IDHAR UDHAR KI BAAT 69- CONCERNS Brig PS Gothra (Retd)
.png)
“Abe bewakoof, dhakan, tum katwa
loge!” (Hey idiot, you’ll get yourself cut!)
exclaimed my village friend Nikka back in 1975 when I told him I was getting a
pair of trousers stitched with a zipper. His concern came from a place of
genuine ignorance—Nikka didn’t know that something called underwear existed. His
reaction amused me and ensured that I never go around without an underwear. So,
I owe him for a life lesson.
I recalled Nikka while listening to a podcast criticizing an MOU. The mix of concern and colorful commentary felt oddly familiar. And surely like Nikka I was not angry with the podcasters for the language used. They were simply doing what they knew best—raising concerns. What troubled me, however, was the superficiality of their analysis. They focused on one narrow issue while ignoring far larger problems, like potential data leaks through popular apps such as Zepto, Swiggy or railway ticket booking platforms. They also failed to mention vulnerabilities in mobile data centers or the risks of credit card information theft. When we feel secure in the end-to-end encryption of the Whatsapp while knowing fully well that some foreigner has the encryption codes. It is something like wearing a hospital gown which leaves your backside uncovered.
It’s the job of journalists to scrutinize and question. But when they overlook systemic issues in favour of easy targets, it feels like either a missed opportunity or a deliberate agenda. For instance, they could have probed why we still cling to the outdated calculation of 42 squadrons of fighter aircraft, even as advancements in air defence systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, long-range missile technology and range of aircraft, redefine warfare. Today even the aircraft like F 35 feel insecure in entering the Iraqi airspace.
They might have also debated the relevance of aircraft carriers when the best fleet in the world feels insecure to enter the Red Sea and the Houthis with their improvisations have been able to target the US warship. The operations of carrier battle group is highly predictable and costly. Or consider the procurement of tanks—machines that have been decimated in numbers in recent conflicts. Seeing them hiding in the vegetation when their tracks can be seen from the air only reminds of an ostrich mentality.
That said, this kind of scrutiny can also risk paralyzing some military leaders, especially those accustomed to unwavering praise—balle balle—from the media. In such cases, criticism could be weaponized to derail progressive MOUs, acting as a convenient "speed breaker" to forward-thinking initiatives.
Speed breakers, to me are the indicators of epidemic cerebral palsy. Have you ever noticed how some stations are riddled with them? They seem almost designed to break the spines of innocent people. With so many engineers and M.Tech graduates among us, it’s baffling that no one has developed a system that targets only the offending, speeding vehicles. Surely, with a bit of innovation, this problem could be solved.
Innovate? Let me share something on the Official Secrets Act. I was talking to an old childhood friend, now an NRI. His suspiciously vast knowledge of military-grade topics piqued my curiosity, so I asked him about his profession. Initially reluctant, he eventually admitted that his work required him to undergo periodic lie-detector tests, so he couldn’t disclose anything. It made me wonder: how effective is the Official Secrets Act of 1923 in today’s world? Long ago, journalists revealed the names of the next Army Commander or Chief days before the official announcement. If secrets like these leak so easily, is the Act (without being backed by technology) still serves the purpose in this age of advanced technology and data breaches?
It’s time for us to move beyond surface-level debates and confront the larger, systemic challenges we face—with innovation, insight, and a willingness to question the status quo.
Note - Your comments and critique (even against the author) please are most welcome. Please do write liberally.
Your observations have hit the nail on the head..
ReplyDeleteThe observations are apt the reason we behave this way is because of are myopic vision.
DeleteVery apt and accurately used vocabulary. The flow glues one from start to end. Lucid and catching narration .
ReplyDeleteThe way you play around with words and present the issue with lots of humour, is commendable. A great effort and thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteVery nicely Articulated Sir and Good Observations Highlighted from your side - Indeed we have to move beyond Surface Levels and Retrospection.
ReplyDeleteNice article bro.It made an informative,interesting n humourous article.☺️
ReplyDeleteWell said!! Humour with substance is Gothra’s forte.
ReplyDeleteInteresting narration
ReplyDeleteI am a regular reader of Idhar Udhar ki Baat which drops into my inbox directly from the author's desk. I must admit I enjoy it thoroughly.
ReplyDeleteLast comment from Ata Hasnain. Could not locate the name input spot here. Don't like being anonymous.
DeleteGood and interesting read 👌
ReplyDeleteAn apt analysis. Superficial knowledge is root cause of disaster. The so called expert's and influencers are banking on the false praises they attain through their followers who have no knowledge. People with vast knowledge of a domain are no expert's on matters related to other domains. The stepping in other people's domain and harping on issues where they hardly have any knowledge is an ideal example set by the self proclaimed intellectuals in that specific podcast. Concerns are good but bullying and bashing inn public domain are undesirable on cost of garnering views followers or money
ReplyDeleteNice article. Few genuine points to ponder. Written with good flow and humour.
ReplyDeleteVery right and aptly worded
ReplyDeleteSo nicely put across...the aspect of having relevant issues for debate, ....carriers or 42 squadrons or tank regiments....how are we managing or how we will improve....the aspect of secrecy...and suddenly every one becomes an expert on defence matters topping it up with liberal use of unparliamentary language to show how comfortable they are in a podcast which is going to be shared in social media...the main issue of providing combatants the ease of use of technology is forgotten....so forget Airbnb, forget Amazon, forget Uber and forget Gmail so that combatants remain in the dark ages....admire and appreciate the way such important issues have been brought into lime light in an interesting manner right at the start with zipper usage in trousers...
ReplyDeleteNice.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Rafale case in the SC, I remember one Judge actually said that there is nothing in the Official Secret Act that says that a copy cannot be made of a Secret document. Forget AI, we have to fight wokism first.
Very Well Brought Out, on The Psychology of Military Incompetence. Nice Write, as Usual.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent article on the issue brought out in the most lucid manner. The criticism by the learned panel was certainly not expressed in the appropriate manner./ language.
ReplyDeleteThought provoking article PSG. With modern day technology you don't know how to harmonise it with old school of thoughts and practices. Well articulated.
ReplyDeleteThought provoking and true. Well said sir
ReplyDeleteVery aptly put
ReplyDelete