Col. Kamalpreet Saggi

I brought Col. Saggi on to talk about something politically charged in a way that actually makes sense: defense policy and what it means for young Indians.

Col. Kamalpreet Sehgal Saggi is a Lieutenant Colonel with a doctorate degree, which means he has spent decades in the Indian military AND spent years in advanced study. He is now a Senior Armed Force Veteran and Social Impact Leader working specifically in the welfare, rehabilitation, and development of armed forces members and their families. He has an active social media presence reaching 59,000 followers on Instagram, which he uses to educate Indians about defense policy and military issues. He is not a commentator on the sidelines—he is someone who lived the military system, understands its constraints, and has dedicated his post-service career to making sure soldiers and their families are not forgotten.

Why I brought him on: If you are considering Agniveer, you need to hear this from someone who actually understands military systems—not political cheerleading, just expertise. Col. Saggi is not anti-government; he is pro-readiness. And that distinction matters when you are making a decision about four years of your life.

What blew my mind: The way he explained unit cohesion. Military organisations are not companies optimising budgets—they are systems where human continuity directly affects national security. When he described how turnover disrupts expertise right as soldiers develop it, I got it. This is not about being anti-Agniveer; it is about being honest about trade-offs. He can acknowledge the scheme has merit while also being honest about what it costs. That kind of nuance is rare in military discourse.

Why you need this: Because if you are a 22-year-old considering this scheme, you are being told it is an opportunity. It is. But it is also a gamble—four years, minimal pension, unclear civilian employment after. Col. Saggi is not saying do not do it; he is saying understand exactly what you are signing up for and what the nation is betting on. He is saying your welfare matters. Your family matters. Make sure they are protected.

National security matters. So does your future. Listen to someone who thinks about both. — Divya