Obituary: Lt. Gen. Pankaj Shivram Joshi

BANDE MEIN THA DUM CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

When Lt. Gen (Retd) Pankaj Shivram Joshi PVSM, AVSM, VSM, The first Chief of Staff of the Integrated Defence Command passed away in an Indore hospital on July 1, 2009 a cloak of sadness enveloped the small cantonment town of Mhow where he had settled after almost 41 years in the Indian Army. He will continue to be a source of inspiration for for all his compatriots. , writes Dev Kumar Vasudevan Jen Joshi’s wife Mrs. Prabha Joshi was kind enough to give me some time when I requested her. She talked to me in detail about Pankaj Joshi the soldier, husband and father. He was born on Sept 9, 1943 in Peshawar where his father, a civil servant, was then posted. They shifted to Delhi in 1947. Pankaj and his brother Kuldeep joined the Nutan Marathi Vidyalaya, Pune. After his schooling Pankaj was selected for the 21st course at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. After passing out as a Gentleman Cadet of the 30th regular course, IMA, Dehra Dun, he was commissioned in the First Battalion of Eight Gorkha Rifles in December 1962. He served in Ladakh and participated in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. It was in 1967, while on a mine-clearing operation in Sikkim, that he lost one of his legs. The other leg was also amputated soon. A normal man would have accepted defeat but Pankaj Joshi was made of sterner stuff. He fought back. It was a painful journey but he had the support of his wife, family and friends. Within eight months of his loss and nine operations later he was fitted with a pair of artificial limbs at the Artificial Limb Centre, Pune. He was cycling to the Centre within a fortnight. He was soon walking upto eight kilometers a day. His activities included walking, swimming and mountain climbing. He had also participated in the Himalayan Car Rally and in a 42 kilometres cycling marathon in Delhi. It was in 1968 that Pankaj met a young lady named Mukta Kale. In due course they decided to become lifemates. It was not smooth sailing. Mukta’s mother was not very comfortable with the idea of Mukta marrying a man in Pankaj’s condition. “She was not sure whether Pankaj and I would be able to have children. So I went to our family doctor who was like an uncle to me. He convinced my mother of the soundness of my decision. In any case I had decided that if we didn’t have any children of our own we would certainly adopt a child.” Pankaj had got an equally brave life partner for himself. After marriage Mukta became Prabha and within a few years she and Pankaj became the proud parents of a daughter Unnati, who is now a US based architect, and Sameer, who is a teacher of French. “The children were allowed to choose their own careers,” Prabha Joshi told me, “we never imposed our will on them. The only thing Pankaj ensured was that they grew up as normal middle class children. So there was no staff car to drop them at school or a sahayak to polish their shoes or make their beds.” After completing a B.A. degree in Russian from the Jawaharlal Nehru University he was selected for the Staff College at Wellington. This was a turning point as he decided against leaving the Army. In 1978-79 the Army changed the rules for medically categorizing officers. “My husband was then posted in the College of Combat and the then Commandant General Sundarji once overheard him speaking in fluent Gurkhali to a JCO of his battalion who was visiting Mhow. He was so impressed by the fact that Pankaj had totally merged himself with his Paltan that he went all out to help him prove that he was fit to command the same battalion.” Pankaj Joshi was able to prove to a medical board that he was as fit as any officer without a disability. He had also played eighteen holes of golf with the Army doctor who had to check his physical fitness. He was then given command of his battalion - the 1/8 Gurkha Rifles. “When he took over command of the Paltan,” said Mrs. Prabha Joshi with tears in her eyes, “he told his men that he was returning to the battalion after fourteen years of banishment the way Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of vanvaas.” He also had instructional stints at the Higher Command Wing of the College of Combat (now Army War College) Mhow and the DSSC Wellington. He had also attended the Higher Command Course of the United States Army War College. His career graph kept rising after that. He commanded an Armoured brigade, an Armoured Division and 12 Corps. He was the second officer with a disability after Lt. Gen Vijay Oberoi to attain the rank of Lieutenant General. In 1998 during the Prime Ministership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Pokharan nuclear blasts were conducted under his command. He held the appointment of Additional Director General Mechanised Forces at Army HQ and the Commandant of the College of Combat, Mhow. He went on to become the GOC-in-C of the Central Command, Lucknow, and was then chosen as the first ever Chief of Staff of the Integrated Defence Command. When General Joshi was once interviewed by the Indian Express he had said, ‘‘There is only one thing that stops a handicapped person from doing things normally - society. It makes you feel handicapped by perpetually offering you help. In my home no one does that. If I have to change a bulb or get something from a high shelf I do it myself.’’ Even in death he taught us all a lesson as he willed his body to be donated for medical studies and research. A wish which his brave family fulfilled. “Both of us had decided to donate our bodies,” said Mrs. Joshi. A multi-faceted personality Pankaj Joshi’s interests included Indian classical music, bird watching, environment, pottery and writing.

IT Shayari by a friend

Kal jab woh mile thhe.... to dil mein hui ek sound. Aur aaj mile to kehte hain..... your 'file not found!' Jo muddat se hota aaya hai, woh repeat kar doonga... Tu naa mili to apni zindagi 'ctrl+alt+delete' kar doonga... Shayad mere pyar ko taste karna bhool gaye... Dil sey aisa cut kiya ke paste karna bhool gaye... Laakhon honge nigaah mein kabhi mujhe bhi pick karo... Mere pyaar ke icon pe kabhi to double-click karo... Roz subha hum karte hain pyar se unhe good morning... Woh aise ghoor ke dekti hain jaise 0 errors aur 5 warning... Aisa bhi nahin hai ke I don't like your face. Par dil ke storage mein No more disk space. Ghar se jab tum nikale pehen ke reshmi gown. Jaane kitne dilon ka ho gaya, ek dum Server down.

Kitne ne bhi humse door hon woh

pahunch jaati hai baat foran untak ;

Internet ki kripa se aaj kal

shayari too has gone high -tech .

Poem

हर ख़ुशी है लोगों के दमन में ,
पर एक हंसी के लिए वक़्त नहीं ...
दिन रात दौड़ती दुनिया में ,
ज़िन्दगी के लिए ही वक़्त नहीं .

माँ की लोरी का एहसास तो है ,
पर माँ को माँ कहने का वक़्त नहीं .
सारे रिश्तों को तो हम मार चुके ,
अब उन्हें दफ़नाने का भी वक़्त नहीं .

सारे नाम मोबाइल में हैं ,
पर दोस्ती के लए वक़्त नहीं
गैरों की क्या बात करें ,
जब अपनों के लिए ही वक़्त नहीं .

आँखों में है नींद बड़ी ,
पर सोने का वक़्त नहीं .
दिल है ग़मों से भरा हुआ ,
पर रोने का भी वक़्त नहीं .

पैसों की दौड़ में ऐसे दौड़े ,
की थकने का भी वक़्त नहीं .
पराये एहसासों की क्या कद्र करें ,
जब अपने सपनो के लिए ही वक़्त नहीं ..

तू ही बता ए ज़िन्दगी ,
इस ज़िन्दगी का क्या होगा ,
की हर पल मरने वालों को ,
जीने के लिए भी वक़्त नहीं .........

Fines under Motor Vehicle Act

India: Fines for violation of traffic rules…please don’t pay a penny more!!!

Note : Under section 177 of Motor Vehicle Act, fine for rule violation done by Cab and Auto Rickshaw is Rs 50/- and for Other Vehicles fine is Rs 100.

List of Important Traffic Offences & Compounding Fee Charged

Sr.No.	Description of Offences	Motor Vehicle Act Sections	Compounding Fee (In Rs)
1	Parking in 'No Parking' Zone.	MVA - 119/177	100
2	Parking at a corner/turning.	MVA - 119/177	100
3	Double Parking of Vehicle.	MVA - 119/177	100
4	Vehicle entering in a 'No Entry' Zone.	MVA - 119/177	100
5	No 'U' Turn.	MVA - 119/177	100
6	Obstruction to other vehicle or Pedestrians.	MVA- 122/177	100
7	Driving on the wrong side.	MVA- 119/177	100
8	Overtaking a vehicle from left side.	MVA-119/177	100
9	Disobeying traffic signs or signals.	MVA-119/177	100
10	Carrying passenger on footboard.	MVA-123/177	100
11	Licence not in possession.	MVA-130/177	100
12	Owner not giving information about his / her driving License.	MVA- 133/177	100
13	Using unsafe vehicle.	MVA- 190(1)/177	100
14	Driving under influence of Alcohol.	MVA- 185(1)	Non Compoundable
15	Driving two wheeler without a Helmet	MVA- 129/177	100
16	Carrying passengers on Bonnet/Cabin/running Board.	MVA- 123(2)/177	100
17	Driving without Licence.	MVA- 3(1)/181	300
18	Giving vehicle to a person who has no driving licence.	MVA- 5/180	300
19	Rash Driving.	MVA- 184	500
20	Underage person (below 18 Yrs of age) driving geared vehicle.	MVA- 4(1)/181	300
21	Underage person (below 16 Yrs of age) driving non- geared vehicle.	MVA- 4(1)/181	300
22	Speeding or Lane cutting.	MVA- 112/183	200
23	Driving or giving out for use uninsured vehicle.	MVA- 146/196	300
24	Triple seat driving.	MVA-128	100
25	Driving or giving out for use unregistered vehicle.	MVA- 39/192	1000
26	Unauthorised transport of passengers or goods without valid permit.	MVA- 66(1)/192	Non Compoundable
27	Ignoring Traffic Officer's Signal.	MVA- 132(1)a/179	200
28	Parking Rickshaw/Taxi not in an Authorised Rickshaw Stand.	MMVR-21(5)/177	100
29	Demanding excess Auto / Taxi meter charges.	MMVR- 21(12)/177	100
30	Auto or Taxi driver refusing to carry passenger(s) to nearby destination.	MMVR- 22(d)/177	100
31	Demanding Auto / Taxi fare beyond the Meter Charges applicable.	MMVR-21(d)/177	100
32	Dazzling/Glaring Light.	MMVR- 235/177	100
33	Illegal/Fancy Number Plate.	MMVR- 235(2)/177	100
34	Parking On Footpath.	MMVR- 237(1)/177	100
35	Auto / Taxi driver deliberately not taking the shortest route to a passenger's destination.	MMVR- 21(8)/177	100
36	Auto / Taxi drivers soliciting passengers.	MMVR-21(13)/177	100
37	Auto / Taxi driver smoking while driving.	MMVR- 21(16)/177	100
37	Auto / Taxi driver not in uniform while driving.	MMVR- 31(1)/177	100
38	Carrying persons or articles causing obstruction to the driver's seat.	MMVR- 23(1)/177	100
39	Blowing horn in a Silence Zone.	MMVR- 231/177	100
40	Driving Auto/Taxi without valid badge.	MMVR- 24(2)/177	100
41	Carrying Goods of more than 12 feet in height.	MMVR- 229/177	100
42	Driving heavy vehicle with Back Door or Latch Open.	MMVR- 229(2)/177	100
43	Not having Light on Number Plate	MMVR- 236(1)/177	100
44	Negligence while reversing your vehicle.	MMVR- 233/177	100
45	Filling of less petrol by Taxi/Auto driver while carrying passenger(s).	MMVR- 21(14)/177	100
46	Not keeping Auto / Taxi Clean.	MMVR- 21(29)/177	100
47	Carrying excess passengers in Auto/Taxi...	MMVR- 21(20)/177	100
48	Not having side or rear view mirror.	MMVR- 161/177	100
49	Keeping TV set or Video on Dash Board.	MMVR- 162/177	100
50	Using mobile phone while driving.	MMVR- 250(a)/177	100
51	Stopping on Zebra crossing.	MMVR- 237(1)/177	100
52	Driving without Mud Guard.	MMVR- 165/177	100
53	Driving without wiper in rainy season (3/4 Wheelers).	CMVR-101/177	100
54	Driving with worn out or torn tyres.	CMVR-94(2)/177	100
55	Driving without reflector light.	CMVR-104(1)/177	100
56	No Head/Tail Lamps.	CMVR- 105/177	100
57	Vehicle stopping without flashing parking light at night.	CMVR- 109/177	100
58	Blowing or installing of Pressure/Multisound Horn.	CMVR -119(2)/190(2)MVA	500
59	Dark tinted glasses (less than 75% Visibility from outside).	CMVR-100/177	100
60	Not displaying 'L' Board (Front & Rear) incase of learner's License.	CMVR- 3(c)/177	100
61	Offence under Emission Control Act. (No PUC)	CMVR-115(2)/190(2)MVA	500
62	Parking on wrong side.	RRR-15(2)(1)/177	100
63	Parking or stopping within 10 mtrs of a Bus Stop.	RRR-15(2)(1)/177	100
64	Stopping on a Bridge.	RRR-15(2)(1)/177	100
65	Stopping within an Island.	RRR-15(2)(1)/177	100
66	Driving on wrong side.	RRR-15(2)(1)/177	100
67	Lane Cutting while driving.	RRR-18(2)/177	100
68	Ignoring rules of Road Marking or Lane Marking.	RRR-18(2)/177	100
69	Parking in front of a Gate.	RRR-15(2)(8)/177	100

CRANE/ TOWING / LIFTING CHARGES
Sr. No.	Type Of Vehicle	Lifting Charges (Rs) (Charges for 'No Parking' are not included)
1	Heavy Vehicle (Truck /Tanker/Trailers/Bus)	1,000
2	Light Vehicle (Car/Jeep)	200
3	Three Wheeler Vehicles	100

Readership

Readership…

The Times of India is read by people who think they run the country.
The Economic Times is read by people who think they own the country.
The Indian Express is read by people who shouldn't run the country.
The Statesman is read by people who think they ought to run the country.
The Hindustan Times is read by people who think Delhi is a country.
The Telegraph is read by people who think Bengal is the best country.
The Malayala Manorama is read by people who think Kerala is their country, and God's ... zimble !
The Pioneer is read by people who think the Brits ran this country better.
The Saamna is read by semi-literates who think, !!+#%&, everyone should fx%k off from country.
The Femina is read by the fat wives of the rich in this country.
The Stardust is read by people who care a shit who runs the country.
The DNA is not read, but used to pack footwear by people going out of this country.

Visit to India

In the days when you couldn't count on a public toilet facility, an English woman was planning a trip to India . She was registered to stay in a small guest house owned by the local Schoolmaster.
She was concerned as to whether the guest house contained a WC..
In England , a bathroom is commonly called a WC which stands for 'Water Closet'.

She wrote to the schoolmaster inquiring of the facilities about the WC.
The school master, not fluent in English, asked the local priest if he knew the meaning of WC.. Together they pondered possible meanings of the letters and concluded that the lady wanted to know if there was a 'WaysideChurch' near the house . . . a bathroom never entered their minds.
So the schoolmaster wrote the following reply:

Dear Madam,
I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is located 9 miles from the house.
It is located in the middle of a grove of pine trees, surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sundays and Thursdays.
As there are many people expected in the summer months, I suggest you arrive early. There is, however, plenty of standing room.
This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are in the habit of going regularly.
It may be of some interest to you that my daughter was married in the WC, as it was there, that she met her husband. It was a wonderful event.
There were 10 people in every seat. It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces. We can take photos in different angle.

My wife, sadly, has been ill and unable to go recently. It has been almost a year since she went last, which pains her greatly.
You will be pleased to know that many people bring their lunch and make a day of it. Others prefer to wait till the last minute and arrive just in time. I would recommend your ladyship plan to go on a Thursday as there is an organ accompaniment. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heard everywhere.

The newest addition is a bell which rings every time a person enters.

We are holding a bazaar to provide plush seats for all, since many feel it is long needed.
I look forward to escorting you there myself and seating you in a place where you can be seen by all.
With deepest regards,
The Schoolmaster

The Woman never visited India !!!!

Globalization

Question:
What is the truest definition of Globalization?

Answer:
Princess
Diana's
death.

Question:
How come?

Answer :

An
English princess
with an
Egyptian boyfriend

crashes
in a French tunnel,
riding in a

German
car

with a
Dutch engine,

driven
by a Belgian

who was
drunk

on
Scottish whisky,

followed
closely by

Italian
Paparazzi,

on
Japanese motorcycles,

treated
by an American doctor,
using

Brazilian
medicines.

This is
sent to you by

an
Indian,

using

American
Bill Gates' technology,
developed in Israel

and
you're probably reading
this on your computer,

that
uses Taiwanese chips,
and

a

Korean
monitor,

assembled
by

Bangladeshi
workers

in a
Singapore plant,

transported
by Indian

truck drivers,

hijacked
by Indonesians,

unloaded by
Sicilian longshoremen,

and
trucked to you by Mexican illegals.

That, my friends,
is Globalization !

Holi hai bhai Holi hai --Watch out

The Holi countdown has begun. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the long weekend ahead and of course, the parties. Going wild is very much the essence of Holi, and most of us enjoy this festival just because it offers the opportunity to throw restraint out of the window for a few hours.

So why not prepare yourself for the inevitable onslaught of water and colour? While colour is the essence of Holi, the skinfriendly natural dyes used a decade ago have now been replaced by synthetic dyes that have toxic effects.

To minimise the potential effects of these on the skin and hair, it's best to take precautions.

The precautions have to be taken for some days before and after Holi.

"Avoid all facial treatments during this period. If you are prone to allergies and rashes, visit your dermatologist to check whether you need precautionary medication," advises Dr Ajay Rana, a dermatologist and aesthetic physician, who is the director of Berkowits Hair and Skin Clinics.

Harsh chemicals in the colours can cause itching and rashes, which lead to eczema upon scratching. Contact dermatitis, abrasion, irritation, itching, dryness, pruritus and burning sensation are the other problems. The best way to protect your skin is to apply a thick layer of oil or petroleum jelly on the exposed parts of the body an hour before you step out.

Also, use sunscreen since the dyes present in the colours make the skin vulnerable to sun burns, darkening and rashes. There's also the risk of getting dry skin and pigmentation since some colours are photosensitive and cause the skin to burn when it is exposed to sunlight. Washing and scrubbing to remove colours aggravate the problem.

"People tend to use soaps to remove colours but these contain esters that erode the skin layers and often cause rashes," says Dr Anil Malik, consultant dermatologist at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital. He advises washing with a soap- free cleanser.

Dr Rana cautions against using kerosene, spirit or petrol to remove the colour and says a cream- based cleanser or baby oil is the best option. "Make sure you use cold water for washing as hot water sticks the colour on the skin," he adds.

A liberal application of moisturiser or baby oil after cleansing is also a good idea. Also, it's best to stay away from sunlight till your skin settles down.

Coming to hair, the chemicals in the colours cause the roots to become brittle and the scalp to dry up. To prevent this, use baby oil or coconut oil daily before you shampoo your hair in the days leading up to Holi. But Just like soap, don't overdo the shampoo since it may lead to hair fall.

Nails are also to be taken care of as the dye lodged in nails is hard to remove. The best way to avoid this is to use petroleum jelly. And avoid a pedicure or manicure for a day or so as these treatments can either damage the nail or the cuticle.

Don't use nailpolish remover to get the colour off as it dissolves the protective skin layer .

Quotes

1. The best way to get even is to forget...

2. Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death...

3. God wants spiritual fruits, not religious nuts...

4. Some folks wear their halos much too tight...

5. Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth...

6. Unless You can create the WHOLE universe in 5 days, Then perhaps giving "advice" to God, isn't such a good idea!

7. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up...

8. Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways...

9. Words are windows to the heart.

10. A skeptic is a person who when he sees the handwriting on the wall, claims it's a forgery...

11. It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill ... just add a little dirt.

12. A successful marriage isn't finding the right person -- it's being the right person.

13. The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground...

14. Too many people offer God prayers with claw marks all over them.

15. The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it.

16. To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you.

17. You have to wonder about humans...they think God is dead and Elvis is alive!

18. It's okay to sit on your pity pot every now and then. Just be sure to flush once-in-awhile.

19. You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck...

20. If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher.

Remembrance Day

Daddy's poem.

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
he favourite dress tied with a bow,
today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mummy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay at home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all
about a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall at the back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class,
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching for
a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
‘looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her mum.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone
and though I cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's always with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
and if he could, he'd be here
but heaven's just too far.

You see he was a British Soldier
and died just this past year,
when a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Britons to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

To her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
a room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star,
and given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.


Lest We Forget.