Ranpreet Singh has been assigned as your cadet guardian”, I was informed
and introduced to a smart immaculately turned out Sikh boy slightly taller than
I was. Guardianship is an onerous responsibility at any age imagine that for a
12 year old. Amazingly, he immediately took charge of things at hand; he
was polite and super confident escorting my father and myself through the first
day activities, while addressing the queries which my father was posing. I was
actually a little overawed and was unusually quiet. The Monsoons arrive with
all guns blazing in August in Dehradun, so the downpour was torrential and
Ranpreet won over my father by holding the umbrella in such a way that although
he was at the receiving end from the showers but my father was totally
protected. A gesture unmatched, obviously it reflected on his upbringing and
the value system as also the functioning of the school. He was there with me
when I bid farewell to my father at the War Memorial, a tearful adieus when we
finally parted ways. My father was reassured that I was in good hands!
mentoring in the Armed forces and their training institutions is simply
outstanding, unparalleled. These mentors take their role very seriously,
being strict and considerate in the right measure, wonder, how does a 12 year
old acquire such maturity. The bonds between these gurus and their wards
are forged for life. I was a raw youngster with just passable English and
obviously not to the manor born. Mess etiquette was my first battle, using the
fork to gently nudge the veg curry into the folds of chapatti was the
first skill acquired, lest I stay hungry. Opening-closing of plate, course wise
meals and continental menus was all novelty and interesting. The various
outfits/rigs PT, Drill, Inspection Parade(IP) type uniform, handkerchiefs (we the
Rimcollians always carried two sets of hankies one for daily use which would
obviously not be spotless, the other one was). The other funny rig was in the
night suit, in the absence of the dressing gown, one had to put a towel around
the shoulders, when moving outside your dormitory. Ranpreet was always
around guiding me through these ordeals. Then the time came for payback, we
were required to memorise the names of the appointments and senior cadets,
teachers and so on, we were trying our best but did not match up to the
expectations of the senior hierarchy of cadets. The brunt was borne by the
cadet guardians, which in due course was passed onto us in measures varying
from a mild reproof to a full fledged dressing down. He was tough on the
slippages and could be quite a bully when he was in one of those torrid moods.
We bonded over Table Tennis, not a preferred sport in school, but having
noticed my TT racquet in the box, he was the one who got me a few knocks
in to assess my game. I had played state level and was quite good at it and had
an edge over him as also other seniors, however this activity was generally
conducted after lights out, since during the day we were not even permitted to
enter the Middle Ante Room where the only TT table was kept.
of spats but by and large, the relationship remained cordial. Sometimes the
Cadet wards play truant and the guardian is at the receiving end, ending up
being punished for no personal fault. A very important lesson in parenting,
which I am sure, comes in handy later in life. Similarly when the ward goes on
to be an achiever, the guardian is justifiably proud. Excelling in academics or
sports was one such way of getting in the good books and be rewarded by
“extra pudding” on the dinner table. Unlike NDA, the guardian here
does not get to put the ward through any physical punishments, but the control
exercised is much greater, I dare say. May be because we were younger in age
and more malleable.
guardian-ward relationship is unique and is life long, in my case since
Ranpreet did not join NDA, we lost touch, till I got to know of his unfortunate
demise and thereafter met his parents and younger brother. He had been an
Investment consultant and was doing pretty well, after having graduated as an
engineer.
different ball game, we the Rimcollians, Georgians and Sainik school types were
no longer rookies unlike our other course-mates. Second termers were put under
the tutelage of an overbearing over-study raring to go, having borne the brunt
for six months at the bottom of the pyramid. Here the Over-studies do not
indulge in parenting but ensure the “undies” are pre-mustered for the
Corporal’s pre-muster which is followed by the pre muster of the sergeant.
Accordingly the bathroom clearance for the dukkis was generally around 0415
hours for the muster (the first parade in the morning) scheduled at 0600 hours.
More about the Musters some other time. The over studies were actually
“hover-studies”, hovering over all our activities with powers to
punish….Sherry Peter was my over study, from SS Kazhakottam, generally
believed to be terror types. We enjoyed a different connection though; we
shared our birth date, 21 Mar, the spring equinox. He was in a dilemma, in
normal course this coincidence should have automatically anointed me the
coveted status of a “pal”, but as the over study he felt he would be
severely handicapped in discharging his duties (!) So the “palling”
had to wait till next year 21 Mar.
had to ensure their wards were dressed appropriately whether these were the
authorised dresses or the typical NDA attires of “Taant Police Order,
Paper Drill Order, Superman, Phantom, Congo Rig…..”. For the
uninitiated, these dresses need some elaboration, Taant police Order was Khaki
Drill Shorts, Ammunition boots, White patrol tunic and Side cap, depicting the
Maharashtra policeman. Paper Drill Order comprised just newspapers converted
into shorts and shirt; with the ammunition boots of course…this designer
outfit would have put many an haute couture to shame! Superman was even more
ingenious, a dungaree with swimming trunk over it, with a towel flowing as the
cape but Congo rig took the cake, just garter flashes to cover the vitals, rest
was sky clad. As though the dresses were not enough, there were several other
interesting stuff such as the “out of the box” exercises which we
were routinely put through to toughen us up, the Academy whiskey ( a sufi meditative trance achieved by revolving like the darwish except that instead of raised hands, we had our finger firmly on terra firma), Cream roll ( front roll and back roll carried out alternately to provide an equitable balance to mind ,body and soul),
side rolls…..these physical exercises not only helped us build our muscles
and the six packs but achieved the yogic outcome of cleansing our stomachs of
the “vaat, pitt and cough” by making us throw up.
Meals in NDA taught us the true value of two square meals by literally ensuring the meals were partaken only in perfect square motion of the hand, i.e. the hand had to move in a straight line to the plate, from where it had to move in a perpendicular motion , parallel to the mouth and from there it had to trudge along the straightest path to the mouth, finally returning to the plate in a perpendicular motion again. After this elaborate exercise the hands needed to rest in your lap, before commencing the same drill again. Then there were even more innovative ways of consuming soups, with forks rather than the mundane spoons again training our minds to focus shaolin style on the substance without any distractions.
These set
of instructions obviously needed mentor-ship of a very high order and I dare say, I
was singularly lucky(!)
reached the Indian Military Academy, we had become “purane paapi” and
didn’t need any mentoring whatsoever and took to it like ducks to water. The
physicals were just a re-run of NDA so we could just sleepwalk through these.
Before we could say “Rajaram Sitaram”, we had taken the Antim Pag and
received the President’s Commission duly signed by none other than Giani Zail
Singh!
unit, it fell upon 2Lt (now Col) Rohit Mehrotra to straighten out the crooked
Rimcollian who had joined the elite Airawat Signals fraternity. He is such a
thorough gentleman that his goodness rubbed off on goondas like us, we had no
option but to emulate him. After all you can’t take a panga with someone who is
ever ready to apologise even when you are at fault. Someone has very correctly
attributed the successful careers to their senior subalterns and their grooming
in their formative years in the unit. All the officers took it upon themselves
to ensure we were put through a tough training regimen which has stood me in
good stead over the 32 odd years of commissioned service.
this mentorship a little too seriously and got after the youngsters in the
units as also in MCTE when I was an instructor for Young Officers. I took pride
in the fact that while I made life miserable for them, in the bargain ended up
toiling doubly hard. But it was all worth it……..
Original Comments:
Shiv (2020-03-03):
Another gem, Suyash. Really interesting and engaging read. Best of luck.
Bisht (2020-03-03):
Nice article buddy..A journey of a 12 year old to commissioned officer well narrated.Keep it up Suyash.
Sandeep Malik (2020-03-03):
Very nice. Keep writing Suyash. You do have that special gift.
kamlesh (2020-03-03):
Wow, great reading this, brought back the memories of NDA days….very engaging
VT (2020-03-03):
Great reading sir
Unknown (2020-03-03):
Wah
Sanjay (2020-03-03):
Always brings a smile, when ever I browse through your blogs…..but here this aspect of mentoring is one we need to really appreciate…helped us in being what we r today…. continue bringing the smile in all of us
Yo (2020-03-03):
Truly nostalgic memories elucidated vividly
Yo (2020-03-03):
Truly nostalgic memories elucidated vividly
Patanjali Puri (2020-03-03):
Wow, Suyesh! Fascinating read, as always. You bring memories of time gone by back so vividly. Keep at it, buddy!
VM (2020-03-04):
Yet another engaging piece Sir. Looking forward to your next blog.
Regards
Gopal Verma (2020-03-04):
Hi Suyash, you bring out everything so well which many of us have gone through. Your sense of writing coupled with your own experience is simply marvellous. Now waiting for a book written by you.
KPM Das (2020-03-04):
Great read. The only window to RIMC for many cadets rested on the perspectives from Rimcollians who were mates in the Academy. Clearly, the "guardian" model of RIMC seem far superior to one we saw at the NDA, if ever there was one. More engaging, and connecting on multiple planes- personal, emotional,physical.
Sheraz Varma (2020-03-04):
Picturesque composition. I could virtually see you in there, living those days, nights and musters…to bunk or not to, was as emotive as ever. Perhaps with your writing, future generations would grasp some parts as we grow old.
Unknown (2020-03-04):
Suyash, so many memories rekindled while reading your article. Wonderfully written. A Gem.
Unknown (2020-03-04):
Great read like always.
Unknown (2020-03-04):
Suyash, Well written and heart rendering. Post some more!!
Kedar Thaakar (2020-03-04):
Hi Suyash, as always, excellent reading. I hade neither been to RIMC nor NDA or IMA, and yet if I can relate with the narrative, it speaks volumes about your artistry with pen alias keyboard, subtle wit and loud messaging. Do keep writing, please…..it inspires us in various ways.
Syali (2020-03-04):
Suyash, What vivid memories you have which are also not impacted by the HAA tenure. Kudos to you for the brilliant writing which keeps the reader engrossed…best wishes
Unknown (2020-03-04):
Excellent article Suyash!
Jitendra singh (2020-03-04):
Superb Suyash. Very well written. U have taken us back to memorylane of our foundation and formative yrs in school and academy. Keep it up.
Parry (2020-03-04):
Nice read Suyash. Wonderful. Beautifully put forth. Brilliant!!
Suresh Yadav (2020-03-04):
Well written as usual… Nice reading .fond memories yesteryears
Samir Dhaga (2020-03-04):
Wonderful read !!!
raju (2020-03-04):
Nostalgic indeed. Takes you back to academy days.So well written.
Satish Mallik (2020-03-04):
Wonderful writing, Suyash! And it’s so amazing that you still remember all those rigs and sessions of NDA so vividly. Would love to hear what your wards from Academy have to say about you 😉
Pradeep Misra (2020-03-04):
Every officer will relate himself to the sequence while reading this,irrespective of "Entry"…Brought me grin and smile simultaneously…Lastly, very adequately said about Rohit Mehrotra…one may draw philosophical lessons on what you wrote about him…
V Pramod Kumar (2020-03-04):
Great read, well written, keep writing.
Milan (2020-03-04):
Another gem from Suyash. Very impressive style of writing with right choice of words and lucid expressions in acknowledging those who have imparted positive life lessons in his formative years.
C S PRABHAKAR (2020-03-04):
Great read Suyash. Love the clarity with which you have described everything. Well written.
Anonymous (2020-03-04):
Sir,
this line requires amdts => "I think I took this mentorship a little too seriously and got after the youngsters in the units as also in MCTE when I was an instructor for Young Officers. I took pride in the fact that while I made life miserable for them, in the bargain ended up toiling doubly hard."
Lucky are the people for whom somebody toils to make them better then they currently are to the teacher's desired level.
You were one we always looked upto and this line is something that makes us proud to be mentored by a person of your stature “But it was all worth it……..”
we always pray to make you proud.
In you we had Dronacharya and Parshuram combined, alas we were no Arjuna or Karna. but due to your efforts we became better than who we initially were.
A beautifully written article with a deep meaning and resonance of the ethos of Indian Armed Forces.
Thank you for sharing.
Regards,
Yashwant
Mike James (2020-03-04):
Brilliant recollection and narrative. Enjoyed reading it.
Ajay (2020-03-04):
Great piece sir. Well crafted. Brings lots of memories to the fore. Wishing you all the success in your future writings too.
Priyank Pathak (2020-03-04):
Nicely written Strongly Agree with this!
The physical & mental pain which one face during their training period is absolutely worthy.
I remember when I was at ALC, they used to minimize the time period for refreshments and dressing time! ( Obviously, every time physical pressure is not that important)
Talking about Cadet Ranpreet Singh, I'm overwhelmed to know about his maturity at his young age. That's why Army Discipline is Adored everywhere! (A person at his teenage only learns about the life skills)
And the early age is very important as a boy has the highest grasping power at that period. ( We can see this in programming, Mathematics, Chess where the 7-12 years of babies have done wonders across the world).
Mentoring- "The Army takes Blood and Perspiration from you but gives n number of times more than what it has taken"
Army perhaps, makes one's life worth living giving you the highest quality of values and ethos.
Anonymous (2020-03-04):
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KV (2020-03-04):
Good one Suyesh
Unknown (2020-03-04):
You have the flair. Keep writing. Brought back good old memories.
Unknown (2020-03-05):
Really a true moral values and character building routine, relations or none matter. Only the comradery and call of duty matters. It just fuels me more to join the defence services. No matter the hardships, there will always be the spirit that will never let anyone down. Jai Hind.
Unknown (2020-03-05):
Very well written sir. The last para brings out the real truth…atleast you acknowledge
Sos (2020-03-05):
Very well written sir as usual with a canny sense of humour ,and to remind you you were my first pal/mentor at the NDA on the first day at squadron where I knew no one .There after it was smooth sailing with bit of bumps and sways.
Fameelee (2020-03-06):
Loved the write-up even though I've never been to any of these institutions. But you have a phenomenal memory and an amazing gift for bringing the incidents to life. Looking forward to next instalment
Manu Mehrotra (2020-03-06):
Excellent read. Pure nostalgia.
Sameer (2020-03-07):
Loved reading, could appreciate tough training and genuine mentoring in armed forces which bonds you all for lifetime.
Anonymous (2020-03-11):
Thanks Suyash for your journey down the memory lane.
Keep writing
Vasandani (2020-03-28):
Keep Writing Suyash. We love it.
Glad Gladiator (2020-04-21):
Very nice!!