1
A man of unshakeable principles, Thimayya offered his resignation on atleast three occasions before 1947. On two occasions, he was counselled by his British seniors who were gracious enough to concede his concerns were genuine, as also guiding him that these didn't merit ..
A man of unshakeable principles, Thimayya offered his resignation on atleast three occasions before 1947. On two occasions, he was counselled by his British seniors who were gracious enough to concede his concerns were genuine, as also guiding him that these didn't merit ..
2
.. throwing away a promising career.
Then there was one occasion when he had a chance to meet Motilal Nehru sometime in the 30s in the peak of nationalist fervour. Once again an offer to resign his commission in favour of joining the nationalist movement was made by ..
.. throwing away a promising career.
Then there was one occasion when he had a chance to meet Motilal Nehru sometime in the 30s in the peak of nationalist fervour. Once again an offer to resign his commission in favour of joining the nationalist movement was made by ..
3
.. Thimayya. Motilal Nehru advised him against doing so stating that after independence, the nation would need a professional army to safeguard its borders and to that end, experienced officers would be needed too.
Thus, whenever his professionalism / conscience was thought ..
.. Thimayya. Motilal Nehru advised him against doing so stating that after independence, the nation would need a professional army to safeguard its borders and to that end, experienced officers would be needed too.
Thus, whenever his professionalism / conscience was thought ..
4
.. to be in question, he decided on the honourable way out - by offering to resign, rather than compromise on his values. However, things never went as far as he actually submitting a resignation because of understanding superiors who counselled him well.
.. to be in question, he decided on the honourable way out - by offering to resign, rather than compromise on his values. However, things never went as far as he actually submitting a resignation because of understanding superiors who counselled him well.
5
In 1959 too, a situation arose wherein he realized his professional opinion was at a variance with that of the political masters.
Once again he decided to resign, and sent his resignation to the then govt of independent India.
Remember, this was the FIRST time he actually ..
In 1959 too, a situation arose wherein he realized his professional opinion was at a variance with that of the political masters.
Once again he decided to resign, and sent his resignation to the then govt of independent India.
Remember, this was the FIRST time he actually ..
6
.. sent his resignation since the channels of communication with superiors were not open. In fact, when Thimayya approached the PM directly to apprise him of his professional advice which was at variance with the then Raksha Mantri, the said Minister actually threatened his ..
.. sent his resignation since the channels of communication with superiors were not open. In fact, when Thimayya approached the PM directly to apprise him of his professional advice which was at variance with the then Raksha Mantri, the said Minister actually threatened his ..
7
.. Chief of Army Staff of political repercussions over this.
Incidentally at about the same time, Gen Manekshaw himself was under investigation for being an 'anglophile', and by implication, an anti-national.
.. Chief of Army Staff of political repercussions over this.
Incidentally at about the same time, Gen Manekshaw himself was under investigation for being an 'anglophile', and by implication, an anti-national.
8
It was after this humiliation by the Raksha Mantri that Thimayya tendered his resignation 'in response to the Defence Minister's discourteous behaviour and repeated refusal to consider his plans for better preparation of the army'.
Nehru called Thimayya and ..
It was after this humiliation by the Raksha Mantri that Thimayya tendered his resignation 'in response to the Defence Minister's discourteous behaviour and repeated refusal to consider his plans for better preparation of the army'.
Nehru called Thimayya and ..
9
.. persuaded him to withdraw his resignation in larger interests of the nation, which Thimayya did.
However, the news of his resignation soon leaked out and amid much furore in the Parliament, the Prime Minister trivialized the whole issue by saying ..
.. persuaded him to withdraw his resignation in larger interests of the nation, which Thimayya did.
However, the news of his resignation soon leaked out and amid much furore in the Parliament, the Prime Minister trivialized the whole issue by saying ..
10
.. that the COAS had resigned on "issues trivial and of no consequences which had arisen out of temperamental conflict", effectively humiliating him.
Thus a once proud soldier was broken.
It was a hearbroken Thimayya that ultimately retired in due course, just ahead of the ..
.. that the COAS had resigned on "issues trivial and of no consequences which had arisen out of temperamental conflict", effectively humiliating him.
Thus a once proud soldier was broken.
It was a hearbroken Thimayya that ultimately retired in due course, just ahead of the ..
11
.. inevitable conflict with China that he had foreseen & had cried himself hoarse wanting the army to be suitably equipped for.
His letter to the officers of the Indian Army on eve of he relinquishing command was pessimistic, to say the least, and at the same time, prophetic.
.. inevitable conflict with China that he had foreseen & had cried himself hoarse wanting the army to be suitably equipped for.
His letter to the officers of the Indian Army on eve of he relinquishing command was pessimistic, to say the least, and at the same time, prophetic.
12/12
The national humiliation of 1962 was just a matter of time.
This, in a nutshell is the story of how the career of one of the finest soldiers ever produced by this land came to an end.
He was never the same after the humiliation heaped upon him.
The national humiliation of 1962 was just a matter of time.
This, in a nutshell is the story of how the career of one of the finest soldiers ever produced by this land came to an end.
He was never the same after the humiliation heaped upon him.
