'Swachh Bharat Nission' and We the Residents of Sectors

Dear Residents,

Greetings of the Festive Season!

Back again!

The Sector has made good progress in the past years. Efforts of the Noida Authority and MC are helping improve various facilities in the Sector.

If you recollect, we had started e-Governance in the Sector in 2009 by launching www.RWA Sector33.blogspot.in , and later upgrading it to www.InformedCitizensForum for the NCR. It carried certain notes, guidelines, and Minutes of RWA Meetings and Proceedings, etc. It has received 'great' response nationally and internationally. It almost became a ‘learning Blog’ for communities the world over.

Pse review the World Map on the Blog showing visits in 'red dots' on www.InformedCitizensForum.com

We had started the concept of 'Residents Social Responsibility (RSR)’ on lines of CSR, and 'dos and don'ts' posted on the Blog amongst many other posts. Some of us understood it very well and looked at 'security' , 'cleanliness', 'neighborhood bon-homie holistically, and worked towards it. Others were indifferent for personal reasons.

Pse Click the following link for RSR: http://rwasector33.blogspot.in/2009/07/residents-social-responsibility-rsr.html

PM has now launched http://mygov.nic.in/  with many plans including 'Swachh Bharat Mission' and some more 'Missions'. I have joined-in in my personal capacity. Social Work with Ethics is my credo. It comes to me naturally because of my past and value system that I cherish.

In my own humble way I could support any community effort in line with the PMs mandate in my spare time.

Let us build and develop responsible citizenry!!

Happy Dusehra and Diwali!

Sukhwindar
www.svipja.com

The Week in Review: 05 - 18 May 2014

The Week in Review (TWIR) is IDSA’s Newsletter containing a brief analysis of important events. It covers issues in the following categories:

-Country Review: South Asia, East and Southeast Asia,and West Asia.
-Missiles, Space, Nuclear and Defence Review.
-Energy Security Review.
-International Terrorism Review.
-Internal Security Review.

Please Click: TWIR

Compulsory Military Training Against Democratic Ethos: Defence Minister

Compulsory military training to all youths is against democratic ethos of the country and is highly undesirable as some of the trained men could join the ranks of radical forces, Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha. In a written reply to the House, he also said the Govt is not in favour of making military training compulsory as under the democratic set up of the nation, people are free to chose their profession. 

"Military training to all the youths may lead to militarisation of an entire nation. With our socio-political and economic conditions, it is highly undesirable, lest some of the unemployed youths trained in military skills join the ranks of the radical forces," Antony said.

 The Govt. is not in favour of making military training compulsory as India is a democratic republic and the Constitution does not provide for such a thing.

  Click: Compulsory Military Training Against Democratic Ethos: Defence Minister

Pak Urdu Press: 01 - 15 Apr 2013

Pakistan Urdu Press is IDSA's Weekly Newsletter containing selected translations from Pakistan's leading Urdu dailies. It contains editorial excerpts, opinion columns and selected news items.

Pakistan and surrounding areas impact local and global security. It is important to 'monitor' reports in the local press of Pakistan.

Pse Click Pakistan Urdu Press

Ethics, Ethos and the New Chief

Chairman SvipjaCMRChair had written on 16 Jan 2012 on his Blog www.SvipjaCMRChair.blogspot.com that the COAS of the Indian Army should have tendered his resignation once his age plea was not accepted by the Govt., and definitely after the Court verdit. It did not happen, but followed many 'ungraceful' events.

Lt General S.K. Sinha, formerly Vice-Chief of Army Staff, and ex-Governor of Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir, a very savvy General and an Indian to the core, while writing 'Ethics, Ethos and the New Chief' on 31 May 2012 has observed the following:

1. The last one year has been a dark patch in the history of the Indian Army. Gen. V.K. Singh’s tenure as Chief started with a blaze of a self-created controversy compounded by the shenanigans of a few others.

2. Never before has any Chief in this country or any democracy in the world, filed a statutory complaint or gone to court. This lowered the dignity of that high office. Matters were compounded by the caste factor being brought in.

3. Members of Parliament of his caste sought the Prime Minister’s intervention in his favour and his brother-in-law organised a public rally in his support in Delhi. Instead of distancing himself from all this, he as a serving Chief went to unveil the statue of a former Prime Minister belonging to his caste.

4. Civil stands for the political executive and not for civil servants. Subordination of the military to the civil should not mean subservience or servility. There may be occasions when a Chief may have serious differences with the government on policy matters of national importance. In that event, he must resign and not promote public controversy while still in service.

5. Napoleon’s advice about military operations is relevant: “Every General-in-Chief when given orders that he feels are wrong must represent and get them changed. If this is not done, then he must resign.”

The Article provides 'a very grand view' of how CMR should move in the Indian Context. Provides insight into the complex CMR in democracies.

Read the Full Article: Ethics, Ethos and the New Chief

Antony, You Are Blessed!

The Golden Temple and Sikh Faith

The Golden Temple, Sikh Faith and Excellence that it Breeds

Courtesy: General Harbhajan Singh

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

Indian Defense Sector Spend by 2015

The Indian defense sector is one of the fastest growing markets globally, with an estimated US$13.9 billion of the annual budget allocated for the acquisition of military hardware and technology in 2010.

Defense expenditure, which refers to the part of the budget that is spent on the acquisition of all types of military hardware and technology, has grown at a CAGR of 12.14% from 2005-09. Defense expenditure is expected to record a CAGR of 6.59% during 2010-15, to reach an annual spend of US$42.6 billion by 2015. This is primarily due to ageing military hardware and technology, domestic insurgencies and hostility from neighboring countries.

Strong growth in the sector is attracting foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and leading players from the domestic private sector to enter the market. Moreover, terrorism is leading to sharp increases in the defense budget and a shorter sales cycle, which translates as an attractive market for defense manufacturers.

The areas that are specifically expected to emerge over the short to medium-term include unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), advanced electronic warfare systems, combat systems, rocket and missile systems, fighter and trainer aircraft, stealth frigates, and submarines. In addition, spend on IT and communications is expected to increase significantly, with a strong focus on enterprise applications, systems integration, and real-time mobile communications.

Among the defence services the Army with a budget of approximately Rs. 74,582 Crores in 2010-11 has the largest share, followed by the Air Force (Rs. 40,462 Crores), Navy (Rs. 21,467 Crores), DRDO (Rs. 9,809 Crores), and Ordnance Factories (Rs. 1,015 Crores).

Credit: USIBC and Its News Agencies

Unfair Criticism: Defence Offsets

Some Knowledge Professionals / Think Tanks provide exaggerated views on the defence offsets deals being executed lately. They may not be in full picture, or may not have an access to 'right source(s)'. These comments need 'mature' interpretation, sometimes the observations may even be biased or motivated.

Market Forces play in offsets. Obligors' Power, Buyers' Power, Threat of New Entrants / Competitors, Rivalry amongst Obligors, Alliances,etc, play its role. 'What You Need/Want', and 'What You Get' may have very little co-relation as a result.

We need to weigh it up all. Everything should not be seen with a 'black eye' sensing only kickbacks and corruption.

Sukhwindar

'Fairy Queen' of the Indian Railways

This is the oldest working steam locomotive in the country, 1855 vintage. On 15 Aug 1854, it steamed from Howrah to Hooghly to a distance of 24 miles. It also hauled troops to Raniganj in the 1857 war of independence.

Now is an exhibit at the Indian Railways Museum in New Delhi since 1971.

Kind Courtesy: Lt General( Retired) JFR Jacob

Defence Offsets: Indian Parliament Informed

The Indian defence industry will benefit from an inflow of $30 billion as offsets through military procurements from abroad over the next decade, according to a report submitted to parliament on Wednesday, 03 Aug 2011.

In a deposition before the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the MOD said that the projection, amounting to INR 1.5 lakh crore, was made in view of the $100 billion that India is expected to spend on defence procurements in the next 10 years. The deposition was part of a report on budgetary demands for grants for 2011-12, submitted by the committee to the Lok Sabha.

Offsets is a clause in the defence ministry’s procurement policy under which any equipment import worth more than Rs.300 crore will involve ploughing back of 30 percent of the contract amount back in Indian defence, homeland security and aviation industry. The policy is in existence since 2005, and has been refined over the years now.

‘As far as offsets are concerned, it is true that our procurements in the next five to 10 years would be more that $100 billion and 30 percent of that is $30 billion, which is INR 1.5lakh crore,’ a defence ministry official told the committee.

The official also went on to explain that the offsets clause involved either in a direct purchase by foreign arms companies from Indian industry, or technology transfers, or joint ventures with domestic firms in the defence, homeland security and aviation sectors.

The official, in its report, gave the example of the recent Indo-US deal for supply of 10 Boeing C-17s to Indian Air Force (IAF), under which India’s premier military research agency Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) will get high altitude engine test facility and a wind tunnel facility, both firsts in the country.

The Indo-Asian News Service (IANS)

'German-Italian Dual'

Five Germans in an Audi Quattro arrive at the Italian border.

The Italian Customs Officer stops them and tells them "It'sa illegala to putta 5 people in a Quattro."

"Vot do you mean it's illegal?" asks the German driver.

"Quattro meansa four", replies the Italian official.

"Quattro is just ze name of zefokken automobile" the German says unbelievingly. "Look at ze dam papers: ze car is designed to karry 5 persons" .

"You canta pulla thata one on me!" replies the Italian customs officer. "Quattro meansa four. You have five-a people in a your car and you are thereforea breaking the law."

The German driver replies angrily, "You idiot! Call your zupervisor over. I vant to speak to someone viz more intelligence!"

"Sorry" responds the Italian officer, "He can'ta come. He'sa busy witha 2 guys in a Fiat Uno".

Courtesy: Mohinder Singh Saund (IITK), Sweden.

US Needs Second Revolution Now?

Received this YouTube Video thru our Network. Talks what the US needs to do at this stage -- Needs a Second Revolution. Good and educative for viewing! This may be the best six minutes invested by You.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA

May be, it is relevant for India too.

Defence Reforms, Civil-Military Relations and Military Effectiveness in India

A roundtable discussion was held on 30 May 2011 to discuss the two papers on the subject written by Anit Mukherjee, Research Fellow IDSA;

a. Failing to Deliver: Post Crises Defence Reforms in India, 1998-2010,
b. The Absent Dialogue: Civil-Military Relations and Military Effectiveness in India.

List of participants
General VP Malik (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff
Ajai Vikram Singh, former Defence Secretary
NS Sisodia, DG, IDSA
Air Marshal M Matheswaran, Air Headquarters
Air Marshal PK Mehra (Retd), Distinguished Fellow, CAPS
Vice Adm Pradeep Kaushiva (Retd), NMF
Maj Gen PS Sandhu (Retd), USI
Dr. Arvind Gupta, LBSC Chair, IDSA
Sqn Ldr PS Chhina (Retd), CAFHR, USI
Serving officers from the three service headquarters
Other members of IDSA.

His Excellency Shri NN Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Presided.

The following important points in relation to Civil-Military Relations (CMR) got highlighted in the roundtable:

1. It was important to capture the weaknesses that accrue from the current problematic form of civil-military relations, observed one participant in the roundtable.

2. It was generally felt that debate on the CMR needs to move forward from the ‘bureaucracy versus the military’ towards one that encourages a respectful and well-informed dialogue between all the stakeholders in the system. Military education should instruct its officers to learn how the Government of India officials have to follow the rules of business. Moreover, the challenges and characteristics of Indian democracy and public-policy making and implementation should also be highlighted. In turn, there is a need to educate the civilian policy makers of the challenges and sacrifices made by the Indian military.

Our Comments:

1. It is a landmark decision of the IDSA to focus on the CMR and bring the issue in the public domain. Informed Citizens and Indian Think Tanks have an opportunity now to discuss the issue openly and dispassionately. Probably, lack of information & communication on the CMR; responsibilities and limitations of civil-military functioning within their charters; hardly any open debate(s) on the issue in setting of the Indian Democratic System involving all the stakeholders; our inability to see the CMR as an all inclusive issue, etc, are the issues that need to be addressed – the CMR are not limited to civil-military bureaucratic relations only as perceived by some.

2. We need regular monitoring of conduct of important ‘actors’ down up to District and Unit Levels who tend to derail the CMR . We can ill-afford to let the CMR be neglected any more; today's soldier is a vibrant part of the CMR in India.

Read the Proceedings: The Roundtable

Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair.

We Are Blessed

INTERESTING COINCIDENCE !

India is blessed by.....

Amma in South;
Didi in East;
Bhenji in North;
Aunty in the Capital;
Madam in Center;
Nani on top (the President)
& "Wife At Home"

And yet people say.. It’s a Man's World ?

Courtesy: Shashi Varma

Emerging Strategic Defence Culture in India, and Interplay of Civil - Military Relations

"Failing to Deliver Post-Crises Defence Reforms in India, 1998-2010", a Research Paper of Anit Mukherjee of the IDSA, laments lack of 'strategic culture' and inapt 'civil-military Ralations' as the main causes for the Reforms failing in a way.

This paper analyses civil-military relations in India from 1998 to 2010. It examines the reforms undertaken within national security agencies and their eventual outcome. In doing so it explores two major questions—what precipitated the reforms in India’s national security agencies after the 1999 Kargil war? And, what was the impact of these reforms and did they achieve their stated objectives?

It analyzes the Kargil Review Committee Report and its follow up, the Arun Singh Committee and describes some of the debates therein. While examining the implementation of defence reforms it then argues that despite some incremental progress they have failed the vision of their architects. This is primarily due to bureaucratic politics and the unique features of civil-military relations, which can be more accurately described as an “absent dialogue.” The penultimate section describes recent calls for re-visiting the defence reforms process but argues that without political will this is unlikely.

“bureaucratic inertia, political ineptitude and the state of civil-military relations…may have more to do with the absence of strategic thinking”. Indeed, as this paper argues it is broadly these three factors that have obstructed defence reforms.

We, as a nation, let our inadequacies perpetuate incrementally for personal gains. This is the history of our sub-continent and its people unfortunately -- SvipjaCMRChair.

Read the Paper : http://www.idsa.in/system/files/OP_defencereform.pdf

SvipjaCMRChair

'Humour in Uniform'

Courtesy: Dheeraj Singh, Navjot Singh

Offset Process for MSMEs

India’s aerospace and defence sector is throwing up huge entrepreneurial opportunities worth several hundred million dollars in the form of offsets.

An offset agreement is a stipulation made between a foreign supplier(Obligor) and a local company, which requires the supplier (Obligor) to fulfill certain offset commitments in that country as part of a Prime contract. For the Air India deal, Boeing’s offset commitment is to invest $1.7 billion and for P-8I maritime recce aircraft deal, it is $630 million, President Boeing said.

Boeing has already partnered with large-sized companies like TCS , Wipro , Infosys, HCL, Infotech, Tatas, etc. The Tier-I companies in the US/EU also need to partner with several hundred small companies in India for offsets. As of now, mid-tier companies in India such as Maini, Dynamatic and QuEST support the A & D supply chain of US/EU. Opportunities exit for similar other companies to supply to US/EU A & D Companies.

A & D Sector needs skilled labour, capital, technology transfer, equipment and military or civil certification in US/EU to be part of the chain.

“Entrepreneurs need to have a very good business plan supported by experts in the field. They also might need to partner with Tier-I companies. So, find partners, have a good plan, validated by experts in the field. In this business, there is no reward, if you can’t take risks”, the President said.

TTTHG-Svipja helps You develop business plan in concert with experts in the field from US/EU for You to be capable of becoming part of the supply chain of US/EU A & D Majors. Please read our Industrial Sector Partnership (ISP) Process on our Blog, www.IndianDefenceIndustry.blogspot.com

Read the Interview of President, Boeing India: International Co-operation and Offsets


Svipja Technologies

Tempering Through Struggles

Courtesy: Mr RP Bagai, ex-Chief Secretary,Chhatisgarh.

Forging India's Hard Power in the New Century

IDSA Issue Brief Forging India's Hard Power in the New Century is most relevant at this juncture. Such a research work could be of immense value to strategists. Could help shape our policies pragmatically based on scientific study.

The Researcher mentions various constituents of the Hard Power, one of it is ‘Civil-Military Relations’. It is a welcome thought. He postulates:

"Civil-Military Relations are at the core of any national security framework and the decision making process. While explicit political control over the military cannot be questioned, the need to involve the Indian armed forces as equal and responsible partners in the decision-making process is important.

Cross-pollination of national security bodies with defence expertise could contribute to better understanding on matters military and, consequently, the strategic thinking within the country.

In the short-to-medium term, it will entail the functional integration of the MoD and service headquarters, the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), representation of military staff in national security structures such as the NSC, leveraging military diplomacy in pursuit of India’s foreign policy objectives, consistency in military resourcing and expenditure, procedural reforms in the acquisition process and defence industry, and ensuring adequate operational preparedness levels to meet a range of military challenges and non-traditional threats."

SvipjaCMRChair

An Interesting Gravestone in Mexico

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Ethos of Military Leadership

The COAS is accountable for the functioning of the entire Army. It is a tradition that is ingrained in his psyche. All commissioned army officers study at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where, engraved at the entrance to Chetwode Hall - named after the then Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal PW Chetwode, who inaugurated the IMA on December 10, 1932, are the words,

"The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come second, always and every time. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time."

These words, from the speech Chetwode delivered while inaugurating the IMA 78 years ago, have inspired generations of officer-cadets who have passed out of the IMA.

Is it possible for our civil leadership to walk through the Portals of the Chetwode Hall at the IMA, somehow, to imbibe the military ethos which may greatly help to preserve, protect and defend the Indian Constitution in line of their duties?

Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair
This Posting is inspired by The Economic Times, 03 Jan 2011 .

'The Last Post'

We have all heard the Armed Forces Buglers rendering 'The Last Post'. It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. Here is the story behind it.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they gave him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.

The haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post' used at military funerals was born.

The words are:-

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
-------
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
-------
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky .
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.

Courtesy: Mr GS Sahni, ex-Secretary, IAS.

PS: Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country. Also remember those who have served and returned; and those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

PoK News Digest: Dec 2010

The current issue brings out twin trends emerging in PoK- militant jihadi ideology and the increasing Chinese influence in PoK. BBC reported that militant camps in PoK still exist to the detriment of regional security and recruitment process is underway. The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad was quick to issue a rebuttal on the claims made by the BBC report and this by equating Pak borne militancy with so called freedom struggle. Hence, Pakistan continues to be in a state of denial even if such reports emerge from credible sources in the western media.

The incumbents in PoK speak a language similar to their counterparts in Pakistan. They want to involve US on Kashmir and assert that China too has a role in Kashmir. This does not come as a surprise as evidently they hold office during the pleasure of Islamabad and therefore what the prime minister of the so called AJK says is a natural extension of Islamabad’s misplaced policies.

On the increasing Chinese interference in the PoK, it could be argued that the state of development and infrastructure is largely responsible for this. It is obvious from most of the reports on the issue related to earthquake reconstruction and rehabilaition in the so called AJK. The reports note that post earthquake relief work has been a clumsy process that failed to give the victims their due even after 5 years. In the absence of proper channels which could redress the grievances of the people, the Chinese have found a ripe opportunity to make forays in the otherwise underdeveloped region.

Click to read the Digest http://www.idsa.in/system/files/POKNewsDigest3-12-2010.pdf

Priyanka Singh

www.idsa.in

www.idsa.in

India's UAV Rustom I Takes to Air

India has flown the homegrown Rustom-1 unmanned aerial vehicle for the first time.

Developed by the DRDO Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the 30-min. flight took place on Oct 16 from a Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd. airfield at Housr, near Bangalore.

“Notwithstanding erratic weather conditions, the UAV had a perfect textbook flight, meeting all mission parameters,” says Dr. Prahlada, Chief Controller at DRDO. It flew to a planned altitude of 3,000 feet.”

The Rustom-1 has autonomous features such as GPS-controlled waypoint navigation. With a maximum endurance of 15 hr., Rustom-1 can carry payloads up to 75 kg. (165 lb.) and climb up to 25,000 ft.

The UAV’s datalink was designed and developed by DRDO’s Defende Electronics Applications Laboratory, located in Dehradun, while the airframe was made by Coimbatore-based private firm Zephyr. DRDO hopes that Rustom-1 will act as a stepping stone for future programs such as the medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV project Rustom-H and an unmanned combat aerial vehicle project.

Svipja Technologies

China-India ‘Match’

China wishes to ‘encircle’ India. The Chinese infrastructure drive is an integral part of its encirclement policy. Three ports that China is building in India’s immediate neighbourhood – Gwadar in Pakistan, Sittwe in Myanmar and Hambantota in Sri Lanka – are important parts of the Chinese strategy. China has a vibrant presence across South Asia. Besides Pakistan, Beijing has emerged as a major player in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. It has firmly entrenched itself in Myanmar (Burma), Mauritius and the Seychelles.

The Chinese Navy’s recent seafaring activities and manoeuvres have revealed Beijing’s intention to increase its control of the maritime sea lanes of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The latter is an obvious cause of concern for India. China’s new-found aggressive posturing and maritime territorial claims in South China Sea – which Beijing has begun to describe as an area of its “core interest”, a term that the Chinese have been using for Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang – is of no less concern.

The Indian Navy is ready to counter the challenge. It is the process of beefing up its fleet of stealth frigates and has initiated several new projects. Shivalik will be India’s first stealth frigate of its class. The Sahyadri and Satpura class of frigates are under advanced stage of construction. All this is as per the government’s plans to maintain a force level of more than 140 warships.

India too has intensified its diplomatic and strategic involvement in China’s own backyard – with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Click to read Full Report: China-India ‘Match’


Svipja Technologies

Wisdom: Former CEO, Coca Cola

It says it All!

Sukhwindar

Interesting!

This is an actual grave stone in Mexico ---- English translation provided on the right side!!

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Training Rigor of Indian Military Officers

Listed Below are videos of training at the National Defence Academy(NDA), India, where all the three services cadets train in pre-commission training. Later they are bifurcated to respective training establishments for specialist training. These are good videos to watch.

The NDA is one of the premier academies globally.

National Defence Academy Film (Total Parts 5)

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6-nXMsbvo2k&vq=small#t=14

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjnbxMtW0WU

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPAjl66SRa8

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f09TgHtq9kM

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw6Z2heLEi8

After Passing Out from the NDA, Army cadets go the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, from where they are commissioned as Officers in the Indian Army.

IMA Passing Out: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=O1XCaEUeNrg&vq=medium

Svipja Technologies

Dog's Life

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Civil - Military Relations

We need an Indian Model for Civil-Military Relations. This is necessitated for reasons of our being a comparatively ‘young nation’, emerging quality of political leadership and its ethos, self-serving attitudes all around, rampant corruption, under-development of about 40% of our population, and tensed security scenario in the sub-continent amongst others.

In order that the Indian Democracy develops and flourishes, all stakeholders in the country need to ensure effective and efficient Governance. Political Leadership should vow and act to provide it. Indian Masses cannot wait indefinitely, or else the vacuum in leadership will be filled by certain other type of leadership, Communists, Maoists, or worse by Indian Military to its peril.

Our debate on Civil-Military Relations should focus on ‘concept’ rather than ‘actors’ – needs to be orchestrated at higher intellectual level. It is the transition of leadership from Civil to Military in nations that should be of concern to its citizens who believe in democratic values.

Svipja CMR Chair, http://www.svipjacmrchair.blogspot.com/ , addresses the issue of the Civil-Military Relations in the Indian Context dispassionately. We feel that we need to understand the nuances of the CMR as a nation, and apply them appropriately in our day-to-day interactions in Civil & Military spheres to retain the right balance. The Indian Constitution is then held high.

Shri NS Sisodia (ex-IAS) , Director General, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses(IDSA), could not be more right in articulating ,“This will involve providing greater space to the Armed Forces in relevant decision-making structures, seeking their partnership in national security and defence policy-making and addressing issues of modernisation and ‘jointness’ on priority.” And he aptly remarks: “A democratic polity is not just about civilian control but also about a military strong enough to protect it.”

Civil-Military-Civil Maryada should be the guiding light for the CMR.

After all, the Military pays the price of follies of the other ‘actors’ by its ‘blood’; stature and elan are dear to them.

Read the Article by Ali Ahmed , IDSA, Civil-Military Relations Under Scan

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair

Special Powers for Armed Forces - We Need Clarity, Not Emotions

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, better known as AFSPA, has been brought out of wraps at various opportune times – opportune for those who have either something to gain, i.e. the insurgents in Jammu and Kashmir, political parties always ready to fish in troubled waters, with an eye on electoral gains or those who are regular establishment-baiters, who have made it a habit to take the plunge headlong in any controversy with the belief that if it is against an organ of the government, it needed to be opposed!

The insurgents we are fighting today are heavily armed, they act speedily, commit heinous crimes and disappear. Unless the army counters such actions with speed and not wait for orders from higher civil or military authorities, nothing would be achieved.

Also, the soldiers and officers of the army need to be protected from prosecution for consequential action taken against insurgents in good faith as part of their operations. Here too, the Act does contain the important caveat that the army personnel can be prosecuted with the Centre’s sanction, if their actions warrant it. There is, therefore, no blanket immunity from the laws of the land.

The army is designed and structured for fighting external enemies of the nation. Consequently, they are not given any police powers. However, when the nation wants the army to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, then they must be given the legal authority to conduct their operations without the impediment of getting clearances from the higher authorities.

It is only then that the operations will be conducted in the usual efficient manner of the army and would be result-oriented. They also must be legally protected. It is because these two aspects have been catered for that the army has been neutralising the insurgents and terrorists, so that normalcy is restored and the political leaders and officials can restart governing.

Pse Click to Read the Complete Article: Special Powers for Armed Forces - We Need Clarity, Not Emotions


Svipja Technologies
(The Writer is Former Vice Chief of the Indian Army)

PoK News Digest of Jun 2010

The current issue embodies reports on the natural catastrophe that looms large over the PoK region and the ensuing discontent amongst masses who find themselves caught amidst uncertainties. There was widespread rage over delayed response from the government of Pakistan when Hunza valley was threatened by glacial outbursts and flood last month. People were displaced in large numbers and this posed a huge challenge to the state apparatus which has not
proved efficient on earlier emergency situations such as this. PoK is vulnerable to natural calamities as it lies in an extremely sensitive seismic zone and the construction of dams and other infrastructure have proved rather adverse to the environmental balance in the region. It is important to note that the region cannot afford a calamity of the scale of the 2005 earthquake which incurred colossal damage to the lives of people.

A report included in this edition very significantly attempts to draw a link between the Times Square bomber, Shehzaad Faisal and the terror camps in PoK by revealing that he was trained at a Lashkar camp near Muzaffarabad back in 2006. Notably, Faisal admitted to his links with Lashkar during his interrogation by US authorities.

Prime Minister of the so called AJK, Raja Farooq Haider strongly opposed Pakistan’s interference in the internal matters of AJK and noted that such meddling would lead to adverse consequences. This development reemphasizes the trust deficit between Pakistan and the so called AJK which has persisted over more than 60 years of Pakistan’s invasion of PoK.

Please Read the Digest: PoK News Digest of Jun 2010

Courtesy: IDSA, India - A Think Tank of India on Matters Defence.

India’s Naval Power and Indian Ocean

India's increasing role in the Asia-Pacific has been firmly supported by the region's premier naval power, the United States. Since 2001, the U.S. and India have conducted over 40 joint military exercises, including one of the largest multilateral naval exercises ever held in the region, Malabar 2007, which featured three aircraft carriers, 28 surface vessels, 150 aircraft and over 20,000 personnel from India, the U.S., Japan, Australia and Singapore. A 10-year Indo-U.S. defence pact signed in June 2005 deepened intelligence-sharing, military technology transfers, missile-defense collaboration and arms sales.

The question for New Delhi will be how best to leverage this progress for additional security and improved relations throughout the region. Although India's "Look East" policy has clearly met with success, there are many in India who still fail to acknowledge the vital role it is poised to play in Asia. The ability of countries in the region to partner effectively with India would be enhanced significantly were New Delhi to define more concretely its vision for the country's broader role in Asia.

Read the full Article: India’s Naval Power and Indian Ocean

Svipja Technologies
Courtesy: USIBC and Its News Agencies.

Moments of Truth

Chinese President's Visit to the US
US President's Visit to China

Courtesy: Internet Fan

A Beautiful Message from George Carlin, Comedian: How True!

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. An embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And Always Remember:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Courtesy: A Paratrooper

DRDO Being Revamped

India will set-up a new Defence Technology Commission to provide a major boost to Defence R & D in the country. The Govt. also decided to go for the second generation of main battle tank 'Arjun' and 'Akash' surface-to-air missile. It is a welcome step!

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will continue to design and development of combat aircraft, and continuation of the Kaveri aero-engine programme.

Management of the DRDO will be de-cetralised with a view to make it a leaner organisation by merging some of its laboratories with other public-funded institutions with similar discipline, interest and administrative system. It will form technology domain-based centres or clusters of laboratories, numbering Seven, each headed by a DG. The DGs will be responsible for time-bound delivery of the programmes.

Present DRDO Director General would be re-designated as 'DRDO Chairman' with Directors General at centres and Chief Controllers of Research and Development (CCsR&D) at the HQ DRDO reporting to the DRDO Chairman, the head of the organisation.

Budget for rejuvenating research should be 5 per cent of DRDO's budget for a period of three years.

The new Commercial Arm of DRDO would be a Private Limited Company with a seed capital of about Rs 2 Crore. It would deal only with spin-off products and technologies meant for civilian use. It will not take up any manufacturing activity, public or private sector industry will do it.

Svipja Technologies

India-US Naval Exercise in the Indian Ocean: 24 Apr - 02 May 2010

Malabar 10, a 10 day India-US Naval Exercise was conducted in the Indian Ocean from Apr 24 to 02 May 2010.

The US Navy Chief Admiral Gary Roughead visited India prior to the Exercise in Apr 2010. Speaking at a round-table conference held on April 12 organized by the National Maritime Foundation, Roughead said that America's leaders at the highest level had declared that the US and India would be strategic partners for the 21st century.

"I'm here to say that the United States Navy in particular is a committed friend to India for the long term."

Task Force 70 of the Seventh Fleet based in Yokosuka, Japan, brought the cruiser USS Shiloh, the destroyers USS Chafee and USS Lassen and the frigate USS Curts for the Exercise. In addition, the US deployed a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, the USS Annapol. From the Indian side, the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and three frigates - INS Godavari, INS Brahmaputra and INS Tabar - were also a part of the operations.

Svipja Technologies

Your Military Too Goes Through This

Is Military a different breed?

Courtesy: Brigadier(Retired) Mastinder Singh, Sena Medal, and his Network.

Revamping / Customization of RWA Sector 33

General

Sector 33 is maintained by Noida as per their plan(s). RWA Sector 33 enjoins it on the concept of ‘Bhagidari’ by providing faithful inputs to the Noida administration for general welfare of its residents as per the Sector Bye laws.

Sector 33 has a number of Pockets. Blocks A, B and C like other Pockets in the Sector are not linked. It therefore does not render itself into a cohesive Sector in various ways. We need to customize our RWA Working accordingly.

It is felt that Central Control should remain with the elected RWA MC. However, routine operations can be decentralized and delegated to the Blocks. Community Centre should continue to be managed by the RWA MC; being a major source of earnings for welfare activities of the Community.

Changes proposed in our routine operational methods are enumerated in the succeeding paras. These could be discussed widely, modified and adopted by the GBM if found suitable.

Customized Delivery to the Blocks of Sector 33

1. RWA to be managed as per the approved Bye laws. Community Centre to be exclusively managed by the RWA 33 MC whereas routine RWA activities be decentralized and bifurcated Block-wise.

2. A, B and C Blocks be seen as indep entities within the RWA, and managed as such.

3. The Blocks could have different Membership Fee structure, minimum being Rs 1800 per year as of now. This would help the Blocks in adding / maintaining enhanced service facilities in their Blocks at their own costs, if they so like.

4. 30% of the Blocks' Membership Fee in this arrangement/system can given to the RWA for common use, balance 70% could be kept with the Blocks for use within their Blocks, as laid down by Us in the Bye laws for other Societies in the Sector like NTPC, Rail Vihar, Vidhalaya Sanghthan.. This would also help in ‘right’ application of the Funds within the Blocks.

5. 70% Membership Funds be applied and accounted for by the RWA MC Members of the respective Blocks (ie 3-4 elected Members of the Blocks already elected for the RWA MC). This will strengthen ‘goodwill’ amongst residents and would reduce routine bickering. We have enough ‘social activists’ in the Blocks/Sector. These could help the Blocks.

6. Fee collected from Reddiwalas, Signage/Hoardings, Tent Walas, Exhibitions/Show/Display Stands, Training Classes in the Community Centre, etc, be judiciously handled and accounted for by the RWA MC in a transparent manner and in full knowledge of the GBM.

7. RWA should work on a concept of ‘Urban Panchayats’ for general welfare of the Community incl dispute resolution, etc.

8. Residents Social Responsibility (RSR) in the Sector, discussed elsewhere on this Blog, should be strengthened for quality delivery. All of Us individually can reach Noida Services directly.

Conclusion

These are some of the thoughts to help revamp RWA Sector 33. These could be discussed and adopted with majority approval in the GBM.

We just need to be honest and transparent in our delivery.

Sukhwindar

Consolidated FDI Policy India, Effective 01 Apr 2010

FDI in Defence Industry is permissible up to 26%, under Government route subject to Industrial license under the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act 1951 and the following conditions:

Licence applications will be considered and licences given by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in consultation with Ministry of Defence.

Cases involving FDI will be considered by the FIPB and licences given by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion in consultation with Ministry of Defence.

The applicant should be an Indian company / partnership firm.

Government decision on applications to FIPB for FDI in defence industry sector will be normally communicated within a time frame of 10 weeks from the date of ack.

Consolidated FDI Policy India, 2010

Svipja Technologies

Crux of the Homeland Security Problem

"Terrorists, Divisive Forces and Naxals are on the prowl fomenting violence by exploiting and intimidating the poor and 'have-nots' and more particularly the tribal people," perspective shared by Home Minister P Chidambaram in Puducherry PCC Meeting on Apr 10, 2010.

This is the crux of our Homeland Security problem.

Coupled with Corruption and bad Governance, it becomes deadly to the Idea of India.

We must all, at least the Govt. Machinery including 'neutral security experts', move in unison on the issue w/o trying to score individual points, and partake in blame-game of any kind.

Svipja Technologies
http://www.svipja.com/

Corruption, Governance, and Maoists

A number of ‘national debate(s)’ on the Maoists have been orchestrated in media in last few days, post massacre of our CRPF Men. Unfortunately these are laced with petty party politics, and ‘cover-up syndrome’. We should get clear of it. We need to answer the following:

1. Is Maoist Movement indigenous, or sponsored and funded by Agencies interested in destabilizing India?

2. Have we provided ‘breeding ground’ for this movement with utter neglect of the development of the Regions?

3. Factors like Governance and Corruption are to be simultaneously tackled. How much discontent or disharmony these spread in our routine social lives? Are we really able to reach ‘Idea of India’ through mis-governance and corrupt practices?

4. Are the killings by Maoists purely their operational objective, abetted and supported by nations/agencies inimical to India, or just a ‘revenge’ of the sort? We need not support killings by Maoists , but see the reasons clearly to chart long-term strategy.

5. Are we reaching-out to our countrymen, the Maoists, shedding our ‘State Ego’? We have build expertise since Independence in alienating our communities somehow.

6. We must answer, how much ‘personal stake’ we have in such-like field operations?

------------------ And Much More.

Finally, are our PMFs designed to tackle ‘self-motivated’ insurgent groups? We have models at hand like NSG, RRs, Assam Rifles, etc, to emulate for CRPF too. Develop them into a hard-hitting independent force with all arms & services suitably integrated. No sacrifices or investments are very heavy to make the ‘Idea of India’ flourish. But, let Us not create more Maoists or Terrorists in the process.

‘Development of the Regions’ and ‘Punishing the Maoists’ need to be concurrent elements in our strategy.

We have the desired expertise to develop a customized Homeland Security Mechanism. We just need to focus, and be honest to ourselves.

Svipja Technologies

DRDO Launches Aero Programmes With Civil Industry

Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), HQ Bangalore, a DRDO lab, is the nodal agency to spearhead Rs 100 Crores initiative to fund R&D projects in the area of gas turbines. Under this venture, aero R&D projects for investments of Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 5 Crores would be considered for funding. Rs 78 Crores have already been sanctioned. GRTE would support 40 to 45 such projects.

The initiative is expected to fuel "coherent directed research" in the area of gas turbines, DRDO said.

DRDOs Approach takes into account futuristic national programmes. It would support, encourage, nurture, monitor and exploit the design, research, development and manufacturing capability of academic institutions and R&D establishments, industries and other think tanks to carry out frontline work in bringing out next generation gas turbine engine system.

The programme envisages participation of 100 R&D Centres and 1,000 scientists, engineers and technicians.

High-Tech MSMEs should come forward to join the programme.

Svipja Technologies

‘State Ego’ in a Democracy

India has fissiparous tendencies. In such a situation, to propagate and maintain the ‘Idea of India’ assumes special significance. It is not the aim to go into details of this hypothesis at this stage.

This makes the Government exert its will on its citizens in the process of Governance. This aspect may have been rooted in our psyche because of hundreds of years of foreign occupation of our land. If the Democracy is ‘for the people’ and ‘by the people, our Governance philosophy ought to be citizen-friendly.

We must refrain from tit-for-tat policy and instead take a conciliatory approach for any conflict resolution with our citizens; conflict need not always be met by force. Is it the ‘State Ego’ in its unpleasant form that tends to create situations leading to insurgency or terrorism? We need to mull over it as a democracy. Of course, all this is to be within our Constitution.

Our Leaders should not stand on ‘State or Personal ego’. Get on the table earliest through Track 1, 2, ---- n, methods. That creates a win-win.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies

CRPF Men 'Shot Dead' by Maoists in Chhatisgarh

It is difficult to comprehend loss of over 70 CRPF Men to the Maoists in Chhatisgarh without any casualty to them. There is no flaw in planning LRP Operations continuously for four days by a sub-unit. LRPs are known to go far beyond four days. Execution of the operations and ‘Conduct of the Company in the LRP’ needs to be put under scrutiny if we have to avoid such 'massacre' in future.

Let ‘truth’ be known to the Planners!

It is distressing to hear ‘mass killings’ of uniformed personnel in the Operations. No ‘plain’ reasons stand to justify the incident. No ‘cover-up’ are to be encouraged.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies

Svipja Civil-Military Relations (CMR) Chair

Some excerpts from the Article of Lt General Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Former VCOAS, are given below which have CMR Implications in the Indian Context:

“The deteriorating civil-military relations do not bode well for the safety and security of the nation. And the regional security environment is cause for concern. The status of army personnel is dwindling continuously, adversely affecting the morale of the rank and file.”

“In democracies the world over, the political leadership makes national policy and the national security strategy, with the active participation of civil and military officials of the country. However, in India, the military has been deliberately kept out of the policy formulation loop and even after over six decades of loyal, patriotic and dedicated service to the nation, it is obvious that it is still not trusted!”

“The military also needs to modify the concept of being apolitical. The army’s long standing stance of keeping a distance from the leaders of political parties other than those of the party in power needs to be modified. In a parliamentary system like ours, policy is formulated by all parliamentarians despite differences of the opposition. After all, the Parliament Standing Committee on Defence and similar other committees are all-party bodies. Consequently, though remaining apolitical, the army needs to apprise and discuss its concerns with the political leadership across the board. This would not reduce the apolitical nature of the army, about which it is justifiably so proud.”

“Civil Control implies the supremacy of the political leadership over both the military as well as the civil bureaucracy.”

Click: Challenges Before the New Army Chief for the full Article.

Svipja CMR Chair

National Security and Civil-Military Relations

One of the cornerstones of a democracy is a healthy civil-military relationship (CMR). India stands out as a success story in civil-military relations amongst developing nations of the world. The nation and its military are rightfully proud of it. We need to maintain this right ‘balance’.

Should the discourse on civil-military relations remain confined to the facts that in our country there have never been open criticism of the government’s policies on military affairs, never any combat refusal, or anything like a threat of military takeover? Unfortunately, most of our experts and the media are content to focus on the presence or absence of civilian control, politicisation, military discontent and discipline as the only considerations worthy of attention. Little attention is paid to the dynamics of politico-military strategies and civil-military discourse and its impact on military capabilities, and doctrines to safe-guard security of our nation.

Article of General (Retired) VP Malik, PVSM, AVSM, Former COAS, in The Tribute recently covers certain aspects of National Security and related issues.

Click: Beyond Narrow Boundaries

Sukhwindar

India's Think Tanks

Firstly, Think Tanks should in the normal course aim to influence targeted audience for getting their ‘mind share’. It should take a ‘systems approach’ to an issue with the ultimate objective of sound implementation to achieve the desired outcome. It is not correct to say that the Policy Makers or Others may not ‘heed to the advice, or may not be influenced’ by the Think Tanks. It does in a way. If not, these are not Think Tanks then - their research results may be ‘tainted’, not in line with the democratic values, or totally out of context. Think Tanks need not work in ‘vacuum’ of any kind and should relate to the existing or future course(s). That much for the concept.

Secondly, Think Tanks need to be staffed with practicing managers/researchers and academia of the right kind to tackle real-life situations, and not be pure ‘philosophic’. These should relate to our ‘own’ environments. This would help in looking at their findings from ‘Policy Angle(s)’. Who funds it may not be very important in today’s intellectual scenario; system sees it through and places credibility on the Think Tanks accordingly. There may be hundreds of them but a few are creditworthy.

Thirdly, the subject matter to be tackled could take the form of a 'Chair’, for long life. The Chair could be established in Corporates, Universities, Foundations, etc, provided they operate under the Charter of Think Tanks. Intellect is widely dispersed.

Mr Kanti Bajpai’s Article in today’s TOI on ‘ Think Tanks in India’s Democracy’ puts the subject issue in a perspective, but the 'common notion'.

Click: Think Tanks in Democracy

'Svipja Civil-Military Relations (CMR) Chair' be seen in this context, a faithful delivery to the Indian Democracy and its People in CMR.

Svipja Technologies

Launch of ‘Svipja Civil- Military Relations Chair’

General

“Svipja Civil- Military Relations Chair” (or ‘Chair’, for short) has been set-up by Svipja Technologies with a view to harness Ideas from Intellectual Defence Community to promote Civil-Military Relations in India. Views from the International Community will also be welcome.

This work is needed in order to raise intellectual capital of the stakeholders in line with the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It would help reinforcing democratic values in the Defence Community with Military Ethos intact.

Objectives

The establishment of the Chair and Fellowships is expected to:

1. Promote healthy and meaningful exchange of ideas amongst the intellectual Defence Community on civil-military relations in the Indian Context.

2. Facilitate wider, deeper, and un-biased discussions / interactions amongst the intellectual Community, and Faculty / Moderator(s) appointed against the Chair or as Fellows, in particular.

Terms and Conditions

The creation and operation of the Chair and Fellowships will be subject to the terms enumerated in the succeeding paras.

Methodology Research work on the subject will be undertaken by a Team constituted by Svipja Technologies within the Objectives laid. Certain identified Blogs / Sites will be used to initiate discussions amongst the stakeholders. Once done, ‘finished product’ would be circulated to the stakeholders, and published in a transparent manner.

Donor(s) Svipja Technologies will meet all the expenses of the Chair as a Founder.

Founder Fellowship Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh will be the first faculty against the Chair.

Guidelines for “Appointment” of Faculty Against the Chair To be approved by the Board of Governors established by Svipja Technologies / Trusts / Donors.

Eligibility Anyone with a track record in defence with independent, impartial & sound logical abilities would be eligible to be considered for “appointment” against the Chair. Individual(s) being considered would first be appointed as Moderator(s). The Chair has a Think Tank’s charter.

Duration of the Chair The “appointment” against the Chair will be made for a period of up to five years. However, continuation into the fourth and fifth years will be subject to a review at the end of the third year. Further, an individual may be eligible to be considered for re-appointment, together with other eligible candidates, for a period of up to 5 years (without a break) any number of times.

Designation Member(s) appointed against the Chair will be called “Svipja Civil-Military Relations Chair Emeritus Research Fellow / Research Fellow / Research Associate Fellow”.

Research Grant To be assigned by Svipja Technologies on need basis as the faculty / work expands.

Intellectual Property (IP) Rights As a result of the “appointment” against the Chair, there shall be no change in the rights applicable to the IP developed by the researchers / faculty members and/or his/her collaborators.

Strategic Alliance(s) Svipja Technologies would be willing to establish strategic alliance(s) with like-minded bodies.

Research Presentations Research Articles will be published on Media/Sites/Blogs identified for the purpose. In addition, as a result of the “appointment” against the Chair, the faculty would be expected to undertake Presentations of the research findings of the Chair to various targeted audience, organizations and institutions.

Conclusion

This work would enhance intellectual capital of the stakeholders for security of the country in environments unfolding in the 21st Century India. Dynamics of the Civil-Military relations needs to be captured routinely in the Indian Polity.

All Veterans are welcome to contribute their thoughts.

Sukhwindar

www.svipja.com

Civil-Military Relations: Why are These More Important in a Democracy?

There is a ‘rooted’ tendency amongst Us to narrow Civil-Military Relations to IAS-Military Top Brass. In wider sense it in fact relates to who governs the Country, Civil or Military leadership?

Civil is all encompassing - politicians, civil bureaucracy including allied civil services, police, State machinery, civil offices providing services like supplies, power, water, teles, transportation, roads, etc. Military and its personnel deal at various levels of ‘civil governance’ in official and personal capacities. Any aberrations to military personnel while on duty, off duty, or at home leaves them frustrated if not handled well. Military has expectations to be governed / handled diligently and in an orderly fashion. It is here that a soldier ‘grumbles’ when he is ‘towed’ to follow ethos alien to him.

First damage to civil-military relation stems when a soldier is handled shabbily, dishonestly, or indifferently in the Civil. And this could multiply manifold as he moves through his ‘life cycle’. In his frustration, he then uses ‘force’, the only ‘expertise’ developed in him to reach his objective, at least temporarily, willing to face its consequences subsequently.

Any nation has to be sensitive not to bruise soldiers’ pride in day-to-day interactions. Self-Pride, Self-Respect, Self-Reliance, High-Class Motivation, Professionalism, Ability to Lead by Example, etc are his inherent strengths. Any act that tends to lower it is damaging to the Forces, and Nation as a whole. Anyone including Armed Forces Leadership hurting/undermining these basic traits in any manner is doing disservice to the Nation as it may result in ‘mass grouse’, sometimes difficult to be handled by leadership. That’s why the Armed Forces handle cases of bad management, indiscipline or corruption strictly.

‘All Civil Institutions’ need to fully appreciate it in a democracy like India, where ‘ethos & personal examples’ tend to become casualty.

A Soldier is a Class by Itself and Should be treated as Such. He is then ‘fit’ to deliver optimally ensuring Your Freedom.

We are an established democracy now, it is time that we talked and discussed Civil-Military Relations openly, and organised ourselves on 'Systems Approach' both in thinking and action.


Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies
[It is a stub, could be expanded to a full Article by some Researcher(s)]