Passage from Book 'Towards resurgent India'

A Salute to Soldiers-Hats Off !   Passage from the pages 110 & 111 of the book `Toward Resurgent India ' written by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) M. M. Lakhera, PVSM,AVSM,VSM, one time Lt. Gov. of Pondicherry and now the Governor of Mizoram.  "I had gone to UK in 1995 as Deputy Leader of the Indian Delegation to take part in the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the victory in Europe during the Second World War. I along with four other Army officers, had just stepped out after attending the inaugural session and were waiting on the roadside for the traffic to ease so as to walk across the road to the vehicle park. Among those with me was Honorary Captain Umrao Singh, a Victorian Cross winner (unfortunately, I have received the sad news of his expiry just two days back). All of a sudden a car moving on the road came to a halt in front of us and a well dressed gentleman stepped out. He approached Umrao Singh and said, "Sir, may I have the privilege of shaking hand with the Victoria Cross (winner)?" He shook hands with him. Evidently he had spotted Umrao Singh's medal from his car and had stopped his car to pay his respect to a winner of the highest gallantry medal of his country. Then he looked at me and said, "General, you are from Indian Army." When I replied in affirmative, he gave out his name, saying that he was Maichile Hailstine. I was absolutely astounded as the recognition dawned on me that he was the Deputy Prime Minister of UK . I was totally overawed by such courtesy shown by a dignitary of the second highest status in the British Government and humbly thanked him for having invited our delegation for the VE Day function. Again his reply was typical of his sagacity, "General, it is we the British, who should be grateful to your country and your Armed Forces, who had helped us win both the first and the second World wars. How can we be ever so ungrateful to forget your country's great contribution." Suddenly I became conscious that all the traffic behind his car had come to stand still.. I hurried to thank him and politely requested him to move along to relieve the traffic hold-up. He stated, "Sir, how dare I drive off when Victoria Cross has to cross the road." Realizing his genuine feeling I and my colleagues quickly crossed the road. Reaching the other side I looked back and saw that Mr. Hailstine was still standing waiting for the Victoria Cross to be safely across.  Ladies & Gentlemen, that is the type of regards they have for their decorated soldiers. I have always aspired that similar respect could be shown at least to a Param Vir Chakra or Ashok Chakra winner by the leaders and prominent figures in our country."

From a Soldier's heart

 Written by a Soldier, from the heart.

---

How you play with us, did you ever see?

At Seven, I had decided what I wanted to be;
I would serve you to the end,
All these boundaries I would defend.

Now you make me look like a fool,
When at Seventeen and just out of school;
Went to the place where they made "men out of boys"
Lived a tough life …sacrificed a few joys…

In those days, I would see my 'civilian' friends,
Living a life with the fashion trends;
Enjoying their so called "College Days"
While I sweated and bled in the sun and haze…
But I never thought twice about what where or why
All I knew was when the time came, I'd be ready to do or die.

At 21 and with my commission in hand,
Under the glory of the parade and the band,
I took the oath to protect you over land, air or sea,
And make the supreme sacrifice when the need came to be.

I stood there with a sense of recognition,
But on that day I never had the premonition,
that when the time came to give me my due,
You'd just say," What is so great that you do?"

Long back you promised a well to do life;
And when I'm away, take care of my wife.
You came and saw the hardships I live through,
And I saw you make a note or two,
And I hoped you would realise the worth of me;
but now I know you'll never be able to see,
Because you only see the glorified life of mine,
Did you see the place where death looms all the time?
Did you meet the man standing guard in the snow?
The name of his newborn he does not know...
Did you meet the man whose father breathed his last?
While the sailor patrolled our seas so vast?

You still know I'll not be the one to raise my voice
I will stand tall and protect you in Punjab Himachal and Thois.

But that's just me you have in the sun and rain,
For now at Twenty Four, you make me think again;
About the decision I made, Seven years back;
Should I have chosen another life, some other track?

Will I tell my son to follow my lead?
Will I tell my son, you'll get all that you need?
This is the country you will serve
This country will give you all that you deserve?

I heard you tell the world "India is shining"
I told my men, that's a reason for us to be smiling
This is the India you and I will defend!
But tell me how long will you be able to pretend?
You go on promising all that you may,
But it's the souls of your own men you betray.

Did you read how some of our eminent citizens
Write about me and ridicule my very existence?
I ask you to please come and see what I do,
Come and have a look at what I go through
Live my life just for a day
Maybe you'll have something else to say?

I will still risk my life without a sigh
To keep your flag flying high
but today I ask myself a question or two…
Oh India…. Why do I still serve you.

Sleep in Peace; We are on the Borders

Sleep in Peace; We are on the Borders
I am an officer posted on the line of control. Yesterday was Sunday,  and also Dussehra. Got to know it only from the newspapers that are  spread before me- a day late by the time they reach my post. The nice  part is that I receive a whole bundle after they have been pored over  in the headquarters.
 We went out on an ambush last night. There was information that an  infiltration attempt could be made through our area. I have been  receiving the same information daily since the last six months.
 Hopefully we will have a fire fight tonight.
 Seven of us slipped out of our post, 300 m from the line of control,  after last light. A half hour walk and we deployed in two groups. The  weather gods were not happy (maybe because I didn’t know Navratras had  begun). Light rain and mist descended and visibility was down to three  metres. We try and peer through the white haze till the eyes hurt. I  hear a soft snore on my left and give a hard nudge. Tomorrow, over a  hot cup of tea after we return to the post, we will laugh and tease  him.
 It’s midnight, cold and miserable. I flex my index finger to make sure  it slips into the trigger guard in time to shoot the terrorist who  might suddenly appear three steps from me. Suddenly, the chatter of  machine guns jolts us out of complacency. It is followed by the soft  ‘thump, thump’ of mortars ejecting their bombs. I am glad for the  distraction, as the whole ambush is now fully alert.
   We wait for the mortar bombs to fall. Shit… they seem to be falling on  my post. There are mixed feelings running through me. I am safe, but  what about my soldiers on the post. The firing grows in intensity-  rocket launchers and mortars open up from our side. It’s frustrating  because we can’t see anything. I briefly think of returning to the  post but have a job to do tonight, and there are good soldiers back on  the post.
 We return in the morning and thankfully all is well. One splinter injury-flesh wound only, and a living shelter damaged. We all sit  around a breakfast of hot puris and bhindis, exchanging anecdotes,
 feeling proud about how we weathered one more day on the line of  control.
 A three hour nap and the first newspaper is spread before me.  “Dropping guard at the LOC” is the headline of a Mail Today article.  It says ‘Indian troops have been sitting ducks’ in the August incident  and that the foiling of infiltration attempt in Keran ‘has been taken  with a pinch of salt’. Harinder Baweja in Hindustan Times says that  the Army has been ‘found wanting’. Tribune wanted to know ‘how porous  is the security system’ on the LoC. Asian Age informs me that ‘Army is
 under attack from the MoD’. I always thought those attacking us were  across the LoC. Should I now look over my shoulder?
 A large number of journalists are now questioning our tactics along  the Line of Control. It is easy to pass judgment when sitting in  air-conditioned offices and speaking on the telephone to
 ‘well-informed sources’ who have an equally comfortable chair. It is  also unfortunate that some of our retired officers have also jumped on  the media bandwagon to slam our ‘defensive mindset’ and ‘lapses’. Did  no soldiers die when they were commanders? Has the army suddenly  forgotten its ethos because some of our officers have retired?
 Let me not quote facts and figures because I have no access to them.  My senior officers tell me that the security situation in J&K is  improving. Violence, infiltration levels, civilian causalities are
 down, and there is less fear on the faces of people. I believe my  seniors because I see it everyday.
 Can I do more? Maybe I can eke a little more out of my aching muscles  and sleep filled eyes. Will it help? I don’t think so, because the  newspapers will not cover what I do, but look for the one who does  not. I just hope I am not one of their victims.
 I am an Indian Army officer- proud and confident. I know what I have  to do. No other profession in the world demands that you lay down your  life in the defence of people you do not even know. If you question my  commitment, please be prepared to wear the Uniform and man the LoC in
 my place.

-  By An Army Ofiicer 

What Is Army ??

What Is Army ??

Army is:-

When a cold and shivering jawan gets you a cup of hot tea on a patrol break at 13,000 feet.

When your sixth sense tells you there is something wrong with a guy at 50 meters.

When you meet with an accident and the first thing you check is the serviceability of your legs.

When you speak the language of your boys.

When you sit from dusk to dawn in an ambush on Valentine’s Day, you know army is giving you the red rose.

When you are a master at pump stove, lanterns, solar lights, bukharis and travelling in trains without reservations.

When you know more about cramps and cold injuries than your average doctor.

When a girl in the pub is indicated by clock-ray method.

When only your sahayak can dig out the thing you want from your rucksack.

When your pain submits to your will.

When you find it funny when your relative says he’s going on a holiday to a hill station.

When your profession is a matter of discussion during marriage proposals.

When you do not believe in ghosts but do believe in Peer Baba and other high altitude babas.

When you know the real meaning of camouflage, in field, in parties, in unit routine and in your own house.

When you can live, anywhere, with anybody, on anything that nature can offer.

When you know this LMG will be re-sited by everybody up the ladder, till it comes back to where you had sited it initially.

When somebody asks, “Do you play Golf?” and you look at the brass on your shoulder and say “Not yet!”

When you are the biggest consumer of foot powder, DMP oil, water sterilization kit, ORS packets and Meals Ready to Eat in the Army.

When you gave it all that you have got, and some more.

When you are the only one to get trained in bayonet fighting. And expect it to happen.

When your girlfriend thinks you are Rambo, Commando, Gladiator and Braveheart, all rolled into one. Your Commanding Officer, by the way, thinks you are none.

When the Politician and the Bureaucrat state, "what is so special about the ARMY", without realizing that an Army-man can do their job, better then them,  but they cannot do an Army-man's job and it is the the same Army-man who bails them out whenever they fail 

When you get lost in a multiplex with signboards but are at ease in a jungle with a compass.

When you can die for, what you have lived for.

That's the great INDIAN ARMY.....People call it ARMY, We call it LIFE.

Why do i still serve you

How you play with us, did you ever see?
At Seven, I had decided what I wanted to be;
I would serve you to the end,
All these boundaries I would defend.

Now you make me look like a fool,
When at Seventeen and just out of school;
Went to the place where they made "men out of boys"
Lived a tough life …sacrificed a few joys…

In those days, I would see my 'civilian' friends,
Living a life with the fashion trends;
Enjoying their so called "College Days"
While I sweated and bled in the sun and haze…
But I never thought twice about what where or why
All I knew was when the time came, I'd be ready to do or die.

At 21 and with my commission in hand,
Under the glory of the parade and the band,
I took the oath to protect you over land, air or sea,
And make the supreme sacrifice when the need came to be.

I stood there with a sense of recognition,
But on that day I never had the premonition,
that when the time came to give me my due,
You'd just say," What is so great that you do?"

Long back you promised a well to do life;
And when I'm away, take care of my wife.
You came and saw the hardships I live through,
And I saw you make a note or two,
And I hoped you would realise the worth of me;
but now I know you'll never be able to see,
Because you only see the glorified life of mine,
Did you see the place where death looms all the time?
Did you meet the man standing guard in the snow?
The name of his newborn he does not know...
Did you meet the man whose father breathed his last?
While the sailor patrolled our seas so vast?

You still know I'll not be the one to raise my voice
I will stand tall and protect you in Punjab Himachal and Thois.

But that's just me you have in the sun and rain,
For now at Twenty Four, you make me think again;
About the decision I made, Seven years back;
Should I have chosen another life, some other track?

Will I tell my son to follow my lead?
Will I tell my son, you'll get all that you need?
This is the country you will serve
This country will give you all that you deserve?

I heard you tell the world "India is shining"
I told my men, that's a reason for us to be smiling
This is the India you and I will defend!
But tell me how long will you be able to pretend?
You go on promise all that you may,
But it's the souls of your own men you betray.

Did you read how some of our eminent citizens
Write about me and ridicule my very existence?
I ask you to please come and see what I do,
Come and have a look at what I go through
Live my life just for a day
Maybe you'll have something else to say?

I will still risk my life without a sigh
To keep your flag flying high
but today I ask myself a question or two…
Oh India…. Why do I still serve you

ODE TO AN ARMY MAN

ODE TO AN ARMY MAN
For you contours are easier to read than the city maps ,
You feel comfortable in jungles and get lost in metros.
For you time is in hundred hours, where as 3' O clock is a direction,
Distance is always in multiples of hundred meters and you keep on loosing North.
When people meet near pubs, cafes and discos,
You meet near water tanks, bridges and survey trees.
For you Kenwood and Motorola are familiar brands of Radio sets
And Apple and Blackberry are fruits.
You never knew cars, mobiles and bikes also had series.
The only series you know is the AK series.
You remember names of all Tanzeems,
but do not know the name of IPL teams.
Stamps on your passport are of Congo and Sudan
where as others go to US, UK and Japan.
You remember the raising days of units,
but forget anniversaries and birthdays.
When others talk of CEO and COO,
You only know C with only one O.
For you lol and asap is Greek
and you even look for them in Appx 'C'.
When others talk of Pune, Bangalore and Gurgaon
you talk of Poonch, Bimbat and Bongaigaon.
For you, The Safety Honour and Welfare of your Country comes first,
Always and Every Time
and women will always be from Venus and not from Mars, always and every time.
For you green and blue are own safe zones,
Red and pink are danger zones.
For you the choice of arms was more painful than break ups and chasing girls is tougher than the march up.
You will travel 500 miles to meet her,
But will expect her to walk the last five steps.
You can talk to 500 rusty men for three hours,
But will be afraid to speak three magical words.
You will crack any code or language,
But a one line message from her, with a few dots and exclamation marks will confuse you.
For all those who think he is a flirt,
He will be the last man standing,
True to his vows and words......

The Last Post

Each time I listen to the tune of 'Last Post', I get tears in my eyes; the memories of the past are still afresh. During the academy days, one of my very close friends used to say: I am a soldier, not afraid to die 2 stars on the shoulders worth millions in the sky If I die in the combat zone, Box me up and send me home. Pin my medals to my chest, Tell my mom I did my best. I was born a soldier, so did I die. I lost this dear friend a few years back but he is still alive in my heart and I still cherish the times we spent together. This brave-heart gave his life for the country he loved more than anything else – in the highest traditions of the Indian Army and once again passing the message that we always put “Service Before Self”. Always remember the fallen officers and soldiers – who lost their lives and their present for the better future of the nation. And respect the ones who have returned and who are still serving the armed forces If you have ever been to a military funeral, you would remember ‘The Last Post’ which was played. This note of mine may bring out a new meaning of it and it is surely something which everybody should know. Some of us may have heard the song, 'The Last Post'. It's a song that gives me a lump in the throat and usually tears in my eyes. Let me take you guys through  the story behind this. Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the American Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gun-                          fire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his son.The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. This is how the haunting melody, we now know as 'The Last Post', used at military funerals was born. The words are: Day is done. Gone the sun. From the lakes. From the hills. From the sky. All is well. Safely rest. God is nigh. ------- Fading light. Dims the sight. And a star. Gems the sky. Gleaming bright. From afar. Drawing nigh. Falls the night. ------- Thanks and praise. For our days. Neath the sun Neath the stars. Neath the sky As we go. This we know. God is nigh Here is a link in case you would like to listen to the tune again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlYtlyFSTlU&NR=1&feature=fvwp

THE FINAL INSPECTION 

The Soldier stood and faced God,  Which must always come to pass.  

He hoped his shoes were shining,  Just as brightly as his brass.. 

  'Step forward now, Soldier ,  How shall I deal with you?  

Have you always turned the other cheek?  

To My Church have you been true?' 

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,  

'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.  

Because those of us who carry guns,  Can't always be a saint.   

I've had to work most Sundays,  And at times my talk was tough. 

And sometimes I've been violent,  Because the world is awfully rough.

 

But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep... 

Though I worked a lot of overtime,  When the bills got just too steep.

 

And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear..

And sometimes, God, forgive me,  I've wept unmanly tears.

 

I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. 

They never wanted me around,  Except to calm their fears

 

If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. 

I never expected or had too much,  But if you don't, I'll understand.

 

There was a silence all around the throne, 

Where the saints had often trod. 

As the Soldier waited quietly,  For the judgment of his God.

 

'Step forward now, you Soldier, You've borne your burdens well. 

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,  You've done your time in Hell.'

सैनिक की अंतिम इच्छा : एक कविता
साथी घर जाकर मत कहना, संकेतों में बतला देना
यदि हाल मेरी माता पूछे, मुरझाया फूल दिखा देना
यदि इतना कहने से न माने, जलता दीपबुझा देना
यदि हाल मेरी बहना पूछे, मस्तक तिलक मिटा देना
यदि इतना कहने से न माने, तो राखी तोड दिखा देना
यदि हाल मेरी पत्नी पूछे, मांग सिंदूर मिटा देना
यदि इतना कहने से न माने, तो चूडी तोड दिखा देना
एक प्रणाम शहिदो के नाम
जिन्होने देश के लिए अपना सर्वस्व न्योछावर कर दिया

OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED YESTERDAY

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the family,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Natha Singh has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And a pension, meagre & small..

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some Neta,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight to the skin.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED YESTERDAY"

Life in Army

Anybody who has ever donned an Olive Green Uniform would know how difficult it is to explain the Army as a Profession or a Job. It is neither  Job nor Profession. Its a way of life. A life which is above all jobs & professions. Although, ‘The Ultimate’ requires no illustrations, here is a kaleidoscope of myriad snippets which would, to certain extent, conjure up the vista of the soul and spirit of The Army. 

You do not have to chose Army, rather Army is when destiny choses ‘you’ over the rest.

 

Army is:-

• When a cold and shivering jawan gets you a cup of hot tea on a patrol break at 13,000 feet.
• When your sixth sense tells you there is something wrong with a guy at 50 meters.
• When you meet with an accident and the first thing you check is the serviceability of your legs.
• When you speak the language of your boys.
• When you sit from dusk to dawn in an ambush on Valentine’s Day, you know infantry is giving you the red rose.
• When you are a master at pump stove, lanterns, solar lights, bukharis and travelling in trains without reservations.
• When you know more about cramps and cold injuries than your average doctor.
• When a girl in the pub is indicated by clock-ray method.
• When only your batman can dig out the thing you want from your rucksack.
• When your pain submits to your will.
• When you find it funny when your relative says he’s going on a holiday to a hill station.
• When your arm is a matter of discussion during marriage proposals.
• When you do not believe in ghosts but do believe in Peer Baba and other high altitude babas.
• When you know the real meaning of camouflage, in field, in parties, in unit routine and in your own house.
• When you can live, anywhere, with anybody, on anything that nature can offer.
• When you know this Medium Machine Gun will be resisted by everybody up the ladder, till it comes back to where you had sited it initially.
• When somebody asks, “Do you play Golf?” and you look at the brass on your shoulder and
• When your girlfriend thinks you are Rambo, Commando, Gladiator and Braveheart, all rolled into one. Your Commanding Officer, by the way, thinks you are none.
•  say “Not yet!”
• When you are the biggest consumer of foot powder, DMP oil, water sterilization kit, ORS packets and Meals Ready to Eat in the Army.
• When you gave it all that you have got, and some more.
• When you are the only one to get trained in bayonet fighting. And expect it to happen.
• When you get lost in a multiplex with signboards but are at ease in a jungle with a compass.
• When you can die for, what you have lived for. 

A TRIBUTE TO THE AIR FORCE

A TRIBUTE TO THE AIR FORCE 

He was handsome ,dashing , and loved to fly,
I was just nineteen, awkward and shy,
With calculated charm he wooed me and persisted,
I demurred, protested, and half heartedly resisted,
But at last he managed to have his way,
I agreed to tie the knot , come what may,
We were wed and posted to KKD,
One month and he was off on his first TD,
Pilots wives ,I was told never cry,
Cheerfully send off their husbands to fly,
But here I was alone , stranded and sad,
Came the queries why the long face , why so sad?
They took charge and kept me busy,
Coffee mornings ,shopping sprees and kitties,
How warmly I was welcomed into the fold,
Into the squadron ,by young and old,
I cannot forget the warmth and the caring,
It was then I learnt the joy of sharing,
The picnics ,the parties and the sheer fun,
The pride and thrill when flying was done,
And now I am an Airforce wife of many years,
I look back and laugh at my fears,
We are so proud to be the wives,
Of these masters of the skies,
Men, who daily risk their lives,
For their country , in peace or strife,
May God bless them one and all,
May no harm ever befall,
If I ever was given another life
I,d rather be born an AirForce wife!

Arti Chopra