IDHAR UDHAR KI BAAT 91- QUEST TO SOUND INTELLIGENT - Brig PS Gothra (Retd)
Back in 1973 the war of 71 was fresh in the minds of people of Punjab. Whenever my father (a Captain saab then) would come on leave, the next morning four or five old people would come to meet him. My father, a true fauji sanskaari son, would touch their feet. They then would sit in our baithak (drawing room). Over a cup of tea someone would ask, “Gurbaksh Ladai te nahin lagan wali? (I hope there is not going to be war).”
And then they would listen to my father very intently for about half an hour. I could guess that my father was talking sense as I saw the beards of all of them moving in the same plane. I felt proud when I saw these same set of old men sit under the banyan tree and discuss in a wider group what Gurbaksh had to say.
I later realized that the concern for war was because every household had a serving soldier. They wanted to know what the army officer had to say. But it made me think of growing up and look intelligent like my father.
As a 7-year-old soldier-in-the-making, I wanted to sound just as wise. So, I sneaked into my father’s reading pile. All I could grasp were three intimidating, all-caps words: NATO, SEATO, CENTO. The only thing I figured was—“TO” at the end must be something important.
Then, I joined the Army. Became a Major. Fought in Manipur and Sri Lanka. But my audience? No beard movement. No nodding. Just blank stares, like someone watching a 240p YouTube video in a 5G world.
Apparently, wisdom doesn’t come with rank. So I studied, cleared Staff College, commanded a unit. And then I got into a temporary depression. In the weekly joint intelligence committee meetings the subject dealt by me was discussed just after the discussion on inputs from Afghanistan and Middle East. Since the same vehicle had to carry us I used to move with Director MI 5 and sit behind to listen to discussions. In those sessions I got a lots of inferiority complex as I observed that most of the people knew those countries like the back of their hand.
When I express my admiration, the Director MI 5 said, “It is all from the STRATFOR.”
“Wah! Is that a wing of R&AW?”
He laughed, “No, no. It’s open-source intelligence platform. Basically current affairs with a cooler name. We just act like it’s classified.”
I realised that people are faking to look intelligent.
I decided, finally that I’ll sound intelligent on TV after my retirement.
But dreams shattered faster than a WhatsApp forward’s credibility. A foreign guest visiting my house pointed to a TV panelist, “I don’t know Hindi, but I can tell—this guy is talking high-volume nonsense. What’s his name?”
I gave the name, quietly skipping the rank. Thank God it was a Hindi channel—the foreigner couldn’t read the text on screen.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, these panelists turned worse. According to their logic, India should’ve had a border with Iran by now. Thankfully, we have a sensible government that didn’t fall for decibel diplomacy and instead launched Op Sindhoor—measured, effective, and diplomatically sound.
Baring a few most of the panelist talk through their hat to suit the agenda setting of the media houses. Thank God the country has respect for the forces. As a result people don’t refute the logic put by these panelists. For example, someone was able to propel the narrative of infiltrations abetted by cease fire violations. The audience very well knows that the infiltration can be intercepted by the second or third tier which is not affected by the ceasefire violation.
In all this media noise, I didn’t hear a single solid suggestion to stop terrorism.
But yesterday, a fellow veteran called. His advice was sharp, grounded, and real. The only issue? He doesn’t want his name out.
So, in the next episode, I’ll share it as: “Kadvi Baat” – bitter, bold, and to the point.
Note:- I know the actual intelligent people want to be anonymous. So please drop your comments as anonymous.
#FaujiDiaries #ArmyLifeStories #VeteranVoices #FaujiDiaries #ArmyLifeStories #VeteranVoice #MediaMadness #DecibelDiplomacy #TVKeExperts #IdharUdharTales #KadviBaatComingSoon
So true sir. All on point. Divisions within course unit regimental gps abound. No one sensible anywhere. Media is untrustworthy. Reminds one of the total brainwashed Nazis.
ReplyDeleteWar is the imposition of one's will over the other . Unless that aim is achieved , there's no point in starting a war . Just inflicting some loss on the adversary is meaning less unless there's some dividend. In a shorter conflict, Pakistan may be able to keep up it's appearances and both sides will impose losses on each other . That serves the Pakistani agenda and not ours.
ReplyDeleteIndia with its much larger & robust economy, large industrial base , strategic depth, more potent conventional as well as nuclear arsenal ( Pakistan lacks nuclear triad and second strike capabilities), better missile defence would benefit by prolonging the conflict. Each day of fighting will push the Pakistani economy in to ground. We don't even need to win the conventional war , we just need to keep the conflict alive . Instead of de escalation , we need to keep it on and continue the attrition. Take out their missile defence & Air defence with stand off weapons. Slowly strip them naked .
Keep the conflict at the present level and keep prolonging it .We can make up our losses , they can't . This is what the allies in WW II did to the Germans . It was the German economy which could no longer sustain the German Armed forces and war.
This is exactly what Pakistan need. Slow tightening of their balls in a vice . One turn every day ..till they scream enough!
The Pakistani economy will bring down their war fighting capabilities with each passing day . Blockade the Arabian sea and limit their oil and other military imports .keep hitting everyday persistently but without committing too many resources. Whole of Pakistan would get involved, whereas in India , other than North and Western Parts it would be business as usual. We can absorb it .
Use water ( deny/ flood) to damage their food security, embolden the Pakhtoons and Balochis to drain them further . Try to buy Pakistani elites with money to serve own agenda . Pay agents in Dubai , cash to assassinate important leaders .
Food prices will sky rocket, essential items will run short, fuel and ammunition will reach dangerous low level in a fortnight.
We shouldn't be in a hurry to wrap things up and de escalate.
Infact we should keep talking about deescalation and should neither escalate not de escalate.
Just keep at it till they are ground down by their failing , economy, domestic unrest , anarchy ......their own population will finish our job for us .
My two bits ....nm
These panelists are such a huge embarrassment, I feel so uneasy watching these idiots in the company of civilians. knowledge is substituted by jingoism, nonsense, immaturity and idiotic utterances. For credibility they wear side caps,medals and their home made versions of the uniform. Most of them are fat , morbidly obese , pickled in alcohol and totally devoid of any intellectual prowess. Instead of spending time in TV studios spewing non sense , it would be nice if they used that precious commodity in reading, and sharpening their understanding and wit in articulating matters military.
ReplyDeleteThey are like leaches, constantly sucking the blood of Armed Forces, drawing sustenance from the use of rank, side caps, medals and other fauji inspired paraphernalia.
I wish , stupidity was a cognisable offense . Unfortunately, there is no law against being an idiot .
nm
Tipu very true. I suggest you avoid being a penalist. Because you will speak the truth and the channels nuisance value will go down. None of your fault it is in family's blood. Calling spade a spade and too more vociferously.
ReplyDeleteNow I know and it's no wonder, you could not be a spokesperson.
ReplyDeletePanelists and journalists give such trajectory of conflict that common man is confused about the options and the outcomes. All should be taken out of TV screens and sent to borders.
ReplyDeleteVETRANS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM BECOMING PENALIST ON ANY TV CHANNEL. THERE ARE PRO'S AND OTHER MEANS FOR SERVICES TO PUT ACROSS THEIR POINT, IF AND WHEN REQUIRED.
ReplyDeleteTruth expressed in clear words. During our younger years, one could hear with authority " I have read this in newspaper or I have heard on radio" as luckily TV was missing. Imagine how intelligent panelist claims to know everything, at time one knows one odd penalist personally and get surprised how suddenly this penalist dressed with a side cap and tie has become so intelligent! Media wants to be on air 24 hrs. Panic created by media is another dimension of the warfare.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteVery true
Due to these penalist I have stopped watching News.
Certainly blaring is what has become the norm and those who can't are not their.
Rhetoric is selling or to say being sold. Setting wrong narrative for the younger generation.
Wars are fought by people on ground and not by people sitting in studios or drawing rooms
The so called experts are now paid participants required for the discussion and generate TRP.
Sir,
ReplyDeleteI strongly feel that two types of TV shows should be banned, specially during such times. Firstly comments by Def panelists Secondly "Debates" between spokespersons of various Political parties.
End state..that's what we are all taught. Even if we annihilate Pak terrorism will not stop.The mind set needs to be changed and that's only possible if Pak gets a tall leader.Till then India too needs to keep growing so that Pak the pygmy gets bled trying to match India.
ReplyDeleteLess said about the panelists...exceptions are always there
I cringe whenever I see veterans with with fauji side caps regimental ties & large handlebar moustaches engaging in meaningless jingoistic banter . Such people have little to show when they were actually serving. I get scared hoping they do not make a fool of themselfs & spoil the reputation of our blessed armed forces.
ReplyDeleteIn this regard, there are basically TWO types of faujis...especially amongst the Officer lot.
ReplyDeleteONES - Who are stoic and carry the Can to the best of their abilities. They absorb the full impact of the role and responsibilities endured during their innings in the Army. And thank almighty for coming out in one piece at the other end.
TWOS - Who are always in the cameo role. Even when things get hot, they are always under some kinda protection. And most often then not, they rise up to few notches above their true worth. One thing that distinguishes them is their flavored opinions on almost any fauji facet of life... (Recall AMC Gen talking tactics on TV as a panelist).
Now of-course, with social media - their powers and presence are magnified a million times.
But the distraction and damage they bring in to the meditative requirement of a good Military mind is perhaps beyond them. They do have a damaging affect on the serving lot.
So a great theme to broach upon, PS!
It is really embarassing to watch many of our fauzi panelists. Unfortunately there are not many civlian experts out there. Media is a business based on TPRs and in today's world of jingo nationalism it serves well.
ReplyDeleteVeterans should keep there operational knowledge to themselves rather than showing off on media which our adversaries are monitoring. Unknowingly you compromise too much data to them.
ReplyDeleteWell analyzed Psy of Fuzed Bulbs.The biggest problem is the Termites, eating away our strength. The recent steps of Govt to throw out illegal Pakis and Bangladeshis etc should be taken to a logical conclusion. Next two steps are helping creation of Balouchistan and Arakan State. If not done, we will keep on jumping from one crisis to another. Meanwhile, our own people will intensify Candle Marches to support all illegal Migrants. Better hurry up with CAA,NRC,UCC. All the best to Modi.
ReplyDeleteIn 24x7 news channel environment, they have to fill up slots. Our veterans grab this opportunity to get some spot light. They should maint decorum and exhibit true knowledge without compromising technical, tactical aspects of weaponry and battle fighting..Watching news channels, in any case need guts now a days
ReplyDeleteSo true.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when the uniform symbolised discipline, silence in the face of noise, and dignity in the face of chaos.
ReplyDeleteToday, some of its former wearers are turning prime-time television into a theatre of the absurd. From loud, theatrical monologues to revealing sensitive military strategies, a group of retired Indian armed forces officers have taken to the screen in a manner that not only belittles their own legacy but also erodes the image of the Indian Armed Forces on national and global platforms.
The Hunger for Limelight
A growing number of retired officers have become household names—not because of their operational brilliance, but because of their over-the-top, jingoistic, and often crass performances on television debates.
Screaming matches, misplaced analogies, and war cries have replaced thoughtful analysis.
What drives this? A clear hunger to stay relevant, to be seen, to be heard—at any cost.
In this pursuit of celebrity, they behave less like veterans of disciplined institutions and more like out-of-work film extras auditioning for the next jingoistic drama.
Uniforms for Ratings
Many of these officers shamelessly flout the military’s laid-down guidelines, appearing on news channels wearing parts of their uniform—berets, medals, badges—despite explicit regulations prohibiting such behaviour post-retirement.
These props are used not as reminders of duty or sacrifice, but as tools of branding—meant to lend an air of legitimacy to their otherwise shallow, performative rhetoric.
This is not just undignified. It’s a breach of ethos. The uniform is not a costume.
Op Sindoor and the Misuse of Legacy
Take the recent debates around Operation Sindoor—a sensitive and classified operation, now suddenly the subject of reckless speculation on television panels.
Retired officers have taken to public platforms, “explaining” strategies, possible troop movements, weapon systems, and even policy rationale.
They forget that this isn’t a war game in a studio. These are real operations, with real lives and national interests at stake.
Such commentary not only compromises operational secrecy, but also sets a dangerous precedent where service veterans become liabilities instead of upholders of institutional sanctity.
No Longer the Voice of the Forces
Let this be clear: these individuals no longer speak for the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
They are chasing relevance, not acting as emissaries of service ethos.
The armed forces speak through their actions, not through expletive-laden rants on news channels.
The constant need to posture, perform, and provoke has made some of these once-respected figures objects of ridicule even within military circles.
Ask any serving officer or veteran quietly watching from the sidelines—the respect is gone.
A New Breed of Media Mercenaries
Some of these officers now view themselves as public figures, influencers even—commenting on politics, film stars, and foreign policy with the confidence of someone who’s never been contradicted.
They crave the adulation, the reposts, the speaking engagements.
But with every shout and every insult, they are not raising the stature of the armed forces—they are dragging it into the gutters of television theatrics.
Silence is Sometimes the Loudest Honour. it pains me to write this. But it needs to be said.
Dignity is not in decibels. Credibility is not in costume. And the military legacy cannot be auctioned for television ratings.
It is time the Ministry of Defence, service headquarters, and even the media took a stand.
The uniform deserves silence, not spectacle.
And veterans must remember that fading from the spotlight with dignity is far more honourable than remaining in it through disgrace.
Thank you for the exhaustive analysis.
ReplyDelete