How to “Enjoy” Supersession

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SUPERSEDED OFFICER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE 

How to “Enjoy” Supersession

Tips by Superseded Veteran Vikram Karve

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Part 1

Supersession Blues – Have you “missed the boat”…?

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Part 2

What do you do if your career “dumps” you…? 

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HOW TO “ENJOY” SUPERSESSION

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PART 1

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SUPERSESSION BLUES – HAVE YOU “MISSED THE BOAT”…?

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PROLOGUE 

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Earlier – Military Officers were quite sensitive about Rank and Seniority – especially Senior Officers.

On being superseded and “passed over” for promotion – most Officers did not like to serve under their erstwhile Juniors.

So – most Superseded Officers would honorably quit uniform – the moment they were “passed over” for promotion and superseded by their Juniors – by resigning or taking premature retirement.

This was especially so in the case of Senior Military Officers.

Many years ago – a distinguished General – who was the Vice Chief of the Army – quit the Army immediately – when he was superseded for promotion to the post of Army Chief by his Junior.

He did not want to serve even for one day under his erstwhile junior.

A few years ago – there was a similar case in the Navy – where the C-in-C of Western Naval Command quit the Navy – when he was superseded for the post of Navy Chief by his Junior – the Vice Chief of the Navy – who was appointed as the new Navy Chief – instead of the “Senior Most Officer” – the C-in-C of the “Sword Arm” of the Navy – the Western Naval Command.

I heard that there was a similar case in the Air Force too.

However – this overly rank/seniority conscious mindset seems to be changing.

Generals who were superseded for the post of Army Chief – they happily served as Army Commanders under their erstwhile junior – who was appointed the Army Chief – and so do many other officers – yes – nowadays most superseded officers who have no qualms about serving under the command of their erstwhile juniors.

The “Moral of the Story” is that – as per the “New Age” Military Ethos – old military concepts like “Honour” have become obsolete and antiquated.

In the “New Age” Military – “Materialism” is the new “Mantra”.

Over the years – the Defence Services are becoming more and more like the Civil Services – especially at the “Top Heavy” Senior Level.

So – rather than bother about archaic “old world” military concepts like the “Chetwode Credo” , “Honour”, “Military Ethics and Moral Values” etc – today’s Defence Officers take a pragmatic and practical view of life.

Hence – rather than quit the service on getting superseded for promotion – and consequently lose out financially and materially – most superseded officers feel that it is best for “passed over” Officers to continue serving after their supersession – till the age of superannuation – or even beyond – on re-employment – even if it means serving under your erstwhile juniors.

All this reminds me of my “Supersession Day”…

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“SUPERSESSION” DAY

“Memoirs” of a “Written Off” “Passed Over” “Fallen By the Wayside” Officer

Spoof By Vikram Karve 

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DAY OF THE “PASSOVER”

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The Navy Promotion IG (Signal) was released in the evening – and by next morning everyone knew the news – who had “made it” – and who had been “written off”.

My name was not on the “select list”.

I had been “passed over” for promotion.

For me – this came as a bolt from the blue – and – I felt “shell-shocked”.

I was under the impression that I had done well in my Naval Career – good performance in the right courses – the best appointments on frontline warships and ashore – and – just a few weeks earlier – my boss had told me that he had found out from “reliable sources” that I was sure to be promoted – and he had even discussed my next appointment in my new rank.

My boss liked me – and he was extremely disappointed that I had been “superseded”.

My boss genuinely commiserated with me on my bad luck – and – he told me to take the day off – and he assured me that he would help me in whatever way possible.

Plenty of “well-wishers” dropped by to show their sympathy for my misfortune.

A course-mate (whose name was on the “select list”) tried to console me by commenting that the most “hot shot” officer “X” in our batch had also been “passed over”.

“By the way – if it is any consolation to you – even “X” has not made it to the select list…” he said.

His sly suggestion that I may be consoled by someone else’s misfortune hurt me very much.

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I got furious at his “fake consolation”.

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So – I said angrily to him:

“How the hell does it matter to me – whether “X” is promoted – or not…?

Why should I feel comforted by someone else’s misfortune…?

The fact is that – “my goose is cooked” – I am sunk.

And – the bottom-line is that my Naval Career is over.

I just don’t care who has been promoted – or not promoted.

The reality is that I have not been promoted – and that is all that matters to me…”

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On hearing my angry words – he looked contrite – and he said to me:

“I am sorry – I was only trying to console you…”

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Then – he left my office.

A few minutes later – another fellow Naval Officer came in.

He was two years senior to me.

He had missed his promotion twice – he had got 2 “R’s” – and he had become very desperate for promotion – but finally – he had made it to the select list in his 3^rd and last attempt.

“Congratulations…” I said to him.

“Thanks…” he said, “but I am feeling very sorry about you – we all were very sure that you would easily make it to the select list…”

He told me that all the “select listed” officers had hoisted a “Gin Pennant” to celebrate their promotion – a Pre-Lunch Drinks (PLD) Beer Party to “wet” their new stripes.

My friend had come to personally invite for the  “stripe-wetting”  Beer Session.

My “inner voice” told me not to go for the “stripe-wetting” promotion party.

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So – I said to him:

“Please try to understand – I am really not in the mood to celebrate right now – but I will surely have a drink with you some other time…”

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My friend looked at me with empathy and said:

“I understand your feelings – I have gone through the same emotions twice.

You take care – we will have a talk later…”

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And then – he left my office.

I sat in my office – feeling depressed – when the phone rang.

It was my friend “P” calling from Delhi – a “trunk call” – as they called it those days.

“Congratulations…” my friend “P” said cheerfully – the moment he heard my voice on the phone.

I was stunned.

“P” was appointed in Naval Headquarters.

So – surely – “P” knew that I had not made it to the “select list”.

Surely – “P” knew that I had been “passed over” for promotion.

Hence – I was very upset to hear “P” saying “Congratulations” to me on this sad occasion.

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Getting angry –I said to “P” in an accusing tone:

“Sir – why are you “congratulating” me…?

I have “missed the boat”– my name is not in the “select list”…”

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My friend “P” said to me:

“I know that your name is not on the select list.

I am “congratulating” you on your “supersession”…”

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I was flabbergasted.

“P” was a very good friend – and I considered him a well-wisher.

We had done our specialization course together – but having spent time doing his Basic Engineering Course (BEC) – since he was an ex-NDA Officer – “P” was one year senior to me.

He had been promoted the previous year – and – I had been the first person to congratulate him.

And now – I wondered why was he was “rubbing salt into my wound”…?

I thought about it.

No – he would never do that – because “P” was a genuine friend of mine.

I wondered whether “P” had gone crazy.

Owing to my silence – “P” must have sensed my train of thoughts.

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Over the phone – my friend “P” said to me:

“You think I have gone crazy – haven’t you…?

But think about what I am saying carefully.

Till now – you let the Navy “enjoy” you.

But now – it is time for you to “enjoy” the Navy…”

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I was quite confused on hearing this.

“What do you mean…?” I asked “P”.

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In a genuinely caring tone of voice –“P” said to me:

“Don’t take any hasty step like “Quitting the Navy” etc.

You have a good reputation – and most senior officers feel that you should have made it to high rank.

Everyone is surprised that you have been “superseded”.

I know you are feeling very disappointed too.

But – you just relax.

You just continue working to the best of your ability.

Think about how you can realize your best potential – think of a job you enjoy and have a flair for – where you can develop your talents.

The Navy will look after you.

Talk to your wife.

I will call you again tomorrow.

You just tell me where you want to go – which type of appointment you want – and we will try to put you there…”

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It was comforting to hear these words of “P”.

I decided to think over his advice.

“Thank you. I will think it out and call you tomorrow…” I said to “P”.

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That evening – I went on a long walk up Dolphin’s Nose.

I sat down – looking at the soothing blue sea of the Bay of Bengal.

As I introspected – the import of what “P” had said became clear to me.

I decided to live my life to the fullest as a “superseded officer”.

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Next morning – I called up “P” – and I told him where I wanted to go – and what I wanted to do.

Within 6 months – I was sitting in my new appointment – the very choice appointment that I had requested.

I thoroughly enjoyed my appointment.

It was long tenure – professionally satisfying and personally fulfilling.

And then – even after this – the Navy gave me good appointments and a stable life.

I served in the Navy till I attained the age of “superannuation”.

It has been my personal experience that the Navy really looks after “superseded officers”.

Most officers show understanding and consideration towards “superseded” officers.

Of course there are a few “aberrations” – but they can easily be dealt with.

To the extent feasible – care was taken to ensure that my boss had joined the Navy well before me – and he was much senior to me – not only in rank – but in service as well.

I got good appointments where I could nurture my talents and develop myself – and – I was given a free hand to perform to the best of my ability and derive job satisfaction.

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In conclusion – I can proudly say:

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I contributed more to the service after my “supersession” – than before my “supersession”.

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MORAL OF THE STORY

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In the Armed Forces – due to the “steep pyramid” hierarchy structure – there are very few vacancies at higher ranks – and most officers are “passed over” for promotion and “superseded” at a relatively young age – in their 30’s and 40’s.

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CHOICES AFTER SUPERSESSION

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When you are “passed over” for promotion and “superseded” – you have 3 choices:

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1. You can Quit the Service immediately by Resigning your Commission.

(even if it means giving up your pension and forgoing/losing many benefits)

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2. You can wait for a few years to complete 20 years pensionable service – and then seek Premature Retirement (PMR)

(During this “waiting time” – you can upgrade your qualifications and acquire skills that will get you a good job in “civvy street” in your second innings)

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3. You can serve till you attain the age of “superannuation”.

(Earlier the minimum superannuation age was 54 years – but I understand that this has now been increased to 57 years – and some officers continue for a few more years on “re-employment”).

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It is for you to take a considered decision in a “holistic” manner depending on your personal temperament, life ambitions and financial status – and after reflecting on various familial obligations in their entirety.

You may be prepared for the career and lifestyle changes for a “second innings” in “Civvy Street” – but are your wife and children ready for the huge lifestyle and social changes – when they suddenly migrate from “fauji life” to civilian life…?

Now – with the implementation of the “No OROP for PMR” Rule – many ‘superseded’ officers may consider ‘Option 3’ above – and serve till they attain the age of ‘superannuation’ – in order to get the benefit of ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP).

You can choose from these 3 options with due diligence – after considering all Pros and Cons.

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But – after ‘supersession’ – if you choose to serve till superannuation – you can have a “fulfilling” life in the Defence Services – if you have the right attitude – as encapsulated in the advice my friend “P” gave me on my ‘supersession’:

“Till now – you let the Navy “enjoy” you.

But now – it is time for you to “enjoy” the Navy…”

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As I said earlier – I contributed more to the service after my “supersession” than before my “supersession” – and while doing so – I nurtured my talents, found my “métier” and developed my “forte”.

The “Proof of the Pudding” is my widely read and popular Blogs:

My highly appreciated Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve Blog has nearly 5 Million (50 Lakh) pageviews and this Blog you are reading right now Writing by Vikram Karve is also extremely popular too and is read by at least 3000 persons every day and the total pageviews will easily be more than 4 Million (40 Lakh) – besides many more blogs, websites and social media where I write and post my creative work.

Yes – I have many other blogs/websites – like this one you are reading – so – I can say that there may be nearly 10 Million (1 Crore) views of my Writing (Stories, Articles, Papers etc) – that I have posted online on my blogs and on the internet – and – to this – you can add my Social Media popularity too – especially on Twitter – where some say that I am an “influencer”.

And yes – I have published a couple of books and large number of articles, papers, stories in print too.

Also – I was able to pursue an academic career later.

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Had I not been “passed over” for promotion – in all probability – I would have become a part of the “rat race” for promotion – sweating it out – jumping from one “hot shot” appointment to another.

In such a “rat race” career situation – I doubt I whether would have had the inclination and time to discover my “métier” in Creative Writing and Blogging – to nurture and develop my creative writing skills – and to become a prolific writer and blogger – all of which has fructified into Books, Blogs and the numerous Fiction and Non-Fiction Writings that I have published.

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Now – you may ask me the moot question:

“How to “Enjoy” Supersession…?”

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That – I will tell you in Part 2 of this article…

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SUPERSEDED OFFICER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE 

How to “Enjoy” Supersession

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PART 2

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What do you do if your career “dumps” you…? 

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HOW TO SERVE AFTER SUPERSESSION

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In part 1 of this article – I told you that – in the Defence Services – when you are “passed over” for promotion and “superseded” – you have 3 choices:

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1. You can Quit the Service immediately by Resigning your Commission.

(even if it means giving up your pension and forgoing/losing many benefits)

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2. You can wait for a few years to complete 20 years pensionable service – and then seek Premature Retirement (PMR).

(During this “waiting time” – you can upgrade your qualifications and acquire skills that will get you a good job in “civvy street” in your second innings)

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3. You can serve till you attain the age of “superannuation”.

 (Earlier the minimum superannuation age was 54 years – but I understand that this has now been increased to 57 years – and some officers continue for a few more years on “re-employment”)

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This article is for those “superseded” officers who decide to choose the 3^rd option and continue serving till they attain the age of superannuation.

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Metaphorical Example

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YOUR “GIRLFRIEND” HAS “DUMPED” YOU

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Let me explain metaphorically.

Suppose you have a steady girlfriend to whom you intend getting married and spending the rest of your life.

You have been loyal, sincere and devoted to your girlfriend.

Suppose she suddenly dumps you.

How will you feel…?

Won’t you feel betrayed…?

Similarly – won’t you feel “betrayed” the moment you are superseded for promotion…?

You have been loyal to the service – but – the service has not been loyal to you in return.

For no apparent reason – the service has “dumped” you.

You faithfully loved your girlfriend – and she dumped you.

You were totally devoted to the service – and the service “dumped” you.

Now – once your girlfriend has dumped you – what are the options open to you…?

Think about it.

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OPTIONS WHEN DUMPED BY GIRLFRIEND

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What are your options if you are dumped by your girlfriend…?

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1. You can become vindictive towards her – and try to harm her.

2. You can indulge in self-pity and sink into depression.

3. You can plead with your girlfriend to take you back into her life – you can beg and beseech her to reconsider her decision to dump you.

4. You can move on in life and forget about her.

5. You can try to acquire a new girlfriend.

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What will you do if your girlfriend or partner dumps you…?

Which do you think is the best option…?

Aren’t options 4 and 5 better…?

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PERSONAL OPTIONS AFTER YOU ARE SUPERSEDED

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Similarly:

What are your personal options when you are superseded…?

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1. You can become “bitter” and resentful and start behaving in an acrimonious and spiteful manner. 

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Such rancorous behavior will spoil inter-personal relationships and create “bad blood” in the environment – and – such negative vibes not only affect your own mental and physical health but will affect your family, friends and colleagues as well.

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2. You can “internalize” your sorrow, start brooding and indulge in self-pity. 

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Excessive self-commiseration will not only will make you miserable and cause you depression – but it may also push you towards alcoholism if you have a tendency to “drown” your sorrows in drink.

I have seen many superseded officers becoming alcoholics.

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As an aside – let me tell you what one witty senior officer said about me when I was superseded.

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When I was passed over and superseded for promotion – the senior officer opined about me:

“We don’t have to worry about him (me) becoming an alcoholic.

The bugger is already a bloody drunkard.

For all you know – supersession may have the opposite effect on him – and he may stop drinking…”

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By the way – I did quit drinking – albeit a few years after supersession…

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So – after getting superseded – you can become bitter and vindictive – you can indulge in self-pity – or – like in the “dumped by your girlfriend” metaphor – there are two more options:

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3. You can “plead” with the service to promote you. 

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This can be done in a number of ways.

You can “beg” your seniors for “thumping” ACRs to enable you to get promoted in the remaining attempts.

Or – you can take the “official” route – put up representations, statutory complaints and indulge in litigation etc.

All this will fill you with anxiety and stress.

And – if you get involved in litigation – besides the expenses involved – your mind will start thinking negative thoughts – especially as you keep discussing your case “ad nauseam” with lawyers and “sea lawyers”.

Instead of thinking interesting creative positive thoughts – your mind will be constantly preoccupied with negative thinking.

All this negativity will affect your family and environment too.

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3. Or – like in the “girlfriend dumping” metaphor:

You can choose the option of moving on in life and acquiring a new “girlfriend”. 

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Now – if you had chosen the option of resigning and quitting the service immediately after you are superseded – this new “girlfriend” can be a new job in “Civvy Street”.

However – since you have decided to serve till superannuation – you will have to find this new “girlfriend” within the service.

How do you do this…?

How did I do this…?

Read below…

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INTROSPECTION

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Firstly – you must be clear in your mind that the service has “rejected” you – and now – you are an “unwanted” entity.

(just like the example of your girlfriend “dumping” you and not wanting you anymore) 

You have been brutally superseded – “passed over” for promotion – “written off” – “fallen by the wayside” – “deadwood” – discarded, redundant and unwanted by the environment.

You have been sidelined from the mainstream – you have been put on a sidetrack – and those on the main track don’t care two hoots about you.

So – don’t expect any “sympathy” from the system.

You are on your own – “index” – as they say in the Navy – and – you have to discover the best way to continue your journey in service as a “superseded” officer till you reach the age of superannuation.

(If some seniors, course-mates and friends are helpful – consider it as a bonus – but don’t expect it)

By the time you are superseded – you would have done many appointments in a variety of jobs.

That’s the beauty of the Armed Forces (especially the Navy) – they make you work in a variety of jobs so that you become the “Jack of all Trades”.

Introspect – reflect – think about it:

Of all the jobs you did in your service – which is the job you enjoyed the most…?

In my case – I had loved serving on ships the best.

But sadly – this job was ruled out after supersession – since – those days – superseded officers were not appointed for sea duties – which were considered mandatory “criteria” appointments for promotion.

Maybe – it was the view of the “powers-that-be” that – since superseded officers were not eligible for selection for promotion – there was no point “wasting” a criteria appointment on “passed over” officers.

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Also – remember the cardinal dictum:

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The moment you are superseded for promotion – you are officially declared “incompetent”.

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So – overnight – from being a professional “hot shot” officer – I became professionally “incompetent” – at least in the eyes of the system.

Hence – I became ineligible for “prestigious” high-profile appointments ashore.

Having ruled out these “high profile” options – I explored suitable “low profile” opportunities available to me.

I had done two tenures on “instructional duties”:

1. One Tenure at Navy Training “Stone Frigate” INS Valsura

(where I had taught Naval Officers undergoing the Specialization Course)

and

2. One Tenure at the Institute of Armament Technology (IAT) Pune

(where as faculty I had taught and guided an Advanced Post Graduate Master’s (ME) Course called Advanced Naval Weapon Systems Engineering Course aka ANWSEC)

3. Also:

I had served in Research and Development (R&D) appointment.

I had served in a Naval Dockyard.

I had a stint as a “Babu in Uniform” pushing files.

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Of the above options – I liked “instructional” appointments the best – especially IAT Pune – where the egalitarian “laissez faire” multi-service environment was conducive to superseded officers – much better than the “regimented” rank-conscious ethos at INS Valsura.

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(Though “Quality Assurance” (QA) appointments were considered “suitable” for superseded officers – I hadn’t served in a “QA” billet – and so – I was quite averse to trying out something that was unknown).

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As advised my “mentors” – I put up a request for an appointment in IAT Pune – and – thanks to my well-wishers – six months later – I was appointed to IAT Pune on “Instructional Duties”.

(Coincidentally – IAT had asked for an Officer with Qualitative Requirements (QRs) which matched my qualifications/experience. Thus – even fate had ordained my appointment to IAT Pune. Also – my earlier tenure at IAT had helped a great deal)

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I must say that the Navy shows due consideration to “passed over” officers and Navy Human Resource (HR) Management System tries to soften the blow of supersession by giving suitable appointments and long tenures to superseded officers.

Not only did Navy give me my choice appointment at IAT Pune – but they gave me a long tenure too – more than 8 years.

This was followed by another long tenure of 6 years at Mumbai in the premier Naval Dockyard.

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(Prior to supersession – my average tenure in a station was less than 2 years)

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Did I do justice to my appointment at IAT Pune…?

I would love to blow my own trumpet – but – I will just quote two extracts from two souvenirs (coffee table books) published by IAT Pune during its Golden Jubilee.

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Extract from page 63 of History of IAT – 50 Years of Excellence (1952 – 2002)

From Chapter on R&D Activities in Wings.

“Cdr VW Karve was the main pillar for many years and made the largest possible contributions to the students, faculty and institute. Numerous papers published by him in national and international journals earned a name for the Institute”

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Extract from page 41 of IAT Golden Jubilee Souvenir

From the article “A Grateful Student Remembers”.

“Though not widely practiced, Cdr Karve’s Captain Haddockesque approach to education intrigued me enough to try out the concurrent methodology in conjunction with the sequential methodology, I was already into. It was an eventful and illuminating two semesters under the guidance of Cdr Karve, who was an Institute within the Institute”

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CONCLUSION

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Once you are “superseded” and “passed over” for promotion – if you choose to continue in service – it is best to make the most of it – by trying to identify and select a suitable “job” (within service parameters) – a job in harmony with your talent – a métier where you can flourish and contribute your best to the service too.

Self-Pity, Bitterness and Negative Thinking may prove counterproductive to your mental well-being and health.

Indulging in litigation and fighting court cases may affect your “peace of mind”.

Remember the “dumped by girlfriend” metaphor.

Move on – be positive – introspect – discover your “métier” – find a new suitable “girlfriend” with whom you feel you can achieve your best – and – make the most of it.

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To be continued in Part 3 of Superseded Officer’s Survival Guide…

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VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
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Link to my original post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/12/humor-in-uniform-musings-of-superseded.html

Parts 1 and 2 of this article SUPERSESSION DAY posted in my blogs at various URLs including: https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/12/13/have-you-missed-the-boat-supersession-blues/  and  https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/12/13/military-musings-superseded-officers-survival-guide-how-to-serve-after-supersession/  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/02/22/has-your-career-dumped-you-superseded-officers-survival-guide/ and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/supersession-day-musings-of-written-off.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/08/25/superseded-officers-survival-guide-part-1-supersession-blues-have-you-missed-the-boat/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/08/25/superseded-officers-survival-guide-part-2-supersession-blues-has-your-career-dumped-you/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/10/27/military-veteran-musings-superseded-officers-survival-guide/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/10/22/military-veteran-musings-superseded-officers-survival-guide-how-to-enjoy-supersession/ etc

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

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Daily Life Tips : “to do” or “not to do”

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“TO DO” or “NOT TO DO”

Lifestyle Management Tips By Vikram Karve

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PART 1

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“TO DO” LIST

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When I was in the Navy – I always had a “to do” list or a “slop chit” (in Naval parlance).

It was standard Naval Practice for Navy officers to carry a “slop chit” in their pocket at all times – especially in work-intensive appointments like those on board Warships and in Naval Dockyards.

At the start of the day – we wrote down all the jobs to be done on the “slop chit”.

When a task was completed – we struck off that entry – and whenever there was a new job to be done – we added that job to the “slop chit”.

The tasks which remained incomplete at the end of the day – we transferred to the next day’s page.

I am sure you maintain such “to do” lists too – nowadays you can maintain these “slop chits” in digital form on your mobile cellphone, smartphone, ipad, tablet – or on your laptop too.

At work – these “to do” lists are “obligations” you have to perform in return for the money your employer pays you as salary.

Sometimes – the “obligations” can be non-monetary too – like marital obligations towards your spouse – or familial obligations towards your family, children, grandchildren, parents or relatives – or a commitment you have made to friends, colleagues, or some person or group of people.

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In short:

“to do” lists are related to “obligations”.

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PART 2

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“NOT TO DO” LIST

________

Now that I have retired – I have a “not to do” list.

Now – for a Veteran like me – there is no need for a “to do” list as far as “work” is concerned.

Once you retire – you don’t work for anyone – you do not have an employer who pays you money – so you have no obligations as far as “work” is concerned.

There is no “job” for you to do – and hence – there is no need to maintain a “slop chit” or “to do” list as far as “work” is concerned.

In most cases – by the time you retire – your children have “flown away” from your nest – so you do not have any parenting responsibilities either.

Yes – even after retirement – you may have some “bare minimum inescapable obligations” – like essential daily chores, paying bills etc.

In India – even after retirement – they hassle you with sundry issues.

For example – all pensioners have to visit their banks in November every year to render a “life certificate” in person in order to prove that they are alive.

Various types of bills and taxes are to be paid, returns are to be filed, banking work has to be done – but you can reduce these to the “bare minimum inescapable requirements”.

You must try to delegate these tasks to someone else.

Or you can use information technology to do these tasks online with minimal effort.

To put it in a nutshell – once you retire – your aim should be to minimize these sundry tasks to bare minimum.

Now – once you have reduced these so-called “inescapable” tasks to the bare minimum – almost zero – then you will find there is no need to maintain a daily “slop chit” or a “to do list” for these very few “inescapable” tasks.

However – in order to enjoy bliss – you must make sure you do not get tied down in unnecessary “obligations” which will eat into your time (like Parkinson’s Law).

In fact – after retirement– what you must do every day – is to maintain a daily “not to do” list.

Yes – you must maintain a “not to do” list.

________

PART 3

_______

“TO DO” or “NOT TO DO” 

MANTRA FOR BLISSFUL RETIREMENT

_______

After retirement – you are supposed to enjoy a peaceful and blissful retired life “doing nothing”.

Every person has a different concept of how to enjoy “blissful retirement”.

I like to spend my time reading, writing, blogging, social networking, watching TV and taking long walks – especially food-walks.

Some of my ex “fauji” friends like to play golf every morning followed by chilled beer with their Navy buddies talking of the “good old days”.

There is a crazy guy who is enjoying his retired life indulging in adventure sports – despite his age.

Some like to spend their time indulging in spiritual activities.

Others travel – many take up a hobby – and some involve themselves in social activities.

Everyone has different ideas of “Bliss” – “to each his own bliss” – as they say.

I know what “blissful retirement” means for me.

You know what “blissful retirement” means for you.

Every individual knows his or her idea of “Bliss”.

So – after retirement – “blissful retirement” will be the only item on your daily “slop chit” or “to do” list.

Yes – after retirement – ideally – there will be just one item on your “to do” list – to enjoy “BLISSFUL RETIREMENT”.

Thus – there is no need for you to maintain an exhaustive “to do” list.

Now – you have only one “to do” item in your life – to enjoy blissful retirement.

________

PART 4

________

“NOT TO DO” LIST

MUST FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

________

In order to enjoy retirement – what you must maintain is a “not to do” list.

Your “not to do” list will include all those activities which impede or interfere with the enjoyment of “blissful retirement”.

Whatever hassles you – those burdensome but unnecessary obligations and activities which waste your time and cause you stress – just put them on your “not to do” list.

I have realized that – after retirement – what you decide “not to do” is more important than what you decide “to do”.

The “not to do” list need not be not restricted to activities alone.

You must have a “not to do” list for people too.

Maybe v you can call it a “not to meet” list.

Yes – your “not to do” list must include a “not to meet” list as well.

________

NB:

I have given examples from retirement.

But – this concept of “not to do” list is applicable throughout your life.

________

PART 5

________

“NOT TO MEET” LIST

________

Let me give you a simple example of a “not to meet” situation from my life.

Long back – in the Navy – I once had a “toxic” boss who I did not like.

This boss hassled me – and he induced stress in me.

Our “vibes” just did not match.

Even just being in his company was stressful for me.

Now – this boss had decreed that he would have a meeting at 9 AM every morning.

He wanted everyone – including me – to be present.

Since I was working in the Navy – I had no choice but to put the 9 AM meeting on the “to do” list – though I would rather have this painful morning meeting with the boss on my “not to do” list.

In the morning – this boss would ask us about our work – and then micromanage – ordering us to report on progress from time to time – and though I hated it – I had to put all this on my “to do” list – the progress reports which entailed meeting or speaking to the boss – which I totally hated to do.

These frequent interactions with my boss during the day caused stress in me so one day I decided “enough is enough”.

So – after meeting the “bare minimum inescapable requirement” of the 9 AM morning meeting – I put my “toxic” boss on my “not to meet” list for the rest of the day – and – I adopted a series of “evasive measures” to discourage the boss from meeting or calling me.

After some time – the boss got the message and he stopped trying to micromanage me or monitor me – and – he would never call me – unless there was a real emergency.

_________

PART 6

_________

“NOT TO MEET”

_________

It is best to put people who hassle you on your “not to meet” list.

Now – I have retired – I am my own boss – and I am a “free bird”.

There is no obligation for me to meet anybody.

I can decide who I want to meet – and who I do not want to meet.

So now – I have a “not to meet” list of toxic people I do not wish to meet.

________

Important Note:

_________

In today’s technology driven connected world – your “not to meet” list should also include those toxic persons who you don’t want to “meet” online – or interact with on social media – or talk to on smartphone – so – you must ruthlessly block all such persons on your “not to meet” list – on all digital media – so that they keep out of your life and don’t become a source of stress for you.

________

PART 7

________

MAKE TWO LISTS – “NOT TO DO” LIST and “NOT TO MEET” LIST

________

Yes – you must make two lists:

_________

1. Things you don’t want to do = “not to do” list

2. Persons you don’t want to meet = “not to meet” list

________

FREE CHOICE – “TO DO” or “NOT TO DO”

________

Similarly – just before my final retirement – I was a Professor – and my “to do” list comprised the lecture assignments and guidance of research work which were an “obligation” – since I was paid a salary.

Now – after retirement – I am often invited to deliver guest lectures and conduct training programs – but since I am under no obligation – I am free to decide whether “to do” or “not to do”.

And – if I decide “to do” – then I do so on my own terms.

________

WHY WAIT FOR RETIREMENT…?

Why not make your “NOT TO DO” and “NOT TO MEET” LISTS right now…?

_________

I will let you in on a secret.

I had started practicing this “not to do” and “not to meet” strategy long back in the early stages of my career – albeit covertly and tactfully.

How did I manage “not to do” and “not to meet” lists during my career…?

Those tricks I will tell you some other time – but I am sure you can use your ingenuity to devise your own techniques.

For example – in order to make your “not to do” and “not to meet” strategy succeed – you may have to project an “abrasive personality” – and – you may have to practice “creative incompetence”.

As you grow wiser with experience – you will realise that the “not to do” and “not to meet” lists are closely intertwined.

So – you need not wait for retirement to make your first “not to do” and “not to meet” lists.

You can do it right now.

During your career you will have to be a bit canny while practising this – I could do it in the Navy.

Of course – once you retire you can do it brazenly.

_______

So – Dear Reader – why don’t you start right now…?

Every morning – instead of a “to do” list – you must make a “not to do” list.

Of course – like I said earlier – the “not to do” list must include “not to meet” list as well.

_______

In a nutshell:

_________

1. Decide what “NOT TO DO” – rather than – what “TO DO”.

2. Decide who “NOT TO MEET” – rather than – who “TO MEET”.

________

Implement this daily “life management strategy” – and you will see your efficiency rise – your mood become better – and – your stress will disappear.

As I said earlier – you will realize that – deciding what “not to do” may be more beneficial rather than deciding what “to do”.

_______

Dear Reader:

Why don’t you try this “not to do” and “not to meet” strategy from today and see how it works for you…?

And – do remember – in today’s technology driven connected world – your “not to meet” list should also include those toxic persons who you don’t want to “meet” online – or interact with on Social Media, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Quora, Twitter, X, Facebook, Instagram, Clubhouse etc. – or toxic people with whom you don’t want to talk on smartphone etc.

So – you must ruthlessly block all such persons on your “not to meet” list – on all digital media – so that they keep out of your life and don’t become a source of stress for you.

Try this “not to do” and “not to meet” strategy and see if it works for you.

Wish you a Happy Stress-Free Life…

_______

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

Link to my source post in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve:http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-years-resolution-2019-to-do-or-not.html

This article is also posted earlier in this blog at url:https://karve.wordpress.com/2016/12/30/my-new-years-resolution-2017-to-do-or-not-to-do-to-meet-or-not-to-meet/

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is an Abridged Version of My Article Earlier Posted Online by me Vikram Karve around 10 years ago in the year 2014 at 3/28/2014 09:30:00 PM in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/03/to-do-or-not-to-do-key-to-life.htmland http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/12/not-to-do-and-not-to-meet-lists-to-do.htmland http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/06/to-do-or-not-to-do-to-meet-or-not-to.htmland http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2016/12/new-years-resolution-2017-not-to-do-and.htmlandhttp://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-years-resolution-2019-to-do-or-not.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/11/12/life-management-tips-to-do-or-not-to-do/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/01/01/new-years-resolution-2020/  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/03/19/stress-management-tips-to-do-or-not-to-do/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/03/09/lifestyle-management-to-do-or-not-to-do and /https://karve.wordpress.com/2022/03/09/lifestyle-management-to-do-or-not-to-do/ etc

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

____________

Retirement : Musings of a Veteran

__________

__________

MUSINGS ON RETIREMENT by Veteran Vikram Karve

___________

PART 1

__________

MEANING OF RETIREMENT 

__________

RETIREMENT = LEISURE + SECURITY

__________

RETIREMENT MEANS LEISURE WITH SECURITY

__________

There are 2 essential attributes of retirement:

1. Leisure
2. Security

__________

When you retire – you have plenty of LEISURE.

You must know how to enjoy your leisure.

However – in order to enjoy this leisure – you must have SECURITY.

____________

The term “SECURITY” includes three types of security:

1. Financial Security
2. Physical Security
3. Emotional Security

____________

FINANCIAL SECURITY

____________

You cannot enjoy the leisure you will have after you retire if you do not have enough money to live a reasonable standard of life after retirement and also cater to essential needs like health and other responsibilities towards children, old parents etc.

That is why it is important to plan early – and – invest and save enough money in order to ensure financial security before you retire – especially if you are not going to get a monthly pension.

You must also ensure you have a health insurance plan and also some contingency funds to fall back upon in case you fall in some unforeseen financial distress.

Financial planning for retirement must take into account increasing longevity especially in women who outlive their husbands in most cases.

____________

PHYSICAL SECURITY

____________

You must choose a retirement home which provides you physical security.

That is why it is important to choose a peaceful place with good law and order, salubrious environment and convenient location (a pensioners’ paradise) to settle down after you retire.

A flat in a gated residential complex or in a senior citizens retirement community in a city will give you better security than living in an isolated bungalow in a far-off desolate place.

Living in an apartment in a city or in a retirement community will also provide you with facilities and amenities to enjoy a better quality of life after you retire – especially in your old age.

Ideally – you may like to live with your children in your autumn years – but that may not be feasible in many cases – so – as the next best option – it may be beneficial to settle down in close proximity of your near and dear ones – children, relatives, friends etc. – or else – in a senior living community where you can make friends and have various facilities required in old age.

______________

EMOTIONAL SECURITY

______________

Gone are the days of the joint family system when a retired person got plenty of emotional security from his children and grandchildren who looked after elders.

Nowadays – if you are married – you have to rely on your spouse alone to give you emotional security.

If you are lucky to have friends who live in the vicinity – they can give you a sense of emotional security too.

If it is not possible to meet friends physically very often – then engaging actively on Alumni, Friends and Common Interest Groups on WhatsApp and Social Media does give you a sense of emotional security too and also helps you connect with old friends and making new friends who you may be able to meet once in a while.

It is better to reach out to people and interact with them – rather than isolate yourself.

Even virtual Social Media and WhatsApp relationships may give you a sense of emotional security – rather than having no relationships at all.

_____________

CONCLUSION

____________

Before you retire – you must ask yourself whether you have enough security during your retirement to enable you to enjoy the leisure you will get when you retire – delve on all 3 aspects of security – financial, physical, emotional.

_____________

PART 2

_____________

LEISURE

_____________

Remember my definition of Retirement:

Retirement means Leisure with Security

_____________

Retirement = Leisure + Security

_____________

In Part 1 of this blog – we discussed – that – in order to enjoy your Leisure – you must have Security.

And – we saw that Security has three aspects – Financial Security – Physical Security – Emotional Security – and – how one must plan for each aspect.

Now – let us see how to deal with the Leisure you will have after Retirement – if you really retire in its true sense.

___________

When you retire – you will have plenty of time – and your mind will be empty.

(This is true especially for workaholics – whose minds are always full of work-related thoughts)

Now – after retirement – you will no longer be “busy” with work – and you will be “idle” – time-wise and brain-wise.

___________

There is a proverb: 

“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop…”

____________

So – if you keep idle – you will start having negative thoughts – and – you may radiate your negative vibes in the environment around you and make everyone miserable.

It is therefore necessary to have a “retirement plan” defining how you are going to spend your leisure after retirement.

And – for this – you must have a “retirement goal”.

__________

PART 3

____________

RETIREMENT GOAL

__________

A few years ago – a friend called up – and – he wanted my advice.

“I want to meet you. I am retiring soon – and – I want your tips on “how to enjoy retirement”…” he said to me.

“Why me…?” I asked.

“Ever since you retired – I have been observing you – and – I have observed other retired people too – and – I have seen that you are enjoying retirement the most…” he said to me.

Well – that is his perception – but – though I have my “blue moments” – by and large – yes – I am enjoying my retirement.

So – since my friend had solicited my “advice” – I decided to delve a bit.

“What is your “Retirement Goal”…?” I asked him.

“Retirement Goal…?” he asked.

“See – all your life you have various “goals” – as a student – doing well in your studies and getting good marks and grades was your goal – then – getting a good job was your goal – later – you kept having many “goals” from time to time – like – doing well in your career – getting married – having children – material “goals” – like making money and acquiring possessions like a car, a house, various utility/entertainment items – travel goals like going on vacations – in a nutshell – you keep having various personal goals – familial goals – career goals – and – “standard of living” – and – “quality of life” goals – am I right…?” I explained to him.

“Yes…” he said.

“Later you had “goals” for your children as well – their education, career success, marriage…” I said.

“Yes…” he said.

“Now – all that is over – you have “achieved” all your “goals” – and – you are on the verge of retirement – in the last phase of your life – so – is “waiting for death” your only “goal”…?” I asked him.

“Why are you being so “pessimistic” and gloomy…?” he asked me.

“So – if you don’t want to become “pessimistic” – tell me – like you always had “goals” in your life – tell me – have you thought about and finalised your “retirement goal”…? I asked him.

“I’ll think about it…” he said, “and we will have a long walk and talk on the subject when I come to Pune…”

“Remember – make sure your “Retirement Goal” is SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely…” I said to him.

__________

SMART is an acronym for :

1. Specific

2. Measurable

3. Achievable

4. Realistic

5. Timely

_________

SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely

_________

SMART RETIREMENT GOAL

_________

Let me give you my own example:

My “Retirement Goal” is to “Write One Blog Post Every Day”.

__________

SMART retirement goal – isn’t it…?

Yes – my “Retirement Goal” is SMART

___________

My retirement goal:

“Write One Blog Post Every Day” is: 

________

“Specific” 

(Writing)

________

“Measurable” 

(One Blog Post)

_________

“Achievable” 

(Write Only One Blog Post Every Day – not Ten Blog Posts Daily)

__________

“Realistic” 

(I have the resources (laptop/smartphone etc), the time, physical and mental attributes – and – the necessary talent, interest and creative-capacity to realise this retirement goal)

__________

“Timely” 

(retirement is certainly the “right time” for me to write and to blog)

___________

NB :

__________

When I retired – except Facebook – Social Media was in its inchoate stages and hadn’t proliferated much.

But – when Social Media became popular – in addition to writing and blogging – I included Social Media in my retirement goal – and – I am quite active of various Social Media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, WhatsApp etc)

In fact because of my active presence on Social Media – people call me an “influencer”.

____________

You can certainly make Social Media a SMART Retirement Goal.

___________

Since my retirement goal is SMART – I have been able to achieve my retirement goal quite well.

My late father-in-law decided to learn classical music after he retired from the Army.

He went about pursuing his “retirement goal” in a SMART manner – attending music classes every day – giving various music examinations – attaining a hierarchy of qualifications in music – then – he began teaching music.

Having “achieved” his first “retirement goal” of learning classical music – he pursued “social work” as his second retirement goal – and – he “bashed on regardless” – till he passed away.

He never felt “empty” in his life.

_________

“EMPTINESS” – that is the emotion you will feel in retirement if you do not have a “retirement goal”.

_________

Yes:

You will feel a sense of “emptiness” if you don’t have “retirement goal”.

_________

If you have a “retirement goal” – you will have an important job to do at – which will keep you busy all the time – and – you will have something to look forward to – every day.

__________

If you don’t have a “retirement goal” – you will have no important job to do – and you will start complaining:

“There is nothing to do”  –  “Life has no purpose”  –  “Life is not worthwhile”  – etc etc etc.

And – your only “goal” will be to “wait for your death”.

___________

So – unless you are a person who never retires – like politicians, businessmen, doctors, lawyers etc. and some bureaucrats who keep getting post-retirement employment and sops – you must have a “retirement goal”.

Your “retirement goal” can be anything – personal, familial, social – but make sure that your goal is “SMART” – so that you can easily achieve your goal.

Avoid choosing unrealistic “NON-SMART” goals which are difficult to achieve at your age – in your state of health – in your environment – and with the resources you have.

It is best to start thinking about your “retirement goal” well before your retirement – so that you can prepare well for retirement.

___________

Now – Dear Reader – tell us:

“What is your Retirement Goal…?”

__________

CONCLUSION

__________

RETIREMENT PLANNING

___________

Retirement comprises Leisure with Security.

Retirement = Leisure + Security

__________

In Part 1 of this blog – we discussed – that – in order to enjoy your Leisure – you must have Security – and – we saw that Security has three aspects – Financial Security – Physical Security – Emotional Security – and – how one must plan for each aspect.

__________

In Parts 2 and 3 of this blog – we discussed the importance of having a “Retirement Goal” that is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely)

___________

This is the essence of Retirement Planning – in a nutshell.

____________

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. These are my personal views based on my personal experience. It may or may not work for you. Please do your own due diligence while formulating your retirement philosophy.
2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
3. E&OE

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved) 

Part1: Link to my source blog posts in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve and writing blogs: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/retirement-leisure-security.htmland http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/09/retirement-anniversary-blog-post-no-2.html  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2015/12/08/retirement-planning-made-simple/ and   http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/09/retirement-means-leisure-with-security.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/09/30/retirement-means-leisure-with-security/

Part 2: Link to my source blog posts in my Blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: https://karve.wordpress.com/2016/08/10/what-is-your-retirement-goal/ and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/08/retirement-planning-do-you-have.html and writing blog: https://karve.wordpress.com/2020/09/30/do-you-have-a-retirement-goal/ and https://karve.wordpress.com/2021/02/17/retirement-planning/ etc.

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

____________

SHOULD MILITARY OFFICERS BE MONEY-MINDED “BUSINESSMEN” IN UNIFORM ?

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: Humor in Uniform : “FAUJI” BUSINESSMEN – MONEY-MINDED “FAUJIS” aka BUSINESSMEN IN UNIFORM.

Link to my original post in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal: 
http://karvediat.blogspot.in/201…

HUMOUR IN UNIFORM

MONEY-MINDED “FAUJIS” aka BUSINESSMEN IN UNIFORM
A Spoof
By
VIKRAM KARVE


Part 1 – “SATTA BAZAAR”

This happened 37 years ago, in the 1970’s.

Six of us “piddly” Sub Lieutenants from various ships sat in front of a chubby Commander in Western Naval Command Headquarters (those days the Headquarters was located in a civilian building in Fort area of Mumbai).

We had been “detailed” for some “bum jobs” connected with Navy Week and the Staff Officer was briefing us.

Suddenly, the phone on the table rang and the Commander picked it up.

Whatever he heard on the phone suddenly galvanized him into action.

The Commander abruptly stood up and told us that something urgent had come up.

He told us that he would be back soon and we should wait for him.

He threw a file in front of us and told us to read it till he got back.

Then he swiftly grabbed a civilian bush shirt which was hanging on the hat-stand, wore the blue bush-shirt over his white uniform shirt.

He picked up his briefcase and disappeared at the speed of light.

We waited patiently in his office – almost half an hour passed.

Then we went over to the office hall and asked the staff if they knew when he would be back.

“Don’t worry. He must have gone to Dalal Street, to meet his broker in the Stock Exchange. He will be back soon,” the Commander’s PA said.

(Remember, this happened in the 1970’s when there was no internet, no online trading, and you had to physically trade stocks through your broker)

When the Commander returned, he seemed quite cheerful and in a happy mood.

I do not know whether he was a “Bull” or a “Bear” but from his happy mood it appeared that he had made a lot of money that day.

After a “brief” briefing on the “official” matter, he educated us on investing and trading in shares and told us how much money could be made in the stock market rather than the conventional savings methods which we were doing.

Later on, during my career, I met many such “Bulls” and “Bears” in the Navy, who were more preoccupied with the Stock Market than their Naval Duties.

Now, thanks to internet, with the advent of online trading, it has become ever so easy for these “punters” to indulge in their stock market trading, even during working hours, and from remote locations – you can use your PC, your laptop, or even your mobile smart-phone to indulge in “satta bazaar” and you can do it round the clock 24/7 anytime anywhere.

Someone told me that, nowadays, Navy Wives are heavily into online trading on the stock market and are earning good money “working” from home on the “satta bazaar”.


Part 2 – “REAL ESTATE”

During my stints in inter-service establishments, I discovered many “businessmen in uniform” in the army and air force too, with other business interests.

“My boss is more of a businessman then a soldier,” an army friend of mine once commented and went on to tell us that his senior was heavily engaged in real estate speculation and was least interested in soldiering duties, which he left to his juniors.

There was another officer, who would spend hours exhorting junior officers to buy property, explaining to them the various tax benefits, telling them how much the value of their property would appreciate, the rent returns, and that real estate was the best investment.

Was he doing this for purely altruistic reasons?

Well, that I will leave it for you to guess.

But I wonder whether it was a curious coincidence that he was plugging only a certain scheme, arranging site visits, facilitating loans and helping out with paperwork.

Others were busy investing in land in and around the city.

Yes, apart from the “stock market”, “real estate” (“property market”) seemed to be quite popular with “businessmen in uniform” and, of course, there were many other “businesses” as well, some of which they pursued on their wives and children’s names.

All these “businessmen in uniform” seemed to be more engrossed in making money rather than their military soldiering duties.

I often wonder why such individuals join the armed forces.

If you have a talent for business, then why waste your life soldiering in the defence services?

If you have financial acumen, will your talent not be better utilized in the business-world rather than in the military?


Part 3 – “FAUJI” BUSINESSMEN

If you are thinking of a career in the armed forces, the army, navy or air force, I will recommend that you read a book called CATCH-22 by Joseph Heller before you join up.

Catch-22 will give you an idea of what life is like in the services.

Have you committed the “blunder” of joining the army, navy or air force without having read CATCH-22?

Yes? 

You joined the “fauj” without having read Catch-22…?

Not to worry! 

As they say – “better late than never”.

So even if you already in uniform, it would still be a good idea to read the book so that you can appreciate the various “Catch 22” situations around you.

More importantly, it will help you comprehend the seemingly crazy behaviour of the motley characters you encounter every day in your military environment by relating them to the inimitable characters depicted in CATCH-22.

During my long years in the navy, I came across almost all characters of Catch-22 – Dreedles, Cathcarts, Peckems, Doc Daneekas, Dunbars, Korns, Scheisskopfs, Wintergreens, De Coverleys, plenty of Yossarians – yes, I encountered all sorts of idiosyncratic types.

And, of course, how can I forget the canny Machiavellian “Milo Minderbinders” – those “businessmen in uniform” who are proliferating like hobgoblins all over in the services.

In Catch-22, the character of Milo Minderbinder represents a typical “businessman in uniform”.

He looks at everything from a financial angle and his motto is: “what is in it for me?”

Milo’s sole obsession is to make “profit” and he has no allegiance to anyone or anything.

Just like the character of Milo Minderbinder in Catch-22, there are an increasing number of money-minded “businessmen in uniform” who are obsessed with money matters and their sole aim is to derive “benefit” from the service.

From the day join the military, they seem more interested in their “entitlements” and “privileges” rather than their soldiering duties.

Forever they keep comparing their pay and perks with others.

They make sure they extract the maximum benefits and are paranoid about losing out on perks and pecuniary privileges.

They never seem to be satisfied and content with what they get in the service and have an insatiable greed for more.

It is these greedy “businessmen in uniform” who perpetuate corruption and get involved in all sorts of scams which tarnish the image of the defence services and destroy the inner discipline and moral fabric of the armed forces.


Part 4 – “MILITARY MINDSET” versus “BUSINESS ACUMEN”

Business Acumen and Military Attitude are stark opposites.

In fact, they are mutually exclusive.

You can either have a military mindset or you can have business acumen – you cannot simultaneously have both.

You can either be a Businessman or you can be a Soldier – but you cannot be both at the same time.

I am of the firm view that those with a “military mindset” should keep away from the business world.

And similarly, those with a “nose for business” must keep away from the military.

Military Ethic is different from Business Ethic.

The two are poles apart and there is no congruence between them.

For a Businessman – Profit is the sole motive.

For a Soldier – Patriotism is the leitmotif.

The essence of corporate business ethic is: “money comes before anything else”.

“Businessmen in Uniform” apply this tenet (“money comes before anything else”) even in the armed forces and they ruin the inherent value-based military ethos of the defence services.

It is these “Businessmen in Uniform” who are responsible for the corruption and scams that tarnish the reputation of the defence services.

[Of course, you may also find some “soldiers” among businessmen (who create business fiascos), but that is another story which I shall discuss later]

The numerous scams and acts of corruption being reported in the media is a sign of the proliferation of these “businessmen in uniform” in the services, even at the highest levels of the hierarchy.

Unfortunately, in recent times, an increasing number of senior officers, even Chiefs, are getting embroiled in scams, corruption cases, unethical acts and controversies.

All this not only tarnishes the good reputation of the services, but also adversely affects inner discipline as juniors stop respecting their seniors who lose moral ascendancy.

How have we reached a stage where it is possible for so many “businessmen in uniform” to get promoted to high rank?

Or is it the other way round?

Have we reached a situation that unless you are a “businessman in uniform” it will be difficult for you to get promoted to senior rank?

It is for you to have a thorough look at the top brass and study the promotion trends in your service and reach your own conclusion.

But one thing is sure.

All these “businessmen in uniform” have one attribute – TACT (which is euphemism for “moral pliability”).

And in today’s world, TACT is the vital “Officer Like Quality” (OLQ) that helps an officer rise to high rank.

Of course, in addition to “businessmen in uniform” – we have “politicians in uniform” too – and combinations of the two.

But that is another story.


Part 5 – EPILOGUE – THE “OROP” OBSESSED MILITARY VETERANS

At a recent get-together of military veterans, I noticed two types of retired “faujis”.

The first “nostalgic” group was talking about their “good old days” in the military.

The second “money-minded” group was discussing financial matters, and especially getting agitated about the hot topic of the day – OROP – aka “One Rank One Pension”.

Habits die hard !!! LOL

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
1. This article is a spoof, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)
     
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Revised Version of My Article “Businessmen in Uniform” First Posted by me Vikram Karve on 14 December 2013 12/14/2013 12:52:00 PM  in my blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/201…

Now Re-Posted by Vikram Karve at 5/10/2015 10:30:00 PM

How to Solve OROP Problem – Integrated Pay Scale will eliminate need for One Rank One Pension

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: OROP IMBROGLIO – Simple Solution – HOW TO MAKE THE “OROP” PROBLEM DISAPPEAR.

Link to my original post in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal: 
http://karvediat.blogspot.in/201…

OROP IMBROGLIO – Simple Solution

HOW TO MAKE THE “OROP” PROBLEM DISAPPEAR
Ramblings of a Military Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE

In the Armed Forces – pay has traditionally been linked to rank.

In the 1980’s – the Armed Forces appreciated that it was not practicable to enhance the percentage of higher ranks given the steep pyramid hierarchy required for command and control in the Defence Services.

This meant that very few could be promoted to higher ranks – and most officers would be “passed over” and superseded for promotion and would retire at lower ranks (and at a younger age too).

Supersession is a fact of life in the Armed Forces.

And – since pay and pension was linked to rank – most officers are at a great monetary disadvantage for no fault of theirs.

In order to mitigate this – the 4th Pay Commission introduced the “Integrated Pay Scale” upto the Rank of Brigadier (Running Pay Band from 2nd/Lt to Brigadier: 2300 – 100 – 5100).

This “integrated pay scale” (or “running pay band”) worked well to give equitable pay to superseded officers and, to a certain extent, it helped mitigate the loss of morale due to supersession.

It is understood that the Defence Services had proposed to extend this “integrated pay scale” concept to all ranks right upto the top ranks of General/Admiral/Air Chief Marshal.

However, going by some specious logic, the 5th Pay Commission abolished this “running pay band” concept altogether – and we were back to square one where your rank determined your pay.

While abolishing this excellent “integrated pay scale” concept – the Pay Commission rubbed salt in the wounds of superseded officers by not giving Armed Forces the benefits of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) and Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU/NFFU) which were enjoyed by the civil services.

Since pension is based on “last pay drawn” – the problem of OROP will disappear of the concept of “integrated pay scale” is re-introduced for the Armed Forces.

The “integrated pay scale” can be applied with retrospective effect.

As per the “running pay band” – your Retirement Pay will be determined by your total years of service – which in turn will determine your pension.

This is a fair, ethical and equitable concept – rather than linking pension to rank alone.

“One Rank One Pension” (OROP) concept is unfair – since it links Pension to Rank.

OROP will mainly benefit High Ranking Officers.

Should “length of service” not be given more importance than rank while computing pension?

Who deserves more pension:– 

A Colonel with 35 years of service – or a Brigadier with 25 years of service…?

After retirement – financial needs are the same for military veterans.

It is logical, equitable and ethical to give pay and pension based on the years of active service rendered in the armed forces.

If the “integrated pay scale” concept of 4th Pay Commission is implemented by 7th Pay Commission for the Armed Forces – and given retrospective effect for the purpose of computing pension – then the OROP issue will automatically be solved – and also – it will be fair and equitable to all retired military veterans including superseded officers.

So – the simplest solution and panacea for the OROP imbroglio is to re-introduce the “integrated pay scale” concept of 4th Pay Commission.

If government wants the OROP problem to disappear – then all the government has to do is to re-introduce the “running pay band” concept of 4th Pay Commission for the Armed Forces in the 7th Pay Commission and give retrospective effect for the purpose of computing pension of defence personnel and military veterans.

Do you agree?

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

Posted by Vikram Karve at 4/29/2015 10:26:00 AM

SILENCE IS THE FIRST STEP TO INNER PEACE – SELF HELP for STRESS MANAGEMENT

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: OUTER SILENCE and INNER PEACE – SELF HELP for STRESS MANAGEMENT.

OUTER SILENCE and INNER PEACE 
SELF HELP for STRESS MANAGEMENT

Link to my original post in my academic and creative writing journal:
http://karvediat.blogspot.in/201…

OUTER SILENCE – THE FIRST STEP TO INNER PEACE
WORDS ON A BENCH IN MUSSOORIE
Meditation
By
VIKRAM KARVE

I am feeling hassled. 

I close my eyes. 

I sit in silence.

I relax. 

And I remember those insightful and profound words engraved on a bench in Mussoorie.

I read those words long back, but those meaningful words that have remained etched in my mind forever.

Agar Aap Shanti Chahate Ho To Pehele Shaant Rehena Seekho 


अगर आप शांति चाहते हो तो पहेले शांत रहेना सीखो


Long back, around 20 years ago, I visited Mussoorie.

During one of my long walks, probably on Camel’s Back Road, or maybe near Lal Tibba in Landour, I saw some words inscribed on a bench.

Those words were a truism that has had a profound impact on me ever since.

I will never forget those interesting words written in Hindi on a bench in Mussoorie:


अगर आप शांति चाहते हो तो पहेले शांत रहेना सीखो 


(Agar Aap Shanti Chahate Ho To Pehle Shaant Rehna Seekho)


Roughly translated into English this means:

IF YOU DESIRE PEACE THEN FIRST LEARN TO REMAIN SILENT 

Of course the word  शांत  (shaant)  also means PEACEFUL 

Yes, SILENCE is the sine qua non for PEACEFULNESS.

Once your mind is calm and peaceful you will experience a sense of inner peace.

If your inner peace is disturbed, there will be turbulence inside you, and you will feel stressed out.

The root cause of stress is lack of inner peace.

The first step to stress management is to restore your inner peace, and not allow your inner peace to be disturbed.

And why does your inner peace get disturbed?

Your inner peace gets disturbed because there is too much “noise” in your life.

There is Physical Noise, Information Overload Noise, Emotional Noise.

There is internal noise and external noise.

There is noise around you and noise within you.

There is all sorts of noise and cacophony. 

Noise hassles you, disturbs your tranquility and is the biggest impediment to attaining peacefulness. 

The first step to inner peace is to get rid of all that noise around you and within you. 

Yes, if you want peace you have to shut out the noise from your life.

Go to a quiet place where there is minimal external noise, switch off your noise-making gadgets like cellphones, shut out the cacophony on TV, shut out all the emotional noise which hassles your peace of mind. 

Sit silently in solitude, close your eyes and see how your inner silence dissolves the noise within you and you will experience inner peace and you will be in harmony with yourself.

That’s what I do every morning. 

I sit in silence in the spacious airy balcony of my ninth floor flat in Wakad.

I absorb the tranquil scenic view of the placid waters of the Mula River quietly flowing below, the peaceful verdant hills in the distance, the still atmosphere, the pure fresh air, and I feel a halo of soothing serenity permeate within me. 

Then I close my eyes and let my silence dissolve the internal noise in my mind and body.

It is only then that I experience inner peace and I realize that I am in harmony with myself.

Yes, if you want to be in harmony with yourself, you must have inner peace.

And, outer silence is the first step to inner peace.


अगर आप शांति चाहते हो तो पहेले शांत रहेना सीखो 

If you want peace then first learn to remain silent


Remember this simple piece of wisdom.

Try it. 

Experience the power of silence in calming your mind.

It works. 

You can take my word for it.

Remember the mantra: Outer Silence is the first step to inner peace.

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This Self Help Article Written by me in 1994 and First Posted by me Vikram Karve in this blog on 16 Sep 2011 at 9/16/2011 01:36:00 PM at url:http://karvediat.blogspot.in/201…

Posted by Vikram Karve at 10/02/2014 11:25:00 AM

OBIT – REQUIEM FOR A SOLDIER – In Remembrance of Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 – 22.9.2008)

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: “REQUIEM” FOR A SIMPLE HONEST PATRIOTIC SOLDIER ON HIS 6th DEATH ANNIVERSARY – OBITUARY – In Remembrance of Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 – 22.9.2008).

Click the link above to read the blog post in my academic and creative writing journal.

Article also posted below for your convenience:

“REQUIEM” FOR A SIMPLE HONEST PATRIOTIC SOLDIER ON HIS DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Link to my original post in my academic and creative writing journal: 
http://karvediat.blogspot.in/201…

OBITUARY – In Remembrance of Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 – 22.9.2008)

Today is the 22nd of September 2014 – the sixth death anniversary of my late father-in-law Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi who we affectionately called “Daddy“. 

How time flies! 

He passed away in the early hours of 22 September 2008.

Six years have passed since the inimitable Pratap Dattatraya Joshi left for his heavenly abode. 

Lest we forget him, on this day, his 6th death anniversary, let me sound the “Last Post” once again.



As a token of my remembrance, here is the obituary LAST POST I wrote for him when he left us for his heavenly abode on the 22nd of September 2008.

LAST POST

Obituary

Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi  (6.3.1932 – 22.9.2008)

In the early hours of the 22nd of September 2008, Pratap Dattatraya Joshi, breathed his last, and departed for his heavenly abode, at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.

Pratap Joshi was an epitome of simple living and high thinking. 

Born on the 6th of March 1932, he imbibed sterling values from his father, DP Joshi, a Teacher and Scout, a legend in his lifetime.

Brigadier PD Joshi was a product of the prestigious First Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA – or 1st JSW, as he liked to call it, then located in Dehradun).

Brigadier PD Joshi was certainly not the archetypal pompous hard-drinking handlebar-moustachioed high-falutin “Colonel Blimp” type of Army Officer.

He was not an elitist snob, but a simple honest patriotic professional who believed in grassroot soldiering. 

He was a simple, down-to-earth, Spartan, unassuming, dedicated, sincere, patriotic, scrupulously honest, erudite person possessing a golden heart filled with humility and compassion. 

Throughout his distinguished career spanning 37 years, and even thereafter, he spread happiness, benevolence and goodwill owing to his cheerful disposition, kind-hearted nature and inimitable sense of humour.

Forever young at heart, Pratap Joshi did not suffer from the Auld Lang SyneComplex. 

After retirement, unlike most retired “faujis”, he never lived in the past, languishing and brooding about the “good old days”, but he moved on with exceptional enthusiasm and childlike zeal to his new loves – music and social work.

Starting from the scratch, he studied classical music with sheer dedication, resolute grit and passionate zest for many years till he was bestowed with the prestigious post graduate degree of Sangeet Alankar. 

Then he taught music to one and all, free of cost, making special efforts to teach the needy and underprivileged.

Travelling extensively, and roughing it out in the heart of the mofussil, to rural and far flung regions, he made a significant social contribution to enhancing primary education in backward areas, as the Chief Trustee of the Natu Foundation Educational Trust. 

He eagerly contributed his expertise to Jnana Prabodhini and for improving the efficiency of Hospitals.

Pratap Joshi loved animals, especially dogs. 

He always had pet dogs, and showered his unconditional love on them and all the dogs that he came across in the neighbourhood, pet and stray. 

It was distressing to see Dolly desperately searching for him soon after he had gone away from us forever. 

We shall always remember the love with which he snuggled and cuddled Sherry, our pet dog, a “Doberman-X” girl, when she was a baby.

He had a genuine zest for living, and enjoyed every moment of his life, indulging himself in his favourite foods, movies, travel, music – anything he liked, he did it! 

He laughed, and made others laugh.

I first met Pratap Joshi in March 1982 and he left such a lasting impression on me that I became his fan ever since. 

He was my father-in-law, more like a loving father who I could count on to stand by me, advise and inspire me, in happiness and in adversity, and I shall forever cherish every moment I shared with him. 

My son, a seafarer, was his favourite grandchild, the apple of his eye. 

It was a pity he could not be with his beloved grandfather during his last moments as he is sailing on the high seas. 

Such are the tragedies and travesties of life, and death.

We will miss you dearly “Daddy”. 

You lived your life to its fullest and loved all of us from the bottom of your heart. 

We are sure you will shower us with your blessings from your heavenly abode. 

You were a noble and virtuous man who always did good to everyone you met and wherever you went. 

Pratap Dattatraya Joshi  (6.3.1932 – 22.9.2008) – RIP.

May His Soul Rest in Peace.


VIKRAM KARVE

Obituary First Posted on 22 September 2008 in my Blog at url link:http://karvediat.blogspot.in/200…

THE OLD SOLDIER – RETIRED FORGOTTEN NEGLECTED – THE MYTH OF EX SERVICEMEN WELFARE

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: RETIRED VETERAN SOLDIERS SAILORS AIRMEN – FORGOTTEN AND NEGLECTED – THE MYTH OF EX SERVICEMEN WELFARE.

Click the link above and read the original post in my academic and creative writing journal.

Article is also posted below for your convenience:

THE MYTH OF EX SERVICEMEN WELFARE

VETERANS ARE A  FORGOTTEN AND NEGLECTED LOT

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When you are in active service, in the army, navy or air force, you are expected to carry out all orders promptly and execute all actions with speed and despatch and do your work in an efficient and proficient manner with initiative and ingenuity.

However the same reciprocity is not shown to you by those meant to serve you, especially after you retire.

One of the biggest myths being propagated is that ex-servicemen are well “looked after”.

It has been my personal experience that this is not so.

The fact is that once you retire you are forgotten by the service.

No one cares about you and you are on your own.

Let me give you an example.

A lady rang me up a few minutes ago. She is a civilian employee who works in the Navy Office in Mumbai. She had worked with me around 10 years ago in Mumbai when I was in the Navy.

She told me that there was a Supreme Court Judgement recently on Rank Pay in the Major Dhanapalan case, and, maybe, I was entitled to a hike in pension and some arrears of rank pay (she had heard about this on the office grapevine when her friends from the Naval Pay Office were discussing this).

She told me that they were saying that all officers who were in service in 1986 were entitled to this increase in pension.

She said that everyone was applying to Naval Pay Office and that I should also apply.

I was totally clueless.

I had received no communication from the Naval Pay Office regarding this and neither had my Bank (the Pension Disbursing Authority) told me anything in this matter. I have not received any communication from an other ex servicemen welfare agency either.

I retired just a few years ago and all my current contact details are available with the Naval Pay Office and all Ex Servicemen Welfare Agencies.

I have given more than 33 years of my life for the Navy.

Don’t you think that I deserve the courtesy of a letter, or at least a simple email or a telephone call.

Why do the “authorities” want to make me run from pillar to post, obtaining and filling multiple forms, getting signatures, submitting them and then endlessly wait for my due?

These days the Government is encouraging Direct Cash Transfers.

Yes, DIRECT CASH TRANSFER is the new mantra of the Government and I do not know why the Navy is not implementing this.

All my service records and bank details are available with the Naval Pay Office and concerned account offices.

Why can’t the money due to me be directly transferred into my bank account?

I just don’t understand why the navy is sticking to archaic paperwork procedures when the whole world has moved on to Information Technology and Electronic Cash Transactions?

Why can’t the navy make efficient and proper use of Information Technology to make life easier for ex-servicemen?

I was an officer in the navy.

I am well educated and I live in a big city with reasonable resources.

If I am feeling clueless and hapless, just try to imagine the state of  a veteran soldier, sailor or airman living in a remote village.

It is terrible that hapless veteran ex-servicemen are being made to run from pillar to post to get their dues.

Most ex-servicemen are senior citizens, many in advanced old age suffering from various ailments, and they have given the best years of their lives to the nation performing their tough duties with loyalty, sincerity and alacrity.

Gratitude demands that veteran ex-servicemen be treated in a better manner.

Whether it is Pension Problems, ECHS Medical Treatment, CSD Canteen Facilities or other Ex-Servicemen Benefits, I think there is a vast scope for improvement in delivery.

I trust the powers-that-be will reflect on this and we will see some positive action.

Meanwhile, if someone from Naval Pay Office is reading this, I hope that I will get my enhanced pension dues in my Bank Account by DIRECT CASH TRANSFER

Jai Hind

PS:

It has become a fashion to blame “civilian babus” for all ills of ex-servicemen.

I would like to point out that the lady who took the trouble of finding out my phone number and calling me up to inform me about this pension issue is a “civilian babu” and no one in uniform has yet shown the courtesy to communicate with me or inform me by letter, email or phone so far!

They say that “charity begins at home”.

First, the uniformed services must look after their own ex-servicemen and demonstrate genuine care for the veterans. Only then it is justified to have expectations from civilian babus.

RETIREMENT – A Guide for Military Officers of the Army Navy and Air Force

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: HOW TO ENJOY RETIREMENT – A Guide for Military Officers of the Army Navy and Air Force.

Click the link above and read the original article in my journal.

Also posted below for your convenience:

HOW TO ENJOY RETIREMENT 

A Guide for Military Officers of the Army Navy and Air Force who want to Enjoy a Blissful Retired Life

Original Post Link: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/01/how-to-enjoy-retirement.html

WHY ARE YOU DOING NOTHING AFTER RETIREMENT

Are You Asked the Quintessential Question:
“What are you doing after Retirement?” or What to do after Retirement?

Musings on Retirement and the Military Officer

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Last Saturday, on the 19th of January 2013, I was delighted to be in the beautiful pristine environs of Girinagar near Pune in the sublime campus of DIAT Deemed University to attend the Raising Day Function of MILIT (Military Institute of Training) which is the new name for IAT (Institute of Armament Technology).

I have spent many fulfilling years of my career as Teaching Faculty at IAT which was indeed the premier institution in its domain.

The best thing about IAT is its lovely verdant campus at Girinagar on the densely forested green slopes of the Sinhagad Mountain Range overlooking the tranquil blue waters of the vast Khadakvasla Lake.

It has a “hill station” like atmosphere and Girinagar is easily the most pristine and picturesque place nearest to the city of Pune.

The beautiful sunset scene viewed from Girinagar Hill is a most enthralling sight.

I was fortunate that I got an opportunity to live so many years of my life in this enchanting place.

In the highest traditions of service the Commandant and Director of MILIT had invited all former and retired faculty of the erstwhile IAT (the precursor and earlier avatar of the newly formed MILIT) – the invitations were personally delivered at home, followed up on phone and we “senior citizens” were picked up and dropped after the function.

The excellent hospitality and courtesy shown to us was indeed praiseworthy and warmed the cockles of our hearts.

It felt good to be back in my “alma mater” and it was great meeting so many old friends, faculty and alumni, and I also enjoyed interacting with young trainee officers.

“Why are you doing nothing after retirement?” asked AP Valavade, an ex Air Force Officer, my erstwhile senior and mentor at IAT, who continues to work, after a successful first, second and third innings, at the ripe age of 72.

Like many others at the function, serving and retired, he had earlier asked me the quintessential question: “What are you doing after retirement?”

And I had truthfully answered: “I am doing nothing.”

This answer led to the admonishment: “Why are you doing nothing after retirement?”

I retired on superannuation from the Navy more than 2 years ago and since then I am leading a truly retired life “doing nothing”.

What is the definition and meaning of retirement?

“Retirement” means “Doing Nothing” – isn’t it?

Many don’t seem to understand this.

So whenever I meet my erstwhile colleagues, and young officers too, they all ask me what I am doing after my retirement and they seem perplexed when I honestly answer that I am “doing nothing” after my retirement.

(Of course, many of my retired colleagues who are actually doing nothing try to put on a pretence as if they are very busy and try to masquerade as if they are doing something important after retirement. Maybe they indulge in this charade as they feel embarrassed to speak the truth and think they will lose face if they say that they are doing nothing).

Now let me talk a bit about the topic – RETIREMENT  and discuss some tips on retirement for Military Officers belonging to the Army, Navy and Air Force.

In most jobs you retire at the age of 60, sometimes even at 65 or 70 if you are a Professor or a Judge or you are a Bureaucrat who has managed an “extension” or a cushy post retirement job.

In some vocations, like business and politics, you never retire and keep on working incessantly till your death.

However, if you happen to serve in the defence services, in the army, navy or air force, you retire early.

If you are an officer, it is most likely you will retire on superannuation at the age of 54 – a few lucky ones may pull on to 56.

Only those who attain Flag Rank (and become Generals, Admirals or Air Marshals) can remain in service beyond that age and retire at 58 or 60 like their civilian counterparts.

However, owing to the steep pyramidal hierarchical organisational structure a very small percentage get promoted to flag rank (I do not have the exact figures but from what I have observed it looks like hardly 1% of the officers who join finally get promoted to flag rank).

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen retire much earlier – most retire after 15 years service at the prime of their life, in their mid thirties at around 35 years of age. It is not feasible to “settle” your children and complete your familial responsibilities at this young age, so they have no choice and have to take up a second career in the “civvy street”.

Officers are caught midway.

If you want to truly “retire” on your superannuation date, then you must ensure that all your domestic commitments and familial obligations are complete well before you are 54 years of age.

You must have your own “retirement home” to live in and you must have enough savings to lead a decent retired life in these days of burgeoning inflation.

And of course, most importantly, your children should have completed their studies and must be settled in life.

If you can achieve all this before you retire, then you can indulge in the luxury of “doing nothing” after retirement and lead a truly blissful retired life.

If you are in the Navy (or Army or Air Force) it is best not to marry.

If you are a bachelor you will be well looked after by the service.

But if you do want to get married, please marry early and have all your children as early as possible.

Calculating backwards, all your children must be settled in life by the time you reach the retirement age of 54.

This means that you must have all your kids before you reach the age of 30 (assuming that your youngest kid will complete his or her education and get a job by the age of 24).

So you must get married at the stipulated age of 25 (or even earlier if possible).

This is the best case optimistic scenario assuming that your children study well and are good at academics.

Remember that for every child you have after you are 30 you are putting pressure on your retired life and you may not be able to afford the luxury of “doing nothing” after retirement.

Some officers marry late or have children late in life.

I have seen a situation where children were still in school when an officer retired at the age of 54.

The poor guy had no choice but to take up a job and spend many years of his retired life slogging it out in the “civvy street”.

Of course, if you are married to a “career woman” then it is really great and you can enjoy your retirement “doing nothing” while your “breadwinner” wife “brings home the bacon” and “puts bread on the table” to speak metaphorically.

In this respect, Lady Officers are luckier.

At least in the contemporary societal context in India where the concept of a “homemaker husband” is yet to take root, a lady officer is likely to be married to a “career man” and has the luxury of choosing when to “retire” and start “doing nothing”.

The moral of the story is that military officers are at a disadvantage vis-à-vis their civilian counterparts as far as retirement age is concerned.

(If you are a civilian you will retire at 60, or later, and by that age all your familial commitments are likely to be over and you can look forward to a blissful retired life with a higher pension too, due to the additional years of service you enjoy vis-à-vis your disadvantaged military counterpart).

There is great advantage for a military service officer to marry a civil services lady officer so that he can continue to enjoy benefits and perks of his spouse for a number of years after his own retirement.

Dear Reader, if you are a military officer, or are planning to join the army, navy or air force, remember that you are going to retire early.

It will be good if you can plan your life accordingly so that you can enjoy the indulgence of “doing nothing” after your retirement.

And when people have the audacity to ask you the quintessential question: “What are you doing after retirement?” you can nonchalantly and matter-of-factly say: “I am doing nothing”.

AFTERTHOUGHT

There are some retired officers who are “financially secure” and who have completed all their familial obligations.

But they continue to work even after retirement.

Why is this?

There are three reasons:

1. They are workaholics and are incapable of “doing nothing”.

2. They are greedy and do not know when to say “enough is enough” as far as money is concerned. They are never happy with whatever material possessions they have got.

3. They are not content with what they have achieved in life and want to keep chasing elusive dreams and keep aspiring for more and more “success”. These persons are forever in the rat race constantly comparing with others and either they have unrealistic expectations of themselves or they suffer from an “inferiority complex”.

The conclusion from this afterthought is that to be able to “do nothing” after retirement you must be happy wherever you are and be content with whatever you have got.

Wish You a Happy Retired Life “Doing Nothing” – let Every Day of your Retired Life be a Blissful Holiday.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

Did you like reading this article? 
I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in my recently published book of short stories COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll (a Book of Foodie Adventures)
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a large number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse – his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com

 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Posted by Vikram Karve

 

 

RETIREMENT BLUES – RANDOM GRUMBLINGS OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER – Part 1

Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve: RETIREMENT BLUES – GRUMBLINGS OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER Part 1.

Click the link given above or below to read the original post in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal.

http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/12/retirement-blues-grumblings-of-retired.html

The article is also posted below for your convenience.

RETIREMENT BLUES – GRUMBLINGS OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER Part 1

Most people retire at 60.

Some retire even later at 65 or 70.

And some people do not retire at all.

But in the Navy (and the Army and Air Force) they pack you off on superannuation much earlier.

You have to retire in your early fifties if you are an Officer, or even earlier in your thirties if you are a sailor (aka PBOR).

Now what do you do when you retire so early?Either you take up a second career and keep slogging.

Or you sit at home and rumble and grumble. 

Well, that is what I have chosen to do – sit at home and carp, complain and grumble.

Let me share with you, dear reader, some of my grumblings … 

RETIREMENT BLUES 
GRUMBLINGS OF A RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER
Part 1
By
VIKRAM KARVE

According to my wife, work means physical effort.

In her parlance, work is associated with physical labour. 

 

There must be some visible physical effort, some movement involved.

 

Yes, physical movement is the key attribute defining work.

That’s why when I was in the Navy my wife was very happy, since, according to her, I was “working” very hard. 

 

In the Navy there is a lot of physical movement, everyone and everything is moving all the time, and so was I.

There is a saying in the Navy:

 

If it moves, salute it

 

If it doesn’t move, pick it up

 

If you can’t pick it up, paint it

In the Navy (and the Army too): Work is associated with Movement. 

 

The more you were seen moving, the more hardworking you were considered. 

 

It did not matter whether you were achieving anything or not.

 

So, since everyone wanted to appear hardworking, everyone was on the move all the time – saluting people, picking up things and painting things they could not pick up.

 

My wife loved to see me on the move all the time and when I returned home physically exhausted after a hard day of “work” she was convinced that I was working very hard. 

 

“I wish you had never retired,” my wife moans, “you just don’t do any work now-a-days. 

 

All you do is sit at home in front of your laptop whole day.”

“What about those techies – those IT Nerds?” I ask, “they sit on their backsides all day in comfortable air-conditioned offices, are transported back and forth to office in company buses, have a relaxed five day week and all the perks – they don’t even have to lift a finger.”

“They earn loads of money,” my sister-in-law says.

Oh, so that’s the second definition of work.

Work is associated with earning money. 

 

The more money you earn, the more you are working – the amount of work you do is directly proportional to the amount of money you earn.

That’s funny.

Whereas physical effort counts as work, whether you earn money or not, intellectual effort does not count as work, unless it earns you a lot of money.

To put it in gobbledygook:

Physical Work and Money may be mutually independent of each other; whereas Intellectual Work and Money are mutually interdependent, in fact, the quantum of intellectual work is measured the amount of money you earn for doing that work.

Now-a-days I am a wannabe writer. 

 

I spend my whole day reading, writing, surfing the internet and blogging and in doing these activities there is hardly any visible physical effort involved. 

 

So in my wife’s parlance I do not do any work.

Also, at present, my writing does not earn me any money. 

 

Yes, I have published a couple of books.

 

(My books have not earned me much money, at least till now). 

 

I am an avid blogger and write a blog post almost every day.

 

(Blogging does not earn me any money since I have not monetized my blog). 

 

And the novel I am trying to write (my wife wonders whether it will ever see the light of day) – I don’t know whether or when it will earn me any money. 

 

So, as per the second definition too, I don’t do any work.

Yes, it is so simple – while I engage in creative writing and blogging:

 

1. I am not seen making any physical effort

 

and 

 

2. I don’t make any money from my writing and blogging

 

So, as per the two definitions of work, I don’t do any work – QED. 

 

I am a lazy good-for-nothing guy who is wasting my time and doing nothing.

Maybe the novel I am writing will become a bestseller and earn me some money. 

 

Maybe someone may buy the movie rights of my novel and I may rake in the moolah.

 

Maybe my Blog may become famous and someone will offer me an attractive proposition or lucrative job.

 

Then the “effort” I am putting in my writing will qualify as “work”.

Till then, as far as my darling “hard working” wife and “money making” sister-in-law are concerned, the only “work” I do is to take my pet dog Sherry for long walks in the morning and in the evening!

“You are such a qualified, experienced and talented guy. Why are you not working? ”

 

 “Why do you sit at home whole day doing nothing? I am sure you can get a good job.” 

 

“As an Engineer, Designer, Manager, Consultant, even as a Professor – you don’t know your true worth – you can earn lots of money. So why are you wasting your time? Why don’t you do something instead of sitting at home all day?”

 

“Even if you want to write, the least you can do is write some professional stuff instead of writing fiction.”

I have to hear all these taunts all the time from all sorts of people.

Yes, it is true:

 

I have got many lucrative job offers. 

 

I can easily get a good job and “work” whole day.

But why don’t they understand? 

 

I don’t want a “job”. 

 

I want to write fiction. 

 

I want to write a novel. 

 

I want to write stories.

 

I want to Blog.

 

I have found my “calling” – I have discovered my “metier”, my true vocation – creative writing and Blogging.

I want to spend the rest of life writing, surrounded by my books and my diaries in which I have made notes all these years, in front of my laptop, researching on the internet, hammering away at the keyboard, writing fiction and Blogging away.

Yes, I am going to write.

 

I will write my novel.

 

I will write on my blog.

 

I will write short stories.

 

I will write whatever I want to write – but I am going to write, and I am going to focus on writing what I like best – fiction.

Well, if you think I am wasting my time doing nothing – so be it.

To those who say that I don’t do any work, good luck to you – I just don’t care what you say.

Because I am going to be busy writing. 

 

I know that this is hard work and I am working harder than I ever worked in my whole life, though it is not visible to you – either by way of physical effort or earning money.

And whenever I get the writer’s block, I’ll go off on a walk thinking creative thoughts with my pet dog Sherry who seems to be the only person who understands me.

I’ll end with an anecdote, a true story, narrated by a famous writer.

The writer’s wife scolded him: “You say that you are a writer but I hardly see you writing. Most of the time you relax in your chair with your eyes closed.”

“Yes, I am “writing” all the time,” the writer said, “do you know what creative writing is? Writing is 90% creative thinking and only 10% is the physical process of writing.”

 

And to those of you who think I am doing nothing after my retirement and I am wasting my time, I will tell you this – just Google my name VIKRAM KARVE and you will be surprised to see how much I have “worked” after my retirement.

 

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Did you like reading this blog post?
I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in my book  COCKTAIL an anthology of Short Fiction.
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

 

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2oAbout Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse – his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

 

Posted by Vikram Karve