How Jagjivan Ram & YB Chavan, forgotten, show a democracy needs great defense ministers to win wars 

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यशवंतराव चव्हाण 🙏 महाराष्ट्राचे खरे साहेब 🚩 हिमालयाच्या रक्षणाला सह्याद्री धावून गेला🇮🇳 Sahyadri will always come and stand in defence of Himalayas.

Thanks for bringing these two leaders into the limelight. Finally someone outside Maharashtra has spoken about Mr Chavan. I was wondering whether we were the only ones talking about him and singing his praises. I have worked in his hometown, Karad and the College that he had established way back in 1958 so I know exactly how much that man has done. In fact Maharashtra today is still standing on his legacy. Karad has moved ahead with his followers continuing the good work. Thanks again. And yes, it is *Saataaraa (सातारा), not Sataaraa (सतारा)* and I'll tell you why. Satara is a district HQ, surrounded by 7 (सात) hill peaks with forts on their tops and known as stars (तारा), hence Satara!!😂

Congrats SG on the 900th episode, this is some journey. And to make it vintage, your trademark line of “when politicians are out of power, they have a lot of time” I have lost count of how many times I have heard this from you. It makes it very exciting when you refer to your conversations with these leaders during those times. Keep your memories strong sir, we love to hear a lot more of these personal interactions.

हिमालयाच्या रक्षणास सह्याद्री धावला..!!! What a Great leader he was..!! Pioneer of co-operative movement in maharashtra..He is actually from my hometown karad. He was one year senior to my grandfather in Tilak high school karad. Karad is small town and tehsil in satara which recently got 1st price as cleanest city in India below 1 lakh population in western zone.

Shekhar is in his true 'National Interest' elements! Thanks for such a good talk on YB Chavan and Babuji. And of course, unwittingly or otherwise, Shekhar gives a great idea to BJP not to forget celebration of 60 years of 1965 war and own up YB Chavan, much to the discomfort of Congress and NCP!

Both of them made phenomenal changes to Krishna Menon regime.Unsung Heroes

Let’s also remember Baldev Singh our first defense minister and he was in that position during 1947 and 48 war

Raksha Mantri’s are forgotten . Pradhan Mantri’s are always remembered ! Across the world does anyone remember the US defence secretary during Gulf war I & II ?

Thank you for doing this, SG. I got to learn about these two Raksha Mantris. I knew Babu Jagjivan Ram’s background in general, but did not know his intellectual side. Thank you again for doing this CTC.

I have stopped watching the video in between just to write this comment. It's difficult for BJP to lay claim on YB Chavan because NCP thourugh Sharad Pawar has kept his legacy alive and he is remembered in maharashtra as benchmark for setting up various institutions. Both congress parties as well as other political parties irrespective of ideology respect YB Chavan. There are various institutions active in maharashtra named after him and his legacy is still intact in maharashtra. BTW, pune mumbai expressway is named after him.

When we gloss over history and see India had to fight 3 wars in a space of 10 years, that too within 15 - 25 yrs of independence, we can interpret why we lagged into development. Our resources were sucked into these wars during our infancy years.

You have rightly remembered two great politicians who were committed to serve nation selflessly and very intelligent . Y B Chavan is still remembered by Maharastra all the times for laying Foundation in vast areas of development including cooperative movement education literature and what not .

As a Marathi person, I could not have agreed more with Guptaji saying how Congress lost a chance to call the Sealink after Yashwantrao. Truly spineless to name it after Gandhi.

Yashwant rao chavhan has given good insight of political and millitary aspect of 1965 war in his book - 1965 war an inside story though it was written by hon rd pradhan. He was one of chief leader in unified maharashtra movement and He also kickstarted industrial progress in maharashtra .

An excellent tribute to the two national leaders. I am happy to know that there exist at least one Indian who remembers the contributions made by these two humble men to the enhance the Glory of the Indian military.

I tbought that this was one of the best episodes of Cut the clutter, in terms of content and delivery. Mr. Gupta spoke with an added passion and provided excellent and well researched support to the content . Recognizing the people who made a difference,which led India to two victories is important and was accomplished today. In this day and age of chest beating and commando comic Journalism, Mr. Gupta and his entire team stands out as someone who delivers high quality unopinianated news and videos. I live in the US and would love an opportunity to meet Mr. Gupta when i am in India.

I live in Satara Sir. You did it well. Y B Chavan is called Sahyadri meaning mountain range in MH. Who ran to Help Himalaya in 1965war

He always kept both of them in the best defence ministers of India’s list and explained it why! Thank you SG

Many congratulations to SG and team ThePrint for 900 resourceful and rich in knowledge episodes. Manifesting for 1000th and beyond👏👏

I am form Karad home town of YB Chavan. I was not aware about his vital role in building the Indian armforces.Another interesting choice for CTC.Shekhar Sir your are going great

What a fantastic piece of knowledge and lesson in history on Friday morning ( in Toronto). Crispy and precise at the same time opening a pandora of information. This is what one needs in national interest without the sort of warfare we see in the name of late night discussion. Thanks Shekar!!!!!

Another brilliant CTC. Shekhar sir can't The Print do a series of stories on THE STALWARTS OF CONGRESS (who did not have a Gandhi surname). May be that series would break the slumber of the Grand Old Party.

Really loved this episode of Cut the clutter! We should know more about other figures in our short political history as an independent country.

You're Exemplary, Shekhar Ji... I think You not only inspire young journalists, but also new generation to opt carrier in journalism... 😊

1:30-a valid question. I listened to many ‘debates’ on the subject but no one brought up this-of Congress CMs not celebrating this victory and paying tributes to Indira Gandhi. Again 👍🏾 to Sekarji.

Sir please do a interview with prasant kishore plss ....right now he is giving interviews but all the journalists are asking just stupid questions so can you plss take his interview so that we can get to see some other side of prasant

Thank you Mr. Gupta (genuine and honest thank you). My respect for Babu Jagjivan ji has started courtesy you Shekhar ji. All my life (I am an old man now) all I thought of Babu Jagjivan ji was what in my childhood in Kashmir I had heard people (especially my foolish parents: foolish, yet I respect that they were foolish enough to nurture idiot like me) used an insulting suffix to this brave man's name. Shekhar ji though I really am short of time but you are getting dear. Honest to God I would have taken a paid subscription, but I know too many working class people and their need is genuine. We in India need to fix our economy, let there be super rich but may the poor gets meals, roof, time to watch a movie on their smartphones. Babu Jagjivan Ram (I am sure Ram loves him) had guts to ask for decency in prescence of Bapu ji Gandhi ... many people have no idea of reverence that Bapu ji Gandhi got ... and here is this young man Jagjivan asking not to be patronised. I am lucky to be born in India.

The photograph of General Arora & Niazi overshadowed everything.

It is very apt that you are speaking about YB Chavan and Jagjivan Ram. But for YB Chavan , India would not have defeated Pakistan in 1965 war. His defence reforms made huge difference. He was also a sagacious leader. After Indira Gandhi's defeat in 1977, as an opposition leader, he wisely supported all the constitutional amendments required for restoring the Constitution by removing the distortions caused by Indira Gandhi's monstrous amendments. He put country and constitution above politics. Caste census in the armed forces was Indira Gandhi's brain child. Jagjivan Ram resisted Indira Gandhi's proposal to conduct caste and religious census in the armed forces for preserving the true secular characteristics of Indian armed forces. A lesser person would have succumed to Indira Gandhi's power. No doubt, for all her faults, Indira Gandhi provided decisive leadership to India during the 1971 war and run up to it. But, she and her family extracted a price for it. She gave herself Bharat Rathna. In India, in every city or town, everything is named after this pseudo gandhi family, from cradle to grave - hospitals, airports, universities, research institutes, roads, localities, stadiums, various development schemes, various awards. This family has hogged the limelight for last fifty years. It is no big loss, if she is sidelined by the NDA government.

Thanks Shekhar for doing this- that is why The Print is unique.

Despite this crucial role played by Yashavantrao Chavhan, this only accounts for a fraction of his achievements. He has many feathers on his hat like : 1. He was the founding force behind cooperative movement in Western Maharashtra with other local leaders like Vikhe which lead to the Rural Development of State. 2. Completely changed picture of Maharashtra politics and Congress patry which was until then was dominated by Urban leaders and Bramhins. Dominance of Marathas in politics started after him. This lead to establishment of number of big names like Sharad Pawar, Shankar rao Chavhan, Vasantdada Patil, Rajarambapu Patil etc. 3. In spite of being a Maratha, he fully supported 11 years Chief Minister stint of Vasantrao Naik who was a non-Maratha ( Banjara ). 4. He has also contributed significantly in Marathi literature. He was a prolific writer. I still recall a chapter from his autobiography which was part of my school curriculum. 4. He played a big role in cultivation of political culture of Maharashtra, which is comparatively matured than other states. Ex. Vilasrao Deshmukh- Gopinath Munde friendship, Sharad Pawar- Balasaheb friendship. 5. He diplomatically handled the issue of creation of Maharashtra which was earlier made complex by the thickheaded Morarji Desai.

यशवंतराव चव्हाण was a tall leader of maharashtra. His student today is again heavyweight politician, Mr. Sharad Pawar.

Learnt something new about India's forgotten leaders today.

It’s sad that the Neheru dynasty thinks that the whole country revolves around them. The achievements of many great leaders were buried under the facade of the greatness of the Neheru family, happy that the people who actually made our country great are getting some recognition.

Absolutely great episode, salute to Jagjivan Ramji and Y B chavan

A good effort to recall these leaders who endeavoured to give selfless and quality service to India. They don’t make such moulds anymore. we need to remember them. My two bit. India is a vast country. People of India, in large numbers, have become more informed and involved in National matters in only the last decade or so , since the proliferation of the digital and social media. For most Indians in the South and East of our great Nation, for instance J. Ram and YB Chanvan were non entities, unfortunately. Tailpiece: I joined an elite and world famous institution, in India, in 1969. There were teenagers there from all over India. A majority of those from the North and central India, for instance, were unaware about the different states in the South. For them all South Indians were thambis! So too with states from NE.

Very informative. Thank you Mr. Shekar Gupta for this insightful piece.

This is my first introduction to both these stalwarts.thanks shekhar

Extraordinary episode. The airbrushing by Congress of their own leaders is not a one-time error of judgement. It’s a systematic, vindictive plan carried out over decades. It is graceless. Yet even samajhdar congressmen have chosen to remain silent over decades. Which is why it’s difficult to trust them as a party. Wonderful episode, brought back memories of 70s.

Wonderful wonderful discussion Shekhar Sir. HARDLY KNEW MUCH ABOUT YB CHAVAN AND BABU JAGJIVAN RAM UNTIL YOUR DISCUSSION TODAY. MANY THANKS

Very good focus on two forgotten defense ministers who contributed tremendously to India.

Another good CTC episode by Shekhar ji and the print. Keep up the good work and bring more stories to us like this.

Another great episode to know about the unsung heroes of India. Thanks again SG and Print.

Cut the Clutter is getting better everyday. Great to see you guys come up with such quality content day after day.

YB Chavan's legacy is very much intact in Maharashtra.

Great to hear the achievements of our defence ministers during the 1965 and 1971 wars. Shekhar, this episode is a great homage to their valuable contribution of these leaders. Perhaps your team can compile the history of our leaders and important events on the Print website. Thank you!

Amongst the best episodes of CTC. Both in terms of content and story telling. SG ji reveals this unknown aspect of 65 and 71 wars! Unique and interesting. Respect to Yashwant Rao Chavan and Jagjivan Ram!

Great story. Thank you

Thanks for reminding these 2 unsung hero's of that war torn decade,it's irony that their own party don't remember them

What a gem of an episode!! Even better than the one yesterday! Though politicians are often derided, we owe much to our political class. Our lot are so much better than all over our neighbourhood.

YB Chavan ..is the great man..Saheb 👌🤘

YESHWANTDADA AND BABUJI, PRANAMS TO YOU AND TOUCHING YOUR FEET IN GRATITUDE, FOR BEING THERE WHEN IT REALLY MATTERED FOR OUR COUNTRY.

Really,a brilliant account of the forgotten role, played the 2 defence ministers.thank you 'Print'.

I agree with shekar sir about our igronace about these gentlemen polictican whereas if you look into Arab- Isreal war of 1967 n 1973 yom Kippur war the defence minister of Israel Moshe Dayan is more widely remember then the PM of the Isreal

Loved this episode. Thanks for connecting us with our history.

Just excellent and well deserved.

We love politics more than military history, cricket 1. Indira Gandhi was kept out of narratives of 1971 bangladesh liberation war 2. Those who forget politics in democracy, pay a nasty price for that 3. We remember soldiers, war heroes but we forget politicians matter in a democracy 4. A democracy wins a war when you have a great Defence minister 5. VK Krishna menon in 1962. 6. May 1, 1960, Maharashtra was created. YV Chavan was called. By 1964, hd launched first defence five year plan, acquisition, during 1965 War. India was the winning side. Pakistan started that war, were confidence because of their ties with America. They presumed Indian side was still weak. Pak side accepted ceasefire without achieving any of objectives 7. Architect of modern new Indian armed forces. 8. Gandhi’s cabinet returns. Swaran singh was defence minister between 1966-1970 9. Babu Jagjivan Ram was appointed defence minister in 1971. Redeemed that promise. Meira Kumar was daughter. 10. These 2 great defence ministers 11. George fernandes- kargil war under him. 1999. 12. YB chavan did not have a child. So, no dynasties behind him 13. Nehru, shastri, indira= 3 wars under congress leadership= 3 different Prime Ministers 14. Great thinkers, great analysts. 1946 elected to Bombay provincial assembly= YB Chavan. 15. Sahyadri has been called by Himalayas for their help 16. Regional leaders who became national figures 17. From depressed castes 18. Became active with all india depressed classes 19. Harijan seva sangh 20. Remained an uninterrupted legislator 21.

Shekhar, in my state Maharashtra Y B chavan is quite a big leader still.. We used to celebrate his birthday anniversary in school ... ... And our ncp chief sharad pawar takes his name in almost all interview particularly interview is on his life.... Congress has never acknowledge him.... Ncp took whole credit about y b chavan

For once, I will wholeheartedly applaud this effort by Shekhar Gupta

@ theprint: Shekhar sir, I dont think that statement about 1971 victory was made by defense minister. Parliament was briefed about the victory by prime minister herself! Please do a re-check and forgive me if I am wrong!

Yes i agree Babu jagjivan ram was a marvellous personality

Excellent episode!

Congratulations Sekhar Guptaji and team for the 900th episode! 👏👏

that your cut the clutter has unique and remarkable . that boost our thoughts and having increasing fields

YB was a great leader. Why he didn’t become prime minister, I feel reason must be Gandhi family’s caste politics,,

Thank You for talking about Late YB Chavan - the forgotten Hero from Sahayadris (Satara)

superb , giving credit to then defense minister is so thoughtful. thanks for the insight.

Shekhar, good you got this up- speaks volumes about what real political class was and in about 5 decades we have seen all this melt away! Likewise you can, some day come up more stories of other stellar cabinet members, the like's of C D Deshmukh and many others! The period between 1950-1970 was not only the golden period of Bollywood but also for Indian polity , while Bollywood had some great music and content, politics had the sharpest minds and some astute diplomats ably aided by smart bureaucrats!

Shekharji, I am so glad that you are making a genuine effect to uncover forgotten heroes of India! Please keep up!

Very valuable information by Shekarji on two great Defence Ministers of India in the most troubled decade 62 to 72 , and both played a big role in resurrection of India's pride, position and morale internally and also internationally. This great leadership by these ministers played a big role in keeping us as a single nation and a developing democracy in a troubled 1970 to 80s

CTC is getting better and better.

Thank you Shekhar ji for educating us on people who have made such important contributions to our country but are hardly ever talked about.

Sri Y B Chavan Sri Babu Jagjivan Ram 👏👍🙏💐 Thanks Nandri Vanakkam Jai Hind Dhaniyavadh for Remembering Them 🙏

One of the best CTCs till date.

Shekhar ji, thank you for introducing us in details the great work done by these 2 defense ministers during the decade of war62-71. I knew about Jagjivan Ramji but never knew about his contribution to our defense .Creation of Maharashtra, YB Chavan becoming CM n then moving to Delhi to rebuild Indian Army is new information to me.Thank you for improving my political GK🙏

Thank You Shekar ! Am so glad you gave this Outlook. Y B Chavan & Jagjivan Deserve this tribute

Very thoughtful to remember these unsung heroes at this time. They surely deserve a place in our history.

An excellent presentation by Mr. Gupta.

Something unexpected to learn everyday 👍 #cuttheclutter

Sir you are the greatest analyst of the India as well as great scholar may God bless you

Congartualtions for this video. It is very much needed. Indians need to be "guided" in information. What better person for it, than you !

Thanks for yaking up this point. Both were excellent defence ministers and Jjagjiven Ram was the luckiest minister.

An all-time great CTC followed by another one. Kudos Sir!

its good that you refreshen our memory with history

Jagjeevan Ram becoming PM would have done much good to the country. A well educated person from a humble background, had he been accepted as pm, would have given a good publicity, to India's egalitarian ethos.

Good talk, sir. Thank you! Happy vijay diwas to @ThePrint Family!

SG -the Director..sir you should also start your production house.. The art of joining the dots on present with past is fenominal and beautiful.. it's is not possible that any politician can missed out by director's eye 👁️.. mind that this production house only make documentry on politician 😉. Just kidding..but superb as always god bless you..🙏

Wow ! thanks .wonderful narrative.

Guptaji, Wilkinson's book ("Army and Nation"), which you refer to in this episode, has a very strong accusation against Indira and Sanjay Gandhi. When the Indian National Congress (read Indira Gandhi) lost the Lok Sabha elections in 1977, the book alleges, Gandhi (mother) and Gandhi (son) requested General Raina -- the Chief of the Army Staff -- to stage a coup and take over the union government. Care to comment on this allegation, Guptaji?

Thanks a LOTTTT SG sir for this episode.

Excellent video and objectively presented. Kudos to Old school of journalism

Very happy to see such videos...mind opener ...salute to those two legends and to print to bring such a quality content

Thank you so much for the chunk of wisdom you extended to us today.. may the sane , intelligent and smart leaders like the “two “ prevail in Indian politics in all demanding times .

One of the best and informative videos published on this channel. Thank you!

Watched the 1st CTC way back, although doesn't seem like a long time back. I Have as consistently followed CTC as Mr Gupta has been putting out these programme. Just remarkable with how much consistency & quality CTC has grown. I was & have been (like many others here) a regular reader of National Interest too. Great work Mr Gupta & I know future is nothing but brighter for ThePrint.

Soldiers fight the war...Politicians write history!

Excellent. Two great leaders whom we have forgotten . May be most of the present day Congress leaders may not be knowing these two were defence ministers at that time. I am 100% sure none of the present Gandhi family members know their names. As you said definetly they deserve recognition.

It's great to see how Mahatma Gandhiji was an institution and how he influenced so many leadears of modern India. It's also a sorrow state of afairs how Congress did not popularise its modern leaders to influence new bread of leaders. Untill congress revives it's old heros, other than the Gandhi family, it will continue to lose elections. It's also some sole searching for NCP as they have also forgotten Chavhan Saheb and keep bringing the family. And finally BJP should learn a future lesson from this, recognise regional leaders and rule the country. Chavhan Saheb's home town is close to my home town. Thanks for bringing this up. 🙏🙏

Shekhar ji thanks, for one more good program