[IAC#RG] The First "Rowdy" RATHORE' v/s Ist Prime Minister Nehru : Real Story: DN-P 13331

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The 1st “Rowdy” Rathore v/s 1st PM Nehru - Story: Lt General Thakur Nathu Singh Rathore – 1948. British Administration took some time to leave post declaration of Desi Independence in 1947: Army Chief was General Sir Robert Lockhart (15 Aug 1947 to 31 Dec 1947).  – De-Facto Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru was apparently of the view to continue with a British General of The Indian Army saying we don't have enough Experience to Lead the same."   However, impressed by notes of a desi dynamic officer, changed his mind and called a meeting of Army officers to review & perhaps select the first General of the Indian Army. Those days, Having learned under the British, Only to Serve & Rarely to Lead, most civilians & even Men in Uniform did not open up elaborate discussions on sensitive subjects or perhaps were in agreement ? However Thakur Nathu Singh Rathore, during the meeting asked for permission to speak. Nehru was a bit taken aback by the independent streak of this officer, he asked him 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?" You could hear a pin drop.   After a pregnant 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, Lt. Gen. Cariappa, who is the most deserving among us." This is how the brilliant Gen. Cariappa (Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa) became First General & Rathore the first ever Lt. General of the Indian Army. ( Cariappa was just 2 weeks Senior to him)   The characteristic of courage with a sense of duty and honour displayed by Lt. Gen. Rathore, unfortunately is increasingly rare to find among Politicos - It appears that most people in present day society suffer from bone problem, Too much in the Head & Too Little in the Spine ?.   A few years latter around 1953 at the time of retirement, Popular Rathore was tipped to be the Governor of United Provinces , in-fact outgoing Governor Sarojini Naidu personally spoke to Prime Minister Nehru – who short circuited her recommendation strongly opining that he was familiar with Rathore’s Bold & Outspoken ways & did not want to take the risk of dealing with an intractable Governor who would do what he thought was RIGHT & NOT what he was TOLD. ...Jai Ho! Politics of Power ?!

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Lt. Gen. Thakur Nathu Singh Rathore was born on 10 May 1902 at Gumanpura, in the erstwhile State of Dungarpur in Rajasthan. He was the only son of Thakur Hamir Singhji, a descendant of Jaimal Rathore who fought for Mewar against Emperor Akbar. Singh lost his parents at a young age and was then taken under the wing of Royal Highness Vijay Singh Maharawal of Dungarpur. Singh was educated at Mayo College and was nicknamed Baghi (Rebel) by his peers. He was later sent to the Royal Military Academy - Sandhurst in England to be trained as an officer in Imperial Army, on the request of HRH Rajmata of Dungarpur. At Sandhurst, he befriended Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Singh was 2^nd Indian officer to graduate from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst after General Rajendrasinhji Jadeja who went on to become a 3 Star General. He served in 1/7 Rajput Regiment. He served at various places including Afghanistan and The Deccan. At Staff college he scored 935 out of 1000 in “Strategy” which stands as a record till date. He served in Burma during World War II. He climbed the military hierarchy and in 1948 was offered by then Defense Minister Sardar Baldev Singh the post of Commander-in-Chief in Indian army. He declined, stating that General K. M. Cariappa was senior to him who being eligible became the First Indian Army Chief replacing retiring General Roy Bucher. (DNN – S. Abbott)

 

 

 

Ashok Motwani / Editor - DNN
(Diaspora Network News)
INDIA *GULF* MAURITIUS * USA
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Co-Chair MEDIA COUNCIL : GOPIO

DN-P ( Diaspora Network of Professionals)

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