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born2battle · 4 years ago

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Tenure in Peace Station @ Dhrangadhra

The Regiment settled down in the new location at Dhrangadhra before the Republic Day 1983. Thereafter, our Recce group consisting of the CO, all Battery Commanders and selected JCOs/ NCOs proceeded for op area familiarisation in Munabao -- Gadra -- Barmer sector. It was a novel experience to visit the areas close to the International Border. Munabao is the last railway station on the Indian side while Khokhrapar is the last station on Pakistan side. The railway line connecting both these stations, which are 10 kms apart, was in a state of disuse.. We faced several challenges peculiar to desert terrain during our op recce. The biggest problem was vehicle & foot movement on desert tracks & across sand dunes, without any landmarks for navigation. Setting up of a Base camp for our Recce party was equally difficult due to shortage of potable water, frequent sandstorms and temperature variations during day & night. However, the optical illusion due to the mirage effect was a soothing experience.

We returned after the desert orientation of three weeks. Thereafter, our CO planned & conducted an intensive orientation training for the remaining personnel. It helped us in preparation for the Annual Practice Camp which was scheduled in May just before the onset of the monsoons. The Camp was scheduled in Tikkar Field Firing Ranges in the Little Rann of Kutch, in close proximity to Dhrangadhra. The Rann gets submerged in sea water during the monsoons. Hence, all firing practices had to be completed before the rainy season. These Ranges are famous for the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary.

In Apr, the result of the Staff College Exam was declared which was a big disappointment for me. I felt so disheartened since I had not made it in the merit list although I had qualified in the exam. It took me lot of time to accept this reality because I could not reconcile with this failure. On introspection, I resolved to take a mental break and bounce back in my next attempt for this prestigious Course. Sanjivani as well as Team 98 proved to be my pillars of strength at this critical stage in my career. I assured myself with the adage -----” Never let success get to your Head, Never let failure get to your Heart.”

We moved to Tikkar Ranges where we faced different challenges in the very first Practice Camp, in the Rann of Kutch, due to the peculiar nature of the soil. The deployment areas had to be selected on relatively firm ground. The gun pits could not be dug due to the sub- soil water level. There were additional problems during the firing because the spades of the gun got embedded due to the recoil force. Consequently, there were inaccuracies in engagement of targets which posed a safety hazard. All vehicle movement had to be done by the compass bearing method. Interestingly, on one occasion, we had to fire star shells continuously, to illuminate the route for guiding the movement of the COs Party over a distance of 10 kms, from the gun position to the observation post.

We returned after the Camp and got busy with the preparations for the Raising Day celebrations. This year, these celebrations were on a grand scale because of completion of 20 glorious years since raising. Soon thereafter, Lt Col Jagir Singh who had received his posting order earlier, moved out after handing over the charge to Lt Col PK Lama in mid Aug 1983. I was detailed to accompany the new CO for briefing him in the op area at Munabao.

Meanwhile, we took over our permanent accommodation which was quickly converted by Sanjivani from a new ‘House’ into a new ‘Home’. Ultimately, we could open up all our bags and baggage, which had been packed so meticulously, before moving out from NDA. Hence, we could organise a Study Room for myself and an exclusive Play Room for Ashvini & Nandini, on priority. I commenced my preparations for the Staff College exam in right earnest, with a stronger resolve.

Life in a Peace Station, though peaceful was always active, due to a variety of competitions, not only for the officers & jawans but also for their families. Our “Chhore” excelled in all the sports competitions which enabled maintaining a high state of morale always. All the amenities in the Cantonment such as Shopping complex, Open air Cinema hall , Army School & the Military Hospital enhanced the quality of life. Celebration of all the festivals by the Regiments, as per the class composition of the jawans was a major attraction. These activities organised centrally in the Cantonment, created a vibrant celebratory mood throughout the year due to the festivals such as Kite festival, Pongal, Holi, Baisakhi, Onam, Navratri (the most popular festival in Gujarat) and ofcourse Diwali --- which was celebrated with a fabulous illumination & fireworks display.

My First Impressions about the Balwan Family...

I along with both my young daughters, Ashvini ( age 2.5 years ) & Nandini ( age 3 months ), reached Dhrangadhra in May 1983. We were allotted a temporary accommodation consisting of two rooms and an open balcony which was converted into a small kitchen, screened by a tarpaulin on the outer side. I had to immediately cope with this challenge of settling down in this restricted space, with only the essential items. I was helped by the support system of the Fauji family while adjusting with my new neighbours in the new environment. The Jat Balwan Family proved to be my extended family. The COs wife was considered as the mother in the Regiment. Under her guidance, we learnt to share the responsibilities of looking after all the families in the Regiment.

Family Welfare Centre established in the Unit was the hub of all activities. We held meetings with the families every month and heard about their problems/ difficulties so as to find quick solutions. We organised few competitions and cultural programs on the occasion of various festivals. We also carried out visits to their accommodations and advised them about improving hygiene and sanitation of their premises. Coaching classes were also conducted for the children whenever required. All these activities enabled establishing a bond of friendship and mutual trust.

My husband was a Battery Commander and was responsible for about 150 Jawans of Papa Battery. I was responsible for looking after the welfare of about 70 families. I learnt to interact with the families informally during the Barakhana, Fauji Mela and various festivals. It gave me a lot of satisfaction when the families and specially the children were happy and satisfied. It is true that the Jawans perform their duties efficiently only when the their families are being looked after adequately. The system of Family Welfare worked so smoothly at all levels in the Regiment since the wives of the officers performed their duties whole-heartedly with a smile.

The winter season was the period of collective training in the deserts. We participated in exercises with the Infantry Battalions & refined our SOPs for operations in the desert terrain. Thus, we improved our technical proficiency gradually in each exercise. Our BC & OP parties practised their role while patrolling the sand dunes on camel back, which certainly was not an easy ride. Our Gunners also refined the movement and deployment drills for the Guns in the desert terrain.

In Jan 1985, I received the much awaited and eagerly expected news about the result of Staff College exam. This time , my name was in the competitive merit list of Top 20 achievers, who had secured Distinction. I felt extremely delighted as it was yet another step on the ladder of success. I thanked the Almighty for his divine blessings & looked forward to moving to Wellington for the prestigious Staff College Course, by end of the year.

It was time for Lt Col P K Lama to move out on completion of two years. He was given a memorable farewell as he handed over the Flag to Col R S Gill in mid Sep 1985. I felt so lucky to have served under three COs, in three years in the same location. It was an invaluable experience to observe & learn the unique style of command of each Commanding Officer. I was really impressed with their different styles of leadership, different motivation techniques, different man management concepts while maintaining their focus towards Pursuit of Excellence, which inspired the Jat Balwans towards ---” Jazbaa Jeet Ka” !!

#Indian Army #Gunners

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dailymagazinblog · 6 years ago

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Pathankot (Punjab), Nov 12 (ANI): The Gurj Division under the Western Command of the Indian Army on Monday organised a two-day 'Samman Samaroh' for the disabled soldiers. The 'Samaroh' was inaugurated by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat at Mamun Military station here. Maj Gen Sk Razdan, KC, VSM (Retd), Sub Maj (Hony Capt) Bana Singh, PVC(Retd), Lt Gen Surinder Singh, Army Commander, Western Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northern Command, Lt Gen YVK Mohan, GOC Rising Star Corps, Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, GOC White Knight Corps, Maj Gen K Narayanan, GOC Gurj Division, Maj Gen Sharad Kapur, GOC Tiger Division, many Senior Army officials and civil dignitaries were present on the occasion. Over 500 serving and retired disabled soldiers of Indian Army residing in north India also attended the 'Samman Samaroh' that took place at the Mamun Military Station in Pathankot, Punjab. The event started with the recite of the national anthem, followed by Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fly past. After a formal address by Army Commanders, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) along with brand ambassadors and Army Postal Service (APS) released the First Day Cover. The COAS, Army Commanders and Corps Commanders felicitated the disabled soldiers with souvenirs. The COAS also presented large numbers of mobility aids to the disabled soldiers and reiterated the Indian Army's commitment to their rehabilitation and welfare as well as their families. A martial art performance, band display, light and sound show of Battle of Saragrahi, musical concert, awareness programmes, and Barakhana are among a series of events scheduled for the two days. (ANI)

https://www.aninews.in/news/two-day-samman-samaroh-for-disabled-soldiers-kicks-off-at-pathankot201811122350490003/

#news india National #news Two-day 'Samman Samaroh' for disabled soldiers kicks off at Pathankot

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