IESM: Military culture and ethos needs to be embellished and cherished

Dear Friends,
The main plank of our OROP demand is that we as soldiers are different from others. Our claim by itself is not sufficient; this difference has to be visibly reflected in our behaviour as well as in our actions. We should not forget for us means are as important as the ends. We are responsible to pass down a legacy that the posterity talks of with a sense of pride and not with a sense of guilt and embarrassment.
Undoubtedly, the suggestion for more reckless forms of protests has been mooted, out of impatience and frustration at the continued stone-walling of our demand for equity and justice. We need to remember that an old and intricate problem where the regime has long taken an entrenched position is not expected to lend itself to a quick solution. It is a marathon, not a sprint. We need patience and perseverance. Let us not compromise on our dignity and our core values.
The Movement is making progress and there is no cause for undue concern.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Readers Responses
I have always looked upon Gen Satbir as our Sardar Patel and Guru Govind Singh. But this mail has elevated Gen Kadyan to the level of Mahatma Gandhi, - the truth loving, gentle but firm, peace loving architect of IESM. May the Great Architect of the Universe long preserve him, not only for the ex-servicemen/ servicemen but for the security and safety of our motherland. When a soldier has to look back for his own safety and the safety of his family, the need for the bureaucratic set up will cease, as there will be no independent country to rule and loot.
Col Krishnamoorthy (Retd)- the young veteran 90 yrs 7 months and 12 days of age- young when compared to the 103 years old veteran who blessed our last rally in U P /Bihar Border.

Dear Gen Kadyan,
May God grant u blessings and preserve u to lead this movement. It needs ur mature advice and guidance at this stage. No doubt the core group and u have given enough thought to the next step. In my opinion, whilst Mr. Manmohan Singh, is the PM, nothing would happen. May be the Core Group would like to consider somehow persuading the three chiefs to lead a delegation of the the EMS, to the PM and the President. It may not yield any result but would be in line with our peaceful intentions. At the same time we may like to approach some Rich Ex Service Men to seek donation. For Example, K P Singh. I am sure, KP would oblige.
Lots of love and blessings.
Pran Parashar
(Cdr Pran Parashar. World War II veteran, Founder Member of Naval Aviation)

My Dear General,
The recognition of what soldiers do to serve their country is somewhat hazy in the minds of the masses. The rich and corrupt do not bother; the suffering majority have neither the time nor the patience to know more about us. The world over armed forces/ veterans are honoured by the nation and leaders by Parades, visit to memorials, wreath laying etc. There are very impressive and informative museums and memorials to familiarise the new generation about the sacrifices made and crucial role played by Armed forces. OROP is a just demand and will be met sooner or later. The veterans with their values, physical and mental fitness, professionalism should perhaps look further ahead and ponder as to what can we do to serve the Nation as a very strong viable force. A small beginning could be made; this will also helo spread the word about our glorious achievements. There are thousands of NGOs but they do not achieve much. Our selfless service by various regional ESM organisations in all the states duly guided by a vision created by the apex body will start showing results.
Warmest Regards,
Veteran Ved Ahuja