Mahavir Sanglikar
It’s time to encourage young Jains to consider careers in the armed forces. Just as we aspire to see more IAS and IPS officers from the Jain community, we should also aim to increase the number of Jain Army officers.
Jains in Army
There are already many Jain officers in the Indian Armed Forces, but their numbers should grow.
Joining the armed forces is not a new concept for Jains. For thousands of years, the Jain community has contributed great warriors, generals, and brave soldiers to the nation. We have seen Jains holding high-ranking positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This proud tradition should be maintained and accelerated.
Service in the armed forces benefits both the community and the nation, providing an adventurous career opportunity for our youth.
A small minority of Jains oppose joining the armed forces in the name of Ahimsa (non-violence). Their understanding of the Jain contribution to India’s military history is negligible, and they misunderstand the true meaning of Ahimsa.
Safeguarding the National Interests
The armed forces are not for attacking other nations but for defending our country from invaders. Wars are fought to protect national interests and citizens, not for the sake of killing enemies. No nation can survive or maintain internal peace without armed forces. Imagine the chaos without them.
People join the armed forces not to kill but for many reasons, including the desire for an adventurous life, a sense of national duty, and attractive career opportunities.
The armed forces are not for those seeking a safe, monochromatic life or for those driven solely by money. However, not all Jains are money-oriented. Many young Jains seek diverse experiences and want to break away from traditional professions. The armed forces offer them this opportunity.
Jains in Army
JITO, JAINA and Young Jains
Organizations like the Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) should encourage young Jains (including Jain girls) to join the armed forces. JITO has successfully promoted careers in the IAS and IPS, receiving overwhelming responses from young Jains across India. Now, JITO should also focus on the armed forces. They should encourage young Jains to join institutions like the National Defense Academy and Dehradun Military Academy.
Just as JITO has training centers for IAS and IPS competitive exams, they should establish centers for defense services as well. Additionally, JITO should consider establishing Jain Military Schools in major cities across India.
Moreover, what JITO is doing in India, JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) should do in North America. American Jains, as citizens of the US and Canada, have the duty and right to join the administration, police, and armed forces there. JAINA should take the initiative in this regard.
Jains in Army
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U ve not written even single line about Lt. Archit ??
Is it the right way to encourage.. ?
I am Ex Airforce and my son is becomming Army officer in Dec .. so write more about Individuals…
Jai Jinendra,
I have a question that army don’t provide jain food then what will a jain personnel eat while training and in operations ?Jain youth wants to join armed forces but how will he survive over there ?
And if they want jain youth to join then they will have to provide jain food in academy and in operations ……..!!
A large number of Army people are vegetarians, and army provide vegetarian food. Being a Jain, the person can avoid root vegetables. But Jain food is a not universal concept, food habits of Jain of various regions of India is not similar. For example, food habits of Gujarati Jains and Punjabi Jains are not the same. (Hope you know their are large number of non-Gujarati Non Marwadi Jains). All Jains are Vegetarians, but all Jains do not follow and need not to follow food habits of Jains.