Lt Gen Arvind Mahajan (Retd): ‘We were hailed as the generation of New India’

Lt Gen Arvind Mahajan (Retd), a retired three-star general and former director general of the Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), recently reflected on the evolution of India under the banner of a new generation of leadership. Speaking from his Gurugram home on a rainy afternoon, Mahajan described how his generation, born shortly after independence, was once celebrated as the architects of a nascent democracy. Now, he notes, the spotlight has shifted to younger cohorts such as Generation Z, yet he remains proud of the legacy his peers helped forge. Mahajan was born on December 24, 1947, just hours before India gained independence. His military career spanned nearly four decades, culminating in his retirement in 2007. During this time, he served in critical roles, including leading the EME, a corps responsible for maintaining the technological backbone of the Indian Army. His work included overseeing the development of infrastructure and equipment used in major conflicts, from the 1947-48 Kashmir operations to the 1999 Kargil War. In a small basement room of his home, Mahajan keeps mementos of his career, including a faded photograph of himself as a cadet at the National Defence Academy and a portrait of him in his three-star general uniform. Beside them hangs a commissioning parchment signed by the President in the late 1960s and a picture of him receiving a military honor from the Supreme Commander. He describes the space not as a study, but as a personal museum, a tribute to a life intertwined with the growth of a nation. Mahajan authored a book titled Techno Warriors of the Indian Army: Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers in Operations, published in 2007 while he led the EME. The volume traces the history of the Corps from its inception following India’s independence to its pivotal role in numerous military campaigns. He emphasizes how the Corps evolved from managing basic logistics to becoming a key player in modernizing the army’s technological capabilities. Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed, Mahajan highlights the dramatic improvements in India’s infrastructure, particularly in remote and border regions. As a soldier, he recalls the challenges of reaching areas such as Ladakh, Joshimath, and North-East Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh), where poor road conditions and limited communication made movement arduous. Today, he notes, highways, tunnels, bridges, and advanced communication systems have transformed these regions into more accessible and connected spaces. He also acknowledges the strides made in education, healthcare, and technology, which have significantly enhanced the quality of life for millions of Indians. The energy sector, too, has seen a revolution, from a time of scarcity and limited resources to a robust network of power plants, refineries, and pipelines. Renewable energy sources such as windmills and solar farms are playing an increasing role in shaping India’s sustainable future. Yet, Mahajan does not shy away from acknowledging the hardships faced by his generation. He recalls the difficult years of post-independence, marked by food shortages and rationing, and the emotional toll of Partition. The trauma of the 1962 war with China left a deep impression on him and many others, influencing their decision to serve in the armed forces. Despite these challenges, he believes the resilience of the Indian people has been instrumental in the nation’s progress. As he looks back, Mahajan recognizes the profound transformations that have taken place over the last eight decades. While the India he knew as a young officer was vastly different from the one of today, he sees the continued spirit of innovation and determination that defines the current era. His reflections offer a glimpse into the enduring legacy of a generation that played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of a nation still striving toward its aspirations.