Indian soldiers risk their lives to protect our nation. They deserve our respect and support, not mistreatment. Recent incidents highlight the urgent need to safeguard their dignity and ensure they are treated fairly. It’s time for action.
The respect and honour afforded to the Indian defence forces, their soldiers, and veterans have become a significant topic of discussion, especially after two disheartening incidents in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, both relatively peaceful and law-abiding states. Unfortunately, such incidents of mistreatment towards serving and retired soldiers aren’t isolated. From time to time, reports of harassment of soldiers, often involving local police, emerge from various parts of the country.
In the defence forces, respect and honour are not just abstract ideals; they are deeply ingrained values. Soldiers don’t just fight for victory in battles—they fight for the honour of their regiment and the country. They are trained and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives to uphold the dignity of the flag. In their training and culture, soldiers are also taught to respect others, especially women and the elderly. In return, they expect the same dignity and respect from their fellow countrymen and government officials.
Do Soldiers Deserve Special Respect and Consideration?
While there may not be any legal provisions mandating special treatment for soldiers, national sentiment dictates that soldiers and veterans be accorded respect. This is a common practice in most western democracies, where soldiers are held in high esteem. The rationale is simple: these individuals risk their lives for the safety and freedom of the nation. They endure harsh conditions, physical and emotional stress, and prolonged absences from their families.
In India, soldiers are pragmatic, they do not seek special treatment. What they demand is fairness—their legitimate rights as citizens, a resolution of their grievances, and recognition of their contribution to the nation. It is not preferential treatment they ask for but simply the respect they have earned through their sacrifices.
Soldier Respect and Dignity in India: The Current Reality
From my own experience, I’ve found that while many ordinary citizens may not fully understand the workings of the defence forces, they generally hold soldiers and veterans in high regard, especially during times of conflict, national disasters, or ceremonial events.
However, government officials and police authorities often fail to show similar consideration. A personal example illustrates this disregard: a local patwari once shamelessly demanded a bribe from me for the demarcation of my land, even though the sub-divisional magistrate had already ordered it after I paid the required government fees.
Historically, the military, the bureaucracy, and the police were the three pillars of British rule in India. After independence, the bureaucracy and police easily transitioned to the new political order, became the critical pillars of governance but also opened their doors for corruption and political interference. Meanwhile, the military, isolated in its cantonments, lost influence but retained its autonomy in internal functioning and respect of the general public. However, this very autonomy, along with the military’s distinct culture of discipline and honour, has bred a sense of resentment among some bureaucrats and police officers, who now view soldiers as embodying qualities they themselves lack or could never attain.
In today’s context, this colonial mindset persists. Bureacrats and policemen, while obsequious to politicians and their superiors, expect deference from all citizens. Soldiers, whether on active duty or retired, demand respect and dignity in their interactions. When they refuse to submit to corrupt practices or undue displays of power, they often find themselves targeted. The increase in incidents where soldiers clash with corrupt officials and local goons is an outcome of this cultural collision—between a culture of honour and integrity and one of corruption and sycophancy.
Reasons Behind the Decline in Regard for Soldiers
Feudal Mindset. Indian society and political system continue to place undue emphasis on wealth and power, even when they are unethically acquired. The Indian defence forces, synonymous with integrity, simplicity, and professionalism, have gradually lost the political and administrative influence needed to safeguard even their most legitimate interests. While the success of Indian democracy is largely owed to the military’s steadfast apolitical stance—remaining detached from both public and political arenas—this very detachment has also marginalized them in key decision-making processes.
Currently, there is not a single military veteran in the central government as a minister. Moreover, there is a lack of data indicating how many, if any, military veterans serve in Parliament. This absence is stark, especially when compared to other democracies, where military veterans often hold positions in political hierarchies.
Despite their sacrifices and contributions to nation-building, Indian soldiers seem to have lost the societal standing they deserve. Politicians, while happy to exploit military issues for electoral gain, rarely provide soldiers with the political space or representation necessary to address their concerns. While looking for material for this blog post, I did not find a single quote or a statement from an Indian politician urging the nation to repsect the soldiers. It is regrettable that I have to quote Lincon to urge our countrymen on the matter.
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause” Abraham Lincoln
Disconnect with Citizens. The distance between the defense forces and the public has also hindered the development of a ‘people’s defense force,’ which would attract public respect and admiration, ultimately reflecting in tangible support.. The public lacks awareness of the military’s history, structure, and traditions which prevents the establishment of a strong bond between civilians and soldiers. For example, since my retirement in 2021, I’ve been engaged in grassroots social work where I have often been incorrectly referred to as “Major,” “Colonel,” or “Mister,” reflecting a widespread ignorance about the rank structure of the armed forces.
Role of Veterans. Every year, around one lakh officers and soldiers retire, adding to the growing pool of veterans. This vast resource could serve as a powerful voice for military concerns, but unfortunately, veterans tend to fade into the general population without making any significant impact. Divisions based on rank, politics, and personal ideologies further weaken the ability of veterans’ organizations to advocate effectively for their cause.
Reviving Respect for the Defence Forces
The ongoing erosion of respect and status for the defence forces is a worrying trend for the country. If left unchecked, it could gradually undermine the morale of soldiers, thereby diminishing their operational efficiency. This decline could also deter talented and self-motivated individuals from joining the forces. A demoralized and inefficient military would pose a grave threat to India’s national security, especially in the volatile South Asian region.
To reverse this decline, several steps are essential. First and foremost, the political leadership, in collaboration with the defense forces, must work to ensure that the dignity and honor of soldiers are upheld. Clear and well-defined guidelines should be established for the investigation and handling of such cases. This would eliminate the need for defense units to resort to taking the law into their own hands, as has happened on numerous occasions in the past. Additionally, the government should prioritize the representation of military personnel in decision-making roles, while fostering stronger ties between the military and civilian officials.
The veteran community can play an even more constructive role. Veterans’ organizations need to rise above internal divisions and act as advocates for the defence forces, lobbying for the rights and dignity of both serving soldiers and retirees. Creating awareness about the military’s sacrifices and history among the general public can go a long way in fostering a culture of respect and recognition.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the entire nation. By honouring its soldiers, India will not only strengthen its military but also fortify its democratic and social fabric, ensuring that the defence forces continue to be a pillar of unity and strength for generations to come.
