Fifty years after independence, it is worth remembering the army's contribution to nation building and national ethos. In every war after 1947, the armed forces stood by the political decisions. The termination of combat in Kashmir was promptly brought about, even though its continuation would not have been militarily disadvantageous. In 1962, the army went into combat as ordered (remember the infamous, `throw them out' direction?) even in a clearly disadvantaged situation. In 1965, it gave up vitally important territory captured at considerable costs. In nearly five decades of continuing conflict between the state and militant political groups in north-east, Punjab and J&K the armed forces have unhesitatingly continued to carry out the tasks asked of them. They worked tirelessly and incurred heavy costs to give effect to the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987. During the tectonic political changes of the Emergency and other turbulent times the armed forces never involved themselves in the political debate of the time. In all this, the common thread was the armed forces' absolute faith in the Constitution and their loyalty to it.

How is it that in a region where the Anglo-Saxon military inheritance so often led to the military's involvement in politics, Indian armed forces remain an exception? There are many answers to it but four factors stand out. The first is the strength of the democratic process in rural areas from where the majority of the defence personnel are drawn. The second was a political sagacity which had -- thus far -- largely left the armed forces free of politicking. Third, entry into the forces was opened to all levels and parts of society. Indian armed forces are therefore not led by groups from higher social orders or vested interests in society, or by card carrying members of political parties. The last and the most satisfying change in the 50 years since independence is the evolutionary shift to an outlook of profession of arms in service of the state.

The foregoing does not alter the fact that the armed forces are low in popularity as a career choice amongst the elites. This is despite their high ratings in public opinion as honest and loyal elements of society. There is no dearth of volunteers to join the forces but they are not supposedly from amongst the best in society. In a paradoxical reversal of egalitarian ideals, some of the views expressed would have us believe that the armed forces still look for the vanished aristocracy. What constitutes the elite is a moot point. What is elite in some segments of society may well be effete in the armed forces. Despite the non-elite majority in the forces, the number of youth facing great risks to perform their military tasks is not lacking. Outstanding valour and the ability to stay on the job is possible for our youth, as can be seen from the gallantry awards citations and by the readiness they evince in serving in the most difficult environment. What the inherently excellent young generation of India needs is belief in a value system, continual training for growth and competence, and institutional support. This is what the armed forces have perfected and which make them such dependable institutions.

The classical treatise Arthashastra enjoins upon the ruler that an ideal army is one which is well paid, honoured and kept up to strength. To that wise counsel should now be added the rule that an army should not be used against its own people. While the first three might lead to disappointment in the forces, the fourth ensures dismay and disenchantment. The Indian state needs to speedily bring its internal conflicts to an end, if its armed forces are to find the necessary equilibrium in society. History is replete with examples of armies becoming ineffective when pay was in arrears or grossly insufficient, when military leaders could not convince soldiers of the cause for which they were fighting, or due to inadequate social recognition in return for a life of travails. After 50 years of freedom, it is now time to create conditions which would disengage the armed forces from managing internal strife. It would also be poor recompense for their unfailing constitutional loyalty, to let the perception prevail about the diminishing economic and social returns of an armed forces career.

The writer is a retired Lieutenant-General

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.