Bring back leaders like Lt.General Nathu Singh Rathore, Field Marshall Cariappa
I recently received a forward of an email that contained an a story of exemplary selfless leadership. The Indian armed forces has numerous such examples of courage under fire, but this one left a lasting example!
Start Extract —–
After getting freedom, a meeting was organized to select the first General of Indian Army. Jawahar Lal Nehru was heading that meeting. Leaders and Army officers were discussing to whom this responsibility should be given.
… In between the discussion Nehru said, “I think we should appoint a British officer as a General of Indian Army as we don’t have enough experience to lead the same.”Everybody 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, sir.”
Nehru said, “Yes, gentleman. You are free to speak.”
He said ,”You see, sir, we don’t have enough experience to lead a nation too, so shouldn’t we appoint a British person as first PM of India?”
The meeting hall suddenly went quiet.
Then, Nehru said, “Are you ready to be the first General of Indian Army? He 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, A Lt General in the Indian Army.
End Extract –
If only a few hundred of Selfless leaders come forward, we can change the image of India. I was reading an article in the economist on June 9th titled “Farewell to Incredible India” , that got me think about the current dearth in leadership across all facets of our society.
It is ironic that we fought the British and had leaders of the caliber of Lt.General Nathu Singh Rathore, Field Marshall Cariappa, but today were are languishing under a coalition government, with Brezhnev-grade complacency. In recent years I strongly believe that the Indian government, administration and corporations have seen a dearth of strong leaders!
