The other day I was watching this excellent movie "Shaurya" starring no superstars as such. But it packed quite a punch and effectively delivered the intended message. I was left wondering whether our armed forces are still the bearers of moral ethics and conduct. I am not being cynical here, because of late the number of cases of sexual harassment, rape, extrajudicial encounters ( read executions ), fragging and acts of treason, all involving soldiers of the Indian armed forces are increasing.
One might argue that this is the case with every country in the world. But we are not any country, we are India, which has a reputation and decorum associated by way of its noble deeds and bravery. We are losing the battle to terrorism and naxalism and the biggest of all evils-communalism. And the only antidote we have is the armed forces of our country. If we are to survive and grow as a nation, we must seriously introspect and look at the reasons of growing dissent amongst the soldiers. The primary reason I feel is the inability of the soldier to support his family financially. A typical Indian soldier will live in the harshest of the conditions provided he's in the right frame of his mind. And when thoughts of his family members not being able to eat 3 times a day, his wife struggling to pay their children's fees etc, then he's not to be completely blamed for the frustration which he shows on others through his actions that can reach the scale of unimaginable frightening proportions sometimes.
What should the government do in this case? Increase the salaries provided to the non-commisioned soldiers. But before that launch an active campaign to promote the armed forces as a lucrative career option amongst the youth. The manpower shortage will decrease and the burden in the present workforce shall lessen progressively. Why doesn't the government show ads promoting the armed forces in the prime time slot on television and radio channels?
I was and I am passionate about armed forces and though I missed my chances, but still would like to experience in layman terms "The Military life".
regards,
taureansandy
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