I had interest in technology (especially Military), issues in our country, and the country itself since my school days. But being from a poor family I never had access to Internet (or any other info media) nor had friends like you guys who share the same interests. The only source of information on these topics was my dad and that too not in such length and details as it is discussed here. So, the thirst for more information about Indian Defense was always high.
Finally, after my studies when I took up a job I got full access to internet and started searching for terms like Agni, Prithvi ( Few missile I knew and on which I had inadequate information) that I stumbled upon IDF. Only after this I knew that such sites exist! Then I remember surfing through the forum for all Defense related news, New projects, Missiles, the progress we made so far etc..., After 2-3 days I started searching for other Defense sites and stumbled upon quite a few which were too complex ( The analysis they do, or the form structure) for an amateur like me.
Of all, I found IDF to be the best place for me to bank on for knowledge with their simple form structure, members with expertise in one or the other Defense areas, and excellent analysis ( easy enough for newbies like me to grasp). The discussions on threads like History, India, Indian economy refined my views on our economy, where we stand and our role at the Global stage. And I have been around ever since.
I was also inspired by members like F-14, ZOOM, Saya etc who aren't Military professionals but still experts in Defense. I don't participate in much debates or analysis but I would like to thank all the members who contribute to DFI and indirectly to the society by cleansing, clarifying our knowledge. Also, I thank people who answer my questions.
I'm not Nostalgic nor sentimental about IDF because DFI doesn't look any diff than IDF with almost all IDF members around here and back with a more powerful theme.