Thru’ the Desk of the Editors
The first issue of your journal was released on October 2017 in Goa by none other than the Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Sunil Lanba. On that occasion there were very senior veterans from defense forces, diplomats and representatives of twenty two countries present. The first issue covered a very vast arena in the field of diplomacy and strategy and was very well received by the audience. The issue is available on https:// journal.finsindia.org
At this point, I take a stock of ancient Indian culture history and the two strands therein. One being the Vashista tradition and the other being the Vishwamitra tradition. One tradition which was devoted to knowledge and the other which worshipped power. The Vashishta tradition is immersed in the pursuit of knowledge and social welfare, while the Vishwamitra tradition is obsessed with acquisition, protection and expansion of power.
The Vishwamitra tradition turns history around by confining ancient history to memory and moving its focus to the creation of modern history. On the other hand the Vashista tradition with its dedication and devotion attempts to influence the present, through an analysis of the past. However, through its focus on power, the Vishwamitra tradition mocks at the Vashista tradition, while on the other hand; immersed in its focus on knowledge, the Vashista tradition looks down upon the Vishwamitra tradition. From the ancient times, till today, both these traditions have not lost track of their roots. Even today, the scholars who worship knowledge look down upon those who are devoted to the acquisition of power, while those in power always mock those, who are intellectuals.
It would be no doubt easy for keen observers to realize that today the “practical” approach of the intellectuals and the callousness of those in power has increased to some extent. As a result, despite looking down upon power, intellectuals today value the need to maintain a relationship with power, that could serve them in good stead and those in power have started patronizing intellectual, to show that they value knowledge. As a result those who believe in intellectual purity and integrity still fall prey to the entrapments set up by those in power. Realizing this weakness, those in power use the intellectuals to support them through their improper actions.
Hence, policy makers and scholars need to be brought on the same platform. And therefore, there is a genuine need for a journal like yours, where the thinkers, practitioners and policy makers jointly contribute to the thought process in a positivist manner.
This second issue also contributing to this movement and contains usual columns like research articles, military history, book review and many more. Stay connected!
