2nd Aug 1978, was just another ordinary rainy day in the Doon Valley, except that it was to change the destiny of 15 young lads who were a couple of years away from entering their teens themselves. Dehradun Railway Station still exuded the old world charm back then, when the train chugged into the railway station well into the dusk on 1st evening, one of these 15 along with his father disembarked from the second class sleeper compartment, after almost 36 hours of train ride from Indore. The youngster sat mesmerised in the train window, as though he wanted to soak the breathtaking sights in, and store it forever in those little grey cells of his. With monsoons at its peak, rivers were overflowing almost as though keen to form an acquaintance with the boy by flowing alongside on the bridges, the clouds had dissolved into the gentle mist caressing his cheeks, as though planting a peck, encouraging him in his pursuit. The railway stations of Haridwar and Rishikesh provided a kaleidoscope with Godmen in their saffron robes intermingling with the goatherds in their bright colourful turbans, woodcutters attaching their piles of wood on the train windows with hooks, milkmen doing likewise with their milk cans in the lush green countryside, it was almost poetry in motion.
Next morning, huddled in the Shaktiman, Indian Army’s vintage lorry, Yash Saxena, Arun Sabnis, Ranjeet Nambiar, Prashant Gupta and self along with our fathers landed in the Rajwada Camp. Rashtriya Indian Military College RIMC, for short was called the Rajwada, as once upon a time way back in 1901 the Imperial Cadet College was established in the same premises and where princes of erstwhile Indian States were trained in their martial duties by the British Military trainers. It was love at first sight for most of us, as we entered the hallowed precincts through the Thimayya Gate, nestled in the valley, with a small rivulet flowing through it, the Tudor style buildings and the perfect English weather weaved a magical spell on all of us. The white marbled War Memorial standing testimony to the valour and sacrifice of the alumni Rimcollians, boasting of one Victoria Cross and first Param Vir Chakra amongst the many others whose names were etched there, and our tricolour standing tall on the mast welcomed us into their fold with open arms.
As we got off the Shaktiman, my cadet guardian, late Ranpreet Singh was waiting for us to disembark with his umbrella to keep us from getting drenched in the downpour. I have spoken about him earlier too, (https://thesuyashsharma.com/mentoring/), mind you he himself was just an year older but the responsibility on his shoulders was borne with such elegance that my father was convinced, I was going to be in the right hands. We were introduced to the Commandant Lt Col GPS Warraich, a tall sprightly Sikh officer, whose experience was visible in the way he tackled the queries by the parents satisfying them about every aspect of care and wellbeing of their kids. We were allotted our sections there, Yash, Prashant and self were in Chandragupta Section, while Ranjeet Nambiar got Ranjeet Section, Deepak Chughha and Arun Sabnis went to Shivaji Sections. Others from other parts of the country joined us here, Jaideep Saikia from Assam and Asim Mahapatra from Odisha were assigned Pratap, Raman Preet Sher Gill, Ashok Kataria and Sanjay Verma went to Ranjit Section and Anil Kumar Sharma, Sanjeev Agarwal joined Arun Sabnis in Shivaji. In next couple of days more cadets trooped in, Adhiraj Yadav, a second generation Rimcollian to be, Arvinder Singh representing Nagaland, Jayant Kumar from Bihar, Jagdeep Kairon and Suresh Yadav from Chandigarh.
The experience in the Cadets Mess was simply overwhelming, 220 cadets lined up behind their tables, Cadet Captain marching in along with the Commandant and other dignitaries. Liveried immaculately dressed waiters serving continental cuisine, left me wondering more than eating, before the plates were closed. The imposing trophy of mounted Bison Head staring at us perched on top of the wall, antique weapons, boards with names of winners of sports events and you will get the picture of the thoughts going through that small little brain of mine at that time. Soon it was time to say adios to my father, I accompanied him to the War Memorial, where he probed me for one last time if I was ok, and then satisfied with the look on my face he returned reassured.Thus began the odyssey, which I dare say carries on …
Today being the friendship day, this is dedicated to my friends and brothers from my alma mater of these 47 odd years.
36 thoughts on “My First Day at RIMC”
Whilst not from RIMC, reading it kind of reignited my memory cells of my first days at NDA. So, whilst the institutions were different, the experiences were similar and brought back some good old nostalgic memories. Wonderful institutions both !!!! Nice one Suyash.
Long Live 114 RIMC
Great choice of words! Literally ‘painted’ the scenes being described….. felt like a short reel running past…..
Good one as usual Suyash.
Nicely articulated the memories
Nostalgic
A detailed account of joining, a really bold step by your father for his 11 year old son, not so much for you though. I can feel the emotions and the circumstances perfectly.
Great reading….
Thanks
Beautiful recounting of a milestone in our lives. Hats off to your memory Sir. Two years later, my first memory is more of trepidation than excitement, though it changed rapidly. Also, Col Chawla introduced welcome ‘mugger’ match. Reading the story was a walk back into those lovely days
At that tender age when everything is still so amorphous, the cadets gave into themselves and the nation a life of sacrifice.
What a delightful account of your first day at RIMC! Brig Suyash Sharma’s vivid descriptions transport you to the scenic Doon Valley, and his enthusiasm is infectious. The nostalgia is palpable as he recounts his journey from Indore to Dehradun.
The author’s storytelling brings the Rajwada Camp to life, and his admiration for the institution is evident. The introduction to his cadet guardian, Ranpreet Singh, and the Commandant, Lt Col GPS Warraich, sets the tone for a memorable journey.
Kudos to Brig Suyash Sharma for sharing this heartwarming piece! His dedication to his friends and brothers from RIMC on Friendship Day is a lovely touch. The article is a testament to the lasting bonds formed during those formative years. Well-written and engaging, it’s a pleasure to read about your experiences!
Well covered the mini cradle of Services
Lovely friendship day tribute
Again a beautifully penned experience at RIMC. I would recommend readers to further read the experience at NDA shared by another jimmy “The Sacred Hall of Hunger and Honour “. https://wp.me/p8J68k-cG
Leaving home is never easy at such a tender age and thereafter to be disciplined to the strict regime is in itself a gruelling grind. The payoff’s of such rigorous upbringings prior NDA makes the RIMCOs a notch above the rest, which one can vouch for, after having fostered ties with many of them from NDA to date.
Thanks Suyash for penning your thpughts on behalf of all of us The 114th RIMC Course. Having joined late (infact last amongst my buddies) on 28 Aug 1978 , by then others had spent good one month and were well settled and had learnt some tricks too which were then tried and tested on late comers like me for their efficacy 🙂 So maby fond and nostslgic memories, great teachers , wonderful seniors and above all brothers from every corner of our country
A life long bond embedded deep in our hearts .
Sir Jai Hind . Very well covered . A Visionary officer is Brig Suyash Sharma sir . Done the Nation Proud. Good wishes as always. Warm regards
Nostalgic and vivid description of how a child leaves one family to join other.
On a cold, foggy January night in 1961, my father and I boarded a train from the Old Delhi Railway Station bound for Dehradun. It had a steam locomotive, and we settled into an old-world wood-panelled coupe. The morning saw us being woken by the cries of hawkers selling tea in earthen kullas at Haridwar. The train chugged along through thick forests of sal, while we dressed and were soon at Dehradun. Taking a station-wagon taxi, we arrived at the Rashtriya Indian Military College – the RIMC – with the snow-covered hills of Mussoorie in the background.
I was one of the fourteen ‘new cadets’ joining that term. We were ushered into the Headmaster’s office where I was ‘handed over’, and my father departed. Soon enough I was handed out the olive green uniform – starched cotton in those days – which, except for the three years of khaki at the National Defence Academy, I was to don for the next five decades. My fellow cadets were to be my comrades-in-arms and lifelong friends. Some were to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I had been initiated into the brotherhood of arms.
A mysterious fraternity born out of smoke and danger of death.
—Stephen Crane, The Red Badge Of Courage
Extremely well articulated! Rings a bell and reminds me of 1974, when I joined Sainik School Satara, under similar circumstances. At that tender age, we all took a decision that was life altering. But it was a decision that changed our lives forever.. Compliments to you, Suyash for bringing it out so lucidly. Truly enjoyed reading it.😊
Penned as it was …days gone so fast ….your journey stated 2 Aug 1978 and today on 2 Aug 2025 inbetween 47 years gone, to be more precise after 17155 days , your emotions for friends still intact
👍👍
Well penned nostalgic and precious memories of life
While reading this article, I sincerely wished that the narration should go on…excellent work Suyash.
Happy friendship day!
A very well represented Writeup, the lucid style of Suyash embelishing all aspects. Thanks.
… and this did the acorn sprout the mighty oak.
Beautiful!
Hi Suyash, penned down the beautiful memories of RIMC. It jogs me back to jan 1978. Wow..what joy it gives to remember those lovely days at RIMC.
Once again…Thanks for a well articulated write up.
Good day.
A beautifully constructed narrative, full of sweet nostalgia and emotions in spate.
Suyash, I was wondering what would your autography taste like. God bless you brother.
Hi Suyash, I think everyone who has read this would be taken back to his/hers first day of school. May be this write up of yours should be included in text books of 4 or 5th class. Somehow I feel Ruskin Bond is peeping in this story.
Sweet old memories…
Those were the days. Well thought
Very well written sir. It also takes me back to Jun 1977 when we joined Sainik School. Similar feeling, awestruck by the beauty of the Palace of Maharaja of Kapurthala which housed our school, lost in the crowd of more than 70 who were from Punjabi medium made to join early so that we could be taught English before the School reopens in July. But what we are today is because of that entrance to our School.
wonderful reading and connecting
Am very happy that a search for my name in Google will have a new page to show .. hope this article should be on d top ..
Really cherished reading the article. RIMC is one of the best institutions of the country. Only the lucky and deserving get into it . 👍
Really Nostalgic Suyash, I recollect that the first day we had a traditional hockey or football match while it was raining- with Class IA (6 months senior), after which good byes were said to our Parents. And full marks to your memory that you could recollect who all travelled in the then strong horse Shaktiman to the College. -Arun
A very absorbing write up by you ,Suyash ! Your college Principal Lt Col GPS Waraich, had later taken over as the Principal of DPS Mathura Road, New Delhi. His short tenure in DPS was a tumultuous one. He was probably framed by a couple of disgruntled teachers, who perhaps could not adapt to his disciplined and strict ways.
Keep up the good work by churning out more of your experiences.
You write from your heart Suyash. And your bonhomie of yesteryears is definitely awesome. Cheers
Suyash! Very lucid Account of Your Baptisation with Fire.
Whilst reading it one could connect with similar feelings on entering the Cradle for Leadership.
It is no wonder that the Well moulded Alumnis have brought Glory to the Nation, the Defence Services and some in Totally different Fields.
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