Before the 1971 war started, those under training at the National Defence Academy/ Indian Military Academy (NDA/IMA) were hoping that their training would be cut short and they would be sent to join the war. None of those fancy ideas fructified and the training continued uninterrupted. When the cadets were proceeding home in the military specials following the term break, they were swarmed by the public and given a hero’s reception that encompassed many young ladies who ended up marrying army officers, much sought after in the Eighties! Same was the case with the soldier from villages across India. Getting into the armed forces was no less than scaling Mount Everest.

With economic growth, the scenario has changed. There is a psychological shift. Despite the 18 per cent deficiency in the officer’s ranks, the news that the shutters are coming down on OTA Gaya for lack of intake is a pointer in this direction. So, why is there a change?