Panel Discussions and Talks

Panel Discussions and Talks

The release of volume 2 of my book by the army chief, General Bipin Rawat got this reaction from The Excelsior

Gen Rawat releases 2nd volume of ‘Harsha Kakar Writes’

Post the release of my book, I was interviewed by the publisher. Excerpts are below

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) HARSHA KAKAR AND TANNAAZ IRANI CHIEF EDITOR CREATIVE CROWS PUBLISHERS

Why do you think this book must reach the civilian who needs to think for himself?

The common Indian is seeking knowledge on the role and functioning of the Armed Forces, which are amongst the most visible government agencies today as also the most dependable. Inputs on its role, tasks and functioning have remained the domain of very few. The same has been the case with matters pertaining to national security, Kashmir and international relations.

This book clears basic concepts, current involvements and issues on the topics. It enhances awareness and knowledge. Its simple wordings and short essays are easy to comprehend.

How will this book and forthcoming volumes help students appearing for relevant competitive examinations?

It provides backgrounds and possible solutions to current issues and topics of interest. Thus, enables those appearing for competitive exams to handle questions on the subject as also enhance knowledge prior to interviews.

How do your writings resolve curiosity on internal Armed Forces policies or the Defence policy?

The articles discuss issues from both ends, are unbiased and based on facts. Thus, a reader’s basics are cleared and he could now proceed for greater research, comfortable with the knowledge that his basics are now clear.

Does the Reader have to be from the Defence fraternity to understand your book?

No, he does not have to be. In fact, the book is addressed for the common Indian whose knowledge base on such issues is restricted due to lack of exposure.

What, from among the themes in the book do you feel most passionate about?

I feel most passionate about the Armed Forces, their concerns and tribulations as also on Kashmir, where opportunities are missed, and the situation exploited by political entities.

What made you embark upon this exercise, of compiling your articles into a series of Volumes?

I have many followers on social media who have always been reading my articles. They repeatedly advised me to put select articles in the form of a book, which would become a data base and be easily readable based on availability of time as also at leisure. It would also assist those who would desire to brush up knowledge close to their interviews or exams.

What in your opinion would be the contribution of this compilation to the Armed Forces?

Armed Forces personnel have a difficult and busy routine. Thus, a book would provide them the opportunity to read at leisure as also broaden their knowledge. This is essential as small tactical actions of theirs have strategic impacts. Further, it would enable them to understand issues which concern them as soldiers, but which remains out of their normal domain.

The Military is considered epitome of Honour and Dignity; yet the Media highlight only juicy details. How does your book aim to change perception of the Armed Forces?

It clearly lays out the truth which the media occasionally glosses over. It also lays down the reasons for specific decisions and where facts have been misquoted. The reader obtains the true picture from the perspective of the Armed Forces, which generally in the Indian democracy avoids getting into a public debate. The nation has now begun to accept that the Army Chief must speak and share the military’s concerns, an issue which was considered taboo earlier. I have largely contributed to supporting this stand.

The civilian-military relationship is growing positively as citizens are increasingly aware of the contributions and sacrifices made by the Soldier. How relevant is your book in this important aspect given that we are a democracy? What do the people really need to know and why? Hitherto the Armed Forces have been kept isolated from the public at large, but now citizens are keen to know… May we have your thoughts on this?

My book backs the truth behind every military action. There have been occasions where the military has been pulled up if wrong. Thus, for any reader it opens the truth and reasons for specific actions.

People desire to know the hows and whys, which is what has been done. Specific articles, linked to current topics of national interest have been included in the book.

The nation wants to associate with the Armed Forces as they visualize them as responsible for their security as also always being there when needed. The construction of the foot over bridges in Mumbai is an example. However, the military remains shrouded in mystery as it stays in its cantonments and is only read about, but not seen. By sharing its details and hows and whys, I have attempted to bridge this gap and make the Indian realize what it does, why and how.

INDIAN OUR IDENTITY

IndianArmy recruits talented youth from rural India, drawing from all 29 states, speaking 22 different languages and innumerable dialects, representing all major religions. They take the responsibility of safeguarding the nation and serve without considering their caste, creedor religion andfulfill their responsibility with commitment, courage and conviction.Their resolute sense of discipline, devotion, dedication and determination epitomizes Nationalism &National Unity.

INDIAN OUR IDENTITY
IndianArmy recruits talented youth from rural India, drawing from all 29 states, speaking 22 different languages and innumerable dialects, representing all major religions. They take the responsibility of safeguarding the nation and serve without considering their caste, creedor religion andfulfill their responsibility with commitment, courage and conviction.Their resolute sense of discipline, devotion, dedication and determination epitomizes Nationalism &National Unity.

Indian Army has been making invaluable contribution against external and internal security threats vis-a-vis creating conducive atmosphere towards economic developmentand social transformation. It has been performing the role of a catalyzing agent and is the last resort of the Indian State in all emergencies. Deployment of the army in aid to civil authorities during natural calamities, counter insurgency operations or civic action or in intense religious/caste riot situationsforms an integral part of the overall politico-military initiative of the government. Soldiers, both in war and peace, have followed the traditions of excellence in commitment to the Nation and standout outas envoys of selflessness.

“JAI HIND”theIndian Armed Forces salutation,is a unifying greeting representing the whole of India.It is neither caste, community or religion specific. Beauty of the phrase lies in its twin meaning, while military considers it as “Victory to India”, the pacifist can consider it to mean “Long Live India”. The soldier is the army. No army is better than its soldiers. The soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arm’s for one’s own country.

ARMY DAY
We honour the Indian soldier by recalling his achievements on Army Day.

Let us all join to “Salute the Soldier” and acknowledge his myriad sacrifices and years of unremitting service to our great Nation.

Let us pray for the souls who gave up their lives in the service to the nation and for the honour of their units and regiments.

May their lives and sacrifices never go in vain; may India grow from strength to strength and may our future generations keep the flames of honour, sacrifice and love of the Motherland forever alight.

Military service is clearly not a job but a calling in life; it comes with its own inexplicable and extended codes of conduct; and it subconsciously imposes a moral burden and responsibility as “Indian to Nation”. Individual acts of valour generally receive public acclaim but the sacrifice of the Unknown Soldier who lays down his life ungrudgingly in some remote battlefield often remains unacknowledged. It is only through sustained effort in disseminating correct, unprejudiced facts about the Soldier of Indian Army’s past, present and future that the public at large as well as policy makers will continue to acknowledge the great debt owed by the nation to the men in arms.

JAI HIND

NATIONALISM, NATIONAL UNITY AND THE INDIAN ARMY
While the army does not hold patent rights for nationalism and national unity, it alone has done more to enhance this feeling within the nation as compared to any other institution or organization.Every soldier is a nationalist, willing to lay down his life safeguarding the nation’s citizens & interest. He walks into the line of fire knowing he may lose his life and carries within him unlimited liability as part of his duty to the Nation. In religious terms, the Indian army has no Hindus or Moslems in its ranks, only soldiers. It has no separate Mandir, Gurudwara, Church or Mosque in its operational units. It only has a Sarv Dharam Sthal (an abode for all religions). It is a unique institution epitomising the symbolic union of different religions under one roof representing all major religions of the world. It is in this one place that Janmashtami, Gur Purab, Easter and Id are celebrated and attended by all religions. Soldiersoperate without caste, creed or religion.There is no column for caste or creed in a soldier’s records as all are equal and there is no differentiation. The army only enters religion in a soldier data base as it is essential for last rites, in case mortal remains cannot be sent back home.

Indian Our Identity

It does not recruit soldiers based on any caste quotas, in fact this is the only quota less institution in the country. An individual requiresto be physically and medically fit with the requisite intelligence and education levels to join, nothing else matters. Once selected he becomes a member of one of the best professionally trained Armies of the world and serves the nation with courage, commitment & conviction, accomplishinghis task and fulfilling his responsibility with discipline, devotion, dedication and determination.

Quest to Excel

We Make Men Out of Boys The army has been at the forefront of aid to civil authoritieskeeping local customs in mind and heart, without any care for whom it is assisting. During the Srinagar floods and earthquake in the valley, it reached the unreachable and helped even those who were pelting them with stones just a day prior. It did so without any hard feelings or anger, but with concern, after all, they are our ownbrethren.

During riots it has always been respected because it has been fair and just, not seeking to target any group or community. It has provided succour to all who have desired it, without differentiation. Hence, it is the most soughtafter institution to restore order and has almost become the first responder in all emergencies.

Nationalism is at an all time high, when the widow of a brave soldier walks slowly up the stairs to receive recognition from the President for the ultimate sacrifice of her husband in the line of duty. Nationalism shines when the army marches down Raj path in perfect unison in all its finery.Every Indian was proud of the nation and its army, when it recaptured Tiger Hill and placed the national flag at its peak. The selfless leadership of young officers of the Indian Army at the forefront of their troops achieved many a victory, through at times at the cost of their lives during the Kargil conflict. The Indian Army also proved that years of involvement in low intensity conflicts and counter insurgency operations had not blunted the tenaciousness and fighting edge of the forces. It has won wars through close inter services cooperation, professional higher direction of war and cogent political – strategic direction. Kargil brought the nation together.Even today, in every city and village, mass crowds turn up to attend the last rites of a brave soldier martyred along the line of duty. Cries of “Jai Hind” – ‘Bharat Mata Ki jai’ rent the air, casting religion, caste, creed or political affinities aside. This is true nationalism andflowing from the heart of every Indiansolely because of the deeds of the army.

REACH THE UNREACHED
Ability leads to fulfillment of needs. Disability is a part of human condition and social issue, it evolves from person’s impairment. The geographical, environmental and attitudinal barriers, relegate the persons with disabilities equal opportunities and full participation. ABILITY BEYOND DISABILITY is an innovative social integration mission of connecting rehabilitation professionals to Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s) and those in needs, in the border and underserved regions of the country. Mission is one of its kind, it integrates activities of rehabilitation professionals with local community workers, social bodies with delivery of services at the door step level with a commitment “People Matter Results Count”. Mission combines grass root level work with disability awareness to improve social participation and enhancing possibilities of socially mainstreaming of the persons with disabilities, with Indian Army Leading from the front performing the role of a catalyzing agent. Driven by the endless spirit of people’s participation, mission traverse from Kargil, interior of Pir-Panjal ranges (J & K) to Tawang, border district of Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh of North East India to remotely located Little Andaman Island, benefitting thousands of beneficiaries and their caregivers in most inaccessible regions of the our country. Mission had rejuvenated community conscious, strengthens the field based initiatives, besides demonstrated the brilliant lessons of unity, discipline and cooperation with a Message “Together We Can Make It Happen”.

Soldiering in India has always been a way of life, a calling to the profession of arms, seeped deeply in the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. The Indian Army has made several successful transformations to meet the challenges from rapid societal changes along with noteworthy contributions to the economic & social development. Social transformation is possible when all the sections of the society join hand for collective actions, synergizing each others strength and put always and every time Nation First.

Bridging Hearts Connecting Lives

Making a Difference

SALUTE THE SOLDIER is a sublimation of the vision of a veteran, a decorated officer of Indian Army manifested for the first time in the form of Army Day Card issued on 15th January, 2011. Its purpose was to raise awareness of the contribution of soldiers in nation building process. This vision calls for the nation harnessing the untapped invaluable human capital of ex-servicemen to meet the new challenges of Industries driven by technological and security developments. Over time, this vision has continued to inject new ideas in the minds of people in diverse industries to get benefited from this skilled and disciplined workforce. This would complement government own endeavors besides restoring dignity to the soldiers who have become ex -servicemen. It was with this inspiration and noble zeal that SALUTE THE SOLDIER -LLP was established.

SALUTE THE SOLDIER LLP is an innovative mechanism striving to drive transformational changes in the soldiers’ post-retirement lives. The skills and abilities of ex-servicemen would be aligned with requirement of industries through professional training and employment, selfentrepreneurship schemes, collaborative models as well as through onthe-job/advance training under PPP model. These services need to be extended to the widows of martyrs, Veer Naris and dependents of serving / ex-servicemen / disabled soldiers. Such social entrepreneur schemes would also help restore the dignity of disabled soldiers and related target groups.

The need of the hour is optimal utilization of this invaluable resource of exservicemen by incorporating them into mainstream national development projects. This would also raise the morale of Indian soldiers significantly, as they would come out of the fear of not being able to take up a second career after retiring at such a relatively young age in spite of being equipped with multifaceted experiences and skills.

9th Jan. 2018

Army Begins Construction of Bridge at

Elphinstone Station in Mumbai

Indian Army has been making invaluable contribution against external and internal security threats vis-a-vis creating conducive atmosphere towards economic developmentand social transformation. It has been performing the role of a catalyzing agent and is the last resort of the Indian State in all emergencies. Deployment of the army in aid to civil authorities during natural calamities, counter insurgency operations or civic action or in intense religious/caste riot situationsforms an integral part of the overall politico-military initiative of the government. Soldiers, both in war and peace, have followed the traditions of excellence in commitment to the Nation and standout outas envoys of selflessness.

“JAI HIND”theIndian Armed Forces salutation,is a unifying greeting representing the whole of India.It is neither caste, community or religion specific. Beauty of the phrase lies in its twin meaning, while military considers it as “Victory to India”, the pacifist can consider it to mean “Long Live India”. The soldier is the army. No army is better than its soldiers. The soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arm’s for one’s own country.

ARMY DAY
We honour the Indian soldier by recalling his achievements on Army Day.

Let us all join to “Salute the Soldier” and acknowledge his myriad sacrifices and years of unremitting service to our great Nation.

Let us pray for the souls who gave up their lives in the service to the nation and for the honour of their units and regiments.

May their lives and sacrifices never go in vain; may India grow from strength to strength and may our future generations keep the flames of honour, sacrifice and love of the Motherland forever alight.

Military service is clearly not a job but a calling in life; it comes with its own inexplicable and extended codes of conduct; and it subconsciously imposes a moral burden and responsibility as “Indian to Nation”. Individual acts of valour generally receive public acclaim but the sacrifice of the Unknown Soldier who lays down his life ungrudgingly in some remote battlefield often remains unacknowledged. It is only through sustained effort in disseminating correct, unprejudiced facts about the Soldier of Indian Army’s past, present and future that the public at large as well as policy makers will continue to acknowledge the great debt owed by the nation to the men in arms.

JAI HIND

NATIONALISM, NATIONAL UNITY AND THE INDIAN ARMY
While the army does not hold patent rights for nationalism and national unity, it alone has done more to enhance this feeling within the nation as compared to any other institution or organization.Every soldier is a nationalist, willing to lay down his life safeguarding the nation’s citizens & interest. He walks into the line of fire knowing he may lose his life and carries within him unlimited liability as part of his duty to the Nation. In religious terms, the Indian army has no Hindus or Moslems in its ranks, only soldiers. It has no separate Mandir, Gurudwara, Church or Mosque in its operational units. It only has a Sarv Dharam Sthal (an abode for all religions). It is a unique institution epitomising the symbolic union of different religions under one roof representing all major religions of the world. It is in this one place that Janmashtami, Gur Purab, Easter and Id are celebrated and attended by all religions. Soldiersoperate without caste, creed or religion.There is no column for caste or creed in a soldier’s records as all are equal and there is no differentiation. The army only enters religion in a soldier data base as it is essential for last rites, in case mortal remains cannot be sent back home.

Indian Our Identity

It does not recruit soldiers based on any caste quotas, in fact this is the only quota less institution in the country. An individual requiresto be physically and medically fit with the requisite intelligence and education levels to join, nothing else matters. Once selected he becomes a member of one of the best professionally trained Armies of the world and serves the nation with courage, commitment & conviction, accomplishinghis task and fulfilling his responsibility with discipline, devotion, dedication and determination.

Quest to Excel

We Make Men Out of Boys The army has been at the forefront of aid to civil authoritieskeeping local customs in mind and heart, without any care for whom it is assisting. During the Srinagar floods and earthquake in the valley, it reached the unreachable and helped even those who were pelting them with stones just a day prior. It did so without any hard feelings or anger, but with concern, after all, they are our ownbrethren.

During riots it has always been respected because it has been fair and just, not seeking to target any group or community. It has provided succour to all who have desired it, without differentiation. Hence, it is the most soughtafter institution to restore order and has almost become the first responder in all emergencies.

Nationalism is at an all time high, when the widow of a brave soldier walks slowly up the stairs to receive recognition from the President for the ultimate sacrifice of her husband in the line of duty. Nationalism shines when the army marches down Raj path in perfect unison in all its finery.Every Indian was proud of the nation and its army, when it recaptured Tiger Hill and placed the national flag at its peak. The selfless leadership of young officers of the Indian Army at the forefront of their troops achieved many a victory, through at times at the cost of their lives during the Kargil conflict. The Indian Army also proved that years of involvement in low intensity conflicts and counter insurgency operations had not blunted the tenaciousness and fighting edge of the forces. It has won wars through close inter services cooperation, professional higher direction of war and cogent political – strategic direction. Kargil brought the nation together.Even today, in every city and village, mass crowds turn up to attend the last rites of a brave soldier martyred along the line of duty. Cries of “Jai Hind” – ‘Bharat Mata Ki jai’ rent the air, casting religion, caste, creed or political affinities aside. This is true nationalism andflowing from the heart of every Indiansolely because of the deeds of the army.

REACH THE UNREACHED
Ability leads to fulfillment of needs. Disability is a part of human condition and social issue, it evolves from person’s impairment. The geographical, environmental and attitudinal barriers, relegate the persons with disabilities equal opportunities and full participation. ABILITY BEYOND DISABILITY is an innovative social integration mission of connecting rehabilitation professionals to Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s) and those in needs, in the border and underserved regions of the country. Mission is one of its kind, it integrates activities of rehabilitation professionals with local community workers, social bodies with delivery of services at the door step level with a commitment “People Matter Results Count”. Mission combines grass root level work with disability awareness to improve social participation and enhancing possibilities of socially mainstreaming of the persons with disabilities, with Indian Army Leading from the front performing the role of a catalyzing agent. Driven by the endless spirit of people’s participation, mission traverse from Kargil, interior of Pir-Panjal ranges (J & K) to Tawang, border district of Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh of North East India to remotely located Little Andaman Island, benefitting thousands of beneficiaries and their caregivers in most inaccessible regions of the our country. Mission had rejuvenated community conscious, strengthens the field based initiatives, besides demonstrated the brilliant lessons of unity, discipline and cooperation with a Message “Together We Can Make It Happen”.

Soldiering in India has always been a way of life, a calling to the profession of arms, seeped deeply in the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. The Indian Army has made several successful transformations to meet the challenges from rapid societal changes along with noteworthy contributions to the economic & social development. Social transformation is possible when all the sections of the society join hand for collective actions, synergizing each others strength and put always and every time Nation First.

Bridging Hearts Connecting Lives

Making a Difference

SALUTE THE SOLDIER is a sublimation of the vision of a veteran, a decorated officer of Indian Army manifested for the first time in the form of Army Day Card issued on 15th January, 2011. Its purpose was to raise awareness of the contribution of soldiers in nation building process. This vision calls for the nation harnessing the untapped invaluable human capital of ex-servicemen to meet the new challenges of Industries driven by technological and security developments. Over time, this vision has continued to inject new ideas in the minds of people in diverse industries to get benefited from this skilled and disciplined workforce. This would complement government own endeavors besides restoring dignity to the soldiers who have become ex -servicemen. It was with this inspiration and noble zeal that SALUTE THE SOLDIER -LLP was established.

SALUTE THE SOLDIER LLP is an innovative mechanism striving to drive transformational changes in the soldiers’ post-retirement lives. The skills and abilities of ex-servicemen would be aligned with requirement of industries through professional training and employment, selfentrepreneurship schemes, collaborative models as well as through onthe-job/advance training under PPP model. These services need to be extended to the widows of martyrs, Veer Naris and dependents of serving / ex-servicemen / disabled soldiers. Such social entrepreneur schemes would also help restore the dignity of disabled soldiers and related target groups.

The need of the hour is optimal utilization of this invaluable resource of exservicemen by incorporating them into mainstream national development projects. This would also raise the morale of Indian soldiers significantly, as they would come out of the fear of not being able to take up a second career after retiring at such a relatively young age in spite of being equipped with multifaceted experiences and skills.

9th Jan. 2018

Army Begins Construction of Bridge at

Elphinstone Station in Mumbai

As part of the Lucknow Lit Fest in Nov 17, I was part of the panel discussion on Whose Nationalism is it anyway. My participation and the discussion on YouTube is in the link below