WHEN I TOOK INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
At the time of recruitment in the Army in 1963, Bhau Chachu was a Religious Teacher in the Army. He was then based in Patiala where I was recruited in the Army. Chachu later retired from Army as Sub Maj & Hony Capt.
In view of my NCC background, I did not experience much difficulty in basic military training and soon I was appointed as a Platoon Champion. On completion of basic training, I was awarded a Silver Medal for 'Drill First' and a 'Trophy' for all round championship and for being best cadet, by Col F.J. Brito, the then Centre Commandant, ASC Centre (South), Bangalore who in his closing address also highlighted my name and hoped that I would become a good army officer in the times to come.
In view of my NCC background, I did not experience much difficulty in basic military training and soon I was appointed as a Platoon Champion. On completion of basic training, I was awarded a Silver Medal for 'Drill First' and a 'Trophy' for all round championship and for being best cadet, by Col F.J. Brito, the then Centre Commandant, ASC Centre (South), Bangalore who in his closing address also highlighted my name and hoped that I would become a good army officer in the times to come.
The cadets, to whom I had defeated in the competition are, however, now retired senior army officers. Despite my best efforts for commission in the Army, I was not lucky enough to make it. After my marriage in 1973 itself, I decided to try for a posting abroad. As per existing rules, one can apply for SL Commission in the Army or posting abroad.
Since the process for selection for posting abroad is a lengthy one, it took nearly five years to clear all the stages of practical, training courses, written tests, typing test and interviews at the highest levels at Pune and New Delhi. Being one of the toppers in the final interview at Army Headquarters, I was recommended for posting to High Commission of India, Canberra (Australia) for a period of three years.
Being a soldier, I had a rare opportunity to talk to Grand Old Man of Indian Army and first Commander-in-Chief of free India, High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand, late Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa, OBE, and worked for him closely for three days and learned many good things of the life from a person of very high principles and caliber.
While in High Commission of India, Canberra, Prime Minister of India and three retired service chiefs also visited Australia, and we the three people being the army staff of Military Advisor to the High Commissioner, had the opportunity to serve these service officers closely during their stay there. I had also the rare opportunity to attend the official receptions of these visiting chiefs on official invitation with my wife Rama.
In 1982, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was held in Melbourne. Office of the Indian Contingent headed by the late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was set up at the 45th floor of Hotel Wentworth. During this meeting, I had the privilege of taking personal instructions from the Prime Minister when she asked me whether I would be able to get the jotter refill of her ball point pen changed, which, of course I did.
Rama also had the opportunity to garland, talking and sitting besides the Prime Minister of India and Australia on the occasion of opening ceremony of new Chancery Building of High Commission of India at Yarralumla in Canberra after the CHOGM meeting.
Though I have had small but significant events happening in my life right from my childhood, I failed to come out as per the expectations of my Principal and Centre Commandant. Though I have no regrets for what I am today, their complementary remarks still haunt me. I wonder if there are still more positive events in store for me, I am happy or sad, I cannot say but leave it to you readers, to ponder over!
Being a soldier, I had a rare opportunity to talk to Grand Old Man of Indian Army and first Commander-in-Chief of free India, High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand, late Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa, OBE, and worked for him closely for three days and learned many good things of the life from a person of very high principles and caliber.
While in High Commission of India, Canberra, Prime Minister of India and three retired service chiefs also visited Australia, and we the three people being the army staff of Military Advisor to the High Commissioner, had the opportunity to serve these service officers closely during their stay there. I had also the rare opportunity to attend the official receptions of these visiting chiefs on official invitation with my wife Rama.
In 1982, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was held in Melbourne. Office of the Indian Contingent headed by the late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was set up at the 45th floor of Hotel Wentworth. During this meeting, I had the privilege of taking personal instructions from the Prime Minister when she asked me whether I would be able to get the jotter refill of her ball point pen changed, which, of course I did.
Rama also had the opportunity to garland, talking and sitting besides the Prime Minister of India and Australia on the occasion of opening ceremony of new Chancery Building of High Commission of India at Yarralumla in Canberra after the CHOGM meeting.
Though I have had small but significant events happening in my life right from my childhood, I failed to come out as per the expectations of my Principal and Centre Commandant. Though I have no regrets for what I am today, their complementary remarks still haunt me. I wonder if there are still more positive events in store for me, I am happy or sad, I cannot say but leave it to you readers, to ponder over!
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