This is an extract from a speech by Field Marshal Maneckshaw on leadership. It covers the aspect of Physical courage. Field Marshal Maneckshaw is known for his role in the victory of the 1971 war for liberation of Bangladesh
Sam is real a rascal. Wish we all inculcate HIS abilities... He talks and looks like His contemporary Parasi Jeh, JRD TATA... Both are pride of India... Dr. Shekhar Yashwant Paranjpe
Not sure wot is meant by physical courage here. Its mental courage to me, in fact thats wot courage is, its all mental. There is only physical power, and irrespective of that physical power (someone being of a smaller frame vs someone who's like a giant), mental courage can be exhibited to overcome odds.
I think what you are saying merits deliberation. What the Army chief talks about as Moral courage if simply put means to be able to speak the truth and not worry about the consequences. Physical courage as he is trying to explain means not being worried about anything happening to one physically... as in physical injury or loss of liffe. Thats how I would try to understand both aspects.
@@MandeepSingh-bv2zw physical courage here is to act despite of mental state that is thought level fear..the fear may be in thought..but in physical action and expression that fear does not show up. In fear a person may physically cower, show physical expressions of vulnerability and unnecessary movements, gestures, etc..they might take a step back..breath fast and shallow.. Whereas in physical courage..one step is taken forward..which was peshi and the loaded pistol given..dominance and hierarchy- physical slap..entering persons personal space and owning it..moving towards them.. Subduing- by giving them specific work which brings the person back to their humbleness..making them realize what boundaries are not meant to be crossed and if crossed has repercussions. Also physical courage is the expressed viewable experience which leaves or conveys an unsaid direct/indirect message..in Sir's context it was what his team thought of him through his decision of keeping the very person close to him who might harm him..that requires physical courage that he is also letting someone to come into his personal space but remembers Sir's boundaries. Physical courage perfectly sums up his given context. An army man, working for 50 years, articulate, wont make a misnomer. Maybe be you cant understand it as you have never shown/lack physical courage. Hence you cant relate to the word. Also he speaks whats on his mind. Language doesnt always need limitations put by others as "misnomers". He took the action. He felt the fear. For him to convey it as physical courage was more than enough. You should have said misnomer to his face and checked your physical courage. Not everything has to be bookish and perfect. Life, language, emotions, expressions are beyond limitations put by pencil pushers and red ink tick markers.
What he means by 'physical courage' is courage to risk your physical safety. Lots of traders that display great courage taking financial gambles would fold in front of a gun. He's courageous with money but lacks physical courage.
Indira Gandhi probably heard this and tried to apply the same when the question of keeping sikhs as bodyguards came along after operation bluestar. Didn't end well for her. :D
The disbanding of the Gurkha unit of the British army (If true) is not the yardstick for measuring whether the Gurkha is prone to fright. They are as human as you, me or anybody else and would obviously be scared of dangerous situations just like anyone else. I grew up in northeast India and our house was just about a mile from a Gorkha Training Centre (GTC). This was a suburban/rural area with lots of open spaces where many of the GTC recruits used to come for their morning physical exercises which also involved an hour of football. As a teenager, I played with them as most of them were just a little older than me and were very friendly. If I missed a day, their group commander would jovially ask me, "Zyada so liya kya?" So, I knew these guys quite well and they're as normal as anybody anywhere. So, how did they acquire the reputation of being such dreaded soldiers? It's because of their work ethic. They keep it simple...follow orders come hell or high water. And in attritional insurgencies they're the most effective forces to have on your side because of their extraordinary survival instincts.
Gorkhas in plain sight are very normal people like you and me. But they are known to be the most disciplined soldiers. They are also very fierce fighters. I have also had the opportunity to be with them at close quarters when they trained me as a NCC Cadet in various camps. The most important aspect of these soldiers as would be the hallmark of any good army is their discipline. History has taught us that an indisciplined army has very less chance of being victorious as compared to a disciplined force.
