On 16 December 2025, I attended the Mandir Parade during the Diamond Jubilee of our Regiment – 75 Medium Regiment (Basantar River,) I had a terrifying realisation: I might have forgotten my ATM PIN, my wedding anniversary, and where I parked my car, but the aartis and slokas I learned forty years ago were still part of my DNA, still rearing to go.

This wasn’t my first spiritual flashback. Back in 2017, during a trip to Kashmir with my Sainik School buddies, the local Religious Teacher saw me reciting verses with such gusto that he handed me the gaumukhi shringi (that fancy horn-shaped copper vessel). I held it with the confidence of a man who knew exactly what he was doing. I was also secretly hoping I wouldn’t accidentally pour holy water down my own sleeve!

What began as a leadership lesson became something far deeper. The aartis and slokas I learned in the Mandir, the hymns I heard in the Gurudwara, the prayers I offered at the Peer Baba’s shrine in Kashmir, and the Lord’s Prayer I whispered each morning and evening – they all came to feel like different doors to the same Sacred Room.

Decades later, standing at the Mandir Parade of our Regiment’s Diamond Jubilee, I understood that I had not merely memorised verses. I had absorbed a lesson that transcends religion: that faith, in all its forms, is the language of trust – and in the Army, trust is everything.

How did a Christian boy end up as a part-time Pundit?

It all started in 1982 when I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.  Our Regiment was like a multi faith buffet: one battery of Brahmins, one of Jats, and one from the South, even more multi faith. Our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel AN Suryanarayanan, took one look at my work-in-progress Hindi and decided the best cure was immersion therapy. He posted me to the Brahmin Battery. Our Battery Commander, late Major Daulat Bhardwaj, gave me the ultimate leadership pep talk: “To command Brahmins, you must become a Brahmin. You must be mentally alert, morally straight, and spiritually superior.”

I said, “Sir, the Academy made me physically tough, but I’m a Christian. My spiritual ‘superiority’ usually involves a Sunday hymn and a bit of bread afterward.”

Major Daulat wasn’t having it. “Get to the Mandir Parade. Learn the mantras. Rote-learn those until you’re singing them in your sleep.”

A month later, I was a lean, mean, chanting machine. I did have a moment of panic thinking about the Ten Commandments – specifically the part about no other Gods before Me – but I figured the Almighty was probably fine with it. After all, I was pretty sure that He wouldn’t be mean enough and just waiting to push me into hell at the slightest provocation.

More seriously, all officers of the Indian Army are trained to internalise and adopt the religious customs and practices of the men they command. It is an inherent part of the trust and rapport-building process.

The Test Behind the Mandir Parade

In 1986, I was the Senior Subaltern – the most senior Captain or Lieutenant in the Regiment – tasked with supervising, mentoring, and maintaining discipline among the junior officers.

One morning, after the Mandir Parade, the young officers approached me, with Late Captain Pratap Singh, Maha Vir Chakra (Posthumous), leading the pack. Captain Pratap spoke for the group. “We heard from our soldiers that you are well versed with the aartis and slokas recited in the Mandir. We wanted to check for ourselves. We stood behind you during the Parade to see if you were merely lip-syncing. You came out with flying colours.”

Their curiosity now piqued, and Captain Gulshan Rai Kaushik pressed further – दिल मांगे मोर Dil Mange More (The heart wants more.) They needed answers as to how had I learned all the aartis and slokas – especially being a Malayalee Christian.

I smiled and explained. It had begun in my early days with the Regiment, when Lieutenant Colonel AN Suryanarayanan and Late Major Daulat Bhardwaj had taken it upon themselves to rechristen me – not as a convert, but as a Brahmin in spirit. To command men of faith, they taught me, one must first understand their faith. And to understand, one must participate. What began as a leadership lesson had, over time, become a part of who I was.

Kashmir: Where Atheism Goes to Die

On my first assignment to the Kashmir Valley as a young Captain in 1987, my belief in God Almighty was instantly rekindled – not through theology, but through the sheer inhospitality of the terrain: sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, avalanches, thin air deficient in oxygen, altitudes above 10,000 feet. If you want to find God, don’t go to a cathedral or a temple; go to a mountain road where one wrong turn sends your jeep into a gorge that doesn’t even have a bottom.

I was with a Punjab Battalion. On Sundays, attendance at the Mandir and the Gurudwara was mandatory. It was a Parade, which in Army-speak means: You will be spiritual, and you will be spiritual at 0800 hours sharp.

Then there was the Peer Baba shrine on the road to Headquarters. Legend had it that if you didn’t stop to pay your respects, your vehicle would develop a sudden urge to fly off a cliff. I became a very frequent visitor. Between the Mandir, the Gurudwara, the Peer Baba, and my own morning & evening Lord’s Prayer, I had a feeling that I must be the most spiritually insured man in Northern Command.

I, a Christian by birth, continued my own rituals – the Lord’s Prayer each morning and evening, a habit instilled by my father. It was right there in Kashmir, amidst the swirling snow and the will-my-jeep-survive-this-turn terror, that I finally cracked the code on Secularism. In the Army, secularism isn’t some fancy political theory – it’s essentially Spiritual All-Risk Insurance. I realised that whether I was chanting a sloka, bowing at a Gurudwara, nodding to the Peer Baba, or whispering the Lord’s Prayer, I was knocking on different doors of the same cosmic office. I wasn’t entirely sure who was signed in on the duty roster that day – Jesus, the Gurus, the Hindu Deities, or the Baba – but considering the sub-zero madness and the bottomless gorges, I figured it was best to keep all of them on speed dial. After all, when you’re 10,000 feet up, you don’t argue with the Management; you just make sure you’re on good terms with the entire Board of Directors.

Siachen: The High-Altitude Prayer Meeting

During later years of field service, I had a stint at the Siachen Glacier – the world’s highest battlefield, a disputed territory between India and Pakistan, renowned for its treacherous terrain, freezing cold at minus 40 degrees Celsius, crevasses, avalanches, and, lastly, enemy action. Statistics reveal that since 1984, when the Indian Army first occupied Siachen, more lives have been lost to the weather than to enemy action.

At minus 40 degrees, your breath freezes, your tea and everything else turns into a brick, and your brain starts wondering why you didn’t join the Navy. In Siachen, everyone is religious and your dependence on faith increases exponentially each following day. When the ice beneath your feet groans like a hungry monster and the air is too thin to support a conversation, let alone a firefight, you start talking to whoever is listening upstairs. Faith isn’t a luxury there; it’s the only thing that keeps you from checking your sanity at the base camp.

The Conclusion of a Confused Christian

Looking back, I understand now that the Indian Army’s genius lies not in imposing a single faith, but in embracing all faiths as one. The Army doesn’t care which door you use to enter the Sacred Room, as long as you show up. I learned that trust is the real currency. If my men saw me chanting their slokas, they knew I wasn’t just their officer; I was one of them. In the end, who kept me safe through the shelling, the avalanches, and the sub-zero madness? Was it Jesus? The Guru Granth Sahib? The Peer Baba? Or the Hindu deities?  I like to think they all took turns. And honestly, considering the frequent messes that I got into, they probably needed teamwork. I honestly hope that this genius of the Indian Army is not changing its colours anytime soon.

Besides, considering your duty as a warrior, you should not waver. Indeed, for a warrior, there is no better engagement than fighting for upholding of righteousness. – Bhagavad Gita 2.31

You are my Protector everywhere; why should I feel any fear or anxiety? – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji on Ang (page) 103.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6

O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to attack you and we sent upon them a wind and armies of angels you did not see. And ever is Allah, of what you do, seeing. – Surah Al-Ahzab 33:9

On the morning of Sunday, 8 March 2026, I moved my clock forward by one hour to mark the beginning of Spring Daylight Saving Time. As I tuned into the news, a dramatic rescue operation caught my attention. About two dozen ice fishers had become stranded after the ice shelf they were standing on broke away from the shoreline in Georgian Bay, Ontario. The massive sheet drifted approximately two kilometre from shore before splintering into several sections, leaving some people partially submerged in the freezing water.

Following the report, the newscaster offered a fascinating explanation of the different types of ice found in Canada – each colour-coded to indicate its density, age, and, most importantly, its safety level. While white ice is the most common, environmental factors such as compression, water content, and impurities can produce a surprising spectrum of hues.

White Ice: Opaque and Weaker

White or opaque ice forms when snow falls on existing ice, melts, and refreezes, or when slush freezes rapidly. Its cloudy appearance results from countless trapped air pockets. While common, white ice is only about half as strong as blue ice of the same thickness and demands cautious treatment.

Blue Ice: The Strongest and Safest

Blue ice is the gold standard of ice safety. Dense and ancient, it has been compressed over years by the weight of overlying snow, forcing out nearly all air bubbles. This density causes the ice to absorb longer wavelengths of light (reds) while scattering shorter ones (blues), giving it its distinctive transparent azure appearance. Found primarily in deep lakes or at the base of glaciers, blue ice is the strongest variety – just four inches (10 cm) is typically sufficient to support a person’s weight safely.

Grey Ice: A Sign of Danger

Grey ice signals trouble. Its dull, dark appearance indicates the presence of water or active melting and deterioration. Commonly seen in spring or on fast-moving water, grey ice is dangerously unstable and incapable of supporting significant weight. It should be avoided entirely.

Red Ice: The Watermelon Snow Phenomenon

Red or pink ice, often called watermelon snow, results from blooms of microscopic algae (Chlamydomonas nivalis) living on the snow’s surface. These organisms produce a red pigment to shield themselves from intense solar radiation. Common in British Columbia’s mountainous regions and the Arctic during spring and summer, this phenomenon tints the snowpack in shades ranging from faint pink to deep crimson.

Green Ice: A Marine Mystery

Green ice typically appears in marine settings, particularly in icebergs formed when seawater freezes to the underside of ice shelves. Scientists believe its emerald or jade hues result from high concentrations of iron oxides—derived from rock flour—trapped within the ice.

Black Ice: Clarity in Disguise

The dreaded black ice is a thin, nearly invisible, and highly slippery layer of transparent glaze ice that forms on roads, bridges, and walkways. Appearing as a wet patch on dark pavement, it occurs when moisture freezes instantly, often during early mornings or after light rain/melting snow. It poses a severe, unexpected danger to drivers and pedestrians resulting in many slip, falls, crashes, etc.

Conclusion

This colour-coded guide serves as a vital reminder that ice is far from uniform. Whether walking, fishing, or simply exploring, understanding these distinctions can mean the difference between a pleasant outing and a life-threatening emergency.

By Veteran Brigadier Azad Sameer

Between the target
And the impact
Between the coordinates
And the crushed little skulls
Falls the Shadow
​                       Oh! Life is yet to bloom and still so short

Between the mission
And the massacre
Between smart bombs
And the severed limbs
Falls the Shadow
                       For Thine is the Empire

Between the precision
And the primary school
Between the seven year olds
And the concrete rubble
Falls the Shadow
                       For Thine is the Sovereignty

One hundred eighty souls,
Gathered on this brink of the swollen Jajrud,
In this valley of dying stars.
They are not targeted,
Just collateral liberation.

The world’s most incisive eyes
Are hollow, stuffed with straw,
Leaning together,
Looking but not seeing,
Or just not wanting to see
The ribbons in the red dust
And the satchels with the little books.

Ninety more must carry the weight,
In this hollow land,
This cactus land.
They carry the weight of the missing limb,
The shattered eyes
And the silence that screams.

No apology is whispered,
No head is bowed in the wind.
Between the liberation
And the butchery
Between the error
And the rage
Falls the Shadow
                       For Thine is the kingdom of Tyranny

This is the way the childhood ends
This is the way the childhood ends
This is the way the childhood ends
Not with a prayer but a blast.​

(With profound apologies to T.S. Eliot—adapted from The Hollow Men and with a silent prayer for the hundreds of little girls who lost their lives or limbs when the bombs came down on them on 28 February 2026)

In December 2025, I travelled to India to attend the Diamond Jubilee of our Regiment – 75 Medium Regiment (Basantar River.) My journey from Toronto to Delhi and onward to Kochi aboard Air India’s Boeing 777-300ER was a revealing experience – one that showcased a promising transformation still in progress.

The Tata Turnaround: A New Era Begins

After decades of political interference and red-tape, Air India’s 2023 privatisation and takeover by the Tata Group was a watershed moment. Their ambitious five-year plan to modernise the fleet and enhance customer experience is beginning to bear fruit. The operational improvements were immediately noticeable: proactive updates on email and Whatsapp about gate changes and exceptional baggage tracking across Toronto, Delhi, and Kochi provided an incredible sense of reassurance after long-haul travel.

Onboard Experience: Highlights and Missed Opportunities

Service & Hospitality: The standout feature was the cabin crew. Their service was exceptional – warm, proactive, and genuinely attentive. The welcome ritual of a hot towel and chilled orange juice set the tone for a journey marked by outstanding hospitality.

Dining: The culinary presentation and quality were impressive, easily surpassing many competitors on the Toronto-India route. The well-curated bar selection and thoughtful non-alcoholic options added a touch of sophistication. However, the rigid, religion-based meal labelling—’Hindu Non-Veg‘, ‘Vegetarian Jain‘, ‘Muslim Meal‘ – felt out of place in a modern, global airline. Simplifying categories to ‘Indian Non-Vegetarian’, ‘Vegetarian’, etc., would be more inclusive and pragmatic. After the dinner was served, I took the tomato sauce and inscribed a cross over it and converted it into a Christian meal.  Luckily for me, we were flying over the Atlantic!

Seat & Comfort: Here, the experience faltered. Despite pre-selecting my seat, I found the 2-3-2 configuration on the 777-300ER disappointingly cramped for Business Class. The middle seat strips away any sense of privacy. My own seat’s recline mechanism was faulty, with faded markings on the controls – a clear sign of deferred maintenance. While the cabin crew heroically converted it into a bed, even they couldn’t restore it for landing, necessitating a last-minute seat change. Passenger aircraft seats should be refurbished every 15-20 years; this aircraft’s cabin felt overdue.

In-Flight Entertainment: This system urgently needs an overhaul. The screen resolution was mediocre, the film library dated, and the regional language selection was woefully inadequate – just two Malayalam and one Thamizh film in a sea of Hindi cinema. For a global airline serving the diverse Indian diaspora, this is a significant oversight. No wonder the Thamizhans are up in arms against imposition of Hindi!

The Operational Reality: The Pakistan Airspace Factor

A unique operational quirk defines this route. Due to Pakistani airspace closures, Air India’s Delhi-Toronto flight takes a longer westward path via Vienna for refuelling. The return flight, however, often benefits from strong tailwinds (jet streams) and flies direct. This explains the stopover in Vienna, where passengers remain onboard for two hours, a necessary but noticeable operational constraint.

Verdict: A Strong Contender with Clear Potential

Air India’s Business Class under Tata is a compelling proposition. The core service is excellent, the food is a highlight, and the operational logistics are handled with impressive transparency. It is a marked and welcome improvement.

Would I fly it again? A definite YES, but with clear caveats. Choose your seat carefully – avoid the middle at all costs. Temper your expectations for in-flight entertainment and seat modernity. If those aspects are upgraded to match the stellar service, Air India will not just be a good choice, but a leading one.

The airline is on the right path. It feels like a phoenix still stretching its new wings – a few feathers are still settling into place, but the flight is already impressive.

The fragile economic relationship between North America’s largest trading partners reached a breaking point this week. Following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement of a strategic trade partnership with China, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a scorched-earth ultimatum on Truth Social: “If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.”

While Trump initially signaled openness to Canadian trade autonomy, the rhetoric soured after Carney’s Davos speech, where he claimed the “US-led world order had been ruptured.” Trump retaliated by rescinding Canada’s invitation to his Board of Peace, asserting, “Canada lives because of the United States.”

1. The Pivot to the East

Despite the threats, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, clarified that the government is not seeking a full Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Beijing but rather a “resolution on critical tariff issues.” Under the new agreement with President Xi Jinping:

• Canola Oil: Chinese levies will drop from 85% to 15% by March.
• Electric Vehicles: Canada will slash tariffs on Chinese EVs from 100% to the most-favoured-nation rate of 6.1%.

Carney framed the deal as essential for a “new world order,” aiming to reduce Canada’s 75% export dependency on a volatile U.S. administration.

2. The Mutually Assured Destruction of Trade

The escalating conflict poses severe structural risks to the U.S. economy, specifically across three critical sectors:

3. The Energy Shock

U.S. Gulf Coast refineries are architecturally locked into Canadian heavy crude. Billions have been invested in cokers and hydrocrackers specifically designed to process thick Canadian bitumen.

• Irreplaceability: With Venezuelan and Mexican heavy crude production in decline, Canada now provides over half of all U.S. crude imports.
• The Fallout: A 100% tariff would effectively starve U.S. refineries or force a catastrophic spike in gasoline and diesel prices for American consumers.

4. Food Inflation: The 2026 Potash Crisis

American farmers face a Potash Crisis that could double fertilizer costs by Spring 2026.

• Supply Chain Vulnerability: Despite some tariffs being lifted in late 2025, the Trade Commissioner Service warns that renewed 100% duties on Canadian potash—a primary source for U.S. agriculture—would jeopardise the 2026 planting season and trigger historic food price volatility.

5. Defense Sector: The Golden Dome at Risk

The U.S. defense sector is currently scrambling to secure aluminum and cobalt for the Golden Dome—a next-generation integrated air and missile defense system.

• Strategic Shift: The U.S. has been using Defense Production Act (DPA) funds to finance Canadian mining projects in Quebec and the Northwest Territories.
• The Irony: Trump’s proposed tariffs would tax the very minerals the Pentagon deems “essential for national security” to counter China, effectively subsidizing the cost of U.S. defense through American taxpayers.

6.  The Automotive Breaking Point

The integrated just-in-time supply chain of the Great Lakes region faces collapse. With tariffs on parts—including engines and transmissions—potentially reaching 100%, the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association warns of:

• Price Surges: Thousands of dollars added to the price of every North American-made vehicle.
• Manufacturing Exodus: Production slowdowns and massive layoffs as automakers struggle to restructure supply chains that cross the border up to seven times during a single build.

7. The Water Bomb

Trade disputes have significantly strained the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. While these remain distinct from commercial pacts like CUSMA, current tensions are destabilizing their implementation: 

• Diplomatic Disruptions: In March 2025, the U.S. administration abruptly excluded Canadian mayors from a longstanding White House meeting during the annual Great Lakes Day summit, citing “diplomatic protocols”. This unprecedented break from tradition raised fears that shared environmental resources are becoming “collateral damage” in trade rifts.
• Water as a Trade Lever: Growing concern exists that the U.S. may leverage shared water management in future trade talks, potentially revisiting demands for bulk water diversions to drought-stricken American regions.
• Regulatory Conflict: Friction is mounting within joint management frameworks as American shippers argue that stricter Canadian environmental standards create a competitive disadvantage.
• Risk of Treaty Termination: Although it has endured for over a century, the Boundary Waters Treaty can be terminated with 12 months’ written notice. Escalating trade wars could lead either nation to withdraw legally, ending mandates for joint consultation on pollution and diversions.

8. Criticality of Critical Minerals

As of early 2026, tariffs have severely disrupted industries reliant on minerals essential for defence, manufacturing, and energy. 

• Integrated Supply Chains: The U.S. remains heavily dependent on Canada for gallium, niobium, aluminum, palladium, and platinum—minerals deemed crucial for electronics and military technology. Canada serves as a vital storehouse, meeting approximately 25% of U.S. uranium demand and providing essential feedstock for nuclear energy and defense.
• China’s Strategic Advantage: Tensions between the U.S. and Canada have allowed China to position itself as a more stable alternative. For instance, a 25% tariff on Canadian nickel may force U.S. manufacturers toward cheaper Indonesian nickel, which is largely controlled by Chinese mining companies. This undermines Western efforts to secure strategic autonomy.
• National Defence Vulnerability: Mineral supply chains support advanced systems like precision-guided munitions, F-35 fighter jets, and secure communication networks. Trade disputes that escalate production costs or delay manufacturing directly impact military readiness and the strategic autonomy of both nations.

9. Conclusion

Trump is facing limited domestic pressure to resolve the U.S.-Canada trade standoff and appears politically positioned to wait Canada out. His administration has prioritized other trade deals and framed Canada as a low-priority partner.

There is little pressure from US businesses. While some US industries (e.g., auto, agriculture, tourism) are affected, there’s no unified business lobby pressuring Trump to resolve the dispute. His 51^st state rhetoric and claims that Canada cheated resonate with populist messaging.

To improve the nutritional health of Canadians, Health Canada has implemented new regulations requiring milk and margarine producers to more than double the vitamin D content in their products. While fortification has been mandatory for decades, these updated standards aim to ensure a greater portion of the population meets the daily recommended intake.

New Standards for Daily Essentials

The fortification levels have shifted significantly to combat widespread deficiency:

• Milk: Increased from approximately 2.3 mcg to 5 mcg per cup.
• Margarine: Increased to 13 mcg per 50g (roughly three tablespoons).
• Alternatives: While not mandatory, yogurt, kefir, and plant-based beverages are now permitted to include increased vitamin D to ensure those opting for non-dairy lifestyles still receive adequate nutrition.

The “Sunshine Vitamin” Challenge

According to Health Canada, one in five Canadians is deficient in vitamin D. This is largely due to Canada’s high latitude; for six to eight months of the year, the sun’s angle is too low for the skin to produce vitamin D naturally. Studies indicate that the risk of deficiency doubles during these darker winter months, making dietary sources and supplements—such as drops or pills—essential.

Why Vitamin D Matters

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that enables the body to absorb calcium, the building block of strong bones and teeth. Maintaining adequate levels is vital for:

• Bone Density: Reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis as bone cell renewal slows with age.
• Disease Prevention: Research suggests low vitamin D is a risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS).

A 2023 report from Statistics Canada confirmed that 20% of Canadians aged 6 to 79 have levels below health requirements. Notably, the data shows that individuals who consume at least one glass of milk daily are significantly less likely to face deficiency than those who do not.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The amount of vitamin D required daily is measured in International Units (IU) or micrograms (mcg):

Optimizing Vitamin D Absorption: The Role of Fatty Meals

Taking vitamin D supplements with a fatty meal can significantly enhance their absorption compared to taking them on an empty stomach. Dietary fat facilitates this process by forming micelles—tiny molecular structures that transport fat-soluble vitamins like D into the bloodstream. Research indicates that individuals who consume vitamin D supplements with a high-fat meal experience a greater increase in serum vitamin D levels than those taking the same supplement without food. To maximize absorption and effectiveness, it is advisable to take vitamin D alongside meals containing healthy fats such as yogurt, milk, avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, or fatty fish.

Simple Ways to Boost Vitamin D Intake

• Upgrade Your Breakfast: Use fortified milk instead of water when preparing oatmeal.
• Creamier Soups: Replace a portion of broth in stews or chowders with milk.
• Coffee Break: Switch from a “splash” of milk to a latte (half milk, half coffee).
• Smoothie Power: Blend smoothies with milk and fortified yogurt for a double dose of bone-building nutrients.
• Weekly Fish: Incorporate fatty fish like salmon or mackerel into your meal rotation at least once a week.

US Vice President JD Vance, along with his wife Usha Vance and their three children — sons Ewan and Vivek, and daughter Mirabel, visited the Taj Mahal in Agra, India on April 23, 2025. This was part of his four-day official trip to India.

“The Taj Mahal is amazing. A testament to true love, human ingenuity and a tribute to the great country of India,” Vance wrote in the visitor’s diary after his visit.

A Secret Service agent in the entourage suffered from a medical condition that needed emergency medical intervention.  He was rushed to Shantived Institute of Medical Sciences at Agra.

Dr Shwetank, the Director, Senior Consultant, Laparoscopic Surgeon, and Urologist at the institute immediately provided medical assistance. 

Vice President Vance, on return to the US, recognised the services provided by Dr Shwetank and his team and sent a Certificate of Honour. He called Dr Shwetank and conveyed his appreciation with an invite to the White House.

Thank you, Dr Shwetank and the team, at Shantived Institute of Medical Sciences.

Dr Shwetank is married to Dr Blossom Prakash is a well-known Obstetrician and Gynaecologist associated with Shanti Ved Hospital. The couple is blessed with a daughter Sara Prakash and son Vrishank Prakash.

Dr Blossom is the daughter of Veteran Colonel Joginder Singh and Kiranjit.  Colonel Joginder and I served the Indian Army – 75 Medium Regiment (Basantar River) – for 15 years.

Introduction: The Political Repercussion

On 04 November 2025, Canada unveiled an immigration plan for 2026-2028. While setting targets of 385,000 newcomers in 2026 and 370,000 for the subsequent two years, it explicitly prioritised immigrants in fields like emerging technologies, healthcare, and skilled trades—primarily construction. This targeted approach is not an anomaly but a strategic response to a looming global crisis: the large-scale job displacement driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI disrupts labour markets, developed nations are entering a new political era where the vulnerability of a worker is defined not just by their skills, but by their citizenship status, making migrant populations convenient political targets for economic anxiety.

Canada’s Alberta province government has tabled legislation to add health-care numbers and mandatory citizenship markers to driver’s licences and identification cards. Other provinces in Canada are likely to follow suit.

The Political Calculus of Displacement

The emergence of AI promises widespread job displacement, creating a significant political challenge for developed nations. In countries with large populations of migrant and temporary workers, governments will face intense internal pressure to protect their citizens from unemployment. The political calculus becomes straightforward as native-born workers are displaced, governments must be seen prioritising their re-employment. Consequently, the path of least resistance may be the large-scale deportation of temporary workers and stricter enforcement of immigration laws. Nations like the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK are already signaling this shift through tougher legislation and empowered enforcement agencies. In an automated economy with shrinking demand for routine labour, foreign workers—often the most vulnerable—risk becoming the primary scapegoats for political expediency.

This dynamic is already visible. In the US and Canada, the most vulnerable foreign workers are often in roles ripe for automation, such as programming, software testing, truck/ taxi driving, accounting, and customer service. Conversely, roles demanding high levels of interpersonal interaction, complex physical dexterity, and nuanced judgment are more resilient. Workers in healthcare, skilled trades, and agriculture represent a less vulnerable segment, as their tasks integrate a synergy of sensory perception, adaptability, and physical skill that remains difficult to automate. This explains the logic behind Canada’s targeted immigration plan. It is a pragmatic effort to fill enduring human gaps while the political winds shift against other migrant groups.

The Escalating Threat: From Specialised AI to Adaptive AGI

The current wave of automation is driven by specialised AI, which excels at specific, pre-defined tasks by recognising patterns in vast datasets. It powers everything from recommendation engines to data analysis tools. However, the frontier is advancing toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—a hypothetical system with human-like cognitive abilities capable of reasoning, learning, and adapting to solve novel problems across various domains. This evolution from task-specific automation to general-purpose problem-solving will fundamentally reshape the global job market, exposing even more sectors to disruption.

The Expanding Automation Frontline

The advancement of AI places a broad spectrum of jobs at risk, particularly those characterised by routine, repetitive, or data-intensive tasks. The front-line of vulnerability includes:

• Administrative and Office Support: Data entry, scheduling, and basic document review are highly susceptible to automation.
• Creative and Analytical Services: Entry-level content creation, graphic design, accounting, bookkeeping, and legal research are increasingly handled by AI, which offers superior speed and accuracy for standardised tasks.
• Customer Service and Software Development: AI-powered chatbots are replacing human agents, while AI tools now assist or perform routine coding and software testing, impacting entry-level tech roles.
• Transportation and Logistics: The development of autonomous vehicles directly threatens millions of jobs in trucking, delivery, and taxi services.

Canada’s dual policy of selective immigration and stricter enforcement is a microcosm of a future defined by AI-driven labour market. It reveals a world preparing to welcome the skilled immigrants it needs while simultaneously purging the temporary workers it deems expendable. As AI continues its ascent from a specialised tool to a generalised intelligence, the political temptation to blame foreign workers for all structural economic problems will only intensify.

The Strategic Imperative: Reskilling for a Collaborative Future

The cornerstone of this transition is a cultural and institutional commitment to continuous learning. As AI assumes a greater share of routine work, the value of uniquely human skills will surge. The workforce of the future must be equipped with:

• Digital and AI Literacy: Beyond basic computer skills, workers must understand how to interact with, prompt, and manage AI tools effectively.
• Critical Thinking and Analytical Acuity: The ability to question AI-generated outputs, identify biases, and solve complex, non-routine problems will be paramount.
• Creativity and Innovation: Machines optimise existing paradigms, whereas humans excel at imagining new ones. The ability to design novel products, strategies, and business models in partnership with AI will be a key differentiator.
• Emotional and Social Intelligence: Skills like empathy, persuasion, and team leadership are essential for fostering collaboration and trust in environments where human and machine intelligence intersect.
• Ethical Reasoning: Ensuring the responsible, fair, and transparent use of AI is a critical human responsibility that cannot be outsourced to an algorithm.

Redesigning Organisations for an Augmented Era

This skills shift necessitates a parallel evolution in organisational structure. The traditional, rigid hierarchy is giving way to more agile, network-based models.

• Flatter Structures: AI’s automation of middle-management tasks—such as data aggregation, performance reporting, and routine oversight—is leading to leaner organisations. Decision-making authority is pushed closer to the front lines, empowering teams to act quickly.
• Cross-Functional Teams: The future belongs to multidisciplinary teams that combine diverse expertise to tackle complex projects, moving away from siloed specialists.
• The Augmentation Model: The goal is not human replacement but human augmentation. In this model, AI agents handle high-volume, routine tasks, while humans focus on supervision, strategic oversight, managing exceptions, and providing the creative and emotional context that AI lacks. Workflows must be redesigned from the ground up to maximise this collaborative value creation.

Conclusion: Building a Future-Proof Ecosystem

The path ahead is clear. The most successful organisations—and indeed, economies—will be those that proactively invest in their human capital. By fostering a culture of adaptability and lifelong learning, and by deliberately designing systems that leverage AI to augment human potential, we can build a more efficient, innovative, and ultimately more human-centric future of work. The choice is not between people and technology, but in how we synergise their strengths.

Images Courtesy Pixabay.com

In Canada, Remembrance Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy as Canadians. The ceremony at the Celebration Square of Mississauga commenced at 10:30 AM on November 11.

The ceremony was held at the monument at the upper level of the Celebration Square. The monument consists of 21 candles, representing the 21-Gun-Salute, a sign of peace, honour and remembrance.

Everyone wore a Red Poppy. Please read Why Do We Wear a Poppy Today?

Dignitaries, veterans, soldiers, members of the Fire, Ambulance and Police departments and young cadets laid wreaths to honour the soldiers, veterans those who laid down their lives to make our lives better.

Among the distinguished attendees were Mississauga Mayor Caroline Parish, MPP Deepak Anand, and the heads of the Police, Fire, and Ambulance services. Anand, an engineer from Panjab University with an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2018 and holds a profound respect for soldiers and veterans.

Hundreds of observers looked on as Oh Canada, the national anthem was sung.  It was followed by the piper performing the song Danny Boy, followed by the recital the poem In Flanders Fields. Please Click to read about the poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a doctor of the Canadian Army during World War I.

At 11 AM, as the bugler sounded the Last Post, everyone stood up and observed two-minute silence in reverence to the soldiers, veterans and all those who laid down their lives.  The city’s buses and trains stopped their services for two minutes. At the end, Rouse was played by the bugler to mark the end of the ceremony.

Eight decades after the end of the deadliest military conflict in history, Canadians paused for Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour those who put their lives on the line for their country. Veterans Affairs Canada estimates that as of this year, there are 3,691 surviving Canadian veterans of the Second World War — 667 women and 3,024 men. The stories of that war — from the bloody horrors of combat to the aftermath of postwar economic uncertainty — are passing from the realm of living to recorded history as the number of veterans who remember those days grows smaller.

 The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten – Abraham Lincoln

The recent, tragic loss of two cadets during swimming lessons at the National Defence Academy (NDA)—both incidents occurring within a month—has cast a pall over the institution. These heartbreaking events compel a critical examination of aquatic training protocols within India’s various military training institutions.

Drawing from my own experience with the NDA’s swimming curriculum and insights from our son, Nikhil, a certified swimming instructor and lifeguard, I will explore the systemic issues that may be plaguing water-safety policies in our armed forces.

At the heart of the problem is the training of the instructors. Hailing from the Army Physical Training Corps (APTC), their curriculum contains only a short capsule on swimming. This is fundamentally inadequate to certify them as qualified swimming instructors or lifeguards. Consequently, we have a system where those responsible for water safety may themselves lack essential proficiency – some may be lacking basic swimming skills.

To ensure the highest standard of safety during swimming lessons, all personnel must adhere to the following requirements. These protocols are designed to create a secure learning environment through qualified staff, vigilant supervision, and clear emergency preparedness.

Personnel Qualifications & Requirements

Suggested instructor-to-student ratio for swimming classes varies by programme and must be from 1:4 to 1:6 for beginners and may increase to 1:8 or 1:12 for intermediate or advanced classes.

All instructional staff must possess the following minimum credentials:

• Swim Instructors: Must be certified in swim instruction and hold current CPR and First-Aid certifications.
• Lifeguard Requirement: A dedicated, certified lifeguard must be present on deck whenever an instructor is teaching in the water. The lifeguard must be free from all other duties to maintain constant surveillance of the water.
• Supervisors & Officers: All supervisors, including officers, must be trained in emergency response protocols.
• Minimum Staffing: A minimum of two certified staff members (instructors or lifeguards) must be present during any instructional session.

Core Principles of Active Supervision

Safe supervision is defined as constant, direct, and active monitoring to ensure the safety of all participants.

• Constant Vigilance: Supervision requires uninterrupted attention. Staff must be free from distractions (e.g., phones, casual conversation) and always maintain visual contact with all students.
• Proximity for Non-Swimmers: For non-swimmers and beginners, instructors must stay within arm’s reach to allow for immediate intervention.
• Active Monitoring: This includes:
  • Maintaining an accurate and continuous head count.
  • Clearly defining the teaching area.
  • Enforcing safe entry and exit procedures.
  • Immediately stopping any unsafe or risky behaviors.
• The Water Watcher Role: A designated Water Watcher may be used to support supervision. This person must:
  • Be explicitly nominated and focused solely on watching the water.
  • Be vigilant and free from all distractions.
  • Rotate this duty every 15-20 minutes to prevent fatigue and maintain alertness.
  • Note: A Water Watcher is a preventive measure and is not a substitute for a certified lifeguard or instructor.

Instructor Competency & Emergency Response

Instructors must be assessed as competent to manage all aspects of water safety, demonstrating the ability to:

• Effectively supervise the entire group while tracking individuals.
• Recognise signs of distress or someone needing help.
• Execute a necessary and timely rescue.
• Safely recover an individual to the poolside.
• Provide immediate first aid, including CPR, while awaiting emergency medical services.

Safety Equipment

• Life Rings: A ring buoy with a rope attached should be kept poolside for quick access.
• Shepherd’s Crook: A pole with a hook at the end used to reach and pull a distressed swimmer to safety.
• Life Vests: Always have life vests in appropriate sizes for swimmers who may need them, especially non-swimmers.
• Rescue Tubes: Flexible tubes, like those used by lifeguards, can be used to support a distressed swimmer.
• First-Aid Kit: A fully stocked kit is necessary for treating injuries.
• Signs: Clearly posted signs are needed for rules like “No Running” or “No Diving,” as well as depth markers in the pool.
• Non-slip Surfaces: Having non-slip surfaces around the pool area can help prevent falls.
• Handrails: Stairs and steps should have handrails for added support.

Critical Reminder on Drowning Prevention

Drowning is often quick and silent. It does not involve splashing or calls for help. Therefore, the entire safety team—instructors, supervisors, lifeguards, and water watchers—must understand that prevention through constant, focused attention is paramount. Never wait for an emergency to occur; proactive intervention is the key to saving lives.

The Pillars of a Modern Physical Training System

The physical training regimen of the Indian Armed Forces requires a critical and comprehensive review. The traditional model, often perceived as the exclusive domain of the Havildar Majors of the Army Physical Training Corps (APTC), must evolve from a time-honoured tradition into a sophisticated scientific art. For a blueprint, one need only look at the advanced, data-driven approaches employed by the physiotherapists and trainers of modern Indian cricket teams, where peak performance is systematically engineered. A future-ready physical training program must be built on three core scientific principles:

• Integrated Functional Training: Modern training must move beyond isolated drills. It should integrate strength and endurance through High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), which simultaneously improves aerobic capacity and neuromuscular performance. This optimises a soldier’s readiness for critical tasks like load carriage over difficult terrain, handling heavy materials, and casualty evacuation, all while significantly reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
• Periodisation and Variation: To induce effective physiological adaptations, training must provide a greater variation of stimulus. Programmes must be meticulously periodised—meaning training load increases progressively but incorporates essential recovery cycles. This structured variation prevents plateaus and builds a more well-rounded and resilient soldier.
• Individualisation and Recovery: The ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is obsolete. Given the vast differences in the initial fitness of recruits, some degree of individualized programming is crucial. This personalization avoids unnecessary injuries and over-training by respecting individual thresholds, ensuring that each soldier develops optimally without being broken in the process.

The Critical Role of Fitness Evaluations

It is essential to systematically review and update the Physical Fitness Tests. These evaluations must be aligned with contemporary scientific research and the varying demands of modern warfare. The tests should not just be a test of basic fitness but a valid predictor of a soldier’s capability to meet specific operational requirements.

Conclusion

Maintaining and enhancing physical fitness – including swimming – is non-negotiable for operational success. By embracing scientific principles—functional integration, smart periodisation, and individualisation—the Indian Armed Forces can transform its physical training paradigm. This shift will forge a force that is not only stronger and faster but also more durable, resilient, and precisely prepared for the complex physical challenges of the 21^st-century battlefield across various terrains.

Images Courtesy Pixabay.com

The Fireman’s Lift, known in North America as the Fireman’s Carry, was a source of significant dread for us casualties—far more than for the rescuers. At the military training academies, as one of the lighter cadets, my services were in high demand during training exercises, and I found myself hauled across the parade ground umpteen times, perched precariously on a fellow cadet’s shoulders.

This technique is a cornerstone of emergency response, a practical method designed for strength, endurance, and mobility. It allows a single rescuer to swiftly transport an injured person over considerable distances by draping them across their shoulders, distributing the weight to utilise the powerful muscles of the back and core. Its primary purpose is clear: to move victims away from immediate danger with efficiency and speed.

The carry’s name suggests a modern, practical origin, but its legend is rooted in a much older folktale of loyalty and cunning. The story takes us to the siege of Weinsberg in 1140, when King Conrad III of Germany besieged the fortress of Duke Welf VI of Bavaria. Facing certain defeat and starvation, the defenders negotiated terms of surrender. The King, in a gesture of mercy, granted the women of the city safe passage and the right to take with them their most precious possession, provided they could carry it on their shoulders.

Expecting them to emerge with bundles of gold, jewels, and household goods, the King’s men were astonished as the women filed out of the gates. Their most treasured possessions were not objects, but their husbands, whom they carried on their backs. King Conrad, though reportedly urged by his advisors to renege on the agreement, was so impressed by the women’s cleverness and devotion that he honoured his royal word, allowing the men to go free and securing the story a place in history.

Thus, the Fireman’s Carry is more than a mere physical technique; it is a timeless symbol of rescue, born from a clever twist of words and an unwavering commitment to saving what one holds most dear.

While the specific term Fireman’s Carry is a modern invention, the act of bearing another on one’s shoulders is a powerful and ancient motif within Indian tradition. This concept finds profound expression not in a singular mythological tale, but through a tapestry of stories and practices that intertwine the physical, the devotional, and the socially transformative.

The origins of Vikram Aur Vetaal lie in the Vetaal Pachisi, a series of spellbinding stories penned by the 11^th-century Kashmiri poet Somdev Bhatt. These tales depict the battle of wits between the legendary King Vikramaditya and a clever ghost, Vetaal. Every time Vikram successfully captures him, Vetaal responds by narrating a story that ends with a complex moral question. Bound by a vow, Vikram must answer if he knows the truth, but the moment he speaks, Vetaal vanishes—forcing the king to begin his pursuit anew. The stories were vividly brought to life in many comics and a 1985 mythological series on Doordarshan, memorable for its iconic image of Vikram carrying Vetaal in a Fireman’s Lift.

The most poignant example comes from the epic Ramayana in the story of Shravana Kumara. A paragon of filial piety, Shravana carried his blind and elderly parents on a pilgrimage. He bore them in two baskets suspended from a bamboo pole across his shoulders, fulfilling their every wish. This image is the quintessential Indian archetype of the carry—not as a combat technique, but as an ultimate act of duty, love, and sacrifice.

Beyond mythology, the principle of leveraging weight and momentum is deeply embedded in Indian physical culture. In traditional Indian wrestling, or Kushti, a move known as Kalajangh (or Kalajang) is a classic takedown. This technique involves hoisting an opponent onto one’s shoulders to throw them, demonstrating that the conceptual strength and biomechanics of the carry have long been recognised and perfected in martial practice.

The motif evolves further from physical burden-bearing to carrying a profound spiritual and social message. A powerful narrative, often associated with saints like Ramananda or Namdev, tells of a sage who carried an ostracised Dalit devotee into a temple on his shoulders. In one version, this sage is Loka Saaranga. This act defied rigid caste hierarchies, asserting that divinity resides in all humanity. By literally elevating the marginalised individual, the carry became a radical symbol of equality and a vehicle for divine grace, leading to the devotee’s sainthood.

Although Hindu deities like Vishnu or Shiva are often depicted with multiple arms, this iconography symbolises omnipotence and the ability to wield multiple divine powers simultaneously, rather than a literal representation of carrying people. The true essence of carrying in Indian thought is less about sheer multi-tasking and more about the profound responsibility, devotion, and transformative power embodied in the act itself.

From the physical discipline of the wrestler to the sacred duty of Shravana Kumara and the revolutionary act of Loka Saaranga, the act of carrying another is a deeply embedded symbol of strength, sacrifice, and liberation.

On May 07, 2025, more than two weeks after gunmen killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India, blaming Islamabad for the attack, launched missiles at multiple sites in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Pakistan’s Punjab province.  For the following three days, both India and Pakistan launched missiles, drones and artillery at each other, bringing the subcontinent to the brink of a full-fledged war.

Already there is growing evidence that future wars will see a significant use of drones and long-range precision weapons, alongside a potentially greater reliance on artillery tactics. Drones, particularly loitering munitions and reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are more prominent in present-day battlefields. Army Air Defence Artillery got to adapt to counter-drone threats and maintain its ability to strike at depth. The four-day Indo- Pak face off provided further evidence to this evolving nature of future warfare. It is axiomatic that India-Pakistan conflicts of the future will follow a similar trend.

The war in Ukraine has starkly highlighted the evolving role and challenges of tanks in modern warfare, challenging the notion that the era of the battle tank might be over. This conflict has highlighted the importance of electronic warfare capabilities, network-centric warfare, and the integration of UAVs and drones. It has demonstrated the critical role of logistical and repair support for sustaining tank operations, as well as the necessity for Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) to operate within a combined arms approach, including infantry, artillery, air defence, aviation and air support. This evolution reflects a broader trend towards high-tech, multi-domain combat operations, where traditional tank strengths are augmented by Electronic Warfare (EW) and advanced defensive systems to meet the demands of modern conflict.

In the Ukrainian war only a small fraction of tank losses was due to enemy tanks, with the majority attributed to mines, artillery, anti-tank missiles, and increasingly, drones. This has highlighted the diminished role of traditional tank-on-tank engagements and the rising significance of asymmetric threats, including kamikaze drones, which have proven effective at targeting tanks. In view of these threats, there is an urgent need for redesigning the MBTs and armoured tactics. Modern MBTs must be lighter, versatile and capable of defending against hemispheric 360-degree threats, marking a departure from the focus on frontal armour and long-range firepower.

A new dimension, with the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are the land drones or Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). In Ukraine, these vehicles are operating on the front lines to carry weapons and explosives, to conduct remote mining and de-mining, and to evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Use of UGVs is an asymmetric response to the enemy’s numerical advantage.

A key drone-countermeasure to the drones is by EW, controlling the electromagnetic spectrum by jammers, spoofers, deceiving enemy communication systems, radars, and other electronic devices. This causes the target drone to fall, veer off course, or turn around and attack its operator. Early warning and detection systems (radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and acoustic sensors,) jamming, anti-aircraft guns, high-energy lasers or microwave beams, can disable drones.

Proliferation of cheap, expendable drones has created an unfavourable interception curve for long range and expensive air defence platforms. Larger drones with a distinct radar cross-section are easy, slow-moving targets for air defence interceptors, while traditional air defence has some limitations against small systems. Army Air Defence gun systems which had become defunct against standoff weapons and fast-moving fighter aircraft have emerged most successful against drones. An emerging challenge of counter-drone defence is its cost-effectiveness, where the counter drone system must be cheaper than its target.  Thus, gun systems and EW will be the most cost-effective counter against drones.

Militaries the world over are status quo in attitude and slow to transform. Gone are the days of the second world war type pincer movements carried out by mechanised forces. In general, we are heading in the direction of high technology multi domain network centric warfare where targeting is increasingly becoming a point of focus. Some strategists now believe that military objectives may now be achieved through targeting alone. The Indian army as also the Navy and the Air Force are on a path of transformation with the intended move towards Integrated battle groups and Theaterisation of Commands. With its heavy tilt towards the Infantry and mechanised forces, as of now the force structure surely looks a bit lopsided. Supposedly we are on a path of modernisation, technology upgrade, joint-ness and self-reliance.

Future Force Structure

The lowest formation of the Army that has in its organisation various combat and combat support elements is the Infantry/ Armoured/ Mountain Division. In the context of Future hi tech wars these seem quite imbalanced in terms of the Infantry/ Armoured components. It is a moot point whether colossal organisational structures such as strike corps are relevant any longer. Also at the divisional level, there is a case for inclusion of offensive and defensive capabilities in terms of drones, UAVs, aviation, and even some integral ground air defence. Maybe one or two Fire Power Brigades suitably organised may render the required balance. The future may see some infantry soldiers being replaced by inexpensive robots or AI powered drones. Let us admit that its no longer science fiction, but a reality. There undoubtedly is a case for urgent re-organisation based on a new force structure as applicable to the likely nature of future wars

Technology alone is not a war winning factor. The force with the best technology will not necessarily win, but a combination of mass, manpower and morale is essential for battlefield success.  The importance of quality leadership as a battle winning factor cannot be overemphasised. More than at any other time, the nature of high-tech network centric multi domain warfare, demands high quality leadership. Let us therefore examine this factor in isolation.

Is the leadership of the Indian Army – the General Cadre – trained, equipped and prepared for Future Wars??

The Indian Government of late has often promoted officers to the highest appointments and positions based on merit-based selection, overriding the seniority principle which was in vogue for many years. There is of course the growing criticism of this being a politico-bureaucratic strategy to select a pliant military leadership and consequent politicisation of the Defence Forces. This strident criticism has some merit particularly when it is undeniably true that particularly in a country like India, there is no politico-bureaucratic authority or body that can truly judge the competence of military leadership. Often the selection boils down to who is best suited to the current political dispensation in power. So, if the merit-based selection principle is to be put in place, then the Government needs to clearly lay down the rules for such selection including the composition of this selection panel and various other parameters. In the absence of such rules, surely the seniority principle is a lesser evil at the highest levels of the hierarchy. One may even argue that at very high levels of the hierarchy the inter-se difference in merit is so minor that it may be ignored. In any case it is surely better than contentious merit.

Into this vexed question of seniority versus merit comes another lopsided system that of General Cadre. It is more in the nature of a prevalent unwritten convention, as to the best of my knowledge, no Government regulation, or rule or for that matter even an Army Order or instruction defines what General Cadre is. Essentially it is a cadre of officers who become eligible to be appointed to the highest command echelons of the Indian army. 

Officers from the Infantry, Armoured Corps and Mechanised Infantry (so called Combat Arms) are sort of born into the General Cadre while those from the other arms (So called combat support Arms) need to be selected into the General Cadre. Once selected on exceptional merit, such officers are then required to Command an Infantry/ Mountain / Armoured Brigade and their continued retention in General Cadre is based on recommendations in their confidential reports by their superior officers.

For those born into the General Cadre, no such recommendations are necessary. Command of such a brigade is automatic if approved for promotion. It is also ironic that at the time of passing out from the military academy, one is required to give one’s choice of Arm/Service, but no one explains what the difference is of being born into General Cadre or otherwise. Often one does not get one’s choice. So, by chance one may be chosen to be a born military leader or denied that opportunity. The very entry to the hallowed system of General Cadre is flawed at the outset.

It is mind-boggling that the system exists by some unwritten norm and is not governed by any government or even Service Order or Instruction. Add to this some classic anomalies exist. Any officer who commands an Assam Rifles battalion, sector and then becomes an Inspector General Assam Rifles now becomes eligible to command the highest echelons of a joint force although his exposure has been limited to that of commanding units/formations of only a paramilitary force.

The present military leadership of the Indian Army consists of mostly Infantry officers and some Armoured Corps and Mechanised Infantry officers. There are hardly any officers from the Regiment of Artillery, Army Air Defence and Aviation who get into the General Cadre. The existing system also promotes favouritism and lanyard culture.  

In this era of modern hi tech warfare surely a fresh definition needs to be made as to whether anyone at all fits into this category of officers who are born into General Cadre. What criteria should decide on this selection? This surely needs to be laid down as a set of clear-cut rules and not left to any norm or convention.

With the battlefield dominated by drones, UAVs, missiles and long-range artillery, there is a need to reorganise the General Cadre of the Indian Army.  The General Cadre must consist of Artillery, Army Air Defence and Aviation officers. Only those officers who have adequate knowledge and technical skills to manage employment of drones, UAVs, missiles and long-range artillery from the Infantry, Armoured Corps and Mechanised Infantry be considered for promotion to the General Cadre.

The evolving nature of future wars should indeed be a guide for formulation of rules in this regard.

On January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter collided mid-air over the Potomac River in Washington, DC. The collision occurred at 8:47 PM at an altitude of about 100 m and about 800 m short of the runway. All 67 people aboard both aircrafts perished.

My friend Nandu, who lives in the US, asked me about the cause of the crash and I said Getting Home Syndrome. He now wanted an explanation of an unheard-of syndrome.

Getting Home Syndrome is a feeling of distress or anxiety that some people experience when returning home after being away, whether at work, a short trip, a long journey, or a permanent move. In this collision too, it can be summed up that everyone was in a hurry to return home as it occurred at 8:47 PM.

Getting Home Syndrome can be attributed to: –

• Homesickness due to a common feeling of sadness or longing for home and loved ones.
• Separation Anxiety after one has been away from home for a significant period related to the separation from their familiar environment and routines.
• Change Adjustment because of the stress of being overwhelmed being away from home.
• Empty Nest Syndrome may be experienced due to a sense of sadness or loss when returning to an empty home. 

Emotional symptoms of the syndrome are sadness, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of unease. It is coupled with fatigue, headaches, stomach problems, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Now I asked Nandu to compare the number of accidents his friends and coworkers encountered while on the road while going to work or holidays and while returning home.  He confirmed that most accidents he was aware of were while returning home.

During many military moves I was part of, accidents occurred while we were returning home after long operational or exercise deployments. The last military move I carried out was while commanding the Regiment in 2002.  Our Regiment was mobilised from its peace location in Devlali (Maharashtra, near Mumbai) on that year’s New Year Eve.  The entire Indian Army had moved into their operational locations after the attack on the Indian Parliament building by terrorists believed to have come in from Pakistan. 

After ten months, we moved back to Devlali. Our Divisional Headquarters entrusted me with an important and critical task of designing an Aviation Base for operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) two days prior to the move back. I was given a week to complete the task and fly back to Devlali on completion. As the Commanding Officer, I wanted to be part of the move home to ensure that everyone returned home safely. 

I burnt the midnight oil for the next two days, completed the task, handed it over to the Divisional Headquarters. Our Colonel General Staff Azad Sameer asked, “While many Commanding Officers wanted to fly home on some pretext or the other, why were you so adamant about accompanying your soldiers on their journey home?”

I quoted the Chetwode Creed, a guiding principle for Indian Army officers, “The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.”

The task was completed in two days only because the Commanding Officer of the Aviation Base was our course mate from NDA – Colonel Kesar Shekhawat.  He provided all technical and aviation inputs and extended all out cooperation in planning the base. The Aviation Base stands testimony of our hard work and it is now the best Aviation Base of the Indian Army today.

It is a common perception that more accidents occur on the way home than to work though it does not have a definitive cause. The contributory factors may be: –

• Familiarity and overconfidence as drivers feel more relaxed and less attentive on routes they know well, leading to complacency and potentially risky behaviors like speeding or multitasking. 
• Driver Fatigue due to intensive workday which results in dip in energy levels, resulting in being more prone to drowsiness and slower reaction times. 
• Increased traffic volume during late afternoon and early evening commute, when many people are returning home, with potentially more aggressive driving, increasing the risk of accidents. 
• Impaired driving as some drivers are more likely to consume alcohol or become impaired after work, increasing the risk of accidents on their way home. 
• Multitasking by drivers is more likely while driving home, such as talking on the phone, texting, or eating, which can lead to accidents. 

How to Cope with Getting Home Syndrome

• Acknowledge and recognise that these feelings are normal and allow oneself to grieve or adjust.
• Prior to the journey, engage in activities to get back into a routine and engage in activities that bring joy and comfort. Suggested activities are watching a movie, reading, trekking, or any passion or hobby one is interested in.
• Seek Support by talking to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings. 
• Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and engaging in physical activities. 

If you know you’re going home, the journey is never too hard – Angela Wood

The ache for home lives in all of us – Maya Angelou

If you go anywhere, even paradise, you will miss your home – Malala Yousafzai