[UPSC Interview 2022] – Transcript #225 : Lt Gen Raj Shukla Board, PSIR Optional, Madhya Pradesh Home State

Date of Interview: 21.03.2022, Last to Go in Afternoon session
Board: Lt Gen Raj Shukla Sir
Optional: PSIR
Duration: 25-30 minutes
Attempt: First Attempt
Background: BA, 2022
Home State: Madhya Pradesh

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Chairman

Chairperson. ( Sorry guys, not able to recall much. Because, Sir gave long monologues, so i was not able to figure out what sir wants to ask.)

So, we have a Pakistani Expert with us.
– (Nervously smile) Sir, i just tries to read more about it. I am not an expert. It is a very big word.(He was busy in reading DAF)

Pakistan is facing a lot of crisis. Political, Economic etc etc.
– Yes Sir, it is facing a lot of crisis. From political to economic to foreign policy.

Why it is not learning lessons ?
– The establishment there has vested interests in the continuation of such things. For ex. As Prof Ayesha Siddiqa points out in her book, the businesses interests of Army through its fauji foundation, baharia foundation etc lies in this system

But, PLA in China also runs businesses. There is not this situation but why in Pakistan.
– Sir, the situation is different in both the countries. In China, PLA is controlled by the party. But in Pakistan, the state is controlled by the army.

So, what should be India’a attitude. Should it be happy that Pakistan will break away?
-No, sir. We should not be happy as it will have its own costs.

So, what you think? What should be our way? What is our interests?
– Sir, in my opinion. Weak but stable pakistan is in our interests.

Member 1

Shivam, you have many things related to BSF like school, prizes etc.
– Yes Sir, My father is in BSF.

Tell me one thing where BSF had played a very important role.
– Sir,…..It is called as First Line of Defence and hence played that role.

No, it is a very general thing. I want a specific thing.
– Sir, BSF played an important role in 1971 battle.

Is it ?
– Yes, Sir. Even yesterday when i visited the UPSC museum, i saw there the letter sent to Shri KF Rustamji, by PM Indira Gandhi.

What was it ?
– Sir, it was written about the contribution of BSF in the war.

No, no. What was the contribution of BSF in 1971 war?
– Sir, it played an important role on now Indo- Bangladesh border where Mukti Vahini was trained. On western border, it prevented attack from the Pakistani side.

Do you know about Longowal?
– Sir, are we talking about the Battle of Longowal ? (Was confused, so asked)

No, about Longowal.
– Sorry, sir. I do not know about it.

Ok. Leave it. He saw my DAF and told you graduated in history, sociology and maths. You have taken Political Science as optional. So, i will ask about Political Science.
– Yes, Sir.

Tell me, as a student of history that after 200 years when that generation will write history about the present. What it will write ? You know we are creating this infrastructure, that infrastructure like roads railways, Ram mandir etc. So, what it is going to be ?
– Sir, I believe that the future generation will write the present as India Moment. The period will be marked as the one where our vision is forward looking but we are also investing in our culture. We are building both social and physical infrastructure for our better future but also taking along the culture and traditions.

Tell me, Shivam, what is the priorities of G-20.
– Sir, they are Inclusive -ex voice of global South, Action oriented – amidst so many global fault lines, Decisiveness – to bring results.

Is healing the earth is also a priority ?
– Yes, sir. It is one of them

Tell me what is the slogan of G-20.
– One Earth, One Family, One Future.

Member 2

What is Sherpa ?
– Mam, it is a representative of the country to G-20 who discusses all other issues except financial issues. Presently, Mr Amitabh Kant is Sherpa of India.

Ok. But i was thinking about Sherpa in context of Tenjing Norway. Have you heard about him ??
– Yes, Mam.

I was thinking you will give the answer in that context because from there this word came. But no issues.
– Sorry Mam. I was thinking that since this question is being asked after continuation of G-20 discussion. So, i answered that way.