Indian soldiers lauded in Israeli textbooks for freeing city

Press Trust of India | Updated: September 23, 2012 11:01 IST
Haifa, Israel: While remaining largely unknown in their own country, some Indian soldiers will now become household names in Haifa in northern Israel after figuring in the history textbooks taught at schools for their contribution in liberating this city in 1918.
The municipality of Haifa has gone ahead with its decision to immortalise the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, many of whom are buried in the cemetery here, by including the stories of their valiant efforts in liberating the coastal city during the First World War in the school curricula as part of the history textbooks.
"The move is a part of Haifa municipalities efforts to preserve the city's history and heritage," Hedva Almog, deputy Mayor of Haifa told people gathered to pay respects to Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the war to liberate the city.
Haifa Historical Society has done an extensive research on the role of the Indian army in the region.
As per their findings, a large number of Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in this region during the First World War and nearly 900 are cremated or buried in cemeteries across Israel.
Almog said that the municipality is planning big centenary celebrations to commemorate the event in 2018, calling upon India to join hands in making it a success.
Charge de Affaires at the Indian mission in Tel Aviv, Vani Rao, reacted positively to the request extending support in organising the Centenary celebrations.
The Indian army commemorates September 23rd every year as Haifa Day, to pay its respects to the two brave Indian Cavalry Regiments that helped liberate the city in 1918 following a dashing cavalry action by the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.
Residents of the Israeli city also celebrate Haifa Day the same day with a series of cultural programmes during the week.
Indian soldiers lauded in Israeli textbooks for freeing city

Army Chief vs Govt: Should General VK Singh resign?

Left Right & Centre: A day after the Army Chief dragged the government to the Supreme Court over his age, the government has decided to fight him and stands firm. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has held consultations with senior ministers and the Centre has filed a caveat in the court that says it be heard before any order is passed.

Hereditary Members of Indian Parliamentary Monarchy

India a Democracy or a Monarchy? Heading towards a Hereditary Monarch and Indian Princelings
India: A Portrait by Patrick French – review
Patrick French's affectionate portrait of modern India hymns the tiger economy but ignores the country's contradictions and complexities

French retells the story of Ramanujan, the brilliant young Tamil mathematician who died in England before he could fulfil his promise. The suggestion is that the talents of 1.2 billion Ramanujans – all of them tremendously multicultural and supremely talented – are on the verge of exploding. The leading historian of modern India, Ramachandra Guha, chose to end his magisterial work, India After Gandhi, on a more sombre note: his countrymen, he pointed out, could be legitimately proud of their democracy but they had to remember that the task of lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty still lay ahead of them.

Patrick French offered this startling revelation about the Indian Parliament:
"Every MP in the Lok Sabha under the age of 30 had in effect inherited a seat, and more than two-thirds of the 66 MPs aged 40 or under were HMPS [Hereditary Members of Parliament]. In addition, this new wave of Indian lawmakers would have a decade’s advantage in politics over their peers, since the average MP who had benefited from family politics was almost 10 years younger than those who had arrived with ‘No Significant Family Background’. In the Congress, the situation was yet more extreme: every Congress MP under the age of 35 was an HMP. If the trend continued, it was possible that most members of the Indian Parliament would be there by heredity alone, and the nation would be back to where it had started before the freedom struggle, with rule by a hereditary monarch and assorted Indian princelings."

He has divided his book into three parts: Rashtra (nation), Lakshmi (wealth), and Samaj (society). While that's a neat division, a multi-everything nation like India can be sub-divided in many different ways. The deeper question is: does it hold together and form a coherent narrative? That depends on the reader's expectations.
Read more: India: A Portrait by Patrick French – review
Another Review: India: Click here

Thai PM Shinawatra exudes Indian Generation Gap

Friday, January 27, 2012 Bureaucrats, diplomats enjoyed President Patil’s high tea party at Mughal Garden

Thai PM Shinawatra with India's Supreme Commander

IT was Thursday afternoon. The 63rd Republic day parade was over by then. Country’s top bureaucrats, diplomats, armed forces officials along with their spouses reached the backyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan to join the high tea party hosted by President Pratibha Patil. The menu of the President’s “At Home” party included samocha, pakora, fish fries and sweets. And of course tea and coffee!
President Patil who is completing her five-year term in July this year seated at the VVIP enclosure along with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia among others.
But the bureaucrats and diplomats enjoyed the moment by roaming around the sprawling and elegantly manicured Mughal Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It was a sunny afternoon, and none of the 1000 guests was in a hurry to go back home. Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar and his wife were greeted by many officials present there. Ex-US ambassador Meera Shankar and her husband Ajay Shankar, a former industry secretary, were also spotted chatting with their friends in the corridors. Montek Singh Ahluwalia's adviser Gajendra Haldea, ex-CBDT chairman PK Mishra and minority affairs secretary Surajit Mitra were among those seen chatting with friends and colleagues. A number of secretaries, former governors and political leaders were also present during the occasion.
None of the officials and armed forces bigwigs probably had any idea that 44-year-old Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was by then one of the top 10 Twitter trends in India. But Shinawatra wearing a cream skirt and jacket was the cynosure of all eyes during the high tea party. Those who were present near the VVIP enclosure said woh! when Thai PM said: Namaste India.
Young Thai PM in contrast with ageing Bureaucracy, Diplomats, President and PM of India

Ageing Ministers and Bureaucrats for Governance?
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said the country needs more youth leaders to infuse creativity, energy and dynamism in different fields of national endeavour.
India needs youth leaders for nation building: PM

Happy Republic Day

Corrupt bureaucrats are like sleeper cells

Corrupt bureaucrats are like sleeper cells, dangerous by Abhay Vaidya | Monday, December 27, 2010 DNA India
Pakistan has been ruined by the army and India by the bureaucracy”. So wrote a letter writer while responding to a 2009 Asian survey that ranked Singapore as the country with the best bureaucracy and India, the worst. Have corrupt bureaucrats done more harm to our nation than corrupt politicians?

The various governments that have ruled India have been punished, tolerated or rewarded by the people through the ballot box. Such is the power of the vote that even the most powerful of politicians can be punished, as happened with none less than Indira Gandhi and Rajiv.

Chastened in defeat, top politicians characteristically speak of “accepting the people’s verdict”. They resolve to introspect, rebuild and reconstruct. Have you seen this happen with IAS bureaucrats and their associations?

The lobby of corrupt bureaucrats lies virtually untouched; like a computer virus deeply embedded in the system, which we know is infected but cannot be repaired.

The Bombay high court raised this very point last week while hearing a petition on the Adarsh Co-operative Housing Society scam in Mumbai. Pointing out that the bureaucrats who cleared key files in the revenue and urban development departments were gifted flats in Adarsh Society; the court asked why no action was being taken against these officers.

Using precise words, the court described the scam “as a clear-cut case of manipulation” by the bureaucrats. Precisely, manipulation of the laws, rules and regulations by the faceless bureaucrat is what is at the root of some of the biggest corrupt deals in India.

Thus, whether it is the Rs1.76 lakh crore 2G spectrum scam, the Commonwealth Games or any of the land-related frauds that have plagued the country decade after decade, itis often the corrupt bureaucrat from the celebrated IAS cadre who has facilitated the corruption.

Bureaucrats who try to clean up the system at their level and stand up to the politicians are cannibalised by their own cadre, as happened with Arun Bhatia who was transferred 26 times in his career of 30 years. After one such transfer from the Pune Municipal Corporation in 1999, which was effectively challenged through a writ petition in the Bombay high court, the chief justice described the transfer as “outrageous”. He said, “We wish to emphasise that during the present days when, unfortunately, corruption and dishonesty are at their peak, honesty and action as per law deserve a pat, rather than punishment. The transfer of Bhatia, in our view, is in the nature of punishment”.

We curse the Indian bureaucracy because of the gross inefficiencies at the grassroots. Our attack is misplaced because we need to focus on the corrupt in the IAS, to start with. Deal firmly with the top and the rest will clean up itself.

The politician is afraid of the masses because they can destroy him through their votes. The corrupt bureaucrat is virtually fearless because he stands protected by his political masters and peers.

He is the bigger traitor of the two and India needs effective mechanisms to bring him to book.

If one were to give a harsh analogy between corruption and terrorism, the corrupt politician is the terrorist who is the face of the act and the corrupt bureaucrats are the sleeper cells who provide him the support. They are the more insidious of the two because they are cowardly, lie undetected and having once tasted blood, are ready for the next operation.
Corrupt bureaucrats are like sleeper cells, dangerous

Netaji Subhash Memorial Lecture on 24 Jan 2011

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
An open invitation to all Military Veterans and their families, received from Netaji Subhash Chander Bose Trust, is reproduced below.
Those of you, who wish to attend the function, should kindly forward their names to Brig RS Chhikara, at chhikarars1940@yahoo.co.in
I have attended the functions organised by the Trust many times. The quality of lectures and the general administration is of a very high order.
The Metro Station nearest to the location of FICCI Auditorium is “Mandi House” - an easy walking distance. “Mandi House” Metro Station is on the Metro Line going from Noida to Dwarka (via Connaught Place). Do find time to attend it.
You are sure to like it.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Kindly give wide publicity to the contents of this email among the veterans living in NCR.
5th Netaji Subhash Memorial Lecture on 24 Jan 2011
Dear Chander,
The fifth Netaji Subhash Memorial Lecture is being organised at FICCI Auditorium, Tansen Marg, New Delhi from 2-30 to 4-30 PM on Monday the 24th January 2011.
The theme for this year is 'Nation Building Since 1947' - Achievements and Challenges.
Speakers are expected to cover four major aspects of nation building:

Our Democracy and State of the Polity.

National Integrity - Societal cohesion, Security and Defence of our vital National interests within and abroad.

State of Governance and Corruption.

Readying our youth to face challenges ahead.
All members of IESM are Cordially invited. Those who insist on invitation cards may please send me their address & Email ID.
You may please circulate as widely as possible on your own and associated networks. The Netaji Subhash Chander Trust will be very happy if ladies also can grace the occasion.
My mail IDs are netajisubhashvision(at)hotmail.com, netajisubhashvisionyahoo.com and chhikarars1940yahoo.co.in
Regards
Brig RS Chhikara
Secy General
Netaji Subash Chander Trust

Genetic Orientation of Military Officers is Autocracy as opposed to Democracy

References

Col SS Rajan- IESM AGM Report of 28 Nov 2010- click here

Response by Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM, Gen Sec IESM- click here

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

Bureaucrats appointed on Fake Certificates

Government Appointments on Fake Caste Certificate
Wednesday, December 01, 2010 18:50 IST
Some cases of appointments made on the basis of allegedly fake caste certificates have come to the notice of Government. As per information received from 30 Ministries/ Departments, there were about 1383 cases of appointments made on the basis of allegedly false/ fake caste certificates. The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered 58 cases against 67 persons on allegations of appointment on the basis of fake caste certificates.

The Government has issued instructions to the effect that the appointing authorities should verify the caste status of a Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe candidate at the time of initial appointment and promotion against a vacancy reserved for them. The instructions further provide that verification of caste status should be done at every important upturn of employee’s career so that the benefit of reservation and other schemes of concessions, etc, meant for SCs/STs go only to rightful claimants. Instructions also provide that if any person gets an appointment on the basis of such false claim, he should be removed from service.

The Government of India has requested all the States/ UTs to streamline the system of verification of caste certificates so that unscrupulous non-SC/ST/OBC persons are prevented from securing jobs meant for SCs/STs/OBCs by producing false certificate. They have also been requested to initiate disciplinary proceedings against officers who default in timely verification of caste status in such cases or issue false certificates so as to rule out collusion between candidates holding false/ forged certificates and employees.

This was stated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Shri V. Narayanasamy in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
Appointments on Fake Caste Certificate
Read more- Fakes Galore: Run up to a Fake Democracy

Is flying safe with fake Pilot Licence

24/11/2010
Fake flights and fake flying hours in pilot licence scam
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday arrested an assistant general manager of the Jaipur Air Traffic Control (ATC) and the chief flying instructor (CFI) of the Rajasthan State Flying School in connection with a commercial pilot licence scam.
The duo, in collusion with other officials, allegedly accepted money to fudge records of flying hours for at least 14 students, thus helping them obtain commercial pilot licences in a fraudulent manner. According to the rules, students must log at least 200 flying hours to get a licence.
The accused have been identified as CFI Mahendra Kumar and AGM Manoj Jain. "Kumar would log fake hours and Jain at the ATC would countersign, though the plane was never in the air," said ACB Additional Director General of Police Ajit Singh. He added that Kumar charged students extra money for faking flying hours, over and above the official fee of Rs 4.7 lakh.
Last month, the ACB arrested an Indian Airlines pilot, Rahul Yadav, in connection with the same case. According to Singh, Yadav had logged only around 20 hours of flying time, while his flight logs showed the required 200 hours.
"Though records show that Yadav completed a cross-country flight from Jaipur to Hissar as part of his training, we have evidence to show that the plane he reportedly used was undergoing maintenance at the time," said Singh. Incidentally, Yadav's father is a senior official with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
ACB officials said that from 2004-2008, the duo had logged fake flying hours for at least 14 students, including another Indian Airlines technician, Rakesh Mehta, and Pallavi Sherje, who is at present an assistant flying instructor in Nagpur.
Incidentally, according to sources, Kumar was vying for the post of pilot of the state aircraft that ferries Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Bhupendra Yadav, the ACB investigation officer, said M S Beniwal, the CFI at Hissar Aviation Club, was also wanted in the case but was absconding. "We have a warrant for his arrest, but he has managed to evade the police. Kumar would log a cross-country flight from Jaipur to Hissar and back, as part of the training, and Beniwal would countersign," said Yadav.
Fake flights and fake flying hours in pilot licence scam

Read more of Indian Fakes: A run up to a Fake democarcy!
Indian fakes galore: Now a fake GOI Memorandum

RTI Logo & Portal Launched

PIB: Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Shri Prithviraj Chavan launched the Logo on RTI and the RTI portal today in the presence of Shri. A N. Tiwari, Chief Information Commission and Shri. Shantanu Consul, Secretary, DoPT.

It is a simple and iconic logo depicting a sheet of paper with information on it, and the public authority – providing the information. This represents people’s empowerment through transfer and accountability in Governance. The logo’s shape and structure make it easy to remember, recall and replicate with minimal distortion.

In the last five years the RTI regime has heralded a regime of transparency and accountability and strengthened the democratic structure of the country. Success stories of citizens using the RTI Act abound. The Act has achieved great success in empowering the citizens of India. However it was felt that the core values of the RTI regime – Empowerment, Transparency and Accountability- need to be given a shape in the form of a logo. The logo would be displayed at all public authorities and will be used in various communications related to RTI.

The Right to Information Portal – A Gateway on RTI – was also formally launched on this occasion. The portal is one stop knowledge bank for information seekers, information providers, trainers, Information Commissions, students and academicians. It provides for a digital library, discussion fora, e- newsletter and a blog. Latest judgments of the High Courts and Information Commissions; reports, articles, guides, manuals, handbooks for various stakeholders; online certificate course are also available on this portal. There is facility for stakeholders to interact through dedicated and open discussion forum and register as resource persons. The web URL for the Portal is www.rtigateway.org.in
RTI Logo & Portal Launched
RTI Portal

Chile Rescues Miners: Lesson in Disaster and Crisis Management

Chile Miners Rescue Video: Joy as capsule raises trapped men to surface



Chile’s CEO moment by Nathan VanderKlippe, San Jose Mine, Chile— From Saturday's Globe and Mail Published Friday, Oct. 15, 2010 6:59PM EDT

On the morning of Aug. 6, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera spoke to his Mining Minister, Laurence Golborne.

Twenty-four hours before, a small gold and copper mine had collapsed in northern Chile, sending a geyser of dust into the air and plunging the families of 33 men into despair. Accidents are not uncommon in a country with a mining tradition that extends back to the Spanish conquistadors and a blemished safety record nearly as long.
More related to this story

Chilean president brings mine rocks to London for Queen and Prime Minister

Miners sketch fuller picture of ordeal

Miners watched closely for physical and mental health problems

Yet this tragedy struck a chord with Mr. Pinera, who took power in March just two weeks after a devastating earthquake struck the country. He immediately dispatched Mr. Golborne to the mine.

His instructions: Fix this. Spare no expense. Baldo Procurica, a Chilean senator who was present, recalls the leader saying that there was “no limit to the resources” to be spent on the effort.

It was a critical executive decision by a man whose long walk through the halls of a different kind of power – the world of business – made him uniquely qualified to make a gamble that anyone with political savvy would have avoided.

It didn’t hurt that Mr. Pinera’s mining minister happened to have a similar pedigree.

What followed was what might be called the MBA rescue.

It was a $10- to $20-million exercise in crisis management run by a Harvard-educated billionaire President and his Stanford-educated retailer lieutenant, each only recently transplanted into government office.

It ended this week, of course, as a brilliant political masterstroke, one that has vaulted to immense popularity the first conservative government to reach power in this country since far-right dictator Augusto Pinochet’s reign ended in 1990.

But behind the scenes, it was a carefully directed exercise by men whose pasts have given them an uncommon appetite for risk – and an uncommon expectation of success.
Chile’s CEO moment by Nathan VanderKlippe

Lessons Learnt: Deploy or Employ Professionals for Crisis and Disaster Management rather than depend on Bureaucrats whose interests are focussed mainly on making a fast buck on the tragedy rather than saving lives of citizens.

Do Politicians have a legacy? Chanakya sums it all

"A person should not be too honest.
Straight trees are cut first
and Honest people are screwed first...."

"Even if a snake is not poisonous,
it should pretend to be venomous."

"The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. ! It will destroy you."

"There is some self-interest behind every friendship.
There is no Friendship without self-interests.
This is a bitter truth."

"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions - Why am I doing it, What the results might be and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply
and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."

"As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it."

"Once you start a working on something,
don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it.
People who work sincerely are the happiest."

"The fragrance of flowers spreads
only in the direction of the wind.
But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."

"A man is great by deeds, not by birth."

"Treat your kid like a darling for the first five years.
For the next five years, scold them.
By the time they turn sixteen, treat them like a friend.
Your grown up children are your best friends."

"Books are as useful to a stupid person
as a mirror is useful to a blind person."

"Education is the best friend.
An educated person is respected everywhere.
Education beats the beauty and the youth."

Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC- 275 BC)

Lokesh Batra 1971 war veteran- Flag Bearer of RTI Act

Aslam Bhai , President, Nagarik Adhikar Kendra, a Gujarat NGO
With the Panchayat getting the maximum number of visits by members of a village, the NAK hit upon the novel idea of painting the mandatory disclosures under RTI on the walls of the Panchayat building. While Section 4 (1) (b) of the Act lists 17 types of information which must be voluntarily disclosed by a public authority, this list is displayed on a department's website, inaccessible to the mass of villagers who usually have no access to a computer. In 2009 NAK put up a template on the walls of 22 village panchayats in Panchmahals district along with similar templates in the village ration shop, the nearest PHC, local government schools. When they did the same for 15 villages in neighbouring Dahod district, the district administration sat up and took note. 200 villages in Dahod district were then instructed to replicate the wall painting template and spread the RTI word.

Lokesh Batra, 1971 war veteran actively involved in taking up social issues
It is a full five years after the enactment of the RTI Act that all 37 passport offices in the country are in tune with it. A sustained campaign by Retd Commodore Batra ensured that they complied with Section 4 of the Act which lists the 17 types of information which every public authority must disclose. He is also in the middle of a campaign to ensure that Indians who travel abroad do not lose out on their RTI rights.

Indian citizens living abroad are unable to access information as per their right in the absence of procedure/rules to be framed by the government for payment of RTI fees in foreign currency. Retd Comm Batra, who stays in Noida, also led a spirited campaign at the time of the Nithari killings bringing out the failure of the authorities. His latest campaign involves an RTI application to the PMO and MoEF to formulate a Green Buildings Code for govt buildings.
Flag-bearers of RTI Act: The Economic Times

Indian Women Atheletes create history

India winning Gold Medal in Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 - 4 x 400m relay FINAL



AtreyGotram @olebaj
Yes.. very true and sad that not many know the names of the GEMS of India. BTW I found her name: It is Ashwini. Here in Order - Manjeet Kaur, Sini Jose, Ashwini Akkunji and Mandeep Kaur

AtreyGotram RockStarV1
11 hours ago It is awesome....i mean this is hands down awesome ....what can be more awesome...girls you rocked...beat the opponents...keep this coming...

Indian Athletes and Volunteers have saved the Face of India when it almost got lost due to Kalmadi and Sheila Dickshit's corrupt ways...

A befitting rejoinder to AG Noorani's "Talkative Generals"

Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
A fine example of "Propaganda, with an Agenda" was published in weekly "FRONTLINE"(13 August), in an eight-page "essay" by AG Noorani, indiscriminately castigating some of our soldier-icons! As such inchoate outpourings against our Armed Forces cannot be allowed to go unchallenged, I made a rejoinder which has already been published in the September issues of the "FORCE" and "DEFENCE WATCH" magazines (in "FORCE", a truncated version of the inevitably long rejoinder).
I am attaching click here a full version of my piece, in case you feel that it may be of some interest to the readers of "Report my Signal". I am afraid it is over-long, but Mr Noorani, a lawyer-cum-journalist, needed to be answered in full.
For members who may NOT be able to get to the Site for Noorani's article, here is the Link: just click here
With regards,
Major General Rajendra Prakash, VSM

Democracy and Military
In India armed forces have played a role in both democratising and anti- democratic transitions. Political tendency here is to emulate bygone rulers (Politicians) tending towards authoritarianism. Patterns of civil-military relations and degrees of authoritarianism/ democracy in governance have varied widely. Any attempt at understanding this variety must begin with an appreciation of the particular historical and cultural circumstances under which credited apolitical military involvement in politics is developing in our country. I am sure AG Noorani understands that Insurgency, Naxalism and Maoist threats are outcome of poor governance, inept bureaucrats and self- centered Politicians rather than the "Talkative Generals". The author certainly will get focused and enlightened reading the essay "Democracy and Military" (click title). A cocky General is certainly a successful battle winner in comparison to a cunning Bureaucrat who is more often careful to preserve his own career rather than work for citizens welfare.

Lt Gen Nathu Singh: Some Generals they were and more

Earlier Post: click here
Some Generals they were and more...
Dear Sir,
This fwd may be of interest to readers of the blog
My Dear Col Dayakar
1. Thanks for the informative write up sir. There is a revival of interest in Gen Nathu Singh on the net and I am contributing my bit towards the cause of this great soldier as well as others from this part of the country.
2. The name of Lt Gen Thakur Nathu Singh Rathore is a legend in Udaipur. He is not remembered much in Defense fraternity who is more inclined towards westernized and anglicized Cariappas and like but I am sure the losses which the Indian Defense Forces suffered (Post independence) would not have occurred had Taker Sahib taken over the reins of the forces post independence.
3. I remember the upright Retired General in late sixties when he used to cross our Medical college campus for his daily walk and we used to stop and salute him. He used to respond smartly and then engage us in talks on nationalistic and other matters.
4. I had met him in BH Delhi when I was at Medical Directorate and we created an appropriate facility for his stay at Hospital. He was very well understood and appreciated by his British seniors who commissioned him in 1920 and promoted him till the rank of Brigadier in spite of his open pro- Nationalistic and anti- British attitude and fiery temperament. They appreciated his genius as a Military strategist while Nehru down played him and condemned him as a reactionary? He was of course a maverick and the stories about his rebellion against the authority abound. There are people like him who bristle with energy and are ready to take danger head-on. The org/ auth which recognize their potential can only reap the benefit. Britishers did it and independent India under Nehru shunned him. What a pity? He advocated and advised in writing (in 1948) the capture of Lahore and then bargain for area of Kashmir captured by Pakistan. Nehru rejected the plan. Ironically it was the diminutive successor of tall Nehru, Lal Bahadur shastry who adopted the same strategy in 1965 when he gave go ahead to capture Lahore which only deterred Pakistan and made it sue for peace!
5. The Area of old Rajpootana (now Rajasthan) produced some eminent and brilliant Military officers who were known for their straight forward and no - non sense approach. It was a pleasure to meet them when they were alive and interact with them. They shaped the history of armed forces without compromising on honor and integrity. Given below are some names which come to mind with whom or their families we had the honor and opportunity to interact:

Lt Gen Kundan Sigh-
I had the opportunity to hear mouthfuls from him in his rustic rajasthani. He was a difficult patient since people of his caliber in their nineties do not succumb to help or advice by the attendants. A fiercely independent minded individual whom I persuaded and convinced to follow a medical routine while getting him admitted to Mil Hosp Jaipur repeatedly for age related ailments. It was a pleasure and honor to look after a great but simple soul during his troubled times

Lt Gen K Bahadur Singh.

Lt Gen Sagat Singh.

Lt Gen Umrao Singh.

Maj Gen K Zorawar Singh
It was a fantastic experience to know and interact with Mrs Anar Zorawar Singh and their family and learn about the exploits of late Gen in Italy and Kashmir.

Admiral VS Shekhawat.

Admiral Madhvendra Singh.
It was a tribute and honor for the Alma Mater(St Xavier’s) and the native city of their residence Jaipur, Rajasthan to have given two successive Chief of Naval Staff as mentioned above. Both soldiers, born and brought up in the land locked deserts of Rajpootana, got their sea foots in Indian Navy and proved that you don’t have to be a sea faring tribe from coastal belt to cut your teeth on the high seas.
I had the opportunity to get them as my captive audience during their routine visits to Mil Hosp under my command. They patiently listened to my woes. It was while waiting for a cup of tea and their medicines that I learned about their inherent great capabilities and down to earth approach. It was unfortunate that I could not convince them to go along for a larger re-hauling of MILITARY MEDICAL SYSTEM FOR ENTIRE ARMED FORCES FRATERNITY (A De novo approach) rather than a Jugad in the form of ECHS which was just then coming up.

Lt Gen Chimman Sigh.

Maj Gen K Bhagwati Singh
The first Indian Commission Officer from IMA in 1934 with Personal Number as IC 1. Admiral Madhvendra singh is his son.

Brigadier Bhawani Singh
The scion of the house of Kachwahas of Amber (now Jaipur) served the Indian Army and earned MVC. It was a pity that the Indian Govt victimized this decorated soldier and he was forced to put up his papers. The doors of his palatial residence were always open for serving and retired soldiers. I enjoyed his hospitality and sumptuous table spread. He had special affinity for all paratroopers being one of them. He had the great courage and conviction to marry his only daughter’s into a family from a different caste background then his lineage and then to let his daughters son inherit his name and property against the established Hindu practice of male succession and against the will and desire of his Rajpoot clan.
Brig (Dr) CP Joshi
Visit my blog at:
http://chander-wwwdrbrigcpjudpr.blogspot.com/
http://voiceofmewar.spaces.live.com/

Readers Remember Lt Gen Nathu Singh

References and earlier posts:

Gen Nathu Singh & AFSPA: Readers Views

Lt Gen Nathu Singh: Courage and Candour has few equals or parallels

Lt Gen Nathu Singh's short bio- data by Maj Gen VK Singh

Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
I am attaching two photos of Gen Nathu Singh
Regards
VK Singh (Maj Gen VK Singh)

From: Sureshwar Sinha
Sent: 07 September 2010 10:40
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: GEN NATHU SINGH … edited …
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
Having read the above messages, I could not resist mentioning the interview General Thakur Nathu Singh gave me for my book, 'Sailing and Soldiering in Defence of India'. Earlier we had had many informal chats, as his son the late Rear Admiral R.V. Singh, {who was my course mate in the 2nd JSW now N.D.A. course}, along with another course mate, Captain R.N.Singh, had brought back a Land Rover from London for the General, by driving it all the way to Delhi. Though the vehicle was in pretty bad shape after the trip, the General did'nt bat an eye lid, and simply said that he was glad we had a nice and adventurous trip.
Coming back to my formal interview with him. It is well known that he was favoured by Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck to be the first Indian Army Chief and had made his recommendation accordingly. But in converstions with the then DM, Sardar Baldev Singh and the PM Mr. Nehru, Gen. Nathu Singh had said that it might not be fair to supersede General Cariappa. He was still young and could have been a Chief later, but his frank and honestly argumentative nature was not liked by his political bosses.
He recalled that at the time of the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he was the GOC-in-C of the Eastern Command, and had suggested that to the powers that be that one of his brigades could hold up the Chinese at the fort of Chamdo, whilst two more in reserve, could have prevented any breakthrough by them, as forces available to them then were far less in those days. But he was ignored. Our history and present security scenario would have been far different had he been listened to
As regards Kashmir, we had a first hand account of events from General Thymayya, when after relinquishing command in Kashmir, he came as our Commandant of the integrated academy, composed of the Military Wing {IMA} and the JSW.
But have we learnt the lessons even today?
Cmdr SD Sinha {Retd)

From: Yati Panwar
Sent: 07 September 2010 01:51
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ON GEN NATHU SINGH
Dear Brig Kamboj,
Many mails are coming in talking about Gen Nathu Singh. I have never met the gentleman in real life but gleaned a lot about his towering personality from his ACR's (dating back to 1920's) that are preserved in the Archives of the MS Branch. I glanced through those captivating accounts while reorganising the archives in 1995. I do not recollect the exact contents but the British Officers were rather piercing in their description of him - they were certainly as much in awe of him as they were unable to see him straight in the eye.
Perhaps (...) one may be asked to revisit the MS Archive to retrieve the contents for the benefit of all of us- i am sure they would be as much revealing as they would be inspirational.
Best regards,
Yati Panwar
Lt Gen YS Panwar, Former Commandant MCTE

From: Krishan K Punchhi
To: vinod pasricha
Sent: Tue, September 7, 2010 10:13:05 PM
Subject: Re: Gen Nathu Singh
Dear Pasha,
I'm glad you sent your mail to me. I was just wondering whether I should share my thoughts with others and now I will. This mail will eventually be copied to all my friends. I'm glad you want to include the reference to Lt Gen Thakur Nathu Singh in the book you are writing about Indian Navy's 300 Sqn.
Yes, our friend and colleague, Ranvijay Singh, was the second son of Lt Gen Thakur Nathu Singh. This is the first time that I too have heard of their surname Rathore. RV or Ranu was 2 JSW and I belong to 7 JSW.
I first came to know about Lt Gen Thakur Nathu Singh when we were told that he was going to take the salute at the passing out parade at JSW. I have taken part in four parades, 4JSW to my own 7JSW. Sh. Surjit Singh Majithia took our salute. So, Thakur Saheb must have taken the salute of 4th, 5th or 6th course. This happened in mid fifties and I hope my memory is not playing tricks with me. I also remember that he had a religious scripture ( Bhagvat Gita? ) in his hand and he read out and translated a shloka out of it. That is how he ended his lecture. This was most unusual. Here was a high ranking officer who was not fully anglicised, who valued and cherished Indian philosophy.
When I joined the Seahawk Sqn in the UK, RV was already there and so was Kumud, his wife. Kumud Bhabhi was a very fine and gentle lady and it was a pleasure interacting with both of them. That is when I came to learn that RV's father was that famous Thakur Nathu Singh. Later on when RV became the Sqn Cdr and we all embarked on VIKRANT, Kumud Bhabi took all the wives under her wings and really looked after them. Indu, my newly married wife, received special attention.
Years later, I think it was in Delhi that RV held a dinner party to which we were also invited. That is where I had the proud privilege of meeting the General. I think the elder son was also there. We all found him to be a grand old man, down to earth with no airs, very proud of his sons and very nice to all of their friends. During the talks, we learnt about Ranu's naval trg in the UK and his jeep trip back to India. Gen sahib wanted a brand new jeep and sent the money to his son. He bought the jeep and, as agreed to, he drove it back to India. Another friend and course mate ( Gokhale? ) was with him. Somewhere in the Middle East, the jeep went out of control and rolled over. Luckily, no one was hurt and the jeep was drive-able. So, they continued and entered Pakistan. There they were stopped and questioned. Once their identity was established, the MP pilot jeep and outriders were lined up. Thakur Nathu Singh had requested his old friend Gen Ayub (?) to look after RV and ensure he had no problems in Pakistan. So, a battered jeep was piloted and escorted like a VIP vehicle and came to Wagah in grand style. In that party, there was much lighthearted banter about RV's driving prowess.
We had to leave the party early as our very small son was alone at home under ayah's supervision. The general made it a point to come to the main door and see us off with all the love and affection that you show to a son and bahu. That family was full of decent sanskars. It is a pity that Kumud bhabhi and RV are no more. edited...
I close with best wishes and kind regards ...mac.
Cdr KK Punchhi
President Indian Navy Foundation, Canada

From: MG Kapoor
Sent: 07 September 2010 01:32
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ON GEN NATHU SINGH
Dear Brig Kamboj Sir,
I have read with great attention officer's tributes to Gen Nathu Singh. It really fills one with pride that our great Indian Army can boast of having such great Generals. It was very satisfying.
I have a suggestion. We do have many more great leaders of whom the present generation may know very little but nonetheless they need be remembered. Why not to start similar tributes to such great leaders? Amongst others, one such leader who comes to my mind is great Lt General Bikram Singh. Others are Lt General Kulwant Singh, Lt General PS Bhagat, Lt Gen Harbux Singh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjun Singh, and so on and so forth. Such like tributes to them would kindle the flame of patriotism amongst us all and in particular the present generation of the armed forces who are the pillars of our armed forces in times to come.
With kind regards,
MG Kapoor

Gen Nathu Singh & AFSPA: Readers Views

Dear Chander,
1.Seen a series of 'hagiographic' / hard line mails related to these unrelated topics. Did not wish to follow the long trails, and unable to resist a comment, am resorting to this device.
2. Have interacted- a fairly intense exposure in 1988/89- with the formidable General and admired his overpowering personality and principles even at that stage. Also recall an informal moment with Bipin Joshi in the Chief's office wherein he declared Gen Rajendrasinghji as his most admired Chief.At that time I thought that he was over-indulging his Regimental loyalty! However, the character and selflessness shown by these stalwarts in the 'succession stakes' makes them stand very tall; notwithstanding any warts.
3. The moot point is as to why is this 'model' out of date now-at least in the essential numbers required. Are we not selecting right or developing wrong? I don't buy the line that the 'manufacture' has stopped. My considered view is that, in our obsession with numbers/quantification, we have discounted/ under weighted the non-quantifiable core character values.We tried, not very successfully, to remedy the balance and others have since followed up- but the present systems need radical tweaking. And for that you need creative Leadership like Gen Nathu'- the kind not chained by 'conventional/received wisdom'.
4. Which brings me to AFSPA - the rash of 'conventional' defence of, the content and need for this Act, is getting 'dyspeptic'. Ironically, highly respected and admired colleagues have plugged this line. By definition, LICO are politico-military in nature; the strategic space/objs are public sp vs alienation- the existing CONTEXT can, therefore, not be disregarded.The Valley and Manipur are getting alarmingly alienated.
5. No one can question the need for legal/ prophylactic cover for tps; the issue is how best to package it. Justice REDDY Report provides a take-off platform-but all heels are dug deep in the conventional rut/ turf battles? Also, the lack of synergy and the blame-games are no longer amusing. One hopes that the Army will ultimately play the salvager as always,through some innovative thinking and leadership.
Yogi
Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander

I never had the good fortune of knowing the famous and gallant general (Lt Gen Nathu Singh), the account by VK was absolutely spellbinding!
When Gen Nathu Singh was Army Commander, Brig (later Lt Gen K Umrao Singh) was, (perhaps) Chief of Staff. I used have daily and leisurely chats with Gen Umrao on the Ham Radio. I had my 'home brew rig in the corner first floor room in Central Vista Mess (Air Force).
His call sign was VU2US and was popularly know by his 'handle' Uncle Sam (U for uncle and S for sam). We were all very pally and while discussing something, unwittingly, I cracked an old Army joke: Sant Singh is better than Natha Singh (Something is better than Nothing).
Uncle Sam retorted seriously, Rai do'nt repeat that ever because Gen Nathu Singh has just been succeeded by Gen Sant Singh!
Col BK Rai
Former Secretary to Government of India, 3rd Graduates Course of the IMA, Premature Retirement in 1970

Dear Sir,
I had had the privilege of meeting General Thakur Natu Singh at his younger son, Cmde. Ranvijay Singh's residence in Delhi in the mid seventies. He took me into his study and gave me a glass of beer while my wife chatted with pretty Kumud, his daughter-in-law, in another room.
He told me that, contrary to general belief, he was from a humble background. One day when he was playing with other children, the Raja come riding and the other kids ran helter-kelter but he did not. The Raja approached him and asked sternly, " Why have you not run away like the others?" Natu Singh replied that he had done no wrong so why run away. The Raja was impressed by his candour and gave orders to have him brought to the palace and requested his parents to allow their son to be brought up by him. He was first sent to Mayo College and then to Sandhurst.
Hearing this frank admission, and the manner in which he told me made me feel very privilaged to meet a great gentleman. Regrettably, both Ranvijay, a fine Navy pilot, and Kumud, a lovely lady, are no more. As also General Thakur Natu Singh.
Regards,
Hirak Nag
Cdr HK Nag, Joined JSW in August 1952

Dear Chander,
I would like to add that Lt Gen Nathu Singh had two sons in the Services. Pratap Singh the elder, joined our Course- 1st Course (JSW) NDA, while Ranvijay joined the Navy in the 2nd Course. Pratap was commissioned in the Infantry and took premature retirement as a Major to join the tea gardens. I haven't met him since commissioning but about two years ago he had long chat with me on telephone, while staying with Ranvijay at Sainik Farms. No contact with him since. Both the brothers are thorough gentlemen.
SK Bahri
Lt Gen SK Bahri, 1st JSW Course, Former MGO, Army HQ

Corruption boosts Insurgency in Kashmir

IAS officers among dozen under scanner in Kashmir
Sunday, August 29, 2010 2:26:10 AM by IANS
Jammu, Aug 29 (IANS) Two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of the rank of commissioner secretary are among a dozen civil service officers in Jammu and Kashmir under the scanner for corruption, official sources said Sunday. Both the officers, who were promotees to IAS, are from the state and have held significant positions so far.

Official sources said this exercise has been going on for months now as it was discovered that some officers, including those holding high positions, had built assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

The state government would seek green signal from the union ministry of personnel regarding the IAS officers, while the officers within the state will be shown the door in the next few weeks, the sources said.

The disclosure was made in Jammu-based newspaper Daily Excelsior. When contacted, official sources confirmed that the “exercise was on”.

These sources also disclosed that some of the officers under scrutiny had been working with some of the state ministers in acquiring financial and building assets in an illicit manner.

All relevant details have been collected on these officers. These would be made public after an action is taken against them which may include acquisition of their assets by the government and arrest under the anti-corruption laws of the land, the sources aid.

An anti-corruption law was enacted in Jammu and Kashmir in 2006 which enables the state to take possession of the movable and immovable properties of the corrupt officers, including those who retired from service 20 years ago.
IAS officers among dozen under scanner in Kashmir
P.J. Thomas Sworn in as CVC: Can he deccelerate the progressive Corruption that is driving the Nation to a Fake Democracy?