IDS] in October 2001, for greater “synergy” between the Services and the MoD. The strategic force command [SFC], formalised earlier this year, India’s only tri-service command on the Andaman and Nicobar island-territory off the east coast, and the Defence Intelligence Agency [DIA], were all to come under the CDS. The IDS now reports to the Chief of Staff Committee [CoSC] that has been reduced to just a “clearing house” for individual service requirements, with no authority over final procurements or asset commitments in war. Corruption and transparency in defence procurement remains an issue. As Col. Hariharan pointed out, “Defence procurement should be more transparent. There is no accountability for delays in procurement or losses due to poor staff work.”

AS FAR AS national security is concerned, we should not hand over the fate of decision making exclusively to the domain of babudom and politicians. Defence chiefs should have hands on accountability to national security decisions. After all, how many heads have rolled for Kargil except for middle level Army officers? Aggravating matters is the generalist, civilian-dominated MoD that has no stakes in developing India’s military capability in consonance with national security requirements. It remains a disinterested overseer and stern book-keeper with complete financial powers but little operational responsibility. Differences between the military and the bureaucracy continue to affect decision-making, with even the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission for the defence services being watered down by the Finance Ministry. The discrimination in status as well as pay with civil servants had the defence chiefs “fighting a long battle from behind”, and although some issues have been addressed, the anger and resentment remain. Col. Hariharan pointed out that several suggestions had been made by the military to overcome the present shortage of soldiers and officers, to boost morale and to attract new talent to the services. “But vested interests in babudom are benefiting from the existing system and are blocking changes in the status quo. I don’t expect any radical change in our attitude of using the soldiers as karipatta, use and throw,” he regretted. Simple proposals for a war museum and a cenotaph for the unknown soldier remain in cold storage, an indicator of bureaucratic stubbornness.

Lt. Gen. Oberoi pointed out that neither the political leaders concerned nor the bureaucracy give two hoots about national security. “Put a policeman on the top and he can only send evidence to Pakistan,” he said with a laugh. Ambassador Chandra said, “Our problem is that we have never imposed a price on any nation for action taken against us, we keep silent and accept whatever comes our way. When there is the question of India’s interests being at stake, Governments must be prepared to take the consequences”

What our Scriptures say.......

2009-09-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is what our Scriptures say....

YATRA YOGESHWARA KRISHNA,

YATRA PARTHA DHANURDHARA,

TATRA SRI , VIJAYA , BHUTHI : ,

DRUVA , NITIR - MATIR MAMAH:

When translated it broadly means ;
"Good Governance to deliver Wealth & Progress,

Equality, Education, and Justice , needs Great Soldiery".

Is our present Governance complying with our scriptures ???

2009-09-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

This blog had featured a post on the apathy of the media towards troops martyred in the fight against terrorism. It is not clear whether it is a mere coincidence or an impact of the post (the blogger would like to think the latter), but there has been a visible change in the coverage accorded to the martyrdom of Maj JS Suri and three jawans on 24 Sep.

These brave men made the supreme sacrifice while battling terrorists in two separate encounters in Kashmir. In a marked difference from the coverage of a similar incident involving Maj Manish Pitambare mentioned in the previous post, almost all the major newspapers, including Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Times of India, The Asian Age and The Pioneer have devoted substantial space on their front pages this time around.

Statement by Air Chief

2009-09-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Pilots and planes
IAF badly needs both

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik did not say it in so many words but his frustration was obvious in his statement that the present strength of the country’s air force is inadequate. It is so short in terms of both planes and pilots that leave alone matching up with China – whose air force is about thrice as big as ours – it will have to inch past even Pakistan on the courage and skill of its magnificent airmen rather than the material strength. There has been a steady decline over the years. The IAF’s number of squadrons had fallen to an alarming 31.5 in 2006. The fleet strength increased to about 33.5 squadrons after the induction of British advanced jet trainers “Hawk” in 2008. Even that is inadequate considering that the sanctioned squadron strength is 39.5. Its intended purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) is grossly delayed and the flight trials started in Bangalore only on August 17 this year. The Rs 42,000-crore induction will start in 2015 and is expected to increase the squadron strength to 42.5 by 2022.

Many of the planes it has today are aged and unsuitable for being in the service of the world’s fourth largest air force. For instance, MiG-21, which is the mainstay of the IAF, was first developed half a century ago, and barely exudes any confidence. Working on depleted strength not only compromises the country’s security but also tells on the morale of the force.

Even worse is the shortage of manpower. The IAF is short of as many as 1,400 officers. Things are no better in the Indian Army and the Navy, which are short of 11,387 and 1,512 officers, respectively. Obviously, the profession is no longer attractive for the youth. How can it be when there are no avenues of promotion even after 24 or 25 years of service? That is why over 100 pilots of the IAF have applied for voluntary retirement. There is need to take a hard look at their grievances. A country which aims to become a major power of the 21st century needs to have forces in reserve, rather than battling with shortages.

Arz Kiya Hai

2009-09-24T11:35:00.001-07:00

Arz kiya hai

Jeevan me kamyab hone ke liye 3 factory lagao!!!!
1) Dimag me Ice factory.
2) Zuban par Sugar factory.
3) Dil me Love factory.
Phir life hogi satisfactory..

Ek din Sagar ne Nadi se pucha:
Kab tak milati rahogi mujh khare pani se ???
Nadi ne haskar kaha :
Jab tak tujh me mithas na aa jaye tab tak !!!

Thats "RELATIONSHIP".

1 tree makes 1 Lakh matchsticks.
But 1 matchstick can burn 1 Lakh trees.
Similarly 1 negative thought or doubt can burn thousands of
dreams.... Be Positive Always !!!

Chehre ki hasi se har gam chupao,
Bahut kuch bolo par kuch na batao...
Khud na rutho kabhi, par sabko manao,
Ye Raz hai Zindagi ka, Bas Jite chale jao

Dostana andaaz mein Mujhse kisi ne pucha,
Tum sabko email bhejhte ho ? Tumhe kya milta hai ?
Maine hass kar kaha, Dena Lena to Vyaapar hai,
Jo dekar kuch na mange, Wo hi to PYAR hai.

Wa prabhu kya leela teree :
Chuhe Billi se darte hai,
Billi Kutte se darte hai,
Kutta Aadmi se darte hai,
Aadmi Biwi se darta hai,
Biwi Chuhhe se darti hai.

The Pilot who is a fighter

2009-09-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

M P Anil Kumar was a dashing MiG-21 pilot in the Indian Air Force when a road accident left him paralaysed below the neck. He was just 24.

For the past 19 years he has lived in the military's Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Pune and has become an inspiration to many in the manner in which he has picked up the threads of his life.

Today Anil Kumar uses a keyboard with his mouth and is a gifted writer whose by-line rediff.com readers will instantly recognise. An article he wrote about his disability was so inspirational that it found its way in school textbooks in Maharashtra.

Nitin Sathe, who was in the same course as Anil Kumar at the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, pays tribute to this amazing fighter. Indeed M P ANIL KUMAR is an extraordinary person.

If you ever visit the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre at Khadki, Pune, in the very first room, you will meet retired Flying Officer M P Anil Kumar, fondly called MP by those who know him.

On his wheelchair, sitting at the computer and pecking away at the keyboard with a mouth-held stick, MP keeps churning out articles with a finesse and class that few writers can only dream of. You can read a lot of his writings on varied topics, on rediff.com as well as in some national dailies.

MP is a quadriplegic. He was paralysed neck below due to a motorcycle accident on his way back from the squadron after night flying on June 28, 1988. The accident confined him to a wheelchair for life.

Eight years before that fateful night, MP, all of 16, had reported to the National Defence Academy in Pune as a fresh cadet. Just out of the Sainik School Kazhakootam, he had wanted to join the Indian Air Force and fly the fast and furious fighter jets, a dream of every young man.

MP comes from a small village about 35 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. At the age of 9, he left home to join the Sainik School. After spending some time there he made up his mind to join the air force one day.

Like the 288 from our batch, he underwent training at the NDA for three years. Thrown in the cauldron of multi-faceted, multi-dimensional training, the cadets hardly got enough time to interact with each other, primarily because of the fact that there is no time from rigorous training. In the little spare time that we managed, most flocked together as 'school types' or 'place types' or 'lingo types.'

Shame on Indian Media

2009-09-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

A MUST READ....... Dear Editors of HT, TOI, IndianExpress and TheHindu,NDTV, CNN-IBN, I got the mail below from a friend of mine and following the unwritten code of conduct, I am forwarding it to my friends but all efforts of people who have been forwarding this mail would go waste if this mail doesn't reach YOU...... Something to think about..!! Shame on Indian Media??? Really what a shame... By the time u guys read this news, the body of Major Manish Pitambare, who was shot dead at Anantnag, would have been cremated with full military honors. On Tuesday, this news swept across all the news channels 'Sanjay Dutt relieved by court'. 'Sirf Munna not a bhai' '13 saal ka vanvaas khatam' 'although found guilty for possession of armory, Sanjay can breath sigh of relief as all the TADA charges against him are withdrawn' Then many personalities like Salman Khan said 'He is a good person. We knew he will come out clean'. Mr Big B said "Dutt's family and our family have relations for years he's a good kid. He is like elder brother to Abhishek". His sister Priya Dutt said "we can sleep well tonight. It's a great relief" In other news, Parliament was mad at Indian team for performing bad; Greg Chappell said something; Shah Rukh Khan replaces Amitabh in KBC and other such stuff. But most of the emphasis was given on Sanjay Dutt's "phoenix like" comeback from the ashes of terrorist charges.
Surfing through the channels, one news on BBC startled me. It read "Hisbul Mujahidin's most wanted terrorist 'Sohel Faisal' killed in A nantnag , India .. Indian Major leading the operation lost his life in the process. Four others are injured. It was past midnight , I started visiting the stupid Indian channels, but Sanjay Dutt was still ruling. They were telling how Sanjay pleaded to the court saying 'I'm the sole bread earner for my family', 'I have a daughter who is studying in US' and so on. Then they showed how Sanjay was not wearing his lucky blue shirt while he was hearing the verdict and also how he went to every temple and prayed for the last few months. A suspect in Mumbai bomb blasts, convicted under armory act...was being transformed into a hero. Sure Sanjay Dutt has a daughter; Sure he did not do any terrorist activity. Possessing an AK47 is considered too elementary in terrorist community and also one who possesses an AK47 has a right to possess a pistol so that again is not such a big crime; Sure Sanjay Dutt went to all the temples; Sure he did a lot of Gandhigiri but then......... .. Major Manish H Pitambare got the information from his sources about the terrorists' whereabouts. Wasting no time he attacked the camp, killed Hisbul Mujahidin's supremo and in the process lost his life to the bullets fired from an AK47. He is survived by a wife and daughter (just like Sanjay Dutt) who's only 18 months old. Major Manish never said 'I have a daughter' before he took the decision to attack the terrorists in the darkest of nights. He never thought about having a family and he being the bread earner. No news channel covered this since they were too busy hyping a former drug addict, a suspect who's linked to bomb blasts which killed hundreds. Their aim was to show how he defied the TADA charges and they were so successful that his conviction in possession of armory had no meaning. They also concluded that his parents in heaven must be happy and proud of him. Parents of Major Manish are still living and they have to live rest of their lives without their beloved son. His daughter won't ever see her daddy again.
So guys, please forward this message around so that the media knows which news to give importance, as it is a shame for us since this Army Major's death news was given by a foreign TV channel!!! If you believe in it, don't feel shy in forwarding the blog to all like minded Indians to leave their comment.
Jai Hind
Col Siddhartha Bose
C- 2 Tagore Nagar
Raipur ( CG ) 492001
Tele : 0771 -4263030
Mob : +91 9993032720

Brave Sons of India

2009-09-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

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 Indiansoldiers 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 todie 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-176061Himachal 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.
JAI HIND

Are We Cowards

2009-09-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Repeated terrorists attacks with impunity and out reaction in just empty words prove that we INDIANS are Coward and Unpatriotic ( See how we have allowed enemy terrorists to enter, kill and get away with impunity. If it was Israel in our place, it would have resorted to hot pursuit and the centres of terrorist camps would have been blown to pieces by now), Virile ( See our population explosion), Greedy ( See how the elected representatives have amassed wealth and despite being tainted, occupy seats of power to further engage in systematic plunder of the country), Apathetic and Indifferent ( See how we react to deaths of innocents in trains, roads, boats, railway crossings, stampede at religious places, fires in buildings, floods and earthquakes), Rude (Just call any Government Office for any information and you will wish you had never called), and suffer from Hypocrisy ( See how we make hollow claims for the dignity of women and how we accept bride burnings, sexual assaults, unequal wages and other crimes against them, the latest being the attack on women in the pub in Mangalore), Sycophancy (See how the likes of some irrelevant characters become relevant to us just because of family lineage ). We are Intolerant, ( See how soon even the smallest of the innocent reference can hurt our religious feelings), Corrupt, (See naked and open corruption everywhere that the whole world acknowledges), and believe in Fatalism, ( See how we attribute every ill in the country to the wishes of the GOD). We are Gullible, ( See how our politicians have convinced us of a ‘foreign hand’ to hide their wilful negligence, inefficiency, dereliction of duty, involvement and vested interests), accept Chaotic infrastructure ( See how our cities are being managed in terms of hygiene, cleanliness choked drains and garbage every where), and lastly we are equally Poor perhaps in every thing including economy, industrial development, education, health management, communication, discipline, traffic management, surface and rail transportation, trade, administration of justice, security, health and hygiene, and in effective, honest and efficient Governance.

Kautilya's Address

2009-08-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

It is time that we recollect the words of Kautilya spoken to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya about 2000 years ago, and reflect on those words.

‘Arthsas’tra’

The words of Kautilya addressed to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. :
“The day the soldier has to demand his dues will be a sad day”.

‘A country makes a sacred contract with its soldiers. A country that refuses to respect this contract with its armed forces will eventually end up getting forces that will not respect the nations
( Government).’

Speech of President Obama

2009-08-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

President Obama gave this speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center on August 17, 2009.

10:06 A.M. MST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Please, be seated. Thank you so much. Commander Gardner, thank you for your introduction and for your lifetime of service. I was proud to welcome Glen and your executive director, Bob Wallace, to the Oval Office just before the 4th of July, and I look forwarding to working with your next commander, Tommy Tradewell.

I want to also acknowledge Jean Gardner and Sharon Tradewell, as well as Dixie Hild and Jan Title and all the spouses and family of the Ladies Auxiliary. America honors your service as well.

Also Governor Jan Brewer is here, of Arizona; and Mayor Phil Gordon, our host here in Phoenix. I want to acknowledge President -- Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr., President of the Navajo Nation. And this wasn't on my original card, but this is just an extraordinary story and you may have already heard from her, but I just want to publicly acknowledge and thank Ms. Helen Denton the secretary to Dwight Eisenhower -- (applause) -- who typed up the orders for the Normandy invasion and is here today, and what an extraordinary story that is. (Applause.)

Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, I am honored and humbled to stand before you as Commander-in- Chief of the finest military the world has ever known. (Applause.) And we're joined by some of those who make it the finest force in world -- from Luke Air Force Base, members of the 56th Fighter Wing. (Applause.)

Whether you wear the uniform today, or wore it decades ago, you remind us of a fundamental truth. It's not the powerful weapons that make our military the strongest in the world. It's not the sophisticated systems that make us the most advanced. The true strength of our military lies in the spirit and skill of our men and women in uniform. And you know this. (Applause.)

You know this because it's the story of your lives. When fascism seemed unstoppable and our harbor was bombed, you battled across rocky Pacific islands and stormed the beaches of Europe, marching across a continent -- my own grandfather and uncle among your ranks -- liberating millions and turning enemies into allies.

When communism cast its shadow across so much of the globe, you stood vigilant in a long Cold War -- from an airlift in Berlin to the mountains of Korea to the jungles of Vietnam. When that Cold War ended and old hatreds emerged anew, you turned back aggression from Kuwait to Kosovo.

And long after you took off the uniform, you've continued to serve: supporting our troops and their families when they go to war and welcoming them when they come home; working to give our veterans the care they deserve; and when America's heroes are laid to rest, giving every one of them that final fitting tribute of a grateful nation. We can never say it enough: For your service in war and in peace, thank you VFW. Thank you. (Applause.)

Today, the story of your service is carried on by a new generation -- dedicated, courageous men and women who I have the privilege to lead and meet every day.

They're the young sailors, the midshipmen at the Naval Academy, who raised their right hand at graduation and committed themselves to a life of service. They're the soldiers I met in Baghdad who have done their duty, year after year, on a second, third or fourth tour. They're the Marines of Camp Lejeune, preparing to deploy and now serving in Afghanistan to protect Americans here at home. They're the airmen, like those here today, who provide the close air support that saves the lives of our troops on the ground. They're the wounded warriors -- at Landstuhl and Walter Reed and Bethesda and across America -- for whom the battle is not to fight, but simply to speak, to stand, to walk once more. They're the families that my wife Michelle has met at bases across the country. The spouses back home doing the parenting of two, the children who wonder when mom and dad may be coming home; the parents who watch their sons and daughters go off to war; and the families who lay a loved one to rest -- and the pain that lasts a lifetime.

To all those who have served America -- our forces, your families, our veterans -- you have done your duty. You have fulfilled your responsibilities. And now a grateful nation must fulfill ours. And that is what I want to talk about today.

First, we have a solemn responsibility to always lead our men and women in uniform wisely. And that starts with a vision of American leadership that recognizes that military power alone cannot be the first or only answer to the threats facing our nation.

In recent years, our troops have succeeded in every mission America has given them, from toppling the Taliban to deposing a dictator in Iraq to battling brutal insurgencies. At the same time, forces trained for war have been called upon to perform a whole host of missions. Like mayors, they've run local governments and delivered water and electricity. Like aid workers, they've mentored farmers and built new schools. Like diplomats, they've negotiated agreements with tribal sheikhs and local leaders.

But let us never forget we are a country of more than 300 million Americans. Less than 1 percent wears the uniform. And that 1 percent -- our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- have borne the overwhelming burden of our security. In fact, perhaps never in American history have so few protected so many.

So the responsibility for our security must not be theirs alone. That is why I have made it a priority to enlist all elements of our national power in defense of our national security -- our diplomacy and development, our economic might and our moral example, because one of the best ways to lead our troops wisely is to prevent the conflicts that cost American blood and treasure tomorrow.

As President, my greatest responsibility is the security and safety of the American people. As I've said before, that is the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, it's the last thing that I think about when I go to sleep at night. And I will not hesitate to use force to protect the American people or our vital interests. (Applause.)

But as we protect America, our men and women in uniform must always be treated as what they are: America's most precious resource. As Commander-in- Chief, I have a solemn responsibility for their safety. And there is nothing more sobering than signing a letter of condolence to the family of servicemen or women who have given their lives for our country.

And that's why I have made this pledge to our armed forces: I will only send you into harm's way when it is absolutely necessary. And when I do, it will be based on good intelligence and guided by a sound strategy. I will give you a clear mission, defined goals, and the equipment and support you need to get the job done. That's my commitment to you. (Applause.)

Which brings me to our second responsibility to our armed forces -- giving them the resources and equipment and strategies to meet their missions. We need to keep our military the best-trained, the best-led, the best-equipped fighting force in the world. And that's why, even with our current economic challenges, my budget increases defense spending.

We will ensure that we have the force structure to meet today's missions. And that's why we've increased the size of the Army and the Marine Corps two years ahead of schedule and have approved another temporary increase in the Army. And we've halted personnel reductions in the Navy and Air Force. And this will give our troops more time home between deployments, which means less stress on families and more training for the next mission. (Applause.) And it will help us put an end, once and for all, to stop-loss for those who've done their duty. (Applause.)

We will equip our forces with the assets and technologies they need to fight and win. So my budget funds more of the Army helicopters, crews, and pilots urgently needed in Afghanistan; the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance that gives our troops the advantage; the special operations forces that can deploy on a moment's notice; and for all those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, including our National Guard and Reserve, more of the protective gear and armored vehicles that save lives. (Applause.)

As we fight in two wars, we will plan responsibly, budget honestly, and speak candidly about the costs and consequences of our actions. And that's why I've made sure my budget includes the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Iraq, after more than six years, we took an important step forward in June. We transferred control of all cities and towns to Iraq's security forces. The transition to full Iraqi responsibility for their own security is now underway. This progress is a testament to all those who have served in Iraq, both uniformed and civilian. And our nation owes these Americans -- and all who have given their lives -- a profound debt of gratitude. (Applause.)

Now, as Iraqis take control of their destiny, they will be tested and targeted. Those who seek to sow sectarian division will attempt more senseless bombings and more killing of innocents. This we know.

But as we move forward, the Iraqi people must know that the United States will keep its commitments. And the American people must know that we will move forward with our strategy. We will begin removing our combat brigades from Iraq later this year. We will remove all our combat brigades by the end of next August. And we will remove all our troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. And for America, the Iraq war will end.

By moving forward in Iraq, we're able to refocus on the war against al Qaeda and its extremist allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's why I announced a new, comprehensive strategy in March -- a strategy that recognizes that al Qaeda and its allies had moved their base from the remote, tribal areas -- to the remote, tribal areas of Pakistan. This strategy acknowledges that military power alone will not win this war -- that we also need diplomacy and development and good governance. And our new strategy has a clear mission and defined goals: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies.

In the months since, we have begun to put this comprehensive strategy into action. And in recent weeks, we've seen our troops do their part. They've gone into new areas -- taking the fight to the Taliban in villages and towns where residents have been terrorized for years. They're adapting new tactics, knowing that it's not enough to kill extremists and terrorists; we also need to protect the Afghan people and improve their daily lives. And today, our troops are helping to secure polling places for this week's election so that Afghans can choose the future that they want.

Now, these new efforts have not been without a price. The fighting has been fierce. More Americans have given their lives. And as always, the thoughts and prayers of every American are with those who make the ultimate sacrifice in our defense.

As I said when I announced this strategy, there will be more difficult days ahead. The insurgency in Afghanistan didn't just happen overnight and we won't defeat it overnight. This will not be quick, nor easy. But we must never forget: This is not a war of choice. This is a war of necessity. Those who attacked America on 9/11 are plotting to do so again. If left unchecked, the Taliban insurgency will mean an even larger safe haven from which al Qaeda would plot to kill more Americans. So this is not only a war worth fighting. This is a -- this is fundamental to the defense of our people.

And going forward, we will constantly adapt to new tactics to stay ahead of the enemy and give our troops the tools and equipment they need to succeed. And at every step of the way, we will assess our efforts to defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies, and to help the Afghan and Pakistani people build the future that they seek.

Now, even as we lead and equip our troops for the missions of today, we have a third responsibility to fulfill. We must prepare our forces for the missions of tomorrow.

Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen adapt to new challenges every day. But as we know, much of our defense establishment has yet to fully adapt to the post-Cold War world, with doctrine and weapons better suited to fight the Soviets on the plains of Europe than insurgents in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. Twenty years after the Cold War ended, this is simply not unacceptable. It's irresponsible. Our troops, and our taxpayers, deserve better. (Applause.)

And that's why -- that's why our defense review is taking a top-to-bottom look at our priorities and posture, questioning conventional wisdom, rethinking old dogmas and challenging the status quo. We're asking hard questions about the forces we need and the weapons we buy. And when we're finished, we'll have a new blueprint for the 21st-century military that we need. And in fact, we're already on our way.

We're adopting new concepts -- because the full spectrum of challenges demands a full range of military capabilities -- both the conventional and the unconventional, the ability to defeat both an armored division and the lone suicide bomber; the intercontinental ballistic missile and the improvised explosive device; 18th-century- style piracy and 21st-century cyber threats. No matter the mission, we must maintain America's military dominance.

So even as we modernize our conventional forces, we're investing in the capabilities that will reorient our force to the future -- an Army that is more mobile and expeditionary and missile defenses that protect our troops in the field; a Navy that not only projects power across the oceans but operates nimbly in shallow, coastal waters; an Air Force that dominates the airspace with next-generation aircraft, both manned and unmanned; a Marine Corps that can move ashore more rapidly in more places.

And across the force, we're investing in new skills and specialties, because in the 21st century, military strength will be measured not only by the weapons our troops carry, but by the languages they speak and the cultures that they understand.

But here's the simple truth: We cannot build the 21st-century military we need, and maintain the fiscal responsibility that America demands, unless we fundamentally reform the way our defense establishment does business. It's a simple fact. Every dollar wasted in our defense budget is a dollar we can't spend to care for our troops or protect America or prepare for the future.

You've heard the stories: the indefensible no-bid contracts that cost taxpayers billions and make contractors rich; the special interests and their exotic projects that are years behind schedule and billions over budget; the entrenched lobbyists pushing weapons that even our military says it doesn't want. The impulse in Washington to protect jobs back home building things we don't need has a cost that we can't afford.

This waste would be unacceptable at any time, but at a time when we're fighting two wars and facing a serious deficit, it's inexcusable. It's an affront to the American people and to our troops. And it's time for it to stop. And this is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. (Applause.)

This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue -- it's about giving our troops the support that they need. And that's something that all Americans should be able to agree to. So I'm glad I have as a partner in this effort a great veteran, a great Arizonan, and a great American who has shown the courage to stand and fight this waste -- Senator John McCain. (Applause.) And I'm also proud to have Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, who has served under eight Presidents of both parties, leading this fight at the Pentagon.

So already I've put an end to unnecessary no-bid contracts. I've signed bipartisan legislation to reform defense procurement so weapons systems don't spin out of control. And even as we increase spending on the equipment and weapons our troops do need, we've proposed cutting tens of billions of dollars in waste we don't need.

Think about it. Hundreds of millions of dollars for an alternate second engine for the Joint Strike Fighter -- when one reliable engine will do just fine. Nearly $2 billion to buy more F-22 fighter jets -- when we can move ahead with a fleet of newer, more affordable aircraft. Tens of billions of dollars to put an anti-missile laser on a fleet of vulnerable 747s.

And billions of dollars for a new presidential helicopter. Now, maybe you've heard about this. Among its other capabilities, it would let me cook a meal while under nuclear attack. (Laughter.) Now, let me tell you something, if the United States of America is under nuclear attack, the last thing on my mind will be whipping up a snack. (Laughter and applause.)

So this is pretty straightforward: Cut the waste. Save taxpayer dollars. Support the troops. That's what we should be doing. (Applause.) The special interests, contractors, and entrenched lobbyists, they're invested in the status quo. And they're putting up a fight. But make no mistake, so are we. If a project doesn't support our troops, if it does not make America safer, we will not fund it. If a system doesn't perform, we will terminate it. (Applause.) And if Congress sends me a defense bill loaded with a bunch of pork, I will veto it. We will do right by our troops and taxpayers, and we will build the 21st century military that we need. (Applause.)

Finally, we will fulfill our responsibility to those who serve by keeping our promises to our people. We will fulfill our responsibility to our forces and our families. That's why we're increasing military pay. That's why we're building better family housing and funding more childcare and counseling to help families cope with the stresses of war. And we've changed the rules so military spouses can better compete for federal jobs and pursue their careers.

We will fulfill our responsibility to our wounded warriors. For those still in uniform, we're investing billions of dollars for more treatment centers, more case managers and better medical care so our troops can recover and return where they want to be -- with their units. (Applause.)

But as the VFW well knows, for so many veterans the war rages on -- the flashbacks that won't go away, the loved ones who now seem like strangers, the heavy darkness of depression that has led to too many of our troops taking their own lives. Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury are the defining injuries of today's wars. So caring for those affected by them is a defining purpose of my budget -- billions of dollars more for treatment and mental health screenings to reach our troops on the frontier -- on the frontlines and more mobile and rural clinics to reach veterans back home. We are not going to abandon these American heroes. We are going to do right by them. (Applause.)

We will fulfill our responsibility to our veterans as they return to civilian life. I was proud to co-sponsor the Post-9/11 GI Bill as a senator. And thanks to VFW members across the country -- and leaders like Arizona's Harry Mitchell in Congress -- it is now the law of the land. (Applause.) And as President, I'm committed to seeing that it is successfully implemented.

For so many of you, like my grandfather, the original GI Bill changed your life -- helping you to realize your dreams. But it also transformed America, helping to build the largest middle class in history. We're saying the same thing to today's post-9/11 veterans: You pick the school, we'll help pick up the bill. (Applause.)

And as these veterans show -- start showing up on campuses, I'm proud that we're making this opportunity available to all those who have sacrificed, including Reservists and National Guard members and spouses and children, including kids who've lost their mom or dad. (Applause.) In an era when so many people and institutions have acted irresponsibly, we choose to reward the responsibility and service of our forces and their families.

Whether you've left the service in 2009 or 1949, we will fulfill our responsibility to deliver the benefits and care that you earned. And that's why I've pledged to build nothing less than a 21st-century VA. And I picked a lifelong soldier and wounded warrior from Vietnam to lead this fight, General Ric Shinseki. (Applause.)

We're dramatically increasing funding for veterans health care. This includes hundreds of millions of dollars to serve veterans in rural areas, as well as the unique needs of our growing number of women veterans. We're restoring access to VA health care for a half-million veterans who lost their eligibility in recent years -- our Priority 8 veterans.

And since there's been so much misinformation out there about health insurance reform, let me say this: One thing that reform won't change is veterans' health care. No one is going to take away your benefits -- that is the plain and simple truth. (Applause.) We're expanding access to your health care, not reducing it. (Applause.)

We're also keeping our promise on concurrent receipt. My budget ensures that our severely disabled veterans will receive both their military retired pay and their VA disability benefits. (Applause.) And I look forward to signing legislation on advanced appropriations for the VA so the medical care you need is never held up by budget delays. (Applause.)

I've also directed Secretary Shinseki to focus on a top priority -- reducing homelessness among veterans. (Applause.) After serving their country, no veteran should be sleeping on the streets. (Applause.) No veteran. We should have zero tolerance for that.

And we're keeping our promise to fulfill another top priority at the VA -- cutting the red tape and inefficiencies that cause backlogs and delays in the claims process. (Applause.) This spring, I directed the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to create one unified lifetime electronic health record for the members of the armed forces -- a single electronic record, with privacy guaranteed, that will stay with them forever. Because after fighting for America, you should not have to fight over paperwork to receive the benefits that you've earned. (Applause.)

Today, I can announce that we're taking another step. I've directed my Chief Performance Officer, my Chief Technology Officer and my Chief Information Officer to join with Secretary Shinseki in a new reform effort. We're launching a new competition to capture the very best ideas of our VA employees who work with you every day.

We're going to challenge each of our 57 regional VA offices to come up with the best ways of doing business, of harnessing the best information technologies, of cutting red tape and breaking through the bureaucracy. And then we're going to fund the best ideas and put them into action, all with a simple mission: cut those backlogs, slash those wait times, deliver your benefits sooner. (Applause.) I know you've heard this for years, but the leadership and resources we're providing this time means that we're going to be able to do it. That is our mission, and we are going to make it happen. (Applause.)

Now, taken together, these investments represent a historic increase in our commitment to America's veterans -- a 15 percent increase over last year's funding levels and the largest increase in the VA budget in more than 30 years. And over the next five years we'll invest another $25 billion to make sure that our veterans are getting what they need.

These are major investments, and these are difficult times. Fiscal discipline demands that we make hard decisions -- sacrificing certain things we can't afford. But let me be clear. America's commitment to its veterans are not just lines on a budget. They are bonds that are sacred -- a sacred trust we're honor bound to uphold.

These are commitments that we make to the patriots who serve -- from the day they enlist to the day that they are laid to rest. Patriots like you. Patriots like a man named Jim Norene.

His story is his own, but in it we see the larger story of all who serve. He's a child of the Depression who grew up to join that greatest generation; a paratrooper in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne; jumping in a daring daylight raid into Holland to liberate captive people; rushing to Bastogne at the Battle of the Bulge where his commanding general -- surrounded by the Germans and asked to surrender -- declared, famously, "Nuts."

For his bravery, Jim was awarded the Bronze Star. But like so many others, he rarely spoke of what he did or what he saw -- reminding us that true love of country is not boisterous or loud but, rather, the "tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

Jim returned home and built a life. He went to school on the GI Bill. He got married. He raised a family in his small Oregon farming town. And every Veterans Day, year after year, he visited schoolchildren to speak about the meaning of service. And he did it all as a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. (Applause.)

Then, this spring, Jim made a decision. He would return to Europe once more. Eighty-five years old, frail and gravely ill, he knew he might not make it back home. But like the paratrooper he always was, he was determined.

So near Bastogne, he returned to the places he knew so well. At a Dutch town liberated by our GIs, schoolchildren lined the sidewalks and sang The Star-Spangled Banner. And in the quiet clearing of an American cemetery, he walked among those perfect lines of white crosses of fellow soldiers who had fallen long ago, their names forever etched in stone.

And then, back where he had served 65 years before, Jim Norene passed away, at night, in his sleep, quietly, peacefully -- the "tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

The next day, I was privileged to join the commemoration at Normandy to mark the day when the beaches were stormed and a continent was freed. There were Presidents and prime ministers and veterans from the far corners of the earth. But long after the bands stopped playing and the crowds stopped cheering, it was the story of a departed VFW member that echoed in our hearts.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, you have done your duty -- to your fallen comrades, to your communities, to your country. You have always fulfilled your responsibilities to America. And so long as I am President of the United States, America will always fulfill its responsibilities to you.

God bless you. God bless all our veterans. And God bless the United States of America. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Point to Note in the Speech
Whether you wear the uniform today, or wore it decades ago, you remind us of a fundamental truth. It's not the powerful weapons that make our military the strongest in the world. It's not the sophisticated systems that make us the most advanced. The true strength of our military lies in the spirit and skill of our men and women in uniform. And you know this.

Gallant Soldiers Die Differently

2009-08-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Gallant Soldiers Die Differently!

It is often said that in democracies people get the government they
deserve. What is even truer is that they also get the quality of security they deserve. Is there a difference in 'loss' and 'sacrifice'; 'sympathy' and 'pride'; 'innocence' and 'valour'? We all know there is a qualitative difference and the value of 'commission or omission' in performance becomes vivid and clear in events involving high risks.
There should therefore be an appropriate qualitative difference in the Nation's way of conveying its gratitude or sympathy through grant of honours and awards for the sacrifices and assistance to bereaved families.

Here are a few points to mull over:-

1. Innocent Casualties

Hemant Karkare and his 'Quick Reaction Team' of ATS encounter experts - eight of them in a police Qualis - were surprised, waylaid and butchered without being allowed to use their weapons by two terrorists on prowl in Mumbai on 26 November.

In this case Hemant Karkare and his team were not aware of the
danger lurking on them and therefore they were surprised. Their lack of training did not allow them to anticipate and react with operational swiftness.

The poor quality of weapons could be questioned only if any of them
had tried to use whatever they had. Going by their stance, it was
unlikely that they would have used MP-5 or AK-47 even if they had
these weapons on them.

Prior to commencing their move, the leader had apparently not
carried out analysis of the situation at hand; no quick plans or
operational drills seemed to exist; no instructions passed; no
contingencies visualized.

Unfortunately they do not appear to have been vigilant on their way.
Given the situation they were reacting to, any professional police
officer would be prying for tell-tail signs or traces of the terrorists loitering in the town.

Much like the hapless unfortunate 187 civilians, they fell to terror
bullets most innocently. They deserve our deep sympathy and
heartfelt condolences.

Whereas there is a crescendo in media hype about their heroism, not
a word has been said by anyone about how they 'fought heroically.'
Sorry to state the harsh truth that they fell due to their inaction
and inadequacy of combat readiness..

We pray to God to bestow eternal peace upon them and grant fortitude to the bereaved families they have left behind. Their families, friends and everyone who knew them shall reminisce their gentleness with fondness!

They deserve our care and compassion. Hopefully, correct lessons will be subsequently learnt after the Mumbai Police carry out a dispassionate case study of the happenings.

2. Daredevil

Capt AK Singh, a daring young officer of 51 Special Action Group (NSG), led his team into the Oberoi Hotel. He zeroed on to a room at 18th Floor from where the terrorists were throwing grenades.. He closed in towards them risking his life without firing to avoid killing innocent occupants, if any and, after making sure there were only one or two terrorists in the room, he kicked open the door and lobbed a grenade. Almost simultaneously, the other terrorist threw a grenade that came in the way of AK Singh charging in to kill or capture the surviving terrorist. The hostile grenade burst almost in the face of the Commando Captain giving him multiple injuries. He fell unconscious but not before wiping out theterrorist. A number of splinters have been taken out of his body by the doctors of ' Bombay Hospital ' but they could not save his left eyethrough which a splinter tore through to embed itself deep inside.

No TV channel, no newspaper reporter, no politician, no Shiv Sena………. Not anyone even from the Oberoi Hotel management has had the courtesy to visit this real hero who dared and indulged in deadly duel and combat killing the deadly killers.

3. Supreme Sacrifice.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan arrived with his team at the most crucial site where the savage bloodbath was already on. Unlike Hemant Karkare, Sandeep was fully conscious and aware of the magnitude of danger to the innocent civilians entrapped inside and to himself. He knew where the terrorists were, how much damage they had already caused and what devastating potential and unhindered shooting spree they were on.
Like a professional, he quickly studied and analysed the situation
and visualising the gravity of the risk involved, he ordered his
team not to come forward until he silenced the terrorist shooting
from behind cover.

Since saving innocent lives was the most important part of his mission, he did not enjoy the freedom his opponents in shooting and
bursting grenades at will. Yet he chased them. He valiantly pursued the terrorists until he fell in the gun battle that ensued. His team quickly followed and, after some tough hide and seek drama, they neutralised both the terrorists in an engagement that saved the remaining innocent lives in the building.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan gave his life but saved many others. He
knew what he was facing and yet he dared. This was a sacrifice with
difference which invokes not sympathy but pride and inspiration;
courage and dedication; honour over safety. His death triumphed over an evil; choosing to die differently for a cause, Sandeep
immortalised himself!
Major Sandeep Unikrishnan's valour will continue to inspire many soldiers, commandos, constables and civilians. We are proud of such gallant soldiers in our Special Commando Forces and our Armed Forces who always step in when those who run the administration or Prashashan routinely during happier times beat a quick retreat and become invisible leaving the police and the army to deal with the dangers. Their brief? 'Retrieve the situation and make it safe and cool enough for me to resume my bureaucratic control.' No accountability, no risk and yet all pelf and perks served on and under the table! The upsurge of popular outrage against the politicians as a class is not misplaced. But in this rage public is missing the wood for the trees. What is role and accountability of those who call themselves CEOs of the cities, towns and districts – the magistrates, the Babus, the Brown Sahibs? They must answer some tough questions too.

Sadly, quite often he is insulted – look how:-

Our media and TV viewers go euphoric over a sixer by a cricketer and
eulogise him. Chief Ministers and governments lavishly shower crores
of rupees on such players.

Abhinav Bindra wins a Gold Medal in Olympics and gets Rs 3 Crore
plus a host of high value commercial ads and bounty rolls on booming
like a snow ball.

India's economy, security or international standing is not least
affected even if we lose hundreds of such medals and matches. But
can we afford to lose one Kargil or Mumbai to our enemy?

Lives lost by ticket less riff-raff illegally travelling on roofs of
train or in fires in illegal colonies get rewarded much in the same
measure as our soldiers who sacrifice their lives fighting to save us.

Think over and compare the value of Rs 5-10 lakh for a soldier's supreme sacrifice against the most triumphant cricket player or a pigeon shooter at Olympics! Do we deserve the selfless devotion to duty and sacrifices of our gallant soldiers and commandos like Sandeep? Don't we owe our soldiers a little more love, honour and respect than we do to our sportsmen and entertainers?

2009-08-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

Gallant Soldiers Die Differently!

It is often said that in democracies people get the government they
deserve. What is even truer is that they also get the quality of security they deserve. Is there a difference in 'loss' and 'sacrifice'; 'sympathy' and 'pride'; 'innocence' and 'valour'? We all know there is a qualitative difference and the value of 'commission or omission' in performance becomes vivid and clear in events involving high risks.
There should therefore be an appropriate qualitative difference in the Nation's way of conveying its gratitude or sympathy through grant of honours and awards for the sacrifices and assistance to bereaved families.

Here are a few points to mull over:-

1. Innocent Casualties

Hemant Karkare and his 'Quick Reaction Team' of ATS encounter experts - eight of them in a police Qualis - were surprised, waylaid and butchered without being allowed to use their weapons by two terrorists on prowl in Mumbai on 26 November.

In this case Hemant Karkare and his team were not aware of the
danger lurking on them and therefore they were surprised. Their lack of training did not allow them to anticipate and react with operational swiftness.

The poor quality of weapons could be questioned only if any of them
had tried to use whatever they had. Going by their stance, it was
unlikely that they would have used MP-5 or AK-47 even if they had
these weapons on them.

Prior to commencing their move, the leader had apparently not
carried out analysis of the situation at hand; no quick plans or
operational drills seemed to exist; no instructions passed; no
contingencies visualized.

Unfortunately they do not appear to have been vigilant on their way.
Given the situation they were reacting to, any professional police
officer would be prying for tell-tail signs or traces of the terrorists loitering in the town.

Much like the hapless unfortunate 187 civilians, they fell to terror
bullets most innocently. They deserve our deep sympathy and
heartfelt condolences.

Whereas there is a crescendo in media hype about their heroism, not
a word has been said by anyone about how they 'fought heroically.'
Sorry to state the harsh truth that they fell due to their inaction
and inadequacy of combat readiness..

We pray to God to bestow eternal peace upon them and grant fortitude to the bereaved families they have left behind. Their families, friends and everyone who knew them shall reminisce their gentleness with fondness!

They deserve our care and compassion. Hopefully, correct lessons will be subsequently learnt after the Mumbai Police carry out a dispassionate case study of the happenings.

2. Daredevil

Capt AK Singh, a daring young gunner officer of 51 Special Action Group (NSG), led his team into the Oberoi Hotel. He zeroed on to a room at 18th Floor from where the terrorists were throwing grenades.. He closed in towards them risking his life without firing to avoid killing innocent occupants, if any and, after making sure there were only one or two terrorists in the room, he kicked open the door and lobbed a grenade. Almost simultaneously, the other terrorist threw a grenade that came in the way of AK Singh charging in to kill or capture the surviving terrorist. The hostile grenade burst almost in the face of the Commando Captain giving him multiple injuries. He fell unconscious but not before wiping out theterrorist. A number of splinters have been taken out of his body by the doctors of ' Bombay Hospital ' but they could not save his left eye through which a splinter tore through to embed itself deep inside.

No TV channel, no newspaper reporter, no politician, no Shiv Sena………. Not anyone even from the Oberoi Hotel management has had the courtesy to visit this real hero who dared and indulged in deadly duel and combat killing the deadly killers.

3. Supreme Sacrifice.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan arrived with his team at the most crucial site where the savage bloodbath was already on. Unlike Hemant Karkare, Sandeep was fully conscious and aware of the magnitude of danger to the innocent civilians entrapped inside and to himself. He knew where the terrorists were, how much damage they had already caused and what devastating potential and unhindered shooting spree they were on.
Like a professional, he quickly studied and analysed the situation
and visualising the gravity of the risk involved, he ordered his
team not to come forward until he silenced the terrorist shooting
from behind cover.

Since saving innocent lives was the most important part of his mission, he did not enjoy the freedom his opponents in shooting and
bursting grenades at will. Yet he chased them. He valiantly pursued the terrorists until he fell in the gun battle that ensued. His team quickly followed and, after some tough hide and seek drama, they neutralised both the terrorists in an engagement that saved the remaining innocent lives in the building.

Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan gave his life but saved many others. He
knew what he was facing and yet he dared. This was a sacrifice with
difference which invokes not sympathy but pride and inspiration;
courage and dedication; honour over safety. His death triumphed over an evil; choosing to die differently for a cause, Sandeep
immortalised himself!
Major Sandeep Unikrishnan's valour will continue to inspire many soldiers, commandos, constables and civilians. We are proud of such gallant soldiers in our Special Commando Forces and our Armed Forces who always step in when those who run the administration or Prashashan routinely during happier times beat a quick retreat and become invisible leaving the police and the army to deal with the dangers. Their brief? 'Retrieve the situation and make it safe and cool enough for me to resume my bureaucratic control.' No accountability, no risk and yet all pelf and perks served on and under the table! The upsurge of popular outrage against the politicians as a class is not misplaced. But in this rage public is missing the wood for the trees. What is role and accountability of those who call themselves CEOs of the cities, towns and districts – the magistrates, the Babus, the Brown Sahibs? They must answer some tough questions too.

Sadly, quite often he is insulted – look how:-

Our media and TV viewers go euphoric over a sixer by a cricketer and
eulogise him. Chief Ministers and governments lavishly shower crores
of rupees on such players.

Abhinav Bindra wins a Gold Medal in Olympics and gets Rs 3 Crore
plus a host of high value commercial ads and bounty rolls on booming
like a snow ball.

India's economy, security or international standing is not least
affected even if we lose hundreds of such medals and matches. But
can we afford to lose one Kargil or Mumbai to our enemy?

Lives lost by ticket less riff-raff illegally traveling on roofs of
train or in fires in illegal colonies get rewarded much in the same
measure as our soldiers who sacrifice their lives fighting to save us.

Think over and compare the value of Rs 5-10 lakh for a soldier's supreme sacrifice against the most triumphant cricket player or a pigeon shooter at Olympics! Do we deserve the selfless devotion to duty and sacrifices of our gallant soldiers and commandos like Sandeep? Don't we owe our soldiers a little more love, honour and respect than we do to our sportsmen and entertainers?

Col Siddhartha Bose
C-2 Tagore Nagar
Raipur ( CG ) 492001
999 303 2720

The Indian Soldier

2009-08-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

While the average age of the army man is around 30 years, at the time of enrolling / commissioning he is around 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.
He's a recent school/college graduate; he was probably an average student from one of the Kendriya Vidyalayas, pursued some form of sport activities, rides an old mo'bike / scooter, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He may listen to bollywood music or ghazals or rock & roll or hip-hop or country or swing …. ………. but certainly hears a 155mm howitzer.
He is 5 or 7 kilos lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting insurgents or standing guard on the icy Himalayas or the jungles of the North East from before dawn to well after dusk or he is in Mumbai engaging the terrorists. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.
He digs trenches and weapon-pits and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. His pride and self-respect, he does not lack.He is self-sufficient.
He has two sets of combat dress: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his water bottle full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humour in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the Jana Gana Mana vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hands from their pockets, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy.

He is your nation's Fighting Man that has kept this country free and defended your right to Freedom. He has experienced deprivation and adversity, and has seen his buddies falling to bullets and maimed and blown. But, he has asked nothing in return, except our acknowledgement of his existence and understanding of his human needs.

Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . ..
A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
Prayer wheel for our military... Please send this on after a short prayer.
'Lord, hold our the Indian Armed Forces in your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.
Amen.' When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our soldiers, sailors and airmen, on all frontiers and wherever else they are needed. Pray for the Indian Soldier. Unlike your 'Babus' or 'Netas' He will always do you proud

From a Brother

2009-08-19T04:54:00.000-07:00

MY BROTHER VIKRAM

This came my way, a poignant reminder of what our army is actually made of once you get past the carping & cribbing...

When I talk about Luv, I don’t know where to begin. Capt. Vikram Batra PVC (posthumous) is Luv, and I, his younger twin, Kush. His identical twin. Ours was a childhood spent in the hills of Palampur making the most of our identical looks—playing pranks, filling in for each other and at times even getting punished for one another’s mistakes... The similarity ran deeper than looks. We also had the same interests. Both of us started playing table tennis at the age of ten. It’s another story that Vikram went on to become the school champion for five consecutive years. But I’d like to believe that I had a big hand in that. After all, I chose to lose to him in the semi-finals in the fifth year so that he could make the school record. But deep in my heart, I know that my brother—Shershah of Kargil—was a winner right from the start.
Shershah of Kargil. That’s what the enemy too called Vikram. That’s the mark he made on them on those unforgiving mountains of Kargil. I don’t know at what stage Vikram marched on way ahead of all of us. We’d grown up as regular kids, making our choices as we went along. The first different choice that I remember is when our father started giving us Rs 50 a month for the school bus fare. I chose to travel to school by bus. Vikram opted to walk it and instead spend those rupees in the canteen. As we grew up, Vikram opted for the Army, and I, rejected thrice by the Services Selection Board, settled for business administration. How thrilled he was when he made it to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.It was 6 December 1997. Vikram Batra’s dream came true. He took the oath as an Officer of the Indian Army:
The Safety, Honour and Welfare of your country comes first,
always and every time.
The Honour, Welfare and Comfort of the men you command comes next. Your own Ease, Comfort and Safety comes last, always and every time.
Mom and Dad pinned up the stars on his shoulder. He stood there smiling from ear to ear in his crew cut and several kilos thinner after the rigorous training. It was a grand moment. But it wasn’t going to be an easy life and Vikram knew that.
When he’d come home on annual leave, we would talk for hours about the challenges he faced in Sopore—the strife-torn town in Jammu & Kashmir’s Baramulla district—which was his first posting. He had been commissioned into 13 JAK Rif.
We would dream of the day he would command his regiment and I would get a chance to attend some of the regimental functions with his family and children. That dream is lost now.
Never could I have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that the stories we saw in the famous TV serial, Param Vir Chakra, which we watched at a neighbour’s house in 1985 (we didn’t have a TV at home back then) would one day become so real for me. And Vikram would be the hero. Vikram was awarded the country’s highest gallantry award, posthumously. He was only 24. His famous words from the height of 18,000 feet: “Yeh Dil Maange More,” after victory over the enemy, still ring in my ears.
It’s been ten years. A lot has changed. And a lot has remained the same. I have many more grey strands in my hair. Vikram is as youthful as ever. Time cannot touch him. In these last ten years, I have longed to visit those mountains that he conquered. And then suddenly, out of the blue, I got a call to travel to Kargil and Drass. It was as if Vikram was calling me to have a chat with him. I didn’t look back, packed my bags and set out to meet him.
I landed in Leh at 10:30 in the morning on 2 July, five days before Vikram’s tenth death anniversary. The valley was more beautiful than it is made out to be in books. From the snow-capped hills surrounding it, I could almost sense Vikram looking at me. I then began the road trip to Drass to meet him. The mountain wind blew faster than the speed of the car and in my mind there was just one picture—of the bearded young man who had become a legend for pushing the enemy back at insurmountable heights where even life does not exist.
A little outside Leh, we reached Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. I said a prayer for Vikram and for all those great soldiers guarding those mountains and our motherland. I recalled what Vikram had written in one of his last letters before the attack: ‘Life is at total risk. Anything can happen here. Take care of yourself and Mom and Dad… My picture has appeared in The Times Of India. Keep a copy for me. I want to see it once I’m back.’ The picture had appeared on the front page of The Times of IndiaKi Jai”.Vikram and his men captured point 5140 on 20 June 1999, and two weeks later, when his company launched the attack on point 4875 on 5 July, Vikram was fatally wounded—hit by sniper fire. The company captured the peak, but after 11 casualties. Vikram was one of them.
It was months later, at the Western Command headquarters, when I met the junior commissioned officer (JCO) who was with Vikram the day he was fatally wounded. He was the last man to speak with Vikram. Sub Major Raghunath Singh started wailing when he saw me. He solved the mystery of my twin’s death for me: a young officer, Vikram’s junior, was hit and crying for help. The JCO wanted to go out to help but Vikram stopped him. “The enemy was firing heavily. ‘You have a family and children back home, I will do this,’ saahab said. He stopped me with these words and went out,” Raghunath Singh told me as he wept like a baby, inconsolably. But Vikram was hit by sniper fire. Having realised that, the charged company went berserk, mad with rage at their leader being hit, and killed the enemy soldiers. The tricolour was planted atop point 4875—they call it Batra Top now. Vikram reached Palampur before the sun rose on 11 July 1999. He was wrapped in the tricolour, lying calm almost as if he was trying to catch up on sleep he had lost during these arduous assaults on those treacherous peaks.
Was I really so close to those peaks that I could almost see him fighting there? I wanted to reach up there as fast as possible, but the track was treacherous—the rocky mountain on one side and the sheer fall on the other. In some time, we had left the Indus River behind.It was a breathtaking journey. A place so beautiful and yet caught in the crossfire of war a decade ago. Midway, at one of the military posts, we had lunch with the commanding officer of 4 JAK Rif. I also met an officer six months senior to Vikram—now a major—and a JCO, both of whom had fought the war together with Vikram. “You look so much like Vikram Sir,” the JCO said and hugged me. I’ve been told that a billion times in the last ten years. There are people now who know me as Captain Vikram Batra’s brother. Many of them even walk into my office at ICICI Bank in Delhi and stare at me as if they know me. Some of them even say, “We’ve seen you somewhere.” When I tell them I’m Captain Batra’s twin, they say, “Oh, ‘Yeh Dil Mange More,’” and shake my hand.
My dream of visiting Vikram as a commanding officer of a regiment couldn’t come true. But Vikram still commands. He’s there in the hearts of the soldiers posted in Kargil and Drass. In that mountain named after him (the Batra Top). And in the transit camp in Drass, called Capt Batra Transit Camp, where weary soldiers break their journey in the call of duty. ‘Call of duty’, the mention of these words takes me back to the days he was to be commissioned as an officer. When he was in the IMA, the footnote of Vikram’s letter pad read, ‘If Death comes to me before I prove my blood, I promise I’ll kill Death.’ You kept your word, Vikram. My Brother, My Twin, I salute you.

Yeh Dil Mange More

2009-08-19T04:51:00.000-07:00

Captain Vikram Batra, 13 JAK Rifles, and his Delta Company was given the task of recapturing Point 5140. Nick-named Sher Shah for his unstinting courage, he decided to lead the attack from the rear as an element of surprise would help stupefy the enemy. He & his men ascended the sheer rock-cliff and as the group neared the top, the enemy opened machine gun fire on them, pinning them on to the face of the bare rocky cliff. Captain Batra along with five of his men climbed on regardless and after reaching the top, hurled two grenades at the machine gun post. He single handedly engaged three enemy soldiers in close combat and killed them. He was seriously injured during this combat, but insisted on regrouping his men to continue with the given task at hand. Inspired by the extraordinary courage displayed by Captain Batra, the soldiers of 13 JAK Rifles charged the enemy position and captured Point 5140 at 3:30 a.m. on 20 June 1999. His company is credited with killing at least 8 Pakistani soldiers and recovering a heavy machine gun. The capture of Point 5140 set in motion a string of successes like Point 5100, Point 4700, Junction Peak and Three Pimples. Captain Batra led his men to even more glorious victories with the recapture of Point 4750 and Point 4875. He was tragically killed, when he tried to rescue an injured officer during an enemy counterattack against Point 4875 in the early morning hours of 07 July 1999. His last words were, "Jai Mata Di." For his sustained display of the most conspicuous personal bravery and junior leadership of the highest order in the face of the enemy, Captain Vikram Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest medal for gallantry, posthumously. His father, Mr. G.L. Batra, received the award from the President of India, on behalf of his brave son. Jai Hind!! Jai Jawan!!

Patriotic Quotes

2009-08-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

Independence Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with freedom and patriotic quotes that define us as a nation. If these quotes don’t get you into a patriotic spirit, nothing will.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, by certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”

“What is the essence of India? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom “to” and freedom “from.”

“Let every nation know, whether it wish us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy
“America is much more than a geographical fact. It is a political and moral fact – the first community in which men set out in principle to institutionalize freedom, responsible government, and human equality.” – Adlai Stevenson
“Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.” – George Bernard Shaw

Famous Patriotic Quotes

2009-08-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

None can love freedom heartily but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license.
- John Milton

It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.
- David Hume

"The best way to help the poor is the provide them property rights."
- Liu Junning

"The office of government is not to confer happiness, but to give men the opportunity to work out happiness for themselves."
- William Ellery Channing (1780-1842)

"If peace is equated simply with the absence of war, it can become abject pacifism that turns the world over to the most ruthless."
- Henry Alfred Kissinger

"Good government generally begins in the family, and if the moral character of a people once degenerate, their political character must soon follow."
- Elias Boudinot

"The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries."
- Sir Winston Leonard Spenser Churchill

"The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts."
- Edmund Burke (1729-97), Irish-born British politician, writer

"A free lunch is only found in mousetraps."
- John Capozzi

"The greatest lesson we can learn from the past. . . is that freedom is at the core of every successful nation in the world."
- Frederick Chiluba

"While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions."
- Stephen R. Covey (b. 1932), American writer, author

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom."
- Albert Einstein (1875-1955)

"The study of history is a powerful antidote to contemporary arrogance."
- Paul Johnson

"You know, doing what is right is easy. The problem is knowing what is right. "
- Lyndon B. Johnson

"Certainly, it is a world of scarcity. But the scarcity is not confined to iron ore and arable land. The most constricting scarcities are those of character and personality."
- William R. Allen

"...mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent..."
- Adam Smith

"A ruling intelligentsia, whether in Europe, Asia or Africa, treats the masses as raw material to be experimented on, processed, and wasted at will."
- Eric Hoffer

"...everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."
- Viktor Frankl

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."
- Thomas Paine

"...human rights, human freedoms, and human dignity have their deepest roots somewhere outside the perceptible world. These values are as powerful as they are because, under certain circumstances, people accept them without compulsion and are willing to die for them."
- Vaclav Havel

"The other day, someone told me the difference between a democracy and a people's democracy. It's the same difference between a jacket and a straitjacket."
- Remarks at Human Rights Day event, December 10, 1986

"It is obviously good and proper to respect the U.S. flag, perpetuated with the blood of American heroes. On the other hand, it can be a fatal mistake, a nuking of the Bill of Rights, not to recognize scoundrels who wrap themselves in the same flag to cover up their crimes against the American common people." -Sherman Skolnick

"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." -James Madison

"It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from his government." -Thomas Paine

"When all government, domestic and foreign, in little as in great things, shall be drawn to Washington as the center of all power, it will ... become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated." - Thomas Jefferson

"Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." -Thomas Jefferson

"Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society." -Benjamin Franklin

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." -Benjamin Franklin

"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety." -Ben Franklin

'It would be a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their income. -Ben Franklin