[FAO] A Nice Anecdote




Soon after getting freedom from British rule in 1949, the de-facto prime minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru called a meeting of army officers to select the first General of the Indian army.

Nehru proposed, "I think we should appoint a British officer as a General of Indian Army as we don't have enough experience to lead the same."
Having learned under the British, only to serve and rarely to lead, all the civilians and men in uniform present nodded their heads in agreement

However one officer Nathu  Singh Rathore asked for permission to speak.

Nehru was a bit taken aback by the independent streak of the officer, he asked him to speak freely.

Rathore said ,"You see, sir, we don't have enough experience to lead a nation too,  so shouldn't we appoint a British person as first Prime Minister of India?"

You could hear a pin drop.

After a pregnant pause, Nehru asked Rathore, "Are you ready to be the first General of The Indian Army ?"

Rathore declined the offer saying "Sir, we have a very talented army officer, my senior, Lt. Gen. Cariappa, who is the most deserving among us."

This is how the brilliant Gen. Cariappa became the first General  and Rathore the first ever Lt. General of the Indian Army.

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The characteristic of courage with a sense of duty and honour displayed by Lt. Gen. Rathore, unfortunately is increasingly rare to find, even in our armed forces.

Sent By A FAO Member


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