AFOVA Newletters of Year 2000

Page 12 of 22 AFVOA NEWSLETTER # 4/2000 Dear Member: 1. We have pleasure in reaching out to you through this, the fourth newsletter of the year. Your attention would been drawn to the acronym designating our changed name. Those who were part of the large gathering that attended our last meeting on 23 Jul 2000 will recollect that a majority of the members voted in favour of a name change from “Ex Service Officers’ Association” to “Armed Forces Veteran Officers’ Association” in order to eliminate the erroneous impression that was being conveyed by the prefix “ex” in our old name inasmuch as a commissioned officer remains an officer till he or she departs for Valhalla! It is hoped that the name change would bring in a new sense of justified pride among the members of the AFVOA, all of whom have contributed to the image of the Indian Armed Services as a humane, apolitical and thoroughly professional body which contributes to Nation building and social causes with as much devotion as the valour and selflessness with which its members have defended the Motherland. Little wonder that Indian peacekeepers are the most wanted for the assignments that come about under the umbrella of the UN. The Indian soldier, sailor and airman is basically a God fearing and selfless soul whose wants are few and whose dedication and bravery know no boundaries. Complementing these qualities is the high order of resourcefulness and leadership displayed by the officers. This amalgam of courage and leadership was nowhere displayed to as good elTect as during the Kargil Conflict. A toast to the weapons of war; “May they rust in peace” Home is the sailor 2. The month of July saw the passing of a fine sailor. Rear Admiral Satyindra Singh passed away in his late seventies. The Rear Admiral was commissioned in the RIN in 1941 and he retired from the Indian Navy in 1977. He was a military historian of note, and he spent the long years after retirement actively pursuing both his academic interests, as well as the cause dearest to his heart- the welfare of the Indian soldier, sailor, and airman. Aptly, one of his last contributions entitled “Children of a lesser God” which was published posthumously in the “Open Page” of The Hindu dated 01 Aug 2000 lamented the pathetic condition of ex servicemen ranging from those demobilised after World War II, to those who died valourously in Sri Lanka, without the benefit of medals, recognition, and the honour that a grateful Nation must bestow upon its soldiers. Truly is it said that in peace and happiness is the soldier slighted, and God forgotten! We pray for the gallant sailor’s soul, and are grateful that one such as he was born to this Country. If I believed that the soldier who killed in defence of his or my country, or the sailor patrolling the coasts within which I live, was performing a shameful act, I should first dispense with their protection-that is, renounce my nationality; then, renounce my possessions that they enable me to keep. Only then should I be in a position to preach the abomination of all warfare, and to pledge myself never to take up arms. It is hypocrisy for me to dissociate myself from armaments which enforce domestic order and prevent invasion, and so, enable me, within limits, to live my life my own way. In peace, my citizenship brings me benefits, in war responsibilities. I cannot have one without the other. Malcolm Muggeridge 3. We also, if belatedly, honour the memory of Squadron Leader Rajeshwar Prasad , who was more familiar to our countrymen as Mr Rajesh Pilot. The events connected with his tragic death in a road accident are too well known to need repetition. What stands out in this officer’s public career is the integrity and ethics, and fearlessness that he came to be known for, qualities which must have