ACADEMY MUSINGS….1
1. It is often heard that records are being made and again bettered subsequently in all fields of activities. Well your truly was also an exceptional record holder in his Academy Days but albeit from the reverse side.The spectacular performance started from first semester or term and continued all six semesters till passing out…For records… Always on the magic figure of 41 not out..restrictions one less for relegation eligibility beside numerous small punishments.😔😔😔
2. Just fresh from civvies street one came to know the alternative name of Inspection of Squadron Residential rooms known as cabins was CABIN CUPBOARD and its modus operandi which was another MONKEY ON OUR BACK beside other tiring outdoor physical activities for us freshers..🙄🙄🙄Painstakingly we were tutored about the items to be displayed ( Toothpaste..Shaving Cream..Razor..Shaving Brush..Tooth brush..Tin of powder and Bottle of cream..and Hair Oil( no gel..or brylcream)….Strict .No to Deo…. Perfume or After Shave Lotion) …and its location in the cabin including doing up the bed..tieing of mosquito nets..shoes and even bathroom slippers location by the appointment holders.🤨🤨🤨
3. Sanjay( name changed)… the TANT from Pune..Ajay( Name changed).. the BABUA from Laloo land and me from City of Joy were good friends and subsequently known as famous TRINITY..One thing that united us… seventeen year youngsters were unlike Burly well built hairy brethren ..sorry creatures from the India’s heartland..we were fragile specimens with hardly any trace of hair on our lips or chin….Shantanu and Uday ( My childhood school mates till Higher Secondary)…Iam sure can recollect our school days.😋😋😋
4. As Shaving kit was an important displaying item we were in a dilema.Tant came with a great idea of displaying ANNE FRENCH in lieu which he saw his sister using to effect. However he candidly confessed that he would get his father’s razor set and Babua was promised one from his fellow countrymen Thakur of our Barber shop. That leaves me and without any other alternative decided to take a cheeky single .Procuring new one from local shopping centre was also a NO GO. due to paucity of allotted pocket money.Sanjay being a true friend slipped during night surreptitiously and cycling 20 Kms to and fro got his sister’s bottle of Anne French ..swab of cotton and plastic spatula .😉😉😉
5. The inspection was a disaster which started with a bad omen.A stray mongrel who took asylum under the window of my cabin started crying and wailing as soon as Inspecting Officer along with appointment holders entered my cabin.😈😈😈
6. The Divisional Officer was dumbfounded and perplexed to see bottle of ANNE FRENCH with its accessories proudly displayed where the Shaving Kits were ought to be…He almost fainted on hearing me that the lotion is being used by me to maintain smoothness of my skin as I do not have stubble on my chin or hair on my. lips. Groggily he told the Cadet Sergent Major to check my sex and granted me 7 days Extra Drills as hard punishments were barred to be given to the freshers for first two months ..The sadistic Sergent Major went a step further and forced me to dry shave with blunt razor given by him without any cream. Result was scarred face like JOE the INJUN and fertile field of rich and healthy growth of hair every morning on the face.🤨🤨🤨
7. Being an optimistic man I started appreciating the positive side of this incident. Although I opened the innings for my course on punishment but became a folklore amongst my coursemates and squadron mates and was nicknamed as DADA … FAMOUS…or is it INFAMOUS for DADAGIRI….😊😊🤣🤣
PS..If this episode is liked shall continue with further Academy Musings which can be continued for at least 10 days. Honest feedback is solicited….Regards
Month: December 2020
SERENDIPITY OF SOLDIERING
A book review:
Serendipity of Soldiering
Soldiers, traverse far and wide, not only physically but oscillate a great deal emotionally and spiritually, by virtue of their service to the nation. A lone sentry on freezing night, at mountain top, taking gusty windchill on the face, away from family for months, does go into sporadic virtual flight of fantasy or get into internal dual questioning life, death, love, relationship, patriotism. There are many adventurous situations a soldier faces day in day out, going through great emotional stresses. It is here that unknowingly he evolves into higher human self. A soldier, in twilight of his life wants to share the extraordinary life, that he was chosen to lead, simply to relive those exciting moments, for the joy of good old days.
Colonel Badal Verma, has shared his experiences, and modestly calls them ordinary. And, what life changing experiences, narration and his own evolvement as man. He, has very thoughtfully chosen the title, Serendipity of Soldiering, which kindles much curiosity in the minds of readers.
Colonel, tells his stories in simple and lucid language making the book unputdownable. Most thrilling ones are his near death experiences, a strange connect with snakes, pristine Gurkha heart, his trust with his command and spirit of Infantryman.
The author, has also admirably woven his personal relationships into the ups and downs, curves and bends of path that he leaves behind in time, and now gazes it from a ripen wisdom.
A highly recommended book across all ages, genders and professions. My personal advice, don’t judge the book from its cover. The taste of pudding is in eating it, and for book – reading it.