India’s
Independence Day And Progress It Made Ever since
Aug. 14, 2008
By Lt Col Pritam Singh Jauhal (Retd) World War II Veteran
It was after the removal of a Century-old yoke of British Imperialism,
that India gained its Independence on August 15, 1947 and declared
itself a Republic when its home-made Constitution was passed by
the duly elected Indian Parliament on January 26, 1950. The 2008,
Independence Days is around the corner. Indians residing in the
Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island will be celebrating it by
festive and colorful Ceremonies, with great pomp and pageantry.
No one should miss it because it is too important.
Prior to its Independence, to the dismay of all and sundry Indians,
the Indian Armed Forces were small and ill-equipped with weapons.
The senior-most rank was that of a brigadier. Most of the Officers
were Emergency Commissioned, though they had World War II experience.
Indian Officers and men had been denied experience in important
systems and classified trades. India lacked Officers for higher
command and in technical arms/corps. Not only that India did not
inherit any Defence-oriented industries. It simply implies that
the British did not prepare the Indians to run their own Country,
because they, (British) never wanted to leave India
Political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Pundit Nehru, who were
votaries of non-violence were not well-versed in geopolitics and
International power play, initially thought that in post-war scenario,
Independent India, did not need substantial Armed Forces, as it
had No enemies. However, Pakistan-sponsored invasion of the State
of Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947, only after two months after
gaining Independence, made them realize that India could not do
without Armed Forces. But an idea as to how many and what type
still eluded them.
To counter threats from Pakistan and China, India had to expand
and modernize its Armed Forces. The growth and modernization of
the Indian Army was Pakistan-centric till about the end of 1950s.
The War against China in1962 in which India did not fare well,
started a flurry of raising of Mountain Formations, equipped with
lighter weapons.
Today, India has the third largest Army in the World, which is
quite modern. Indian Army has to operate in varied terrains. Starting
from Himalayan Heights up to 20,000 ft (Siachin-the World’s
Highest Battle Ground where mere existence is a challenge), to
Punjab Plains and the Desert of Rajasthan. Besides, India has
number of islands, the defence of which cannot be ignored. There
are no specialized troops for mountains or desert. The Indian
Army has its own Aviation Wing and even surface-to-surface indigenously
developed missiles, which can carry conventional as well as Nuclear
payloads.
India has a Territorial Army, and also National Cadet Corps.
Canadian and Indian Cadets regularly spend some time with one
another as a part of International co-operation programs.
Most of the World’s oil supplies pass through the Arabian
Sea and Indian Ocean, which surround Indian Peninsula. Large number
of ships carrying World’s trade from Persian Gulf, Suez
Canal and Straights of Malaca also pass through these Seas. Navies
of the Western Nations operate in the Seas surrounding Indian
Sub-Continent. Majority of India’s own exports and imports
are via sea. India has a vast Exclusive Economic Zone and oil
reserves in the Indian Continent. To guard against any invasion
from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean sides, India has a strong
blue water Navy.
To ensure that Indian Army and Navy can operate effectively and
without hindrance from any foreign power, there is a definite
need for matching Air Force. India has a modern Air Force, which
is equipped with Mirage Sukhoi and MIG aircrafts. It is likely
to go in for some kind of AWACS and in Flight Refueling Aircraft.
Indian Air Force has the capability to support the Indian Army,
in all kinds of terrain and Navy at Sea as also deliver Nuclear
weapons as well.
India has of late announced a Nuclear Doctrine of NO FIRST USE.
It stands for complete disarmament, but cannot do unilaterally/selectively.
The Nuclear weapons are only a deterrent. As long as India has
Nuclear China and Pakistan to contend with, it has no choice but
to have minimum Nuclear deterrent.. For this purpose, it has set-up
a Nuclear Command. India has been designing its own communication
and scientific satellites, which has some surveillance capability
too.
Like Canada, Indian Defence Forces have been at the forefront
in U.N Peace-Keeping Missions, may it be in Gaza, Congo, Somalia
or various other countries in Africa. They have acquitted themselves
admirably under most trying conditions. To train personnel from
other countries in Peace-Keeping, an Institution has been set
up in Delhi.
India is proud to have the largest scientific manpower in the
World. Indian Scientists have contributed significantly in U S
A, Canada and Europe. Indian software and Computer Engineers are
well-known, the World over. India needs to utilize its resources
to modernize its industry, economy, health care, education and
eradicate poverty. Any reduction in the Defence Expenditure can
help. But India can ill-afford to lower its guard.
“ No nation must avow war at all costs. Sheep do not inherit
Earth. Nor do Wolves. But sheep are guilty of whetting the appetite
of Wolves”.
World War Veterans put their life on the line to protect the
Commonwealth and preserve the Democracy in which different people
could live together and enjoy freedom in peace. Indian Worldwide
are therefore, reminded to say a heart-felt “Thank you”
to the men and women for the victory they won and for the freedom
they now take for granted.
“No nation must avow war at all costs. Sheep do not inherit
Earth, nor do wolves. But sheep are guilty of whetting the appetite
of wolves.”
Lt Col Pritam Singh Jauhal (Retd) World War II Veteran
Founding President Indian Ex-Servicemen Society British Columbia
