Articles By Maj Gen Mrinal Suman
Did the British Really Divide India to Rule?
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 24 Feb , 2018
While studying Indian history in school days, one was repeatedly told that the British resorted to ‘divide and rule’ policy to gain control over India. The tone and tenor of such a...
When a Soldier Cries
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 23 Apr , 2016
The profession of arms is all about management of violence, destruction and death. As it is not easy to muster courage and nerve to kill other human beings, soldiers are trained to acquire a...
Where are the real leaders?
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 14 Nov , 2015
The terrorist attack on Mumbai once again brought the issue of the quality of Indian political leadership in focus. Nearly 200 people lost their lives and left the nation humiliated. Yet, the...
Public standing of the Indian military
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Vol 23.3 Jul-Sep 2008 | Date: 18 Sep , 2015
A number of social scientists and military historians have been trying to discover reasons for Britain’s success in ruling the world while retaining its own independence throughout known...
Shortage of officers is the root-cause
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 29 May , 2015
Independent India is 65 years old. If the nation remains united today, the credit goes entirely to the armed forces. They continue to be the sole source of hope for this beleaguered country. They...
Seven blunders that will haunt India for posterity
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 01 May , 2015
History is most unforgiving. As historical mistakes cannot be undone, they have complex cascading effect on a nation’s future. Here is a saga of seven historical blunders that have changed the...
Spineless staff officers are a letdown
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 01 Apr , 2015
Spineless servility of the staff officers has been the bane of the Indian military. The case of Adarsh Housing Society proves it amply. The land in question was under army’s possession. It was...
Redeeming the Standing of the Army
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 18 Mar , 2015
Every survey carried out by different agencies shows the military at the top of peoples’ choice for probity, loyalty and selflessness. Indian army, unlike other organisations, is held in high...
Women in the Armed Forces: Misconceptions and Facts
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Vol 25.1 Jan-Mar 2010 | Date: 09 Mar , 2015
The recent debate about the entry of women officers in the armed forces has been highly ill- informed and subjective in nature. People have taken stands and expressed opinion without analysing...
What makes nations great?
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 24 Feb , 2015
As India celebrates 62 years of Independence, one wonders as to what makes nations great. Why is the US an undisputed world power? Why has Britain remained undefeated for centuries? Why has India...
Veterans and Social Change
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Date: 29 Jan , 2015
We, the veterans take pride in the fact that we belong to the noblest profession in the world – the profession of arms that ensures security of our country. ‘Once a soldier always a...
Specialised Force for Internal Unrests
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Vol 25.4 Oct-Dec 2010 | Date: 24 Oct , 2014
Policy and methodology to counter the Naxalite threat have been subjects of intense debate recently. Army’s reluctance to get embroiled has been questioned in some government quarters. Sadly,...
Colonel Commandants: An Archaic and Parochial Institution
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 20 Oct , 2014
The concept of Colonel Commandants (Col Comdts) dates back to the 17th century when Colonels (both in rank and appointment) were the original owners and field commanders of their units...
Indo-US Military Trade: A Decade of Wasted Opportunities
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Vol. 27.2 Apr-Jun 2012 | Date: 26 Sep , 2014
India acknowledges the technological superiority of the US weapon systems and wants to develop and produce them through joint ventures. It seeks partnership and not a seller-buyer relationship....
Raising FDI Cap in Defence: Misplaced Euphoria?
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Vol. 29.3 Jul-Sep 2014 | Date: 04 Sep , 2014
It is time India makes up its mind whether it wants FDI in defence or not. If it is felt that FDI is not essential and India can achieve technological excellence through indigenous efforts; it...
Indian Army and Management of Stress
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Vol 24.2 Apr-Jun 2009 | Date: 23 Aug , 2014
Military’s Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) at Pune provides rehabilitation support to paraplegic and tetraplegic soldiers. Most of the inmates are victims of bullet or other injuries...
When commanders hear but do not listen
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 18 Aug , 2014
To most, hearing and listening are synonymous as both relate to the functions of the ear. However, the difference lies in the processing of the sound by the brain. In the case of hearing, brain...
Pakistan is a rogue country and should be treated accordingly
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 14 Aug , 2014
Pakistan is at it again. Five soldiers have lost their lives. Indian leadership appears unfazed and wants to continue dialogue with Pakistan. One of the greatest misfortunes for India is the fact...
Shooting in the Foot Services Style
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 04 Aug , 2014
Every organisation has its archetypal character and traits, some positive and some negative. The services are no exception. They have numerous good attributes but one major failing is their...
Impeccable appearance of a Military Officer is half the battle!
By: Maj Gen Mrinal Suman | Issue: Net Edition | Date: 15 Jul , 2014
Declining standard of officers’ conduct has been a cause for concern for the past few years. Occurrence of numerous incidents of un-officer like behaviour has caused considerable...