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The Lt General Jagjit Singh Aurora Chat

Venkat: Thank you Venkat for the first part of your question. There is no doubt that there is grave shortage of suitable young people joining the army. We need many young leaders to keep the army efficiency at the highest possible pitch. To do this the government has to make the army more attractive, not only by giving larger pay and other emoluments but by giving the army officers the prestige that they deserve. I may mention that during the Brittish days, a junion commission officer when he went to visit any office he was offered a chair to sit down and due notice was taken of his problem which was expeditiously solved. Today, army officers are not given the status and prestige they deserve. This must be put right and more facilities provided to them to be able to live with their families if we want to improve the leadership of armed forces.

BD war was not raelly a fair war. It was not a war between India and Pakistan. It was a war where BD people were fighting for their basic right. Was it fair that we took the control? Like they hould have got compensation, by using the surrendered army as a bergaining tool. Did we have a right to snatch their glory? Should we not always say, it was BD that won, not us? Why should we win or fight against Pakistan?

Sir, Its an honor talking to you, Do you believe army officers become good governors/administrators, case in point Gen. Krishna Rao. How do you think he has fared in Kashmir ?

May I remind you of my question about Major General Shuhbeg Singh? On this anniversary, can we forget his contribution to our win never mind what happened 13 years later.

would you personally encourage a relative / a friend to enter the army today? Also, why haven't you written your autobiography -- people like you need to write their memoirs for the next generation to learn/remember their history. (p.s. i am a friend of your granddaughter) -- pradipta

General, Sir, do you think faith -- in Pakistan's case, the concept of jehad -- is a much more dynamic spur for its troops than say something like Indian nationalism? Somone I know visited Pakistan troops recently on the Siachin and came back with stories about how the soldiers were charged up by the thought of jehad.

And thank you for answering my question.

Ravi: Thank you Ravi. I think army officers can make governors, managing directors, ambassadors or any other important job. This has been proved not only by Gen Krsihna Rao but some others also. The armed forced officers are normally forthright and honest with conviction. If they are backed properly, they will always prove their worth.

I know generals do not reflect on what may have been. But The Enterprise was in the Bay of Bengal. Were you at any time apprehensive of American intervention in the conflict in the Eastern sector?

Sir, Do you think the army can play a role in environmental conservation. I know that it has been very successful in greening some areas in Rajasthan. Do you think it can play a role in saving the tiger in border areas, by stopping smugling. I know that the army is being invloved in Nepal in saving the rhino in Royal Chitwan Park. I think the army was asked to help in Kaziranga and Manas>

Is war the only solution to the Indo-Pak problem? Will we only stop after one of us has totally destroyed the other?

I notice you haven't responded to my question about Sam Manekshaw and his penchant for taking credit for winning the war! Was his leadership an inspiration or an impediment? How much leeway did you have in formulating strategy for the eastern sector? Have you met him in the last three years?

You, sir, seem to be a peace loving person. What made you join in the army - what made you take part in two bloody wars?

Sir, have you visited Kashmir. You have seen BD. I think people like you who have seen the other side should visit Kashmir and tell us what the situation is. It is very difficult to believe what is going on. Both side say different things.

Thought not related to India, I was curious to know how you felt about the suicide of the Naval chief of the US Admiral Borda , for scandals in the Navy and some personal problems .

What is your assessment of today's generals? Friends in India tell me like everything else it is not enough to be good at your job to rise to the top. You need to be an apple polisher too. Have standards in the army dropped? Do you think less talented officers have risen to the top, just because they know how to keep their mouth shut and their superiors in good humour?

What is your assessment of today's generals? Friends in India tell me like everything else it is not enough to be good at your job to rise to the top. You need to be an apple polisher too. Have standards in the army dropped? Do you think less talented officers have risen to the top, just because they know how to keep their mouth shut and their superiors in good humour?

Thanks for awnsering my question. Peoople in India don't care for people in the armed forces. I think army people should be given the first priority in jobs, and many other govt. services.

Pradipta: Thank you Pradipta for your question. I would definitely advise my young friends to enter the armed forces. It is a great experience, especially for young people. After they have served for a few years if they want to leave and take another profession they will find that the expeience in the armed forces will stand them in good stead. They will be able to understand the human beings better which is so vital for any profession. Self discipline is another factor which young people have to learn and that is not practiced these days. Serving the country in the armed forces should be considered an honour. Second part of your question, unfortunately my young and bright grand-daughters have not helped me in writing my memoirs. Thank you.

A less military query: What was your sojourn in politics like? Was the Rajya Sabha a more intimidating battle ground than the eastern sector?

Do you believe that India will eventually break up into a number of small nations - just like USSR and Yugoslavia?

A less military query: What was your sojourn in politics like? Was the Rajya Sabha a more intimidating battle ground than the eastern sector?

I don't agree with you on that count, General. Life in the army makes you insular, cutting you off from the rest of the population. Rejoining the mainstream becomes an almost impossible task.

dear nanaji, the contract for the book is in the post -- pls sign it and see me in my office. i think we can call the book `the thinking man's general', love, (since you are ignoring my questions i shall log off). pradipta thanks you for your considered reply and as i type he is off to sign in to the indian army.

Jaswant: Thank you for your question. As a retired officer I consider it is wrong on my part to criticise the present day generals and other senior officers. It has become fashionable to criticise everybody. There has been no occasion even in the present difficult circumstances when called upon to carry out duties in aid of civil power any officer has failed to carry out his duties diligently and properly. I am sure if an occasion arises to serve the country against external aggression the armed forces will give a good account of themselves.

Nonitaa: Hang on. I'm sure your nanaji missed your question. Why don't you try reposting it? BTW, I think it was a good one.

General, Sir, do you think faith -- in Pakistan's case, the concept of jehad -- is a much more dynamic spur for its troops than say something like Indian nationalism? Somone I know visited Pakistan troops recently on the Siachin and came back with stories about how the soldiers were charged up by the thought of jehad.