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Thursday, May 14, 2009 18:18 IST

In 1971, India won a comprehensive victory against Pakistan. It as in this war that the Indian Navy vanquished the Pakistani Navy, bombing Karachi and preventing the retreating Pakistani troops from escaping by sea in Bangladesh, even as the Indian Army smashed the Pakistani forces while the Indian Air Force controlled the skies in just a couple of days. This victory has meant no major war ever since and a Navy to reckon with.

The man who led the navy in 1971 was Admiral SM Nanda, who expired on May 11.

Now, if anyone wants to know why India has been one of the most invaded countries, why its greatest battles in history ended in defeats (from Alexander defeating Porus to Panipat to Plassey) we could start by seeing how we treat our war heroes.

Nanda was cremated with mere naval honours. President Patil, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony, did not attend. Shamefully, the army and air force chiefs did not turn up.

Many might believe that the reason for the aversion to Nanda is because he tarnished his name after retiring from the navy. His son Suresh, a former naval officer, is embroiled in an arms case and is perceived as a corrupt arms dealer. It is widely believed that the admiral used his influence to help his son win contracts, making the family amazingly rich. A visit to the Nanda's opulent bungalow in New Delhi made it clear that this wasn't the house of retired pensioners but that of very, very rich family.His grandson Sanjeev mowed down six persons while drunk and driving a BMW. The Nandas then shamefully worked overtime to evade justice. Mercifully, Sanjeev was jailed and will hopefully serve his term (though it is possible that the family's wealth and connections might see him come out early; he was given three weeks parole to attend his grand-father's funeral. Why does he need three weeks?)

A killer grandson, a corrupt arms dealer son, and an indulgent Admiral Nanda have no doubt contributed to destroying the family's name and reputation, particularly the admiral's.But while we may not admire Nanda the arms dealer, should we ignore Nanda the admiral because of his son and grandson?

By that logic, Indira Gandhi shouldn't be honoured because while India hails her many achievements, including breaking up Pakistan in 1971, she also imposed Emergency and allowed her son, Sanjay Gandhi, to commit far too many crimes to enumerate here. Yet, we honour Indira and remember her achievements while ignoring her failures. Should not the same rule apply to Admiral Nanda?

It would be easy to believe that Nanda was ignored because of his post-retirement misdeeds except that there is a pattern in ignoring our military heroes. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw died less than a year ago in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. Neither the president, prime minister, nor the defence minister turned up for the funeral and there was no election taking place then. Worse, even the three chiefs of staff did not show up (to be fair, the army chief was out of the country). There are no words to describe this most dishonourable behaviour.

In no other country that values its independence and its war heroes would such behaviour have been tolerated. Flags would have been at half-mast and national mourning would be the order of the day. After all, we do that for every two-bit politician whose contribution is less than a footnote in history.

Tragically, we remember our armed forces only during a war or a national crisis; at other times, the politicians and the media ignore them, while selfish bureaucrats plot to reduce their salaries and protocol rank. After seeing how we have treated our greatest war heroes, we need to face a fact: we deserve to lose the next war. But our armed forces are far too honourable: they won't let that happen despite the disrespect meted out to them with alarming regularity.

6 comments

so true. well, the best example of ignorance is our july 26 kargil divas celebration. no politicians turned up in drass for celebrations.

The way our country looks at our SOLDIERS is really not acceptable. My suggestion is everybody from the defence should resign and nobody should join. Then our country will come to know their importance.

@ Nanda was cremated with mere naval honours.

Imagine, my friend, if such a thing happens to a highly respected admiral, just think about the situation of that poor & old, fragile-looking woman who lost her only son. He was an NSG commando from the Indian Army who lost his life fighting terrorists. No, not in Mumbai for sure (don't remember details, but her pitiful situation really rattled me for 2-3 days, vindicating my view that India is the world's largest bogus democracy). It was shown on TV channels. More than a year passed, but none helped her!

There are thousands of people (if we include dependent family members) from the defence and police forces who give their lives every year selflessly for the sake of this great nation. End result? BIG ZERO!

A long life of debauchery and immorality should NEVER be praised, sung, or given SHASTAANG PRANAAM; which alone keeps us corrupt and uncivil towards our fellow citizens.

I am the son of an ex-army officer who took part in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. I feel proud when we read reports of the Indian Army winning wars. At the same time it makes me sad to know that the army cannot win the war of red tape against the bureaucracy.

Tell us something new, Amberish. The nation as a whole has been paying lip service to the armed forces, and that too only at times of crises. The biggest reason why the armed forces are no longer an attractive career option is not related to pay or brighter opportunities outside. It is largely due to an erosion in the standing that our forces enjoy within the country. Unfotunately, the nation is fast on its way to getting the armed forces it deserves.