Towards Better India

Leadership
Retired Officers can do a lot for the benefit and progress of the Nation. This is where our retired Generals can lead the way. However, sadly, many of them are in the money spinning business even after retirement and forget what they have been taught in the Academy as Military Leaders. I remember a civilian tell me sometime back that a retired general who was appointed chairman of a state Public Service Commission was more corrupt than a civilian. Really I was saddened and could not reply to his observations.

Inherent Strengths
One of the strongest positive aspect of our Defence Forces: totally impartial, non-communal, apolitical force. I feel one must capitalise on this unifying concept and spread the message. For the last 60 years none of the Political Parties have been able to make inroads into our secular armed forces or sully its name and traditions.

Setting Values
ESM must cherish the values, duties and responsibilities as an concerned citizen.

To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

To defend the country and render national service in whatever small feasible way;

To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic or regional diversities;

To renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;

To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

To safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.