Success starts with confidence

Year: 1947, few months after Independence of India from British Rule

Location: Indian Army HQ, New Delhi

Agenda of Meeting: Top-Secret (To select the first Indian as General of Indian Army)

Attendees: Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Baldev Singh (First Defence Minister), Nehru's close confidants and political advisers and Indian Army Top Brass.

Prelude: Nehru is skeptical of appointing an Indian Officer as Chief of Indian Army Staff.

Jawahar Lal Nehru: “I think we should appoint a Britisher as a General of Indian Army as we don't have enough experience to lead our Nation.” Immediately, the room was filled with murmurs and each of his political advisers take turns voicing their support to Nehru. Suddenly, a senior Army officer spoke: “I have a point, Sir.” (All eyes turn towards the speaker to find out who has the courage to challenge Nehru).

Jawahar Lal Nehru (visibly displeased): “Yes, Officer. Speak Freely!"

Indian Army Officer: “You see, Sir, we Indians don't have enough experience to lead our Nation, then, shouldn't we appoint a Britisher as India’s first Prime Minister?” There was a stifling silence in the room.

Jawahar Lal Nehru (trying to control his anger): “What's on your mind? Do you want to be the first General of Indian Army?”

Indian Army Officer: “No Sir, we have a very talented army officer, my senior General K.M.Cariappa, who is the most deserving among us.”

The army officer who had the courage to voice a counter suggestion against Jawahar Lal Nehru's wishes, was Lt. General Nathu Singh Rathore, the first Lt. General of the Indian Army. 

And thus, came to pass, the selection of then Major General Cariappa as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, scheduled to replace General Sir Roy Bucher as Chief of Indian Army Staff. Finally, on 15 January 1949 Cariappa was appointed as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

This particular day, every year, is now celebrated as Army Day.

Let us all be proud to be Indian. Indians are outshining all other foreign nationals in the field of management, science, technology, medicine etc. Remember success is based on confidence and belief so have your confidence in India and do your best and India will become great!!!