When Field Marshal Cariappa’s Son Was Made a P.O.W in 1965, His Reaction Was Priceless

Field Marshall K. M. Cariappa, the very first General of the Indian Army and one of the MOST INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE of Indian Armed Forces.

The officer who lived his life with Moral and Ethical way was a man of his words and always considered duty as his paramount motto.

During the 1965 war, his son, who was a fighter pilot and flew over battlezone was shot down by Pakistani Army Air Defence (AAD). He was captured and held as a prisoner of war (POW).

On realizing the identity of the wounded soldier, Radio Pakistan immediately announced the capture of the younger Cariappa. General Ayub Khan himself who was junior to Field Marshall Cariappa during his military service prior to Independence contacted Cariappa, who was living a retired life at Mercara, his hometown, with information about his son’s safety.

When Ayub Khan offered to release his son immediately, Cariappa is reported to have scoffed at the idea and told him to give his son no better treatment than any other POW. Singh recounts that Cariappa replied, “He is my son no longer. He is the child of this country, a soldier fighting for his motherland like a true patriot. My many thanks for your kind gesture, but I request you to release all or release none. Give him no special treatment.”

This is Indian Army and it’s officers for you. They live with their Ethics throughout their life, Serving or Retired! Hail the Leadership!
 

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