By nature, the average Indian is highly individualistic and an entrepreneur. In every endeavour, his calculation is simply based on, "What's in it for me?" He does not have the time or the inclination to actively get involved with the intricacies of the nation's security.
This kind of entrepreneurial society requires a steel frame of military, naval and air power to ensure that India's accommodative temperament and societal characteristic of gentleness remains protected from the turbulent violence that assaults the values of our democratic polity.
India's Armed Forces
On attaining Independence in 1947, India inherited possibly the best instrument of war in Asia -- a fine battle-ready military machine with a formidable reputation of winning wars in distant lands. Britain had employed it skilfully for over a century to sustain her empire and treasured it as the jewel in its crown.
In the years after Independence, India's Army has been unendingly deployed for internal policing tasks to cope with the complex security situation. This deployment has kept the Union of India physically intact. But it is sad that 60 years after Independence, the stability of India still depends directly on the stability of the Indian Army.
Field Marshal Wavell who was India's British Viceroy in 1946, was prophetic when he said "... the stability of the Indian Army may perhaps be a deciding factor in the future of India."
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