Back in the NDA, jointness was evident in every small little detail, for example if the Commandant was from Army, the Deputy Commandant was from the Air Force, similarly for a Naval Commandant, his Deputy would be from the Army. Similarly the Squadron Commanders, Battalion Commanders and Division Commanders were shared pro rata, for every two Army officers as Squadron Commanders, there would be one each of Air Force and Navy in the Battalion. The hierarchy too was similar, a battalion (Army) was divided into four squadrons (Air Force) and our rooms were designated as cabins (Navy). These cabins were our homes away from homes for those three years, they were our refuge from all the ordeal that we were put through in those formative years.
The image which your gullible mind conjures is of a cabin that is a romantic log cabin deep in the woods, the NDA cabin is a total contrast. Let me first describe the cabin for those unlucky souls who did not get an opportunity to pass out under the Quarter Deck. The cabin was furnished frugally with a bed and mattress, a study table, a drawer for clothes, a window with blinds, a shelf on the wall where our Field Service Marching Order was packed and kept ready, underneath the shelf was a kit bag with a cardboard in it to give it a shape, duly covered by a clean white handkerchief. The gap between the door and the ceiling was covered by a wired mesh. Now that I have described the cabin in some detail, permit me to paint a typical scenario of any day back in 1983 in our case, I bet it was similar in 1953 and also in 2023. So at three in the morning there is a knock on the door, when we were just about catching our forty winks having been knocked out cold well past the lights out at around midnight. The third termer from the flank where my cabin was located, was at the door, groggily I wake up and put on my dressing gown, lest I be given a dressing down for not following the protocol for the dress, I was hauled straight into the common wash room on the floor, where my other buddies were already huddled up, we knew exactly what was in the offing, so we got about our task in a business like fashion, rolling from one end to the other with the overhead taps in full flow, ensuring that our skins were kept hydrated. After this round of bathroom session, as it was known during our times, we were back just in time for the bathroom clearance and get dressed for the morning muster.
When we return, the cabin lock stares at us with sympathy, and quietly without even creaking just gives way so that we could find some solace in our abode. The bed welcomes us with open arms, but unfortunately we had to spurn this offer, the smokers of the course, light their cigarette quickly to give their lungs their daily/hourly fix of nicotine. We quickly rush to the Tea room flanks with ours and a couple of additional mugs of the seniors to fetch the “hot and ready” tea. Tea was never relished in small cups but in tumblers, as it barely contained any content of tea, it was just sweet ‘tea coloured’ hot water, which was guzzled in litres by the cadets ensuring their tryst with the throne was effective and eventful.
Back to the cabin, which is aware that we are in tearing hurry to get dressed, where the KD (Khaki Drill) Shorts and Shirts are ready to quickly to adorn you, the shoes, with their 32 nails and the horse-shoe in tact along with stockings and garter flashes are the accompaniments with go with attire. The belt too is eager to get onto your waist, lest it be wasted and lo and behold, we are ready in a jiffy. The FSMO perched atop the shelf is mournful, the dungarees are envious, so are the riding hat, britches and boots, as their turn comes just once in a week. Somewhere the swimming trunk is hiding underneath the heap of inner wear, socks white and black generally find refuge in the kitbag, as it is only weekends when one can hope to treat them to some detergent.
Now the satchel beckons, it is already overflowing with the PT rig thrown in, the notebook lying underneath cursing the sweaty T shirt and smelly socks. It is time to make our appearance for the Pre-Muster where the Corporal just peeps outside and barks ‘get lost’. In the parade ground with our cycles by our side, who almost snuggle close, they are aware that, their intimacy is short lived, as the senior whose bike on the neighbouring stand is flat, is going to ride away leaving the poor sod with his flat bike to lug around. “O God help us to keep ourselves physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight…” Time for the NDA Cadets’ prayer and off we go, the cabin windows bid us adieu tearfully, the blinds in half mast, waiting longingly for the post lunch brief interlude, when we would be reunited.
31 thoughts on “AN AFFAIR WITH THE CABIN”
So many memories. After the QM Fort issue in first term, that is the last I saw of hankies!!
A detailed description of morning routine at NDA is quite interesting.
Those memories 😉
Does anyone remember if we had a ceiling fan? I don’t seem to recall ever cleaning it during cabin cupboards
Perhaps global warming missed us
Memories, memories and memories! Thank you Suyash
Hi Suyash ! A very interesting article ! Battalions, Squadrons and Divisions complementing the tri- service ethos and of course, the badge ! One of the most aesthetically designed badges I have come across.
Wonderful memories stiched so beautifully, nostalgic. Certain aspects became clearer to me, knowledge gained
Yet another detailed article on the plight of a cadet while following the morning rituals. Your amusing and comprehensive writing styles is always a treat.
Dear Sir,
Your vivid description of life at NDA has brought back a flood of memories for many, and it’s clear that your time there had a profound impact on your life. Your writing style is engaging, and the way you weave in details about the cabin, the daily routine, and the camaraderie among cadets is truly captivating.
The nostalgia and fondness you express for your time at NDA are palpable, and it’s wonderful to see you sharing your experiences with others. Your blog post has resonated with many, and the comments section is filled with people reminiscing about their own time at NDA.
Your writing is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also a testament to the values and discipline instilled in cadets during their time at NDA. It’s clear that your experiences have shaped you into the person you are today, and your stories are a reminder of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and hard work.
Please keep sharing your stories, and I’m sure many more will be inspired by your experiences. Your dedication to your craft is evident, and your writing continues to captivate audiences.
With Warm Regards..
Sheer nostalgia! NDA was and is a great place, so many fond memories
Wow blast from the past….still fresh the memories…….thanks Suyash for letting me relive those days
Great write up on the academy cabins and cadets’ rigmarole
👍
Vivid description of Cabin bringing memories of II Term and NDA daily routine alive. A great chapter of life gone past. Wish, I could live it once again. Amazingly well written, as always. Thank you Suyash.
Suyash! Minutest details of the Cabin,Placement of the Kit items and the brief interludes of Stay in the Cabin as part of the Cadet Routine at the Academy have been well brought out ,taking us down Memory Lane.
Your Brew of Masala-in-Prose, is, as always, aromatic.
As always a very interesting and relatable reading Sir. There was no method to madness in whatever we did in the Academy, and that has forever etched many beautiful and lifetime memories. I would love to travel in the NDA Spl again and relive the good old days ! Keep on going Sir 🙌
Beautiful depiction with words. Wonderful.
Indeed a sweet. Memories!
Hi Suyash, Nice to remember the minute details of the years you spent at NDA. . All details beautifully narrated.
Lovely narration of best days in life. Good, keep it up and keep writing
Nostalgic recall of 3 best years of life…😁
What a wonderful description of the NDA cottages! I always dreamed of clearing the SSB and experiencing that life myself. Unfortunately, my physique was more canteen than cadet. 😁
Nostalgia!
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thank you
What a refreshing dose of NDA Chronicles sir!! Heartwarming indeed. Brought back so many cherished memories. Sir, as we grow old, we always wish if we could relive those beautiful moments again. And this is the only way to go through that memorable time again. Very well written sir.
Regards
I really love your style of writing and the lucid details that you go into and here even you not an ex NDA you can still visualise things as they were; and if you are one, then you can surely relive those moments again. Keep writing and keep entertaining us Suyash.
In hindsight, our spell at the NDA, whistled by in the wink of an eye… nope there was nothing gradual about all that transpired while we were there.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
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Hello.This article was really interesting, especially because I was investigating for thoughts on this subject last Tuesday.