This blogger does not have much
respect for the Defence forces though they are a necessity for the integrity of
the Nation State. That patriotism becomes last refuge for the pretenders is
clear but the exaggerations in the popular culture are a reflection that the societies
have not evolved yet. The more Army personnel are seen or are part of
mainstream discourse, and mandatory eulogising by the public, it indicates that
we haven’t really moved up in the evolutionary scale. Nothing can be more
tragic than to train people to be in uniform, segregated into ranks and grading
to follow orders to kill and maim others for protecting what is demarcated on geography
by bunch of homo sapiens is a colossal waste of human potential. It is also
clear that countries that have more intervention by Armed forces in policy
making have seen amazing levels of degradations, take Pakistan for instance. Organised
religion and armed forces have embryonic relation, and in some way precursor to
expansionist mindset that seek to subjugate and destroy. The illogic of religion
fuels the barbarism of violence on others through brainwashed soldiers. The technological
advancements may have replaced market hedonism in place of religion and gave a
false hope of modernity but armed forces have remain a static presence. There
can be umpteen arguments and dire necessity for these forces but it also is an indication
that humans haven’t really attained the sophistication that is offered by the
promise of universe and hopes of better world.
Few hundred years back, as the societies
were primitive, there was impetus on soldiers but now these are becoming
increasingly anachronistic. The societies that celebrate these ready to die hare-brained
killers as brave and role models are looking at long treacherous road of destruction.
That the world instead of becoming liberal and secure, as the possibilities
increases with modern advancements in ideas and technology, is seeing more strife
is an indication that majority are still primitive. The insecurity clearly is
not confined to national borders but each individual seems to be in sense of
despair. Religion and irrational ways are therefore consolidating its presence,
the more organised get to capture the unthinking naive minds into downward
spiral. The collectivism is not only failing the individual but is subjugating into
irresponsible ways. Material surplus or immense possibilities of wealth doesn’t
really open to fresh benign understanding and thoughts that matches the
prospects of the time we live in is clear from the way USA is gathering into smaller
minds with bigger mouths. As deviant norms of market spread and consolidate
these are set to replicate across the world. An increasingly sinister form of religion
will therefore be revived in these degraded values that seek to amalgamate
market in prosperity and amazing levels of irresponsibility in self-contained and
ever perpetuating faith. (The pit of state called literate Kerala has faithfuls
celebrating the impoverishment of gold jewellery, the world seemed to have well
passed the apocalypse for these wasted zombies. What kind of conscience they
hold and what hope they seek?)
It is expected that as the artificial
intelligence takes technology into next revolution (Revolution 4.0) the soldiers
will be replaced by machines. Antiquated ways of life mistaken for bravery and
patriotism will be things of the past. The question therefore is where does Indians
find themselves in? Why is this nation not able to manufacture sophisticated
defence equipments? Is helicopter a rocket science that they have to seek from Europe?
Is manufacturing a sophisticated fighter aircraft difficult than sending a useless
mission to mars or whatever? If Europe/Japan sent mission to Space they also
manufacture best machinery and have high standards of HDI, and yes very
essentially critical mass of rational people who understand the context of logical
reasoning, scientific temper and clarity/priority of purpose. These are comprehensive
ways of human progress, not to assuage egos ordained selves proving a point of superiority
and debauched blessing to go with. While they celebrate (and ofcourse fervently
pray) for irrelevant mars mission precious money is spent on defence spending/purchase
at the expense of education and health or research. It is clear that cunning politicians
and depraved elite see these defence purchases as avenues to make easy money. And
you will see almost all these defence dealings, right from India's independence, are dubious
and has created lots of multi-millionaires over the years, they then invest these
ill-gotten money in all kind of exploitative businesses and help consolidate regressive
religious practices as the Saudis and far right in US do and become constant
source of misery. It is a common symptom of the ecstasy of easy mindless money,
the thanksgiving and the gargantuan greed to multiply the blessing. Most in Indian
corporate –that is behind India’s growth story, will easily fit into this
pattern. The unearned income and providential lives, the crony capitalism and
crooning coterie that seek to ensnare the very foundation of democracy, if
there was one. If French army contingent was made fun for their tacky parade in the Indian
republic day the joke is essentially on Indians. These fancy marches and
bravado have no much space in advanced world when the focus is to improve
technology. It is pertinent to note that India is the largest importer of arms (with
enviable company of Saudi and Pakistan) while a small country like France is
leading exporter. Get the drift you supplicants of Bharat mata? 
