Dearest Darling Friends,

Soon after getting freedom from British rule in 1947, the prime minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru called a meeting of senior Army Officers to select the first General of the Indian army.

Nehru proposed, “I think we should appoint a British officer as a General of The Indian Army, as we don’t have enough experience to lead the same.”

Having learned under the British, only to serve and rarely to lead, all the civilians and men in uniform present nodded their heads in agreement.

However one senior officer, Nathu Singh Rathore, asked for permission to speak. Nehru was a bit taken aback by the independent streak of the officer. However the PM, asked Nathu Singh Rathore to speak freely.

Rathore said, “You see, sir, we don’t have enough experience to lead a nation too. So shouldn’t we appoint a British person as the first Prime Minister of India?”

There was pin drop silence in the room.

After a long thoughtful pause, Nehru asked Rathore, “Are you ready to be the first General of The Indian Army?”

Rathore declined the offer saying “Sir, we have a very talented army officer, my senior, Cariappa, who is the most deserving among us.”

This is how the brilliant Gen. Cariappa became the first General and Rathore the first ever Lt. General of the Indian Army.

Insights

1. You are NOT present in a meeting to nod your head to everything your boss suggests.

2. ⁠If you disagree with the suggestions being made, your silence won’t add value to your org or to your career or to your family. SPEAK UP.

3. ⁠Communicate your difference of opinion smartly and speak to the point. Don’t go into lengthy explanations.

4. ⁠Don’t be a naysayer for the heck of it. Your difference of opinion must be backed by solid alternatives and better solutions.

If you have a minute, do share your insights from this history defining anecdote? Looking forward to reading them.