Subject: Chinta or Chintan
To: "Brig CS Kamboj"
Date: Wednesday, 1 July, 2009, 11:33 AM
Dear Veterans,
We are all set to organise " KARGIL DIWAS " on Jul 26. I, as the State Convener of Chhattisgarh, am trying to play my role in consolidating the ESM strength and motivating the youth to join the Armed Forces. Once upon a time, young men used to look upon the Services with awe and admiration. All that is lost. National Defence Academy, Officers’ Training Academy & Indian Military Academy were premier institutions. Bollywood beauties used to hunt for Armed Forces Officers to accompany them on the dance floor. That was the charisma and magnetism, an officer had. Now situation has changed because we have not changed with the time and system. Our rugged and rigid ideas have made us incompetent. Worst is that our brethren openly acknowledge it. Life in the Armed Forces in late 70s had changed drastically and cut throat competition was introduced. As a result, we had become experts in cutting our own feet.
Post Kargil ( courtesy due to e-media ) battle field glamour journalism came into existence. It was so pronounced that a series of films were produced but none was like “HAQEEKAT”. There were number of so-called patriotic songs but none could match “ Aye Mere Vatan Ke Logo ”.
Now, the country feels that KARGIL DIWAS is an important day to commemorate. We as a Nation, have fought many battles and wars. Unfortunately, in the Army, some Battalions and Regiments celebrate “Battle Honour Days” of British era. I remember, a battalion pompously displayed “ Sword of Rani of Jhansi ” as a captured weapon and felt proud. Even after a lot of persuasion the Battalion resented to restore the HONOUR & GLORY it deserved. I was in the Ceremonial Directorate in the Army HQ and could pursue the case to the extent that a MoD direction was issued. I feel that a Commemorative calendar should be drawn for the citizen of this Nation and the Services, as well as, ESM organization should ensure that these days are adequately publicized and observed. Many of us, may be unknowingly, mention CELEBRATION of these days. We should use this term for ARMY DAY, NAVY DAY & AIR FORCE DAY. Other days are to be venerated. Lets us honour our BRAVE.
Public participation is a must and we should rope in associations like Rotary, Lions, JCI, etc at the National level. Captains of Corporate Sector can be invited to fund activities.
I am also upset on the matter that we were so engrossed in OROP & Kargil Diwas, that we forgot to pay homage to Field Marshall Sam Bahadur ( as was affectionately known ) on his first death anniversary. We all know that he was not accorded a proper final farewell wherein neither the RM nor the Chiefs attended the cremation. After public outcry, a hurriedly organized Obituary function was held in INDIA GATE. Even the Companies of which he was on the Board of Governors have paid any homage to The Legend. The only function was at 58 GTC where his bust was installed. IESM may think of starting Manekshaw Scholarships for Meritorious students of PBOR or a Trophy/ Award for Outstanding personalities in various fields. This would be a true homage.
OROP.
Formulae are being drawn and speculations are rife. As of now, I have heard nothing as Government Decision on OROP, which was to be declared on 30 jun. Whether it is President of India or the PM, they will have excuses to delay this, just like Liberhan Committee which has been submitted its report after 17 years and expenditure of crores to national exchequer. Many incorrect information are also being circulated and many veterans are in a state of confusion. It is giving an impression that some ubiquitous senior –ranking veterans are playing a game for personal gain. Recently, names of Senior Officers were drawn for the Armed Forces Tribunal. The remuneration was also mentioned against. It was appalling to note that the Officers accepted to that figure. It would have been rather magnanimous and worthy for the Officers to render their duty honorarily.
ESM Organisations
As of now, a retired soldier, sailor or airman does not have the faintest idea about ESM set-up. We speak of one umbrella. That’s a far – fetched idea. Solidarity amongst organization can only come if we have a common platform. So, there is a need to influence the MoD to start a Veterans’ Forum where representatives of all ESM bodies( registered or not ) can collectively meet on a fixed date and thrash out differences. We have many local ESM bodies and many semi-ESM organizations which are working for welfare of ESM. They should also be heard. Gen Khanduri, had to quit the post of CM and a senior Veteran lost the election in a state which is predominantly ESM heavy. What a shame ! It is all because ESM bodies are divided.
I vehemently and passionately feel that IESM should not seek support of any ESM organizations but form a sturdy team of veterans to march ahead on their own. In times to come, other ESM organization will surely lend support if our mission is on the right path. Veterans are free to join any or as many organizations until we declare that we are a political party. If we fail to come up to the standards and aspirations of Veterans, then we must be ready to pay for it.
DGR and Kendriya Sainik Board
This set-up is not only defunct but utterly corrupt. Every ESM openly acknowledges it. I think IESM as an Organization should take up this issue with MoD that the DGR itself should be staffed by ESM. This organization should provide the first relief and occupation. ESM who have retired after superannuation or Medically boarded out ( militarily attributable ) for 2 years or more and are below 58 years of age for Jt Directors and below and below 62 for Directors and above may be appointed on 5 Years contractual basis.
The State Boards should be also on similar lines. MoD should be compelled to accommodate ESM into parallel Government / semi – govt set-up. Bi-annually or as suitable, “Placement Mela” should be held in every zone under Command HQs. Similarly, Regimental Centres should also organize Campus Placements. For this, they may also employ ESMs to set-up Vocational Training & Placement Cell. In this manner, both will be benefitted – a win win situation. Government will save a lot in Pension budget and ESM will be doing constructive job. As of now, DGR is making Faltu Chowkidars out of trained and disciplined force. DGR should only place ESMs in Central / State Government run Security Agency or directly on the Pay roll of PSUs and Large corporate.
The other day, I read about Smt Thota Venkattasubbama, 88 yrs old from Guntur ( AP ) who became widow with a small child of a soldier who died in WW II, when she was 24, has received pension after 64 Yrs. Similarly, Smt Prammela of Medak ( widow of L / Nk who died in 71 )received her pension after 39 yrs. I suggest that DPLC be also manned by ESM with adequate staff to tour various corners of the Country.
I request that Senior Veterans to do some brain storming on the above issues. This is no time for Chinta ( worry ) but Chintan ( introspection ).
Lastly, an anecdote …….but quite true
*An elderly couple was watching TV when a TV evangelist came on air to pray for the sick.
The evangelist said.. "For those of you who are sick, I want to pray with you so that you can be cured of your sickness. Place your right hand on the part of your body that is suffering from disorder, and raise your left hand."
The husband placed his right hand on his privates, raised his left hand, and closed his eyes.
His wife saw what he did, and slowly whispered, "Honey, this prayer is to heal the sick, not to raise the dead!"
Jai Hind
Col Siddhartha Bose
D-85, Nar Vihar -1 C- 2 Tagore Nagar
Sector -34 Raipur
NOIDA (UP) CG
201307 492001
Tele : 0120 -2507208 0771 - 4263030
Mob : +91 9993032720
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