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Second Chamanlal Memorial Lecture in New Delhi
?Diplomacy is about strategic thinking? ?Jaswant Singh
FOC
?Bharat suffered some humiliating moments since Independence due to lack of a strategic thinking and unless and until, we as a society or nation, take this challenge, the future of Bharat will be in trouble,? warned Shri Jaswant Singh, former External Affairs Minister, while delivering the Second Chamanlal Memorial Lecture on ?Strategic thinking in Bharat? in New Delhi on March 28.
Dr Shankar Tatwawadi, Samyojak of Vishwa Vibhag, recalled the qualities of the late Chamanlalji that have inspired thousands of Swayamsevaks and many outside that fold also. ?Chamanlalji led such a life that he became one with Keshav Kunj, Jhandewalan and one whosoever visited the place never missed Chamanlalji and his hospitality and pleasant words. He led a simple life and gave prime importance to national security and integrity,? Dr Tatwawadi said.
Shri Jaswant Singh in his lecture said, ?Post-Independence India did not bother much for developing a strategic thinking community, which probably was the reason for failures during the China aggression in 1962 and on many other occasions since then. Independent Bharat has not given much importance to the borders of this country as Hindu community left this art uncared for many centuries. Bharatiyas have fared well in almost all walks of life and are known for their intelligence but failed to protect the borders. This country will have to develop strategic thinking and train next generations, for Bharat is destined to be a global power.?
Dr Ved Pratap Vaidik, senior journalist, in his presidential comments argued that Kautilya had developed the art of strategic thinking. He discussed this at length and said that the Western scholars like Aristotle who visited this country post-Kautilya had picked up this from the storehouse of Kautilya so much that the influence of Kautilya on the Greek/Latin philosophers could not just be ignored. He also dealt on the failures of Nehru for the lack of a vision of making Bharat a mighty superpower. Dr Vaidik said that even the modern strategic thinkers were inspired by the famous Indian philosopher. Dr Vaidik also remembered Chamanlalji with whom he had decades long relationship.
The lecture was held by International Centre for Cultural Studies, Delhi Chapter. Shri Susheel Pandit presented the opening notes on the topic. He raised some questions about Indian strategic thinking and why India fails even after winning the battle? Shri Shyam Parande proposed a vote of thanks with a note that the next annual lecture would be held around March 25, 2006, which happens to be the birth anniversary of Chamanlalji.
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