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LT COL MS BEHL VSM COLLECTIONS
BAWA JASBIR PENS
Dear All,
I am privileged to post an emotive and must read write up by dear Jasbir on the occasion of unveiling of the statue of Late 2/LT Rajeev Sandhu, MVC at his alma mater in Chandigarh.
Tagra Raho,
Bee Kay
UNVEILING OF THE STATUE OF LATE 2LT RAJEEV SANDHU AT ST JOHN’S SCHOOL CHANDIGARH
The cold and foggy dawn of 29th Nov gradually crawled to a sunny morning at a flower decked St John’s School Chandigarh, the alma mater of late 2Lt Rajeev Sandhu, MVC. As we entered, we were witness to a familiar military site of smartly turned out NCC Cadets flanking the drive way from the School gate to the venue. We were received by members of the staff and the school captain. Student appointments then ushered us very respectfully to the veterans’ seating block in the centre. The senior most regimental veteran, Brig SS Chowdhary was seated in the centre of the first row along with Mr and Mrs DS Sandhu ; that was the school’s way of showing respect despite a star caste audience. In attendance was the who’s who of Chandigarh from High Court Judges to senior government officers to serving and veteran officers – all proud ex students including some of Rajeev’s classmates.
First off the block was the school Capt who gave a welcome speech followed by the school prayer. Student speakers then talked about Rajeev’s life story laced with anecdotes that gave a glimpse of his character and values as a young boy in school. Qualities like honour code and fierce loyalty emerged seamlessly from innocuous tales. His citation (not the cryptic Army version )-the actual story of the operation where the gallant Rhino went down fighting, was narrated by the School Vice Capt to a teary eyed audience as they sat in stunned silence with a lump in their throat. His story was a revelation to many in the (primarily civilian) audience whose sense of disbelief gradually gave way to deep respect. It was an electrifying yet sombre atmosphere with not a whisper from the 500 odd in the audience as they heard the heart touching elocution of a truly remarkable standard.
Escorted by the School Capt, Mr and Mrs Sandhu then took their place; And in a show of stoic dignity, grace and composure, stepped forward to unveil the Statue of their martyred son. Behind their facade of grace and a proud bearing , was hidden the deep grief at the loss of their only child. The way 2Lt Rajeev Sandhu went down fighting was an act of exemplary bravery, loyalty and camaraderie.
A lovely hymn befitting the occasion was then sung by the school choir. One of Rajeev’s classmates, Justice GS Sandhawalia of the Punjab and Haryana High Court was thereafter called upon to speak about Rajeev the Johnian . He talked about Rajeev as a trusted friend and classmate. He had some very good words to say about Mr Sandhu who was a teacher in the school when they were students and how he moulded the wards under his charge. Rajeev imbibed some strong qualities from both his parents. He went on to relate little known stories that illustrated the principles and ethics that his late friend stood by and how his values moulded him into the valiant soldier and the man that he was . Mr Sandhawalia fought hard to retain emotional composure as he spoke ;but this was quite naturally dictated by the mood of the morning.
Finally as a prelude to the wreath laying ceremony the Principal, Mrs Das took to the rostrum and spoke as only an outstanding principal can. This was the culmination of speech making as she paid a touching tribute to a distinguished alumni straight from her heart . She spoke not only about the late 2Lt Rajeev Sandhu , MVC but also about the genesis of the statue that was erected and unveiled almost three decades after Rajeev attained martyrdom during Op Pawan in Srilanka. She had conceived the idea of erecting a statue to honour a brave Johnian for which the lead came from a house function where the students eulogised their home grown hero. She carried this forward in consultation with the staff and school management and why not, for it would be a great motivator for future generations and the brave heart would live forever in the school where he grew up. Mrs Das’s extempore exposition touched many a chord and left the audience holding their tears back.
Starting with Mr DS Sandhu and Mrs Sandhu , the dignitaries were then called upon to lay their wreaths. The senior most Rhino, Brig Chowdhary at a sprightly 93 years laid a wreath on behalf of all veterans of the ASSAM Regiment and Brig Sujit Maini laid a wreath on behalf of the Colonel Of the ASSAM Regiment. CO 7 ASSAM and the Sub Maj of the battalion then paid their homage. The final wreath was laid on behalf of the Army Cdr Western Commander, by his staff officer. The sombre ceremony was ably supported by a smart special guard from 7 ASSAM with their buglers perched on top of the school building. Against the backdrop of the Martyr’s statue, all officers and ladies of the ASSAM Regt moved forward to pose for a photograph with Mr and Mrs Sandhu and the school Principal , Mrs Das amidst them.
That marked the end of the ceremony and we were ushered to an adjoining lawn for high tea and more interaction with the students, staff and a host of ex students of the school. Kudos to Mrs Mandeep Cheema, (W/O Lt Col Dipender Cheema of 5 ASSAM) , the coordinator/organiser of the event who with the help of the principal and staff , put up such a magnificient show.
A very proper postscript —-on behalf of the Tricity Veterans, I was handed over a thank you note from the Principal the very next day as if to assure us of the everlasting presence of the Martyr in a safe cocoon within the precincts of the school that moulded him.
BAWA JASBIR ON SANDHU MVC
BAWA Trivia---Jessami and Kharasom
1. While 1 ASSAM was undergoing a prolonged siege at Jessami, the situation was getting grimmer by the hour. Unknown to the unit, their valiant stand against the Japanese onslaught had earned the Allies very valuable time to deploy at Kohima which as appreciated , was the nest objective of the enemy. The unit was ordered to break the Japanese noose and head for Kohima.
Theses orders however never got to the unit. The Punjabis –1/1 PUNJAB were the made to despatch an escort with 23 Jeeps to Kharasom and Kohima. This column was ambushed and all vehicles were captured by the Japanese.
2. At Kharasom, the Jamedar Adjt, Sub Thankhen Kuki took it upon himself to rescue wounded comrades at the x roads ahead when he was bludgeoned by a shell exploding on his face that left him blind and bleeding. He stuck on to inspire others ; sep Thongkhen then dashed forward under murderous fire to complete the job.
3,The tps were hollow eyed, dirty , tired and hungry in trenches whose over head cover was made of wood and tarpaulins. They lived there and faught from there amidst unbearable stench of the dead., deplorable sanitary, litter all over and a paradise for flies.
BAWA BURMA CAMPAIGN:
Kohima’s importance for the Japanese offensive lay in the fact that it was at the summit of a pass that offered the Japanese, the best route from Burma into India. At an altitude of 4000 feet, kohima is on a ridge about 60Km South of Dimapur, the railhead. The main supply route of the British ran through Kohima between the base at Dimapur and Imphal, where three Allied Divisions faced the Japanese offensive. Kohima was held only by a few platoons of the Assam Rifles. By the end of March it was clear the weight of the Japanese offensive would fall on Kohima.1 ASSAM (REGIMENT) as part of 50 Indian Parachute Brigade was guarding the Axes from Jessami and Kharasom about 35 Km East of Kohima. The Battalion fought gallantly, put up a stiff resistance at very heavy cost and succeeded in delaying the Japanese onslaught. When news of the approaching Japanese was conveyed by Naga villagers, Maj Sidhiman Rai with his company were despatched ahead to Mol He to delay the Japanese. He established contact with the enemy and in a series of delaying actions he leapfrogged skilfully back to Jessami with heavy casualties to the enemy. In the ensuing battles, feats of individual bravery set the tone and motivated peer groups to do the impossible. At Jeassami Subedar Sarbeswar Rajbongshi repelled repeated attacks without losing the cohesion of his platoon while being outnumbered and outgunned by the enemy. Also at Jessami, the bad boy of the Battalion –Sepoy Wellington Massar braught down a large number of Japanese with his machine gun. When that developed stoppages, he continued with rifle and grenades. He remained steadfast against an everincreasing enemy and when the withdrawl was ordered, he was the last to leave. He was to die of wounds after losing a leg at Kohima. At Kharasom Captain Young, ordered his company that repulsed repeated attacks till it reached a critical state (with few men, little ammunition, little rations and almost no water), to withdraw. This was to save his besieged men from total annihilation by the Japanese whose offensive gathered renewed momentum with the arrival of reinforcements. However, the gallant officer stayed back in compliance with his orders to fight to the last man and the last round! Unknown to them, the Japanese had severed the lines of communication and forced the disintegration of 50 Parchute Brigade. The Jessami Garrison manned by troops of the ASSAM Regiment was completely cut off and ironically did not receive the radio, telephone or airdropped messages to retire to Kohima till a British officer got through from Phek with the orders; by then it was too late.
Gen Slim had appreciated that the Japanese would leave only a detachment to contain Kohima while the main body of 31 Japanese Division would take the jungle tracks from the East and attack Dimapur, the railhead. This incidentally was the initial Japanese plan but they were forced to change it due to stiff resistance by 1 ASSAM who imposed unacceptable delay and heavy casualties at Jessami and Kharasom. The Field Marshall had this to say “Particulars are now available of the heroic and successful stand made by men of the ASSAM Regiment against the Japanese at Jessami and Kharasom. The achievements of your battalion will, I feel sure, make countless citizens of Assam proud of their regiment and confident of their further success. I would like to add my personal tribute to the gallantry of all concerned, including those who have fallen in the field of battle, and wish the battalion all success in its participation in the elimination of those who have invaded the provience”. 1 ASSAM was conferred with the Battle Honour JESSAMI, the first of the six battle honours the unit would go on to earn.
On the 3rd of April 1944, after withdrawal from Jessami and Kharasom, Lt Col Brown’s 1 ASSAM joined in the defence of the Kohima Garrison with its remnants of approximately 260 battered men, all that were left after the pitched battles that the unit had fought relentlessly against impossible odds. At Kohima again it was a grim situation with no communication with higher Headquarters, made worse by inadequately prepared and fortified positions in an evertightening Japanese noose. 1 ASSAM and some troops of 2 Assam Rifles steadfastly held the DC Bungalow Sector till the end of the siege. Lord Mountbatten the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in South Asia said “The battle of Kohima will go down as one of the greatest battles in history”. Col Brown was conferred the Order Of The British Empire for the most outstanding leadership under a continuously worsening situation and Maj Sidhiman Rai received the Military Cross. The famous tennis court in the Bungalow of the DC Charles Bowsey, was where the warring sides divided the garden between them. This was the bloodiest battlefield where lines of the tennis court separated the troops. Heavily outnumbered, the men stood fast for 16 days and nights against the tight inner cordon of the siege while the Village of Kohima was laid under murderous fire assaults from the hills around that blasted every Basha, Bungalow and tree. There was intense fighting to clear the Japanese on the heights around Kohima in which both sides suffered heavy casualties before the Japanese finally retreated. Isolated, sleepless, short of water, supplies and ammunition, the small British and Indian garrison clung to this battle ground and stoically withstood the slaughter until reinforcements from 2nd British Division as part of 33Corps, fought their way to relieve them. On the lighter side, the battle at Kohima also gave rise to the legendry hero Badlu Ram, on whose rations, 1 ASSAM purportedly survived during the Siege. Late Major Mervin Proctor of 1 ASSAM composed the famous signature song of the ASSAM Regiment-“Badlu Ram Ka Badan”, set to the tune of ‘John Brown’s Body Lies in The Grave But His Soul Goes Marching On”. It was because of the infectious personal bravery of men like Capt Young, Subedar Sarbeshwar Rajbongshi, Wellington Massar , Lance Corporal john Herman of the WEST KENTS (who charged an enemy Machine Gun Nest alone, killing four and bayoneting the fifth till he fell to a burst from another machinegun) or Doctor Col Young, DSO ( who raided the Japanese for medical supplies and operated more than 600 soldiers during the siege) and a host of such gallant men that the Kohima Garrison held on. Young and inexperienced men were fighting like veterans. Red hot enemy machinegun barrels would be ripped off regardless of the bullet injuries or the burns suffered. Japanese grenades were picked up and thrown clear of the trenches with all the calmness in the world and there did not appear to be a man in the garrison afraid of executing any task allotted.
Severely mauled but with its spine erect and its spirits intact, 1 ASSAM was pulled out for Rest and Recoup after years of intense combat in the most unforgiving terrain and climate. This meant recruiting more manpower, making up losses of equipment and retraining before they were inducted back to The Field Marshall’s army at Kohima, onward to imphal and onto Burma. They participated with renewed gusto in pursuit of the retreating Japanese. Field Marshall Wavell, then Viceroy of India had this to say “When the history of war comes to be written, the fight here will be put down as the turning point of the war when the Japanese were routed and their downfall really began.” The youngest battalion that was raised on 15 Jun 1941 on the eve of the Burma Campaign and bloodied during the war, paid a very heavy price but stood the test with outstanding valour. They made the citizens of Assam proud and went on to find an honourable place in the annals of military history. They were conferred with Theatre Honour BURMA, six Battle Honours- KOHIMA, JESSAMI, MAWALIK, KYAUKMYAUNG, TOUNGOO and ARADURA in addition to 71 awards for individual gallantry.
The ASSAM REGIMENT celeberates 28 March as JESSAMI DAY in commemoration of those who fought and earned this Battle Honour.
TAGRA RAHO !
The author, Brig Jasbir Singh Bawa is a decorated veteran of the ASSAM Regiment.
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BRIG JASBIR SINGH BAWA
I was commissioned into 7 ASSAM in Dec 1976 and was sidestepped to the “Nimble Nine” on its raising in Aug 1980. Fifteen years later I commanded 9 Assam. I was fortunate to be given a second command, that of 5 ASSAM from where I moved as Commandant of the Regimental Centre. lest they are lost to fading memory, I have attempted to pen an account of events and incidents that drove home lessons and impacted me along my journey in the Regiment.
Young Officer at ARC
Ours was a one off group that spent close to seven months at the Centre before dispatch for the Young Officer’s course. My seriousness with the pre-course training withered with each passing day as pleasures of playing football with the ARC team, driving the length and breadth of Meghalaya on my faithful Yezdi and partying with friends gradually took precedence. One evening as I came out after my customary post football bath I found my room mate Col ( then 2Lt) MB Saxena rummaging through a book while our Batman (as buddies were then called) was tending to the fire. He was sitting in front of the fireplace on the only easy chair in the room, engrossed and enjoying his chore. He realized that we were both standing so he shifted to one half of the chair patted the space that he made and with an innocent smile said “shab aap kyon khara hai re? Baitho na”. We had just begun our learning curve!! Blended with regimental ethos was the conduct of our men, their culture, traditions, habits, humour, peculiarities of tribes and most of all their character, that had a deep and endearing impact on our minds which had no exposure to the North East. I had a nascent yearning to know more and in retrospect I would say that is when my quest for the North East and its people took birth.
7 ASSAM
On my way from the Young Officer’s course to join 7 ASSAM as a fresher, I reported late having spent four days eventful days with friends at Shillong. I biked it down to the unit then at Tamalpur to a reception that I am unlikely to forget. Office the following day started with a Court of Inquiry for being AWOL that kept me on my toes for the next two weeks or more. At the end of this period I gathered that there was a precedent both with some immediate seniors and of course rampant amongst men in the unit!! I got away with forfeiture of all forms of leave for a year. Awareness of this regimental ill of the time was driven home hard.
The Raising CO, Brig (then Lt Col) P Shivpuri was starched OG to my rebel mind. He was dead honest, a stickler for rules, would speak softly and very little, but was gifted with a piercing wit, a great sense of humour and a disarming smile that was used to effect, though selectively! Given the initial draft that we got from sister battalions, there were a large number of disciplinary cases. The CO decided to deal with them rather than sending them back. The first year and a half saw MT accidents including one fatal, a murder, elopement from the family lines, theft, fist fights as also manhandling of the Wet Canteen contractor apart from the usual AWOL and desertion cases all of which resulted a record number of Summary Court Martials. This side show, coupled with the onerous task of formulating SOPs, basic training, firing, raising of specialist platoons, physical training, drill, handling VIP visits, firming in administrative fundamentals, and following a pucca pucca unit routine etc was a tough call. Brig Shivpuri was unfazed would always keep his cool while his wit sharpened and his humour got more spiteful under pressure. His Darbars were an event that the rank and file awaited. He would put forth important issues laced with characteristic humour that would have the battalion in splits. His traits were hugely impressionable on my young mind. To emulate some of them was a challenge that I contested with as I grew in service.
The 2IC Brig (then Maj) V Ramanan again was very proper with a fascination for the rule book; we shared a mutual discomfort attributed perhaps to my AWOL case. One afternoon he told me to audit the Canteen accounts since Raising and give him a final report two days hence. As if that was not enough, after dinner the next day he told me to accompany a working party that was going to some forest somewhere to cut bamboos. I spent the rest of the night trying to find out the party commander, where they were going and in organizing a map of the area. My new task was to write a battalion level exercise on Defense. With less than a month in the unit I had no clue of a ledger let alone audit. As for the Exercise, it was a revelation that the physical stuff had a written base. I produced a shoddy first draft for both assignments which the 2IC tore to shreds. Repeated sincere attempts met the same fate. Finally with generous help from the adjutant and my seniors a readable work emerged which Brig Ramanan refined further. He then ordered me to the Co’s office. While I stood at Savdhan, the 2IC gave the files to the CO and said, “what a wonderful work this youngster has produced”. I was an exception who got a pat from the CO. A tough and uncompromising teacher that 2IC! I became one of his admirers as time went by.
Col (then Maj) MP Ao was my first company commander. He banished me to the lines. I had to spend all my time with the men which was tough to start with but developed into an addiction that I enjoyed immensely all through my service. I was to enter the company commander’s office only after I had mastered the personal details of the 100 odd men, had a hold over duties of Pay NCO, Kote NCO, QM, Langar Commander, Sec Commander to Senior JCO, had audited the Company property and accounts and was well versed with training and administrative documentation. He never spoke to me and I avoided him for fear of being ticked off or given additional responsibilities. On the day of reckoning when I stood up to his test, it was a big relief and I began to regain my confidence. Thereafter I was the de-facto company commander accountable and responsible for just about anything to do with A Company. When I did falter and expected a mouthful, his guilt inducing silence said it all. A dedicated professional, he was meticulous, very logical and worked with an uncluttered mind. He was a polite to the limit and very naturally truthful with an unshakable conviction in what he believed. He always stood by his subordinates. He gave me the finest lessons on the art of commanding our troops.
9 ASSAM
I got posted to 9 ASSAM on its raising in August 1980. The unit was raised by a Charminar smoking, rum drinking, hardnosed maverick who drove his team to impossible heights. Yes, that was Lt Gen (then Lt Col) JR Mukherjee a passionate professional who was to leave a lasting impression on us and for whom our respect and personal loyalty knew no bounds. He has been my mentor ever since. It was tough serving under his relentless pursuit for excellence that resulted in constant pressure on his command. It was this pressure that was to weld the unit into a confident and homogenous outfit. Training was his forte. Unmindful of rain or blistering heat, he put us through repeated practices till the men mastered the nuances of section leading platoon tactics, firing , mine laying and specialist platoons’ training leading to company level one on one exercises that culminated in a series of battalion exercises.
I was appointed the Mortar Platoon Commander to lead a topkhana of unqualified and mostly untrained men; the Mortar JCO barely managed an ‘E’ grading on the mortar course while I had yet to attend one. Not surprising that I had the distinction of taking 32 corrections before landing a bomb on target during our first field firing! That page of corrections forms part of the humour packed Scrap Book started by the 2IC Col (then Maj) SB Rai. During an exercise the GB stopped the Mortar Platoon vehicles and asked the MPC who was standing on the front seat with his head out of the hood as to where the they were heading. Nb sub Saizuana stuck out his palm and confidently shouted the Grid Reference scribbled on it– he had no map! Two years down the line and ever thereafter, that Mortar Platoon has been the best in almost every formation that the unit has been to. The determined GB simply had to achieve whatever he set out to. Uncompromising and single minded pursuit of aim was engrained into the culture of 9 ASSAM.
Once on a recce, ploughing through incessant rain and sticky slush, the CO’s jonga eventually got stuck in a seasonal nalla that was in spate. We got off, tried to push and pull without success. A bullock cart was mustered but it couldn’t rescue the vehicle. The GBs next step taught me an unforgettable lesson – we were all mounted on the bullock cart to continue the remainder part of our recce with little regard for the Jonga left behind.
A huge leather-bound ledger with blank plain paper was thrust at us (Suresh Ghorpade and me) on the night before our first Administrative inspection with directions to write the digest of service onwards from the first day of raising. We finished it through the night, (probably did justice for it passed the GBs muster) changed into drill order and joined the parade in the morning. He was an impatient perfectionist ‘I want it now and it has to be the best’ was his credo. One was always trying to catch up, even if you did, you were qualitatively below par. We were always on the receiving end of his wrath which at times took a physical dimension! Sometimes at night straight out of the office, the “useless” lot would trail the GB and converge unannounced at his house. There, he would be at his humane best complemented by Mrs Mukherjee who was exceptionally warm. These impromptu jigs with liquor and lighthearted banter took the pressure off and taught us the difference between work and home.
Our first Battalion exercise was without the affiliated BC who was a day late in marrying up. That night after dinner, the GB took about 20 minutes to explain the nuances of fire support to me – his unqualified Mortar Platoon Commander and asked me to prepare a fire plan with 18 Fire Units, distribute it and give out a briefing that was to precede the CO’s orders the next morning. I was obviously on the firing line but learnt the hard way. Perpetually sleep deprived, I dozed off in the FUP while waiting for other serials to disembark. Caught red handed, my punishment was to join the RCL Gun crew and lug a gun from the FUP onwards; I was the shortest of the team!!
When I returned after a tenure at the NDA Col SB Rai was the GB commanding in Tenga Valley. He skippered the unit through a treacherous operational phase of the forward posture. He was a hands-on man who lead from the front carrying his pack and sundry awkward loads that he would pick up from stragglers along unforgiving climbs through rain, slush and snow. His actions and his empathy endeared him to the men for they saw him as one of them. He organized the construction of defenses with characteristic panache. Trouble makers, ring leaders, sportsmen, and those with reserves of humour were singled out as commanders. They were explained the task, given their target dates, given the resources, could pick their own team and were then left to execute without interference. Trust begets trust, the men did wonders. The GOC once surprised us. His party got disoriented in the fog and emerged at a bunker under construction while the CO and SM were waiting to receive him at the entrance of the defended area on a different spur. He was to quietly witness a scene that can only happen in the ASSAM Regt. Five long haired disheveled rhinos – one busy pumping a stove cooking noodles and wild leaves, two swaying and dancing to blaring English music on their cassette player while helping the other two serious masons who were in deep concentration working at a frantic pace. He was to witness similar scenes at bunker after bunker as he climbed further before the GB caught up. As news spread about the GOC’s arrival in the Battalion Area, order was restored. When the old man left, he was beaming, full of praise for he hadn’t seen or imagined men enjoying nature’s endless fury, men in such a peppy state and the construction way beyond the reported level. This, under major constraints of weather and shortage of supplies whose demand far outstripped what could be pumped up. Unforgettable lessons in leadership and man management so peculiar to our Regiment were learnt here.
I took over command from Col Shyam Lal, a blue-blooded Rhino. He had successfully steered the unit out of a difficult phase in Pathankot. This was the time when we graduated from underdogs to the most coveted battalion in the formation and were known as masters of Lassian Bulge. The men had a great time fishing and trapping in between serious operational rehearsals. This was also the time when we had the distinction of losing a Shaktiman truck to flash floods in the Ravi River; it was never found. Col Syam Lal was at the helm when the unit moved to the Valley. He gave us the much needed stability and hoisted us onto a spring board to success.
I took over the reigns after he had already set the structure, the drills and method of ops in a CI environment. I was part of the raising team, had been in all stations with the unit, served under every CO before me and was the oldest hand in the unit. The team of officers, JCOs and men most of whom had worked with me, was truly outstanding. We shared a wonderful rapport. The unit was well bonded, hugely motivated and very responsive, perpetually yearning for more action. Their confidence and motivation levels soared with each successful operation. Resultantly I lived and relished each day of my command.
Operations in the Valley were like hunting big game. They demanded patience and skilful field craft which came naturally to the men. Very often after 2-3 days of self contained operations we would return empty handed, tired, hungry, filthy and disappointed. At that juncture If there was any ‘information’ howsoever small, the tired looks would disappear and there would be a line up of volunteers. On arrival back form one such operation we had an actionable information for which a QRT was being dispatched. While I was discussing the plan with the party commander, there was a nock on my door and in walks Sep Kaikho Mao and says “Saab hum QM Saab ko kate ga. Wo har hamesha hamko langar working lagata hai. Operation jane ke lie request karne se bhi nahi manta aur coy 2ic bhi bhai bandi karta hai. Kyon hamko nahi jane deta inlog ?” He was promptly included.
A recce patrol to the base of Shamshabari Range in the area of Bandarkoot Village returned to a hero’s welcome while unknowingly leaving in their wake, a trail of terror in the villages they went past. They had monkey heads and limbs popping out of their big packs! Meanwhile dogs in the unit area and near vicinity were already finding their place on private cooking fires under the prying eyes of civilian porters. At the same time the men were very polite and well behaved. The message was clear and well understood.
Xmas of 1995 is still talked about. We were deployed atop the Shamshabari Range for a few months. The unit from which we took over, could not complete the winter stocking due to early and very heavy snowfall. Charlie Company from Bandarkoot at the base, supplied smoked monkeys and jungle leaves while Sub Sapzarliana shepherded enough dogs along the ridge line for the feast. Shamshabari was also to give us one of our best operations. Col (then Capt) Dipanshu Sinha’s patrol trudging through 17 feet of snow on their way back from neighbouring 10ASSAM chanced upon a trail of infiltrated militants. They ran for over 14 hours, crossing three ridge lines in depth to bring the operation to its logical end. Three months later when we de-inducted to Panchgam, we handed over the defenses with one bunker deficient; buried under the snow for posterity. The tally is one three ton and one bunker lost for good, what a dubious distinction indeed!
The battalion immersed itself head long into nonstop CI operations. There were fire fights almost every week and thanks to the follow up interrogations expertly managed by Majs Avtar Singh and CL Fotedar , inflow of actionable intelligence never dried up. All our officers developed a flair for extracting information and were ably complemented by the likes of Lnk Tongmilian, Hav Imti, Hav Dehiram Saikia and Luikhanthang. Sanjeev Shenoy as the Adjutant had a stellar role to play. Bippin Bhalla was the lucky mascot who rarely came back empty handed. Dipanshu and his team did some very difficult operations and were convinced that they were better than the Para Commandos. Shanta Kumar and Arun Harge were always dependable and made a formidable team along with the the rest of the officers.
We operated in the Valley for two years and nine months and left our mark with perhaps the highest tangible gains and more importantly just ONE FATAL casualty. A day before our departure from Srinagar, I recall our audience with the Corps Commander Lt Gen Krishan Pal who was also the Col of the Regt. His eyes were moist as he hugged the Sub Maj, Thungshel Anal and complemented him for loosing just one boy. 9ASSAM was conferred the COAS Unit Citation and the J&K Governor’s appreciation for outstanding operational performance. The unit was then sent to Chandimandir.
After a well earned peace tenure at Chandimandir the unit moved back to the Valley with Col Suresh Ghorpade at the helm followed by Col Nandraj Lama. One winter night on the Shamshabari Range, Hav Thanu Ram of the RCL Platoon got a fire going on his post with a 22” degchi of snow atop; it had been a while that he and his charge had had a bath ! His instruction to the sentries was to keep feeding more snow and storing hot water. All the hard work and visions of a royal bath were put to naught when at first light, a mortar bomb from the Pakistani post across landed in the degchi. Thanu Ram was livid and blasted the enemy bunker with one round from their RCL gun. What followed was uncontrolled mayhem along the LC.
5 ASSAM
I was privileged to have been assigned asecond command- that of the Fighting Fifth. After LT Gen (then Col) S Saha left for the Higher Command course there was a gap of about a month before I reported to take over the unit. During this period, the Brigade commander repeatedly changed the unit’s deployment; his mental mobility created an administrative nightmare. The unit had been in Assam for nearly two months (which including the time spent on pre- induction training) without any tangible results. The Brigade Commander was at the end of his tether, loosing his patience and civility. He would bad mouth and bully Col KK Anil Kumar the officiating CO and wouldn’t spare Sub Maj Lopsom either. While he was sizing up the unit, the men saw through him. We established an effective intelligence grid and eventually had the best operations in the Corps Zone, each one ending in a fierce fire fight which was rare in Lower Assam in the year 2000. We had more automatic weapons than the number of militants killed. That won us the GOC-in-C’s Unit Citation besides a host of awards.
There is a vital bit of history that somehow got left out of Vol II
I inherited the brilliant concept of ‘deep covert’ started by Subi. This was in the form of a local JCO left alone to roam the district on his bike (often with his wife on the pillion) and generally fraternize with his friends and acquaintances. He was a trusted loyalist who would report the vibes in the district and bring back inputs that were corroborated with available intelligence. This gave a flip to the incubating idea of covert operations. By virtue of our location at Mangaldai which falls halfway between Rangia and Tezpur on the North Trunk Road, we had the ear of the GOsC at both ends. They would always stop by for a break and briefing. I tried convincing the Brigade Commander to let us exploit our inherent strength and operate in covert. When he did not agree I broached it with the GOC. Both he and the Brigade Commander were apprehensive nevertheless I was able to prevail upon the GOC and we got his verbal nod. We deployed our Assamese and Bodo boys with their dress, looks and demeanor crafted to perfect effect. We had them selling chicken and eggs and local ware in village haats, our men were placed in fair price shops as assistants , in local busses to assist the bus conductors, along timber smugglers from Bhutan on their cycles, along Bodo fishermen etc. Each company strung out 2-3 teams in covert and importantly, they were all in communication courtesy locally modified VA sets. A month or so later we were able to map the militant activity in great detail and went over our findings repeatedly to corroborate with the Intelligence reports. We discovered that notwithstanding the results of preceding units, Kamrup district had no activity by armed militants of ULFA. Mangaldai was the intellectual and ideological base of the ASSU and ULFA took care never to vitiate the environment or breach its sanctity. Some of them would however come as unarmed individuals to visit girlfriends or family and at times engage in extortion by virtue of their aura as militants. Our inputs however pointed to heavy armed activity from Bhutan to the North. It was an area of approx 10Km along the Bhutan border by 8 Km along the the Bar Nadi running Southwards which the ULFA and NDFB used in Kamrup District before crossing the Bar into Darrang District. Our next project was to convince the higher commanders to give us that small patch located 80 KM away at the extreme of the AOR of a different unit. Meanwhile time was running out. This was a tough call but while we were formulating our strategy, one morning we were blessed by the visit of all three commanders up the chain. The request was turned down and they ridiculed the idea. They were at the verge of labeling the unit as a nonperforming asset when the Corps Commander drew me into an animated discussion on intelligence inputs which took the form of a long extempore briefing. We gave out the detailed pattern of activity in Kamrup, the entry points and routes from Bhutan and the crossings over Bar Nadi, their sympathizers and friends on the way, the leaders and guides of both ULFA and NDFB, the pattern of operations of both outfits, details of underground workers, vibes in the District and the prognosis. Towards the end I could sense a positive change in the body language of the Corps Commander; he finally agreed to let us deploy a beefed up Ghatak Platoon in the area. He asked me how much longer for the unit to start producing results. I requested for a grace of one more month to prepare.
We deployed a handpicked Ghatak Platoon of 2-2-36 at Athreekhat Tea Estate on the Bhutan border. The young rhinos were volunteers with less than five years of service and were from the team that had won the Divisional Firing Competition in the previous location, the two JCOs Sub Major (then Nb Sub)Paokhogin and Sub Maj (then Nb Sub) L T Liana were tough sportsmen with unusual initiative and instinctive intelligence. Capt Ramesh Badola and Lt Prashant Patil were the officers. We set about their training with passionate zeal .Physical fitness, field craft, firing and area familiarization were the basics from which we graduated to one on one exercises where the Gkhataks could operate in covert or a mix of combat fatigues and civil dress. One party would infiltrate as militans and the other deployed in ambush(s). The teams would be in a mixed disguise of cowherds, shepherds, wood cutters, farmers, fishermen, or plain villagers crafting bamboo in the open etc: the boys had complete freedom to choose their dress, routes and method of operations. This game was supervised by me on a number of occasions till I was satisfied with their standards. All little drills given in the patrolling and ambush pamphlets were actually practiced and rehearsed against a realistic background. The boys had mastered not only the drills but the ground where they were to operate. Meanwhile the gifted Capt Badola set about cultivating sources and picking up pieces of intelligence. Within a month he had achieved the unthinkable – he was able to infiltrate the network of ULFA and NDFB and befriend their guides and some commanders from the district. He went about his task with great maturity without ever hurrying or loosing sight of the aim.
The Ghataks struck a day before our grace was to expire and never looked back thereafter. Almost 90% of the tangible results of the unit were by the Ghatak Platoon. One incident that struck a deep chord, concerns training and rehearsals. The forest bordering Bhutan was extremely dense with plenty of wild life. Here the boys would rehearse the drill of marrying up at the RV in case the ambush or patrol is compromised. This was their local sport which they enjoyed immensely. One rainy and pitch dark night an ambush party reached their cache, left their pre-cooked meals and heavier loads and settled down into ambush. That night once the rain abated, they were attacked by a herd of elephants-back packs, rations and weapons flew all over. The men salvaged their loads, dispersed in panic and ran. Nothing lost and no casualties reported. The boys in their buddy pairs met at the designated RV two hours later AMEN !! It later transpired that the party had gone past or through this herd while it was stationary during the rain. My respect for their professionalism grew manifold. Commanders up the chain took their time but eventually got very fond of the unit. They were completely disarmed by the mismatch between outstanding results and the utterly unassuming comportment of the boys.
ARC Shillong
Brig NPK Kumar’s well earned nomination to the US Army War College catapulted me from 5 ASSAM to the Centre as Commandant ARC in his place. Within no time our team got immersed in the process of planning for the Diamond Jubilee that was to follow a year and a half later. Meanwhile for the Centre per-se, the KRA was training, sports and infrastructure development. For the latter the Regiment needs to thank Lt Gen Krishal Pal who was then the QMG and our COR as also Lt Gen JR Mukherjee who was Chief Of Staff Eastern Command and COR designate. Together they ensured adequate funding to make the later Phases of KLP a reality. While the Centre’s history between Vol II and III would find its place, as would its achievements, infrastructure development, training and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations etc, I would go for some little known episodes during my tenure.
Soon after the Diamond Jubilee, our Record Office went through an inspection by the inspector of records from Army Head Quarters. His disclosure that Records the ASSAM Regiment was the worst in the Indian Army left us crestfallen. Personally, I was further deflated to learn that within the Regiment, the two units that I had commanded were bringing up the rear with 9 ASSAM at the bottom succeeded by 5 ASSAM. Records the MADRAS Regiment were the best. I visited MADRASS Regimental Centre and discussed the matter with their Commandant and Lt Col Chelliappa their CRO who incidentally was soon under posting to head our Records. While the incumbent SRO Col Vijayan set the basic norms , Chelliappa refined it further and during the reunion a couple of months later the inter battalion Documentation Trophy with an unambiguous quantification model was unveiled . That was the beginning of our climb to the top both for our Records and the units that I had commanded. I presume the documentation procedure and drills are now set for we retain the top slot firmly. Team Records the ASSAM Regiment and the battalions stood up to a daunting challenge very successfully indeed.
In the run up to the Diamond Jubilee we would have weekly presentations by officers and JCOs in charge of various events. The frequency increased as we came closer to the event. One thing that stood out was that given a clear cut task, guidance and the resources, our JCOs were excellent in their planning and execution which was a delightful contrast to their stereo type. It was heartening to see constructive dissent and some wonderful suggestions.
One Saturday evening the officers broke off unusually late after presentations and discussion. We decided to hit the bar and let our hair down. I casually remarked that our bar looks very staid and needs to be done up to a standard befitting the Diamond Jubilee. Various suggestions were made when some one criticized the old aquarium- that small three feet by one foot fish tank behind the bar counter. Surely it must have been great when it was installed. As more liquor went in, spirits soared but the discussion wouldn’t break from the aquarium. Then I noticed some one slouching on the couch, very happy with his elixir who said “make the whole thing an aquarium”. That gave way to serious brainstorming at the end of which the idea of the entire bar counter with a glass topped aquarium was born. Maj Shirish Patil then took it to its conclusion. The fish were all given appointments by him and the laziest one was called PTO .
During the Diamond Jubilee Parade, undetected by anyone, the Parade the unthinkable happened- the Parade Commander lost his voice. He was seamlessly covered by the Parade 2IC. Even I learnt of it a couple of days after the event from the Drill Sub Maj, Ibobi Singh who had foreseen this contingency.
We took meteorological data of fifteen years to decide on the date for the Diamond Jublee during a period that Shillong has never seen rain. On Day Two however, Happy Valley was to experience the heaviest rainfall in a decade!! Half way through the events that morning, Plan B was set into motion by the Deputy Commandant Col D Binda. When it started to pour, while I was looking for him or the Adjutant to pass orders, things were already under control without a flap or any orders. The rehearsed contingency was flawlessly underway.
After an eventful second stint at the NDA, On promotion I was given command of an Assam Rifles Sector looking after Tirap and and Changlang Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. My association with the wonderful North East and its people got another lease. Their loyalty, strength of character and uncanny humour was to leave a permanent print. God bless you my friends.
Tagra Raho
BAWA PEN. 1 ASSAM
PLATINUM JUBILEE
By Brig JS Bawa,VSM (Retd)
FIRST ASSAM TURNS 75: MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITIONS KICK START THE REGIMENTAL PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Kick started by two Motor Cycle expeditions that originated from the battle fields of Fazilka and Chamb the Platinum Jubilee celebration of the ASSAM REGIMENT was rightfully initiated by 1 ASSAM at amidst much fanfare and revelry over three days as the senior most battalion of the Regiment turned 75 .
With a large number of veterans- officers, JCOs, Other Ranks and their families converging at the ground zero, the hills reverberated and breathed to the beats of the NE like never before. The events that spread over three days from 13 Jun to 15 Jun were stage managed to perfection by the CO, Col Deepak Kataria with his ever smiling team that also included the families lead by the Subedar Major’s wife and the vibrant young ladies with Mrs Arshi Khan Kumar , the 2IC’s wife at the helm. The first of the events was an ice-breaking evening hosted by Subedar Major Dal Bahadur and the JCOs at their Mess on 13 June. It was a party soaked in nostalgia that witnessed much hugging and back slapping when veterans met up with old buddies. Bawling laughter interspersed with tearful embraces was the order of the day. The JCOs’ Mess 75th Anniversary Trophy was unveiled ceremoniously to a rousing applause and deep appreciation by all present. While the evening progressed , the Rhino Boys took centre stage and soon the crowd gravitated to them as Regimental Songs went into full flow. Dinner was an outstanding spread topped by ‘Regimental Alu’(good old pork curry) that had the guests licking their fingers.
Elsewhere that morning, the blood-soaked battlefields of Fazilka and Chamb had come alive to a tearful tribute to fallen brave hearts of the Regiment who had gone down fighting in the 1971 War. With holy soil from respective memorials in reverence to their fallen heroes, Motorcycle Rallies by 3 and 5 ASSAM had started their ride to converge at 1ASSAM two days hence. After a somber wreath laying at the War Memorial, the Fazilka expedition was flagged off by Col MS Kauchar ( a second generation officer, Ex CO of 3ASSAM and son of late Maj Gen HS Kauchar ex Col of the Regt) who had faught here with 3 Assam in Dec 1971. The battalion was deployed on the Sabuna Distributary where, they were surprised by the enemy but resolutely bore the brunt of his fury. With a valiant display of courage and at a very heavy cost of casualties, 3 ASSAM held on doggedly to thwart the enemy’s design of advancing towards Ferozepur. This motor cycle column was led by Brig Charandeep Singh a third generation Rhino whose father Col Gurdeep Singh (then Maj) was a company Commander in 3 ASSAM during this war. Another second generation officer, Col Gautam Ranpal, son of late Col Shishupal who was the CO during the wa , carried the holy soil with immense pride along with three officers and six men. The 5 ASSAM Rally was shepherded by an ex Commanding Officer and later Col of the Regt, Maj Gen PK Puri (Retd) who had witnessed the fury of the battle at Chamb in 1971 as a Company Commander. After a solemn and touching wreath laying ceremony which was also attended by Lt Gen Subrata Saha the COR,also an ex Commanding Officer of the Battalion, the team moved from the Memorial at Rakhmuthi to Mandala from where the Rally was flagged off by Maj Gen PK Puri (Retd). It was here in Chamb that the unit had given the most outstanding example of courage, determination, leadership and camaraderie when it resolutely held on and repulsed repeated attacks despite very heavy odds. At the cost of losing 5 Officers and 19 men plus a large number who were wounded in the ferocity of the battle , 5 ASSAM’s valiant action was responsible for preventing the fall of Akhnoor Bridge – the juglar vein to J&K. The unit was conferred with the battle Honour of Chamb and Theatre Honour J&K. The Motor Cycle Rally team of 4 officers and 6 men , carrying the holy soil from the war memorial was led by Col Dipanshu Sinha (Retd), an ex Commanding Officer along with Lt Col DS Cheema (a second generation officer and son of late Brig IS Cheema ex Co of 5 ASSAM) . Both expeditions met up with Regimental veterans enroute before touching down at 1 ASSAM.
14 of Jun was sunny, breezy and pleasant as Shimla can be. The guests were taken for a leisurely stroll on Shimla’s landmark- the famous Mall Road and the Ridge that ended at the iconic Christ Church. This magnificent British relic that dates back to1854 is a surprisingly well maintained heritage Church in Gothic Architecture that was the spice of Europe from the 12th to the 16th Century. The Church has a beautiful and functional Organ of similar vintage. Powered by a 3 Horsepower motor, it generates the most outstanding depth of music with clear notes that produce a haunting echo in the precincts of the holy church. A special service was held for the occasion that was presided over by the local Padre. The choir of 1 ASSAM was ably complemented by the ancient organ which added hair raising depth to the music. After thanking the Padre,the guests trudged on to the Ridge amidst cheer and merry making eventually settling to a photo session before being marshaled and driven to the Annandale Golf Course for a picnic lunch. What followed was an afternoon of drinking to foot tapping music by the Rhino Boys, catching up with old friends and mixing with the ladies. The JCO/OR veterans got us riveted to them with their immensely spicy and interesting ‘Kahanis’- the never-ending anecdotes that actually form the core of oral history. At the close of the picnic, some veterans enjoyed a round of golf, courtesy HQ ARTRAC. The next event was the Platinum Jubilee Dinner at the Officers’ Mess. It was a very well organized and classy affair conducted with such love and respect for the veterans that it made them feel special indeed. The battalion also played host to the Lt Gen PM Hariz AVSM, VSM,SM GOC-in-C ARTRAC , the Divisional Commander, Maj Gen Rajesh Kaaba and the Brigade Commander, Brig Deepak Sharma. The Officers’ Mess Platinum Jubilee Trophy and a Veterans’ Trophy were unveiled on the occasion by the seniormost Veteran Col Beant Singh. Another silver trophy was presented by the ex COR Lt Gen RN Singh. GOC -in – C ARTRAC presented a beautiful Silver Salver while paying glowing tributes to the battalion. He had very special praise for the men of the Regiment whom he described as fine human beings with character and soldierly qualities that are difficult to emulate. His long and touching tribute drew a standing ovation and thunderous applause from the veterans. The Divisional Commander also presented a Silver Salver and was equally generous in his praise for the unit. He reassured the audience of the innate strength of 1 ASSAM and appreciated their immense and valuable contribution to the formation. The highlight was the dinner per-se where every guest was personally attended to. It was heartening to see Mrs Pillai, Mrs Jasbir, Mrs Beant Singh, Mrs Madhok and their ilk being pampered by the charming young ladies of the khel. With a lot of spirit inside the hard core Rhino officers gravitated to the Rhino Boys to unending rendition of Regimental songs. That was punctuated by some soulful English numbers sung by Ms Arushikha the spirited, hugely talented and peppy daughter of Maj PM Goswami (retiredd) . Finally it was Badlu Ram’s turn to call the last notes and send us home.
The night of 14/15 Jun saw heavy rain that ebbed a little before the wreath laying ceremony on the morning of 15 Jun, the Platinum Jubilee Raising Day of the unit. Wreaths were laid by the COR, Lt Gen Subrata Saha and the veterans under the blessing of a mild shower and a little chill in the air- a very good omen to pay homage to our martyrs. The Motorcycle Expeditions were then conjointly and ceremoniously led in by Col Dipanshu Sinha (Retired) with Brig Charadeep bringing up the rear on his 1600 CC Harley Davidson. They were formally flagged in by GOC- in- C ARTRAC and the COR to a huge applause by the excited Rhinos of 1 ASSAM. GOC-in-C ARTRAC was very magnanimous in pinning his Commendation Card on the spot, to 6 of the rally participants.
This was followed by Church and Mandir Parades which were both very well conducted. All serving Rhinos and veteran guests thereafter converged at the PT ground for release of a first Day Cover to mark the occasion. This was followed by an impromptu and preponed Sainik Sammelan that was addressed by the COR. Sitting with slush beneath their feet and drops of rain seeping through the canopy, more than a thousand hearts swelled with pride as the COR very briefly gave out the salient achievements of the Regiment in the recent past and the road map ahead. The wet weather was no dampener as Rhino Spirits got the better of it and events rolled out without a flap, albeit with a few adjustments. The most chronic and eligible bachelor of the unit, Col Deepak Kataria the CO, then hosted the officers and ladies to a sumptuous lunch at the Assam House. The much-awaited cultural evening at the PT Ground was a subject of debate and much doubt but the single horned Rhinos barged on and voila! the weather cleared up a little before the show. A wonderful performance of select NE dances by the men, the families and little children enthralled the audience. The icing on the cake was a power packed and skilful show by ‘Warriors of the NE’ who had specially come from the Centre. That was followed by the much acclaimed, awarded and internationally travelled Brass Band from the Assam Regiment Centre. Their renditions had everyone glued to their seats in absolute awe. The barakhana then commenced with a round of the companies accompanied by regimental songs and more liquor and humour with the men. Sub Maj Dal Bahadur and his wife played perfect hosts. A proper and correct ‘Badlu Ram’ sung by the rank and file of the 1st Khel was the grand finale to three days of tributes, nostalgia and merry making.
A restful night later, officers and ladies of the battalion again hosted the guests to a leisurely running breakfast in the officers’ mess on the morning of 16 June. The guests gradually weaned away after a final hug, goodbyes and farewells amidst exchange of contacts and promises of catching up at Shillong. The pleasant hangover of 1 ASSAM’s Platinum Jubilee will see us through till we meet again at the culmination of the celebrations in November at the Assam Regimental Centre.
LT COL M S BEHL VSM
INVESTITURE PARADE RECEIVING AWARD FROM GEN T N RANA MVC COAS
BEHL SIR SENIOR WITH GEN SONNY BEHL
PAPA COR PHOTOS .
LT COL M S BEHL VSM
CLICK IMAGES IN GALLERY TO VIEW FULL
LT COL PRASHANTA KUMAR BUJOR BARUA
Lt Col Prasanta Kumar Bujor Barua col_barua@yahoo.com [rhinoveterans] <rhinoveterans@yahoogroups.com>
Tagra Raho Sir
I joined 1 Assam in March 1968 at Sagar (MP) when Brig N S Surrey was commanding. I still remember as a youngster I did more than 10 trips up and down from BN location to Sagar town procuring material for the Offr’s Mess party for the Raising Day. Col Subimal Ganguly joined after me. He was later sent to 15 Guards Reg but he is still a Rhino in spirit.
We moved to Sikkim Sec thereafter. At our new fd location I met a number of EC Offrs – Capt Watni, Capt Rao, Capt Das and Cap Chandilya – with whom we are no longer in touch. They were probably released.
As the EC Offrs were released, I was posted to AR on deputation in November 1969 in Mizoram Sec. Life was really tough and I did well in counter insurgency ops for which I was recommended by 6 AR CO for a gallantry medal. However the Div moved out for Bangladesh war and my citation remained underneath.
I was posted back to ARC where I was fortunate to work under Gen Ramkrishan, Brig Surrey and Col Malhi as their Adj. We did preparations for our colour presentation. I then returned to 1 Assam in 1974 and joined them in Poonch Sec.
I got married on 1 March 1977 to my wife, Mrs Biva Bujor Barua. We have two sons. The elder one, Rajesh, who is working in a private company stays with us in Guwahati, while our younger son, Abhishek, is currently in Noida and works in an IT company. He spent over 10 years in the UK and returned to India to be closer to us as well as to raise his son amidst Indian culture and environment.
I remember that when our BN was located in Madras, we were told to give Guard of Honour to the Hon’ble President of India at Pondicherry 6 December 1979 which was commanded by me and piloted by now Col. D Nagarajan and Col M D Gupta.
I commanded 51 Sub Area Provost Unit from 1982-1984, and also commanded 41 GL Section for more than a year. VIPs visiting AF Station were brought to our sand model. I once also piloted Gen Ramkrishnan through Guwahati up to Byrnihat. I was awarded Chief of the Army Staff Commendation medal around 1986 when I was serving as 2IC under Col RS Katoch – one of the finest Offrs in our Regt for whom I have lot of regards.
Brig Surry, who gave a feeling to everyone that he loves you the most, was my Godfather. I loved him and respected him the most. I am yet to see a Rhino like Col Madhok who came to us from Gurkhas Regt. He took a stand for our BN in front of all Div Offrs during de-briefing after the divisional exercise.
I took premature retirement in January 1991 and thereafter worked in various civil organisations until 2012. Since then I have been enjoying my retired life.
I miss those wonderful days when Offrs and ladies would give us a surprise visit for dinner. On one occasion Gen Ramkrishan along with all Offrs and ladies also gave a surprise visit to Biva and me. And the same in Madras. To be honest I used to do the same with Col Lakhani – another fine gentleman. Such was our camaraderie and affection that Col Subramaniam, who is a pure vegetarian, would cook Pork specially for me in his house for my dining out.
I am also sharing some old photographs I have. Link to download photos is: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hEvn-oAt5VZbVD_jrlQHsWX-UKFLtdE5?usp=sharing
Regards
Tagra Raho
PKB Barua
LT COL R BALASUBRAMANIAN 4 ASSAM 8 ASSAM
Lt Col R.Balasubramanian
I was commissioned into 4 ASSAM as an EC officer in February 64 from OTS Chennai . Being an EC Officer I lost one and half years seniority but got back 6 months due to NCC C certificate.
When I joined 4 ASSAM at Tezu Arunachal Pradesh, Brigadier Tsailo had just left and Lt Col Gurbaksh Singh was commanding. At that time the following officers were serving namely DB Mal, SP Naag, Godbole, P Shivpuri , YP Singh, Ramanan, JBS Bains, PN Srivastava, PP Singh, RV Subramanian, RL Darkim
IJ Sharma, TK Bhagathi, Donza thong, KK Subba, DC Sud, NP Sud, Biren Bargohan and Ranbir Singh.
When I joined the battalion l was not knowing even a word of Hindi and tried to learn from our Rhinos! The Typical Himalayan terrain groomed me to be a Rhino of course with the guidance of our senior officers. l had an attachment with Second Assam Rifles at the Chinese border. Ramanan sir was my senior subaltern, as an youngster I was attached with Brigade headquarters. I was also sent to 2 mountain division transit camp.
During 67 -70. I was posted at ARC. Col RK Kurne was Commandant and Col KS Brar took over .Maj mohite , Maj Bob Snaize Maj. S.P Sinha ,Capt L C Sailo, Maj Ramalingam, Capt Hannan , Cap. Dattar and Maj BB kole (RMO) . T Shering were present.
I joined back 4 ASSAM at Kuru J&K , and moved to Kapurthala Punjab, Col Ranbir was commanding Maj JD Roy was 2IC.
For 1971 war we moved to operation location at Atari sector at Amritsar. I took part in 71 ops. I was the only trained officer in mine laying and laid all types of mines in our def locality. Unfortunately one of our boys stamped over an anti personnel mine. When I reached him along with Cap. John Zama the Jawan was
lying on the ground and asked me to shake hands with him telling that he is alive but just lost his right foot. This is the josh of our boys . John zama lifted him up and we brought him back to RAP .
The actual war commenced from 03 Dec and lasted till 14 Dec 1971. One important incident l would like to share. On 05 Dec Night Capt Mohan Singh voluntered to go into the enemy territory and destroy a MMG gun posn. At that time Maj SS Rana was officiating since Col Ranbir Singh met with a veh accident and was evaucated. Mohan Singh along with his team left for the task at 0200h. After about 30 mins or so we heard the Machine Gun Burst and Mohan Singh went off the air. At that time l was present in the ops room and hearing the Machine Gun fire l volunterd to go and find out what had gone wrong with Mohan Sing. Maj Rana permitted me ,but I requested him to allow me to take RMO with me. Fortunately the RMO accompanied me and we went into the battle field. Luck could have it we located Mohan Singh who was lying on the ground with Bullet injuries and profusely bleeding. Straight away the RMO gave him first aid and we evacvated him to RAP.
Today he is alive as Capt Mohan Singh Vrc.He is owning a patrol pump in front of Women’s college at Jammu.
Unfortunately the RMO did not get any recognition for his valuable task.
On 14 Dec 71 the war was over.One of our F Echelon vehicle was caught between Indo Pak border. I carried out a reccr and brought back our veh to our side. In this ops Maj Bagathi helped me.
From the Ops loc l was posted to PW camp at Ranchi (Namkom) . Under my comd there were 2700 PAK PWS and 100 Pak Def Service offers. Pak JCOs & Men were well deciplined but Officers lot were just the other way.
After two years I was posted back to 4 Assam.
The Bn was at Faizabad. Shortly l was posted to 8 ASSAM on New Raising. The followin Offr were present. Col YP Singh was GB, TK Bagati, B.K . Gosh, GS Khalon, Sharma, T. Shering, Bir Singh, Dhillon, AKJ . Nair, Sanjay, George and Our famous Jason Peter.
I am very sorry to state that Poor Maj TK Bagathi passed at age of 35 due to Med Problem at MH Sathwari Jammu.
After serving for 5years l was posted to 31 Sub Area .J&k., After 3 Years l was posted to Ordnance Factory Board.( OFB ) . I served as Security Officer in Small Arms Factory Tiruchi (TN ) ,Vehicle Factory Jabalpur and Cordite Factory Aruvancadu Nilgiris.
During my tenure at Ooty on request from our Ex COR Lt Gen S.K Pillai I got his land/Plot fully developed and ready for Building construction.Since he could not give me the Plan for cnstucton by then l got out of Army.
At the age of 51 after having served for 30 years l left The Army as a Time Scale Lt Col and the very next day I got an Appointment in the State Govt of Tamil Nadu in the Exservice Mens Welfare Board. In this post as Zilla Sainik Board officer, to my heart content l could look after thousands of ESM and their families.After serving for 7 years at the age of 58 on Superannuation l retired from the State Govt.
At the age of 59 I
took up a job as Manager Operation in a private coy and carried out cash loading operations in ATM in three District loc.During this tennure l gave lot many opportunities for ESMs and recruited them as Gunmen & Drivers.To my surprise our boys created a Union then l left the job at age of 65.
I have two daughters and they are married and we’ll settled in life. One of my son in law is a serving Lt Col from MEG(Madras Sapper ,Thambis).
Unfortunately I Lost my better half on 12 Oct 2012.
I am now 79 and still SHAPE -1 by the Grace of Almighty and residing at my native town MADURAI. (Tamil Nadu). Nadu).
May God Bless you all.
Tagra Raho.
BALA ANECDOTE
I joined 4A on Commission from OTS Feb 1964 at Arunachal Pradesh.I was received by our great Ramanan Sir wearing a Pip. At the very first meeting he asked from which place I hail from & I told him that I am from Madurai (T N ) which is just 100 KM from Ramanan Sirs home Town, known as Trichi. He warned me very harshly that l will not talk to him in Tamil here after. That is the Spirit of THAMBIS ( Thambis are known as Madarsis in one meaning and the other one as Chotta Bai ).
The innings started ,GB Col Gurubax Sing on the dinning table at Brake Fast time he used to Bull Shit Raman sir regularly for various aspects regarding M T matters.(Hardly we had only couple of veh ). I used feel very sorry for him.But that made Ramann as a Senior Instructor at ASMT Faiza bad.I am very proud of him.
When I was posted at ARC during 1967 I got a Lambretta Secooter from CSD. On hearing this news Raman sir asked (ordered me )to send the scooter to him. Accordingly I took the delivery of my scooter & despatched from Gauhati to ASMT. Faiza bad. since he was newly married.(I was only a batchelor at that time ). When he got his Vespa I reqested him to send to one of my elder brothers who was posted at Devlali Arty center and he retd as Full col a later date.
I know Ramanan sirs family his father Mr Visvanthan his mother brothers & sisters .One of his elder brother was a Brig from EME( He is nomore) and his other brother a Naval officer.
On A/L I used to visit his parents and he did the same.
Ramanan sir aways goes out of way and guide /groom/help whether he is an other rank or a Jco or an Offr incl other Regtl. offers. That is his passion & Hobby.
Those who had served under him or followed his guidance were really benifitted andreached their goals right & proper.I missed my bus and I could not reach him but God is Grate that I am
( still alive to see his achievements &Glory.
There is a custom in Tamil Nadu to tie Mangal Sutara around the neck of the Bride by the Groom at the time of marriage FirstTime. When the Groom completes the age of 60 he ties the knots of Mangal Sutara to his wife Second Time in their married life time.This function is Known as Shasti poorthy.If the Groom is very fortunate and completes his 80 years of his married life of course with the same wife !!!!
then he is eligible to tie the Mangal Sutra for the Third Time . This auspicious occasion is conducted as Sada bishagam in a Grand manner.,At this function all marrid couples irrespective of their age prostate and do Shastaga Namaskaram in front of THIS couple and obtain Blessings
Yes Brig Ramanan & Mrs Ramanan is ver y very lucky and his Sada Abshegam (Third Time marriage after completion of 80 years) was CONDUCTED in a Temple in a very simple mannar. I pray to the Lord Almighty to shower his choicest Blessings on this YOUNG COUPL.
Brig Ramanan always calls me THAMBI (Chota Bai) and says with pride that I Am his OWN brother though not born in his Family.
At this critical juncture may l request all our esteemed vetrons not to allow him to take up any new Task and allow Him to relax & take complete Rest Refit for his future journey.For this act of kindness l shall remain ever grateful toyou all.
Tagra Raho.
Maj Biren Borgohain
*Know Your Veterans*
Many of us know him well but good to hear his chequered story from the illustrious Rhino.
Exciting memories!
*Part I NCC and OTS*
Over to *Maj Biren Borgohain,*
(CVO, CSO and Executive Director, NEEPCO, a PSU, Govt of India, Retd) …
Born in Golaghat in 1945- where KAZIRANGA Rhinoland is situated had the School and College Edn in Golaghat. During Jr Div NCC Camp- having lost my father – being the eldest one, I took up a State Govt job on passing the Higher Secondary School Exam and continued studying in College at the same time doing NCC (Sr Div) – took the graduation- which was possible at that time as the Govt made employees to take up Army Trg in consequence of Chinese Op in 1962. I must humbly say that my NCC Career was very good with good achievements as is brought out later.
Immediately on graduation , I appeared SSB in Meerut and my Chest No. was 13 ( known as unlucky for some) and I was selected. Noticing that some people were inquisitively looking at my Chest No, I was wondering as to whether it would effect my career specially when I did not join the sought after lucrative job of an Asstt. Mgr of an English Tea Company with attractive pay and parks and preferred Army. Moreover after qualifying APSC written Exam but with pending viva results, I decided to join as I liked Army since my childhood days and specially after my eventful NCC Career.
With pride and puffed up chest I arrived in Madras Rly Stn to be picked up by a 3 Tonner along with few others to OTS. On the way having seen the places around and thinking proudly and dreaming that I will be a Class I Officer to be Commissioned by non other than the President of India, the Supreme Cdr of the Armed Forces and have a glittering STAR on my shoulder.
By then entering the OTS gate- our truck stopped near the KOHIMA Coy. I was thrilled to see the board boldly written KOHIMA, a famous place which was previously a part of my home Dist., Golaghat, in Assam where the toughest battle was fought during ll WW. No sooner our vehicle stopped we heard some one shouting-THOSE BUGGERS HAVE ARRIVED and immediately many Srs came charging out yelling and shoutinng like a pack of hungry wolf. With harsh voice, there came the orders “you all bloody get down with your trunk. Hurry up….you hurry up fast..as if they were impatiently waiting for us. As we got down, one of them told to a new GC next to me to lift his heavy trunk on his head. When he innocently looked at his eyes, he shouted.. “do you think that you are a big dad..bloody showing your eyes,..my bloody foot…do you think some porters are waiting for you here”? Another Sr GC shouted..”come on you all Kaddus- sit down on your haunches nd advance….quick..quick, faster and then.. you bloody start crawling…By the time we finished crawling our nicely pressed gentlemans’ dresses were crumpled and filled with muck. Seen ticking off another GC -saying that ” you bloody goofy..coming to be an officer, I wiĺl send you back home..(what power, I pondered). Seeing and hearing all these, I was at a loss. I came down straight from heaven to mother earth thinking that if I am thrown out from here what will I do-as the result of the APSC Viva is still uncertain. After some time Ragras and Shouting stopped and we survived the day. I was taken to NAUSHERA Coy.
Life was very tough initially. One GC Pappu from Kolkata left OTS on the 6th day. With my NCC background I made up my mind to be very attentive, work hard, learn and keep on mentally revising so that I do not get punishment and build up my confidence. In Academy we could not walk but run from one place to the other. Cycle was issued, but most of the time it was on our head as a punishment. There used to be an announcement like this – ‘fallin at 1010 with 08’ in the PT Gd. ie. after dinner and study for a good treatment for a sound sleep at the dead of night.All along we survived taking solace from the Caption on the Signboard saying ..WHEN GOING GETS TOUGH, TOUGH GETS GOING.. lnitially you cannot even look straight to a Sr GC as it would be construed as a challenge and he would find out a fault and give you punishment. You really forget your old gentleman or big dads character and confidence including your name at times. Well that was the real initial Mil trg, I was told. Here, I learnt the word ‘Bull shit,’ ‘Ragging Styĺe’ and pickèd up decent vocabulary to be used for the Next Junior Courses.
After 2 months came Holi Festival where every one was free to put dry colours and enjoy. It was a big gathering for the occassion. One of the Sr GCs looked at me and told “you bloody sing a song. Come on ..quick”. And I like a push button toý sang MANUHE’ MANUHOR BABE, an Assamese song of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, and seemed all heard intently….I heard a comment from a DS – that this bugger is good and has a good voice but it is greek to us…añd there came the question asking for its meaning and I briefly told the idea and philosophy behind the song..After a month, I was summoned by OIC Social Function and hearing the song once told the song to be sung as chorous. I politely told that I am the only Assamese and there is no one else for the chorus. I got a curt reply saying -“you catch hold of añy oñe having good voice, write down the lyrics, teach them and practice…I couldnt’ careless- you will bloody well produce a good song for the VVIP. I had nò option but to catch hold of GCs..(Brig) Chako Joseph, Col Gautom Das, Lt Col Referen Diengdoh, Col Ravi Tandan, Col Mahanti and with me made a team. Under orders and strict supervision every day we had to sing and practice. To our comfort, we realised that being in the social- we are excused after lunch from any oher activities and no extra drills and no Srs could detain us anywhere. On Final Day with lots of applause ours was the best. Even the Commandent Brig AMM Nambiar summoned me to shake hands. The song has become very popular and I became a hero.This tune of this popular song used to be played in Cadets’ Mess Piano before breakfast, lunch and dinner all throughout till passing out by one or the other eager GCs. When a Whats App group was formed to celebrate our course ‘ 50 yrs Golden Jubilee Function last year, with memory and fun we had with the song during Trg renewed and redoubled. One, Col took out and posted the copy of the programme with our item and Brig Chako posted our Bihu Dance photo with him taken during our last performance. Requests came to from many to be prepared to sing that song during jubilee get together and finally I had to sing quite a few songs with other friends accompaning. It was indeed a great fun after 50 years.. This very time tested song which we sang in 1965 as a cadet in Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantt -twice daily, once in presence of Camp Inspecting VIP during day and once at night function was really a morale booster. We were thrilled when this song was selected to be sung before the President of India in Rastrapathi Bhavan and we did.. Dr S Radhakrishnan was the President then. Really what a sense of joy and pride which is beyond expression. I sang this song in the Messes, in big AWWA funtion at Shillong and even in ‘Guy Fox Day’ Function (near the fire- like our Lohri/Magh Bihu) in Templeton, Oxford Centre for Management Studies, Oxford, UK and was pleased to hear their appreciation. Dr Hazarika is really Great. Here, it may be mentiond that Lt Col CS Nair posted to this Rhino Whats Ap and mentioned about Dr Bhupen Hazarikas’ visit to ARC Officers Mess just prior to the start of 71 Op who came to meet Ladies, Children and Officers and sang beautiful songs mesmerising every one. It was really great to sing along with him. Col Ranjan Das also wrote remembering the OTS function expressing his feelings.
Chinkey eyed, looking junglee type North-Easterners use to be standing out even in a big group. We were 5 GCs from the NE. Our DS Capt George Francis from Kumaon Regt told us to introduce ourselves. We started. 1st- came GC Referen Diengdoh Sir, Yes next- GC HK khyangte Sir, next GC Manik Mahanti… he raised his hand and stopped at that and told…” you people have all bloody musical names. Then he looked at me – I stood up and said Sir GC Biren Borgohain.Yeeaah, with a long note he uttered little loudly saying Bloody Tough name and asked to say again and I did. Every one including him laughed. Thus my nick name bacame TOUGHY.
Finlly the day arrived. With the memorable Passing Out Parade, the feeling of marching out from the dŕill squire
as a cadet for the last time with the tune of slow march still keeps ringing in my mind. The party and the midnight moment a glittering star descended from the sky and we carried proudly on our shoulders. What a joy. I closed my eyes nd prayed to God. My joy knew no bound as one of my NCC days’ dream fulfilled.
I was very happy to get 4 Assam Regt. There were 2 Officers in the Accademy from Assam Regt, viz. Maj CD Soi and Capt KK Subba.
During tough trg period achievements in the interesting hobby centres keeps you happy and motivated. Being very fond of nature and sikkar I joined the Shikar Club and went out with Col (Gen) Maya Das O I/C Shikar Club OTS. Here on the gd we could distinguish real and experienced shikari with the one giving the impression as a great shikari with their fantastic hunting stories. On the 1st day only I had the opportunity to shoot with 12 bore DBBL two flying Partridges-with immediate successive shots which was very interesting. As I approached one partridge took off straight and 10 degree right and turning my hip a little fired and got it. Immediately hearing the sound another partridge on to my left took off 50 degree left and instantly taking a pivot and swing along got the 2nd one also. Col Maya Das clapped seeing the action and told- it was a good demonstration shot. He instantly liked me. As luck would have it, next time I had no luck first as there were lots of shooters and they were given chance and they were proceeded with all the 12 bores. Me, Col Maya Das and two others were sitting under the shade of a tree. At that time we saw 4 nos of Barking Deer were crossi crossing the field interspersed with little bush at a distance of about 90 to 100 yrds. We had no guns and had there been one also it was out of 12 bore range and as such we were simply looking at them. Col Maya Das told me to take the 30 Carbine and shoot. Not knowing asked whether it would be effective at that range and he said yes. I had not seen such a Carbine before. Fired and got it. Gen Maya Das was impressed with the long shot and me seeing the power of the carbine and I was fortunate (like many) to possess a Carbine as a Capt through allotment as a boon from the Army and it was with me for a long time.
*Part II . Rhino Den*
Tagra Raho
Lots of LRPs – 68 Indip Inf (BAKWARL) Bde, J&K
Know Your Veterans
On the Diamond Jubilee of 4 ASSAM lots of memories of the Khel in
Part II* story of
Maj Biren Borgohain
( Unabridged Final Part )
TO THE RHINO DEN
I was very happy to go to Srinagar, the ‘Paradise on Earth’ to join my Bn, 4 ASSAM, Getting down in Jammu Rly Stn and staying in Transit Camp for the night, next morning started in a modified truck cum bus to Srinagar crossing Samba, Kuth, Batot, Ramban and Banihal tunnel- having lunch at Ramban Transit Mess. After the inquisitive journey, I was dropped at Zindra Point to go to my Bn where a One Tonner with a JCO & a NCO were waiting to receive me. The JCO told me that the whole Bn with the CO was out on 11 days’Trg Exercise and after that only they will be back to Camp. He briefed- that the entire Bde is very busy with various competitions like Khad Race, Short Fast Course, Cross Country, Gen JN Chaudhury Trophy etc over and above football, basketball, hockey etc. We won Div Hockey and now football will be held. Told “hamara CO Sahib bahut Sakat hain aur physically bhi ek-dam fit hain”. These words gave me lots of fodder for thoughts. I believe that ‘-fore warned is fore armed’ and I was trying to take an account of my strong points and sincerity with a SWOT Analysis. Arrived at Bn loc and saw the vacant tents. Then Sub QM came to receive and welcomed and showed me a tent and a sewadar was a great help to temporally settle my bed etc. He told that Lt Vijai Mohan , the rear party Comdr was also called by the CO to the place of Exercise for some Adm instructions and by the time he arrives, it would be very late at night. Dinner was served in my tent and after having I went to sleep. Around 2230 hrs Lt Vijai came añd woke me up with a warm welcome and a hug and we chatted for a long time. He briefed about the Bn, its past history including unfortunate happenings at Banaras and its fallout. He also advised as to how to function taking all the lessons out of the incident and to forge ahead. He told me specfically about the CO and other officers before I faced them. He told me the next days’ programme to go to the Exercise Loc starting around 930 hrs. Woke up in the early morning with the lovely Rewali Tune (with long note) played by 2 Para Buglers from a hillock meant for the whole Bde. It was a fine day and thought it as a sign-for a new beginning ,to meet the CO- Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and start a Bn life. From the road head we had to climb up to the Bn in defence where digging activities were going on. Saw a tent for CO and another small tent for the Adjt. Lt Vijai took me straight to Capt(Col) SP Thapa, a very good footballer and a shy and soft spoken gentleman. He gave me a warm welcome and a quick cup of tea nd took me to the CO Lt Col Ranbir Singh about whom I had the impression of a very tough- hard task master and a firey person and was cautious. When I saluted and wished, he looked straight at me with a grin, stoodup from his chair and shaking my hand-telling how are you DANGIRIA, hearty welcome to the 4th Bn…., What a relief.. Telling me to sit down he asked me about my back ground etc. I thanked him with all my humility. Really, I never expected that much… Dangiria is an address- meaning a gentleman hailing from an illustrious Ahom family from Assam. It seemed that he knew about the NE History and its people quite well with their behavioural pattern. I was at ease and motivated meeting and hearing him. A lesson learnt – was that as a Cdr one must know the history and culture of the people to effectively lead and motivate them. He briefed me about 68 Bde and its tough role in this theatre. Also told that here we will have to do hard work- sincerely and I am sure will also do that…, All the Best…Welcome again. I assured my sincerity and hard work. I realised that if you are trusted, taken into confidence and given the responsibility you are motivated to do anthing for that person.
Coming out of COs tent I was making a mental note to know our troops coming from different ethnic gps with their behavioral pattern. CO told the Adjt to put me as IO and keep me near the Bn HQ arranging a small tent. Adjt called the Int Hav and told him to tell about the Exercise situation with nerrative, mark my map with the enemy posn and brief me on the sand model.
BEDDING IN ….. As the CO was to go and inspect the Coy Loc, he took me along to the A Coy and introducing me to Sub Lallwama, (the Sr most JCO in the Bn who became the SM little later) he left me with him perhaps giving him the opportunity to talk and brief about the Bn. Soft spoken and very matured JCO respectfully briefed about the position of the Bn telling as to what had happend in Banaras and now big responsibility that we all have to bring up the Bn-from all counts and mentioned about the desire and plan of action of the present CO. who took over not very far ago. He was friendly and frank.While welcoming he also told that I am the 1st Assamese Officer posted to the Bn and all our boys will also be happy for that. From his talk I have seen the clear future working path. That evening I came back to camp to get my battle dress and equipments issued and be back to exercise loc. Next day I met all the officers going to their various locations. Met Brig P Shivpuri, OC D Coy, Brig Ramanan, C Coy. COL RL Darkim, Col Baģati, Gen Hukku, Lt Col Balasubramaniam , 2 L/t Mohan Singh and Capt RK Gupta, RMO.. Col/Lt BS Gurung was our Sr Subaltern. Lt Col J D Rai came as 2 I/C of the Bn. Later (Col)-2 L/ts – SP Marwaha, 2 /Lt LC Tamuli, 2/Lt Ghosh joined. (SL) Lt Chaten Phunchok , a Ladakhi officer came and joined as QM. During my tenure met Col BN Godbole, Col YP Singh, SM , Col PP Singh, Col Rana, Brig Khuller, Col.BK Gurung, and Maj IJ Sarma . One 2/Lt AS Blaggan, a tall Sikh officer came on attachment. (We all thinking that an Anglo Officer is posted . Going to receive him , I was looking for a ‘PHIRANG’ saw nobody. Surprised to find a lanky Sikh Officer – saluting with a halt stood standing next to me and I received him. Life was interesting with so many Officers having their different accents nd personalities with so much of scope to learn so many thing and enjoy . Simple and straight forward Brig Shivpuri was my D Coy Cdr and during a Subhkam Exercise we moved on foot overnight and reached the Ladakh Scout Bn near Zogila Pass being commanded by famous Col Dhan Singh Thapa, VC- who was a jovial person and knew about our people. I Learnt a lot from Brig Shivpuri but he left the Bn for a Course leaving the Coy with me and due to shortage of officers I had to look after with Sub Mathua as 2 I/C and to fend for myself starting with an exercise. But this gave me lots of confidence and experience. Brig Ramanan was OC C Coy, and as a very Vocal and Intellegent Officer he use to speak out with his loud voice giving various points of observation during debriefing and discussions after Bde lecture demo etc. Col Godbole was a good speaker and an intellectual who could talk on any subject. We ask many things from him. I remember him very efficiently conducting a lecture demo for the Bde Officers. He was very fit person and even after 3 pegs at night he could do hand stand after the mess party is over. Lt Col JD Rai, a very tough- renowned Durand Football Player was a very simple and down to earth person with a golden heart. I remember after the tough exercise Lt Col JD Rai- as 2 I/C would bring up all the fatigued tailenders making sure that all in the Bn were in. He made very good Pork Pickle in the Mess and I took an extra piece for its mouth watering taste. Lt Col Darkim was a stylish person who taught us etiquettes and manners and taught ball room dancing specifically after dinner as dancing was looked up to as a requirement in Army club and mess parties for the Officers. Col BS Gurung, a romantic boy had a good voice, sang and we danced together with the tune of ‘Nai-ni-talo’ nd ‘dhalki dhalki Relimai’ after Mess Party and Bara khana. We used to get Lt Col JD Rai also with us in dancing to add to the josh of our people . Col Bagati whistled very well with ‘Badluram ki badan’….Our moto – ‘work with pleasure’, raised the morale in the Bn very high. So many lovely memories…really un ending…
SUBH KAAM :: Every month we use to have a ‘Subh kaam’ in 68 Bde. Dont’ be under the impression that it was with ‘Bhajan and Kirtan.’..,but the name of Tactial Exercises like Subhkam 1,2,3,etc which were very interesting. On Ground -Real Time Joint Tactical Exercises as the Aircraft taking part -,and ON CALL SU 7 ( then) came immediately and fly past over our head simulating the attack was thrilling. There were regular ĺecture demos and TEWTs over and above week long courses like Control of Arty Fire in Baramula (actually firing with correction), Tank hunting with 2 Launchers shooting in their Mini Range with Simulator was very interesting where I learnt a lot.
GURUS :: Indeed we were lucky to have all very good and qualified instructors like Gen Pannu, Col Malok Raj. Lt Gen Tabi Nayyer, CO 2 Para, Col Godbole, and Gen Ranbir from 4 Assam. Gen RT Moroline, the Bde Cdr himself was an excellant and impressive instructor.
Appreciation and deliberations duringTEWT, Sand Model discussions at the the time of de-briefing were so informative nd educative that hearing those very intently with mental revision, it remained ingrained in me and it came extreamly handy while taking up a Civil Job in a Newly Set up Power Corporation and to build up Vigilance, Security , Intelligence and Securing the Vital Installations on the principle of ‘all round defence.’ I had read more pamphlets in Civil after I changed my profession and worked for development of Electric power Projects in the sensitive border states in the Noth East to plan and execute. I think, that for my success it played a big role, and what I am today is only due to my tough Military Service under the able guidance of tough Sr Officers starting with Lt Gen Ranbir Sir.
RAPE OF TIBET :: LECTURE BY COAS -was a very well organised Intellectual Function in Corps HQ at Udhampur(then),where the then COAS Gen TP Raina came and gave a long Lecture clearly bringing out the action against Dalai Llama and Tibet by China with its consequences and impact on India. It was indeèd a very good lecture which impressed me.
LRP
I had gone on LRPs with different missions many times and liked outing -being a nature lover. The virgin beauty of Kashmir Valley has been really out of the world-which I throughly enjoyed.
Going on LRP with Col YP Singh, SM from ‘Kristowar to Bhadrowa’ – crossing jungles and mountains were very challenging and interesting. With heavy snowfall last day on a high hill feature, visibility was nil and no navigation could help and as such I was wòrried, but then Maj YP with his Winter Warfare Course experience guided us to just loose heights and cautiously go down. Here one of our boys went into a crevice through soft snow but was lucky to be stopped by a branch that came in between the legs and quick action by a jawan next to him rescued him and a major accident averted. He got hurt and had to help him carring his load while coming down. I realised that -you learn a lot from Experienced Officers like Col YP. At the end of the day our difficult climb and tough descent was compensated by the sight of a stunningly beautiful girl who was coming up the track in village Monthelu with a bunch of dry ‘makki stock’ on her back. One of our boys muttered ‘ Itna Sundar Hain, photo lenese bahut attcha tha” … Yes, that gave an idea and Col YP went forward and asked that small girl ‘ bahan itna sudar hain aap, ek photo le sekta hain.’? With a beautiful smile she replied ‘lena mangta to lo” .. she was confident and aware of her beauty…Quickly I took out the Camera and gave it to the JCO to take both of our photo with her, but than meek and mild person like Nk Prasanna, a very good foot baller came forward saying ‘hum bhi aiga Sir’- forgetting even the rank difference due to this beauty. We thanked her after taking the photo and she left happily. Enroute every one was talking about this rare beauty. Coming back from the LRP with lots of hope and enthusiasm got the film developed and printed in MAHATAS, the best studio in Srinagar. To our utter surprise and disappointment that photo did not figure as the last snap of the film was already exposed and over before that snap. You may ask Col YP about that unsurpassed innocent beauty. At this point -I could realise the feelings of the poet saying- …”a thing of beauty is a joy for ever… How true…..
EXPERIENCE- LRP :: I had 3 other interesting LRP episodes of J&K with quite a few anecdotes which I do not intend telling now -as it would be quite lengthy. In one of the LRP starting from HAWS, Sonamarg led by me lost WT contact with Lt Mohan Singh who was to coordinate with the patrolling party staying at Sonamarg nd report sent to Bde HQ due to the importance of the mission .His report missing of RANI, the name of my petrol gp, created commotion which was even reported to AHQ. That his everdays’ effort to contat RANI climbing high hills did not bear fruit was also reported. Well this was one of the interesting episode of life where we met a gp of Bakwarls with an enthralling story..to be told…but not now.
AFTER TOUGH BDE TRG Bde Cdr wanted that all Officers must go out to nearby Srinagar Town and enjoy so that they are fresh for next hard Trg. He told that except duty Officer he doesn’t want to see others in the line on Sunday and they must go out.
The photos…….swiming in Nagin lake,.Shalimar Bagh party… DAL LAKE , Srinagar etc. Still reminds us of those days
There was lots of fun in the Bn . Our Assam Regt Cultural functions with the colourful Tribal Danes and our boys singing English songs with guitar, it was a depiction of the lovely North east . The celebration of Holi and Pagal Gymkhana with Fancy Dress was a sought after and unique functions where all Officers including CO took part to add to the Josh in the Bn. with the Bde Cdr in attendance.The Negro Dance -with singing of…’O ging gang guli gili….ging gang go….’after unique make up was really very much entertaining which our boys picked up during ll WW from nearby African Div .Our Christmas and New years Party used to be praised and enjoyed by the invitees and Bde Cdr. All these made our Bn unique with a healthy culture.
RHINO CUB ON MY LAP :: During Bde Boxing organised by 4 Assam near our Mess in 68 Bde- two of our Rhino cubs were sitting on my lap while watching boxing. They were small ‘Bittu’ and ‘Vijai’, sons of our CO and 2I/C Lt Gen Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and Lt Col JD Rai respectively. At that time little did I realise that I was with Two would be GENERAL OFFICERS, viz. Gen Sandip Singh (Bittu)and Gen Vijai Dhwaj Rai sitting with me on the same chair during Bde Boxing Competition. It is a matter of pride indeed and I wish all the best to them. Taagra Roho Rihino cub, 4 ASSAM.
UN OBSERVER GROUPs’ VISIT TO 68 Bde and CULTURAL FUNCTION ON THAT OCCASSION- where all the Bns were to give one item each. Every Bn practicing, it was a big competition. From our Bn ‘Bihu’ was selected to be presented. From CO, 2 I/C down to SM every body took interest nd 2 L/t Biŕen was to lead taking part in dance -was the decision. Problem arose that we cannot borrow girls in Srinagar as it is not Assam. Idea came nd from new batch of young Sepoys selection was made seeing good looking thin boys for girls. Collecton party was sent to Assam to collect Munga dress, artificial Assamese jewellery, hair do nd other musical instruments. Every body taking interest -the practice was in full swing and on final day Bihu beat others and come out 1st. Cannot forget the evening enviornment with lovely stage on the hill slope over looking the evening Kesar field under the sky with Chinar trees on the hill slope of Pampore. In that function, in front of the Bde Cdr and UN guests, our Bihu turned out to be the best. All the VIPs came up to the stage and was introduced to party leaders who shook hands. We all in the Bn were thrilled. Among others CO and 2I/C of the Para Bn congratulated me saying that Bihu had beaten their lovely Bhangra. It was really fantastic. Our decked up pretty dancing Bihu girls attracted attention and lots of people took photographs with them. With Sabbas/Badhai from. all … you can well immagine our plight. CO and all were very happy.. We nade a mark in the Bde. We had ‘Bara Khana’ for beating other teams.
Fun in the Bn.,-Like PAGAL JIMKHANA, NEW YEAR CELEBRATION. and colourful functions our Assam Regt was unique… and..filled with lots of Anecdotes, one better than the other which brought every body close to each other making a well knit group.
FAREWELL FROM 4 ASSAM
I was posted out to go to ARC, Shillong, the Scotland of the east. I was given a good farewell. Some one was asking there if I am required to give a momento to which CO and 2 I/C told that he is our officer who is going to come back and why the momento now. But as the luck would have it, after 3 tenures outside I coulnt’ go back to my Bn to take my momento and became a civilian keeping the Bn and Army bonding intact.
SNOWFALL, ROAD BLOCK AND AN INTERESTING INCIDENT
Due to heavy snowfall and road block, I got stuck nd had to stay on in the Bn. Then planned to come by air along with Lt Mohan Singh who was to go to Jammu on CL. But 2 days before road at Banihal was cleared and abandoning the plane journey I started by Road or I would have been also hijacked in the plane along with Lt Mohan and there by missing an interesting episode involving Lt Mohan- while getting down from plane at Lahore Airport.
From ARC posted to 2 Mtn Div as the SC (L) under Gen Gandharv Nagra, a Bungladesh War Hero. Due to shortage of officers I was given to work as Field Cashier and offg In charge of DAAG for a wk. A big GCM was also going on against officers of an Engineer Regt. with lots of complications and I was kept burried upto my neck with work. But still with the help of good colleagues and well wishers I survived and enjoyed. Meanwhile within 3 months of my stay there I was posted back to Shillong as the ADC to Governor, the episode of my selection by the Governor was narrated in the write up on Lt Gen Pillai, AVSM and for which I am grateful to our Sr Officers.
With my long innings in the Centre, I worked with 5 Comdts, viz. Col KS Brar, Gen Ramkrishan, Brig NS Surrey , Col A S Malhi and Brig Bajwa. Though directly did not work with successive Comdts, I had found them from the close quarter and seen their valuable contributions for the progress and development of the Centre. Met all the Regtl Officers posted or visiting Centre including RMOs and Assam Regt Records . Also seen the foreign Regtl Officers and families like Maj Lloyd Jones, Col Parsons, Maj Mcenjee ( son of Col.McKenzie came to Mess with Scottish Dress and played Bagpipers) and Visiting dignitaries (VVIPS) Llike the President, PM, CMs, Ministers, Mr Tenzing Norgay, and Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika and many more imp personalities like Def Secys, Mr DR Kohli, ICS (who had his attachment with 1st Assam located then at Digboi Refinery and remembered our Officers) who graced and praised our Centre and Mess. Consider myself very lucky that I met quite a few ll WW Veterans, and had the opportunity to interact with them and hear the stories of the Regts’ glorious past . When I look back, I feel very nostalgic. With sooo many stories and anecdotes, sometimes I feel that these should be recorded as a part of the Cultural History of Regt.
REMINISCENCES … This veteran- had to work with very tough Officers like Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Gen Ramkrishan, Mr LPSingh, (ICS, Retd), the Governor,and Mr Pimputkar,(ICS,Retd) the CVC, Govt of India. Life with them was indeed tough but survived and learnt so many things in life for which I am grateful to God.. Had to deal with the demands coming to the Projects from the Underground Elements including Kidnappings of officials from various Projects which had to be dealt with the concerned Govt deptt at the appropriate level and Amy Combing Op followed. Also seen the ambush to the Security forces (CISF nd BSF, in two occassions) that were deployed in different Projects. In Civil PSUs we had to deal with tricky Unionized Cadre unlike in the Army. In such conditions the Retd Defence and Police Officers(quite a few from Assam Regt with others) working with us was indeed a great help. Hope the above will throw some light to appreciate the life struggle of this veteran.
SPOKE IN THE WHEEL I would like to very humbly submit that the ADCsTenure was indeed one of the best, challenging, the toughest and educative tenure of my life.
I am beholden to our Sr Officers of th Regt which includes 3 Centre Comdts, viz..Gen Ramkrishan, Col Brar nd Brig Surrey under whom I worked directly nd the CORs viz, Gen H.S Kauchhur, Lt Gen Pillai nd Papa Pandey who all had very strongly vouched for me and recommended my name for selection as the ADC to HE, Mr LP Singh, (ICS, Retd), the Governor of Assam. Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland nd Meghalaya and Chhairman, NEC. He was also the Head of Assam Rifles(like the President for Defence Services). Mr LP Singh , former Central Home Secy-was known to be a very strict, effecient nd a hard working Administrator who accept no nonsense. Because of the multifarious problems in this region he was specifically selected and given the responsibility of these problematic border states. Gov after jòining , selected his Special Secys to these states nd for ADC interviewed 14 nos of names sent from AHQ for Governors selection. After interviewing all , he did not find any one suitable nd called 4 another list from AHQ and that is the time our Sr officers went to call on the Governor for
a) As a matter of curtsey nd that the Regt was raised in the Rajbhavan compound taking the 1st salute by d Governor , who became our mentor
b) to appraise the Governor about the plan for the Colour Presentation
c) Find out the convenience of the Governor for the Presidents’ visit for colour Presentation etc. During talk Governor mentioned about not getting a suitable officer as ADC to be with him…and also that another list being called from AHQ. That is the time all our Sr Officers told about me. In my absence he asked various questions to all of them nd virtually taking their interview on my behalf. I believe all our Centre Comdts told him very highly about me (which the Governor mentioned to me on joining and told the requirement of working hard with him ). Governor told our officers that ‘since I talked to you all I m quite satìsfied and take him.’ Saying that he told the ADC to put him throw to Mr Govind Narain, IAS, the Defence Secy to the GOI. That is the time Brig Surrey told that he was just posted out from Shillong and generally they do not post an officer to the same Stn. To this Governor that ‘ you leave that to me’ …nd spòke to Def Secy that he spoke to the Sr Officers of Assam Regt nd Capt Biren Borgohain is to be posted as my ADC. The matter ended there and I had nothing to do….it was all due to the kindness of our Sr officers confidence, trust and faith they had on me. So it was nothing more than a miracle, a strange co-incidence…and luck.
Presidents Rule, welfare work, surrender / home comming òf U/Gs, and Naga Shillong Peace accord was signed. This tenure changed the life nd career path. I m deeply indebted to our Sr Officers….
Closely seen and worked with a tough and efficient Governor like Mr L P Singh (ICS,Retd). I heard the discussions in NEC Meetings attended by all the Chief Ministers of the NE States, rep of all the Ministries of the Central Govt chaired by the Gov as the Chairman and known the prospect and problems of the NE nd seen the work taken up on Regional developmental basis. Seen the Gov dealing with Insurgency and law and order and taking firm decision. Seen the collection of info threw various agencies an action. After long meetings preparation along with strong Army Op ( seen a heliborne Op) seen number of surrenders with sophisticated Arms. Observed closely the collection of Int. Info and act after verification. Seen the
swearing in ceremonies for forming a new Govt., dismissing a Govt with proclamation of Presidents’ Rules in the states and thereafter the Governor strongly administering the state machinery through the Advisers. Seen ruthless action by Suspending and Posting out of Officers out of the state to liaison offices in Delhi even without posts for cutting their public dealings. Met a cross section of people who came to meet the Governor became very friendly with me. Seen numbers of surrenders by the Insurgents and their Rehabilitation Programme. Have seen all the discussions and Naga Talks and finally signing the Shillong Naga Peace Accord in 1975 and meeting the UG leaders. Staying in Rajbhavans and Rastrapati Bhavan and attending diplomatic banquets given in honour of foreign Heads of States was a different exposure. Attended the Coronation of King Virendra and Maharani Aisworia of Nepal-where Prince Charles, Mrs Marco’s of Philipines, Lord Mountbatten, Chogial from Sikkim and a whole lot of dignatories came and attended. The occassion of having lunch in Nepal organised by Foreign Ministry for all under one roof was a rare and memorable occassion. Mr BD Jatley,The Vice President of India graced the great events. It was a pleasure to see the function so immaculately organised in Nepal. Oppertunity of selection and studying in
Oxford, Uk, in Civil was also a life time experience. Since it is an interesting long chapter I am not writing now.
FAMILY:: Wife:- Prof Roopa (Rooplekha) Borgohain.(Retd) North Eastern Hill University, Shillong Graduate – Del- University. MA-JNU,Mphil,Phd. Daughter :: Wg Cdr (Dr) Smita Rani , DME , Specialist, Pathology. Son-in-law :: Wg Cdr (Dr) Jutù Kalita, DME, Specialist,Medicine. Grandson : – Jai Kalita. (9 yrs)
Son:- Aditya Raj Borgohain, MBA, Pvt Sector Co.
Daughter-in -law :- Kanchan Thapar Borgohain MBA, Pvt Sector Grand son :- Atharv Riaan Borgohain (5 yrs)
Self :- Maj Biren Borgohain , CVO, CSO, , Executive Director, North Eastern El Power Corporation Ltd, Govt of India, Shillong. (Retd ). 2. Edn Qualification etc :- BA, 3 . LLB, 4. Graduate Diploma in Management (Trg and Devopment)-ISTD -HRD, GUIDE :- for Graduate Diploma in Management Course. 5. MBA,
• 6. Sr Personnel Management and HRM, Oxford Centre for Management Studies, Templeton, OXFORD, UK. -(Few more Courses) After retirement :: Had to take up as Adviser, Assam Coy Ltd, The 1st English Trading Co in India, (Oil, Rly Wagon,TeaGardens,Energy) Went to USA. On return worked as Adviser, Birla Corpn. Ltd.
• NEW JOB NOW :- Playing and enjoying with grandsons and learning sooo many things FM them. Read and write casually…..
My sincere appreciation and complements to Brig Ramanan, Col.Jason Peters, Col Gandhi and Maj Murli…..for their thrilling venture.. ‘Know Your Veterans.’
ALL THE BEST…
TAGRA RAHO
Col Beant Singh
Col Beant Singh
Col Bir Singh
Know Your Veterans.
Today it is about Col Bir Singh 5th GB of Headhunters
Born on 03 Jun 1944 and commissioned on 14 Jun 70 to
2 ASSAM.
Took part in 1971 War as Cdo Platoon Cdr of 2
ASSAM in Uri Sector under Lt Col Jasbir Singh. Operated four times behind
the enemy lines and was also wounded in one of these forays.
2 ASSAM during this war captured area Ring Contour (which was
later named as Rhino Post) and Vill Bara ( named later as
Kaziranga).
In April 1974 was posted as OC FS Section HQ MM & G Area
Bombay.
Joined back 2 ASSAM in Aug 1977.
Posted to 8 ASSAM on raising in Mar 1978 in Rangapahar.
Had the privilege of serving as the Adjt to the first
three COs- Lt Col YP Singh SM, Lt Col KS Sandhu and Lt Col Martin
Khongmen – on and off.
One of the sayings of Lt Col YP Singh SM , stayed with me
‘ Always be upright so that your tail is not in the hands of your
subordinates’. He went to the extent of ensuring No Coy Funds so that we do not
get diverted and the needs were met at the unit level.
Took over D Coy in Jammu and the Coy was adjudged as the
Champion Coy in the First InterCoy Championship of the unit in 1979.
While unit was at East Sikkim was posted to HQ 31
Armd Div as GSO 2 ( Int) in Mar 1984. While at 31 Armd Div since GSO1(Int) had
gone for SC, had taken part in Ex Brass Tacks as GSO1(Int).
Rejoined 8 ASSAM In Cooch Behar. Was 2IC to Col KK Subba and
the unit was operationally deployed to address the insurgency in Tirupura
for almost a year.
Took over the Headhunters in 1990 from Col KK
Subba and had the unique privilege of having served under all
the proceeding GBs and thus learning from them as well. Moved the
battalion to Beas.
During the Golden Jubilee of the Regiment in 1991, the
Battalion Colours was received by 2Lt Usman from the COAS and the contingent
was led by Maj Jason Peter. (2Lt Anil was detailed to receive the Colors but he
was selected as a VIP Pilot and thus 2Lt Usman who joined the Contingent
on his way for two week att stayed behind as the ensign officer)..
During the Golden Jubilee Celebrations Headhunters bagged
the Inter Battalion Hockey ( led by Capt Charandeep , present
Centre Comdt ) and Football Championship ( led by Capt Sapam)..
The Football Final at Mohite Stadium with 9 ASSAM was a
cliffhanger and was won on penalty shootout. The VIPS including Papa
Pandey , Gen Pillai amongst others were mighty impressed with the morale and cheering
of the Headhunters which included Ladies. And it was amazing to see
the ladies also entering the field with the officers when the win was
certain even before all the shots were taken.
The unit Mor Pl led by Capt PS Behl ( present COR) won the Bde
Inter Battlion Mor Pl Championship beating a Rajput and Punjab Regiment units.
The Dy Cdr who was from Rajput Regiment was not very happy. He took
6hrs or so to congratulate and asked as to how do I feel about it. I told
him that I am doubly sure about our Mor Pl.
Another good memory which remains with me is standing up
for men under my command who were wrongly being proposed to be punished-
once as a Coy Cdr and once as Bn Cdr.
Moved the unit to Hyderabad and there handed over the command of
the Headhunters to Col Promit Roy again an officer from the units raising
days.
Took over as Trg Bn ARC and thereafter Dy Cdr HQ 33 Mtn Bde.
After retirement in Jul 1996 took up reemployment DAGMG HQ 39 Mtn
Div for 4 years. And for services was recommended for COAS Commendation
Card and had to settle for Army Cdrs Commendation Card.
Presently involved in Social Services to the community in his
homestation , Hamirpur HP.
He married Mrs Nirmala in Apr 1971 and they are proud parents of
two sons ( Lt Col Ved Pal Singh Patiyal @ Pammi & Col Narendra Patiyal @
Chhottu, both EME Officers) and a daughter ( Ambika Chauhan married to Lt
Col VS Chauhan , EME )
Even after 20 years of retirement have very fond memories
and a sense of belonging to ASSAM Regiment and especially SECOND TO NONE
and THE HEADHUNTERS. And above all the Rhinos and families for their
wholehearted grooming , cooperation and bringing glory to the Regiment.
Tagra Raho
BOB Khating Hero of Tawang
Mohinder Behl
My name does not appear in the history of 6 Khel. I commanded the SabreSixth in the year 1960 . Brig Thegphunga Sailo got me posted from 2nd To None to Sabre Sixth. originally Iwas the second in command at Darjeeling. There too I officiated . When the orders came for move to Ramgarh Iwrote to Army Headquarters that we have just come to Darjeeling and are being moved to Ramgarh.Iadded that most women are expecting babies and we are being moved. The reply came that your unit will certainly stay at Ramgarh for full three years. At Ramgarh under me at Ramgarh the unit was declared as the best unit.And when my posting came to Assam Rifles as Commandant 19 Assam Rifles I was told by the General to represent for cancellation. Iwas posted toMizoram since I knew Mizo language and mutinous conditions prevailed there. Sabre Sixth stayed Ramgarh till Bangladesh operations started.. Like Second To None I gave the Sabre Sixth to the unit. If you want to know more let me know .Col M S Behl VSM TAGRAHO I may add my Maj (Brig Jagmohan) Other officers -Hatwal, Ver,Antal,BK GHOSH,.Shall write more in case you want. Mohinder
9864203464
Biren Borgohain.
It gives me emence pleasure to recollect the old memories of meeting good friends like Col Som Datt. I met Col Som in 1970 for the 1st time in Weapons’ Course in MHOW who was staying in d barrack next to mine. A very simple, good-hearted and God fearing officer who use to tell me very interesting and comforting Ram-Kotha. I was very impressed seeing him praying – standing on one of his legs and supporting the knee with the other folded leg with full devotion. He helped me for my IP during the Weapons Course- so that I pass ,-as my Hindi was rather terrible-Rhino type. Though marks-man in firing, good in handling weapons but I was little handicapped in hindi-lecturing so
he was trying to teach me THET hindi. Anyway, I wrote down the lecture hearing the instructor and crammed up and confidently rattled out demonstrating the parts of the weapon and it brought good comments. With this handicap and without any pre-course and idea about this 1st course of mine, I got only ‘BY’….Not that Bad.. In this connection, happiest person for my result was Col Somdatt. These are the real sweet old memories which I still cherish. Taagra Roho Col SomDatt and all
Capt TC Das,5A, SB Rai 2A, Capt SD Roy 3A, Capt GS Khimta 6A, then ADC to Governor, Capt SY Kulkarni 2A, Capt Vineet Pant 6A, Adjt ARC, Maj MN Menon SRO, Capt Maqdum ,SSO (Mahar Regt
RHINO VETERANS_B
TAGRA RAHO
