We are back where we belong, every brook, every pebble, every tree seem to beckon to us, the roads which brought us into the Rajwada Camp and the very same roads bid us adieu five years later, much richer not just in terms of academic knowledge, but in experience, having nurtured us, prepared us with those blows on our very own anvils ready to take on the world. That is the story of every Rimcollians who stepped into the haloed portals of the Thimayya Gate, in the past century plus, thousands of us been converted into believers in a unique identity, which is defined by impeccable integrity, loyalty and camaraderie, casting aside our region, religion, caste, language and becoming just a “Rimcollian”. This moniker which we earn after spending five formative years here, just about sums up our whole persona and the world especially the uniformed fraternity in India knows, what to expect from this individual. After all which other institution can boast of six Indian Service Chiefs, the first Victoria Cross and the first Param Vir Chakra apart from hundreds of other gallantry awardees and several Army/Navy/Air Force Commanders in Chief who have blazed a trail of unmatched glory. So it is natural for us to get highly nostalgic when we come here year after year, trying to relive our days through the antics and achievements of the bright young cadets whose scintillating and dazzling performances leave speechless, wondering whether we were ever good enough to do that.
This year again, luck smiled on me and I was able to make it for this annual pilgrimage of sorts. Last two years, I had to give it a miss due to pressing and unavoidable commitments. Although to be frank I was here in Jan this year and savoured the moments spent, with my better half, Preeti, daughter Ananya and son in law , Dr Amit in tow, but that was more of a family thing. Hailing from an Army background, he was aware about RIMC and then he fell in love with a Rimcollians daughter, who wouldn’t stop talking about her Dad’s school. So we initiated him into this ‘cult’ of Rimcollians extended families. More about that some other time. This year Rimcollians reunion felt different from the previous ones for one very obvious reason, the presence of girl cadets in every activity, at times even overshadowing the young lads. The lasses, I believe are 47 in numbers in a total strength of 282, barely 16 % but have started to just about spreading their wings before they take flight. Whether it was Boxing, where diminutive Arnika landing punches on her hapless opponent or little Simran displaying perfect poise and control during her round of show jumping, but the piece-de-resistance was the evening Cultural programme where they literally floored us with their confident stage presence, flawless rendition of poetry describing their journey so far in this male bastion, which they have literally stormed or their petite dance moves displaying that they have not shed their feminine side but have simply added to it, which I dare say only this gender is capable of.
As we finally say ‘Au Revoir’, I would like to compliment the Commandant and Team RIMC for the way in which you are shaping these cubs into tigers/ tigresses of the future. The nation will owe its gratitude to you as well, some day, when these Rimcollians will tread a similar path like most of us did, in the past hundred plus years of RIMC. To the young lads/lasses, welcome to the fraternity of three feathers, today they are Peacocks’ (RIMC Crest)tomorrow they shall be Ostrich’s (Rimcollian Old Boys Association Crest)…Viva RIMC! Ich Dien! (I Serve!)
17 thoughts on “VIVA RIMC”
Couldn’t have put the things better Suyash. Superb. Each one of us felt the same. Keep writing!
Well espoused
Well said… The girls now own the system in more ways than one.. as one of them said.. You may be stronger than me physically.. But my will and desire to excel is unmatched
Well said… The girls now own the system in more ways than one.. as one of them said.. You may be stronger than me physically.. But my will and desire to excel is unmatched
Great writing sir
Above all else the five years gave you an identity and heritage which prompted additional effort to live upto. Proud to be a Rimcollian
I happened to be party to Suyash in sharing experience that shapes this write up. The experience was absolutely heart warming. RIMC is leaving no stones unturned in order to providing the best possible environment where these meritorious girl Cdts can excell unhindered. There was an overwhelming demonstration of the same. May RIMC with it’s Cdts of both gender be BLESSED. TATHASTU. REGARDS SANJAY
Excellent Bro. Keep it up.
An eminently readable piece – which weaves in a rich tapestry of nostalgia and a lived experience
Wonderful write up as usual Suyash . Girl cadets coming in is welcome step . Which ever field they choose in life the training will be a huge boost for them .
In fact any effort towards training of girls is a huge step towards enhancement of society standards .
Very well penned down Suyash. I agree that the girls here at RIMC no way inferior to boys in all aspects of life. I met some of the girls on 12th and observed such zeal and enthusiasm. Hats off to the team RIMC.
Suyash, so well written – once again Viva RIMC
Excellent narration of your experience. While I have no doubts as to the capabilities of these young girls and their performance in the years to come, we need to shape opinions on their employability. Will they join at the forefront of operations or be in supporting roles? What will be the impact on the Nation if one becomes a POW? Many other questions come to mind. Answers are there for each. We need to find them. All the best to the young ones in their future endeavours.
A grt tribute
Very well written Suyash! Keep it up…
Excellent writeup as always. Keep churning and keep weaving such nice pieces.
Loved this! The message is clear: bravery and dedication aren’t defined by gender. Hopefully this inspires the next generation of women to step forward and serve with pride.