We all have been through the mill of juniors and seniors. It seems there is a chasm developing. Hope the authorities in the armed forces take note of it and set it right. I'm sure Gen Naravane, Adm Karambir Singh and ACM Chaudhari are seized of the malaise and have taken actions to rectify this trend and God, they need to succeed!
There was a time when senior officers and their wives made use of social occasions to interact with junior officers and their wives to get a feel of their morale and establish informal rapport with them. On the other hand, junior officers and their wives learnt a great deal by watching the way the senior officers and their wives conducted themselves. Thus, social functions were considered to be excellent occasions to build cohesion in an informal manner. Additionally, military norms, ethics and values were passed on to the new-inductees.
Unfortunately, social functions have become highly stratified events. There is no interaction between the seniors and the juniors. Separate areas are earmarked for them. Exclusive seating for VIPs has become a standard practice. Senior commanders and their wives remain surrounded by their staff officers and cronies. They make no effort to walk up to the juniors to exchange pleasantries. At times one gets an impression that the senior brass considers it below their dignity to mix with subordinate officers.
There are three reasons for this obsession for exclusivity. They are :-
(a) Senior officers get special treatment in terms of quality of liquor and food.
(b) They get hospitality free whereas they should be paying for their drinks and food like other officers.
(c) The current top brass is so self-seeking that it has no concern for others' sensitivities and social niceties.
Earlier, all guests were treated at par and served the same food and drinks, irrespective of their rank. The only privilege that a senior officer enjoyed was that he was served his drink by the steward/waiter and did not have to walk up to the bars like the others. Today, not only the type of whisky but also the goblet - crystal for seniors and Borosil for others - are rank based.
A few months ago, an Air Force Station had organised a social evening after an event and invited a large number of officers from the services. Prior to the serving of dinner, an announcement was made requesting all officers of one-star rank and their wives to have dinner in the hall while the others were asked to move to the tents on the side. It was such an insulting move that many officers and their wives walked out without dinner. One fails to understand how such petty mindedness has crept in the services' culture. If a Brigadier or a General has dinner along with others, will it lower his dignity?
At a post-tournament dinner at an officers' institute, the Army Commander, after showing his face for a few minutes, withdrew to an exclusive chamber along with his 'Nav Ratnas' (Major Generals) to enjoy the evening and exclusive hospitality. Others were left outside to interact with each other - a reminder of the grand old Mughal tradition of 'Diwane Khaas' and 'Diwane Aam'.
Protocol golf is another innovative measure that displays haughtiness of seniority. In case senior commanders want to play golf after a conference, the golf course is declared off limits for others. It is a disgraceful sight to see 4 to 5 commanders playing golf on an 18-hole golf course with staff officers who are detailed to accompany them. It shows arrogance of the poorest order. Do the senior commanders find it demeaning if Colonels and Majors are also playing at the same time? Arrogance of rank cannot be carried to such limits.
Flaunting of Ranks
It must never be forgotten that badges of ranksworn by the soldiers represent national symbols - the Ashoka Lion and the five-pointed Indian Star. The nation has bestowed its greatest honour on its soldiers. Every officer understandably takes pride in his rank by displaying the stars and flying the flag that he is entitled to. However, it must be done with due decorum and as per the laid down norms. Their sanctity should never be demeaned. Of late, a tendency has been discernible among the senior officers to flaunt their stars and flags in the most unbecoming manner.
.......to be concluded.
Tailpiece.
Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 10. Earlier, the Wednesday 'arathi' was conducted.
Seena, Lekha's beautician, had come by around a half past 3 for the needful.
A quiet evening.
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