Know Your Veterans*

Another sterling story of one of our legends,

Col SP Marwaha

DATE OF BIRTH – 19 MAY 1949

DATE OF COMMISSION – 21 DECEMBER 1969

UNITS SERVED

4 Assam Regt – 21 December 1969 to October 1985

(Including Grade three and Grade 2 staff)

14 Assam – October 1985 to March 1987

3 Assam Regt – March 1987 to June 1988

1 Assam Regt – June 1988 to January 1992

Assam Regt Centre – February 1994 to July 1997

Assam Regt Centre – June 1999 to June 2000

I want to place on record my gratitude to my commanding officers, my seniors, my colleagues and my juniors in the ASSAM REGT, who were responsible for my professional as well as personal development during my long regimental service with Four, Fourteen, Third, First Assam Regiments and Assam Regt Centre. It has been learning all the way from each one in the Regt. I am grateful to all ranks of the ASSAM REGT. I was very fortunate to have served under the following commanding officers:

Lt Col (Later Lt Gen) Ranbir Singh

Lt Col (Later Brig) N S Surrey

Lt Col S S Rana

Col S K Sharma

Col (Later Brig) V Ramanan

Col K K Subba

Lt Col R K Shahi

Col Gurdip Singh

Col A M Lawate

Brig J S Antal

4 ASSAM REGT -My alma mater

My service in the Army began with my getting commission in 4 Assam Regt. Unit was located at Khrew in Jammu and Kashmir. I was fortunate to have joined a very young and vibrant unit. It was learning experience all the way. In my infant years, I was fortunate to have learnt from very capable Commanding Officers and dedicated senior officers. Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and Brig Surrey, most respected officers of the Regt were my first two commanding officers; they were the real role models. Other seniors and mentors who were instrumental in shaping my future during first few years of service were; Majors JD Rai, SS Rana, P Shivpuri, B K Khullar, Y P Singh, V Ramanan, R L Darkim, T K Bagati, K K Subba, I J Sharma, P N Srivastava, Capts Bala, RV, Zuala, Ashok Hukku, S P Thapa, B S Gurung, John Sampath and Mohan Singh. My colleagues’ subalterns with me were Biren, Tamuli, Subhashish, Patyal, John Zama, Raj, Promit, Valentine,Tony Dhillon and Pradip Vij. Quarter masters were Capt Chetan Punchok and Capt Devgan.

My first assignment was to lead the Cross country and Chaudhry Trophy Khud race team. Our team had performed very poorly in the previous year. During my first interview with the Commanding officer Lt Col Ranbir Singh, I was assigned this task. CO was very passionate about the performance of the team. He told me that winning this competition is the most important KRA of the unit in the year. He guided me every week and taught me the basic methods to win. His lesson to transform the team into a winning unit helped me in my entire life. His basic mantra was; be a transformational leader and not a transitional leader. We worked very hard under the personal supervision of the CO. Veteran runners L/Hav. Moia, Nk. Imti Ao, Nk Lianthanga, L/Nk Dukhu Ao and Bora taught me the basics of running in the mountains. Our team won the championship. Lt Gen (Then Lt Col) Ranbir Singh was very happy with the performance of the team. This was one of the happiest moments in my service; which I remember till date. Victory was due to the guidance of CO and joint efforts of 35 runners, who had practiced tirelessly for over six months. I am and will always remain grateful to my first Commanding Officer Lt Gen Ranbir Singh. In 1988, when I became CO, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh who had retired by then; expressed his happiness and visited my unit. His memorable visit accompanied with our great Papa Pandey was very inspiring. These were happy moments of my life. Brig N S Surrey, the next CO was a role model. He taught us the art of getting best from our subordinate staff and ability to knit the team together. He was a real leader. Lucky were the officers, who served under the command of Brig Surrey; and I was also one of them. I had large number of happy moments during my service in the unit, which are difficult to describe. Appointments I worked on during my service in the unit were – Coy 2/IC C Coy, IO, MTO, Adjutant, Mortar Pl Commander; SP, A and B Coy Commander.

I was fortunate to have served under command of Lt Col SS Rana, Col S K Sharma, Brig. V Ramanan, Col. K K Subba and Lt Col R K Shahi. Other colleagues I served with are J K Chopra, Bharatwal, CRK, Nair, Sant , Gurmit, Gorpode, Akhil, Diwakar, Das, Sharda, Rawat, Jayabalan, Razora, Anil, Pankaj, Reddy, and Raju. (I hope not missed any names) All companies started competing for winning the championship banner on the occasion of Silver Jubilee due on 01 October 1985. Bravo Company won the championship banner on silver jubilee. I owe my deepest gratitude to Capt Pankaj coy 2ic and all ranks of Bravo Company, who made it possible for the company to become champion. I was very fortunate to have collected championship banner on behalf of the company during Silver Jubilee of the unit from Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the then Colonel of the Assam Regiment (My first Commanding officer). On the same evening, on 01 October 1985; I was informed that I have been posted to 14 Assam Regt (New mixed class composition unit to be raised at Shillong) on 15 October 1985. I was very upset, but these are the methods of Army to train you.I am and will always remain grateful to all ranks of Four Assam “SHINY FOURTH” (As we used to call); for the upbringing,

training and values taught to me. Prior to GJ, I receive a letter from the unit that they do not have record to give names of officers during actual war. Unit wanted me to give the list. List I forwarded is:

Lt Col N S Surrey

Maj SS Rana

Maj B K Khullar

Maj RL Darkim

Maj TK Bagati

Maj KK Subba

Capt Bala Subramaniam

Capt RV Subramaniam

Capt SP Thapa

Capt Mohan Singh

2 Lt SP Marwaha

Lt LC Tamuli

Lt S Ghosh

2 Lt SDS Patyal

2 Lt John Zama

2 Lt TAS Raj

Capt Chetan Punchok – QM

Capt Jasdeep Singh – RMO

2 Lt Valentine Jesudoss – Joined us soon after war in Jan 72

2 Lt P Roy – Joined us soon after war in Mar 72

14 ASSAM REGT

Raising of a unit is an experience, but raising a mixed class composition unit was rather unique. We raised the unit with 25% troops each coming from Assam, Madras, Dogra and 5 Gorkhas. Unit has since been reverted back to only Assam Regt troops; most of those serving in the unit now may not know the uniqueness of the experience of mixed class composition. Unit was raised on 15 October 1985 at Happy Valley, Shillong under the command of Col. Gurdip Singh. I was his second in command. Other members of the team were Majors –

C S Nair(Assam), Rawat(5GR), Sohal(Dogra), Bose(Madras) and Bhim Anal(Assam); Capts. Ravi, Thomas, Kumar, Pundir, Niranjan, Jain, Mehta, Narayan, Samby and Raju. 2/Lt Goswamy was the first and Martin second officer commissioned into the unit. Rising of the mixed class composition unit and establishing in the field formation was a challenge. All members of the team worked tirelessly and we were able to complete rising in schedule time frame. The unit moved to field formation at Abohar. All officers of the unit gave their best which made it possible for raising process of the unit to succeed. I am indebted to all of them for their contribution resulting to the success in the raising and establishing in the first field formation. Being second in command, I had literally played the role of a mother and officiate in the absence of CO. We started every institution from the scratch, which makes one more sentimental and close to that unit rather than other established units where one is commissioned and serves.Unit was assigned the first task in the field formation to take over and dominate land acquired for Mahajan Field Firing Ranges by moving to ranges for three months. We were the second unit to carry out the task. It was a very difficult task requiring primarily administrative skills of very high order to ensure smooth acquisition and domination. God was very kind and we were able to complete the assignment without any hassle, mishap and returned safely. All officers contributed to the success of this difficult task. I officiated as Commanding Officer for these three difficult months in the absence of commanding officer. He was out due to very pressing personal problems. This experience gave me the confidence to meet challenges of command in future. I was fortunate to have learnt the art of commanding a unit for about 4 months during first one year of the unit. I was a Major; we all worked as a dedicated and committed team. I always cherish those memories of Happy Valley and Mahajan field firing range days. I am and shall always remain grateful to the team of officers, who made it possible for us to succeed. I wish, I could have served the unit longer, but it was not to be. It was will of the GOD. I was rendered surplus to the establishment. Therefore, I was posted to 3 Assam on promotion to Lt Col.I can never forget the wonderful experience of raising of Fourteen

Assam. I am grateful to all ranks of fourteen for their support during my stay and particularly longish period as officiating commanding officer, when I was only a major.

3 ASSAM REGT

I reported for duty in the unit at Chumathang in March 1987. I was promoted to Lt Col on arrival and assumed the appointment of second in command. I had presumed that I will probably be the next Commanding Officer of the unit; which is generally the norm of service. Commanding Officer Col A. M. Lawate was doing second tenure as CO; he had commanded Nine Assam earlier. He was expected to complete his tenure in about a year. I started my work earnestly as second in command.

But, events unfolded as under:

CO was posted out forthwith in December 88 without relief on the first day of first Op Alert in the new formation and he moved out within three hours of receipt of posting order. I assumed command of the unit on the first day of first Op Alert in the new formation. No one told me that I was to be CO. I became self styled and self appointed CO. Couple of months later, Lt Col Mahendale, ex 5 GR was posted as CO. I handed over command to the new incumbent and moved to take over command of First Assam. My tenure with Third Assam was only about one year. I am grateful to all ranks of Phantom third for their support in difficult times and accepting me as their own. Third Assam is an excellent unit, but I was not destined to be with them for longer period.

1 ASSAM REGT

Finally, after shuttling from 4 Assam (1985) to 14 Assam (1986) to 3 Assam (1987); I was appointed Commanding Officer of First Assam in 1988, the oldest unit of the Regt. It was my ultimate professional aim to command the unit. Now, it was challenges and opportunities for me to fulfill my own KRA’s with the help of the team of First. Initially there was resistance from seniors, particularly those who had missed their boards. They dubbed me as an outsider and some of them even blamed me for changing traditions of the unit. All officers of the unit commissioned for three years (Two years my seniors and my year) had missed their promotion board and were not happy to have an officer from other unit as Commanding Officer. Most of them moved out on posting, making it easier for me to start implementation of my KRA’s.

My main thrust areas were to ensure the following aspects. Transparent accounting and accountability of funds. It was enforced with support of officers, though there was resistance initially from some. All ranks particularly OR to get their correct entitlement of rations, clothing, pay and allowances and they are not exploited in any way. Professional development of JCO’s and OR’s. Professional development of officers, giving environment and opportunity to maximum officers to pass Staff College entrance examination. Knit the officers team into a winning combination. Celebrate Golden Jubilee of the unit. Unit performed exceptionally well during counter insurgency operations in Assam. First Assam had wonderful team of officers during my tenure. Second in Command was Lt Col M K Dey, who was replaced by Lt Col Rakesh Sehgal. Company commanders were Majs – Hegde, Bala Gurung, Anand, Diwakar Nagraj, Binda, Manu Gupta, I P Singh, Manmohan Gupta, Capts – Rajesh Sharma, M P Singh, Raheja, Sukhbir Gill, P Nandkumar Suchindra, Rao, Sugathan, Sudhir Jha, Jasbir Cheema, Clyde Pinto and Abhijeet Kadam. It was a dedicated lot of officers, always prepared to take on any assigned task.

It was possible to achieve my KRA’s with very little efforts because of overwhelming support of officers, JCO’s and other ranks. But the main challenge was to change the mindset and attitude of the officers towards professionalism. Middle ranking and junior officers accepted the challenge and joined me on road to professionalism. Lt Col (Then Major) Rakesh Sehgal, second in command was a pillar of strength during my command tenure. He was an asset during Golden Jubilee celebrations of the unit. In the first year, we tried with one officer attempting staff college entrance exam but, he did not succeed. In the second year we again tried with one more officer, gave him the environment and encouragement. He got through. It was after ages that an officer from the unit while serving in the unit had qualified and it was the most needed impetus to spark others. In third year of my command, I faced very tough situation since unit got committed in OP Bajrang. But, I took the risk of sparing three coy commanders for pre staff and annual leave at the same time to appear for the staff college entrance exam. I received written warning from the GOC for this. I expressed regret to the GOC, but to my expectations and happiness, two of them qualified and went for Staff College. God helped me to achieve one of my most treasured dreams.I had been denied an opportunity to attend pre staff and appear in staff college entrance examination in my service. I accepted it as will of God. But, this made me determined to encourage my subordinate officers and provide best possible environment to enhance their professional qualifications.

Assam Regt was raised on 15 June 1941 with the raising of First Assam at Shillong. Golden jubilee was planned to be celebrated by the unit at Shillong on 15 June 1991. Main function planned was the parade similar to the raising day parade done on 15 June 1941; at the same place, same time and with the Governor taking the salute. The idea was to replicate the history. Unit was moved back from operational area to Umroi six weeks prior to 15 June 1991; due date for celebration of Golden Jubilee. We celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the unit in a befitting manner. We did the ceremonial parade in the lawns of Raj Bhawan at Shillong on 15 June 1991, exactly similar to what was done on 15 June 1941 at the SAME PLACE and the SAME TIME! Governor took the salute; Col of the Regt Lt Gen S K Pillai was part of the parade. Hon. Governor issued the order of the day similar to the one issued in 1941. (Both these are placed below). Besides parade, there were various other events for three days. Large number of serving and retired officers, JCO’s and OR attended the celebration. A strange coincidence, it rained during raising parade in 1941 and it rained heavily during golden jubilee parade in 1991. But the show continued. When I look back, think and perceive; I realize that God not only gave me much needed satisfaction, about my command tenure; but also rewarded me throughout my future life. My son in law, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot appeared for Staff College, got through in competitive vacancy and did the course from UK. This was a direct reward from God to us. I was relieved from command in January 1992. Col S K Tiwari took over from me. God blessed me to realize my dream of successful and satisfying command tenure. I am grateful to the team of forever first for supporting me at every step during my command tenure.

ASSAM REGT CENTRE

My service in the Assam Regt started with the Assam Regt Centre in 1969. I was commissioned into the Regt and sent to the centre for familiarization before joining Four Assam. In 1985, I was associated with the centre during the raising of 14 Assam, when centre provided the required assistance to the new unit. Again from 1989 to 1991, we received all possible help during Golden Jubilee of First, when the unit was located at Umroi. I had the opportunity to serve the centre for two tenures from 1994 to 1997 and again 1999 to 2000. These were eventful years of my life. Commanding an infantry battalion was the ultimate dream of mine and serving the centre was aim plus. I was fortunate to have been able to fulfil more than all my professional dreams during my service in the Regt. Tenures at the Centre were very educative. I was fortunate to have served as deputy commandant under a very capable commandant Brig. J S Antal; then took over as Commandant. I had second tenure as Centre Commandant during 1999/2000. These experiences at centre helped me in future life. Some of the memorable moments during my service at ARC are given below:

Visits of Field Marshall SHFJ Manekshaw, Chief of Army Staff Gen Shankar Roy Chaudhri, and Chief of army Staff Gen V P Malik with high powered delegation of Mynamar Army.

Introduction of transparency and accountability in accounts, resulting in increase of regimental assets more than four times in three years.

All ranks particularly Recruits to get their correct entitlement of rations, clothing, pay and allowances and they are not exploited in any way.

Professional development of JCO’s, OR’s and Recruits.

ARC winning best marching contingent trophy.

Indian Army started competition of eight sports at Army level in 1996. Each regimental centre of Infantry, other arms and services were to field a team.

Assam Regimental Centre won two trophies in 1996/97; of Army Football and gymnastic championship trophies.

We were runners up in Hockey.

Winning Candeth Shield Hockey tournament and runner up in Army Hockey Championship trophy.

Winning all football trophies of NE including Challenge cup and Bordolai Football trophy.

Holding an historic event; Reunion and Biennial conference in 1996.I was posted out in 1997 on a winning note. I was posted back to ARC in 1999. I left the centre after a truncated tenure in June 2000; once again on a winning note.

Lt Rajeev Sandhu, MVC (Posthumous) was the highest decorated soldier of the Regt. ARC had a tradition to invite his parents Mr. D S Sandhu and Mrs. Sandhu to the centre during summer every year. They had sacrificed their only child in service of the country. AWHO constructed a complex at Manimajra at Chandigarh. I took up a case for naming the complex on the name of Rajeev. It was accepted and the complex was named Rajeev Vihar. In 2015, Mr. Sandhu told me that most people think that the complex has been named in honour of Rajiv Gandhi. I took up case again and with the help of Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, we were able to rename the complex as Rajeev Sandhu Vihar.

I was singularly fortunate and blessed by God to be part of dedicated team of officers and all ranks of Assam Regimental Centre, who made it possible to achieve glorious heights.

MY FAMILY

I was born on 19 May 1949, in a small house at Kacha Bazar, Ambala Cantt. My father, Sh. Sarab Dayal was a high school teacher, highly educated person of his time having done MA in those days. He was known for his simplicity, abilities, honesty, dedication, service to the society and love for the nation. My mother, Smt. Rama Wanti was a very hard working and caring mother.

My parents worked hard in their life to give best possible education to all of us under the circumstances. They were displaced from Pakistan in 1947 leaving behind all their assets and started from scratch in their late thirties. In their lifetime, they did not accumulate wealth, but devoted to our education, lived a selfless and committed life. They were recipient of War Jagir for sending three sons to war in the Armed forces. I salute them for their hard work and dedication to their duty during their life.

My forefathers belonged to Village Bhaun, Tehisil Chakwal, District Jehlum presently in Pakistan.

I have one sister and three brothers, all elder to me. Details are:

1. Sister – Smt. Santosh Kapoor, the eldest of us. Brother in Law – Late D N Kapoor.
2. Brother – Brig O P Marwaha (Retd). Bhabi – Late Shakti Marwaha
3. Brother – Mr. V P Marwaha – Retired teacher Kendriya Vidyalya. Bhabhi – Late Kanta Marwaha
4. Brother – Dr. B R Marwaha – Retired Professor IIT Kanpur and Director of an Engineering College. Bhabhi – Sushma Marwaha

I was married to Suresh (Babli) on 01 March 1975 at Ambala Cantt. She was born at Delhi on 13 January 1952. She completed MA, Bed and took up job of teacher at Ambala Cantt. Capt SDS Patyal, my unit colleague attended the marriage. After marriage she resigned and joined me. She has been a source of strength to me. She single handed took care of my mother for over 23 years after death of my father.

Daughters – Deepika and Geetika.

Son’s in law – Gp Capt. Sanjiv Sethi, left prematurely now flying with Air Asia and Vivek Sharma, Director My money Mantra at Delhi.

Grand Children – Anoushka, student of Law in the final year of LLB, Sidhant, just completed 12th standard and Natasha, just completed 10th standard.

POST RETIREMENT

I retired on 31 May 2003. I worked for 9 years before taking final retirement in 2012 and shifted to my flat at Panchkula. I devoted three years for treatment of my wife. She had to undergo total hip replacement of both the hips.

I joined Forum of senior citizen in education and also started Alumni association in my college at Ambala Cantt. These gave me opportunity to address and interact with young children on various subjects. I also tried to motivate them to join the Armed Forces. I gave training to few to join the army. Couple of them has passed out and some are under training in academies. It was an opportunity to give back to the society in my small area of influence. This activity has stopped abruptly due to Covid 19.

I also took to writing and then with the help of Brig P K Vij, an old friend and colleague started publication of my books. I have been presenting books to college and school libraries and friends who are keen to read. I was fortunate to have got an opportunity to give presentation of my book to Hon. President and Governor of Punjab.

My books are

MY PERCEPTION THROUGH JOURNEY OF LIFE

SETTING NATIONAL AGENDA

MERA HINDUSTAN – A DREAM (United States of India to include Pakistan and Bangla Desh)

GENDER INEQUALITY – NEED FOR CHANGE OF MINDSET

HAMARA HINDUSTAN – A DREAM: CAN WE REALISE

EVOLVING MIDDLE CLASS

HAVE I FAILED INDIA?

REFLECTIONS

IN SEARCH OF GOD

EVENING OF LIFE

MY STORY – NEVER SAY DIE! (Autobiography)

MY MEMOIRS – Reminiscences of army life. (Biography of my wife)