‘Know Your Veterans’

This is the story of Col SP Thapa who commanded 4 ASSAM during Op PAWAN one the most challenging assignments the Indian Army has encountered. Credits in large part go to Col RV who obtained the details from Lt Col Archiev (son) and Mrs Thapa and of course Col Akhil who did most of the annotation of pictures. Unit Offrs chipped in with their pen pictures.

IC 17344 P COL SP THAPA, SM

(Data Analyst — Mrs Hema Thapa & Lt Col Archiev Thapa)

(Authors—Col RV Subramaniam & Col Akhil Sah)

EARLY YEARS

SP Thapa commonly known as SP was born on 30 July 1943 in Dehradun. He is the great grandson of Sub Amar Singh Thapa who served in 2/3 GR and is an awardee of the Order Of British India which he received during World War I (The Order of British India was an order of merit established in 1837 by the East India Company for “long, faithful and honourable service”). His father was Honorary Captain Shamsher Thapa of 1/3 GR who was a BBC War Correspondent in World War II. Thus SP as a child had all the fauji basic grounding including studying at various places like Dehradun, Punjab and Shillong.

Due to the frequent moves, SP developed the knack of picking up language of the particular state where his Dad was posted. He can even read & write Gurmukhi. As the soldierly spirit was inborn in him, he joined his father’s unit 1/3 GR. He turned out to be an extraordinary soldier. He played football for the Services, in addition to keeping abreast with his profession as he aspired to become an Officer, which he achieved.

ARMY LIFE

1966-1971

SP got commissioned on 25 December 1966 into 4 ASSAM, which was then located at Varanasi. He was welcomed in the true traditional Formidable Fourth (then Shiny Fourth) way with RV, acting as a Sahayak, getting a first hand impression of a soldier becoming a saheb. RV as the sahayak spoke in Gorkhali which raised the morale of the Saheb! “Keta cigarette kathi pancho ho?” RV the Sahayak waiting for an opportunity to go went into Savdhan and said ”Mow lerae ancho saab!” and ran to update the waiting seniors Subba, Bagati and Preetpal Singh. Then followed the normal welcoming process.

Being an excellent footballer SP was given the responsibility of training the Bn Football Team. True to his word the team was unbeatable and champions at all Formation levels. His method of working was otherwise also very methodical and he soon became the blue-eyed officer of all. It was always “Yes Sir” as he threw away his puff or hid it behind his back! It was also, at times on being asked if the assigned work was done, he would retort “Oh Sir, I am sorry I forgot. Abhi kardeta hun Sir” with a smile (MrsHema Thapa calls it the Mona Lisa smile!) that would melt anybody’s anger or heart. However, it must be said that SP could take on any amount of commitment with a smile because of his impeccable devotion and sincerity, though some seniors took advantage of it!! It is because of this quality that he became the Adjutant of the Bn for a pretty long time. During the 1971 Indo Pak conflict as Adjutant he did excellent work in coordination, war reporting, communication with forward Companies and with Bde HQ. In addition he had to coordinate the Mortar Fire whilst our Companies moved from the FUP. In lighter vein smoke fire was more intense with his puffing cigarette after cigarette!!!

1972-1988

His first posting outside the unit was as GSO 3 in the Kanpur Brigade which came in 1972 after 6 years of hectic Bn Life. During this tenure he got married to Hema. In 1975 he reverted to the Bn in field area in Rupa in Arunachal Pradesh, where he excelled as a Company Commander and was given priority when the CO had a difficult task in hand. He moved with the unit for peace tenure to Faizabad in the later half of 1977. In 1979 he was posted as a Staff Officer in the Resettlement Directorate Delhi where he stayed till 1982. His humane approach gave immense support to the employment needs of the retiring personnel of the Regiment. From 1982 to 1985 he was posted in Assam Rifles as GSO-2 of the Nagaland Range Kohima. From here he moved to Cannanore in Kerala as Deputy Commandant of DSC Centre, where he stayed till mid 1988.

1988-1995

In 1988 he returned to his parent unit 4 ASSAM, this time as the Commanding Officer! When he took over, the Bn was part of the IPKF and actively involved in operations in Sri Lanka. It was selected for the coveted role of the Overall Force Commander’s Reserve and thus had to carry out operations in the areas of all the four Indian Divisions deployed in the Island nation! Even in this very challenging assignment, the Bn under his astute leadership, performed exceeding well inflicting heavy casualties on the adversary, whilst sustaining minimal losses. Col Thapa led from the front and took on even the most difficult of tasks with a smile. The efforts of the Bn were rewarded with many Gallantry Awards including two Vir Chakras. Col Thapa himself was decorated with a Sena Medal. The Sri Lanka tenure has been one of the Landmarks etched in the History of Formidable Fourth. In March 1990, the Bn sailed out from Trincomalee Harbour and moved to Secunderabad for a well deserved peace tenure. However here the unit location was in a pathetic state as it had been lying abandoned for many years due to the deployment of the resident Formation in Sri Lanka. The Bde and Div Cdrs expressed their helplessness in resolving the problems. Not the one to be cowed down by any situation, Col Thapa raised the matter to the Army Cdr, Lt Gen BC Joshi, during his visit to the Station. On his directions, the issues were sorted out post haste! He then set about assiduously training the unit for its new operational role in the deserts. After settling down the unit and on completion of command tenure he got posted as Col A Jalandhar Sub Area in 1991. He stayed here for a short time before being posted as Deputy Commander 38 Inf Bde at Kapurthala. Later as last leg posting he was posted to HQ 33 Corps as Col GS (SD) in 1993. In 1995 after retirement he became the Adm Comdt Sukhna Station HQ.

Family Details

* Wife: Mrs Hema Kumari Thapa

– Principal in TRI SHAKTI ARMY PRE PRIMARY SCHOOL Sukhna for 9 yrs. Runs own school FIRST STEP NURSERY SCHOOL Sukhna since 2009 till date.

* Elder Son: Lt Col Archiev Thapa – Commissioned in 4 ASSAM in 2000.

* Younger Son: Kartick Thapa – CFA (Chartered Finance Analyst) presently working for NORGES BANK Singapore, been working in Singapore since 2004 (Polaris, Barclays Bank) Married to Singaporean, now citizen of Singapore

Achievements & Hobbies

* Painting, travelling & reading.

* Football (Blazer in IMA), tennis & golf.

* Was President Sukna ESM Bd for 5 years.

Present Location

* Settled in Sukhna Cantt.

* Movement restricted due to hip joint problem.

Col SP Thapa’s contribution to the Regiment can be remembered in the annals of Regiment History because he is one of the rare officers who has actively participated in two major Operations bringing laurels not only to the Nation but also to the Regiment —-THE ASSAM REGIMENT.

COMMENTS FROM OFFRS

Col RV Subramaniam

Col SP Thapa was one of the most admired and loved officers who could stand any amount of leg pulling from his seniors. An excellent footballer who played at all levels as well as Services. His amicable nature and the Mona Lisa smile could win anyone’s heart. In ’71 Indo Pak Conflict as Adjutant he was ever active at all times and was held in high esteem at the formation level for his timely war reporting. A true full blooded Rhino who showed his mettle as a CO during OP Pawan where Formidable Fourth was heralded as one of the top Bns in Op PAWAN. His services in Fourth and to Assam Regiment as a whole will ever be a highlight in the annals of Formidable Fourth.

Capt DC Sud

I was in Varanasi when col Thapa joined the unit. Gen Hukku was my senior and col Thapa junior. I found Col Thapa very quiet and reserved, would always be smiling during conversation. I had little time to spend together as I was posted to ARC soon.

He has a lovely personality.

Col SP Marwaha

Col Thapa was most loved offr of the unit. He was Adjt during comd of Gen Ranbir, the most feared CO. It was an ideal combination.

Col Thapa had to deal with Coy Cdrs like Col SS Rana, Brigs Shivpuri, BK Khullar, CO YP Singh, Col Darkim and Col Subba. Only he could’ve managed with his cool nature and always smiling face. He was always at work during 1971 ops and was the ideal person to handle very difficult situations. He provided stability to the unit, during the period when old CO was injured and new CO, Brig Surrey took over Command when war had just started. I missed serving with him when he was the CO, as I was in First Assam. He was a remarkable football player. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor during initial stages of my service.

A legend of our time.

Maj Biren Borgohain

It was indeed an unforgettable and pleasant day in my life, when- on Commission I went to meet and report the CO of the Bn for the 1st time during an Exercise on a high hill feature in a place like J&K and met his Adjutant Capt SP Thapa who gave me a very warm welcome and a sense of comfort… as you could well appreciate the condition of an YO when he hears about a tough CO, and also his proverbial Adjt….(a bullshitter, little? snobbish due to indulgence and authority given by the CO. which no body could verify). But when I met Capt SP Thapa I had all together a different impression on him. I found him to be a very nice and shy officer who after shaking my hand gave me a warm welcome with a big hug. Climbing up quite a high hill we ( me and Lt Vijai Mohan) were huffing a bit and he signalled us to sit down in camp Chairs kept in front of him and ordered to get tea for us quickly before we go to CO. His little talk, behaviour, his body language and personality was very comforting and I liked him instantly. He took me to CO and our talk has been narrated in my write-up and do not wish to make it longer. Rather than me impressing the CO I was rather impressed as already brought out. As a staff officer he was his immaculate self with a pen and a notebook. CO told the Adjt to keep me in the HQ and let me work as IO. Col Thapa called the Int NCO and told him to brief me about the exercise, the enemy loc and orders so far issued on the subject. Told him also to show the sand model with detailed briefing. 1963, J&K.

He also came and talked about the work and responsibility of an IO who is the keeper of all tactical info including info received from various patrol parties. His aim was to give a good grooming to a new officer from initial stage only which I think is a good idea for their career. He told me about the peculiarities of Assam Regt, people drawn from all the ethnic gps and tribes with their culture and behavioural patterns. And immediately told that you being from that region would know better than many others. Any way all the best.

He has an artistic and creative mind and keeps on sketching and drawing. I found him to be a caring, concerned and a well-meaning person. When during a Bde Competition I got badly hurt on my right knee while crossing the Rocky Singhala Pass and was bleeding profusely due to a cut by a sharp edge of a rock) I continued tying my handkerchief and finished the race. He immediately called for the Dr and Nursing Assistant who dressed the wound and administered a TT injection. I can’t forget his advice cautioning me to be always careful and not to get hurt as the hurt and pain might affect the efficiency in Army Career. I cant’ forget his sound advice. He was an excellent football player, coached our Bn team and played for Services and made our Regt proud. It is very difficult to get an officer with his attitude and standing. When I see my old album it brings back lots of sweet old memories….and I relish thinking quietly. What a journey…what a company. All the Best Dai Col SP Sir and family. Taagra Roho.

Col Sant Ram

Col S P Thapa was OC B Coy when I joined the unit at Faizabad in Dec 1977. Capt TS Dhillon was his immediate neighbour’ both were highly spirited Rhinos and Col Thapa and Mrs Thapa were very kind hosts hence one of the most popular destination of calling on. He left Faizabad in 1979 and there after I met him as CO 4 Assam in Sri Lanka in jun 1987. I was taken by him to B Coy post located at Viswsmadu, appointed me OC B Coy and said, the area is infested with LTTE militants keep you AOR well dominated ensure safety of your post and avoid unnecessary cas to own troops and take your decision as situation demands. He had reposed such faith in his command and supported the decision of his offrs, each one of us under his command did our best and 4 Assam earned the reputation in Op Pawan.

Then 4 Assam was moved to Batticaloa under 57 Mtn Div and lovated in Coastal areas at Vallachenai. My BCoy was located in coastal areas and a new Post was established at vill Merreadai about 5 KM from Bn HQ. 4ASSAM was tasked for establishing a Rest and Refit camp on the beaches I got the responsibility to establish it under the support and supervision of the CO Col SP Thapa. He has been very friendly and approachable and was all out to make the task easy at every step. It was amazing to see his knowledge about the flora and fauna and at the time of inauguration of the Camp it was all green and full of variety of flowers.

At this location 4 Assam had a hinterland post called BSRON’S CAP about 20 KM from Bn HQ. The post was air Maint post, was isolated no habitation around, one could only see a herd of elephants and deers running across when ever a helicopter landed at the post. It was an frustrating affair for the offr posted in this post. A coy was posted at Barons cap since three months and the post cdr there was seeking a change. The choice fell on me to move to Barons Cap. I made a submission that I would move to Barons cap but with my B Coy. In spite of the risk and effort involved he approved my proposal and helped to ensure smooth change over. I did not ask for any change and moved out on posting to HQ 323 Mtn Bde from Baroms cap because Col Thapa visited the post frequently at times even in an adm sortie and he used to make arrangements for me to visit the Bn HQ on occasions. That shows the Golden heart he has. My dining out continued past mid night and before leaving the Mess asked me my wish and I wished to visit Meerawadai post and the Rest and Refit camp which I had established .Col Thapa sir drove the single jeep with me in the co Dvr seat and only the diver sitting in the rear and he had seen me off at 0500h the same day. My very sincere thanks to Col SPThapa sir sir for all the love and affection bestowed upon me.

The unit moved from secunderabad to Sikkim and I had led the adv party. Col SPTHAPA sir being at HQ 33 Corps had been of great help.

I was lucky that I received Archiev Thapa in 4ASSAM at Siachen Base camp in2000.

Wish Col SPThapa sir good health and very long life Tagra Raho.

Maj Gen Pankaj Saxena

Speaking of Col Thapa

Once in Sri Lanka Bde Cdr visited my post unannounced.

He told me to execute an obnoxious plan.

I refused. He said that it was an order. To which I told him that i take orders from my CO. The moment he left I informed CO and also told him that he will get a call from Cdr. CO called me to the HQ to explain everything. On radio not much can be spoken. When I was with CO, a visibly agitated Cdr walked in. CO calmly listened to him. I moved out of the office.

He told the Cdr. What my Coy Cdr has said stands. Please go Aap to Kaam nahin Karne dete. Cdr left in a huff. Later Col Thapa got SM. Of course not for this episode!

Loveable person, even as a CO. Used to take stand for the Bn. I remember his football skills very well. Once we were playing a match. The ball was passed to CO at half line. He lifted the ball to his head height and smashed a goal from half line. When I say half line it was actually half line. All present were stunned. He was looking around as if nothing had happened.

Col SK Dahiya

In Secunderabad as IO I used to be ex Adjt also. In Bde ex I recollect vividly, sir donning his Ray Ban, cig half slung on lips, 2 feet wide cassette deck blaring English songs, tapping fingers & us zooming through ex locations / TCP etc ( when not actually participating in mock ex). He was enigma / cause of envy to bde cdr & others CO. Me proud Offg Adjt then.