12). On Good Army and Soldiers (77-78):

12). On Good Army and Soldiers (77-78):

Valluvar has given great emphasis to people whose political and economic support was the prized possession of the kind, and army and its exploits. “Valour, honor, following in the footsteps of its predecessors and trustworthiness constitute the safeguard of an army. The army that conquers without fear is the chief wealth of the king. A good army is one that stands firm and does not desert to the enemy.” It must be capable of united resistance. An army cannot last long without brave generals. What if a host of rats roar like the sea? They will perish at the mere breath of the cobra.

Valluvar rightly says that it is the affection of the people that keeps the morale and efficiency of the army. If people hate the army, then it will dwindle. The army in garrison has to be used in active service; otherwise they will lose their efficiency. A soldier’s achievement is in his Valour; on the days he has not received wounds in action are days lost to him. Centuries later, Machiavelli in his Prince said: “ The chief foundations of all States are good laws and good armies… where there are good armies, there must be good laws….” I am reminded of Late Prime Minster Lal Bahadur Sastri’s popular slogan “ Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” during the Indo-Pak war.