Of Netas, Babus and Jarnails

Over the years, astute observers of the political scene in and around us have commented favourably about the Indian situation. They are slightly puzzled why despite the many similarities among the countries of South Asia, our histories have traversed totally different trajectories. The specific bewilderment arises from the fact that the Indian Chiefs of Staff have been behaving differently from their peers elsewhere. This is stated as if there is something destined about this scenario.

 

People may be mystified, but only because they are not prepared to wrack their brains to crack the mystery. And if some offhand remarks are offered, you find vague, inane observations about the political leadership provided by people like Patel, Nehru and Indira, the strict training imparted in the NDA, the tough stand taken by the Supreme Court on critical constitutional issues, the deliberate distance maintained between religion and the State. They are not prepared to give credit where it is due.....READMORE