Friends

Heroes beyond all bounds

2008-08-20T23:16:00.001+05:30

Back in office and here I am kicking back the files and yea enjoying every moment of it. Life had come to a standstill in hospital with thousand and one restrictions (a lot still continuing but happy to be out of hospital). Every time I come out of hospital I feel my life to be more precious and feel much closer to God. So many things one learns in hospital, things otherwise one takes for granted, things one overlooks, it’s just haunting to put it right.
This time I met many who had volumes to tell and tons for me to learn from them. But I will narrate the one which touched me most and left me speechless. The person gave me a reason to live, a reason to fight.
It all began on the breakfast table. I had a very bad night due to pain and I was really cranky that morning. As usual I tried to be as calm and kewl as possible but true colours come out in no time. This officer an Air force guy, a fighter pilot, best in country hence posted in training school and teaching other officers to fly, spoke rudely to the service waiter. I did not like his behaviour but I kept quite not disgracing the officer cadre but I had made my mind to give him a little showdown hearing. So I caught him at the ambulance while going for X-ray and explained him that his behaviour at the dining room was quite un officer like. He too took it, as done in services to keep quite when the senior is talking. He was quite a young chap hardly thirty, must have put in around 8 – 10 yrs service.
One fine afternoon I was leisurely enjoying the rains that this officer came to me and sat next to me as quite as a statue. I too was cautious and did not want to break the silence sensing some problem. After some time he opened up and what he told me made me totally blank, it was as if some lightening has struck me. I did not believe what I just heard and I had no words to say. I just looked at him and thousands of thoughts were just going through my mind. This guy who was just thirty not even married a fighter pilot, one of the best, a instructor in flying academy is sitting next to me silent not because of his ailment but because he knows he will never ever go again in his fighter plane in air again.
He came to know about his disease when he went to his MI room for usual routine blood check up at his duty station in the flying school. There he came to know and he came down to Command hospital to confirm his fate which was sealed in the best of the golden letters which his fate can garnish. This dare devil had leukaemia, blood cancer and me a fool was getting worried about my intestine growth suspected to be cancerous.
How can he be so cool even when he knows that he is just a whisper away from getting his wicket out of this world, how can still he smile when he knows the innumerable needles that are to be inserted in him, how can he still talk with his dad with a smile and how does he manage to laugh still. I call such people one of the bravest and the real heroes who really fight the struggle for life and doing so teaches so many fools like me as to how to live life.
My salutation to you all !!!!!!!!!!!
May God give us all, the strength to keep our fight?
AMEN!!

The last exam as a Batch together. 26 Apr 2008

2008-04-27T00:23:00.004+05:30

So finally the day has come though I know it how much I wanted to delay this day but every begining has a end so was to be for this too. Pulling myself up for the college I saw the routine things enroute, but still I felt some thing different in them than usuall. The trees tall as 100' plus standing there from ages, were looking very sad today as if they too understood that we all are leaving and in that grief as if they were shredding the leaves to say good bye to all of us. Giving a soft carpet of leaves to walk upon. My already sad soul was feeling more lonesome than ever. With each step towards the college I was feeling that probably this is one of my last few walk to the college and I wanted to really capture all the scenes in my memory.

We have a tradition to wear some thing different for our last exam day. Keeping up with this tradition it was decided that the last exam as a batch to be given in black tee shirt and blue denims. Exam was Strategic and Operational Management of Technology. The subject was tought by Prof SK De. He is one Prof whose lectures I will really miss. This semester still the fun was less in his class as compared to last year when half the class use to be in dark and he use to teach with full enthusiasm and God forbid the person who use to disturb him. Exam started with Prof Prabina Rajib and Prof Pradhan as invigilators.

Prof Prabina the finance teacher, she is nice lady kind by heart and professionally well that is to be decided by the finance kids not me. I still remember last year she was the warden of the SDS block and some problem had taken place of allotment of rooms to the new first year BTechs and the than Director, Prof Dubey was mad at her, soon the Dean of VGSOM too landed on the spot and the problem was solved with sweet victory to our Prof Prabina. But I believe the lady did not take it in right spirit and soon she resigned as the warden of SDS block. She was looking good with her western outfit, best know to Deepti. :P

Prof Pradhan joined this year, teaches Econometrics which is a elective subject and unfortunately or fortunately I did not take that subject hence cannot say how he is. Best known to his students.

Soon the man of the day came smartly dressed in a blue checked shirt, man he really came smartly dressed to have a have a parting impact on the students specially on whom you know guys. :)).

So finally the exams started with the Profs busy taking rounds of the class and time just flew away. Subba the Gunja king was on my left . Srinivas the Shlumberger guy was in front of me. Sachin Kharche the video guy was on my right and Patnaik, the SK De jr was sitting behind me.

Deepti was there on my left far side and Jyoti on the extreme left side with Kashu in front of her and Jobi sitting behind her. Hey wait you know something what Jyoti did today. HE HE HE bata du kya Jyoti. Nahi Nahi dont worry I wont tell, that is our little secret, right guys.

Soon the exams were over and all were out side in the black tees and blue denims ready for photo shoot. People were hugging and busy shaking hands. Some will probably never sit again in those classes in which they slept, sang , shouted , studied, had fun , had lived life in those class rooms , will never be in there again, neither will be me. Though I have exam tomorrow but it is submission, than on 29th will be DHR but that will be in the HSS dept so no time to come back and attend the lectures.

Oh man I will miss these lectures.Prof Probir Gupta the gold medalist of IIT Khargpur when he was a student in BTech way back in 1965 /67 not exactly sure, Prof Sinha, Prof Guin, Prof Sadhu the gentleman the idol the one who is really worth every penny, Prof Kalyan Chakraborti, Prof Roy Shantanu how can i forget his lectures on OR and his voice " CHICAGO", Prof Biplab Datta the marketing prof than the HR lady Prof Susmita Mukhopadhyay, these few good men and women I will miss them all, will miss their lectures a lot, and ofcourse last but not the least the guest lectures and the trouble our friends use to take to get the students to the class.

The photo session started, but I dont know I was not in it. I was not feeling to be in that group. I was too nostalgic to be with them, I just stayed away and watched them. Later we had few photos with Joe, Kartik, Aman, Sagar, Siddu, Edwin the guitarist, Joydeep, and the great sportsman Joseph.Than we had some thing to eat at Dulal Nandi.

Things have changed a lot, changed yes they have, neways, one has to live on and carry on with it. As they say, change is the only thing that is permanent.

Three more nights in Kharagpur and thats all thats remaining of my life in this college now. May be I will again come here to collect my movement order but thats it. The air has changed, its the season of fall and its time soon for the rain and than for the new leaves to come and so will the new students. Soon will be new friendship and soon some one else will be writing a blog like this, may be and of course the rains and some one will be there to take photos yea some one will be always there...

Adios Guys it was fun being with you all.

Farewell Batch of 2008

2008-04-13T11:52:00.004+05:30

Farewell always brought tears to me cause I always believed in living life in fullest and in that I always developed a very strong bonds with friends and places where I go and whenever it was time to leave it always brought tears to me.

Though in my profession I was always posted out from places within three years and at times in two years but it always choked by voice whenever I had to deliver the parting speech. I always had to fight to keep the tears coming out and always ended by getting a nice warm friendly hug from my Sr Officers and peers.

But yesterday's farewell was special. I came back to college after more than a decade since I passed out my engineering degree. So for me it was a second life may be God wanted me to njoy the second life which He gave me and wanted me to start afresh. Yea may be. The photos we clicked, the tunes to which we danced the friends we hugged and all the memories we carried in our heart will always remind us of the days we slogged out together and the parties which were rocked at its best.

There are always some things which remain unsolved, there are some friends which at some times of life goes away from us for some reason or the other,leaving behind a vacuum that no one can fill.

In my profession I lost many friends in battles and battle like situations, some I lost in my arms, some while I was carrying them on my back, some I lost waiting hopelessly for the weather to get clear for the chopper to come and carry my friends to a safer place,and few I lost on the hospital bed. Each time they use to leave the world, more bitter I use to be about the whole system and when I talk today about those days to people I speak so bitter that I myself get surprise that how the time has changed me and how different I have become than what I was before joining the field operation formation.

So today when I see some friends lost in time due to some unspoken misunderstandings it is very saddening but that's what life is, may be, that is how it is. But the result is same, you still lose your friend in the thick of the world.

With the days at the campus coming to end, which they will before even I realise, the sun too will set on the beautiful sunny days of my life, I just want to make enough hay when the sun is shinning bright, so that when if again I have to go to a lonely place I will have enough memories which I can rewind and njoy and keep myself in the best fighting condition as the Army wants me to be.

If ever this blog is read by my course mates of VGSOM 2008 remember this my friend that you are always thought of with fond memories, from me there is no grudges against you cause you are my friend for life and in friendship there is no place for grudges.

God bless you all Batch of 2008 and may you fly so high that even in the remotest place where ever I will be, I will be able to see you all and will always feel your presence around me. With fond memories of you all,

'FAREWELL O BATCH OF VGSOM 2008,MAY THE FORCE AND SPIRIT OF IIT KGP ALWAYS INSPIRE YOU TO REACH TO THE TOP, FAREWELL O BRIGHT SPARKS OF THE NATION'

A Sister's pride.

2008-04-09T12:48:00.000+05:30

I was just reading through one of the blog and was astonished by the passion of a sister about her brother's work in Armed forces and the pride which she took in her brother being awarded the Nau Sena Medal for gallantry.
Though she did not mention the operation for which her brother has been awarded the gallantry award, but the passion in which she expressed her attending the investiture ceremony has really moved me.
The lady has explained her feelings about meeting the Naval Chief in so simple and lucid language, it really made me feel proud of being in uniform. How many of Indians must be taking that pride, difficult to say, but people like her keeps us going on in our missions and difficulty. It was worth reading every word and really brought the beautiful fond memories of my days in jungle and those beautiful weapons and those lovely night outs in jungles in snow and rain. How beautiful were those days, yea those were the days.
I am really proud of the officer and also the lady, God bless the family and all the walking and wounded soldiers.

Capt Godbole: Baby proves to be a man

2008-03-03T20:42:00.000+05:30

It was just another fine day with the sun shining bright over the mother earth and I was just thinking of the beautiful song Rose and was dreaming how the seeds will germinate into a rose plant and will start to bloom into beautiful roses. The roses unaware of the hardships of the seed and the parent plant will bloom and will bring joy to all without a sign of any past pain or grudges. My beautiful thoughts were broken by the usual emergency drills and the roaring sound of the Mi 17 Helicopter. Soon a emergency patient was wheeled in the ICU with all types of conduits coming from his body and all fancy bottles hanging from whatever make shift hanging points they can think of.

The day started with another sorry eventful day which by now I was used to. After some time Capt Vivek walked to my bed and with inquisitive eyes was asking me who the new friend is. Things were really serious it seemed as nobody was talking freely and all the doctors and nurses were too busy attending him. Time went by and it was only the next day when his wife had come that we came to know that the gentleman was Maj Banjo a Sapper officer and has landed here as mine casualty.

Everyday the birds used to chirp, the sun use to come up and go down, Sheetal use to come and go but I failed to see any smile on that Officers’ wife ‘s face. Time was ticking and we all were anxious to meet the Major and greet the valiant son of Bengal. But the time was not just perfect for us to meet him because this officer was in a really bad shape for us to talk to.

Capt Vivek the tall smiling Mallu was there one fine morning waking me frantically. I woke up to see Vivek starring at the empty bed of Maj Banjo. The sight we never want to see ever. The bed was properly laid up and cleaned, the side table was empty and we did not have the courage to ask anybody about the mystery of this empty bed. Soon Sheetal came with a beautiful smile on her face and with chirpy voice she said coffeeeeeeeee for the brave hearts. But when she saw our blank faces she gauged something is wrong and soon unwound the mystery of empty bed. Maj Banjo had gone to the ophthalmologist who had specially called from Delhi and since he was only for a day he had gone early in the morning. I think the coffee never tasted so good in the last one year in the hospital. That evening me, Vivek and Maj Banjo then had a long discussion as to how all this happened and what he told us was too difficult for us to sleep upon.

Though we all had come in the hospital by doing something or the other in the battle field like situation but still this was too much for us to be at ease. For every soldier I think it is not his life that is more precious but it is the people whom we leave behind are more precious and the thought of them brings the real chill up our spine.

The incident that he narrated really made us proud of these great men, the men whom the world will forget but for us they are always a constant source of inspiration and the men of action and the men who understands what really is responsibility and pride of performing a job.

On the fateful day which was not that very suitable for the job which was planned the gallant force of the Sapper took up the task. The task was the most dreaded one and that is demining the operational area in which the mines were laid almost a year ago. How to find them, how to locate them, and how to actually disarm them is a challenge which freezes the blood of the bravest of brave soldier. The task was taken by the company of Maj Banjo and his faithful aid Capt Godbole. They took up the challenge to venture into the mine field and clean up the area of all mines. Soon with the time mines were being pulled out of mud cleaned and very elegantly disarmed.

Ok let me ask you something. What is the damage you expect if something goes wrong with a particular mine? Hmmm I know difficult to answer that. Ok let me tell you if it is a anti personnel mine then one losses a leg and if it explodes in the hand then the hand will never finger anybody cause they will not be there after that. What if it is an anti tank mine, the mine that can make the battle tank off road? Well no marks for that answer. Yea you are right, the person will just vanish in real and literal meaning.

On the fateful day Capt Godbole and his men were doing the same. They were on their job with full devotion and apt attention taking care of the last and minutest details of their job on hand. But as they say every soldier has his name written on the bullet or on a mine or on something which will test his bravery. Ok, ok, time out, time out. I understand by your one basic question what is this Sapper all about. Hmmm. Well Sappers are the Combat Engineers. These are the bunch of Brave soldiers who go to battle field even before the battle plans are ready. Even before a bullet is fired these jolly good fellows are already deep in the trenches not only in our own but also in the enemy trenches. They get all the details of the Enemy battle ready ness their mine field, their various obstacles for our Tanks and for our men to move. They do every thing from making trenches for our own forces to build assault bridges in minutes yea they also blast off the bridges, both enemy and ours too if need be. They hold the enemy by laying mine fields KM and thousands of them in dark or in the face of the enemy. They breach the enemy mine field so that our own infantry and tanks can cross in the face of enemy bullets and artillery firing. Yea and these are the same heroes who come last from the battle field cause they have to remove all the mines which they have planted before the war. So this is the role of the Sapper. Hence they are called as SARVATRA. Because you can find them every where.

Yea so back to business, the mines which were being dug out were in a very bad shape. The mud and dirt had choked these mines in total unserviceable condition. But the soldier has to do his job and the job when is there, it has to be performed. One of the anti tank mine while in the process of demining got activated and the result was the blast of the mine which was heard kilometers away and so was the bravery of the baby heard across the nation and the bang proved the baby had long became a man, a man who knows what responsibility means and what price one has to pay in the line of duty. The officer who took this responsibility at such a young age and service, his age not even 22-23, only men can do this, men who have spunk in their B**** to take the challenge.

Maj Banjo who was 50 meters away from the sight got thrown away by the powerful wave the blast had caused and the molten plastic of the mine got all over the body of Maj Banjo.

Now the hundreds of plastic pieces which had reformed after cooling are now troubling the officer. But imagine the young officer whose body had just vanished.

In Pune I was invited in one of the social gathering in which the parents of all the martyrs were honored.When I saw parent of Capt Godbole I was amazed to see the strength and the dedication of them to the cause for which their son had given the ultimate sacrifice. As of date a park is dedicated in Pune to the memory of this brave son of Maharashtra who gave his life for the better tomorrow of this nation.

My salutation to you Sushant !!!!!!

We all are proud of you.

2007-12-22T12:29:00.001+05:30

Sukkhi my buddy, my shadow, my man.

2007-12-06T22:40:00.000+05:30

Today the 06 Dec 2007 sitting in the AMCEDP hostel of IIT Kharagpur when I look back at my life as to what I was before 5 years and what I had then and what i have lost, post 06 Dec 2002 my eyes have nothing to see, heart nothing to feel or complain, yea I am just thankful that I am alive. Alive to see my wife and see my kid grow up. Yea it is a miracle that I have survived the injury when even doctors had very little hope, may be God has something in store for me or may be that was not my day to die, may be.
Looking at the incidents that happened with me like everybody I too want to have some changes in the past to make if I can. Let me take you all to some Seven years back when I was commanding a company in one of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion. My company location was not that bad. It was located on the fringe of forest and there was a road some 1 KM to the south of my company location. My company was always on threat cause being on the fringe of forest it was always a likely target for the militants to fire and then run away. Hence it was always a herculean task to keep such incidents from taking place though I was successful most of the time but luck could not be always kind to me and I had my share of bad luck bad timing bad day and of course a decision which afterwards proved to be a wrong one. Well that is life and that is how one learns.I was posted in this Battalion in Oct 2000. Sukhvinder must have come to my company some where in month of Aug/ Sept of 2001. His parent unit was Mahar Regt.
The convoy bringing the men to my company location use to come at around 1600hrs or these men use to stay in battalion headquarters for the night and then use to reach my company location next day or at times after 3 to 4 days depending upon the situation in battalion headquarters. Rfn Sukhwinder came along with me to the company location. A young boy of hardly 20-21 years. Thin but very fit and smartly turned out sardar came and saluted me with the precision of book. I spoke to him for a min and walked with the column to my company location some 12 KM from the battalion headquarters.
Next day morning along with other men who had come back from leave and temporary duty he too was marched for my interview called as the company commander's interview. When he spoke to me there was some thing which had said to me that he is the man that will be best for the role I was looking. My old QRT was soon to be disintegrated cause the men were due for their posting and were soon to be returned to their parent units. Sukhi was teased by his parent unit boys and use to call him a coward and all. That evening I called my QRT NCO and asked him as to why all this is going on and the answer he gave left me astonished. Once in his native village some boys were teasing him and instead of fighting, this chap ran away from that place which was very uncharacteristic of an infantry soldier.
So once on firing range I met Sukhi and gave him some hard targets to fire at and I was surprised with the accuracy of his fire. Over a period of time I tested him by sending on LP and stay back parties and was following his performance record very closely and was happy to find that he was really doing fine. So once after Company commander's darbar I called him for a ch at and asked him as to why the boys are teasing him and he shyly narrated the incidence and concluded by saying that he did not want to get into fight cause he did not want to have trouble for his family after he left for his duties so at times it is better to just avoid confrontation and let the things take its own course. That very moment I decided that he will be the lead man of my QRT and I started to train him myself and started taking him on operations where i use to select the best amongst the best.
In due course Rfn Rawat my no 1 guide went back to his unit and Sukhi took his place to the surprise of many boys as to why I gave him that position. As days went by Sukhi and I became very close and use to understand each other very well. Over a period of time I understood his walking style and use to sense his apprehension about some place by the change in his walking speed and the pauses which he use to make. He was so loyal to his duties as a buddy that he use to not leave me alone even for a minute when i was outside the company locations. I use to go to many civilians houses for tea and all or to meet my sources, this person use to scan the room first see every thing personally and then use to stand outside the door as a guard to me. So much was his devotion that even in battalion headquarters when i use to go to meet the commanding officer he use to keep his weapon and my weapon with him and use to stand out side the CO's office. Many a times my CO said to him to not stand there but he use to just smile move out and again use to come and stand for me there. CO gave up and said Rahul you have a boy who will stand by you in all times. The wise old man would never have been more correct.
Days became week, weeks into month and time flew away to see the second snow fall together. In the month of November 2002, Delta company killed three militants and one of them was from my area of responsibility. On o6 of DEC 2002 was Ramzan Eid and there was a general alert in whole of J&K state and also whole of India cause this date coincides with Babri Majjid issue too. Usually on the day of Eid army is busy keeping the area under surveillance and almost all the convoy and all planned moves are stopped. It was around 1000hrs that I received a call on my radio set from one of intelligence corps that a militant was seen a night before in a village called Yankee and that he was seen in a house of one Hassan Dar. I thought over it and concluded that the militant must have had dinner and must have gone by now cause my experience said that no matter what happens the militants never stay in the same village for more time. Moreover I had no man power to launch any operation against it. As it can happen I recieved another call at around 1200hr that the same militant was seen again in the morning in the same village.
Then I spoke to the adjutant of the battalion and was told to speak to CO who was not in the battalion headquarter and presently is out so I can speak with him on radio set. I spoke to him and told him about the same. He did not seemed much interested for obvious reason that the area was not in our territory and if militant is there then why are they telling us to operate why cant the responsible unit do something about it. I convinced my CO to let me go, and if the information is true then we will get the militants or other wise our presence will become a deterrent for the militants to come freely in the village. CO got convinced and permitted me to go. It was 1245hr now and I did not have manpower also cause my men were already deployed at places. I was still at a place far off from my company location and I was on foot doing patrolling. It was 1330hr when I reached my company location. There I finally got the man power tally and I was not able to pull out more then 14 men for the operation.
Gave 10 min for my men to have there lunch and I spent the time in planning the operation. The problem was that the village was not in my Area of Responsibility hence I had no records of the village. No records of the militants nor any surrendered militants in that village. Being the day of Eid the brigade under which the village came was busy in its adm work and all cause the main troops were on LC and only handful for guard duties and adm work were present. This village was bang on the road with its southern boundary touching the road and the north was the dense forest. So if I would have approached the village from the south i.e the road the militants if present would have time and they would have run away in the forest. Hence I planned to approach the village from the north i.e the forest side and have the element of surprise with me.
The village was some 5km west from my location. We were say about 1 km short of it in another village by about 1430hr. There we took some students who knew about out target house and agreed to escort us. So from that village short of 1km from the target village we started our climb Northward into the forest and were in the thick of it about 500 mtr and then changed our course towards West to approach the target village from the north at a distance of 500 mtr towards north of the target village. From a vantage point the students showed us the target house and the final briefing I gave to the men from the vantage point indicating not only the group commanders but also the individual men so that there is no confusion and no collateral damage considering the sanctity of that day. Our move was so swift that no one came to know as to when did we entered the village and it was only when we cordoned the house and made the announcement that the village people came to know that army is in side there village. That was the level of surprise which we as as team were able to achieve which took a long time and lot of rigorous long hours of practice which we as a team of 15 men use to do a requirement in Rashtriya Rifles if you have to be successful in this hostile and unfriendly terrain. The last stop was at position at around 1610hr that means we had only 45min for complete checking because the visibility of 10 mtr is only till 1700hr in month of Dec in Kashmir Valley. Sukkhi was with me checking the stops and also planning and reading my mind.
My team was so much use to my way of functioning that our total communication was in terms of field signal and also few which we had modified and invented ourself.
They use to know what exactly is expected of them and Sukkhi use to keep a mental account of everything cause when I was on the radio set he use to be protecting me with his cover fire and also taking care of the field communication if some one of my team wanted to communicate with me. That level of understanding we had which requires lot and lot of practice and mutual faith and understanding which we had amongst us.
At around 1620 our search started. I took three men with me. Only one was the old timer Sukkhi, one was a bit exp Rfn Giri and the third was new, I took him cause I had to train him and since this information was not that reliable so I wanted him to have the feel of it.The fear of facing death and the fear of caught alive by the militants haunts every one which makes you more cautious and caution makes you serious in training. So in we went to find the basement empty, the ground floor empty , the first floor nothing, second floor nothing.
Here now only the roof was remaining. I and Sukkhi were buddies and Giri and fourth Kartara were the buddies. We finished our part and were moving with cover and fire drill and was approaching the steps to move up when I called for Giri and he took his time to answer which was normal as men are more quit due to fear of unknown.
Then he's reply came ' Sabji aa rahae hai '. Sukkhi was getting impatient by the delay cause we were being exposed and were in open cause we needed them to cover our move as we to go up the stair case. The moment Sukkhi heard this he stepped on the stair case with a slight whistle to catch my attention and i was giving the cover fire. As Giri came out of the room he and Kartara gave us the fire cover and i started up the stair case.
The moment I was on the second step a militant popped from behind the drum and we shot at each other. The moment the firing started Sukkhi as a trained soldier jumped out on the roof and in no time there was firing every where. I was badly hit and i saw the militants gun coming down the steps sliding. I was thrown up like a ball I still remember and I use to laugh as to how they show it in the movies but believe me it happens in reality cause i too was in the air for short duration. Then it started every thing. I asked the radio operator Gnr Jhonson to confirm to Adjt that contact established. likely hood of more militants in the house require reinforcement which i had earmarked in my company just in case required and also told them that I have been hit.
After some time I took control of the situation and was calling for Sukkhi. But no reply. As i was telling the men outside what to do I was told that the other two men who were there have come out of the house due too no protection for them and they moved out cause the bullets were flying every where. As I was looking out of the window I caught some movement by the side of my eye and by the natural reflex, pressed the trigger and I was able to shoot the militant who must have come to check about my well being. This was the second militant that I was able to kill. But this increased the confusion as to from where has this militant come . Every thing was searched then from where did this militant has come. So the cruel thought came to mind that may be he has come from top and probably Sukkhi has attained martyrdom.
By now there was lot of blood loss from my body and my eyes were getting blurred that was the indication that my happy birthday was near. But I did not wanted to die cause the training teaches you that you are not dead till you decide that you are dead. So ......hey wait this is for Sukkhi not for me. Enough of what has happened to me that has got enough awards and accolades from the press and govt so here is what is Sukkhi's role.
OK I will tell you how i came out of that room, it was easy, with my complete blood soaked body I jumped from a height of 50 feet on the hard ground.
Then I was admitted to hospital for two years almost for some or the other thing. I was operated 4 times on my stomach so I said to the doctor why dont he put a zipper on my stomach it will save him the trouble of tearing and stitching me always.
I asked about Sukkhi and I was told that he is fine and has been saved with minor cuts and abrasion. I was still in the critical stage being shifted to one place to other. I was sinking with days. Sheetal was with me in the hospital. She saw me in the worst condition and it was mess.
After almost 8 months when I was mentally stable and my continuous asking about Sukkhi's where about and why has he not come to see me cause my ward was like someplace where every one came to meet me, any body who is going on leave or coming back they use to meet me. I still remember my clerk had come to see me and get the bonds and other documents to be signed he started to cry and was not able to control himself. Sheetal had to control him and what he said I still remember. He had said that when Maj sahab use to come to battalion head quarter we use to see him smiling and whistling and today seeing him in this condition was not bearable.
Finally in 8th month i was told that Sukkhi attained the martyrdom that very night at around 2000hr -2030hr. He had a radio set with which he was able to speak to my CO. The militants were able to catch him and he was killed. He was so badly killed not even a inch on his body was not there where they did not fired at.His whole body had bullet holes and this is why the doctors did not want me to hear about Sukkhi's end.
The boy whom I trained and made the man out of him was no more was like losing a younger brother for me. That is my Sukkhi the man I lost and may be his unknown deeds helped me to jump form the house otherwise i would have been killed by them.
Lot has happened but i thing this is dedicated to my Sukkhi so you will be able to read about me some time else cause I believe he deserves this blog.

SUKKHI MY FRIEND AND BUDDY. YOU WILL ALWAYS LIVE WITH ME . YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY INSPIRATION TO MOVE ON IN LIFE.

May you rest in peace. Will meet some day and will do soldiering there too.

Friends daily many Sukkhi's die so when ever you see a soldier dont feel pity if he is using a crutch but feel proud of him that he has done his job well and he deserves a little bit of respect. JAIHIND and my salutation to all Sukhhies of the Indian Army.

Why are we so apprehensive ??

2007-11-20T12:33:00.000+05:30

Why do we fight? Why do we have grudges against the people with whom we are so close? The people on whom we have so much confidence, why suddenly we become so suspicious about the intentions or about the words used by the other. Why are we so much defensive? Why cant we be more tolerant why not wait for the next move by the person rather then jumping the gun and shooting down the person without a fair chance to the other guy.

I fail to understand why are we so intolerant why cant we listen to the other person listen to him/her find out what is it that's bugging. Why can’t we spend some time over the issue then just rushing into our decisions? This we do day in day out and wont you agree with me that this will be our second nature and will be seen even in our professional life and won’t we be then losing a good employee because of the defensive nature of ours. May be I may be wrong in saying this cause some people must be expert in understanding the complex organism, the human being, but still I believe understanding a human being is complex enough and if you value some one you don’t want to lose and when if you don’t want to lose some one you don’t take harsh decision at the drop of hat. May be I am biased may be, may be not.

Give and take man, I follow one principle and I never faltered on. It is worth giving a second thought on this before a harsh decision is taken cause the person we have we know the person that person knows us. Moreover if the harsh decision has to be taken it can be taken at any time but to mend things gone wrong is next to impossible. Finally to restart it with a fresh person takes time and things are still uncertain so it is better to give a second thought. Being a HR aspirant person I believe it is important yea it is important to think twice before ……...

WHAT ARE WE UPTO

2007-10-22T18:06:00.000+05:30

Today the Times of India on it’s very first page featured a article that one of the very prominent school in Pune did not allow the kids to enter the school. Reason they had applied mehendi on their hands. The school authorities quoted the rules which prohibits the students from putting nail polish, lipstick and other make up and all. This is all good not only good but really very thought full too. But was the reason good enough for the day when most of the girls of whose parents/ guardian were interviewed seemed to be muslims and the Ramzan Id just over, was it not the duty of the school authorities to use the rules a little bit more judiciously and gave a second thought about the circumstances in which it all happened. Don’t we allow Sikhs to carry kirpan, then was the crime so big that the girls are now debarred from attending the school for a week. The girls are from primary school ie class 1 to V.
In this period when there is enough communal tension every where wasn’t it the duty of the school authorities to use their nuts more carefully. What will the little minds of the girls think? When the ISI of Pakistan is looking for hurt, disturbed and soft targets won’t such students be the potential targets for the enemy of our country. Who is to be blamed? I just wish some strict action is taken against the administration of the school and firm action taken against those involved in this. What is need of hour is teaching the young mind more tolerance and more acceptances of each others culture and not hatred and not at all the feelings that only punishments are the cure of all the misdeeds.
On a normal day this action would not have been that serious but when there is a special day like marriages and festival the school must give special permission and the class teacher should inform the class that due to a particular reason the student has been permitted the concession. No way have I thought the school authorities showed any maturity or any wisdom of what their actions might cause the young minds to think.
If this is how the school are planning to shape up the future of India ……… God alone can help us then.

May the school authorities be more tolerant, Wise, and judicious in following their rules.

Who is to take care of India ?

2007-10-17T12:00:00.000+05:30

This question comes to me always when ever my vehicle jumps in a pot hole or when ever I see the poor naked children of the construction worker near my house or any time when I feel helpless cause I dont have much resources to help the citizens of India or may I say citizens of my country (I feel shy to say so cause I feel that I am not doing enough for this country).
Recently in our society there was collection of money for Navratri celebration. As a customary gesture they had a meeting or shall i say a brain storming session in which they wanted to have ideas as to how the function should be celebrated. So I too gave my two penny worth idea which was neither appreciated so forget its application.
So what was the idea. My idea was that what ever money is collected should be used for some constructive work which will be there for ever in the society and we will also be teaching the children the sense of joy in giving and doing something for this nation of ours. So the blue print was that all the fun and frolics should continue but the aim should be to do good for the society at large.
So i suggested that what ever prizes we will give should be in cash and nothing to be bought for the winners. This money should be then collected in a central booty from where the development work should be carried out like painting of some walls,making shade for the security person, making a trolley for the safai wala cause he carries all the waste of all the society on his head which is criminal. Second stage will be what ever money is spent on that small project,on that the names of the winners should be written mentioning that this part of the project has been sponsored by so and so winners in the Navratri 2008 and so on, so that other kids too have a look at it and the kids can see it, feel proud of the same.
But then whose country is this to do some good or to think good of it. Forget other things atleast the safaiwala cart that too they dont want to give . Most of our society members are IT and ITES and bankers who will take up to arms and fight with the HR if some thing is not good at there work place terming it as bad practice for working conditions but they will have no time to think about the security person standing in sun and rain, will not see the safai wala carry the stinking waste on his head .................. where are we heading . To which country we belong . Working for MNCs has made our minds also to think like them send all shit work to India cause they take it . Give them money and they will grab it . Pat them and they will love it. That is what we do with them.
But I think I do belong to this country and India is my country so I will do for it what ever i can do and if possible more then my share cause I want it to make it a better place for the future generation and want to instill in them the sense of pride and the confidence that they and only they can make this country a better place and if they wish they can do wonders and miracles too.

SO HELP US GOD !!!

AMEN

Death of a budding Mohd Ali : Cadet DK Jha of Oscar Squadron, NDA,

2007-09-04T13:20:00.000+05:30

Today I came late to the office so my friend asked me as to how Major is late to work today. How many times this major comes late to office when does he go every thing she knows. She even keeps the track as to with whom I am chatting and if it had been possible she would have kept other records of me also. She is the girl who sits next to me in my office. A chatterbox wants to know every thing that is going on in this world.

So I had to tell her as to why I came late to office today. She is from services background so I too don’t take her comments seriously. She is so young to me in age that she would not have dared to take my name if she hadn’t been in this office. Neways so I had to tell her as to why I came late to office.

How many times do we read about the heroic deeds about the Indian Army or for that matter any security agency. Today in news paper The Times of India edition dated 03 Sept 07 there was a article on a famous footballer Ronaldo having fun with 5 call girls in his house in England with his fellow club players. But this press of ours will never highlight the diminishing lights from our society who faded from this face of earth doing good deeds. Today morning when I was having my shower the maid banged the bathroom door, which is very rare. So I knew it has to be a very important call cause I don’t take any calls during my morning bathroom ritual. It was a call from Command hospital ward no 21 i.e the ward for Officers and at times cadets of NDA and OTA. So I came out on my bathing gown to find the unstable and breaking voice. It dint took me long to know who was on the line. It was cadet DK Jha of National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla. He called me up to tell that he was leaving Pune.

This cadet is being boarded out of Academy that means he will never become an officer. He will never march again on the drill square. He will never taste the sweat and blood on battlefield. That news hit me like any thing and I immediately finished my morning thing and was ready. Sheetal my wife was really surprised to see me ready so soon. But she knew about the phone call and knew I must be going to Command hospital. There in the hospital Cadet Jha was sitting on the chair in the garden waiting for me. The moment I saw him I was not able to believe my eyes. For the first time I saw him with his hair on his head. He is the case of a boxing accident. The josh and courage which makes the cadet into gentleman cadet and then the gentleman cadet into officer and then the officer into the think tank of the battle field. I first time met him some six months back when I was admitted in Command Hospital for my intestine operation. He then had a clean-shaven head and his skull was stitched and the blue stains of the dye still very prominent.

This cadet for his Sqn’s championship accepted the challenge of a 2^nd termer cadet in boxing in the inter Sqn boxing championship and fought valiantly for his Sqn. The team spirit and the will to do more then the body can take for our team and our nation is instilled in the cadets. He received heavy blows on his head but was not ready to quit cause Sqn spirit and championship was at stake. Blow after blow he took but this young Mohd Ali of Oscar Sqn still was reining blows on the Alpha Sqn opponent.

In bloody state this valiant son of Bihar was brought to hospital and the future war hero was in a critical stage.

Today after 14 months of hospitalization in which this cadet must have lived and died a thousand times, with the hope that one day he will be able to wear the uniform, one day he will be back in the boxing ring, one day he will be running again on the NDA grounds again he will be in the greens of Khadakwasla. All the dreams came crashing when he was told that he will never be able to go back again to Academy.

The cadet who cleared the JEE for 2005 has now no place to go. He has to restart the career from scratch. His smiling face could not hide his pain from me. As I was about to leave he embraced me and cried like a baby. I too was not able to hide my tears but being a Sr officer to him I could not cry in front of him. He was standing on the porch and was there till we could see each other.

I never felt so helpless but then this is life. A soldier in making will no longer be remembered nor we pay any respect to them. Our press is more interested in as to who has slept with whom; the news has to be glamorous. They are ready to high light that a ex model who use to rein the ramp once is on roads giving the details of all the men she was with and also the details for the reason she was with them, but the press does not have space to report the young ignited souls of India diminishing in the dust of time.

It reminds me of a movie of 2^nd world war in which the Russians were being crushed and some one had the bright idea that the nation requires heroes. So once one of the Russian army officer sees a soldier shooting few German Officers and there it strikes him the idea and then and there that soldier is portrayed as the hero and a hope for them and they portrays his heroic deeds every where so that the other soldiers too get motivated and are able to stop the Germans. We too require this before it becomes too late and some terrorist group in some bomb explosion kills us all.

Think India think and better wake the Kumbhakaran of today i.e. our Journalists and press and make them under stand their role and the importance of their involvement in building India.

Jha you will always be a hero and will be remembered always as the young bright spark of this nation, which will never die and will never go waste. May God bless you always and as they say “ May the Force be with you”.

Lt Sourabh Kalia My Buddy

2007-08-30T14:34:00.000+05:30

Lt Saurabh Kalia or shall I write the hero Lt Saurabh Kalia. He was my neighbour in the Indian military academy, Dehradun. Nice days they were, we all were students or the GCs as we were called meaning Gentleman Cadets.

Saurabh was a very quiet and fun loving person. Always smiling and ready to help others in need. I learnt a lot from him specially he taught having patience to me.

It was in last semester we went for a Chindits camp. As all the camps end this camp was also to end with a run back. Run back, is a competition as to which training company reaches first back to the Academy. In this we are in the battle dress with big back pack with ration the first line ammunition weapon and all the clothes and what ever we carry with us. This camp is of five days and these are the worst days one can have. Our DS were the worst when it came to screwing some ones happiness and they knew exactly as to where and how it pains the most. All nights were a session worth every dogs life on this earth.

On the 3^rd and 4th night we had training for the whole night with the art of survival in the jungle covering the major part of the training schedule.

With no sleep for two nights the day of run back came and at around 1230 after lunch our DS gave 1 hour of rest and we were like logs for that one hour. 1500hr our company was lined up for the run back. I was no 1 mortar man and Saurabh the no 2. Tired we all were at around mid night while we were negotiating one of the check point waiting for the complete party to close in, me and Saurabh had enough time to touch our fundamentals on the mother earth. Time flew and before we realized the company came together, control items were checked and we were off for the next checkpoint. We were feeling something light and soon we realized that the mortar bombs were left on the last check point and we have to run back to reach the place were the bombs were left and the whole company was after our blood. There after reaching again the DS at that check point had a nice session of the complete company and then the mortar bombs were returned. From that check point to the next check point I had to carry LMG and that was a real pain but then those were the orders and orders are meant to be obeyed in Army.

Early morning we were to hit the Sheetala mata mandir but it was not traceable. Frustration was high cause precious time was being lost and all were in search of it all and soon there was the cry of joy. Kadam found it and also the check point. The DS was very smart he had camouflaged the place so well that we were unable to see the mandir as well as the place were he was sitting was well concealed. After that then we just ran down like mad dogs. The jungle was still very dark but there was light on the horizon and that was good enough for us to show the general line of direction and we all dead souls were now fully awake cause victory was few check point away and some 20 KM ahead. Finally we reached the long range at around 0930 and were on the battle obstacle course at around 1015. I thing that was the fastest climb I ever did of the Cariappa Bn slope with Mohanty and the SUO giving all the josh and cheering up.

Finished our battle obstacle course then came to long range did our firing and believe me the arms were so tired that it was difficult to even hold the rifle. Soon was the welcome sight the juniors were there they took our weapon to return in the Kote (the only day we were allowed by the kote NCO). Then there was the hero's welcome in the company lines. All our rooms seemed like heaven to us. The table was full of eatables pastry. rum ball . pepsi coke samosa wafers. It is the final camp of the course and after this there is more courteous relationship between the DS and the GCs and the dreaded Bn Adjutant.

Saurabh came to my room and just embraced me and said congrats YO you have done it and I said yes we have done it. Our company came first in the run back and not only this Kohima Company also bagged the best Company Banner on the passing out day. Soon there was a announcement ‘Yos Yos Yos Yos Yos all are requested to be present for Co Co talk and high tea at 1700 at the ante room’.

Our chest was filled with pride now we were soon to be officers of the Indian Army and will lead the best fighting machines in war.

Yea we lead them in war, lost many, many lost limbs, many lost there near and dear ones but we stuck to our aim and brought home the sweet victory. We lived to the tradition of our great Army and brought laurels for our country and the citizens of it. We took bullets and that too on chest and not on our back and are proud of it that we were lucky to have got the chance to shed blood for our mother land.May be some where my great great........ grand fathers who fought along with Shivaji Maharaj must have felt proud of me and must have a hearty time with their friends.

As they say

‘To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
and how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods.’

You have done it Sourabh we all are proud of you . some day when I will join you we will have the same old days again . you will always be remembered.

Op North Delta Forest

2007-08-17T16:42:00.001+05:30

It was 0015hr on Jul 02. The temple flag was flapping lazily in the fresh cool air. I was awake the whole night charting the finer details of the operation and the route to be followed and also planning the man power details who would be remaining in the Coy loc and the men who will be reporting back to duty from leave and also those who are suppose to go on leave.
I as usual with my weapon went out to brief my men who were standing outside in rain about the operation we were about to launch. Soon the D – Company (Coy) Commander (Cdr) along with B and E Coy Cdrs along with their teams reached my Coy location (loc). After a combine briefing of all the Teams we were off to our mission with the rain God busy pouring all he had on us as to tell us go back go back.
We were going through the apple orchards and each orchard is fenced by barbed wire so we really had to be extra careful every time we pass through them with a worry that we are not ambushed some where by our friends from across with a warm fire show J. This drill is the most time consuming but necessary also cause it saves life. The drill is very complicated and has to be carried out with surgeon’s precision. For the benefits of all non fauji I will try to explain the same with a sketch.

Legends of map:
Blue colour – E Coy
Brown colour- D Coy
Green Colour B Coy
Black Rectangle : the apple orchards
Before we enter the orchards we usually take up defenses and wait and listen and try to sniff the air of any irregular thing, which is, not suppose to be there. Once satisfied one of the Coy Team (depicted by the green colour) then starts off very carefully. Simultaneously another Coy Team starts off along the fringe of the forest (depicted by brown colour). The march is so slow and careful that we can listen to our heartbeats and also the faintest of any noise can be heard at distance. At this time when the other two teams are moving ahead the third team, which is at the rear, is guarding the rear of the teams. At all times the teams are in touch with each other on the radio sets. Once the team reaches at the pre determined place they then take up the defenses there and the third team, which was in the rear, now moves up to the predetermined place. The break lines in the figure show the halts. Once they reach the pre determine place they inform the other teams and only after counter checking the authenticity of the call that the teams move ahead for their predetermined halts.
Once the rear team moves the predetermine place the rest of the two teams start once again and third team takes up the defenses. This technique is called as fire and move tactics. This is done so that at any time if any of the team comes under fire from any side we can retaliate the fire effectively and also reduce the casualty on our side. This is continued till there are orchards en route and the complete teams are out of the possible ambush sites.
I was leading the E Coy Team in this operation. Finally reached the forest and the grueling climb started at around 0330 hr. At around 0600 we reached the place where we were suppose to spend next 4 days in anticipation that some movement of the friendly neighbor hood will take place and we will be able to get some catch.
Four days of rain and the biting wind lashed us from 360 degrees. In night the weapon became so cold that it was impossible to hold it with naked hand. The rain made the clothes totally wet and nights were freezing cold due to the winds.
On the fifth day the search of the jungle was to begin. Things were very bad as the rain had made the jungle totally slippery and more over the wet clothes were biting like hell. After a cup of warm tea and snacks I got into fresh clothes, checked my weapon, magazines, adjusted the pin of the grenades and at 0800 started the search. At around 0930hr I had a strong gut feeling that there is going to be some trouble today. Learnt it in a hard way to listen to the gut feeling and respond to it. At around 1130 there was a faint sound of firing on the West side of the place were I was searching the jungle. The radio cracked the silence of the jungle and the information came on the set that contact has established on the West side and all the search parties to be extra alert and keep max control over fire.
These are the routine instructions which are on the radio so as to keep everyone abreast of the latest and also to make people aware that this jungle is alive today hence be careful. The firing was going on and we can hear the choppers hovering on our head and in all this the sound of empty stomach is too loud to miss. Old saying in Army “Eat when you get a chance and not wait for your stomach to tell”. By the time we finished our lunch it was almost 1430 hr and there was no respite in the firing. My worries were now becoming more grave cause I could foresee as to what was going to come up.
At around 1600hr when my search was almost complete my radio set came alive screaming ‘steel for emerald, steel for emerald, steel for emerald’. There comes the rocket.
‘emerald for steel, over’.
‘steel for emerald you bloo+++ fu***** joker are you alive or dead, OVER’.
‘emerald for steel very much alive , over’
‘steel for emerald change to alternate frequency. Over’
‘Wilco ‘.
‘Steel for emerald how many dinner you have for your team’
‘emerald for steel, tango ending with oscar ’
‘steel for emerald good and I believe your ammo is intact, over’’
‘emerald for steel affirmative, over’
‘yea then open your map and follow the…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. understood, over’
‘Roger, over’
‘Ok all the best, Get the Ba***rds, Out’.
My NCO was looking at me with apt attention as to what are the instructions given by steel. As I casually glanced towards the men they were already adjusting their gear and checking the torches and other night requirements indicating Sahabjeeeeee chalae. I just briefed them and started going back to the forest with my team now only of 15 men rest were to go back to ‘A’ Company and rest there and in case of reinforcement required, to be moved immediately.
My task was to link up with the West column with whom the contact has been established in the morning and replenish them with the ammo, food and also act as the reinforcement for the night in putting multiple ambushes.
It was at around 2200 hr we came under heavy fire or so we thought, cause it was dark and difficult to see any thing. After checking on radio sets it was confirmed that the fire was not on us but it was just the covering fire so that the militants are pinned down there cause through the thermal imager they were able to make some movement towards the axis in which we were moving. In the stillness of night the firing seems to be much closure the it is. But the fright was enough to get away from any fatigue that was trying to take over our tired bodies. Finally at 2300hr we were able to marry up with the D Coy column and if I tell you about the drill then probably I will end up writing the whole tactics presi. At around 0200hr heavy firing started and lot of RPG being fired and there was lot of UBGL and ALG being fired. When there was little lul in the firing I received a radio call from diamond that his two men are seriously injured and they required to be immediately evacuated. My men who were in the jungle from last 5 days took the responsibility with enthusiasm of the teenagers as if told to go out for a movie.
In no time the make shift stretchers were made and the casualties were evacuated to the nearest road head from where they were taken in vehicle. These men who had gone down to evacuate the casualties in total 12 of them what they must have undergone and what all the drills they followed is something worth seeing and experiencing. They reached the Vehicle at 0500hr and started back immediately with supplies of ammo, warm breakfast and tea ration.
What a fine fighting machines these men are. They will do anything for their brothers in arms and their commanders if they are worth it (the men test their officers and if the officers show the salt required to lead them only they are given the respect which is worth it) Fair deal ahh what say man.
Soon it was the sight every one was waiting to see, the daybreak and soon the firing too slowed down and at around 1000hr the final curtain was laid on the overnight operation. D-Coy did it again and the catch was 04 militants killed and a large cache of arms and ammunition recovered from the hideout which was busted in the operation.
Each operation led by me taught me so much about the men I commanded and the pleasure it gave me to lead the best fighting souls in the jungle against the militants.

Legend:
Blue lines : Search Area of E-Coy
Green Lines : Search Area of B-Coy
Brown Lines : Search Area of D -Coy
Violet Lines : Route taken by E- Coy for reinforcement
Yellow lines : Route taken by casualty evacuation party of 12 men
Red Line : Main road on which vehicle was waiting for cas evac.
Red Rectangle : Site of contact.

Today when I sit in the AC room and see people forgetting to respond the mails on time causing people to loose their jobs is pathetic. If such people are sent in the war or in the counter insurgency operations they will not be lucky to be killed by enemy but will become the target of own fire. God help them.
My salutation to the magnificent fighting machines whom I commanded and the honorable officers under whom I served.

Why do we fight??????

2007-08-16T15:43:00.000+05:30

My 6 years old son Sarang has so many questions to ask on every topic, which he comes across, that at times I really get tired answering his questions and Sheetal my wife will then throw a sheepish smile at me saying yea genius now what is the answer.
On morning of our 60th Independence Day I with my family went to the war memorial at Ghorpadi to pay our tributes to the martyrs. Sarang is so energetic that the moment he is out of the car he will rush out of the car and will try and explore as much as possible. Surprisingly when we arrived at the war memorial he was like a very disciplined soldier. We laid the flowers and wreath and we were strolling in the lane of remembrance when he first shot a question at me. “Baba why have we kept the flowers over here” so I replied it is offering a floral tribute to the martyrs and remembering their deeds and to let there dear ones know that we respect their action and are proud of them.
Next was “What do you mean by martyrs”. So I told him that these people have died in fighting for the cause of our nation and safe guarding the integrity of our country.
Next “But then, why do they have to die”. Cause they have to fight son with the enemy of state I replied .
“ But why they have to fight to solve some problem. You always tell me to request and talk over the problem then why do they have to fight”.
I took a long pause and have to really phase my answer very carefully so as to avoid any further questions from him. Seeing my silence he asked me another question.
“ Baba all the names of the people written on the wall are they all dead”. I said yes but they are not called dead they are said called as martyrs.
Then he just felt quite and was walking slowly on the lane of remembrance.
“ But baba if they were not involved in the fight they would have been alive isn’t it.”
I said very true.

“ Then why did they have to fight, wont it be great that they too would have been walking here today with their children like we are doing if they wouldn’t have fought”.
I just could not answer his question but my eyes were moist and my throat choked and my feet fumbled to now see the same martyrdom with a new perspective. Yes what about their children and family.
But then my son some one has to do the job said I to myself and saw Sheetal who was already in tears cause we soldiers never thing about all this. For us there is nothing more important then Unit izzat and the Country’s honor.May be he must be thinking at times why did his dad too got involved in a fight on that fate full day………may be, so much and more goes on in that little head which is beyond my imagination

2007-07-17T10:45:00.000+05:30

Another day break and am happy that there is no OK report to be given to my CO and that I have no Seek Encounter party waiting outside to be briefed nor there is some pending job awaiting my immediate attention. With my eyes still not fully opened I saw my wife standing there with a cup of tea dressed to go out. Oh God I said I have to go to railway station to drop her. She is going to Mumbai for some official work. As I was getting ready my six year old son came to me and says ‘Dad, today I want you to bath me and drop me to school’. With great difficulty I was successful in convincing him that I had to go to railway station to drop his mother and that his granny will give him a special bubble bath.
0620 and the train leaves at 0710. I had precisely 20 more min to hit the road if Sheetal has to board the train. As I was wearing my shoes I gave a customary glance at my fish tank and found something missing. My 12 inch Golden Koi which is so prominent in the six feet tank was not seen anywhere. As I approached the tank my heart leaped out the Golden Koi was floating on the water with other fishes. God what has happened? I opened the lid to see what has gone wrong; a warm air hit my face, fearing some thing really bad I put the tumbler in the tank and took out sample of water and found it to be pretty warm, enough for even humans to be uncomfortable. Sheetal by the time got ready and came to the drawing room ready to leave. As she was leaving for Mumbai I didn’t want her to give the disturbing news of the tank tragedy and just told my maid to add cold water in the tank so that at least those that are surviving should not die.

After dropping Sheetal at railway station I came home. The water was being changed which took another hour or so. After getting ready I came to office and the moment I reached office I got a call from Sheetal asking how the tank tragedy happened and ended the conversation with the compliment that my mother said that I did not shout on any one and I was totally cool which was very uncommon cause I really get charged up if something goes wrong with the fishes. As I hung up the phone I thought over the compliment am I the same guy whom the men use to really fear ……………………
It was 13 Nov 0630 hr, just one day before I had come back from leave, I finished briefing my men and was leading the column with my team. The daily morning drill was to occupy the hospital picket and just 20 feet across the road there was another picket which was on
a shop, which was closed for security reasons.
The usual drill was to put a cordon around the village and occupy the heights as depicted in the picture by blue triangles.

On the fate full day as the search was about to start and the cordon was getting in position the militants opened fire from the south side of the road before we can react the militants fired a Rocker Propelled Grenade (RPG) which landed two feet in front of me and exploded with a sound which I can not explain in any words and in seconds I was totally covered by explosives powder and painted in silver as if some has put silver varnish on me. Immediately a second RPG was fired by the militants, which hit Gnr GRJ in between his legs taking the both thighs from inside. In seconds there was bullets flying everywhere and I was shouting at my top of voice at the radio operator to pass on the radio to me to pass on the instructions to my men in the cordon. Time went and the men in the cordon gunned down the militants in the paddy fields. But before that the injured were to be evacuated to hospital and were to be taken in the vehicles cause there was heavy blood loss. Already my more then half
Strength had already left to their respective places in separate direction and there was no extra men power, which I can use to cover up every thing.
By the time the reinforcement came my men had already killed the fleeing militants in the paddy fields (Shown by RED TRIANGLE). Four of them were killed. How lucky I am to be alive today the RPG fired and exploded in from of me but I am alive.
Bollywood isstyle what say??
Well not exactly there is some thing called as a safety fuse which takes some time to activate the main charges which are the real lethal ones which causes the grenade to explode in Splinters which are fatal to mortal souls like me.

Why such time delay??
This is just to safe guard the firer other wise he himself will get killed hence the time delay.
What exactly happened was when it hit the ground the grenade did not explode completely but the grenade broke open by the momentum with which it hit the ground and the blast was that when it was fired the rocket action of the grenade which gives it the forward thrust creates the shattering noise which freezes the blood of any soldier.
What I was then a strict soldier a disciplined man, a man who had responsibility of the state, his men under command, the commission honored by the president, the responsibility of being the commander of a Rashtriya Rifle Company the savior of the North, the force which broke the militant might into pieces the force on which Country will be proud of……………………….. Now a injured soldier who has been softened by time and circumstances but the principles are same the fire is still there only thing is the time and place is not right nor the opponents right to be the same roaring fire. ……ir Sir Sir , Maam is calling you’ ahh yes now things are different here but the flame is still there no panga leneka as they say a injures=d tiger is more dangerous then a fit one ;-).

What all memories can rain bring !!

2007-07-16T12:05:00.000+05:30

A normal day working in my office oblivious of the weather outside which was raging with all fury it had. I went outside for a stroll to see every where water which was showing how heavily it rained. Sipping coffee I was enjoying the cool breeze which was hitting me on my face. Suddenly I felt a very severe pain on my right arm and saw my white shirt's sleeve changing colour to red and then I realised that a tin sheet which was flung in the air by the strong winds landed on my arm which caused the injury.
The blood and rain brought back some pain full memories .......was the first light of 06 Feb and it was a usual long operation of o4 days and 03 nights in the famous Delta forest . The jungle was new to me and the men accept two of them were new . They were from the Bravo Coy. After a unsuccessful operation my feet though tired were moving fast cause I had to reach my Coy location[loc] and move on foot to Battalion[Bn] head quarter from where I was suppose to take vehicle and move to Srinagar which was some 90 KM South of our Bn loc. I was to going on leave to attend my son's Birthday. As I was enjoying the thoughts all of a sudden we came under heavy fire from the ridge on the West side of the nallah. The foliage was so thick that it was difficult for us to pin down the attack which was coming on us.All of us were quiet and trying hard to make out something to fire at.
After some time Baljeet the Rocket launcher (RL) guy saw some movement and without any warning got up and fired a RL round with help of RL no 2 Gnr Sukhdev. The moment the RL was fired I became momentary deaf and I thing that is the reason that as on date I have problem of hearing and also with High volume blast. Immediately after that there was splinters of wood every where due to the back blast of the RL which is power full enough to kill a man there and there itself. After a bloody two hr firing when every thing was silent and I was taking the check of my men three of them were injured with two of them seriously . They were to be evacuated immediately but in a jungle where the foliage is thick it becomes very difficult to do so and then there is always a threat that few more militants must be waiting on some track laying a ambush for us. Our reinforcement were already started from the Delta Coy and I can imagine the men who had just reached their loc after their Jungle operation as to what their mind set must be. But the call of duty and that too when they know their brothers in arms are injured they are more then willing to go on another rescue mission.
I was with 18 men . Sent a Section strength with the casualties and i with 8 men was waiting for the reinforcement to come along with some refreshment cause the tension and firing and blood made me so hungry and the smell of forest with the Blood soaked in it . The explosive of RL having its own smell ...................... ahh my friend was busy tying the handkerchief on my hand and the smell of Cappachino was strong enough to make me realize that now I am in Heaven .........those were the days when without food and water we use to fight for our men and carry them in jungle on the slippery ground where one cannot walk with fresh legs we use to find the pace with dead legs too........... and now God help
Rain what all you bring with you....

Friends are one who brings fair weather around.

2007-07-04T16:44:00.000+05:30

Yet another day with a beautiful weather, felt really excited about the work ahead and was humming a song heard over and over again for God knows how many time at my hostel.

Opened the mail box and was happy to see my friends message there . What a perfect beginning of the day I said to my self and started my work with a big smile as they teach in the art of living classes.

Time went by and my mind wandered to the beautiful time I spent in my OGs and Combats. Opened the chat box to chat with a long lost friend , only to find a message that the friend is no longer alive. Lost the friend in the ambush of time laid by the militants of words, enemy of knowledge and friendship. Lost one more I said to my self,what a beautiful day it was and know how miserable it was to me . The world around me changed and the beautiful weather became the most hostile cause I lost my friend and what is the value of life without a friend.

Many a times I saw the old correspondence though it brought momentary joy, the void it Left was so horrible that I finally decided to get rid of all the old correspondence and just remember the friend as the friend whose mere thought can change the atmosphere of my mind and thoughts.

Really a friend is the one who by mere thought can change the world around you.

Do we really honour our War Heroes ?

2007-03-21T08:17:00.001+05:30

In our National daily the respected Times of India which claims to be the most read news paper gave a small news clipping on the front page left side(issue dated 21 Mar 2007) about the operation carried out by the Indian Army in Kupwara Dist of J & K State.The total no of words you can count yourself. The article reads '' Six Killed in J & K gun battle : Four militants suspected to be members of Pakistan base Lashkar-e-Toiba and two army personel, including a captain ,were killed in a gunbattle in Kupwara district on Tuesday.''

Two days ago when the Pakistan cricket coach Mr Bob Woolmer died in West Indies the gentlemam got the front page news with the photograph double the size of the total coverage given to the news article on which the whole country should be proud of.

Some one has said that '' The nation perishes which do not honour its war heroes''

God save but it is high time we rise and shine and make the Forces know that atleast we are aware of the sacrifices they do for our safety and security and the families who have lost their everything that we are with them.

Hope the press becomes more sensible in reporting such incidences and highlight such incidences with much more pride so that the army of this great nation which is already in short of Officers will not one day starve of young men to lead the finest army in the battle field just because of our carelessness.

Think the day when the best fighting men in the world are lost cause they do not have the men of nerves of steel to lead them in the battlefield.

My friend's views about me

2007-03-20T11:44:00.000+05:30

I have seen the confidence in his stride
I have seen him with perseverance
I have heard the love for his family in his voice
I have seen him missing his cute lil kid
I have seen the lament in his eyes
I have seen him trying to make up for the distance
I have seen the “I am there” unspoken message for his friends
I have seen him happy
I have seen him dancing
I have seen him enjoying the rain
I have seen him being a kid
I have seen him be an elder brother
I have seen him counseling
N I have seen him listening to the advice
I have seen him trying to get angry
I have seen him with the gift of forgiveness
I have seen him get up once again n fight all odds out
I have heard the strength in his words
N I have seen firmness in his actions
And have heard the compassion in his voice
I have seen him keeping his word,
N I have seen him resolving to be there…
I have seen only love in him……
That is how I have seen Rahul da…

This is the testimonial writen by my friend on Orkut so I thought it is more appropriate to start my blog posting through hers.

Happy reading...