Performance Over Gender in Armed Forces, Says Ex-Army Chief Naravane
General (Retd) Manoj Naravane, former Chief of Army Staff, emphasised that the armed forces should prioritise performance over gender when evaluating personnel. Speaking at TECHSAGA 2026, a technology leadership conclave in Pune on Saturday, he stated, “Gender is not what is to be looked at. Look at the performance. Is an officer good or is an officer bad? It is performance that matters.”
Naravane added that both men and women should join only if they are committed, saying, “Follow your dreams… We will welcome both boys and girls with open arms but you have to have that in you.”
Responding to a question about restrictions on speech and liberty by the government, he noted that the armed forces are already subject to the Official Secrets Act, which imposes limitations. He said, “Within that, I don’t think there is any change which happens due to change of government.” He further stated, “I think by and large the rule of law is being followed and maintained in the country and that is how it should be.”
On national security, Naravane asserted that defence remains a constant priority regardless of the political dispensation. “The defence of a nation is always the first and foremost priority of any government. Because that is one thing which cannot be outsourced. No matter the government in power, defence would always be a priority,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey from NDA cadet to Army Chief, he credited perseverance over ambition, noting that success comes from “20–30 years of continuous hard work and dedicated service” and that “luck is also a factor.”
At the event hosted by the CIO Association Pune Chapter, Naravane also spoke about his upcoming manuscript, Four Stars of Destiny, and his previous book The Curious and the Classified, expressing intent to document experiences and look forward.
