Ex-servicemen are a national asset, bringing decades of experience, leadership, discipline & strategic thinking to society: Raksha Mantri

[SANTOSH KUMAR MISHRA]

“Ex-servicemen are a national asset, bringing decades of experience, leadership, discipline & strategic thinking to society. Their continued engagement in social & economic initiatives strengthens communities and the nation as a whole. They play a pivotal role in fostering trust, unity, and collaboration within communities, thereby reinforcing societal resilience and stability.” 🇮🇳
-- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2172917

Rajnath Singh’s public assurances starkly contrast with the ground reality faced by ex-servicemen, revealing a pattern of misleading statements.

[Ravindra Waman Pathak]

Who cares for this national asset? Look at the legal cases the his own ministry is fighting even when the matter is settled in AFT

I am a proud Hindu and I believe Ahimsa, essentially, is doing everything to stop Himsa. Ahimsa is not the absence of Himsa, but the use of Sam, Dam, Danda, and Bhed to achieve peace.

 People often ask me what we can do for the soldiers. The answer is "be a​n ​Indian who is worth fighting for. "See if you can be one​"

Do I have enemies? ​Yes.​Good. That means I’ve stood up for something, sometime in my life.

Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N. (Veteran)

Member ​Veterans ​Pension Group

Adviser War Widows Association

1 Surashri,1146 Lakaki Road
Shivajinagar 

Pune 411016
raviw...@gmail.com
9822329340  

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[Wg Cdr RK Bali]

Sir,

We have to create our own value. I am afraid we are busy abusing and humiliating establishments including babus, politicians, our own services and courts all the time. We admire any Tom, Dick and Harry who abuses the establishment on top of his voice. What has been our contribution towards nation building? 98% of us leave at a relatively young age and do what? Not even 0.1% percent do anything worthwhile towards nation building. 99.9% spend time on social media cheering for people letting down all of us by their thoughtless actions. We have to prove our worth by contributing towards nation building and not by some heroics on social media. Let us look inwards. We will get our dues. 

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Best regards,

Wg Cdr RK Bali (Retd.)

Tel:09899809930,09873928930.
E-mail: av_...@yahoo.co.in,rksb...@gmail.com

[Ravindra Waman Pathak]

Dear  Bali Sir

We created our own value since the initial announcement of OROP. It was an agitation which got us a langdi OROP.

So please keep these goody goody views withyou

I am a proud Hindu and I believe Ahimsa, essentially, is doing everything to stop Himsa. Ahimsa is not the absence of Himsa, but the use of Sam, Dam, Danda, and Bhed to achieve peace.

 People often ask me what we can do for the soldiers. The answer is "be an Indian who is worth fighting for. "See if you can be one"

Do I have enemies? Yes.Good. That means I’ve stood up for something, sometime in my life.

Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N. (Veteran)

Member Veterans Pension Group

Adviser War Widows Association

1 Surashri,1146 Lakaki Road
Shivajinagar 

Pune 411016
raviw...@gmail.com
9822329340  

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/veteransindia/CAH%3DCOvb0QGYpYpkJcrQCz8gT%2Bcg2_KGJ%2BsK-nvO4FdfVGw2tSw%40mail.gmail.com.

[Wg Cdr RK Bali]

Sir,

That is your view. Please keep it with you. Thousands of promises are made and forgotten after elections. Just with less than 1% vote bank if you feel that the agitation made a difference, nothing could be far from truth. It was the PM who is solely responsible to give us OROP.

Why we couldn't get it in last 70 years? One veteran was on hunger strike and in bad shape. That didn't move the govt of those days.

So, let us be pragmatic and Start thinking rationally to become relevant.

Wing Commander RK Bali (Retd.)

9899809930

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[Chandra Nath]

Dear Cdr Pathak,

Thank you for your candid and strongly worded reply.

I certainly respect your perspective, especially regarding the OROP agitation which, as you point out, was the primary force that led to its eventual, albeit "langdi" (incomplete), implementation. It undeniably proves that focused agitation is sometimes necessary to effect change from a hesitant establishment.

However, I maintain that agitation and contribution are not mutually exclusive; they are two sides of the same coin when seeking recognition and respect.

The Two Paths for Veterans

I see a clear distinction in how we, as veterans, can address the "ground reality" of the establishment's shortcomings:

2. Confrontation & Demand: This is the path of organized, assertive action, like the OROP agitation, using 'Sam, Dam, Danda, and Bhed' to secure our rights and fight our legal cases. This is crucial for fixing immediate, systemic issues of entitlement.

3. Contribution & Influence: This is the path of proving our indispensable value to the nation post-service. If 99.9% of veterans are not visibly contributing to nation-building, the establishment and the public find it easier to discount us and our demands.

The Raksha Mantri's statement (cited earlier) correctly identifies us as a "national asset." Our challenge is to ensure our actions in civil life—beyond social media debates—substantiate that claim, thus making it much harder for 'his own ministry' to fight against us in courts.

Creating Value Worth Fighting For

When we significantly impact local governance, education, disaster management, or entrepreneurial growth—utilizing the very leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking the Minister praised—our collective voice in demanding our due will carry far more weight. Our value will be self-evident.

We must continue to fight for our rights and entitlements with full resolve, but let's simultaneously step up our visible, tangible contribution to the nation's fabric. This dual approach will give us both the moral high ground and the unassailable public support we deserve.

Lastly, your comment: "So please keep these goody goody views with you" seems extremely jarring. You can be extremely candid and strong in your criticism/comments against an idea, but to suggest "keep these goody goody views with you" is not only inappropriate and  fundamentally wrong but displays a lack of respect for someone else's view, almost demanding that the other person shut up or words to that effect. Is it the lack of training and education in the military or lack of ability to be extremely critical without being offensive, but worse still, taking away the right of the colleague to his fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Marketplace of Ideas: Ideas must clash with ideas for truth to emerge!

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

In "On Liberty" (1859) John Stuart Mill argued that "...there ought to exist the fullest liberty of professing and discussing, as a matter of ethical conviction, any doctrine, however immoral it may be considered." Mill argues that the fullest liberty of expression is required to push arguments to their logical limits, rather than the limits of social embarrassment. However, Mill also introduced what is known as the harm principle, in placing the following limitation on free expression: 

"the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others."

But let us step beyond satire. As Mill reminded us in On Liberty:

“The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is that it is robbing the human race. If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth. If it is wrong, they lose what is almost as great a benefit—the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth produced by its collision with error.”

To censor is not merely to harm the one with an opinion; it is to degrade the entire group (our group), stripping it of the opportunity to test its ideas through honest friction. As Mill further wrote: 

“If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind.”

Regards,

Chandra Nath

7760928824

______________

The Armed Forces Officer 2025

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[SANTOSH KUMAR MISHRA]

Dear  Air Veteran Wing Commander RK Bali Sir,

With due respect, the above argument reflects a very superficial understanding of the ground reality and the sacrifices of veterans. To say that “98% of us do nothing towards nation building” is not only dismissive but also deeply unfair.

1. Contribution Beyond Uniform: Veterans continue to make significant contributions in multiple spheres, including administration, industry, education, agriculture, the corporate sector, disaster management, entrepreneurship, and social service. Their discipline, integrity, and leadership have shaped numerous institutions across the country. Many NGOs, schools, start-ups, and welfare initiatives are run by ex-servicemen who impact society in ways often unnoticed by the mainstream.

2. Nation-Building is not Only About Numbers: The value of veterans cannot be measured by their vote bank percentage. Veterans represent a moral constituency built upon sacrifice and service to the nation. Their issues are not just “demands” but rightful entitlements promised by the State for services rendered in the prime of life.

3. OROP Did Not Come as a Gift: To say OROP was given solely by one Prime Minister is misleading. It was achieved through decades of persistent struggle, representation, agitation, and judicial battles by veterans. The hunger strike of Col (Retd) Pushpender Singh and others, along with protests at Jantar Mantar, and constant follow-up by veteran organisations, created national and political pressure that ultimately compelled implementation. It was not charity—it was a rightful correction of injustice.

4. Critical Voice is not “Abuse”: When veterans raise their voices against mismanagement, corruption, or apathy in institutions, it is not “abuse” but an act of accountability in a democracy. Constructive criticism is an essential part of nation-building. Blind admiration of establishments without questioning their failures would only breed inefficiency and injustice.

5. Relevance of Veterans: Veterans remain relevant not by social media “heroics” but because they represent values of courage, sacrifice, and integrity. They speak for those who cannot—especially the widows, disabled soldiers, and families of martyrs. If their voices are silenced in the name of “looking inward,” it will only embolden those who neglect their welfare.

In conclusion, nation-building is not about remaining silent or accepting whatever is handed down but about constantly striving for justice, accountability, and equitable treatment. Veterans have already proven their worth in uniform; their continuing fight for dignity and rights is itself a service to the nation, ensuring future generations of soldiers are treated fairly. 

Regards,

Santosh Kumar Mishra

Air Veteran

+91-9582140406

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[Wg Cdr RK Bali]

Thanks sir for your unbiased inputs. I know the valuable contributions you have made in

 IT field. Whatever little we can add towards the betterment of society and nation building makes a huge difference. That is the only way to gain respect as a veteran and as a community. Society looks at us as role models. We shouldn't disappoint them.

As far as OROP agitation is concerned I was part of it, though I felt we should have talked to the newly formed govt. before sitting at JM. Govt had no compulsion to accede to our demands. In place of thanking Modi, we abused him and joined opposition election rallies and agitations.

Still he gave us war memorial without any agitation and appointed a commission to take care of any issues we had with OROP.

But we didn't mend our ways.

As a result,  the commission report has been shelved. Now for last 11 years our friends are still searching for a so called असली OROP. If one month at JM could get us OROP, why nothing has moved in 11 years? There is not even a door open for a dialogue with Govt on veteran related issues.

Let us wake up and do some introspection. 

Wing Commander RK Bali (Retd.)
9899809930

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[Gopal R]

         JAI JAWAN, JAI KISSAN.......... A slogan conveniently used by the Politicians for vote bank purposes.

Kissans.....Population numbers in Crores, State Wise across  the country.

Jawans......  Just 3 millions (Serving + Retired) scattered along the length & breadth of the country. No clout during polls.

Q.E.D 

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[SANTOSH KUMAR MISHRA]

Across the nation, a deeply disturbing pattern of apathy and institutional insensitivity toward veterans and their families has emerged. In one shameful instance, the widow of a Kargil martyr was denied her rightful family pension, compelling even the Supreme Court of India to intervene and impose a fine of ₹50,000 on the Government — a glaring indictment of bureaucratic callousness. Likewise, disabled ex-servicemen continue to be dragged into prolonged legal battles by the Ministry of Defence despite favourable Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) judgments, reflecting a complete disregard for justice and compassion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous veterans and their dependents tragically lost their lives after being denied admission and treatment in service hospitals/Emp Hosp, an unforgivable dereliction of moral and administrative duty. Further compounding the distress are the inefficient functioning of Record Offices, the chaos of the SPARSH pension system, and the declining standards of ECHS healthcare services, all of which have collectively eroded veterans’ trust in the very institutions meant to safeguard their welfare. It is gravely concerning that these systemic failures and injustices persist under the administrative watch of the Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.

[Wg Cdr RK Bali]

Dear Santosh sir,

You seem to be contradicting your own observations about the RM’s speech. Ideally, our stance should align with what the RM and you have stated, but in reality, it appears quite the opposite. I know enough veterans to fairly assess their contributions. Can you name five veterans whose achievements stand out at the national or international level?

In just one month at JM, we created a perception of influence that had eluded us for nearly fifty years — almost like a scene out of Mungeri Lal. But what have we really achieved in the eleven years since OROP? Are we to believe that in seventy-eight years of independence, we suddenly reached our peak in that single month?

For clarity, I am not referring to Col Pushpinder’s hunger strike. Thirty years before him, in 1984, Col Inderjeet Singh went on hunger strike demanding OROP. OROP was his idea, his brainchild, his relentless struggle. Yet, no one paid attention then. JM or no JM, another thirty years might have gone by with little concern.

In my view, we veterans have largely been non-performers and have often patted ourselves on the back for the wrong reasons.

[SANTOSH KUMAR MISHRA]

Ridiculous😭

[Ravindra Waman Pathak]

Dear Wg Cdr Bali

Let me correct you. Col Inderjeet Singh was very much part of IESM OROP movement. I have shared stage with him.

The only answer I need from you is if it was his idea why it took a Satbir Singh to get us atleast the langdi OROP

I am a proud Hindu and I believe Ahimsa, essentially, is doing everything to stop Himsa. Ahimsa is not the absence of Himsa, but the use of Sam, Dam, Danda, and Bhed to achieve peace.

 People often ask me what we can do for the soldiers. The answer is "be a​n ​Indian who is worth fighting for. "See if you can be one​"

Do I have enemies? ​Yes.​Good. That means I’ve stood up for something, sometime in my life.

Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak I.N. (Veteran)

Member ​Veterans ​Pension Group

Adviser War Widows Association

1 Surashri,1146 Lakaki Road
Shivajinagar 

Pune 411016
raviw...@gmail.com
9822329340  

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/veteransindia/CAFTWKgCJbONLrWXJAz_KcWATXWTzY_kR46n4MPtiWcnV%3D7GoZw%40mail.gmail.com.

[Wg Cdr RK Bali]

Sir,

I was at JM almost every day and closely observed the proceedings. My course, with my active participation, organized the candle march to India Gate. We also contributed—both financially and physically—towards the OROP movement.

Col Inderjeet Sir, despite being in a wheelchair, came and inspired us all. I spoke with him several times and found him to be a truly selfless leader. Yet, even his sincere efforts could not move the governments in power. The reality is—had Prime Minister Modi not been willing, no one else on earth could have secured OROP.

Everything went well until the OROP announcement. At that point, 26 ESM organizations stood united. Maj Gen Satbir delivered some motivational talks—high on enthusiasm, but low on substance. What I found disappointing was his tendency to sideline others. A small group of his followers made much noise at his arrival, while ignoring senior veterans like Gen Yadav and others, who were far more balanced and thoughtful. Gen Yadav, who led the largest ESM organization, deserved recognition but was completely overlooked.

Maj Gen Satbir gradually became a self-proclaimed leader of the agitation. While 25 organizations accepted the OROP announcement and withdrew, he coined the term “Langadi OROP” and continued the protest, leading us into the difficult situation we face today—where hardly anyone cares about our cause. He aligned himself with the opposition, projecting himself as a great leader, but in reality became a convenient “use-and-throw” figure.

Where does he stand today? Nowhere. Eleven years have passed since he promised an “Asli OROP”, and he has not even managed to get the returned medals restored.

Meanwhile, ESMs and widows with genuine grievances continue to suffer because of this immature approach. He continues to enjoy the benefits of Langdi OROP without any remorse.

What we need today is a mature, credible leader—someone with clear vision and practical strategy to engage the establishment effectively. As of now, we remain stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Wing Commander RK Bali (Retd.)
9899809930

[Wg Cdr RK Bali]

Sir,

Let me clarify.

Col Inderjeet was never a part of IESM drama on langari OROP. He never came to JM after OROP was announced.

Before that there were 26 IESM organisations participating, IESL being the largest. Calling it an IESM agitation is far from the truth.

Wing Commander RK Bali (Retd.)
9899809930

On Mon, 6 Oct, 2025, 22:16 Ravindra Waman Pathak, <raviw...@gmail.com> wrote: