INDIAN VETERANS -NEED AN IMAGE MAKEOVER

INDIAN VETERANS -NEED AN IMAGE MAKEOVER

1.        The image of the cap symbolises a lot that is wrong with the image of Indian Veterans. The image shows them as a spent force; a force that has done their duty and is now hankering for recognition and respect. It is the image that needs makeover and not the veterans as most of them are still busy making the country proud and world a better place.

2.        In wide public perception, especially on the social media and the mass media a very false image of the veterans has been projected. Indian veterans are portrayed as people who are struggling to readjust to civilian life after their military service. They are depicted as being inflexible, strict, or having difficulty fitting in with society. Some people may even perceive Indian veterans as being emotionally distant. The film world has also done a lot of damage to the image of the veterans by projecting them as caricatures of soldiers of yore. The veterans who frequent television debates also do not in any way help dispel the wrong image of the veterans’ community but in fact contribute towards making the image even more loud and grotesque. Even some serving soldiers also get carried away with this image of the veterans which does no good to the community.

3.        Some main characteristics of the false image of the veterans are: -

a. That they are old people set in their ways of life.

b. That they have done their bit for the country and have nothing much left to contribute.

c. That they have few stories to tell and repeat the same often.

d. That they are loudmouth and speak in loud voices and are easy to get offended.

e. That they think very highly of themselves and have very fat ego.

f.  That they consider the civilians somehow inferior and have special contempt for the politicians.

g. That they are always after the government to get more pensions and perks.

h. That they consume lots of alcohol.

i.  That they have handlebar moustaches and pot bellies.

j.  That they envy the bureaucrats.

k. That they get cheap liquor and other stores from the CSD canteen.

l.  That their pensions are a huge burden on the exchequer.

m.             That they have all the free time in the world to do gossip.

n. That they have fancy uniforms and are happy to be dressed in various types of caps adorned with lots of badges and stars.

4.        These negative stereotypes are not necessarily true for all veterans, and every individual's experience is unique. It is not what the whole community is about. The veterans’ community is very vibrant group of people who could be termed as ideal citizens for any country, especially India. Indian veterans are highly disciplined, courageous, and patriotic individuals who have sacrificed their personal lives for the betterment of their country. They are strong, selfless leaders who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. Additionally, veterans are often highly skilled and experienced in a variety of military tactics and strategies.

5.        They are religious but do not wear their religion on their sleeves. They are religious because most of them have seen death and fear from very close quarters. It is God that gives them the strength to go on even while facing certain death. But they are neither religious fanatics nor are they religious fundamentalists. They are true secularists. They will not hesitate for even a moment before entering a Mandir, Masjid, Gurudwara or a Church for prayers. They are used to praying in Dharam Sthals, religious place of a unit where all the Gods live in harmony. Religion for them a personal truck between them and their Gods. Rarely a Godman or a Baba can sway them from the secular path.

6.        Since the veterans have numerous encounters with death in service, they become most peace-loving community. They rarely get involved in violent crime in spite of being trained to use arms with felicity. A number them have been known to have used their abilities to prevent crimes or even to nab the criminals even at risk to their lives.

7.        It is community of people who make the most sacrifices for their families and their native communities. They are so frugal in their habits that they can be easily called saints. The economies of hill states like the Himanchal Pradesh and Uttarakhand chug along nicely because of the remittances by the serving soldiers to their families. No wonder the economies of these states are called “Money order” economies. Most of them don’t drink and do not frequent CSD canteens for cheap goods but to get goods of reliable quality.

8.        Even after retirement they spend a very small portion of their pension on themselves. Most of them are compulsive savers. So whatever money is saved by them that is either deposited in the banks or is invested in the stock market thus contributing to nation building. So, they contribute a great deal to nation building.

9.        The veterans invest the most in the education of their children. Their children also make ideal citizens of the country and contribute immensely to nation building. It will be a surprise for many to know that the children of veterans dominate the film industry and most of the TV news channels. Most of the newspapers daily carry articles written by the veterans. Book publishing scene of the country is also dominated by the veterans and large number of them have written books including best sellers.

10.      It is this community which continues to encourage their progeny to join the defence forces. It is not very rare to find three to four generations of veterans serving in the armed forces. Some veterans are working to encourage and train the youth of the country to join the defence forces.

11.     The intellectual landscape of the country is also dotted with veterans. Most of the think tanks related to safety, security and strategy are dominated by the veterans. Some of them can easily be called the intellectual giants.

12.     The veterans are doing a yeoman service in the field of social work also. Most of the NGOs have veterans in their ranks. Veterans individually also continue to work for the betterment of the society in their own small way. During the corona pandemic the veterans contributed food and rations for the under privileged. During the current winter season also number of veterans have joined hands to serve the poor and needy and have distributed blankets and warm clothing to the poor.

13.     It is therefore imperative that we combat negative stereotyping of the veterans and ensure that the true face of this community shines as a beacon for the whole country.  Educating people about the realities of military service, and the unique experiences and challenges that veterans face can help to dispel stereotypes and increase understanding and empathy. Even the veterans themselves should also act in a manner that the society at large understands their concerns and appreciate their love and dedication for the nation.

14.     A real Indian veteran is a person who possesses following qualities: -

a.        Discipline: Veterans have been trained to follow strict rules and protocols, which can make them highly disciplined and self-motivated. The veterans find it difficult to accept the ill-disciplined ways of the masses.

b.        Courage: Veterans have faced dangerous and challenging situations and have demonstrated courage and bravery in the face of adversity.

c.         Patriotism: Veterans have made sacrifices for the betterment of their country and are deeply committed to serving and protecting their nation.

d.        Leadership: Veterans have been trained to lead others and possess strong leadership skills.

e.        Resilience: Veterans have faced difficult situations and have learned to adapt and overcome adversity, which makes them highly resilient.

f.          Experience and skills: Veterans have gained a wide range of experience and skills through their military service, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork.

g.        Sense of duty: Veterans have a strong sense of duty and responsibility and are committed to serving others and making a positive impact in their community.

h.        Respect for others: Veterans have been trained to respect others, regardless of their background, and have a strong sense of empathy and understanding.

15.     On retirement the veterans still have a lot to contribute to the society and the nation. veterans can contribute to society in many ways upon retirement, such as:

a. Mentoring and coaching young people, sharing their experience and skills.

b. Participating in community service and volunteering.

c.  Starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur

d. Joining local government or politics.

e. Teaching or training in a field related to their military experience.