Let Us Be Gentlemen First: A Veteran's Call for Wisdom, Not Outrage

The recent incident at Patiala involving the alleged assault of a serving Colonel and his son has understandably stirred deep emotions across the veteran community.

Many feel hurt, angry, and even betrayed. Several articulate pieces-some shared widely-have voiced strong opinions, often critical of the current military leadership.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

But in our passion to stand up for our brethren, are we risking becoming the very thing we once stood against-impulsive, impractical, and divisive?

Let's be clear: what happened in Patiala is unacceptable. An assault on a serving officer is an assault on the ethos of the uniform itself.

The outrage is valid. The demand for justice is warranted. But what is not justified is the sweeping vilification of the current leadership, the accusations of cowardice, or the romanticising of past responses that simply don't fit today's realities.

We veterans are proud torchbearers of a legacy built on discipline, dignity, and restraint. Our strength has always been in our composure-not in creating noise, but in commanding respect through action rooted in wisdom.

Today, we are hearing calls for the Army Chief to hold a press conference. For what purpose? To posture? To engage in a media trial? The Indian Army is not a political party. The Chief is not a spokesperson for public consumption. He is the guardian of national security, commanding a force deployed across multiple sensitive frontiers.

We must resist the temptation to drag the office of the COAS into every emotional headline.

Yes, there was a time when legends like Gen Thimmayya took a bold stand. But quoting 1959 in 2025 is neither fair nor wise. Contexts change. The very ecosystem in which the military operates has evolved dramatically-social media, real-time public outrage, and the politicisation of institutions have created a minefield that requires astute navigation, not sabre-rattling.

What we need is a strategic response-not an emotional eruption!

As veterans, we must stop measuring the spine of serving officers by how loudly they speak or how visibly they react. Discipline is not silence.

Composure is not a weakness. Let us not push our younger generation into hasty acts that may damage careers, tarnish the institution's image, or erode the crucial civil-military balance. Justice must be pursued, but through institutional channels-not WhatsApp forwards and opinion columns that add heat, not light.

We are no longer in uniform, but our role hasn't diminished-it has transformed. We are the ocean, calm and dignified, watching the rivers of the present generation flow into us. The river must chart its own course.

It is not for us to dictate its speed or direction.

Let us also remember this: over 80% of us veterans remain physically fit. We may have hung up our uniforms, but let us not hang up our 'Nation First' attitude. We've defended borders with unmatched grit-surely, we can now defend the soul of our society.

Veterans today can play an even more powerful role in nation-building through organised efforts like restoring ancient heritage sites, rejuvenating dying riverbeds, mentoring youth in schools, or creating veteran-led disaster relief corps.

Take inspiration from the US-based 'Team Rubicon,' an organisation made up of military veterans who deploy rapidly for humanitarian crises-be it earthquakes, floods, or even pandemic logistics.

They serve not with a rifle, but with a shovel, a chainsaw, and a compassionate heart. That spirit is deeply Indian too. We just need to ignite it at scale.

Let us use our voice not to question the integrity of those in command, but to elevate the conversation-to protect the dignity of the uniform without attacking the institution we all once proudly served. Let us not become permanent protesters. Let us become proud participants in the rebuilding of India.

"Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one."
- Marcus Aurelius

Because if we don't uphold our dignity, and our purpose, who will?

Maj Sanjay Shinde is a former Indian Army officer and now a successful business leader in the FMCG industry. He can be reached via email: [email protected]