India’s security challenges go beyond conventional

borders and threats in international arena : Prez
CHENNAI, Sept 10:  Observing that India’s security challenges go beyond conventional borders and threats in the international  arena, President Pranab Mukherjee today said time and again the country has fallen bank on its Armed Forces in internal crisis  situations–both man made and natural.
Addressing the newly inducted gentlemen and lady cadets into  the Indian Army after reviewing the Passing Out Parade at the  Officers Training Academy here, he said the 21st Century has  ushered in its own set of challenges.
Though turbulence and uncertainty have manifested all along  in the history of mankind, this century was witnessing chaos  and strife of a very virulent nature encompassing asymmetric  warfare involving both state and non state actors, he noted.
”More than ever before India requires young men and women  to take up the challenge of navigation through troubled waters  and work tirelessly and selflessly even at the peril of their  lives in the service of our Mother land”, he said, adding,  the Indian Army represents the Instrument of Last Resort.
”Always remember that the acme of a great and powerful  Army does not lie in the power it can unleash but the manner  and dexterity with which it does so. Your leadership abilities  will be tested under fire literally. When you are battling  odds that seem insurmountable remember there are a billion  hopes pinned on your young and brave shoulders”, Mr Pranab  said.
All these challenges demand a capable and responsive Armed  Forces to ensure stability and peace, so vital for the country  on its path of peace and prosperity for all its citizens, he said.
The President said ”our security challenges in fact go  much beyond conventional borders and conventional threats  in the international arena including, a sizeable diaspora  to protect in unstable regions in the world, energy security  issues and protection of maritime sea lanes.”
”Time and again our country has fallen back on our Armed  Forces in internal crisis situations, both man made and  natural”, he added.
Stating that the Parade heralds a new dawn in their lives as commissioned officers of the Indian Army, Mr Pranab said  an onerous task awaits them as they go on to don the mantle  of great responsibility and authority bestowed upon them by  the Constitution.
”You have been through a gruelling one year of training  to equip you with the requisite mental and physical skills  required to lead troops in extremely challenging conditions”, he added.
”Above everything else that your Alma Mater has taught  you, the first and foremost is the Honour Code. Your honour  and integrity is not just yours, always remember there are  more than a billion Indian fellow citizens looking up to you  every moment with admiration, awe and respect for what you  are, the great Institution you serve in and what you are  expected to do for this Nation at the time of reckoning.”, the President said.
”On your shoulders and through your professionalism may  the Indian Army rise to even greater heights”, he said.
Pointing out that India was an unique country of 1.3  billion people, three major ethnic groups, 122 languages,  1600 dialects and disparate religions, Mr Pranab said  ”our strength lies in the unique capacity to blend  apparent contradictions into positive affirmations.”
He said in the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, it  was a Country held together.
Quoting Pandit Nehru, Mr Pranab said “by strong but  invisible threads?.
About her there is the elusive quality  of a legend of long ago: some enchantment seems to have  held her mind. She is a myth and an idea, a dream and a  vision, and yet very real and present and pervasive” .
He said he saw before him a microcosm of what India  was with representation from every part of the country  constituting this impressive Parade.
He said he was also gladdened to see Officer Cadets  from friendly countries of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Fiji,  Papua New Guinea and Lesotho. My
”congratulations to your Government and Countrymen  on receiving such fine young men and woman into their  Armed Forces.
May God be with each one of you and may  you always triumph over adversity.
The President also congratulated the Commandant of  OTA and his faculty for having toiled hard to turn  out such a smart and capable set of young and vibrant  military leaders.
Mr Pranab said ”I must confess that even now, every  time I witness a Military Parade my veins throb with  renewed passion and fervour for our splendid Armed  Forces and our great Nation, India.”
(UNI)

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