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Muslims are certainly afflicted by the siege mentality that affects vast sections of the Islamic world. The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan and the destruction of Muslim nations across North Africa and the Gulf have certainly stoked the existing misgivings but more insidious is the \u2018Go to Pakistan\u2019 chide which is becoming shriller in our country. Politicians noticeably taking care to avoid any reference to the \u2018M\u2019 factor. This is regrettable. 14 percent of the population must not be politically ignored.<\/p>\n
[\u2026]<\/p>\n
I had earlier described that we are a \u2018Salad Bowl\u2019 nation. I recently read about an equally apt term of a \u2018Harmonious Orchestra\u2019. It stressed that when music is not harmonious it becomes a discordant noise. Music is the pleasant effect of different instruments combining into a whole. India is a multi-religious, multi ethnic, multi lingual society. Harmonious existence does not imply uniformity in thought, behaviour or actions. It is very much like an orchestra, with different instruments making different sounds.<\/p>\n
[\u2026]<\/p>\n
When a nation does not treat its citizens alike or provide equal opportunities, frustration, grievances and anger erupt. These are fertile grounds for conflict.<\/p>\n
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Having worn several hats – Army, Diplomacy, Judiciary and Academics there are a few closing remarks I would like to make:<\/p>\n
(a) The Army is capable to take on any adversary. It must however be given the necessary wherewithal. Unfortunately, this aspect has been long neglected. Inputs from Defence personnel must be taken seriously. We had been stressing for many years that our main adversary was China. We neglected to prepare to meet a possible Chinese threat. It is time for immediate corrective action<\/p>\n
(b) It is a matter of some consideration that those who have been privileged to be part of the Service, are often wasted into oblivion. In building the edifice of India they could play a meaningful role, and spread the institutional values which they have imbibed, nurtured, and practiced.<\/p>\n
[\u2026]<\/p>\n
(c) Diplomacy cannot succeed unless our diplomats learn the language of the host country. Dependence on interpreters must end. Don’t be fooled by Chinese and Russian Diplomats. They know our languages. They only use interpreters to get adequate time to think, before responding. They also pick up snippets of our unguarded remarks in Hindi.<\/p>\n
(d) Our Universities can never figure in the top universities of the world unless we enforce discipline, both amongst teachers and students. I do not mean curb freedom of speech. I mean curb Hooliganism. The teaching profession has no accountability, not even a confidential report. There should be an element of accountability brought in.<\/p>\n
I am an optimist. There is growing hunger amongst Muslims for education. This community on the strength of knowledge and competence will rise above the tide of hate, \u2018lynchings\u2019 and even \u2018Love Jihad\u2019. Time for healing, better sense and inclusive nature of India\u2019s population will correct this imbalance sooner than later. The silent majority has started speaking out for the unity and greater good of the country. There is positive hope in our predominantly young population. They are destined to shape the future.<\/p>\n
We must ensure that the minds of the young are not contaminated. In this the key role will be played by education. Unless soldiering captures the full dedication of those who are competent both morally and intellectually to meet its challenges, and unless it becomes for the most talented a complete and fulfilling calling, it is likely to fall to hard times. In the hands of the mediocre or the morally insensitive, the calling of arms could find its noble purpose distorted with adverse consequences for its premier client \u2013 the common man whose esteem the soldier always seeks, and gets \u2013 All this ends from where it starts. We the People.<\/p>\n
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