Leadership Lessons from the Army

1. Sir, we see that the Indian Army is not very active on social media. Why is that, and is it going to change?

The Army personnel have to be mindful of the machinations of antinational elements and our adversaries to exploit this platform to their advantage. Therefore, while realizing the importance of social media, the Army has allowed the use the social media albeit with some caveats and restrictions.

2. Sir, the Army has a pyramidal structure of hierarchy just like a lot of corporates do. Why, then, are political conflicts considerably less in the Army as compared to large corporates?

The absence of any conflict is essentially due to the fact that Indian Army is a value based organization. Owing to restricted vacancies in each rank, a number of outstanding officers get left out, which is indeed very painful not only for the officers and their families but even for the organization. However, Army has been working assiduously to ensure lateral absorption of these officers into central armed police forces and other agencies of the government. They all are worth their weight in gold as they are disciplined and endowed with all essential attributes, skills and values that any effective leader must possess. You would have seen that all our officers who have joined the Corporate Sector are excelling.

3. As we know sir, disciplining the self and senses is much harder for a corporate than for a member of the Indian Army simply because of the difference in setup and environment. As future corporate leaders, can you give us students some advice for the same?

Discipline hinges on the positive conditioning of the mind, whereby an individual is subconsciously spurred to always choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. It helps resist reckless impulses that take average people astray. It requires building your ‘will power’ and transforming yourself into a valued personality whose conduct is governed always by the time tested values of Integrity, Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Serve and Moral Courage. The values can only be imbibed in earnest if they are consciously lived and practiced. Do spare 20 minutes before going to bed every night to introspect on what all you have done during the day and identify your strengths and weaknesses. While revitalizing your strengths, work diligently on eradicating your weaknesses. It requires unflinching commitment and you have to find time to improve yourself virtually on daily basis. Integrity will make you do what is legally and morally correct and, along with other values, it will help you mould yourself into a disciplined and worthy member of a team, whose behaviour and conduct is flawless at all times.

4. Sir, given the changing political landscape in the country, the youth especially is apprehensive when it comes to joining the Indian Army. Given that India is one of the youngest nations in the world and that our youth is an indispensable asset for our nation’s security, especially in these unsafe times, what can we do to change it?

The Indian Army, given its glorious heritage and enduring traditions, is not just a profession; it is a way of life! It provides great opportunities to those ‘who have it in them’ and are inclined to ‘live a life less-ordinary’. For those who feel that money alone will give them happiness in life, then surely they are knocking at the wrong door. This elite organisation gives you inter-alia, an exceptional lifelong pride and a quality of life that is matchless and priceless.

It’s an organisation where you are nurtured to be a leader of distinction. A leader, who leads by personal example and works whole time to create a team of Tigers and Tigresses, who are taught to never ever give up and ensure success at all costs. Failure is not an option for an Indian soldier. That is why Indian Army is rated amongst the best the world over. I am certain that with my talk, many of you would have got inspired by the unique heritage of this celebrated organisation and will consider joining it after your studies. Remember, the Indian Army remains committed to the personal growth of all its personnel and provides ample opportunities for their all round development. An opportunity is even provided to upgrade your civil qualifications by availing two years paid study leave. Some even get an opportunity to serve abroad besides attending courses of instructions in foreign institutions.

I am certain that the awareness drive being undertaken by the Army will make a dent over a period of time and finally be instrumental in repositioning the military service as a preferred choice for the youth of our country.

This interview has been taken by Darsheeka Singh, a first year PGP Student