Indian Army | Lt. General Anil Malik (retd.) | TEDxAhlconIntlSchool

Summary

The speaker reflects on his experience in the Indian Army, highlighting the unique sense of duty and camaraderie that drives soldiers to make the ultimate sacrifice. He emphasizes that being in the army is more than a profession—it's a way of life, where the sense of belonging to a larger family and the nation's support allows soldiers to focus on their mission. The speaker also calls for greater recognition and respect for soldiers from the public, noting how such gestures can significantly motivate them.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker reflects on their school experience from fifty years ago, highlighting the traditional method of learning different subjects separately and feeling confused by the end of the day.
• 🤩 The speaker is impressed by the current education system at the school they are visiting, finding it fascinating and well-structured.
• 🎖️ With 38 years of service in the Indian Army, the speaker discusses the daily challenges and the sense of purpose and duty that comes with being part of the military.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 The speaker shares their personal background, coming from an army family, and expresses pride in the values and discipline instilled by the military, despite their own children not joining the army.
• 🛡️ The speaker emphasizes that the Indian Army is more than just a job or profession; it is a way of life and a large, supportive family that takes care of its members.
• 🇮🇳 The speaker discusses the motivation behind a soldier's willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice, driven by the knowledge that their family and loved ones will be cared for by the nation and their comrades.
• 🏔️ The speaker describes the challenging environments where the Indian Army operates, such as high-altitude glaciers, dense jungles, and deserts, emphasizing the soldiers' commitment to their mission.
• 💪 The speaker highlights the role of inspiration and mental strength in the army, where soldiers are constantly reminded of the heroic acts of their predecessors and are motivated to uphold those standards.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of the support system provided by army wives and the broader community is stressed, ensuring that soldiers can focus on their duties without worrying about their families.
• 👏 The speaker calls for greater public recognition and respect for soldiers, suggesting simple gestures like acknowledging them in public places, which can significantly boost their morale.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial impression of the traditional education system?

The speaker felt that the traditional education system was disjointed and confusing, with different subjects being poured into students' minds without coherence, leaving them confused by the end of the day.

What has impressed the speaker about the current educational system?

The speaker is impressed by how the current educational system is more integrated and holistic, focusing not just on academic knowledge but on the overall development of students.

What personal background does the speaker share about his life in the army?

The speaker mentions serving in the army for 38 years, coming from an army family, and facing daily challenges that taught him to be part of a larger cause.

Why does the speaker believe that the Indian Army is more than just a job or profession?

The speaker believes the Indian Army is a way of life and a large family. Soldiers are committed to a cause bigger than themselves, knowing their families will be cared for by the community.

What does the speaker mean by saying, 'the Indian Army works in hostile environments'?

The speaker refers to the challenging conditions in which the Indian Army operates, such as the high-altitude glaciers of Siachen, dense jungles in the Northeast, and harsh deserts.

How does the Indian Army instill the value of sacrifice in its soldiers?

The Indian Army instills the value of sacrifice by exposing soldiers to stories of courage and valor, honoring heroes who have laid down their lives, and creating an environment where soldiers feel part of a mission larger than themselves.

What role do army wives play according to the speaker?

Army wives play a crucial role in supporting families of soldiers, ensuring that those left behind feel supported and allowing soldiers to focus on their duties without worrying about their families' well-being.

What is the purpose of the Army Welfare Education Society, as mentioned by the speaker?

The Army Welfare Education Society is designed to provide educational opportunities for soldiers' children and support the families of those who serve, ensuring that they receive a quality education and care.

What are the challenges faced by soldiers who have become disabled, according to the speaker?

Disabled soldiers face significant challenges, including physical and emotional trauma. The army has systems to support these soldiers, ensuring they receive the necessary care and assistance.

What does the speaker suggest civilians can do to show respect to soldiers?

The speaker suggests that civilians can show respect to soldiers by recognizing their service, such as allowing them to board planes first or giving them special recognition in public places, as a way to boost their morale and self-esteem.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Reflecting on Education and Army Life

The speaker begins by reminiscing about their school days, comparing the traditional educational experience to the dynamic and holistic approach he witnessed at the school he's currently visiting. He expresses admiration for the school's methods and reflects on his 38-year career in the Union Army, emphasizing the daily challenges and the sense of being part of a larger cause. He ponders the differences in life paths among schoolmates, some of whom became entrepreneurs, while others joined the military. The speaker highlights the unique lifestyle and camaraderie of the Indian Army, which he believes is not just a job but a way of life, and a family that supports its members, ensuring their dedication to their missions.

05:02

🏔️ The Indian Army's Challenging Environments and Support Systems

The speaker discusses the diverse and harsh environments in which the Indian Army operates, such as high-altitude glaciers, dense jungles, and deserts. He emphasizes the army's role during natural disasters and calamities, highlighting their commitment to serving the nation. The speaker stresses the importance of mental conditioning for soldiers to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country. He also talks about the inspirational stories of courage and valor that are shared within the army to motivate soldiers. The speaker mentions the significant role of army wives in supporting families and the various welfare and educational institutions established by the army to ensure the well-being of soldiers' families, including those of disabled soldiers and fallen heroes.

10:05

🏅 The Importance of Self-Esteem and National Recognition for Soldiers

In this paragraph, the speaker focuses on the concept of self-esteem within the military context, explaining how soldiers derive pride from their units and the recognition they receive from the nation. He shares an anecdote about the Prime Minister's appeal for the nation to respect soldiers and the example of how soldiers are treated with honor in the United States, such as being given priority boarding on flights. The speaker encourages the audience to show similar respect and recognition to soldiers in their daily lives, arguing that such gestures significantly boost soldiers' morale and motivation. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for civilians to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Keywords

💡Education System

The education system refers to the organized structure through which knowledge and skills are imparted to students. In the video, the speaker reflects on his own school experience, which he describes as a disjointed process of learning various subjects without a cohesive educational approach. He contrasts this with the more holistic and engaging educational environment he observes at the school he visits, which he finds 'absolutely fascinating'.

💡Union Army

The Union Army refers to the military force that fought for the United States of America during the American Civil War. The speaker mentions his 38-year service in the army, emphasizing the daily challenges and the sense of being part of a larger cause. This concept is used to draw parallels with the dedication and commitment required in the military and the values instilled in soldiers.

💡Motivation

Motivation is the internal drive that encourages individuals to take action towards achieving a goal. The speaker discusses how motivation is crucial for soldiers, who must be willing to make the 'supreme sacrifice' for their country. He highlights that the Indian Army is not just a job but a way of life that motivates its members to perform their duties selflessly.

💡Family

In the context of the video, 'family' symbolizes the support system and sense of belonging that soldiers experience within the military. The speaker mentions that soldiers are reassured that their families will be taken care of, which allows them to focus on their missions. This concept is also extended to the broader community, including army wives and the families of fallen soldiers.

💡Supreme Sacrifice

The term 'supreme sacrifice' is used to describe the ultimate act of selflessness where a soldier gives up his life for his country. The speaker reflects on the mindset required to make such a sacrifice and how the military instills this sense of duty and honor in its soldiers.

💡Hostile Environments

Hostile environments refer to the challenging and dangerous conditions that soldiers often operate in, such as high-altitude glaciers, dense jungles, or deserts. The speaker mentions these environments to illustrate the resilience and adaptability of the Armed Forces and the sacrifices they make in the line of duty.

💡Natural Calamities

Natural calamities are disasters caused by natural processes of the Earth, such as floods and earthquakes. The speaker points out that soldiers are often the first responders in such situations, highlighting their role in disaster relief and the broader societal impact of their service.

💡Army Welfare Education Society

The Army Welfare Education Society is an organization within the Indian Army that focuses on the educational and welfare needs of army personnel and their families. The speaker discusses the society's role in establishing schools and educational institutions to ensure the well-being of soldiers' children and the families of those who did not return from duty.

💡Self-Esteem

Self-esteem refers to an individual's sense of self-worth and confidence. The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-esteem for soldiers, who derive pride and motivation from their units and the recognition of their service by the nation.

💡Respect for Soldiers

The concept of respect for soldiers is highlighted by the speaker when he mentions the Prime Minister's appeal for the nation to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by military personnel. He uses examples such as优先登机 for soldiers and public acknowledgment as ways in which society can show its gratitude and respect for their service.

Highlights

The speaker reflects on their school experience, describing it as overwhelming and confusing due to the varied subjects being taught.

The speaker expresses admiration for the current education system, calling it fascinating and noting the positive changes they've observed.

With 38 years in the Union Army, the speaker emphasizes the lifelong learning and challenges faced each day in the military.

The speaker ponders why different individuals, despite similar backgrounds, pursue vastly different careers, such as entrepreneurship versus the military.

A key insight is shared: the Indian Army is not just a job but a way of life, fostering a deep sense of family and responsibility among its members.

The speaker highlights the soldier's motivation to lay down their life, driven by the knowledge that their family and country will support them in their absence.

The Indian Army's focus is on creating a sense of belonging and security for soldiers, allowing them to concentrate on their missions.

The speaker explains that the army instills courage and valor in soldiers by exposing them to stories of past heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The role of army wives is emphasized as crucial in supporting the soldiers' families, ensuring they don't have to worry about home while on duty.

The Army Welfare Education Society is mentioned as a key institution, providing education and care for soldiers' children and families.

The speaker addresses the importance of caring for disabled soldiers and the families of those who did not return, highlighting the army's commitment to its members.

A significant point is made about soldiers' pride in their units, which often motivates them more than abstract concepts like nationalism.

The speaker recalls Prime Minister Modi's appeal to the nation to respect soldiers, including initiatives like first boarding on flights and public recognition.

The speaker underscores the importance of acknowledging soldiers' contributions, suggesting that public recognition can be a powerful motivator.

The transcript concludes with the idea that a soldier's self-esteem and sense of being valued are critical to their motivation and commitment.

Transcripts

[Music]

you know when I went to school some

fifty years back my experience of school

was only that somebody would come open

your head in the morning or in some

contents of chemistry then another guy

will come and put pour in some physics

and then you'd probably add some English

to it shake you up and by the evening

you all confused as to what you learned

but what I've seen here this body is

absolutely fascinating I didn't know the

education system which I always wondered

what I mean are they doing the right

things I'm absolutely floored by what I

have seen here at the school despotic

and it's it's great pleasure and honor

to be here today

well I 38 years in the Union Army it's a

lifetime a lifetime which every morning

had a different challenge every morning

you learn something new you realize that

you were part of a bigger system a part

of a cause which we all reached out to

there's often a question which used to

come to my mind as a child I was born

into an army family my dad was also in

the army

unfortunately both my sons decided to

desert me and didn't join the army right

but that notwithstanding I always felt

that why is it that I sat at the same

class in school with somebody else who

today is an entrepreneur I found

somebody from my own school here this

morning right also realized that an army

Jovan he starts his journey from the

same village which most of us grew up

with they went to the same system they

went through the same cause they had the

same concerns

their parents back home their children

back home their wives the children who

never saw their pair dad for their

birthdays for the Diwali 's and their

Holy's then how is it that this man when

he came from the same stock went from

the same schools and learnt the same

lessons how is it that he has grown up

into a man who's willing to lay down his

life you know motivation we all do

motivation every organization but how is

it that a person gets motivated to lay

down his life to make the supreme

sacrifice to be able to know that when

every morning when he gets up when he

goes out on a mission when he steps out

of his bunker or from his bed he may not

return home the reason as I grew up

growing up in service and I analyzed and

I understood was that the Indian Army is

not a job it's not a profession it's a

way of life it's a large family as the

principal said sometime back the school

is one family so are we a family that

soldier has been brought up in a manner

that he knows that tomorrow when he does

not get back home his wife his children

are going to be taken care of because

they know that all of you this nation

stands behind them so therefore his

focus that shifts on to the mission that

he's given he knows that somebody is

going to take care of his wife somebody

is going to take care of his parents who

are old they have the same problem which

every parent has right his children he

it's can he also has concerned that will

my child get admission in the school

will he grow up to be a good human being

but then he knows that everybody stand

behind him and that's why the focus in

the Armed Forces is to make a soldier

feel part of that family that large

family which is going to take care of

him so that he can forget his concerns

and move on to the do the mission that

he's been assigned it's not a very

simple job I can't tell him in the

morning it's not important that where

they can run or he can climb a rope or

not what is more important is to change

his mental mindset to bring him on to

make that supreme sacrifice which the

nation wants him to do the Indian army

works in hostile environments some of

these images that you see in front of

you are areas with the Armed Forces

operate we have the glaciers of seocheon

21,000 feet above sea level

you have the dense jungles in the

Northeast you have the deserts these are

not areas which scared man he is there

when you have floods he is there when

you have the earthquake in utter Kashi

he's there when any kind of natural

calamities take place he's there because

he understands that there is a bigger

cause for which this organization has

been designed and where we have achieved

what standards and what the nation

expected them to do we need to focus on

how we do these things from the day he

joins he's exposed to stories of courage

valor of the heroes

which the says authorization has

produced every morning it is grim

granted him as to how you can be like

these people while have they achieved

those glorious names every corridor in

the Armed Forces you'll have pictures of

people who blade down their lives for

the country

those are sources of inspiration you

also have instilled in them that you're

part of a larger system we have an

organization in the army and one very

important role that is played is by the

army wives they are a very important

facet in our organization there it's not

all about glamour it's not about being

part of the system it's not about good

parties and and with the adding good

whiskey being served in army mrs. right

these army wives

every morning are there to guide doors

families are going to be staying behind

when their husbands are going to be

doing their tasks there so that they

don't have to look back the army devised

various system that the APICS level we

made the army welfare education society

right we set up schools all over the

country we have educational institutions

all over the country from from colleges

of management hotel management nursing

doctors everything for our own children

so that they know that Yvonne knew that

yes I have somewhere where my children

can be looked after I don't have to

worry about them it's also important III

personally have been on the governing

body of the army welfare education

society and we know that how much care

is taken for all of them

and we have not only these soldiers to

look after but also what we term in the

army has the VA ignores those who did

not return their wives their children we

have a very large community of disabled

soldiers it's amazing to see the number

of you were you won't even be able to

imagine the number of people who face

disability every year every day BIA we

bring back bodies every day we bring

back disabled people who either lost

their limbs or are unable to see because

of various facets which they have to go

through so therefore the system in this

our organization has engrained into we

we have we have we have tried to make

sure that they are able to carry out

their duties unhindered and converted

that rustic Javon who came in from the

same village that I did and grew up in

the system to be able to lay down his

life for the nation to lay down his life

for a cause and let me also share with

you a lot of the soldiers are not

interested in the nation as such it's

the unit that we perform as part of it

is the small little organization that he

takes pride in and that organization

which has built up a self-esteem for him

so to a soldier self-esteem is very

important now what are the soil they

expect from you I don't know how many of

you are familiar that about two years

back our Prime Minister mr. Modi made

out an appeal to the country to respect

the soldier and he narrated to them what

he had seen in other countries in the

United States even when you go to the

airport

first boarding on the flight is that for

a soldier special announcements are made

that please soldiers

proceeding on the aircraft are allowed

first boarding and first disembarking

from from the aircraft and as this

announcement is made whichever channel

they are going through people rise and

clap for them

that's what grateful nation feels about

their soldiers so what I was trying to

bring out is that the soldier needs his

esteem to be concerned I don't know how

many of us are willing to step out of a

line in a cinema if you recognize and

soldier and say ok come please move

ahead of me it's a message which I want

to share with you that for him if

somebody recognizes that he is a soldier

and that he is doing something different

he's doing something different for all

of us it's an it's a greater motivating

factor than anything that he's been

through

[Music]