Informed Citizens Forum

The Week in Review: 30 Jan - 05 Feb 2012

2012-02-13T18:28:00.001+05:30

The Week in Review (TWIR) is IDSA’s Newsletter containing a brief analysis of important events. It covers issues in the following categories:

-Country Review: South Asia, East and Southeast Asia,and West Asia.
-Missiles, Space, Nuclear and Defence Review.
-Energy Security Review.
-International Terrorism Review.
-Internal Security Review.

Please Click: TWIR

Pak Urdu Press: 23 - 29 Jan 2012

2012-02-08T11:14:00.000+05:30

The Golden Temple and Sikh Faith

2012-01-27T19:31:00.002+05:30

The Golden Temple, Sikh Faith and Excellence that it Breeds

Courtesy: General Harbhajan Singh

The Indian Army Chief Goes to Court in His Age Row

2012-01-17T07:37:00.004+05:30

SvipjaCMRChair has been closely following the case. As per media reports, it now emerges that the Chief has taken recourse to the Court Order in the matter. Our candid observations/Comments are:

1. It is not a CMR Issue as made out by some in the media. It affects the succession chain within the Army. It is therefore a matter relevant to the Army hierarchy. The Govt. has to only ensure that orders/instrs on the subject in vogue are 'rightly' enforced.

2. The Chief of any Army is an institution in itself. He upholds the dignity of the 'August Office'. He is duty-bound not to let the Office slip into any controversy for it to become a subject matter of public debate. There is no limit to varied thoughts then.

3. It is important that any such matters involving officers beyond the Commanding Officers' level are handled with due sensitivity and care by the hierarchy, military and civil both, as these level of officers are very senior. Any aberrations in such cases affect the morale and discipline of the Forces.

4. Having reached the impasse, the COAS is left with no option but to 'honourably resign'. As a soldier and an officer he has delivered to the Nation to the best of his ability. He needs an 'honourable exit' in all circumstances. May be he was advised incorrectly w/o any considerations to ethos, customs and traditions of the Armed Forces.

All this impacts the Armed Forces the world over, a lesson for all Govts.

Chairman SvipjaCMR Chair

Indian Defense Sector Spend by 2015

2011-10-27T08:16:00.004+05:30

The Indian defense sector is one of the fastest growing markets globally, with an estimated US$13.9 billion of the annual budget allocated for the acquisition of military hardware and technology in 2010.

Defense expenditure, which refers to the part of the budget that is spent on the acquisition of all types of military hardware and technology, has grown at a CAGR of 12.14% from 2005-09. Defense expenditure is expected to record a CAGR of 6.59% during 2010-15, to reach an annual spend of US$42.6 billion by 2015. This is primarily due to ageing military hardware and technology, domestic insurgencies and hostility from neighboring countries.

Strong growth in the sector is attracting foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and leading players from the domestic private sector to enter the market. Moreover, terrorism is leading to sharp increases in the defense budget and a shorter sales cycle, which translates as an attractive market for defense manufacturers.

The areas that are specifically expected to emerge over the short to medium-term include unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), advanced electronic warfare systems, combat systems, rocket and missile systems, fighter and trainer aircraft, stealth frigates, and submarines. In addition, spend on IT and communications is expected to increase significantly, with a strong focus on enterprise applications, systems integration, and real-time mobile communications.

Among the defence services the Army with a budget of approximately Rs. 74,582 Crores in 2010-11 has the largest share, followed by the Air Force (Rs. 40,462 Crores), Navy (Rs. 21,467 Crores), DRDO (Rs. 9,809 Crores), and Ordnance Factories (Rs. 1,015 Crores).

Credit: USIBC and Its News Agencies

Unfair Criticism: Defence Offsets

2011-09-11T08:27:00.001+05:30

Some Knowledge Professionals / Think Tanks provide exaggerated views on the defence offsets deals being executed lately. They may not be in full picture, or may not have an access to 'right source(s)'. These comments need 'mature' interpretation, sometimes the observations may even be biased or motivated.

Market Forces play in offsets. Obligors' Power, Buyers' Power, Threat of New Entrants / Competitors, Rivalry amongst Obligors, Alliances,etc, play its role. 'What You Need/Want', and 'What You Get' may have very little co-relation as a result.

We need to weigh it up all. Everything should not be seen with a 'black eye' sensing only kickbacks and corruption.

Sukhwindar

'Fairy Queen' of the Indian Railways

2011-08-05T10:37:00.000+05:30

This is the oldest working steam locomotive in the country, 1855 vintage. On 15 Aug 1854, it steamed from Howrah to Hooghly to a distance of 24 miles. It also hauled troops to Raniganj in the 1857 war of independence.

Now is an exhibit at the Indian Railways Museum in New Delhi since 1971.

Kind Courtesy: Lt General( Retired) JFR Jacob

Defence Offsets: Indian Parliament Informed

2011-08-05T08:42:00.000+05:30

The Indian defence industry will benefit from an inflow of $30 billion as offsets through military procurements from abroad over the next decade, according to a report submitted to parliament on Wednesday, 03 Aug 2011.

In a deposition before the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the MOD said that the projection, amounting to INR 1.5 lakh crore, was made in view of the $100 billion that India is expected to spend on defence procurements in the next 10 years. The deposition was part of a report on budgetary demands for grants for 2011-12, submitted by the committee to the Lok Sabha.

Offsets is a clause in the defence ministry’s procurement policy under which any equipment import worth more than Rs.300 crore will involve ploughing back of 30 percent of the contract amount back in Indian defence, homeland security and aviation industry. The policy is in existence since 2005, and has been refined over the years now.

‘As far as offsets are concerned, it is true that our procurements in the next five to 10 years would be more that $100 billion and 30 percent of that is $30 billion, which is INR 1.5lakh crore,’ a defence ministry official told the committee.

The official also went on to explain that the offsets clause involved either in a direct purchase by foreign arms companies from Indian industry, or technology transfers, or joint ventures with domestic firms in the defence, homeland security and aviation sectors.

The official, in its report, gave the example of the recent Indo-US deal for supply of 10 Boeing C-17s to Indian Air Force (IAF), under which India’s premier military research agency Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) will get high altitude engine test facility and a wind tunnel facility, both firsts in the country.

The Indo-Asian News Service (IANS)

'German-Italian Dual'

2011-07-14T09:54:00.001+05:30

Five Germans in an Audi Quattro arrive at the Italian border.

The Italian Customs Officer stops them and tells them "It'sa illegala to putta 5 people in a Quattro."

"Vot do you mean it's illegal?" asks the German driver.

"Quattro meansa four", replies the Italian official.

"Quattro is just ze name of zefokken automobile" the German says unbelievingly. "Look at ze dam papers: ze car is designed to karry 5 persons" .

"You canta pulla thata one on me!" replies the Italian customs officer. "Quattro meansa four. You have five-a people in a your car and you are thereforea breaking the law."

The German driver replies angrily, "You idiot! Call your zupervisor over. I vant to speak to someone viz more intelligence!"

"Sorry" responds the Italian officer, "He can'ta come. He'sa busy witha 2 guys in a Fiat Uno".

Courtesy: Mohinder Singh Saund (IITK), Sweden.

US Needs Second Revolution Now?

2011-07-08T07:36:00.003+05:30

Received this YouTube Video thru our Network. Talks what the US needs to do at this stage -- Needs a Second Revolution. Good and educative for viewing! This may be the best six minutes invested by You.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA

May be, it is relevant for India too.

Defence Reforms, Civil-Military Relations and Military Effectiveness in India

2011-07-03T08:54:00.005+05:30

A roundtable discussion was held on 30 May 2011 to discuss the two papers on the subject written by Anit Mukherjee, Research Fellow IDSA;

a. Failing to Deliver: Post Crises Defence Reforms in India, 1998-2010,
b. The Absent Dialogue: Civil-Military Relations and Military Effectiveness in India.

List of participants
General VP Malik (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff
Ajai Vikram Singh, former Defence Secretary
NS Sisodia, DG, IDSA
Air Marshal M Matheswaran, Air Headquarters
Air Marshal PK Mehra (Retd), Distinguished Fellow, CAPS
Vice Adm Pradeep Kaushiva (Retd), NMF
Maj Gen PS Sandhu (Retd), USI
Dr. Arvind Gupta, LBSC Chair, IDSA
Sqn Ldr PS Chhina (Retd), CAFHR, USI
Serving officers from the three service headquarters
Other members of IDSA.

His Excellency Shri NN Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Presided.

The following important points in relation to Civil-Military Relations (CMR) got highlighted in the roundtable:

1. It was important to capture the weaknesses that accrue from the current problematic form of civil-military relations, observed one participant in the roundtable.

2. It was generally felt that debate on the CMR needs to move forward from the ‘bureaucracy versus the military’ towards one that encourages a respectful and well-informed dialogue between all the stakeholders in the system. Military education should instruct its officers to learn how the Government of India officials have to follow the rules of business. Moreover, the challenges and characteristics of Indian democracy and public-policy making and implementation should also be highlighted. In turn, there is a need to educate the civilian policy makers of the challenges and sacrifices made by the Indian military.

Our Comments:

1. It is a landmark decision of the IDSA to focus on the CMR and bring the issue in the public domain. Informed Citizens and Indian Think Tanks have an opportunity now to discuss the issue openly and dispassionately. Probably, lack of information & communication on the CMR; responsibilities and limitations of civil-military functioning within their charters; hardly any open debate(s) on the issue in setting of the Indian Democratic System involving all the stakeholders; our inability to see the CMR as an all inclusive issue, etc, are the issues that need to be addressed – the CMR are not limited to civil-military bureaucratic relations only as perceived by some.

2. We need regular monitoring of conduct of important ‘actors’ down up to District and Unit Levels who tend to derail the CMR . We can ill-afford to let the CMR be neglected any more; today's soldier is a vibrant part of the CMR in India.

Read the Proceedings: The Roundtable

Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair.

We Are Blessed

2011-05-22T16:52:00.001+05:30

INTERESTING COINCIDENCE !

India is blessed by.....

Amma in South;
Didi in East;
Bhenji in North;
Aunty in the Capital;
Madam in Center;
Nani on top (the President)
& "Wife At Home"

And yet people say.. It’s a Man's World ?

Courtesy: Shashi Varma

Emerging Strategic Defence Culture in India, and Interplay of Civil - Military Relations

2011-03-11T07:18:00.001+05:30

"Failing to Deliver Post-Crises Defence Reforms in India, 1998-2010", a Research Paper of Anit Mukherjee of the IDSA, laments lack of 'strategic culture' and inapt 'civil-military Ralations' as the main causes for the Reforms failing in a way.

This paper analyses civil-military relations in India from 1998 to 2010. It examines the reforms undertaken within national security agencies and their eventual outcome. In doing so it explores two major questions—what precipitated the reforms in India’s national security agencies after the 1999 Kargil war? And, what was the impact of these reforms and did they achieve their stated objectives?

It analyzes the Kargil Review Committee Report and its follow up, the Arun Singh Committee and describes some of the debates therein. While examining the implementation of defence reforms it then argues that despite some incremental progress they have failed the vision of their architects. This is primarily due to bureaucratic politics and the unique features of civil-military relations, which can be more accurately described as an “absent dialogue.” The penultimate section describes recent calls for re-visiting the defence reforms process but argues that without political will this is unlikely.

“bureaucratic inertia, political ineptitude and the state of civil-military relations…may have more to do with the absence of strategic thinking”. Indeed, as this paper argues it is broadly these three factors that have obstructed defence reforms.

We, as a nation, let our inadequacies perpetuate incrementally for personal gains. This is the history of our sub-continent and its people unfortunately -- SvipjaCMRChair.

Read the Paper : http://www.idsa.in/system/files/OP_defencereform.pdf

SvipjaCMRChair

'Humour in Uniform'

2011-03-04T07:27:00.004+05:30

Courtesy: Dheeraj Singh, Navjot Singh

Offset Process for MSMEs

2011-02-20T09:20:00.007+05:30

India’s aerospace and defence sector is throwing up huge entrepreneurial opportunities worth several hundred million dollars in the form of offsets.

An offset agreement is a stipulation made between a foreign supplier(Obligor) and a local company, which requires the supplier (Obligor) to fulfill certain offset commitments in that country as part of a Prime contract. For the Air India deal, Boeing’s offset commitment is to invest $1.7 billion and for P-8I maritime recce aircraft deal, it is $630 million, President Boeing said.

Boeing has already partnered with large-sized companies like TCS , Wipro , Infosys, HCL, Infotech, Tatas, etc. The Tier-I companies in the US/EU also need to partner with several hundred small companies in India for offsets. As of now, mid-tier companies in India such as Maini, Dynamatic and QuEST support the A & D supply chain of US/EU. Opportunities exit for similar other companies to supply to US/EU A & D Companies.

A & D Sector needs skilled labour, capital, technology transfer, equipment and military or civil certification in US/EU to be part of the chain.

“Entrepreneurs need to have a very good business plan supported by experts in the field. They also might need to partner with Tier-I companies. So, find partners, have a good plan, validated by experts in the field. In this business, there is no reward, if you can’t take risks”, the President said.

TTTHG-Svipja helps You develop business plan in concert with experts in the field from US/EU for You to be capable of becoming part of the supply chain of US/EU A & D Majors. Please read our Industrial Sector Partnership (ISP) Process on our Blog, www.IndianDefenceIndustry.blogspot.com

Read the Interview of President, Boeing India: International Co-operation and Offsets

Svipja Technologies

Tempering Through Struggles

2011-02-15T08:51:00.000+05:30

Courtesy: Mr RP Bagai, ex-Chief Secretary,Chhatisgarh.

Forging India's Hard Power in the New Century

2011-01-24T19:07:00.006+05:30

IDSA Issue Brief Forging India's Hard Power in the New Century is most relevant at this juncture. Such a research work could be of immense value to strategists. Could help shape our policies pragmatically based on scientific study.

The Researcher mentions various constituents of the Hard Power, one of it is ‘Civil-Military Relations’. It is a welcome thought. He postulates:

"Civil-Military Relations are at the core of any national security framework and the decision making process. While explicit political control over the military cannot be questioned, the need to involve the Indian armed forces as equal and responsible partners in the decision-making process is important.

Cross-pollination of national security bodies with defence expertise could contribute to better understanding on matters military and, consequently, the strategic thinking within the country.

In the short-to-medium term, it will entail the functional integration of the MoD and service headquarters, the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), representation of military staff in national security structures such as the NSC, leveraging military diplomacy in pursuit of India’s foreign policy objectives, consistency in military resourcing and expenditure, procedural reforms in the acquisition process and defence industry, and ensuring adequate operational preparedness levels to meet a range of military challenges and non-traditional threats."

SvipjaCMRChair

An Interesting Gravestone in Mexico

2011-01-09T09:54:00.003+05:30

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Ethos of Military Leadership

2011-01-04T09:20:00.001+05:30

The COAS is accountable for the functioning of the entire Army. It is a tradition that is ingrained in his psyche. All commissioned army officers study at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where, engraved at the entrance to Chetwode Hall - named after the then Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal PW Chetwode, who inaugurated the IMA on December 10, 1932, are the words,

"The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come second, always and every time. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time."

These words, from the speech Chetwode delivered while inaugurating the IMA 78 years ago, have inspired generations of officer-cadets who have passed out of the IMA.

Is it possible for our civil leadership to walk through the Portals of the Chetwode Hall at the IMA, somehow, to imbibe the military ethos which may greatly help to preserve, protect and defend the Indian Constitution in line of their duties?

Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair
This Posting is inspired by The Economic Times, 03 Jan 2011 .

'The Last Post'

2011-01-03T19:11:00.005+05:30

We have all heard the Armed Forces Buglers rendering 'The Last Post'. It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. Here is the story behind it.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they gave him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.

The haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post' used at military funerals was born.

The words are:-

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
-------
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
-------
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky .
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.

Courtesy: Mr GS Sahni, ex-Secretary, IAS.

PS: Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country. Also remember those who have served and returned; and those presently serving in the Armed Forces.

PoK News Digest: Dec 2010

2010-12-31T12:40:00.001+05:30

The current issue brings out twin trends emerging in PoK- militant jihadi ideology and the increasing Chinese influence in PoK. BBC reported that militant camps in PoK still exist to the detriment of regional security and recruitment process is underway. The Foreign Ministry in Islamabad was quick to issue a rebuttal on the claims made by the BBC report and this by equating Pak borne militancy with so called freedom struggle. Hence, Pakistan continues to be in a state of denial even if such reports emerge from credible sources in the western media.

The incumbents in PoK speak a language similar to their counterparts in Pakistan. They want to involve US on Kashmir and assert that China too has a role in Kashmir. This does not come as a surprise as evidently they hold office during the pleasure of Islamabad and therefore what the prime minister of the so called AJK says is a natural extension of Islamabad’s misplaced policies.

On the increasing Chinese interference in the PoK, it could be argued that the state of development and infrastructure is largely responsible for this. It is obvious from most of the reports on the issue related to earthquake reconstruction and rehabilaition in the so called AJK. The reports note that post earthquake relief work has been a clumsy process that failed to give the victims their due even after 5 years. In the absence of proper channels which could redress the grievances of the people, the Chinese have found a ripe opportunity to make forays in the otherwise underdeveloped region.

Click to read the Digest http://www.idsa.in/system/files/POKNewsDigest3-12-2010.pdf

Priyanka Singh

www.idsa.in

India's UAV Rustom I Takes to Air

2010-10-20T08:35:00.000+05:30

India has flown the homegrown Rustom-1 unmanned aerial vehicle for the first time.

Developed by the DRDO Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the 30-min. flight took place on Oct 16 from a Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd. airfield at Housr, near Bangalore.

“Notwithstanding erratic weather conditions, the UAV had a perfect textbook flight, meeting all mission parameters,” says Dr. Prahlada, Chief Controller at DRDO. It flew to a planned altitude of 3,000 feet.”

The Rustom-1 has autonomous features such as GPS-controlled waypoint navigation. With a maximum endurance of 15 hr., Rustom-1 can carry payloads up to 75 kg. (165 lb.) and climb up to 25,000 ft.

The UAV’s datalink was designed and developed by DRDO’s Defende Electronics Applications Laboratory, located in Dehradun, while the airframe was made by Coimbatore-based private firm Zephyr. DRDO hopes that Rustom-1 will act as a stepping stone for future programs such as the medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV project Rustom-H and an unmanned combat aerial vehicle project.

Svipja Technologies

China-India ‘Match’

2010-10-15T06:21:00.001+05:30

China wishes to ‘encircle’ India. The Chinese infrastructure drive is an integral part of its encirclement policy. Three ports that China is building in India’s immediate neighbourhood – Gwadar in Pakistan, Sittwe in Myanmar and Hambantota in Sri Lanka – are important parts of the Chinese strategy. China has a vibrant presence across South Asia. Besides Pakistan, Beijing has emerged as a major player in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. It has firmly entrenched itself in Myanmar (Burma), Mauritius and the Seychelles.

The Chinese Navy’s recent seafaring activities and manoeuvres have revealed Beijing’s intention to increase its control of the maritime sea lanes of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The latter is an obvious cause of concern for India. China’s new-found aggressive posturing and maritime territorial claims in South China Sea – which Beijing has begun to describe as an area of its “core interest”, a term that the Chinese have been using for Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang – is of no less concern.

The Indian Navy is ready to counter the challenge. It is the process of beefing up its fleet of stealth frigates and has initiated several new projects. Shivalik will be India’s first stealth frigate of its class. The Sahyadri and Satpura class of frigates are under advanced stage of construction. All this is as per the government’s plans to maintain a force level of more than 140 warships.

India too has intensified its diplomatic and strategic involvement in China’s own backyard – with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Click to read Full Report: China-India ‘Match’

Svipja Technologies

Wisdom: Former CEO, Coca Cola

2010-09-17T06:44:00.002+05:30

It says it All!

Sukhwindar

Interesting!

2010-09-13T18:50:00.000+05:30

This is an actual grave stone in Mexico ---- English translation provided on the right side!!

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Training Rigor of Indian Military Officers

2010-08-30T09:26:00.006+05:30

Listed Below are videos of training at the National Defence Academy(NDA), India, where all the three services cadets train in pre-commission training. Later they are bifurcated to respective training establishments for specialist training. These are good videos to watch.

The NDA is one of the premier academies globally.

National Defence Academy Film (Total Parts 5)

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6-nXMsbvo2k&vq=small#t=14

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjnbxMtW0WU

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPAjl66SRa8

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f09TgHtq9kM

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw6Z2heLEi8

After Passing Out from the NDA, Army cadets go the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, from where they are commissioned as Officers in the Indian Army.

IMA Passing Out: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=O1XCaEUeNrg&vq=medium

Svipja Technologies

Dog's Life

2010-08-13T08:54:00.001+05:30

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Civil - Military Relations

2010-07-19T20:22:00.002+05:30

We need an Indian Model for Civil-Military Relations. This is necessitated for reasons of our being a comparatively ‘young nation’, emerging quality of political leadership and its ethos, self-serving attitudes all around, rampant corruption, under-development of about 40% of our population, and tensed security scenario in the sub-continent amongst others.

In order that the Indian Democracy develops and flourishes, all stakeholders in the country need to ensure effective and efficient Governance. Political Leadership should vow and act to provide it. Indian Masses cannot wait indefinitely, or else the vacuum in leadership will be filled by certain other type of leadership, Communists, Maoists, or worse by Indian Military to its peril.

Our debate on Civil-Military Relations should focus on ‘concept’ rather than ‘actors’ – needs to be orchestrated at higher intellectual level. It is the transition of leadership from Civil to Military in nations that should be of concern to its citizens who believe in democratic values.

Svipja CMR Chair, http://www.svipjacmrchair.blogspot.com/ , addresses the issue of the Civil-Military Relations in the Indian Context dispassionately. We feel that we need to understand the nuances of the CMR as a nation, and apply them appropriately in our day-to-day interactions in Civil & Military spheres to retain the right balance. The Indian Constitution is then held high.

Shri NS Sisodia (ex-IAS) , Director General, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses(IDSA), could not be more right in articulating ,“This will involve providing greater space to the Armed Forces in relevant decision-making structures, seeking their partnership in national security and defence policy-making and addressing issues of modernisation and ‘jointness’ on priority.” And he aptly remarks: “A democratic polity is not just about civilian control but also about a military strong enough to protect it.”

Civil-Military-Civil Maryada should be the guiding light for the CMR.

After all, the Military pays the price of follies of the other ‘actors’ by its ‘blood’; stature and elan are dear to them.

Read the Article by Ali Ahmed , IDSA, Civil-Military Relations Under Scan

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
Chairperson, SvipjaCMRChair

Special Powers for Armed Forces - We Need Clarity, Not Emotions

2010-07-12T08:32:00.002+05:30

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, better known as AFSPA, has been brought out of wraps at various opportune times – opportune for those who have either something to gain, i.e. the insurgents in Jammu and Kashmir, political parties always ready to fish in troubled waters, with an eye on electoral gains or those who are regular establishment-baiters, who have made it a habit to take the plunge headlong in any controversy with the belief that if it is against an organ of the government, it needed to be opposed!

The insurgents we are fighting today are heavily armed, they act speedily, commit heinous crimes and disappear. Unless the army counters such actions with speed and not wait for orders from higher civil or military authorities, nothing would be achieved.

Also, the soldiers and officers of the army need to be protected from prosecution for consequential action taken against insurgents in good faith as part of their operations. Here too, the Act does contain the important caveat that the army personnel can be prosecuted with the Centre’s sanction, if their actions warrant it. There is, therefore, no blanket immunity from the laws of the land.

The army is designed and structured for fighting external enemies of the nation. Consequently, they are not given any police powers. However, when the nation wants the army to conduct counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, then they must be given the legal authority to conduct their operations without the impediment of getting clearances from the higher authorities.

It is only then that the operations will be conducted in the usual efficient manner of the army and would be result-oriented. They also must be legally protected. It is because these two aspects have been catered for that the army has been neutralising the insurgents and terrorists, so that normalcy is restored and the political leaders and officials can restart governing.

Pse Click to Read the Complete Article: Special Powers for Armed Forces - We Need Clarity, Not Emotions

Svipja Technologies
(The Writer is Former Vice Chief of the Indian Army)

PoK News Digest of Jun 2010

2010-06-17T09:58:00.002+05:30

The current issue embodies reports on the natural catastrophe that looms large over the PoK region and the ensuing discontent amongst masses who find themselves caught amidst uncertainties. There was widespread rage over delayed response from the government of Pakistan when Hunza valley was threatened by glacial outbursts and flood last month. People were displaced in large numbers and this posed a huge challenge to the state apparatus which has not
proved efficient on earlier emergency situations such as this. PoK is vulnerable to natural calamities as it lies in an extremely sensitive seismic zone and the construction of dams and other infrastructure have proved rather adverse to the environmental balance in the region. It is important to note that the region cannot afford a calamity of the scale of the 2005 earthquake which incurred colossal damage to the lives of people.

A report included in this edition very significantly attempts to draw a link between the Times Square bomber, Shehzaad Faisal and the terror camps in PoK by revealing that he was trained at a Lashkar camp near Muzaffarabad back in 2006. Notably, Faisal admitted to his links with Lashkar during his interrogation by US authorities.

Prime Minister of the so called AJK, Raja Farooq Haider strongly opposed Pakistan’s interference in the internal matters of AJK and noted that such meddling would lead to adverse consequences. This development reemphasizes the trust deficit between Pakistan and the so called AJK which has persisted over more than 60 years of Pakistan’s invasion of PoK.

Please Read the Digest: PoK News Digest of Jun 2010

Courtesy: IDSA, India - A Think Tank of India on Matters Defence.

India’s Naval Power and Indian Ocean

2010-06-12T08:08:00.002+05:30

India's increasing role in the Asia-Pacific has been firmly supported by the region's premier naval power, the United States. Since 2001, the U.S. and India have conducted over 40 joint military exercises, including one of the largest multilateral naval exercises ever held in the region, Malabar 2007, which featured three aircraft carriers, 28 surface vessels, 150 aircraft and over 20,000 personnel from India, the U.S., Japan, Australia and Singapore. A 10-year Indo-U.S. defence pact signed in June 2005 deepened intelligence-sharing, military technology transfers, missile-defense collaboration and arms sales.

The question for New Delhi will be how best to leverage this progress for additional security and improved relations throughout the region. Although India's "Look East" policy has clearly met with success, there are many in India who still fail to acknowledge the vital role it is poised to play in Asia. The ability of countries in the region to partner effectively with India would be enhanced significantly were New Delhi to define more concretely its vision for the country's broader role in Asia.

Read the full Article: India’s Naval Power and Indian Ocean

Svipja Technologies
Courtesy: USIBC and Its News Agencies.

Moments of Truth

2010-06-08T11:32:00.005+05:30

Chinese President's Visit to the US
US President's Visit to China

Courtesy: Internet Fan

A Beautiful Message from George Carlin, Comedian: How True!

2010-05-23T19:01:00.007+05:30

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. An embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And Always Remember:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Courtesy: A Paratrooper

DRDO Being Revamped

2010-05-15T08:56:00.001+05:30

India will set-up a new Defence Technology Commission to provide a major boost to Defence R & D in the country. The Govt. also decided to go for the second generation of main battle tank 'Arjun' and 'Akash' surface-to-air missile. It is a welcome step!

Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will continue to design and development of combat aircraft, and continuation of the Kaveri aero-engine programme.

Management of the DRDO will be de-cetralised with a view to make it a leaner organisation by merging some of its laboratories with other public-funded institutions with similar discipline, interest and administrative system. It will form technology domain-based centres or clusters of laboratories, numbering Seven, each headed by a DG. The DGs will be responsible for time-bound delivery of the programmes.

Present DRDO Director General would be re-designated as 'DRDO Chairman' with Directors General at centres and Chief Controllers of Research and Development (CCsR&D) at the HQ DRDO reporting to the DRDO Chairman, the head of the organisation.

Budget for rejuvenating research should be 5 per cent of DRDO's budget for a period of three years.

The new Commercial Arm of DRDO would be a Private Limited Company with a seed capital of about Rs 2 Crore. It would deal only with spin-off products and technologies meant for civilian use. It will not take up any manufacturing activity, public or private sector industry will do it.

Svipja Technologies

India-US Naval Exercise in the Indian Ocean: 24 Apr - 02 May 2010

2010-05-06T08:16:00.000+05:30

Malabar 10, a 10 day India-US Naval Exercise was conducted in the Indian Ocean from Apr 24 to 02 May 2010.

The US Navy Chief Admiral Gary Roughead visited India prior to the Exercise in Apr 2010. Speaking at a round-table conference held on April 12 organized by the National Maritime Foundation, Roughead said that America's leaders at the highest level had declared that the US and India would be strategic partners for the 21st century.

"I'm here to say that the United States Navy in particular is a committed friend to India for the long term."

Task Force 70 of the Seventh Fleet based in Yokosuka, Japan, brought the cruiser USS Shiloh, the destroyers USS Chafee and USS Lassen and the frigate USS Curts for the Exercise. In addition, the US deployed a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, the USS Annapol. From the Indian side, the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and three frigates - INS Godavari, INS Brahmaputra and INS Tabar - were also a part of the operations.

Svipja Technologies

Your Military Too Goes Through This

2010-04-28T08:40:00.010+05:30

Is Military a different breed?

Courtesy: Brigadier(Retired) Mastinder Singh, Sena Medal, and his Network.

Revamping / Customization of RWA Sector 33

2010-04-23T08:32:00.006+05:30

General

Sector 33 is maintained by Noida as per their plan(s). RWA Sector 33 enjoins it on the concept of ‘Bhagidari’ by providing faithful inputs to the Noida administration for general welfare of its residents as per the Sector Byelaws.

Sector 33 has a number of Pockets. Blocks A, B and C like other Pockets in the Sector are not linked. It therefore does not render itself into a cohesive sector in various ways. We need to customize our RWA Working accordingly.

Central Control should remain with the elected RWA MC. However, routine operations can be delegated to the Blocks. Community Centre should continue to be managed by the RWA MC. It is a major source of earning for welfare activities of the Community.

Changes in our routine operational methods are enumerated in the succeeding paras. These could be discussed widely, modified and adopted by the GBM if found suitable.

Customized Delivery to the Blocks of Sector 33

1. RWA to be managed as per the approved Byelaws. Community Centre to be exclusively managed by the RWA 33 MC whereas routine RWA activities be bifurcated Block-wise.

2. A, B and C Blocks be seen as indep entities within the RWA, and managed as such.

3. The Blocks could have different Membership Fee structure, minimum being Rs 1800 per year as of now. This would help the Blocks in adding / maintaining enhanced service facilities at their own costs, if they so like.

4. 30% of the Blocks Membership Fee is given to the RWA for common use, balance 70% could be kept with the Blocks for use within their Blocks as stipulated by Us in the Byelaws for other Societies in the Sector. This would also help in ‘right’ application of the Funds within the Blocks.

5. 70% Membership Funds be applied and accounted for by the RWA MC Members of the respective Blocks (same 3-4 elected Members of the Blocks in the MC). This will strengthen ‘goodwill’ amongst residents and would reduce routine bickering. We have enough ‘social activists’ in the Blocks/Sector. These could help the Blocks.

6. Fee collected from Raddiwalas, Signage/Hoardings, Tent Walas, Exhibitions/Show/Display Stands, Training Classes in the Community Centre, etc, be judiciously handled and accounted for by the RWA MC in a transparent manner and in full knowledge of the GBM.

7. RWA should work on a concept of ‘Urban Panchayats’ for the general welfare of the Community incl dispute resolution, etc.

8. Residents Social Responsibility (RSR) in the Sector should be strengthened for quality delivery. All of Us individually can reach Noida Services directly.

Conclusion

These are some of the thoughts to help revamp RWA Sector 33. These could be discussed and adopted with majority approval in the GBM.

We just need to be honest in our delivery.

Sukhwindar

Consolidated FDI Policy India, Effective 01 Apr 2010

2010-04-14T09:23:00.001+05:30

FDI in Defence Industry is permissible up to 26%, under Government route subject to Industrial license under the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act 1951 and the following conditions:

Licence applications will be considered and licences given by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in consultation with Ministry of Defence.

Cases involving FDI will be considered by the FIPB and licences given by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion in consultation with Ministry of Defence.

The applicant should be an Indian company / partnership firm.

Government decision on applications to FIPB for FDI in defence industry sector will be normally communicated within a time frame of 10 weeks from the date of ack.

Consolidated FDI Policy India, 2010

Svipja Technologies

Crux of the Homeland Security Problem

2010-04-13T09:10:00.002+05:30

"Terrorists, Divisive Forces and Naxals are on the prowl fomenting violence by exploiting and intimidating the poor and 'have-nots' and more particularly the tribal people," perspective shared by Home Minister P Chidambaram in Puducherry PCC Meeting on Apr 10, 2010.

This is the crux of our Homeland Security problem.

Coupled with Corruption and bad Governance, it becomes deadly to the Idea of India.

We must all, at least the Govt. Machinery including 'neutral security experts', move in unison on the issue w/o trying to score individual points, and partake in blame-game of any kind.

Svipja Technologies
http://www.svipja.com/

Corruption, Governance, and Maoists

2010-04-11T08:25:00.001+05:30

A number of ‘national debate(s)’ on the Maoists have been orchestrated in media in last few days, post massacre of our CRPF Men. Unfortunately these are laced with petty party politics, and ‘cover-up syndrome’. We should get clear of it. We need to answer the following:

1. Is Maoist Movement indigenous, or sponsored and funded by Agencies interested in destabilizing India?

2. Have we provided ‘breeding ground’ for this movement with utter neglect of the development of the Regions?

3. Factors like Governance and Corruption are to be simultaneously tackled. How much discontent or disharmony these spread in our routine social lives? Are we really able to reach ‘Idea of India’ through mis-governance and corrupt practices?

4. Are the killings by Maoists purely their operational objective, abetted and supported by nations/agencies inimical to India, or just a ‘revenge’ of the sort? We need not support killings by Maoists , but see the reasons clearly to chart long-term strategy.

5. Are we reaching-out to our countrymen, the Maoists, shedding our ‘State Ego’? We have build expertise since Independence in alienating our communities somehow.

6. We must answer, how much ‘personal stake’ we have in such-like field operations?

------------------ And Much More.

Finally, are our PMFs designed to tackle ‘self-motivated’ insurgent groups? We have models at hand like NSG, RRs, Assam Rifles, etc, to emulate for CRPF too. Develop them into a hard-hitting independent force with all arms & services suitably integrated. No sacrifices or investments are very heavy to make the ‘Idea of India’ flourish. But, let Us not create more Maoists or Terrorists in the process.

‘Development of the Regions’ and ‘Punishing the Maoists’ need to be concurrent elements in our strategy.

We have the desired expertise to develop a customized Homeland Security Mechanism. We just need to focus, and be honest to ourselves.

Svipja Technologies

DRDO Launches Aero Programmes With Civil Industry

2010-04-09T08:49:00.001+05:30

Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), HQ Bangalore, a DRDO lab, is the nodal agency to spearhead Rs 100 Crores initiative to fund R&D projects in the area of gas turbines. Under this venture, aero R&D projects for investments of Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 5 Crores would be considered for funding. Rs 78 Crores have already been sanctioned. GRTE would support 40 to 45 such projects.

The initiative is expected to fuel "coherent directed research" in the area of gas turbines, DRDO said.

DRDOs Approach takes into account futuristic national programmes. It would support, encourage, nurture, monitor and exploit the design, research, development and manufacturing capability of academic institutions and R&D establishments, industries and other think tanks to carry out frontline work in bringing out next generation gas turbine engine system.

The programme envisages participation of 100 R&D Centres and 1,000 scientists, engineers and technicians.

High-Tech MSMEs should come forward to join the programme.

Svipja Technologies

‘State Ego’ in a Democracy

2010-04-08T10:14:00.002+05:30

India has fissiparous tendencies. In such a situation, to propagate and maintain the ‘Idea of India’ assumes special significance. It is not the aim to go into details of this hypothesis at this stage.

This makes the Government exert its will on its citizens in the process of Governance. This aspect may have been rooted in our psyche because of hundreds of years of foreign occupation of our land. If the Democracy is ‘for the people’ and ‘by the people, our Governance philosophy ought to be citizen-friendly.

We must refrain from tit-for-tat policy and instead take a conciliatory approach for any conflict resolution with our citizens; conflict need not always be met by force. Is it the ‘State Ego’ in its unpleasant form that tends to create situations leading to insurgency or terrorism? We need to mull over it as a democracy. Of course, all this is to be within our Constitution.

Our Leaders should not stand on ‘State or Personal ego’. Get on the table earliest through Track 1, 2, ---- n, methods. That creates a win-win.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies

CRPF Men 'Shot Dead' by Maoists in Chhatisgarh

2010-04-07T09:09:00.006+05:30

It is difficult to comprehend loss of over 70 CRPF Men to the Maoists in Chhatisgarh without any casualty to them. There is no flaw in planning LRP Operations continuously for four days by a sub-unit. LRPs are known to go far beyond four days. Execution of the operations and ‘Conduct of the Company in the LRP’ needs to be put under scrutiny if we have to avoid such 'massacre' in future.

Let ‘truth’ be known to the Planners!

It is distressing to hear ‘mass killings’ of uniformed personnel in the Operations. No ‘plain’ reasons stand to justify the incident. No ‘cover-up’ are to be encouraged.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies

Svipja Civil-Military Relations (CMR) Chair

2010-04-05T09:37:00.006+05:30

Some excerpts from the Article of Lt General Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Former VCOAS, are given below which have CMR Implications in the Indian Context:

“The deteriorating civil-military relations do not bode well for the safety and security of the nation. And the regional security environment is cause for concern. The status of army personnel is dwindling continuously, adversely affecting the morale of the rank and file.”

“In democracies the world over, the political leadership makes national policy and the national security strategy, with the active participation of civil and military officials of the country. However, in India, the military has been deliberately kept out of the policy formulation loop and even after over six decades of loyal, patriotic and dedicated service to the nation, it is obvious that it is still not trusted!”

“The military also needs to modify the concept of being apolitical. The army’s long standing stance of keeping a distance from the leaders of political parties other than those of the party in power needs to be modified. In a parliamentary system like ours, policy is formulated by all parliamentarians despite differences of the opposition. After all, the Parliament Standing Committee on Defence and similar other committees are all-party bodies. Consequently, though remaining apolitical, the army needs to apprise and discuss its concerns with the political leadership across the board. This would not reduce the apolitical nature of the army, about which it is justifiably so proud.”

“Civil Control implies the supremacy of the political leadership over both the military as well as the civil bureaucracy.”

Click: Challenges Before the New Army Chief for the full Article.

Svipja CMR Chair

National Security and Civil-Military Relations

2010-04-04T09:00:00.003+05:30

One of the cornerstones of a democracy is a healthy civil-military relationship (CMR). India stands out as a success story in civil-military relations amongst developing nations of the world. The nation and its military are rightfully proud of it. We need to maintain this right ‘balance’.

Should the discourse on civil-military relations remain confined to the facts that in our country there have never been open criticism of the government’s policies on military affairs, never any combat refusal, or anything like a threat of military takeover? Unfortunately, most of our experts and the media are content to focus on the presence or absence of civilian control, politicisation, military discontent and discipline as the only considerations worthy of attention. Little attention is paid to the dynamics of politico-military strategies and civil-military discourse and its impact on military capabilities, and doctrines to safe-guard security of our nation.

Article of General (Retired) VP Malik, PVSM, AVSM, Former COAS, in The Tribute recently covers certain aspects of National Security and related issues.

Click: Beyond Narrow Boundaries

Sukhwindar

India's Think Tanks

2010-04-03T09:12:00.004+05:30

Firstly, Think Tanks should in the normal course aim to influence targeted audience for getting their ‘mind share’. It should take a ‘systems approach’ to an issue with the ultimate objective of sound implementation to achieve the desired outcome. It is not correct to say that the Policy Makers or Others may not ‘heed to the advice, or may not be influenced’ by the Think Tanks. It does in a way. If not, these are not Think Tanks then - their research results may be ‘tainted’, not in line with the democratic values, or totally out of context. Think Tanks need not work in ‘vacuum’ of any kind and should relate to the existing or future course(s). That much for the concept.

Secondly, Think Tanks need to be staffed with practicing managers/researchers and academia of the right kind to tackle real-life situations, and not be pure ‘philosophic’. These should relate to our ‘own’ environments. This would help in looking at their findings from ‘Policy Angle(s)’. Who funds it may not be very important in today’s intellectual scenario; system sees it through and places credibility on the Think Tanks accordingly. There may be hundreds of them but a few are creditworthy.

Thirdly, the subject matter to be tackled could take the form of a 'Chair’, for long life. The Chair could be established in Corporates, Universities, Foundations, etc, provided they operate under the Charter of Think Tanks. Intellect is widely dispersed.

Mr Kanti Bajpai’s Article in today’s TOI on ‘ Think Tanks in India’s Democracy’ puts the subject issue in a perspective, but the 'common notion'.

Click: Think Tanks in Democracy

'Svipja Civil-Military Relations (CMR) Chair' be seen in this context, a faithful delivery to the Indian Democracy and its People in CMR.

Svipja Technologies

TWIR: 29 Mar - 04 Apr 2010

2010-04-01T19:02:00.001+05:30

Please Click: TWIR

http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: IDSA, India.

Launch of ‘Svipja Civil- Military Relations Chair’

2010-03-29T08:28:00.001+05:30

General

“Svipja Civil- Military Relations Chair” (or ‘Chair’, for short) has been set-up by Svipja Technologies with a view to harness Ideas from Intellectual Defence Community to promote Civil-Military Relations in India. Views from the International Community will also be welcome.

This work is needed in order to raise intellectual capital of the stakeholders in line with the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It would help reinforcing democratic values in the Defence Community with Military Ethos intact.

Objectives

The establishment of the Chair and Fellowships is expected to:

1. Promote healthy and meaningful exchange of ideas amongst the intellectual Defence Community on civil-military relations in the Indian Context.

2. Facilitate wider, deeper, and un-biased discussions / interactions amongst the intellectual Community, and Faculty / Moderator(s) appointed against the Chair or as Fellows, in particular.

Terms and Conditions

The creation and operation of the Chair and Fellowships will be subject to the terms enumerated in the succeeding paras.

Methodology Research work on the subject will be undertaken by a Team constituted by Svipja Technologies within the Objectives laid. Certain identified Blogs / Sites will be used to initiate discussions amongst the stakeholders. Once done, ‘finished product’ would be circulated to the stakeholders, and published in a transparent manner.

Donor(s) Svipja Technologies will meet all the expenses of the Chair as a Founder.

Founder Fellowship Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh will be the first faculty against the Chair.

Guidelines for “Appointment” of Faculty Against the Chair To be approved by the Board of Governors established by Svipja Technologies / Trusts / Donors.

Eligibility Anyone with a track record in defence with independent, impartial & sound logical abilities would be eligible to be considered for “appointment” against the Chair. Individual(s) being considered would first be appointed as Moderator(s). The Chair has a Think Tank’s charter.

Duration of the Chair The “appointment” against the Chair will be made for a period of up to five years. However, continuation into the fourth and fifth years will be subject to a review at the end of the third year. Further, an individual may be eligible to be considered for re-appointment, together with other eligible candidates, for a period of up to 5 years (without a break) any number of times.

Designation Member(s) appointed against the Chair will be called “Svipja Civil-Military Relations Chair Emeritus Research Fellow / Research Fellow / Research Associate Fellow”.

Research Grant To be assigned by Svipja Technologies on need basis as the faculty / work expands.

Intellectual Property (IP) Rights As a result of the “appointment” against the Chair, there shall be no change in the rights applicable to the IP developed by the researchers / faculty members and/or his/her collaborators.

Strategic Alliance(s) Svipja Technologies would be willing to establish strategic alliance(s) with like-minded bodies.

Research Presentations Research Articles will be published on Media/Sites/Blogs identified for the purpose. In addition, as a result of the “appointment” against the Chair, the faculty would be expected to undertake Presentations of the research findings of the Chair to various targeted audience, organizations and institutions.

Conclusion

This work would enhance intellectual capital of the stakeholders for security of the country in environments unfolding in the 21st Century India. Dynamics of the Civil-Military relations needs to be captured routinely in the Indian Polity.

All Veterans are welcome to contribute their thoughts.

Sukhwindar

www.svipja.com

Civil-Military Relations: Why are These More Important in a Democracy?

2010-03-26T09:47:00.002+05:30

There is a ‘rooted’ tendency amongst Us to narrow Civil-Military Relations to IAS-Military Top Brass. In wider sense it in fact relates to who governs the Country, Civil or Military leadership?

Civil is all encompassing - politicians, civil bureaucracy including allied civil services, police, State machinery, civil offices providing services like supplies, power, water, teles, transportation, roads, etc. Military and its personnel deal at various levels of ‘civil governance’ in official and personal capacities. Any aberrations to military personnel while on duty, off duty, or at home leaves them frustrated if not handled well. Military has expectations to be governed / handled diligently and in an orderly fashion. It is here that a soldier ‘grumbles’ when he is ‘towed’ to follow ethos alien to him.

First damage to civil-military relation stems when a soldier is handled shabbily, dishonestly, or indifferently in the Civil. And this could multiply manifold as he moves through his ‘life cycle’. In his frustration, he then uses ‘force’, the only ‘expertise’ developed in him to reach his objective, at least temporarily, willing to face its consequences subsequently.

Any nation has to be sensitive not to bruise soldiers’ pride in day-to-day interactions. Self-Pride, Self-Respect, Self-Reliance, High-Class Motivation, Professionalism, Ability to Lead by Example, etc are his inherent strengths. Any act that tends to lower it is damaging to the Forces, and Nation as a whole. Anyone including Armed Forces Leadership hurting/undermining these basic traits in any manner is doing disservice to the Nation as it may result in ‘mass grouse’, sometimes difficult to be handled by leadership. That’s why the Armed Forces handle cases of bad management, indiscipline or corruption strictly.

‘All Civil Institutions’ need to fully appreciate it in a democracy like India, where ‘ethos & personal examples’ tend to become casualty.

A Soldier is a Class by Itself and Should be treated as Such. He is then ‘fit’ to deliver optimally ensuring Your Freedom.

We are an established democracy now, it is time that we talked and discussed Civil-Military Relations openly, and organised ourselves on 'Systems Approach' both in thinking and action.

Sukhwindar
Svipja Technologies
[It is a stub, could be expanded to a full Article by some Researcher(s)]

Second Eye in the Sky

2010-03-25T06:59:00.001+05:30

India will receive another Israeli-made Phalcon Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) today, giving it the second 'eye in the sky' for enhanced surveillance.

The second AWACS will arrive in Jamnagar in Gujarat and will be based in Agra.

With the arrival of the second AWACS, officials said the IAF can keep an eye on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.After the induction of the third system, India would be able to virtually cover the whole nation at one go.

The system, primarily used for detection of incoming hostile cruise missiles and aircraft from hundreds of kms away, can also direct air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy jets. It also helps detect troop build up across the borders.

Svipja Technologies
Credit: PTI.

We 'Owe' Them Too !

2010-03-18T18:28:00.014+05:30

(Tele No. 1098 is not accessible. You could contact Sandeep at 98182 70305)

We have 'kept' their parents/them illiterate and thus poor. Haven't paid them well, neither looked after them.

We have remained 'self-serving' , and 'selfish'. How long will it go? Let it NOT be very late! Share Your 'namak' with them if You Care.

'White Lies', 'Greed', 'Dishonesty' and 'Corruption' are taking the toll. We must get our Spiritual Learning right, whichever vocation we are.

Appeal Credit: Sandeep Budhiraja, Sector 33, Noida.

An Attitude

2010-03-13T19:28:00.002+05:30

Courtesy: Mohinder S Saundh, IIT, Kharagpur, Sweden.

You Are Blessed !

2010-03-11T09:38:00.001+05:30

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal

Jama Masjid Mosque, New Delhi, Built 1650-58

2010-03-03T09:15:00.002+05:30

Sukhwindar
Courtesy: Sandeep Budhiraja, Sector 33.

Happy Holi !

2010-03-01T04:27:00.002+05:30

Creativity in Adolf Hitler

2010-02-27T09:11:00.003+05:30

These drawings and watercolours are the childish attempts of a want-to-be-artist, Adolf Hitler. He was dreaming of attending courses at the Academy of Belle Arts in Vienna. Unfortunately, they did not accept him at the Academy. If they had accepted him, the world would have definitely been different today …

Courtesy: Mohinder Singh Saundh, IITK, Sweden.

Def Expo 2010: ‘Self-Respect’ comes from ‘Self-Reliance’

2010-02-22T19:42:00.005+05:30

(Moderator: Noida Industry Must Take Advantage of the Defence Procurement Policy, and the Govts Indigenisation Efforts).

India has fairly large-sized Security Forces to maintain its integrity with hostile environment in the South Asia and not very conducive environment for its development & growth in the rest of the world. Do we let India realize its potential, is the question to be answered by the developed nations, and how would it affect Us? This should be the main ‘Term of Reference’ for developed nations.

We have small and large advocacy organizations operating in India which are always happy in ‘Doing Down Indian Achievements’ for reasons best known to them. 30% of Us below poverty line, corruption, slow Govt. processes, etc are well drummed, but what is not appreciated is ‘middle class and above’ in India, tone of young Indians to achieve heights, its technological leaps, improvements all around despite certain problems, etc. It is a kind of Psy War unleashed on Us by interested parties with connivance of some of Us, even intellectuals ‘hired’ to do Us down --- a dangerous trend.

GoI has always had a vision to achieve ‘near-self-reliance’ in various fields. It has achieved this with mixed success. Security Industry, Defence & Aerospace specifically, has not reached the objective for various strategic and tactical reasons. Our focus to achieve high degree of self-reliance in this Segment must remain – a message delivered loud and clear in Def Expo 2010.

Policy Initiatives like ‘Buy’, Buy & Make (Indian)’, and ‘Make’ need implementation in all its facets. ‘Tainted Advocacy’ by Indians must stop for larger good whether You are part of an Indian or a foreign firm. Look at the development of the Indian Industry pragmatically in keeping with the ‘strategic needs’ of the country, of course with business sense. All this will help Us retain our independence in thought and action.

National Security is Not a Pure Business Case, Nevertheless Profits Flow.

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.indiandefenceindustry.com/
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)

Def Expo 2010: Defence Offset Policy Implementation

2010-02-19T09:07:00.001+05:30

India’s defence offset policy would be the key driver for growth and modernisation of the defence industrial base, says the Govt. “The industry therefore will evolve in sync with the overall development, leading to progressive policy initiatives coming up in future,” said Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju.

Raju outlined that offset proposals worth 49,000 crore are in the pipeline. Given the complexity involved in supervision of offset, an administration infrastructure has been put in place.

Public Sector alone will not be able to absorb the offset that are to be generated in future, he said. Offset, therefore, give domestic players an opportunity to enter the sensitive defence industry. The Govt. is also planning to extend tax sops enjoyed by exports firms to domestic players as well. Also, combining Public and Private Sector skills that will help achieve higher degree of defence indigenisation is also being mulled upon.

According to Raju, the role of SMEs has been a testimony of being a backbone of the defence industry and its role is vital for the self reliance of the industry. Urging the industry to gear up, the Minister earmarked the prospects of Buy and Make (Indian) category which facilitates JVs with foreign OEMs, strengthening R&D and technology up-gradation among others.

A strong defence industry will help India leverage its Buying Power, expanding technological base, facilitating global tie-ups and JVs. This will be aimed at reducing defence imports and promoting indigenisation, Raju said.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
www.IndianDefenceIndustry.com
(An e-Hub for India Defence & Aerospace Ecosystem)
Credit: Financial Express.

Borgund Stave Church, Norway

2010-01-20T11:55:00.006+05:30

Courtesy: Mr Mohinder Singh Saundh, IITK, Sweden.

Dr Abdul Kalam: His Message Could Change Our Lives as a Nation & Society!

2010-01-18T08:24:00.008+05:30

Why is the media here so negative? Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements? We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why?

We are the first in milk production.
We are number one in Remote sensing satellites.
We are the second largest producer of wheat.
We are the second largest producer of rice.
Look at Dr. Sudarshan , he has transferred the tribal village into a self-sustaining, self-driving unit.

There are millions of such achievements but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters.

I was in Tel Aviv once and I was reading the Israeli newspaper. It was the day after a lot of attacks and bombardments and deaths had taken place. The Hamas had struck. But the front page of the newspaper had the picture of a Jewish gentleman who in five years had transformed his desert into an orchid and a granary. It was this inspiring picture that everyone woke up to. The gory details of killings, bombardments, deaths, were inside in the newspaper, buried among other news.

In India we only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime..... Why are we so NEGATIVE? Another question: Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? We want foreign T.Vs, we want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology. Why this obsession with everything imported.

I was in Hyderabad giving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India . For her, you and I will have to build this developed India You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.

Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance. Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.

YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke. The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.
YOU say, say and say. What do YOU do about it?

Take a person on his way to Singapore . Give him a name - 'YOURS'. Give him a face - 'YOURS'. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. YOU are as proud of their Underground links as they are. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM. YOU come back to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity….. In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU? YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah.

YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds (Rs.650) a month to, 'see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else'.YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, 'Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?)'. I am so and so's son. 'Take your two bucks and get lost.' YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand. Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo ? Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston ??? We are still talking of the same YOU.

YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ?

Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal commissioner of Bombay , Mr. Tinaikar, had a point to make. 'Rich peoples' dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place,' he said. 'And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements'. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels?

In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same in Japan. 'Will the Indian citizen do that here?' He's right. We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility.

We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms. We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity. This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public.

When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child! and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse? 'It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my sons' rights to a dowry.' So who's going to change the system?

What does a system consist of? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU(?).

When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr.Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away.

Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system.

Our conscience is mortgaged to money.

This calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too…. I am echoing J. F. Kennedy's words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians…...

'ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY' .

Lets do what India needs from us.

Dr. Abdul Kalam

Indian Para Commando

2010-01-16T09:17:00.000+05:30

Indian Para Commando with a TAR 21 Rifle.

Do You Want to Twitter?

2010-01-10T09:48:00.002+05:30

Twitter connects you with everything you want to know. Short bursts of information are readily available from news organizations, corporate entities, politicians, celebrities, local businesses - even your close friends and family. Also, if you have something to share with the world, Twitter makes it super easy. To join for free, click the link below:

Click Me to Register to Twitter

@twitter

About Twitter, Inc.

Founded in 2007, Twitter Inc believes the open exchange of information can have a positive global impact. Every "Tweet" is limited to 140 characters of text or links which means they are easily written or read on a wide variety of services and devices including any mobile phone, social networks, television, Macs, PCs, and the Web.

Courtesy: http://www.twitter.com/

Sun Rays on Himalayas

2010-01-06T07:44:00.000+05:30

Courtesy: Harpal Grewal.

Role of Blog(s) in Democracy

2010-01-05T07:17:00.005+05:30

Blogs do improve democracy, not by giving the authors a forum to express their ideas, but by giving ordinary citizens access to the ideas they care most about. Blogs can make a big difference to how we fulfill our responsibility as a citizen.

Blogs inform and empower ordinary citizens by allowing related data to be synthesized quickly and comprehensively and by making it easier for citizens to share their opinions with friends or elected officials.

Democracy depends on lowering the barriers to becoming informed. Although blogs are a great resource for the policy-making elite, their real power lies in their ability to provide broad overview of the issues at stake and quick links for citizen activists; a resource for young activists.

Making change happen requires two things, ‘Getting Data’ and ‘Getting Angry’. Online resources can help citizens across the City get relevant data quickly, and find productive ways to channel their anger into activism. And that couldn't be better for democracy.

Sukhwindar

Credit: Leah Anthony Libresco, Junior double majoring in Political Science and Mathematics at Yale University, USA.

Pak Urdu Press: 22 - 28 Dec 2009

2010-01-02T09:53:00.000+05:30

Pakistan Urdu Press is IDSA's Weekly Newsletter containing selected translations from Pakistan's leading Urdu dailies. It contains editorial excerpts, opinion columns and selected news items.

Pakistan and surrounding areas impact local and global security. It is important to 'monitor' reports in the local press of Pakistan.

Pse Click Pakistan Urdu Press

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
Svipja Technologies
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses, http://www.idsa.in/ , A Think Tank of India on Matters Defence.

Merry Christmas and A Very Happy 2010!

2009-12-25T09:34:00.001+05:30

Sukhwindar

Towards Better Living: Resolve 2010

2009-12-22T07:20:00.001+05:30

How to Stay Positive, Youthful & Happy?

• Throw out non-essentials. This includes anything that is not essential for You to live life well.

• Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

• Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

• Enjoy the simple things.

• Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

• The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

• Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

• Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

• Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is. What are guilt trips? Guilt trips are about violating boundaries. It is a way of manipulating people to get a desired outcome through indirect and passive-aggressive tactics.

• Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

And Remember

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Your Well Wisher

Leadership: 'Inter-Personal Relations' and 'Guilt Trips' by Us

2009-12-22T07:01:00.022+05:30

(This Researched Posting has been Inspired by the RWA 33 GBM on 20 Dec 2009 where Inter-Personal Relations of the MC were discussed/focused. Set Your Boundaries diligently dictated by Your Value System and operate within it to avoid 'guilt trips').

This is one trip you may not want to take.

What is guilt? Guilt is your feeling about your personal failure to live up to your standard of behavior.

There are times when we should feel guilty. On those occasions when we are blind to our own moral lapses, a spouse, a relative or a good friend may gently help us see our inconsistency between what we say we believe and how we act. Occasionally, a counselor may also assume this role.

What are guilt trips? Guilt trips are about violating boundaries. Guilt trips are about control. It is a way of manipulating people to get a desired outcome through indirect and passive-aggressive tactics.

Inflicting guilt is used more frequently in families and small communities and organizations where direct conflict or confrontation might upset ties and working relationships. Using guilt unabashedly to control others gets passed on in families as surely as genes. Some families do it, some don't. Families that use guilt may not even be aware of how often they use it or how wrong it really is.

Expecting people to give up a control tactics they've used "effectively" over a lifetime with each other may not be realistic. Usually we don't need much help from others to know when we've failed to live up to our own code of moral conduct.

Setting Boundaries: To deal with another’s agenda for our behavior, we need to be clear about who we are, what we want and what we are willing to do. If we understand and are secure about ourselves, we become less vulnerable to inappropriate or blatant attempts to control our behavior. Setting boundaries is about being clear on personal and family goals, priorities and responsibilities.

It is about saying "NO" when it is necessary. It is about communicating limits and taking control when others may want to control you. It is about agreeing to disagree.

Taking charge. Here are some tips on what to do when someone is trying to inflict guilt.

- Mirror back to them the essence of what they are saying. "Are you telling me that if I don’t come and see you everyday, I am not being a good daughter?" Confront them with their own words. "I have the feeling that you are upset because . . . Is that right?"

-State your position on the subject and recognize that they have a right to their opinion. "I understand that you feel differently, but let me explain why we chose to do thus and so."

- Find out what they want. Tell them a range of options you are willing to do and see which one they favor. Be clear about what you are not willing to do. State your conditions and see if they are willing to meet them or make counter-proposals.

- Don't let them suck you into their plans. Make plans and be clear about them. Discuss with them how their plans and yours might match up. Negotiate from a position of strength. If they catch you off guard, tell them you need time to think about it and when you will get back to them.

- Recognize that every relationship has Give and Take to it. Do your part. It is when the relationship becomes unbalanced that you have to draw the line.

- Have thick skin. So what if they inflict a lot of guilt. That is their way. You don't have to take it personally. So what if they are disappointed or angry with you. That is their problem. Be loving and matter-of-fact with them. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I hope it won't be a big problem between us."

- Don’t be afraid to say no and explain your reasons why. You owe them an explanation. That’s all. Listen to their attempts at persuasion. If they persist, be a broken record. State your own reasons over and over again if they keep coming back to the same point. "Like I said before, Bob and I decided that this year we would ..."

- Get the issue defined clearly and on the table rather than let innuendo or snide remarks pass. "What did you mean by that?" or, "Are you saying that I am not being responsible when?"

- If they have a valid point, acknowledge it, apologize and make amends if possible. Addressing your own faults openly will make it easier to draw the line when it is their perception or interpretation that seems to be the problem.

It may be a painful process, but being clear about boundaries helps create healthy and respectful relationships. Other people's feelings count. But they don't have the right to control you with those feelings. As long as you are in control, it is their problem, not yours. Even if the other party doesn't change, at least you'll be more at peace - and more in control.

If you take guilt trips, you are choosing to go along for the ride.

Sukhwindar

Credit: Dr. Val Farmer, a practicing psychologist. His Practice, known as the Psychological Associates of the Black Hills, is located in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Cadets Prayer at the JSW (1949)

2009-12-12T18:42:00.005+05:30

Dear All,

Given below is the Cadets Prayer, Mr Harbhajan Singh , and Others had to read every day when at the JSW (now the NDA) in Jan 1949 as cadets. The Prayer was printed on a small card which could be kept in the breast pocket.

The contents of the prayer are worthy of practice by everyone but in particular by the officer corps of the three Services. So I am sending it as a reminder for everyone.

Best wishes, Harbhajan Singh
(Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, Former SO-in-C, 1st JSW Course)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Can we be somewhere close to it !
------------------------------------------------------------------
CADETS PRAYER

O God, our father, Thou searcher of men’s heart, help us to draw nearer to Thee in sincerity and truth. May our religion be filled with gladness and may our worship of Thee be natural.

Strengthen and increase our admiration for honest dealing and clean thinking, and suffer not our hatred of hypocrisy and pretence ever to diminish. Encourage us to endeavour to live above the common level of life. Wake us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be one.

Endow us with courage that is born out of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns compromise with vice and injustice, and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy. Guard us against flippancy and irreverence in sacred things of life. Grant us new ties of friendship and new opportunities of service. Kindle our hearts with fellowship with those of cheerful countenance and soften our hearts with sympathy for those who sorrow and suffer.

May we find genuine pleasure in clean and wholesome mirth and feel inherent disgust for all coarse minded humour. Help us in our work and in our play to keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight, that we may better maintain the honour of the service, untarnished and unsullied, and acquit ourselves like men in our effort to realize the ideals of our Armed Forces, in doing our duty to Thee and our country. All of which we ask in the name of the Great Friend and Master of men.
----------------------------------------------------------------

Ideas on 'Self-Governance' and 'Better Community Living'

2009-12-04T11:15:00.022+05:30

(This Blog was started as a pilot effort for Sector 33, Noida, in Jun 2009. It has now been extended to all Sectors of Noida on governance and social issues. Its Objective is to develop an Informed Citizens Forum for providing actionable inputs to Noida -- to be a neutral and valuable ground feedback platform regulated by intellectual citizenry).

Ideas can change minds, can they transform a Sector, or Society? We spend days discussing the issues affecting Us, in the privacy of our homes, during morning walks, laughter clubs, in our minds but never come 'openly' in a rational manner. This Blog is the place to exchange such Ideas.

Ideas put in writing become substantive and is always a considered approach; different from a 'gossip junta'. An Internet Conclave of fresh minds of our City / Sectors aims to discuss the 'Next Big Effort' that will shape the City / Sectors better. Come join the debate, what you say can steer the direction.

This would be in addition to the blown vocal chords in the GBMs.

Once we collect and evaluate Your Ideas, we will pass them to the Sector 33 MC , Noida Admin (Dy Secy RWAs) , or Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Association (FONRWA) for their consideration and action.

Are You ready to make the difference? If so, let Us debate on this Blog, or have Your inputs on svipja@gmail.com

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh

http://www.defenceoffsetsindia.com/

93501 71232

Some Thoughts on Development

2009-11-30T12:29:00.010+05:30

May help Us All !

Sukhwindar

Credit: Unknown.

Power of Ideas & Implementation

2009-11-28T07:32:00.008+05:30

How do we translate our ideas into success? How can we actually shape public policy with a mere notion – that freedom and free markets are the best way to organize society?

We start by realizing that ideas are the most powerful force in the world. Power can be found in politicians, armies, activists and institutions. But the reason for their power is ideas, because ideas explain why people do the things they do.

What people believe determines how they behave, for whom they vote, the laws and rules they accept or reject and what kind of society they will work to adopt. Ideas determine whether a culture embraces free markets or socialism, democracy or dictatorship. Change ideas, and you change the world.

Political leaders may enact public policy, but they seldom generate the ideas that drive policy. Politicians usually act within a fairly narrow range of politically acceptable Ideas. They cannot operate outside that range without jeopardizing their political standing.

The range of credible ideas circulating in the intellectual marketplace determines the range of politically acceptable options. So if you have a Think Tank that changes the intellectual landscape, that Think Tank actually shifts the range of politically acceptable ideas.

Milton Friedman has said Think Tanks are at their best when they change what is politically & socially possible.

We must remember we are engaged in a battle of ideas. In spite of political obstacles, we are not battling against personalities or people. We should promote ideas that shift the very ground of battle, and that is 'Intellectual Entrepreneurship'.

Brigadier(Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: Atlas Economic Research Foundation.

Personality Development; Two Wolves Inside Us

2009-11-13T06:13:00.001+05:30

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, My son, the battle is between two wolves inside Us all.

"One is Evil" - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good" - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: Which wolf wins?

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Sukhi
Credit: Anonymous

Kashmir of Ours

2009-10-23T05:04:00.003+05:30

An ingenious example of speech and politics occurred recently in the United Nations Assembly that made the World Community smile.

A Representative from India began: 'Before beginning my talk I want to tell you something about Rishi Kashyap of Kashmir, after whom Kashmir is named. When he struck a rock and it brought forth water, he thought, 'What a good opportunity to have a bath.' He removed his clothes, put them aside on the rock and entered the water. When he got out and wanted to dress, his clothes had vanished……. A Pakistani had stolen them.'

The Pakistani Representative jumped up furiously and shouted, 'What are you talking about? The Pakistanis weren't there then.'

The Indian Representative smiled and said, 'And now that we have made that clear, I will begin my speech. 'And they say Kashmir belongs to them........ ......... ......... ......... .........

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.defenceoffsetsindia.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: Contributed by Sandeep Budhiraja, Sector 33, Noida.

Diwali Greetings!

2009-10-14T18:44:00.002+05:30

Dear Residents,

Here is Wishing You All Cheer and Happiness on this Diwali !

MC Members, Sector 33.

The Wisdom of the Ancients

2009-10-09T18:45:00.006+05:30

In The Wisdom of Confucius (translated by Lin Yutang, London, 1958) there appears the following exchange:

Zigong asked Confucius “What would you say if all the people of a village like a person?” “That is not enough,” replied Confucius.

“What would you say if all the people of the village dislike a person?” “That is not enough,” replied Confucius.

“It is better when the good people of the village like him, and the bad people dislike him.”

This ancient wisdom (Confucius died in 479 BC) summarizes:

You cannot and should not try to please everyone. Make sure that the Right People Like You, and it will be expected That Others Will Not. That’s how the world works.

Sukhwindar

Leadership: A Good Listener

2009-10-09T03:57:00.018+05:30

Listening is a powerful tool of communication. Listening and just hearing has great difference. All of us want to have a companion who is a good listener and most of us aim to be one as well. (Added by the Moderator: And of course, 'companionship in gatherings' are different. Sometimes individuals 'collectively' can have different Motives and Agenda because of their varied backgrounds and value system. To be addressed accordingly).

What kind of Listener We Are ? A deep careful listener, a bored listener, a selective listener, a defensive listener, an interrupting listener or an insensitive listener?

Here are simple tips to be a Good Listener:

Follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.”

-Put yourself in position of the one who is speaking to you.

-Make an effort to listen to the person who is speaking by giving your full attention to the speaker.

-Focus your mind to what he is trying to say, and for the unspoken messages.

-Watch for the non-verbal communications like tone of voice, hand gestures, facial expressions and other body movements.

-Listen for the real meaning and not just for the literal words.

-Finish listening first before you begin to speak for you to be sure that you understand what is being said and think clearly how to react.

-Ask questions if you are not sure, to understand what the speaker is trying to convey. Good listening requires practice and patience.

If you hone this skill, you’ll appreciate life more.

Bagchi, Sector 33.

Moderator:

a. Who Talks 'first', and who 'listens' is the crux in any social / informal / formal system. There is always a 'pattern' in any communication. We have a well-established theory called Transactional Analysis, commonly known as TA to its adherents. It is an Integrative Approach to the theory of psychology and psychotherapy, and results in Parent-Adult-Child (PAC) Model. We behave like a Parent, Adult and Child in all our conversations all the time. When to take which Role marks success of the 'transaction'. This Approach is 'integrative' because it has elements of psychoanalytic, humanist and cognitive approaches. Pse Click :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transactional_analysis to read the 'Transactional Analysis'.

b. You find individuals 'Talking with Compassion/Authority/Forcefully with their Life Experiences in the Backdrop' (Parent), 'Reasoned Talk put Across Diligently Supported by Strong Rationale w/o Favour or Bias (Adult), and 'Indiscriminate Shouting, Sub-Normal Behaviour, Advancing Personal Agenda' (Child). It happens all the time in our Homes/Offices/Other Places where more than one person converse with each other to 'transact' any business. Aim of any 'speak' should be to 'transact' a meaningful business, of course properly 'heard' in a gathering, and 'listened-to' in a 'serene environment'. Environments are important.

A Leader is to understand it all and 'lead' accordingly. And there is also a theory & practice, 'How to Control an Unruly & Misled Crowd/Gathering?

Thanks for reminding Me to get the PAC in focus. Would help Us all,but are all of Us equally 'concerned' !

Kindly help the MC in advocating this 'Thought'. We are trying our bit in various ways.

Kashmir of Ours

2009-10-06T10:51:00.004+05:30

Enjoy nature around You !

Sukhwindar

Twitter in the News -- What is It?

2009-09-20T10:27:00.002+05:30

Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author's profile page and delivered to the author's subscribers who are known as followers. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends or, by default, allow open access. Users can send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, Short Message Service (SMS) or external applications. While the service costs nothing to use, accessing it through SMS may incur phone service provider fees.

The 140 character limit on message length was initially set for compatibility with SMS messaging, and has brought to the web the kind of shorthand notation and slang commonly used in SMS messages. The 140 character limit has also spurred the usage of URL shortening services such as tinyurl, bit.ly and tr.im, and content hosting services, such as Twitpic and NotePub to accommodate multimedia content and text longer than 140 characters.

Since its creation in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Twitter has gained notability and popularity worldwide. It is sometimes described as the "SMS of the Internet"[3] since the use of Twitter's application programming interface for sending and receiving short text messages by other applications often eclipses the direct use of Twitter.

Sukhwindar

Credit: Wikipedia

Cyber Attack(s)

2009-08-13T09:15:00.002+05:30

We all use computers. Cyber Attack(s) are common these days. Motive for such attacks could be many. We must however ensure that we are safe.

Best defence against such attack(s) is to communicate with known entities, surf minimum / on need basis, and use the computers for the facilities You actually need. Over or Indiscriminate use could land You in difficulties.

The above write-up on the Cyber Attack(s) is well considered.

Sukhwindar
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)
Credit: TOI

Leadership

2009-08-13T09:12:00.004+05:30

'Listening to Others' is always a need. Leaders need to employ this virtue judiciously. Learn the technique in the environment You are operating.

Leadership is a continuum between Autocratic & Laissez-faire Styles of Leadership. When to apply what Style is a crux.

Listening to others is a useful input to a Leader. It refines his decision process.

A well thought out Article on Leadership. All could benefit.

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
Credit: wellness.com

‘The Idea of Injustice’

2009-08-10T08:30:00.005+05:30

(This Posting has been inspired by an Article, ‘Fueled by Injustice’, in The Economic Times today, ET NOW) .

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen in his book, ‘The Idea of Justice’ which took him 25 years to write, explains Natural Justice. He says ‘Our First Sentiment is One of Injustice Rather than Justice’ as a Natural Sense. He could have named his book ‘The Idea of Injustice’ as well. Knowing what Injustice means, we can then easily move to Justice. It is when we know our ‘weaknesses’, only then we can move to eradicate them and make them our ‘strengths’.

Philosophically speaking, all living beings thrive on ‘The Idea of Injustice’ right from the Womb to Tomb. They develop expertise to live on others, or by marginalizing others in whatever manner. Their energies are directed to unleash their ‘destructive power’, whereas they should be applying it to generate their ‘constructive power’. ‘That makes You What You Are in the Real Sense; physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually’.

Looking after the less endowed, bothering for concerns of the others, creating ‘right vibes’ in the System, seeing things dispassionately, mitigating ‘self-interest’ to an extent, with a view to optimize delivery to the System are some of the attributes we need to cultivate. It is only then that we are a useful member of the Social System. Mind You, all this pays You directly.

Amartya Sen views that ‘all our policies relate to injustice because none of our policies, even ones like the Employment Guarantee Scheme, will make the world perfectly just, it will only make the world a little unjust’.

We have our Role cut, Friends!

Sukhwindar

Motto of the Indian Military

2009-08-07T08:30:00.011+05:30

"The Safety, Honour and Welfare of your Country come first, always and every time.

The Honour, Welfare and Comfort of the Men you command come next.

Your Own ease, Comfort and Safety come last, always and every time".

Can we translate the Indian Military Motto in our ‘day-to-day’ working, and ‘national life’?

'Sector Life' can enrich manifold if we keep the self-interest last. Let Us work for 'Sab Ka Bhala'. Everything should not start from Point A, and also finish in a closed-loop at Point A. Kindly don't see things from Your Angle only.

Sukhwindar

Leadership

2009-07-23T08:03:00.000+05:30

All of Us are leaders in our own right; some successful, some not-very-successful, some unsuccessful. We need to be cautious of what constitutes Leadership, and its ground indicators.

NexGen is highly trainable. We must help them imbibe leadership traits , and help develop as 'fearless' leaders in whatever profession they choose.

'A Good Leader is always a Good Follower'.

Sukhwindar

Credit: The TOI.

Innovate to Suit Your Local Environments

2009-07-22T04:53:00.001+05:30

Innovation is 'Life & Blood' of Us all living beings. 'The day we stop thinking wisely, we stop living'. Protect Yourself adequately!

Sukhwindar

Sector 33 Through Photographs

2009-07-13T19:25:00.000+05:30

A View of Block C Park

Sonu, House No. not indicated, has posted his comments on the Blog with Link to his Photo Album of Sector 33. Pse Click: http://picasaweb.google.co.in/sonusnaps/Sector33Noida# to view the Album.

Leadership: A New Age Leader

2009-07-09T08:32:00.000+05:30

We all need to lead on occasions, within family and organisations. Leadership is built on strong foundation of 'personality traits'. These traits are a complex mix, but can be refined and fine-tuned provided we are willing to learn. We learn in all stages of our life. The day we stop learning, it marks an end of our being.

Next-Gen learns from us unconsciously, especially from the parents & elders. It is here that our 'doings' affect them in life, positively or negatively. It is important that we are cautious of this fact in our day-to-day conduct.

Next-Gen is well-informed and critical at times, sometimes without knowing the facts. But they are the future - future of our social milieu. We need to groom and develop them well as a valuable part of our Social System; Sector concerns are then automatically taken care of.

Let Us endeavour to follow the nuances of a 'New Age Leader' in the spirit of the above Article, and develop 'persuasive leadership style' catering to 'individuals' we are dealing with.

Brigadier (Retired) Sukhwindar Singh
http://www.svipja.com/
(A Global Solution for Offsets)

Courtesy: Article Cutting Above Taken from the TOI.

Standard Operating Procedure & Guidelines for MC Members

2009-07-06T05:31:00.000+05:30

(These Responsibilities are Expansion or Addition to the Responsibilities in the Bye Laws)

“Fortitude in Crisis is the Mantra of Good Leadership”

General

RWA is essentially a ‘bridge’ between the ‘Residents of Sector 33’ and ‘Govt. & Other Agencies’ servicing the Sector.

In order to optimise delivery to the Residents, all the Residents and the Management Committee (MC) in particular, need to ensure ‘right’ match and interaction between the ‘Aspiration of the Residents’ and ‘Abilities of the Delivering Agencies’. This would optimise delivery and help in welfare of the Residents which is one of the Main Objectives of the RWA.

National Constraints, Environments, Local cultural and ethical Issues, etc, affect our day-today working & living. These need to be factored-in.

We are drawing facilities from the ‘Common User Systems’. These Systems are over-stretched. There is therefore no place for any specialised or enhanced expectations in short term, unless ‘we’ become part of the Planning System. So the need of Half Yearly / Yearly Plan(s) for the Sector.

It is expected that all the Residents and the MC Committee work in the spirit of ‘conscientious awareness’ devoid of their individual perspectives while dealing with various issues impacting the Sector.

It is in this backdrop that we all need to function and deliver to the Sector. We need to ‘optimise’ through persuasive leadership without creating ‘negative effect’ in the System; it does not help any one.

Responsibilities of Various MC Members

Security of the Sector ( Presently with President & General Secretary)

Security is the responsibility of each Resident. They are expected to sanitise their environments.

Due to resource constrains presently, RWA is not able to secure individual Blocks fully. Block Security would be the responsibility of the individual Blocks, till it is taken over by the RWA.

RWA would provide ‘outer cordon’ of Security which includes Security at the ‘Main Gate’ and ‘Sector 34 Side Gate’. All action will be taken by the MC to check / regulate traffic moving through the Sector, sometimes at a ‘minor inconvenience’ of the Residents.

Roving Guard would be deployed at night to patrol the Blocks. Residents to help the ‘RWA’ if this Guard does not visit their Block(s) at least thrice at night. He is to blow ‘whistle’ as he moves through the Block(s).

All important Police, Fire Brigade, and MC Members’ telephone numbers to be available at the manned Sector Gates.

Close liaison with Police Officials, especially Sector 34 Police Post.

Any other points considered important.

Generation of Funds (Vice President & his Team)

Vice President is responsible for generation of Funds for the RWA as per Para 20.2 read in conjunction with Para 8 of the Bye Laws.

Vice President would take all steps to enlarge Membership of the RWA.

Vice President could deploy all legal means for Generation of Funds for the RWA including use of the Community Centre for the purpose.

Treasurer, Jt Treasurer, General Secy, Secy , in this order, would help the Vice President to generate funds. Vice President is ‘free’ to utilise special expertise / contacts of any of the Members of the RWA for the purpose.

All funds generated needless to say, would be properly accounted for with the Treasurer.

Community Centre (Treasurer and Jt Treasurer)

Community Centre will function under the overall management of the Treasurer.

Guidelines laid by Noida and the RWA 33 Bye Laws would be followed. When in conflict, Noida Guidelines stay supreme.

Form for Booking the Community Centre will be standardised and approved by the MC. All ‘Terms and Conditions’ including penalties will be printed on the ‘Booking Form’, and signed by the Treasurer / Jt Treasurer and the Party Booking it. It is a valid contract.

All bookings will be for ‘lawful’ activities.

Dy Treasurer will be responsible for Bookings. All MC Members to co-ordinate with him/her for the purpose before any commitment to any one.

Community Centre will not be considered booked for the date unless the ‘Form’ and the ‘Cheque / Bank Draft’ in the name of the RWA, are received by the Jt Treasurer, and the date blocked in the Booking Register. Cash will not be accepted.

Bookings will be 180 days in advance of the event for the Members, and 90 days in advance for the Non-Members. In case of a tie in the booking date, the RWA Member, Sector 33 Resident, a Party from outside the Sector, in that order, gets the preference.

Security of the function(s) being held at the Centre will be that of the Party booking it.

Community Centre will levy Damages, Penalty for Playing Loud Speakers after 11.30 PM, Electricity, Cleaning charges, etc, as in vogue & appropriate from the Party.

Routine maintenance and upkeep of the Community Centre will be the responsibility of the Joint Treasurer primarily, supported by the Treasurer.

When not in use, rooms /hall of the Community Centre will be kept locked by the Caretaker.

No unlawful activities are permitted in the premises of the Community Center. The Caretaker to ensure this in support from the Treasurer and Jt Treasurer.

Members Power, Sanitary, Water, Sewerage, Horticulture, etc, in the MC

Power Drawal / Consumption, Sanitation, Water Discipline, Sewerage Choking as a Result of the Residents misusages, Horticulture are the responsibility of each Resident. They are expected to use the Systems with care.

Concerned MC Member(s) to liaise with Noida Staff for ‘optimal’ delivery to the Sector.

‘Sector’ difficulties would be taken-up collectively and not ‘Block-wise’.

Prepare a ‘Half-Yearly / Yearly Plan’ for the Sector for Your respective responsibility areas, both short term (6 months) and long term (12 months), discuss in the MC & General Body. Once approved pursue with Noida officials through the JE / Inspector upwards.

‘Escalate’ only when needed and with approval from the General Secretary and the President.

Keep RTI and PIL in focus. At times written communication is important especially with Departments where Officials are ‘indifferent’ to the ‘repeated ‘requests.

Routine trouble shooting as it occurs through the Noida Staff.

Keep visits to the Staff minimum. It disturbs their routine working. In our enthusiasm, one may also ‘rub’ them on the wrong side; spoils working relations.

Take help from the Residents that have been past MC Members, or have due ‘links’ in the Authority. ‘Self-Help’ is the best form.

Reach out to the Authority Officials with Your ‘Knowledge Power’, and provide consulting to them based on your experience if need be. They are all ‘reasonably well-groomed’ in their disciplines. Any other Approach will be ‘self-defeating’.

Keep ’80:20’ principle in view. Most of Us do not follow it.

Employ ‘scientific management and ‘persuasive leadership’ while tackling issues, before ‘punishing’ the System.

When in doubt, consult others, especially Your spouse. His/Her advice would be based on knowing You the best.

It is very important for the MC Members ‘to know what can be accomplished by chasing’, and ‘what can not be done’ due to existing systemic difficulties. Otherwise we would be frustrating all in the chain. Also consult any one knowledgeable on the subject in addn to your spouse.

Any other Points considered necessary.

Member Welfare

To plan events to get the Sector 33 Community Closer. Organize at least Holy, and Diwali functions.

Explore the possibility of organising Tambolas at least once a month to begin with, Cultural Events led by Young at least twice a year, any other Events that are not very costly and help in building Community feeling.

To organize events like Exhibitions, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc, in coordination with Vice President to generate funds for the RWA through valid welfare activities.

Funds for the activities could be made available as per the Half Yearly/ Yearly plan(s) for the Welfare.

Lady Members

They are welcome to contribute to the well being of the Sector 33 Community in addition to specific responsibilities taken by them.

Could help when approached in cases of disputes between Residents of the Sector / domestic disputes / violence and other issues that generally plague our social system, especially for the female gender.

Bring sobriety in the MC and General Body Meetings, when needed.

Any other issues considered necessary for women and children.

President, RWA 33

Disciplining Dogs

2009-07-06T05:28:00.000+05:30

Residents take their dogs out for ‘easing’ on roads in front of the Houses of the other Residents. This is irregular and also resented by certain Residents. We need to train our Dog Masters / Servants accordingly who may not know this ‘discipline’.

Till the MC specifies areas in each Block for the purpose, Residents are requested to take the dogs out for easing on the side roads in the Sector / Blocks which are not the lane road(s) in front of the Houses.

And also please avoid taking them into Parks and Other Common Areas used by the Residents.

Pets / Dogs are an essential part of our ecosystem and loved by all. We need to however discipline / train them.

Your co-operation in the matter is highly solicited.

General Secy
for RWA 33

Residents' Social Responsibility (RSR)

2009-07-06T05:18:00.000+05:30

“Help RWA to Help You”

Sector 33: Residents’ Social Responsibility (RSR)

Security

-Security is Everybody’s Responsibility.

-Sanitise Your Surroundings Using Whatever Resources You Have.

-Keep a Watchful Eye.

-Question Anything You See Abnormal.

-Sit in Your Lawn / Verandah at least for 2 hours a Day. Gives You Good Health & Helps in Building Security.

-Whenever You Get Up at Night, Switch on Your Room Light for a Few Minutes, Before Sleeping Again.

-Do Not Drive Fast in the Sector Lanes and Honk Unduly. Check Violators.

-Co-operate with the Security Staff. Do not Scold them. They are working Under RWA’s Instructions. They form outer ring of Your Security.

Sanitation

-Keep Your Environments Clean.

-Develop ‘Community’ Attitude. Shed 'block specific' outlook.

-Show Concern for Your Neighbours.

-Do Not Clean Your House and Throw Garbage in Front of Your House, or in Vacant Plots. Please Get it Removed Under Your Arrangements.

-Do Not Let Plastics / Packaging Material Fly About. Check Individuals Doing it.

-Do Not Burn Plastics or Packing Material in the Sector. Throw it in the Garbage.

-Check, but Co-operate with the Sanitary Staff. Train Your maids / servants to be part of the ‘sanitary system’.

-Show Empathy Towards the Poor & Needy.

Note: Please add some more points to this List as per Your Values & Belief, and Request Implement for Betterment of the Community.

President, RWA 33