Thread by @Manik_M_Jolly

I personally have lot of respect of Mr @ARanganathan72, especially for his panache with stats and facts to counter rhetorics. But I guess in this debate, he needs to understand that Army itself as an Organization is a fact, result and performance based Organization. The end game

https://twitter.com/aranganathan72/status/1440186603314429961

will always be to be a ruthless war machine and win every battle. Whatever makes that happen, let’s do it ! In same breath, Caste based Regiments have proven their success since the time British created them. Even they followed the same principle. We don’t look deeply enough but

even they have Scot regiments etc. And they took Gurkhas exactly in same manner as it existed, in British Army, till present day to maintain the same principles, as mentioned ahead :
1. Infantry units at the face of it are one caste. But even within them, units and sub units

cater for sub castes etc. This ensures that during peace and war, homogeneity and cordial relations amongst troops exist, removing any clash based on culture, language, food etc.
2. India is exceptionally and most diverse country. We cannot even understand language from other

states and even food and culture can be a issue. Pure Brahmin units / sub units can’t be forced to eat in kitchens where meat is being cooked. Sikhs can’t be forced to share barracks with troops who are smoking, etc etc. Troops living in culturally cordial environment will

always be better soldiers in wars, because it’s all about coordination with next guy. If there is already discontent over such issues, it’ll only be enhanced during stressful situations.
3. Language is another major factor. Majority of Indian troops are recruited from rural India

with basic education. They cannot be expected to know any language other than their native / mother tongue. To impart training is much easier and practical in common language. Imagine trying to teach a group of Naga, Gurkha, Sikh, Tamil and Maratha in same squad. Again,

efficiency is the name of the game. Army has to create efficient and result oriented methods and not get consumed by caste politics.

4. While we can blame that British created these regiments, but over the time this system has proven its worthiness. Pax Britannica wasn’t

achieved by fanciful notions; but decades and centuries of learning from wars and battles, and evolving an extremely efficient Army. Independent India found value in this system and continued to follow it. It helps recruitment, training and day to day functioning. Troops from

same area, state, district, caste, village etc tend to bond better and fight better. The rallying war cries boils the blood to charge for all equally, as long as it’s motivating to them. It’ll be immature to think that a leader shouts “Jai Mahakaali, Aayo Gorkhali” (war cry of

my regiment, the Gurkhas) and it’ll charge up Marathas, Sikhs, Assamese too. Every single thing in Infantry regiments is aimed at better performance in war and peace.

For whatever it’s worth, Artillery, Armoured, Engineers, etc and all services also recruit from all castes and

religions, but even they have mixed and pure units/batteries / regiments/ squadrons. There is Bengal and Bombay Sappers.

This debate started due to irresponsible tweets from some veterans and journalists in wake of political movements in Punjab. The timing of these tweets

is clearly politically motivated and dragged Armed Forces into it. There is absolutely no Organization more secular ( in true sense, not the vote bank sense) than Defence forces. The officers who join them, for the rest of their lives, will always be known by the caste of

Regiment they joined, and not by the one they were born into. A Jat officer joining Maratha will always be a Maratha or a Tamil officer joining Jat regiment will be known and addressed to as ‘Jat’ by his peers or seniors etc.

When we see different regiments, we don’t see a

caste divide, we see the ferocious soldiers of that regiment who fought and won us battles and glories. When we interact with different, we joke, we learn, we have their food, follow their routine and wish them best for next fight. The reason this debate is taking off is the

difference of perceptions. People who have not served with Army tend to view it differently than those who have lived decades in uniform.

If you’re want Army to perform and win wars, the way it has done for long, let them decide what’s best for them. I can still understand an

argument and debate over why India should buy X tank versus Y. But to question the basic functioning, ethos and principles of Armed forces is hitting at the only people who’ve served behind the call and at expense of their lives. And this motivation and excellence soles only

because the Army is the way it is.

Army comes from the same pool of population and cultures that we all live in. And yet it’s proved that it can create an exceptionally solid and performing Organization, which includes all cultures, languages, religions, castes etc and yet

not let it divide them, but strengthen each other. No political party, leader or government has been able to achieve that. That should be clear indication that we are doing something right.

It’s only these men and women, wearing uniforms and pledged to protect India that stand

between you and country’s enemies. Such debates really hurt their morale, as is evident from veterans sparking against it. Celebrate their dedication and salute their bravery. Let’s not poke the Organization where it’s not required. Imagine a country without THIS Army!

Sorry for many typos. I should learn to review after I’ve written 🙏