Amity Institute of Defence & Strategic Studies (AIDSS), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida campus, organized the launch of the Book titled “From War to Peace Wisdom and Leadership, Ex- Servicemen’s Role in Good Governance and Rural Development”, authored by Lt. Gen(Dr.) S.K. Gadeock, AVSM (Retd.), Director General, Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Amity University, Noida.
The book is focused on the transformations being witnessed by the contemporary world presenting human society paradigm which is undergoing this change in terms of evolving roles and high expectations. Governments address these issues by changing, reforming, or re-inventing themselves to ensure faster inclusive growth and rapid alleviation of poverty. However, globalization and liberalization policies have perceivably excluded many sections of the population, attributed to the deteriorating law and order situation, corruption and exploitation, raised the price index, criminalized politics, politicized the administrative machinery, produced mega financial scams, poor principles and social norms and degenerated the value system. Therefore, to radically improve outcomes in rural infrastructure, ex-servicemen from the Armed Forces, who are the only credible and educated workforce in villages, characterized by self-motivation, rich experience, discipline and multi-talented persona could be meaningfully employed for scrupulous governance within a timeline of ‘augmentation and progression’.
Releasing the book and sharing his sterling thoughts, Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group, averred, “It is a matter of immense pride and pleasure that one of the most respected and highly accomplished faculty members of Amity, Dr. S.K. Gadeock, has written an enlightening book which discusses the pertinent issue of rural development and emphasizes upon the role and contribution of ex-serviceman who can transform the society. The book is an exemplary work and must be read by each and every citizen of the country so that they can get inspired and motivated to work for the upliftment of the rural areas, which constitute an integral part of the country.”
Delivering the Author's Expression, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) S.K. Gadeock, AVSM (Retd), Director General, Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, asserted, “Through this book, I have tried to encapsulate multifaceted aspects of the rural areas. The problems which predominantly exist in the rural areas such as crippled governance, inadequate hygiene and sanitation, poverty and inequality have been brought to the fore. India will be amongst the top 3 powerful economies by 2030, however, there is a crucial need for civil-military fusion, social security, and national integration. It is also essential to establish 7,000 self-reliant village clusters through the Rural Area Planned Integrated Development (RAPID) programme under a dynamic public-private partnership model to bring sustainable development and prosperity to rural areas and usher in smart villages. Ex-servicemen are 'role models' of ethical and transformational leadership with veritable ingrained morals and righteous conduct focused on 'Duty, Honor and Country' who can be the empowered crusaders of good governance, believing in the sanctified credo fundamentally, practice it religiously and live by it virtuously. Further, there is a dire need for ‘Governance Augmentation and Progression’ which can be brought about, at the grassroots levels by these ex-servicemen residing in villages of their respective states.”
Moderating the book launch, Dr. Maroof Raza, Author & Consulting Editor, Times TV Network, stated, “Military men are equipped with the right training and knowledge required for serving the country. India has huge resources which are highly underutilized, therefore, the resources must be utilized to the optimum in order to make a significant shift in the already existing patterns, which can help in the development of the country. The will power, honest, sincerity, dedication and commitment of soldiers is remarkable and therefore the soldiers’ experience of battlefield must be used in paramilitary forces. The enhancement of army men’s IT skills and proficiency in the English language can go a long way in the upliftment of the rural areas. The book highlights the role which ex- service men can play, not only in the rural areas but also in the development of the entire country.”
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Robin Kumar Dhowan, Former Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, opined, “This is a momentous occasion when the book by Lt.Gen.(Dr.) S.K. Gadeock is being launched today, amongst the highly distinguished, respected, and esteemed guests and dignitaries. Military men serve the nation with honour and pride, being extremely passionate and sincere towards their duties. The “C4I” which stands for “commitment, compassion, courage, credibility and integrity”, make them great leaders who are always available for service to the nation.”
Also present on the occasion were Major Gen. Sharad Kapur, Director General Resettlement, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Aseem Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity University Haryana and Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh along with the Head of Institutions and students of Amity.