For last few weeks, the national media is debating on what is the age of Indian Army General. Various people are giving their opinion on what should be his age based on the credentials available in the official records.
But first and foremost thing – is the age of an Army General a topic for media discussion? Has the sanctity of his office fallen so low that he has to plead and even challenge the authorities to re-consider his age, which is apparently is in contradiction with some of the testimonials available with the army?
This is a very unfortunate situation when a serving army has taken the government to court over as petty issue as dispute of his age. By doing so, the army general has demonstrated that he wishes to continue in the office for another year. But at what cost? Definitely he has lowered the dignity of the office by publicly and overtly displaying his penchant for continuation in the office beyond his retirement age.
If VK Singh had precipitated the matters relating to India’s safety, it is very much acceptable. If he had brought out his differences with the government over the quality of arms purchased, he would have been hailed. For that matter, his any dispute with the government on issues relating to the national security would have been much appreciated. But, to show differences at fag end of his career over an issue as low as another year in service is very demeaning of himself and the office occupied by him.
Bhagwad Gita has mentioned that one should be having a ‘detached attachment’ with all material things in this world. Because these things come and go while what remains is our ethics and values. When a person tries to hold on to the material things, the problems begin. One should be graceful in giving away things at appropriate time, instead of trying desperately to cling on to it.
Incidentally, the government has nothing to lose in its fight against the general on this issue. Because, the government is a system and not a person. In government, the responsibility is collectively held by a group of people. But on the other side, it is the person, Mr. VK Singh. It is his character, his ideology, his mannerism which is on display.
The image of our country has definitely suffered a setback because of the fight between the army general and the government. While the government has already suffered a credibility loss in past couple of years over the gigantic corruption cases, this episode exposes the weakness of the Indian armed forces.
Everyone knows how powerful the position of chief of armed forces is in our neighboring country. The chief of armed forces has taken over the power in a military coup on four occasions in past 60 years. Can anyone think of that army general going to court over such disputes? He simply overturns the government. Then, shall it be deemed as the weakness of the position of chief of Indian armed forces to even wildly imagine doing something like that? What value and respect the global leaders would have for the Army general in India?
This impasse also exposes the egocentric attitudes and weak communication channels that exist between the armed forces and the government. It would have been a far better idea to arrive at an amicable solution through discussions and arguments. The deal, done in a closed environment, on such an issue, is always more honorable than what is happening now.
Already the Supreme Court has shown indications of ruling in favor of the government. So, what moral authority will he have to face his successor? He will be ridiculed, chided and joked around for his endeavors to remain in power. This trait was seen in all the ministers and politicians in the past. If the officers in armed forces also start attempting this, then it is a disaster.
So, an am admi is compelled to ask… forget the age, where is your dignity, Mr. General?
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