From: Kameshwar Pandey
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 12:35 PM
Subject: The Election Advisory
Dear Kamboj Sir,
The silent and dignified protest of ESM at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi was concluded after 118 days of hunger and relay-hunger strike. Like all great things, we made a humble beginning with a few hundreds, soon became a thousand, then many thousands on the 8th of February 2009 and many many thousands on 12th April 2009. We cannot forget those initial days when Gen Kadyan used to tell us all to be prepared for a long and hard battle. It was this unwavering long term vision of Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, Maj Gen Satbir Singh and all members of the core group that this mission has reached such great heights and has become a national phenomenon. And we have no doubt in our mind that not too far from now these thousands will convert to Lacs and even Crores. “Abhi To Ye Angdayi Hai, Aage Badi Ladayi Hai”.
“Kaarwaan ab nikal pada hai Gen Kadyan ke naitritva me. Ab rokey hum nahin rukengey, badhey chalengey har or se”
With respect, I find it rather amusing to hear all kinds of comments about the mission (and the latest election advisory to be specific) from ESM who have no idea about the ground realities. How much value can one attach to comments made while sitting in an air conditioned office when those who make such offensive comments have not even visited the actual Jantar Mantar site and have not witnessed the plight of thousands of ESM all across the nation. I request such ESM to think before they write letters. Gen Kadyan so humbly mentioned in his email last night that the value of an argument lies in its content and not the shrillness of the tone. And while I totally respect people having their own personal opinions, it is probably best that they don’t share it at a forum where it may harm the mission.
The recent advisory clearly and explicitly mentions that while it is advised that all people associated with this mission justice for defense forces vote for BJP (and its allies), those who think differently may do so. This decision has been taken after a lot of thought going into it and those who do not accept it please do not talk about it here at this forum. And especially if you do not have any idea of what this mission really is about! This mission is about justice, respect and equality. It’s about those thousands who served the country selflessly and are now counting on this mission to bring justice to them which has been denied for years and years.
I had the opportunity of visiting and addressing ESM at the Kanpur, Lucknow and Varanasi IESM rallies along with Gen Satbir, Gen Ranjan and Col Bhardwaj. As also, I addressed ESM in Buxar, Patna and Arrah. I have interacted with thousands of ESM and I have personally met hundreds of officers, JCOs and jawans of all arms (and civilians too!) at Jantar Mantar. Everyone supports our cause and deeply appreciates Gen Kadyan and the rest of our leadership. I feel deeply grateful and blessed to work for this mission under this able leadership where ranks and terms like Officers, JCOs and Jawans have become obsolete and we have all come under one banner – The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement. This is probably the first time in the entire history of Indian Armed Forces that all ranks and all arms have come under the same flag for a noble cause.
So again, please do not criticize our leaders, do not comment on there integrity and leadership capabilities. They have brought us here and they will, most definitely, make this mission successful.
Again, with respect, I suggest all of those who still have questions, to read the announcements made at the Maha Rally carefully. Instead of being under immense pressure and inputs coming from all directions with differences of opinion, the advisory was so beautifully, intelligently and firmly announced, taking into account all possible factors. After the advisory was issued, our faith in the leadership increased a million times.
The way we see it, we’re looking very very good. Better than ever. Nothing and no one can stop us now. Let us ignore the negative comments and let us carry this mission forward as one strong team comprising of all officers, JCOs and jawans from all arms.
With warm regards,
Sub Maj Hony Lt Kameshwar Pandey (Retd.),
(Ex Corps of Electrical & Mechanica Engineers, New Delhi.)
-----------
From: Muthu Krishnan cm_krish@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Advisory
To: jkraj46@gmail.com, kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in, rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Date: Sunday, 19 April, 2009, 10:13 AM
Respected Sir,
The advisory is a must. You have done a right thing at the right time. Come what may. We will stand to it. It is a great guidance to our PBORs who are running from pillar to post for the past 60 years for a Leader and good Leadership. Now we have got it, that is IESM ,Lt.Gen.Raj Kadyan and its team. We will win.
May God bless u all with good health to enjoy the fruit.
Yours sincerely,
C.Muthukrishnan (Ex.Sgt)
Active Member. IESM
Blog: indianexserviceman.blogspsot.com
------------
From: rs chhikara chhikarars1940@yahoo.co.in
Subject: Let us analyse the votin advisory of 12 April
To: kamboj@itintelectuals.com, kamboj_cs@yahoo.com
Cc: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Date: Saturday, 18 April, 2009, 6:52 PM
Dear Chander,
Have been reading mails after12 April. What a frustrating waste of energy and time especially your one on one with Inderjeet. Have you not yet mastered the art of ignoring fools?
You can not bark back at mad dogs . Can you?
Kindly see if the attached piece deserves to be circulated.
Regards
Chhikara
(Brig RS Chhikara, Veteran, Gurgaon)
………..
Having gone through some of the mails circulated by Report My Signals, it is worrisome to say the least and nauseating at times. One thing taught to us all during service is appreciating a situation. Some friends seem to have been spared this training. Why not undertake a quick appreciation for our common benefit? I am going to try it at the cost of your time and attention. That is one possible way out of the current futile debate about the advisory articulated by Gen RS Kadyan on 12 April. The analysis is not in standard format but should hopefully still be intelligible to the fraternity.
The following factors merit attention: -
1. All soldiers past or present are expected to cast their vote in favour of or against political candidates. Most of them represent one or the other political party. So voting does not tantamount to being political, or ‘not voting’ a sign of being apolitical. In fact, not voting can well be an antinational abdication of one’s responsibility as a citizen. Unless you are of the belief – ‘To hell with democracy, to hell with the way our political representatives are running / ruining our country.’ That, serving soldiers have been often dissuaded from voting is an index of political machinations and officer apathy or perhaps, even collusion. By refusing to caste your vote on the false pretext of claiming to be apolitical is neither good for the country nor good for its defence, its defence personnel or its defence veterans. This attitude must change.
2. Starting with the bogey of possible military take over as was raised variously during Nehru’s time and resulting in ideas like operation AMAR during the late 50s and early 60s, the defence of India and the Defence services were systematically down graded and derided in matters not only of pay and allowances and pensions but of protocol and Izzat too. Is there any one out there in the comity of soldiers, ESM and thinkers et all, who will contradict this fact except from the cozy comfort of his living room over a Chhota Whiskey? So there had to come a time when this trend of degradation had to be corrected or at least opposed. Is there any one who believes that the system would bring about such desired and desirable change in attitudes and actions on its own? This would obviously necessitate giving up vested interests by our polity and bureaucracy. No Way; unless one is an incorrigible optimist. Such change only appears plausible either by pressure of public anger after a not impossible debacle like that in 1962 or a repeat of 26/11 or worse. If the force of public opinion can be brought to bear without waiting for catastrophe, it is a welcome possibility. The urgent need for such change in politico bureaucratic attitude is indeed beyond debate. Supreme National interest is the only argument – for or against, in such a discussion if at all discussion is needed.
3. In the past IESL and many other ESM bodies, big and small, have been taking up issues related to the ESM with the Central Government and other authorities, but the fact remains – their success has been marginal. Many have tried to harness ESM energy for promoting personal or parochial interests both financial and political. There has been a strong perceived need for a strong voice to articulate the inherent dangers entrenched in the problem and to demand change. Such a demand or voice did not come from our polity, our bureaucracy, our media, our academia, our intelligentsia or our Page Three personalities. Indeed it could not have emanated there for obvious reasons. It could have come as it eventually did come, only from the OG, WHITES AND SKY BLUE Fraternity. IESM is a product of these concerns and this felt need. It is a manifestation of the nationalistic non parochial and fully justified hopes and aspirations of admittedly the most disciplined and patriotic section of our society. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose would indeed have been proud of such spontaneous nationalistic fervor and would have loved to lead the nascent movement.
4. Now, let us consider various options available to an organization like the IESM. Your kind attention is drawn to the following possibilities: -
(a) The Status Quo or Crib-On Option. Hold mourning sessions in our drawing rooms but let things go on as they are. Remain diffident and hopeless – CCC; Curse, Crib and Carry on. Kuchh Nahin Ho sakta, Hum Kya Kar sakte Hain, Tum Kya Kar Loge, Tumhari Baat koun sunega etc Typical Senior Officer Syndrome (Pun is intended as a self goal).
(b) CYA – Cover Your A… Get scared and jettison any thought of self respect. Shor karoge to mare Jaoge, Politician aur Babu baki sab bhi Chheen Lenge, Serving generals ka Career Barbad Kardenge, Vishnu Bhagwat Ka Kya Hua? Canteen, Toll Tax sab Jaega. Etc.
(c) Pass The Buck. It is for the serving Chiefs to do something. What can we ESM do? They have their voice and position, even a collective voice. Those in service will be ESM tomorrow- they should take up the issue. They have teeth which they better show. We are apolitical, ethically oriented, Peace and Comfort loving ESM and have earned our rightful indifference in the interest of our inner peace, our golf, our game of cards and our Siesta after lunch. Chhadd yaar- deal kar. Kadyan Ko Governor Banna Hai Shayad Ban Jae . Kamboj Election Larega. Waise Bhi ‘ no non-sense aadmi hai’. Kisi na kisi se larta hi rehta hai. Laraku Hai. Inderjeet ki bhi to suno.
(I assure Veterans, I have no ambition of any election – Chander Kamboj)
(d) Serving and retired soldiers, sailors and airmen should use their vote power and public persuasion skills. We must enroll media, intelligentsia, Kisan power and the good Samaritan in our cause. If we and our families stand together we can muster 2.5 Cr votes and if we do some real grass root level work among the rural communities we can add like numbers to our strength. Apparently impressive logic and good intent. In the matter of using our perceived vote bank to best effect there are a few options;
(i) Let us form a Political Party of ESM and show them how the country should be governed. However, beating the system on the strength of pious intent but in the face of limited financial resources, very limited demonstrated unity, and lack of will to work at the grass roots level are matters inviting serious consideration. At the very least it will require continued serious hard work over decades. Yet the idea is worthy of serious follow up. Thankfully the IESM appear to be committed to the idea at least for now. This appears to be an option which should not be abandoned in a hurry.
(ii) Vote intelligently for good candidates who are committed to building a safe, secure and prosperous India while being sensitive and if possible committed to the interests of the services community. A good democratic and politically neutral thought indeed. The problem arises when it comes to the number of such individuals in the electoral fray, their ability to retain their own freedom of thought and action in the face of more attractive opportunities, their reliability in the matter of promises and our own ability to make a judgment and evolving a consensus among the ESM.
(iii) Perhaps the last available option is to support a political outfit which shows commitment to the defence of India, to the efficacy of the Defence forces as the last policy resort of the Nation and to the well being of the soldier while in service and later. This must be a political outfit with a reasonable chance of forming or leading a government and a ‘DNA’ of reliability in working for the fulfillment of their promises. There are only two options: Viz The Congress and the BJP , unless some of us are so liberal as to include M/S Karat, Behen Mayawati, Friends Mulayam- Amar Singh or Laloo- Paswan, or the DMK/ AIADMK stalwarts. Personally, I am inclined to reject, outright, the idea of being part of a PEOPLE’s Liberation ARMY of INDIA with Karat as Commisar in Chief. We may like to indulge in an endless debate about the other worthies if you so choose.
5. Given the above options, what could the steering Committee of the IESM do? They had only two options and a couple of sub options. Personalities in the steering Committee are immaterial.
(a) Abdicate their leadership responsibilities. Refuse to advise much less to persuade or direct.
(b) Advise best available Course of Action. In the face of what the Congress and the BJP have said on and off record, the best option appears to comprise of three parts.
(i) Continue to consolidate and expand the idea of promoting a party of ESM (Not many disparate parties) in the hope that in due course it will gain mass and momentum.
(ii) During the interim, support one of the two major parties on a conditional basis. BJP under the present circumstances is the only outfit that qualifies for our support.
(iii) Keep up pressure on the BJP to fulfill their promises either as a governing power or as a leading opposition.
(iv) In any event, keep your powder dry in the eventuality of either a deliberate let down or a compelling alternate opportunity. Maintaining and further consolidating the unity of ESM and continuing to raise a significant and harmonized political force of ESM is an essential aim to be maintained.
6. Let us hope that further debate on the advisory issued by IESM, if at all necessary should be in the context of this analysis / hypothesis.
Brig RS Chhikara, Veteran, Gurgaon.
----------
From: chilukuri narasimharao raochilukuri@hotmail.com
Subject: ADVISORY
To: "kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Sunday, 19 April, 2009, 3:45 PM
Dear Sir,
Advisory given by the Core Committee is absolutely normal in helping those to help us. Till now no political Party ever bothered to think of IESM and their agitation .There is silent embargo on the media not to cover the events at Jantar Mantar.
Under the conditions BJP is the only Party visited the venue at Jantar Mantar and also declared to accept ONE RANK ONE PENSION in their Manifesto.. Noy only this they promised to look into conditions for attracting people to join defense services This is long felt need for updating war potential of the Nation. Advaniji is on the right track to augment defense preparedness of India.
Let us see that NDA gets into Loksabha by following the advisory by one and all. Of course one is at liberty to cast his vote as per his choice. But before exercising his choice donot forget to help those who are going to help IESM and its ideals!
Regarding those who criticise the Advisory ,I have a story .In good old days there were two states out of which one state want to wage war and annex the other state. One of the ministers of the King who wants to wage war advised him not to wage war but preach the doctrine of 'Brahma Satyam Jagath Sunyam' King agreed and the philosophy of the doctrine was preached to all personnel of the state .When the King found that the philosophy got ho;d of the state ,he ordered his trops to advance. There was no opposition from anybody as they were chanting' Brahma Satam Jagath Sunyam" King annexed the State without any difficulty.
People who teach Apolitical philosophy wil be doing the same harm as the 'Brahma Satyam Jagathu Sunyam ' did to the state that was annexed. I consider that apolitical slogan makes the organisation impotent to achieve things.
NR.Chilukuri
Veteran,Wg.Cdr
raochilukuri@hotmail.com
------------
From: Malu pattamalu@gmail.com
Subject: Election Advisory
To: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Cc: "REPORT MY SIGNAL(CS Kamboj)" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Saturday, 18 April, 2009, 7:54 AM
Dear General,
You have done the correct thing by issuing the Election Advisory. Well done sir. Please do not be discouraged by what people say.
Regards,
Brigadier V Mahalingam
------------
From: pran parashar pran.parashar@gmail.com
Subject: Re: "REPORT MY SIGNAL" - IESM SITREP 17 APR 09 - EMAIL 322/2009 - 17 APR 09 - (M to Q)
To: ""REPORT MY SIGNAL" (CS Kamboj)" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Saturday, 18 April, 2009, 10:38 PM
Dear Brig. Kamboj.
Blessings.
May God continue to bless you. You have been doing a tremendous job and are
continuing to do it.
Just ignore the Capital I & J. Take no notice of it.
We know enough about COL. Inder Jit.
I wish he had been attending some of our sessions at Jantar Mantar. As you know, I used to be there almost every day. I used to hear the conversation amongst PBORs. They used to say to each other that the Officers are only making use of us. Since I can understand Punjabi, I used to advise them that I am 84 years old and may be would not see the colour of this money if anything is sanctioned. But it is because of our common loyalty that I spend time at the Centre. They were very appreciative of the hard work being done by the core group. They had a lot to say about Gulia and Inderjit. It is no use repeating it. Men are not fools any more.
I wish you all the success and may God grant you srength to continue the good work. I am sure OROP is not the end of our efforts. There is plenty to be done for the wife's and children of Servicemen.
Lots of love and blessings.
Pran Parashar
(Cdr Pran Parashar, one of the Founder Members of Naval Aviation)
-------------
From: Satish Dewan
Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2009 12:30 PM
Subject: HELP YOUR BRETHRENS
Dear friends/brothers in arms,
You are all aware as to how disgusted people of the country are with the present lot of politicians whose genuine patriotism is questionable . Therefore , people are looking for a new brand of experienced well educated & truly patriotic young men & women to come forward to bring about the change the people are looking for. The public seem to have more confidence in the Defence personnel. Therefore a party composed of defence service personnel & intellectuals has been formed to meet this requirement.
Rashtriya Raksha Dal ( Short form RRD) is a political party, registered in the year 1999, with the Election Commission of India,(ECI) as a national party. So far , this party has been concentrating its efforts in the state of Punjab. Now the party wants its presence established all over India by setting up state, district and block committees . A very good friend of mine, Col M S Krishnamoorthy , age 90 ,a Second World War veteran has been assigned this task.
The general plan is to first establish direct contact with Ex-servicemen of all ranks from all the three services in different parts of the country who are in favour of this approach. After locating a sizable No of volunteers in each state, they will be requested to form the formal state & district committees by election from among themselves.
If you are interested in joining in this noble endeavour please inform Col Moorthy direct ( E-MAIL ID: colmoorthy@airtelmail.in or rashtriyarakshadal@gmail.com, Tele No 09313281695) with a copy to me, as I am also involved in this programme. Even if you are unable to directly participate please pass this on to persons known to you who may have the inclination & time to join in this effort.
I feel strongly that the voice of the Ex- Servicemen will be heard and acted upon only if we establish the ballot box route, fight elections ,enter the law making bodies at different levels and make people aware of the change needed , from the floor of Vidhan Sabhas , Lok Sabha Etc.
We are entering this field with full awareness that it will take many years of effort to achieve all that we want to , but a beginning has to be made sometime and progressed step by step.
Yours sincerely,
Col Satish Dewan
Coordinator-RRD
------------
From: SATISH DEWAN coldewan@gmail.com
Subject: www.myneta.info Candidates' Profiles
To:
Date: Saturday, 18 April, 2009, 9:01 PM
MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE WHEN U VOTE.
National Election Watch Andhra Pradesh has done some good work by analysing affidavits from candidates for Lok Sabha and Assembly for Phase 1.
A Press Release of Assembly candidates is attached. Please read.
You may also check out details of individual candidates, including very detailed candidate profiles, at www.myneta.info. There is a wealth of info awaiting you.
Please tell all you know to check out this site.
....
From: SATISH DEWAN coldewan@gmail.com
Subject: PLEASE ASK AS MANY TO JOIN &SUPPORT
To:
Date: Sunday, 19 April, 2009, 7:51 PM
Dear friends/brothers in arms,
You are all aware as to how disgusted people of the country are with the present lot of politicians whose genuine patriotism is questionable . Therefore , people are looking for a new brand of experienced well educated & truly patriotic young men & women to come forward to bring about the change the people are looking for. The public seem to have more confidence in the Defence personnel. Therefore a party composed of defence service personnel & intellectuals has been formed to meet this requirement.
Rashtriya Raksha Dal ( Short form RRD) is a political party, registered in the year 1999, with the Election Commission of India,(ECI) as a national party. So far , this party has been concentrating its efforts in the state of Punjab. Now the party wants its presence established all over India by setting up state, district and block committees . A very good friend of mine, Col M S Krishnamoorthy , age 90 ,a Second World War veteran has been assigned this task.
The general plan is to first establish direct contact with Ex-servicemen of all ranks from all the three services in different parts of the country who are in favour of this approach. After locating a sizable No of volunteers in each state, they will be requested to form the formal state & district committees by election from among themselves.
If you are interested in joining in this noble endeavour please inform Col Moorthy direct ( E-MAIL ID: colmoorthy@airtelmail.in or rashtriyarakshadal@gmail.com, Tele No 09313281695) with a copy to me, as I am also involved in this programme. Even if you are unable to directly participate please pass this on to persons known to you who may have the inclination & time to join in this effort.
I feel strongly that the voice of the Ex- Servicemen will be heard and acted upon only if we establish the ballot box route, fight elections ,enter the law making bodies at different levels and make people aware of the change needed , from the floor of Vidhan Sabhas , Lok Sabha Etc.
We are entering this field with full awareness that it will take many years of effort to achieve all that we want to , but a beginning has to be made sometime and progressed step by step.
Yours sincerely,
Col Satish Dewan
Coordinator-RRD
------------