Sir,
Apropos the article I will not serve in the military’ by Harsha Kakar, Retd Major General of Indian Army published in this paper on 25th Aug.
In the first half of the write up the author magnanimously eulogises military service and heartily enjoys the nostalgia of being in the army cantonments and on the borders with other soldier colleagues drawn from composite Indian diaspora across the national spectrum. In the subsequent paragraphs author has succinctly scripted the tale of woes in the army service coupled with chauvinistic behaviour of the Czars of elite Indian administrative services while dealing with the army personnel for all practical purposes in terms of pay scales and status. The write up is certainly thought provoking and calling for urgent attention of the authorities on the seat of power and justice. He has forcefully turned focus on the following points :
* Those who matter have no respect or feelings for people in the military.
*They always speak of the sacrifices of military, yet when it comes to giving them their due, they step back.
*No other service or organization has witnessed octogenarian veterans, protesting for their rightful dues, being pushed and manhandled.*It hurts when I witness, those who gave the best part of their lives, in the service of the nation, are subsequently considered second class citizens.
The concluding remarks of the distinguished military veteran are painful, packed with remorse, melancholy, pessimism and hopelessness. The inference drawn by the veteran Major General is not in line with the ethos and ethics of Military service “Safety of the nation is first, safety of the soldiers we command comes second and our own safety comes last of all”. Had the feeling of easier career with higher status and better salary struck the mind of army war heroes they would have not sacrificed their lives in their line of duty. The country of 125 Millions is already facing huge shortage of Army officers. The motivational and inspirational message to the youth of India must be “Despite all odds and easier career options we shall serve in the army”. Indian Army is mainstay of the Nation in the given circumstances.
Yours etc….
P C Sharma
Trikuta Nagar, Jammu
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