Topic started by prakash (@ hse-toronto-ppp311980.sympatico.ca) on Fri Feb 22 11:37:22 .
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

While I have high regard for the men in uniform that risk their lives for our country, I recently learnt that Indian army is a caste based army and jawans etc. are put in different regiments based on their caste. What a shame!!!! Is it appropriate for the Govt. of India and in turn the Army to have such practices? Are we (Indians) so primitive?

Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: nanpan (@ ac97cc8e.ipt.aol.com) on: Sat Aug 9 02:16:33 EDT 2003
  
  Friends read this article:
  
  Remove all Indian Military Bases from Tamil Nadu (by Usha Ramanathan)
  
  http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Lobby/4222/100502.html
  
  
• From: Hades (@ cache210.156ce.maxonline.com.sg) on: Sun Aug 31 10:20:29 EDT 2003
  
  Hi all,
  
  I am a 3SG serving my national service in the Singapore Armed forces as an infantry section leader. While the training is not to be compared with the standard of the Indian infantry regiments, it has helped me to better appreciate the life the jawans go through fighting for India's sovereignty and prestige. I am originally Indian and having served the army, I think that India should implement a system of military training for its youth, so they can appreciate the service and sacrifice of the Indian Army, Navy and Airforce, and also improve fitness and bring a sense of discipline to them. I notice that Indian students at the universities here are amongst the most unfit . They automatically assume that serving the army is a "waste of time" and I have to endure too many jibes at the fact that I accepted permanent residence here, thus having to serve my national service. This is a worrying trend because it shows that Indian youth think that something that teaches discipline, improves physical fitness, improves national prestige and self defence is a waste of time..
  
  My two cents
  
  
  
• From: Ramadas (@ dclient217-162-112-187.hispeed.ch) on: Mon Sep 1 13:56:14 EDT 2003
  
  Hades,
  I very much welcome your idea. When I was working in Singapore, I used to always think that India also should implement this compulsory service for atleast one year's time.
  But there are some drawbacks to it. In Singapore I think it is only compulsory for men and not for women. People in Singapore used to tell me that this is one of the reasons you find more academically qualified women than men. At the prime age of going to university men are doing their national service while women are happily increasing their academic qualification.
  One solution is to make it compulsory as part of University education. In India we have a scheme called "National Cadet Corps" (This is totally different from scouts and guides and come under the administration of the Defence ministry of India). Presently it is only optional for college students to take part in it. The Govt of India can make it compulsory. This will inculcate discipline to the youth, which is very essential for Indians now!!!
  
  
• From: BAB (@ spider-wf011.proxy.aol.com) on: Mon Sep 1 15:36:38 EDT 2003
  
  Better yet it will directly address more of the caste issues.
  
  
• From: Ramadas (@ dclient80-218-23-39.hispeed.ch) on: Tue Sep 2 13:39:19 EDT 2003
  
  BAB, what has armed forces to do with caste issues?
  
  

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