After getting freedom, a meeting was organized to select the first General of the Indian Army. Jawahar Lal Nehru was heading that meeting. Political leaders and some Army officers were also participating in the discussion.

In between the discussion Nehru said, "I think we should appoint a British officer as our first General as none of own officers have enough experience to undertake the job.

Everybody supported Nehru because if the PM was suggesting something, how could they interfere?

Suddenly one of the army officers present spoke up " Sir, I have a point."

The officer continued"You see, sir, we don't have enough experience to lead a nation too, so shouldn't we appoint someone from Britain as the first PM of India?"

The meeting hall was suddenly very quiet.

Then, Nehru said, "Are you ready to be the first General of the Indian Army ?"

The officer now got the golden chance to accept the offer but refused the same, stating "Sir, we have a very talented army officer, my senior Lt. Gen. Cariappa, who is the most deserving among us."

The army officer who raised his voice against the PM was Lt. General Nathu Singh Rathore, the first Lt. General of the Indian Army.

Courtesy         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodandera_Madappa_Cariappa