Undeclared Social Bracketing Of Ex-Soldiers: A Potential Bottleneck for Their Successful Transition

The ex-soldier, henceforth will be referred as ex throughout this paper, is someone who had retired from active defence service with pension from defence fund. The purpose of the study is to explore and explain the imperceptible humiliation (Undeclared Social Bracketing) ex-soldiers face in the course of their transition period and after that. The complex social set-up of the Indian civilization is passing through a technology modulated collective revolution; soldier cannot remain aloof. The soldier when in active service enjoy the highest regard in the society, but once he hangs up his uniform, he faces awkward situation. It is not easy for him to re-assimilate with the society which he left long ago. The transition from military life to civilian life is tricky issue for him. Surprisingly, the issue is not yet considered worthy of studying. I tried to highlight the finer points of the predicament the ex faces in the second innings of his life. Various rehabilitation and resettlement policies run by state as well as central governments too are on back foot at this front. The cause behind the situation is the goody-goody mindset and judgmental attitude of the members of the society. The author also tried to suggest some from the horse’s mouth simple solutions. However, constructive suggestions, views, reviews on the subject are warmly solicited.