'Unfair to target BJP alone' (Exclusive interview with Capt Ganesh Karnik)

A rare personality who has seen the bullet life as an army man and who is now actively involved in the state politics, Capt Ganesh Karnik, MLC, Deputy Chairman, NRI Forum, Govenment of Karnataka, speaks in depth about his experiences as a soldier, his vision as a politician, and the current political scenario with Edmond Fernandes:

1. What made you join Politics? Considering the fact that you were in the Indian Army?

Well, Politics now & Army then. I have not looked at them separately; For me, both army and politics are platforms providing an opportunity to serve my motherland. I was a soldier in the army and I would love to be a soldier in politics too. Many have been asking me, “after army why politics”? But I have always felt, “Why not politics”? I truly understand why this question is being asked and I acknowledge the respect every citizen has for armed forces.

2. Why is the BJP Government facing so much crisis at the state?

BJP came to power in Karnataka under strange circumstances and with no majority. In politics we have to compromise in many ways to accept the verdict and govern. I do admit that there have been mistakes due to lack of experience and governance. But, there is so much crisis at the Center too. We have seen the problems CWG, the Adarsh Society, 2G spectrum etc…. why is it that only BJP Government is targeted?

In the state we have come to power recently and we have done fairly well during initial two and half years as far as implementation of people friendly initiatives, policies and programmes are concerned. We are a young government and will take some more time to mature.

3. Being the Member of Legislative Council, what plans do the legislators have for Karnataka at large?

The debates at the Legislative forums have become a big farce in the recent years. As we all have noticed, no healthy debate takes place on any serious issue before policies are made. We have no time except for dirty politicking. Our Country is huge and problems are infinite. I may not speak for everybody while saying this. Before talking about policies, programs and initiatives, I think the need of the hour is to bring in a sense of order, discipline and decorum in all the legislative proceedings at all levels. We need to send people with merit and character to legislative forums, to have quality debate and ensure good governance.

But at this juncture, I would like to make an appeal, with utmost humility, that the current problem of Indian politics is lack of enlightened citizenship which has not been producing enlightened leadership. We should bring in accountability and responsibility at all levels so as to ensure professionalism in governance and in politics.

4. Observing the animal behavior in the recent trust vote, do you think Indian Politics is not for intellects?

I have a small observation in this regard, “the indifference shown by intellectuals towards many crises the country has been facing is also animal like. Either accept it, or jump into politics. I don’t disagree that the recent trend of collective misbehavior needs to be checked. Collectively we have failed, but excelled individually. Let us be the change agents to bring in the change that we want to see. I don’t know who is an “intellectual”.

5. You are the Deputy Chairman of NRI Forum, Karnataka. Tell us something about it?

It’s a new initiative of the government. The NRI Forum, Karnataka was established as a platform to have a network with the global diaspora of Indian origin who have interest in Karnataka. It is not only meant for global Kannadigas as generally acknowledged as Kannadiga means a person who speaks Kannada. It is for every Non Resident Indian who has some kind of interest in Karnataka and NRI Forum is a meeting point at the government for all such persons.

It also envisages creating a database which will be continuously updated as and when we access more information, so that we can network with the global diaspora.

We also propose to establish a “Migration Facilitation Centre” at selected places to provide pre-emigration training and orientation to prepare those who are seeking employment abroad in association, with Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs at the Centre.

Investment in knowledge as a capital is more important than any other investments in this century, known as “Century of Knowledge”. In this regard, NRI Forum, Karnataka envisages establishment of “Knowledge and Skill Bank,” a global platform of technically skilled and competent resource persons from various fields who can contribute by sharing their experience with our students and institutions.

6. Recently you had been to Oman and Kuwait, what was the purpose?

Our people in Kuwait and Oman were celebrating “Kannada Rajyayostava”. I went there on their invitation, with greetings and best wishes from People of Karnataka. But I used this opportunity to network and to promote establishment of “Karnataka Business Forum” at Muscat, which is likely to be inaugurated in January, 2011.

7. Any Episode in the Army Camp, which is etched in your memory?

In the army, everyday was a pleasant memory. I have seen tremendous sacrifices, hardships and commitment of men. A particular incident I remember was at a time, when I was manning an observation post at 18000’ plus in the Himalayas along with a JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer) and 9 men. Suddenly, the JCO collapsed due to Pulmonary Edema (a high attitude sickness). We should have put him on oxygen and taken him down for medical assistance. But due to bad weather, the JCO succumbed to his fate, and I saw him dying in front of me, in futile submission. I was helpless, I was young and I had to take care of another nine soldiers. Living with my men in the same bunker for next 36 hours with the departed soldier and keeping the morale of my troops was a difficult task.

Once I was visiting the next picket a few kilometers away along with a soldier and a dog, which had become a part of our small group. As the weather packed up we lost our direction and were roaming around without knowing where to reach the destination for almost 3-4 hours. As the picket was along the China border and the news spread, there was panic. Once I safely reached, I was taken to task.

8. Many youngsters refrain from joining the defence forces of the country, What is the reason? They generally opt for mainstream Engineering and Medicine!

We have not done anything to instill national pride in the minds of “Young India”, through our school and college education. Money is the only driving force to inspire you to do anything. As army does not pay, and the way corporate world pays, youth do not show any interest. As a society we should wake up and instill national pride in the young minds. This does not mean young India doesn’t have national pride. In most cases it is limited to painting the face with tricolor during a cricket match or celebrating with crackers after a win. Honouring dead soldiers is our duty. But looking after our living soldier with respect and concern is the need of the hour. We need to ignite the young minds to accept “Armed Forces” as a possible career option too.

9. What is the take back message you would like to give to youngsters about life in Indian Army?

It’s the best service and makes a man out of you. If given another chance, I would love to work in the armed forces again. Gives you rich experience, exposes you to adventure and sports, makes you feel what is life all about along the border, teaches you to live for a national value. The Question is, “Do you have it in you?” “Experience Armed Forces” and be a soldier in whatever you do.

10. What message would you like to give the people through Coastaldigest.com?

We live in a great country with a great history and diverse culture, which has great people with a great future. With our rich cultural Heritage, we can answer many unanswered questions in the materialistic world.

My appeal to my countrymen is to passionately get involved in whatever they do, achieve absolute professionalism, aiming at perfection so that we can achieve excellence. This is the only way each one of us can contribute in nation building. Like a true soldier, I would say “In everything I do, it is my nation which comes first and everything next”

Jai Hind.

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