Page 51 - Leadership in the Indian Army

today. Although a strict disciplinarian, he was always just and fair, and even
those who felt the rough end of his stick will vouch for this. The Indian
nation owes him an eternal debt for his contributions, which are too

numerous to recount. Of course, if Cariappa were alive, he would have
dismissed this saying that he only did what he felt was his duty. Though
anglicised in habits and behaviour, he was a true patriot, always keeping his
country’s interest uppermost, followed by that of the soldier. As he takes the
Final Step and passes out from the Indian Military Academy, every Indian
Army officer is reminded of the immortal words of Field Marshal Lord
Chetwode:

The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first, always and every time; the honour,
welfare and comfort of the men you command come next; your own ease, comfort and safety
come last, always and every time.

One of the few who followed this, in letter and in spirit, was K.M.
Cariappa.

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* Nanda returned safely in due course of time, and rose to be an Air Marshal, retiring as Air Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command.