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Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Former President of India:

YOU say that our Government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke. The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.
YOU say that the System is corrupt. In such a dealing, Someone Gives, the Other Takes, both are to equally blame.

YOU say, say and say.

What is Your Role? And what do YOU do about it?

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Indian Army Chief Goes to Court in His Age Row

SvipjaCMRChair has been closely following the case. As per media reports, it now emerges that the Chief has taken recourse to the Court Order in the matter. Our candid observations/Comments are:

1. It is not a CMR Issue as made out by some in the media. It affects the succession chain within the Army. It is therefore a matter relevant to the Army hierarchy. The Govt. has to only ensure that orders/instrs on the subject in vogue are 'rightly' enforced.

2. The Chief of any Army is an institution in itself. He upholds the dignity of the 'August Office'. He is duty-bound not to let the Office slip into any controversy for it to become a subject matter of public debate. There is no limit to varied thoughts then.

3. It is important that any such matters involving officers beyond the Commanding Officers' level are handled with due sensitivity and care by the hierarchy, military and civil both, as these level of officers are very senior. Any aberrations in such cases affect the morale and discipline of the Forces.

4. Having reached the impasse, the COAS is left with no option but to 'honourably resign'. As a soldier and an officer he has delivered to the Nation to the best of his ability. He needs an 'honourable exit' in all circumstances. May be he was advised incorrectly w/o any considerations to ethos, customs and traditions of the Armed Forces.

All this impacts the Armed Forces the world over, a lesson for all Govts.

Chairman SvipjaCMR Chair