At Malse Lake
1980 (Plt Offr)
2017 (Air Mshl)
Picturesque, serene, tranquil, calm, soothing, scenic and beautiful, are some of the words that come to mind, whenever, Malse Lake is mentioned. For me, it is a dream that came true. I saw Malse Lake and cottage for the first time in 1980 as a pilot officer, almost at the beginning of my service career in the Air Force. The experience was like visiting a dream world. The dream came true, three and half decades later in 2017, on getting posted to Shillong as AOC-in-C, EAC. Our initial stay was at Malse cottage till Lakreka (official residence of AOC-in-C) got ready.
Malse is a man-made lake (named after its creator), created with the purpose of storing and supplying water to Eastern Air Command camp at upper Shillong. Seeing the scenic beauty of the place the cottage was added to the site. Over the years the place has improved and become better, with addition of Diwan cottage, boating facilities, floating decks, jogging track, and picnic spot. Formation swimming display by gaggle of geese and raft of ducks adds to the beauty of the place.
Well this story goes back in time, to the year of the lord 1980. We, the young pilot officers of 124 pilots course (22 of us) were posted at OCU (Operational Conversion Unit at Kalaikunda air base – near Kolkota), undergoing flying training on Hunter aircraft. Hunter aircraft was considered to be an officer like aircraft (Definitely felt so after flying the dalda tin HT-2 and Kiran ac). It was very light on controls and had to be handled very gently. After flying hunter aircraft one got convinced that reference to aircraft as feminine was justified (Mig-21 aircraft shattered that belief). However, the hunters were quite old and almost on their last leg (The “almost phase” stretched for another 15 years till 1996). The aircraft had seen numerous modifications and every aircraft had a slightly different cockpit layout. One had to go five to ten minutes early to familiarise oneself prior to each sortie.
Coming back to OCU training, the number of serviceable aircraft was low and entire course couldn’t have flown at the same time. We were divided into batches to undergo flying training. At any time more than half of us were sitting idle, either after finishing flying or yet to start flying. Keeping so many young pilot officers unemployed was asking for trouble (Devil’s workshop). War studies and presentations (Iran – Iraq war was in progress) were not enough to prevent the young lot from creating trouble. Extra duties and temporary duties were liberally awarded for damage control. HQ EAC came up with a brilliant idea of attaching young pilot officers to command headquarters for duties. Otherwise, a pilot officer in a command headquarters was neither seen nor heard off.
Three of us (Hari Kumar, Anshu Matta and I) were sent to Shillong for a month as we had finished flying. Three of us landed up in Shillong without a clue about command HQ and our task. The HQ EAC was located in a British era building and it had wooden floors and active fireplaces in every room. Well everyone was intrigued to see pilot officers at such a high formation HQ in the organisational structure. Shillong at that time was a quaint little town confined to a small valley. It had buildings made of wood with green coloured tin roofs. One could explore the entire town walking, within few hours.
The one month at Command HQ turned out to be quite a fun time. We were given 24 hour ops room duty in rotation. It meant one day duty and two days off, with two of us free at any point of time, to explore the area or indulge in recreational activities. The billiards table in the Officer’s mess was in a very good condition and rum with coke was the favourite drink. The country folks were very friendly and open to visitors. In the evening one could walk in any direction and within a reasonable distance find a friendly village. Each village had a bonfire lit up in the village square with folks drinking, eating, playing guitar and singing.
Malse Cottage
1980
2017
One of these evening walks we (Hari Kumar and I) found this magical place called Malse Lake and cottage. It really looked like fairy tale setting. The cottage was locked of course and we could just peep inside through the glass window. That is the time the thought did cross the mind that one day maybe we could come and stay here. Diwan cottage did not exist at that time and the area around was not that well developed. The lake had square shaped barge anchored near the cottage. The barge had a bench on it with a canopy for cover. The propulsion system consisted of foot pedals with chain mechanism, and a rudder connected to a lever for steering. The temptation to explore the lake on the barge was irresistible however, the barge was chained and locked.
While we were figuring out how to fulfil our desire, a DSC guard appeared from somewhere and challenged us. It was very apparent that he was not pleased about our presence there. Even our introduction as the MIGHTY pilot officers of the Indian Air Force did not seem to impress him. On asking about the key to the lock, he expressed ignorance about the whereabouts of it. Somehow the message was clear, “even if I have it, I am not giving it to you” and “leave as soon as possible”. With the appropriately conveying body language he left.
Well young and dynamic pilot officers of the IAF were meant to fight bloody air battles with the enemy in order to defend the motherland. Certainly a “Made in Aligarh” lock would not dissuade us from achieving our objective. As far as the guard is concerned, it seems he had just come for a routine security round of the area (There was no permanent guard post at the site). Once the guard had left and was out of sight, work started on removal of obstacle to the mission ahead. The lock and the chain did not stand a chance against our highly motivated onslaught. The barge was freed and launched, propelled and steered towards the centre of the lake. The view and the ambience was beautiful, augmented by the colours in the sky of setting sun. Whole experience reassured us that the coming years in the Air Force were going to be full of fun.
As the sun went down, we could feel the sudden drop in temperature. The jacket was zipped up and return towards the cottage was initiated. That is when the pedals went free. No problem, as emergency handling is part of flying training. You quickly analyse the situation and take immediate actions followed by subsequent actions. The situation was analysed quickly and it was concluded that the chain must have come off the sprocket, as often does on a bicycle. A hatched panel was located on the barge floor just near the pedals. Simple, we open the hatch, put the chain back on the sprocket and return back to be in time for the rum and coke in the fire heated billiards room. The panel was opened and alas there was no chain. It had broken and was lying somewhere at the bottom of the lake. The situation was reassessed, there was no propulsion system left, there were no oars and all we had was a few feet of rope. With the sun having gone down the temperature was dropping faster than our confidence and moral. In other words the situation was hopeless.
The air force training didn’t work so we had to fall back on NDA training. Now we realised why in NDA one is made to yell his (now her as well) guts out in the drill square even when the recipients of the command are standing next to you. We started screaming for help at top of our voice, hoping someone will listen and come to our rescue. Even the non-cooperative guard would have been welcome in this situation. After some time we realised that even the Plan B (Plan A having failed earlier) is not working. It was time for the Plan C. One of the choice was to wait for the next guard check or someone noticing us. That could happen the next day and in the night with temperature touching almost zero, they would have to thaw us out the next day. Life in air force didn’t look as rosy as it felt earlier.
Out of desperation (more out of survival instinct) we decided to start paddling with our hands. Imagine moving that huge raft (surely felt HUGE) with hands as paddles. The water was freezing and the hands couldn’t be kept in the water for long. We started crawling towards the lake edge. Can’t remember how long the ordeal lasted. The progress was very slow and steering the barge accurately was out of question. It headed in the general direction of the cottage but landed up far from it. Now came the second decision time. Leave the barge and wade through the knee deep water towards the lake edge or somehow take it to its original place. The flying discipline kicked in once again – Always bring your aircraft back.
The question was how? It was decided that one of us would get down and wade through water. We will use the rope to pull the barge towards its original position. The other person will stay on the barge and try and steer it somehow (maybe a stick from the shore) and prevent it from getting stuck. Stronger and taller Hari Kumar was the obvious choice for getting off into the knee deep water. This is where the story differs and according to Hari Kumar he was tricked into getting off and as per me he volunteered. We have tried to resolve this difference of opinion many times over a drink (not only with rum and and coke but tried whisky, beer and other liquors as well) but in vain. I am, sure it will get resolved one day with appropriate type and quantity of liquor.
Much more effort and grief followed. Any way like good soldiers, we accomplished the mission successfully with the barge tied to its original position (secured as the naval course mates would say) minus the securing lock and propelling chain. The culmination deserved a Tarzan like war cry but we were too wet and frozen for it by then. Thanks to NDA training once again, we were still able to make it in time for that rum and coke in the heated billiards room (after a quick hot water bath). Both of us didn’t know that one day we will land up as AOC-in-C in the same command HQ (2015 and 2017).
The barge is not there anymore. Saw some pictures of it in the album. Someone had made a small hut like structure on it. Further inquiry revealed vague answers that the barge capsized and sank some time back and is lying somewhere on the bottom of the lake (not verified).
Everyone does contribute to improve things. During the period 2017 – 18 the much required dredging of the Malse Lake was carried out. Further the staff officer’s cottage was renovated to a good standard for families and guests to stay, when the main cottage is unoccupied. Process of changing over from motored boats and water scooters to rowing boats and kayaks was initiated to avoid oil pollution in the lake (Hope this endeavour is carried forward).
Post retirement have visited and stayed at Malse lake (Malse and Diwan Cottage) twice and would love to visit again sometime.
Comments are most welcome
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Very interesting. Have never met Hari Kumar. Having known you, I am not so sure who initiated this brilliant escapade into the lake, on the barge.
Thank God, it ended wel. All’s well that ends well. Anyways, great reminiscing.
Haha sir. Nice recollection and even better story telling. Felt like could have been any of us in the lake paddling towards the edge :-).
Thanks Jaideep.
It was a nightmare at that time.
Hand pedalling in freezing water.
Decision was mutual sir
Loved the article, Sir. Nostalgic.
Thanks Doc.
It is lovely place. I went for the first time (can you imagine never been posted to EAC) when Hari was CinC. Very soothing experience.
Better late than never sir
Beautiful prose, lovingly written.
Must write such pieces more often. It need not be only strategy always.
Young Officers are same everywhere – Army or Air Force !
Thanks.
Reckless youth.
I miss it.
Very nice write up & nostalgic memories since 1963 when Malse was CinC, dam under construction- initially against the advice of GE & wishes of locals. Comd HQs were in Hutments. S/L Dhotiwala & PKVerma were under Ops 1A.Saw it growing with 18 yrs in the East. Beautiful, Great assesst. Thanks to our predecessors. God bless IAF
Great foresight sir
Sir nice story of ur bachelor days and now old age days.
Thanks to our NDA training most of us acquired skills to face unforeseen challenges in life!And many beyond the professional requirements of our respective Services!Spirit of adventure must remain alive.
An amazing narrative, which brought out the tenacity and doggedness to achieve mission impossible, bedrock of training to reach dizzy heights in Service .
God has been kind.
On many occasions.
Beautiful narration… would love to visit the place described so elucidatedly. You write well…keep them coming..
You must visit.
Dear Air Marshall, a lovely writeup. My only view of HQ EAC was from the helipad from where GOC 3 Corps and I (his SO) were given a lift on a Chetak by the then SASO. I had spent the previous evening with LC( he was so to DGAR). Earlier in 1987, had the opportunity of spending a month at Laitkor with Gen Mike Lahiri, DGAR and Col 3GR. Once again, Thanks a lot Buddy.
Beautiful place
Malse reminds me of one mischievous AF Cadet Balse(22nd/India Sqn).Mr Sen,English Professor for Class A section was not particular fond of Balse and once tried to trip him and asked ‘if the name Balse was pronounced same way as false’!Balse was quick to respond that English language pronunciations required better knowledge.Wonder how Balse fared in the IAF?
Did not come across him in the AF sir
Very very interesting. Saw the lake and surrounding areas . It’s so pretty indeed.
Thanks Sir
Very Interesting read sir, brings back great memories associated with Malse Lake and cottage. Was fortunate to be in Command Hqs as staff when you were AoC – in – C.
Thanks Vivek
Great write up. It was like a journey to another time and place. The mystery of whether Hari Kumar volunteered or was conned definitely needs to be solved.
We will resolve it sometime.
May be over a drink along with some other neutral course mates
Sweet memories are timeless treasures.
Thanks
Knowing the two of you can imagine such an adventure. There must be some such stories of AOC-in-C days too ( Rum n Coke included). Will wait to hear. Gond memories of Malse Lake and cottage. The first Indo-US ESG outside Delhi was conducted there. And last visit and stay was during your tenure as the C-in-C. Lot of upgrades while retaining the old charm. Great read.
Thanks will write some more stories before start forgetting things
Thanks
Very interesting and nostalgic. 👍
Thanks
Can almost smell the pines of Shillong. Would love to hear Hari sir’s version…
He agrees except the volunteering part
The past seems to remain etched in our memories and if the past can bring a smile on our face it is a life well lived. Enjoyed reading the episode, would love to visit the place along with you.
Very very interesting sir. Beautiful narration. Didn’t knew of this till date. I feel myself to be very fortunate to have the honour of working under the able command of both the coursemates when they were AOC-in-C of EAC and being so closely associated. Warm regards
Thanks Naveen.
It was great working with you.
Going down the memory lane is indeed nostalgic. The narration certainly is a huge motivation to visit Malse Lake sometime.
You should visit it sometime.
Very interesting and nostalgic. Had seen and enjoyed the Lake and surroundings in 1989-92 when I was posted in shillong peak. Am sure would have changed much after that. Looking forward for a visit now…..
It has improved over the years
great read. wonderful experience, in hindsight of course!
Thanks
It was an experience to be remembered lifelong.
Enjoyed reading it. Pleasant memories of youngster days add zest to life even today.
Thanks
Bluddee Hell, never realised that Hari and you added on some Naval training in addition to whatever you may have done at Khadakvaska lake. Keep such ones coming, we all loved it!
Thanks Bro
Very interesting Anil . Enjoyed reading it . Well done . Would like to join you when you decide to visit again . Reminded of Pykara lake ,Wellington. When we all stayed overnight with the family and did Kayaking and had lots of fun . Hope you remember that time well spend together .
– Shashi Yadav
Thank you for the interesting anecdote written with wit and alacrity.
– Gp Capt Monica Bijlani
Good one Sir!
Haven’t been to Malse Lake Or Cottage, but feel I know it now.
May be a good idea to have ‘course mate tales’ series with contributions from many offrs.
– AVM Khot
Beautifully written article Anil. It makes a compelling reading. Indeed Malse lake and the cottage are just out of this world– real heaven on earth. We , self and Jyothi enjoyed the stay on our visit to EAC — no other place can compete with this place. Your adventure is very well articulated, it all looks fun looking back but back then must have been pure cold sweat. What a privilege to be back at that place as C-in-C for both of you. Thanks for the forwarding the write up.
– Air Mshl HB Rajaram
So well written,
It takes you there instantly (for those who have been there).
Enjoyed it thoroughly…
Regards
– AVM Vidhate
Lovely piece of raconteur. Loved it. Wonder what the DSC jawan will think of IAF’s promotion policy.
– Air Mshl KP Nair
Chucklesome story. Brings a smile. I stayed there and went for a walk round the lake.
This humorous touch was missing in your notes, while in service.
– Air Mshl Amit Tiwari
Writing is an art and like any art form improves with continuous exposition. Your writing has become professional. Wonderful narration.
Experienced first hand the beauty scene when posted there for nearly 3 years with AM Brar.
Keep them coming
– Air Cmde R Marwaha
Interesting anecdote. The omni-directional training at NDA has its benefits. Very well written.
– Air Mshl N Menon
Very Lucid Narration… Could feel every moment… Been to Malsa Lake in 2006 when I was Col Adm at Tenga… Keep it coming.
– Col GN Menon
Awesome!!!
Beautifully expressed, thoroughly enjoyed reading it
– Anita Sahdev
Nice write-up, Sir. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
– Air Mshl SP Dharkar
Really a very amazing story having known the lake and the beautiful cottage for so long.
– Gp Capt Deb Gohain
Thank you for sharing, i really enjoyed reading it (especially the mission on the barge) also i tried to Subscribe via the Subscribe tab at the bottom of the article, it redirected me to a subscription page.
– Sharrom
Very nice writeup sir. Thanks for sharing. Malse lake, cottage and the area around is very well planned and developed.
– AVM Shrivastava
A wonderful read sir. Malse cottage brings a lot of nostalgic memories to anyone who has visited EAC.
– Gp Capt Frank Gearge
A wonderful description of not only the Malse Lake/Cottage but the adventurous experiments too with the boat and icy waters, laced with appropriate humour. Loved reading it. One regret though….in all my years in the East and numerous visits to EAC, never had a chance to visit this beautiful place. But through your writing this piece, I felt I was there! Thanks for sharing!
– AD Chibber
Interesting to read.
Feel like visiting Malse Cottage and Shillong.
Impressed by your writing style.
Keep going sir.
You can publish a book on your vast experience.
All the best.
-Air Cmde M Viswambaran
Interesting story. Thanks to you, we could also experience the splendour of the lake and the guest house.
– Cdr Shyam Rao
Very well written, Anil. It brought back fond memories of my Shillong stay. Got to know that you as C-in-C EAC made a substantial contribution in bringing about lot of changes in Malse area. Well done. Haven’t been to Shillong since 31/08/2008. But will love to visit that lovely place.
You write very well. So keep at it. It is fun reading your write ups. Take care. With regards
– Air Mshl Gandyok
Beautifully written … The picture created by you of your younger days reminded me of our adventures too…
By far the best posting I’ve had till now… Albeit no flying…
– Wg Cdr Parminder Singh
Lovely write up. Hats off to Air Mshl Malse for creating this beautiful lake and the surrounding area. During my tenure I created a jetty bang opposite end of the cottage for airmen to use for boating when Malse was not occupied. I felt it is unfair that airmen were not permitted to visit this beautiful place.
– Air Mshl Bhan
Very well penned, vivid and interesting!
– AVM Sadhna Nair
Very well written, Anil. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Just one observation: for it to have been perfect, the pose in 2017 should have been an exact repeat of the one in 1980, not the dignified yet debonair Air Marshal look!
– Mrs Havovi Osman
Great coincidence.
Wonderful memories.
Well written piece.
Thanks for sharing,
– AVM Siwach
Good one!!
And actually only the two of you became Air Mshls from our course!!
I wish I had also gone for this Ops room duty with you guys….maybe then I would’ve also joined your ranks!!
– Gp Capt Sudhir Varma
Wonderful,
Though I have never been to Shillong but the narration has taken me there. Such recollections and visits are truly amazing to hear.
– Air Cmde Sameer Sondhi
Very nicely written. Complements
– Air Mshl BN Gokhale
fantastic story
Wonderful place. It still holds you spell bound.
– Air Mshl Duckworth
Nostalgic. Good walk around when I was posted as Air 1. Would love to get back and go kayaking in the lake again. Soon I hope…..
– AVM SN Deshpande
Beautifully written and attention to details is visible in the poetic narration of application of learning in training & ethos of Air Force which came handy in a challenging situation. Story of a true committed soldier.
I really enjoyed reading ” Made in Aligarh” as i am from Aligarh.
Enjoyed thoroughly,
– AVM Davesh Vats
Thanks
Nostalgic memories. One of my best tenures. Really enjoyed each moment under your watchful eye
I remember the episode as you narrated it during one of our get together at Malse.
– AVM Mohey
That’s a great story and very well narrated sir. I’m sure these old memories will always keep the morale high.
– Air Mshl AS Butola
Brought back fond memories of the work done there under you two.. Specially at malse.. Hope to visit sometime… Nice read sir..
– Gp Capt S Nair
Very well written.
Of course I remember you narrating it to us in Shillong but it is always better on paper
– Air Mshl Rajesh Kumar
Beautiful wite up.. I do remember staying there with Sunita for that conference in probably April 2017 when you were in command..
– DG DEO Mr Ajay Sharma
well written,
Interesting.
What coincidence- both of you going back as the boss
– AVM KS Suresh
Very interesting. Having worked with you and Hari, I didn’t know the naughtiness part. AM Malse had the honour of commissioning us in 1973. Keep on writing. Take care.
– KG Kumar
A lovely, nostalgic trip down memory lane!
– Lt Gen Gautam Moorthy
Lovely recollection
I do remember the Lake as I too had been attached to EAC in 1082-83 for 3 months. Enjoyed the stay! Infact, I was off duty when India won the World Cup in 83.
– Samir Shah
The first (only ?) time I saw Malse lake was as a 7-8 Yr old. That trip combined being chased by geese at the lake, seeing a Mi8 for the first time, obtaining Gen GG Bewoor’s autograph and the delight of seeing all the officers seeing off the Gen having their peak caps blown off by the rotor wash. All in all an exciting day out!
– Jaideep Maolankar
Well written. Enjoyed it. I also have fond memories.
– Air Mshl J Walia
An amazing narrative, the tenacity and doggedness to achieve mission impossible, are the bed rock to reach dizzy heights in the Service Sir. Will share it
– Col Manoj K Chanan
Nice one.
You should have replicated the PO pose in your Air Marshall pose. How time flies and takes us places.
– AC Rajeev
Just finished reading it… awesome expedition and very well presented in word skill, loved the full circle of the incident and story. Would love to be present when clarity of facts is being discussed by the two of you.
– Neelu Bhardwaj Issar
Enjoyed reading . Some naval training in NDA would have helped the two airmen on a barge .
– Abhay Karve
Quite an interesting story,
It was an interesting event
But u trained us to proof- read and re-read the drafts so well, I was actually not reading it but critically examining it
– Chetna Gulia
Great detailed write up of history. Stayed there once. Built beautifully.
– AVM SK Sofat
Awesome read !!!
I am grinning ear to ear !!
extremely delighted !!!
Thank you
– Air Cmde Ashtosh Lal
Incredible narration.
enjoyed reading it.
Revived old memories.
– Air Mshl Ranjan Chowdhary
Very beautifully narrated. I just read it, and I am very sure that you tricked Hari into wading through the lake. You’re too smart from NDA days.
– Air Mshl GP Singh