The courage to speak and the grace to accept
Immediately after India became free Pandit Nehru called for a meeting to decide on first General of Indian Army.
Jawaharlal Nehru was heading that meeting.
Leaders and Army officers were discussing to whom this responsibility should be given.
During the discussion Nehru said:
"I think we should appoint a British officer as a General of Indian Army as we don't have persons with enough experience to lead our Army.
"All present—except one—supported Nehru because if the PM was suggesting something, how can they not agree?
But one of the army officers abruptly said:
"I have a point to submit, sir."
Nehru said:
"Yes, gentleman. You are free to speak."
He said:
"You see, sir, we don't have men with enough experience to lead a nation too. So shouldn't we appoint a British person as first PM of India?"
You could hear a pin drop!
The Hall suddenly went quiet and tense.
Then, Nehru said:
"Are you ready to be the first General of Indian Army?"
The gentleman got a golden chance to accept the offer but he refused the same and said:
"Sir, we have a very talented army officer, my senior, Lt.Gen.Cariappa, who is the most deserving among us."
The Army officer who raised his voice against the PM was Lt. General Nathu Singh Rathore, the 1st Lt. General of the Indian Army.
That is the professionalism and character the military is made of!
Will politicians of today learn?
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Always keep in touch
girish
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