Dear Col Ranjan,
I believe I owe it to you to write this mail as I can see the passion with which you have been raising these points for the improvement of the IESM. I am a new member in the organization, have never met you, and will not know the personal equation of all members with each other. But I have served under Gen Raj Kadiyan when he was my Corps Cdr and have a very high respect for the fellow senior officer. He will not know me but suffice to say that he is the most suited person to lead a fledgling organization like the IESM. Most general officers settled here in Panchkula play golf, at times give some bytes to media and retire to their homes in the evening. There are very few to stick their neck out and take on the government, agencies and the system on behalf of the veterans.
Coming on to the functioning of such bodies, I see in our AWHO meetings in Panchkula, a lone member (served in JAG) drags every other meeting and members to the court, since he feels that only his view should prevail. I have been trying to dissect the psyche of soldiers out of uniform, as to why do they believe that whatever they say must be heard by the majority and implemented or else....
The problem lies in our genetic orientation, which is highly undemocratic. We were driven in a top down structure and autocratic leadership style. Post retirement, in such forums, we suddenly find our vote being counted and every member finds a voice. While it is good to voice our concerns as you have a right to do so, we ought to learn to go with the majority views. That is something the politicians know but we are yet to learn. I appreciate your concerns but once a decision is made by a majority vote; someone of your passion should go and implement it.
The movement perhaps will fall apart not due to the MOD bureaucrats or Antony or the President not receiving our medals; but by a dissent within and made public so often. The politicians play this game all the time, getting insiders to sabotage well intentioned groups. We need to guard against any such attempts. I am sure you will not play into the hands of media or a bureaucrat or a politician to malign such a noble organisation and the only voice of the veterans.
It is my personal request and hope it is of every other member of the IESM.
with regards
Col KK Sharma (Retd)
IESM Report by Col SS Rajan
IESM General Secretary's Response to Col Rajan's Report
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