RECOLLECTIONS  OF AN NCC CADET 

[Col R Ravi Nair (Retd) 

 

Santana Dharma College is my Alma Mater and the only College of my allegiance. The Golden Phase of my youth was well spent in this campus. In retrospect, I vividly recall this phase by my intimate relations with NCC primarily and then by my involvement with the College Students’ Union.  

Unlike my contemporaries I did not have a pre-university exposure, since I had joined BA English Literature (The premier batch 1965) after having completed the Senior Cambridge Examination from Sainik School. While in the College I had the opportunity of being elected as the Secretary of English Language and Literary Association, the Cabinet Member of Students Union and finally the Speaker (Chairman) of the College Students’ Union under the banner of Independent Student‘s Union (ISU). From a modest member of the Party I could graduate to Party President by the time I left the college. I am convinced that it is the National Cadet Corps, which imbibed in me the confidence and managerial acumen to acquire and hold important offices within the students’ community, and that too devoid of any exterior political influence or sponsors working towards it. 

Speaker SD College Students Union 1968-69

The tuition culture was non-existent those days and looked down upon. The college campus reverberated with hectic activities of athletes and games lovers; with Mr.Naidu the Physical Director omnipresent on ground from the last gong for the day till twilight fades. All-round development was the key and no student prematurely worried about a career for one self. The Medicine/Engineering mania was not felt and the parents seemed to desire their wards to spend more time in campus. “Why are you late?”, “ I was in the Hockey field.”, was taken as an impressive alibi by parents. I wonder how many students play hockey, football, basketball or even enter the playing fields or track now a days, other than may be flexing muscles occasionally in a game of cricket? 

Enrolling in NCC those days was a natural response to any active and well-meaning student. The nation was still in the fervor of 1965 Indo Pak War and any able-bodied youth desired to be of some service to the cause of National Defence. Enrolment to the NCC was selective and an aspirant had to undergo stringent physical and medical screening and there were many unfortunates who were left out as unfit. We had six Senior Division Companies and the senior ANO (then known as Part Time Officers- PTO) was Major Rajashekaran Nair, He was solidly built, sporting fearsome ‘walrus moustaches’ with a dominating personality and blessed with a ‘Drill Sergeant’s commanding voice’. Cadets and common students were so sacred of him that even the most ‘mis-adventurous’ gave him a slip when he happened to trundle past. He had a dedicated team of PTO’s like Captain PK Padmanabhan Potty, Lieut R Ramachandran Nair, Lieut N Gopalakrishnan Nair, Lieut RV Ramachandran, Lieut MP Subramanian and Lieut CJ Rao. They were a team and fully in control of nearly one thousand cadets and their dealings highly business like. The Battalion Commander was Major Herman (17 Kerala Battalion – then located at Alleppey), and the Group Commander at Thevally Palace, Kollam was Lt Col CV Donoghue.

 The senior Division NCC, then was known as NCC Rifles and the uniform was mazri shirts and khaki trousers. The college had an imposing firing range where firing was a normal feature on any parade day. The cadets fired.22 and .303 bolt action rifles and even Light Machine guns. Weapons of all sorts and ammunitions were kept in a large Kote consisting of four classrooms within the college. To the best of my knowledge I do not remember having seen any police guard for its security. The ANO’s and the Under Officers were fully responsible and accountable. The security was untenable and the Kote was granted its due sanctity. The NCC administrative office, stores, Kotes and classrooms occupied the entire complex adjacent to the boy’s hostel, which now is the Commerce Department. The place was out of bounds for non-NCC students and non-functionaries. 

 As a Sr Division NCC Cadet, I had the unique privilege of taking part in two Annual Training camps, Army attachment Camp with 1st Battalion the Brigade of the Guards. Advanced Leaderships Camp, Republic Day Parade Preparatory Camp at Munnar and the All India RD Parade at Delhi. Normal parades were on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. The ‘falling in’ on the parades, I distinctly remember as a solemn and impressive occasion. With a near 100% attendance of cadets who are properly turned out, the ANO’s falling-in at the head of each Company, the PI staff (Regular Army personnel, mainly from the North India-Dogra and Punjab Regiments) in full strength, and the parade being handed over in succession to the “Supremo” – Major Rajashekaran Nair, his imposing words of Command and the humanity responding to it!! . All were a herald of what I was to witness later in life while commanding troops of a well oiled Infantry Regiment”. No giggles, no suppressed coughs, no whispers, no comments, no unto wards movements!!. Every parade used to be affirming and reaffirming the authority vested on a student as an appointment holder- as a Leader. 

      The defaulters if any were summarily disposed off either by ‘physical handling’ or by awarding stringent punishments on the spot – to be forgotten immediately. One normally found dozens of such ‘unfortunates’ revolving around the parade ground with the rifle held high!!! Long side burns and long hairs were becoming a fashion those days. But an NCC cadet stood out by his demeanor scrupulously insisted and set example by his ANO’s. Senior Under Officers took mostly all theoretical classes including ‘Military Tactics’. One had to spend hours to prepare for the classes one had to take. The only reference book available was a small NCC Handbook. Rest was all left for imagination and how good one is in spinning the yarn !!! But it was a stage to bring out ones latent Instructor prowess.

The Espirit-de-Corps amongst the cadets of the college was commendable. They were one, when it came to competitions. Our competitors were Carmel Poly Technic College (under Major Kuzhuveli – another dedicated ANO) and TD Medical College. As I can recall, the winners were always SD College. SN, St Michael’s and NSS Colleges were in their conceptual stage only. 

The cadets took pride in their turnout and they even compromised their precious looks to a tough soldierly bearing, even to the risk of giggles and disapproving comments from the girls. Most of the cadets, specially Under Officers had their own uniforms stitched. Honing impeccable military bearing was the dream of every cadet. The order of the day was that one should see his reflection on the toes of his boots. We discretely took advice and tips from the PI staff on ‘spit-n-polish’ and maintenance of leather, brass and uniforms. The night prior to parade was always spent on spit and polish and starching of uniform. Remember, the ‘terry cottons’ had not entered the market. Upgrading of the issue hackles to nearly one foot long by joining two or three patent hackles used to be a delicate and deft task. One really felt elated fully decked–up like a ‘tonga horse’ and cycling to a NCC parade. One always felt that the ‘world’ around is gaping with admiration!! One felt on top of the world, if one happened to ‘home-on’ to a ‘Ladies only’ bus!! Those were the days! Will it ever come back!! 

As Company Sergeant Major -1968

There was an unwritten camaraderie in NCC. A senior cadet always took a junior cadet under his wings. Any mis-adventure with a cadet was taking a big chance with a 1000 strong organisation. Even ANO’s took a stand on this. The ANO was the ‘Guru’ and even the Head of the Department or the Principal had a secondary status. The former always accepted his obligations as such. There had been instances of ANO’s financing the college fees of cadets who could not afford it. That was the bond!! I distinctly remember an incident when the police wanted to make a forced entry into the college campus. The man on fore resisting the attempt was Major Rajashekaran Nair. There were some altercations and finally the police withdrew. The grape –wine is that the ANO ordered the ‘Kotes’ to be opened and the cadets be armed, to defend the sanctity of the campus. May be a myth!! But well accredited! Now days I see a police posse posted permanently within the college. I still recall an incident when an Under Officer cadet was facing dismissal on alleged misbehavior with a girl. The ANO stood-by and even to the great dislike of the management the Under Officer was reinstated. But the summary disposal met out to the Under Officer by the ANO ‘in camera’ is still a mystery. He is a very senior bureaucrat in the Government service. 

I as a cadet had just glimpses of the Battalion Commander and Group Commander. As far as the cadets were concerned their ultimate was the PTO. When I was detailed by Major Rajashekeran Nair to attend the Republic Day Parade at Delhi, I raised my fears of missing the ensuing examinations. He gave me an assurance not to worry on that score. Now I recall that I had missed all the college examinations, ie: Onam and Christmas Exams for my entire three years in college. But still the Principal and the English Faculty always considered me as a disciplined and ‘bright student’!! 

 

Kerala and Lakshadweep NCC Directorate RD Parade Contingent-1968

Those days the student politics and NCC movement were inseparable. NCC Cadets held nearly all the Students’ Union offices. This arrangement assured disciplined leadership and governance and students accepted it. In my first year the Speaker was Senior Under Officer Sadasivan Pillai. In my second Year the Speaker was Senior Under Officer CM Babu. I followed suite in my third year with the same qualifications. The sad thing is that now a days discipline and politics do not mesh well. I doubt whether any student of importance affluent or effluent is connected with NCC movement.!!!

SD College Students Union Cabinet with Principal Mr Vaidyanathan Sir
 and Professors Varma Sir and LC Nair Sir -1968

There were no incentives to cadets as you find now a days. A student got enrolled due to sheer love for uniform and an orderly life. All the Under Officers and cadets who I know and recall have done very well in life and they all reminiscent with reverence their association with NCC in SD college. 

I for one, always remember with gratitude all the PTO’s (ANOs), PI Staff (permanent instructional staff- deputed from the Three Services) and the functionaries who had given me a direction in life and also brought to fore latent Leadership qualities including the confidence to face the world – to make me what I am today.

I also take this opportunity to pay tributes to the Principals Prof. Akhileswara Iyer and Prof Vaidyanathan and the Patriarch Sri Parthasarathy Iyengar (reverently known as Pappa Swamy), the Manager of SD College, for their unflinching and proud sponser and blessings to me as a student and a functionary of the student community.

Last but not the least, I am grateful to Prof Iyengar Sir and the members of staff of English Department, who were proud with a sense of belonging, to one of their student’s achievements in the extra curricular fields  and also encouraged me all the way for higher goals in life.

   -Col (Retd) Ravi R Nair –

   Ex-Group Commander NCC

         Kollam Group, Kerala & Laksha Dweep NCC Dte  &

                                            Mysore Composite Group, Karnataka & Goa  Dte

 

ANJALI (Solemn Tribute) to KARGIL Martyrs

ANJALI - A Solemn Tribute to Kargil Martyrs 1999.

   An unforgettable incident of my NCC days which happened over three decades back 😤

    I was Group Commander NCC at Kollam (Quilon) under Kerala and Lakshadweep Directorate during 1999. Kargil war was raging and body bags were coming home in scores. The cine fraternity along with the State Administration had organised a mega programme at State Capital Trivandrum on 8 Aug 1999 to express solidarity with the soldiers and to offer solemn tributes to the martyrs.   

    All regular Army formations  had mobilised for Kargil operations (Op Vijay). The only semblance of defence forces left behind was the NCC. The organisers of the event needed a soldier in uniform to inaugurate the event. Our Deputy Director General (DDG)was invited as the chief guest and to deliver the inaugural  address for the mega event. The event was named 'Anjali' (salutations / tributes) to the martyrs. 

     Oblivious of these developments, I was busy conducting the Directorate’s inter-Group ‘Thal Sainik Camp and competitions’  under my Group arrangements. The entire resources ie. men and materials of my Group were used and involvement of my cadets, NCC Officers, Army instructors, and even that of the civilian staff were total. And Kollam Group won the championship trophy, amidst the deafening and vibrant war cries of ‘Kollam Group Kollum Kollum’ ! (Kollam Group will Kill & Massacre!).

     Our DDG had come on the final day for prize distribution ceremony etc. Kollam Group was declared the Winner. I was in a mood to have a bash on our victory, that too the directorate trophy being bagged for the first time in history by my Group. But DDG asked me to accompany him to Trivandrum, 100km away. I was in my camouflage uniform. He said I had a civil function to attend and hence to take along my No 1 uniform and also some overnight change. Reluctantly I passed the orders for conducting the 'bada khana' to my Administrative Officer and accompanied the DDG.      

     The DDG casually mentioned to me in the car that there is a small function for Kargil martyrs organised by Trivandrum district administration and I have to be present there as a military representative just to inaugurate the function. I didn’t grasp the gravity and I said ok. I also asked him why can’t Trivandrum Group Commander take on this task? And I be spared to join the victory bash with my Group. But he insisted it has to be me only. ie. being a malayalee, to cater for the ‘regional affinities’ of the audience. The Group Commander Trivandrum was a ‘Khalsa’ and a ‘Thampi’ like me will be able to reach out to the ‘audience’ better. I smelt rat in DDG mentioning of the ‘audience’. !!

    On reaching Trivandrum, I was forced on 3 bottles of beer prior to a late lunch by DDG at the NCC Officers’ Mess. He, throughout kept me occupied in conversation other than the ensuing civil function, till I was dozing. May be it was a ploy to seal my mouth and  ward off any excuses from me to plead out of the imminent commitment. 

    As such I was a poor beer drinker and three bottles in a hot sultry afternoon was too much for me. Since I was drowsy and I had a nap in the guest room, till my staff car and civilian driver reported to take me to the venue. I had a cold water bath under a vigorous shower and changed over to my Number One uniform. The driver was in high spirits and he narrated to me what he witnessed in the city. Then I realised the shit I had landed in!!😟

     The function I learned then was named ‘Anjali’ to Kargil Martyrs. The event was organised by Malayalam Digital Cable TV giant Asianet and the film fraternity under aegis of the State Government for purpose of raising funds for war efforts by the Defence Ministry. The State had given half day holiday to all institutions and offices and special Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses were plying to the event site (Chandrasekharan Nair stadium at Palayam) ferrying the audience. 

    From my staff car, I could see large flex hoardings displaying soldiers and Boffor guns in action. The mood was enthused by patriotic songs blaring on multiple stereophonic sound boxes. We were passing through streams of people in festive mood flowing towards the Stadium. My driver commented, “Sir, the Administration/ Trivandrum  Corporation had been going around announcing the ‘Anjali’ programme exhorting all to attend and also of the ‘Star-Night’ hoisted by Malayalam film fraternity who would also present solemn homage to Kargil martyrs. They were announcing presence of Malayalam Super stars like Mohan Lal, Mamootti  etc. “ 

    My adrenaline was rising. Now I knew precisely where I was heading to and what was in store for me ?!! I took out a piece of paper and hurriedly jotted down few points on Kargil and the War. And folded the paper and kept it in the pocket, just for confidence, and with a conviction that there would be a lectern on the podium, where I can spread my notes for referring.!!!! 

    I reached the Stadium which was under maximum security of the Police, and  I found me a loner in Army Uniform and in the given circumstances - the star attraction. I noticed genuine respect in the eyes of men in khakhi, who were there from Director General of Police downwards. The crowd was nearly 30000 plus and still getting filled up. Patriotism of a Malayalee at its heights! (the anticipated presence of film stars couldn’t also be ruled out for this phenomena ). Still it was a rare moment for me as a native to be proud of. 

    Now I realised why the DDG pulled out himself and made me a scapegoat!. 

   All film stars were there. From Super stars Mohanlal, Mamooty, to stars to starlets- all had come to bestow their solidarity with the Kargil Heroes. The entire programme was being covered by Asianet TV and broadcasting Live on all its channels. The array of dish antennas mounted on wheels were very impressive. 

    On enquiring I was told that a lectern would be placed in the centre of the open air stage which was very artistically decked up with Kargil themes. Then the chief organiser, the district collector, an young lady  came to me, shook hands and told me, ‘Sir, I too was an NCC Cadet and a C Certificate holder.’ She asked me for my biodata so that she can introduce me to the audience prior to my event. I scribbled on the paper what came to my mind, on a clipboard which she handed over to me.     

    Then she requested me to proceed to the green room behind the stage where other performers were also there. She told me that I am the first one to give the inaugural address. I repeated my request of a lectern for my speech. She told me it would be arranged. Then I proceeded to the green room. 

     When I entered the room it was full with people. Everyone was gazing at me. I found most of them very familiar to me. But none of them were giving me any recognition signals. My uniform with its gorget patches and the flame of the forest hued lanyards and shoulder backings, with my three full rows of ribbons, two gleaming golden commendation medals underneath on the pocket flaps, and the red band around the crown of the peak cap in stark contrast with the golden oak leaves on the brim made me stand out. Many of them came to me to shake hands and some just Namaste. Then I realised they were all film actors and I was a fan to many of them especially actor Mamootti let alone Suresh Gopi and Balachandra Menon! 

     Then we settled down exchanging pleasantries. Captain Raju a cine actor in full military camouflage uniform entered the stage through the green room. And deposing the final acts of the March past by NCC cadets from schools and mounted police which he was leading, on tunes of famous Malayalam patriotic song,

“Bharatham ennal paarin naduvil 

kevalam oru pidi mannalla -

Jana kotikal namme naamai 

Maattiya Janma griham allo.”

(India is not just a fistful of sand on this earth. It is our home which has made crores of us what we are ……”)

     Very moving song. And then Captain Raju came back to the green room and briefly shook hands with me and said he is from SS 10 course. Then he handed over a cordless microphone and requested me to take to stage. 

    To my utter horror I found there was no lectern to hold on to for confidence and spread my noting sheets containing the script for my inaugural address. My script in my shirt pocket started burning. I was facing a crowd of over fifty thousand plus  and dozens of TV cameras mounted on jibs seesawing around me. I felt myself stark naked in the lime light on the stage with nothing to hold on to. Taking out the much wanted script in the given circumstances was foolish. Many in the audience I could make out were either appreciating or making fun of my walrus moustaches.😕 May be I was wrong ! I cursed my DDG for placing me in such catch 22 situation. 

    But then no pulling back now. Then as a saving grace the district collector was introducing me to the audience. I was organising my thoughts as to what to deliver to this human multitude sprawled in front of me at Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium at Palayam. That too to my own ‘countrymen’ !!!!

    After two deep breaths and imitating Mark Antony’s speech at Ceaser’s burial, I blurted out loud,-

“Friends, Malayalees and Countrymen ……..” . Then having broken the ice I commenced my address as to what came to my mind reflexively, (Rudyard Kipling's famous lines) ;-

“In time of war and not before, 

God and the soldier, we adore. 

But in times of peace and all things righted,

God is forgotten, and the soldier slighted.”

“I’ve seen this drama in 1965, 1971 and am seeing it now . ...”

    I saw a puzzled expression in the face of the top burocrarts whowere occupying the front row. But, with the mental block cleared, I was possessed by then . “Sounding of last post and the roll of drums at the funeral pyres became a familiar tune. Never in the history so many body bags came home wrapped in tricolour. They left behind young widows and orphaned children. They are every Indian’s responsibility.”

     “Having experienced the trauma of battle field conditions many times over, I can say fear of death occurs even to the bravest. There is nothing to be ashamed of it. The fear that actually nags a soldier is that ‘you may never be there for her, for their children. That’s the fear - Not being there. Death is not what matters . What matters is that you will not matter any more’

    Then I looked at the front row occupied by 'who is who' in politics and bureaucracy, connected with the eyes of Chief secretary and continued ‘The sacrifices of our jawans should lead to self analysis and actions to cleanse our prevailing system off its malice. Because the soldiers have laid down their lives protecting the very system - within which we enjoy all the liberties and excesses.’

   And boldened by the encouragements arising from the audience I virtually cast aspersions on the ‘civil administration for ill treating or neglecting the soldiers or their widows or dependents when they approach the former with their genuine grievances and seeking redress or any assistance etc etc.’ 

   'We Malayalees in Kerala nurture a wrong impression that the wars are not meant for us. The international borders are far, more than 2 to 3 thousand kilometers away, and we are safe unlike 'North, East and West Indian' states. Correspondingly the respect and recognition for soldiers diminish.  The impression is dangerously wrong and ill placed. We have a 750 Km of coastal line and We live right on the Inter National Borders of India. Future wars would be three dimentional, through land, air and sea. The soldiers would play a definite role for our sustainance and existence. 

    Chief Secy and other IAS/ IPS Offrs were looking at each other. But the crowd was with me and encouraging and agreeing with what I said and coaxing me to go on. I told them, ‘have no mercy on the  soldiers, we don’t want anyone’s sympathies. What we need is only your empathy and concern to that widow and orphans of a soldier who had given his today for your tomorrow.’

     When I wound up with a loud ‘Jai Hind’ and to top up a ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, I received the greatest applause I had ever had in my life. !!! There was a standing ovation and I was on the verge of a break down due to pent up tension, and not even a lectern to hang on to !!!! 😵😵

    The entire speech as well as the ensuing Star Night were being broadcasted live by Asianet through out the world. The film Industry association AMMA had organised the show. 

😵

Padmasree Mamootti inaugurated the star night. The who is who in the film industry like Suresh Gopi, Balachandra Menon, Rajan P Dev, Biju Menon, Captain Raju, Jagdeesh, Asokan, Nadirsha, Bheeman Raghu, Sreevidya, Abhirami, Praveena, Khushbu, Divya Unni, Devayanai, MG Radhakrishnan, MG Sreekumar, Sreenivasan, etc, were the performers, who kept the audience enthralled and rooted to their chairs till midnight hours. 

    Next day DDG rang me up. He said the Chief Secretary spoke to him and said  “whom did you depute for the show? He has virtually taken us for a ride !!. But he added, it was a forceful speech though brash that he had ever heard and befitting to the occasion. Next time kindly do not depute such fire brand speakers”. DDG also stated that he too was viewing the speech on the TV and it was a great performance. Then he gave me an advice "Ravi, Don't waste your time in uniform, your place is in politics!!"

   I felt elated that I became celebrity. My co-commuters in train from Alleppey <> Quilon were clearing their doubt ‘whether it was I who was in the Asianet programme’?. Many a strangers were ogling at me with curiosity for few days thence and I was even getting calls from friends and relatives in UAE (middle east) and USA who had seen my face in the TV. A celebrity indeed but short lived. I am grateful to my DDG for offering me this opportunity. 

   Finally grateful to God for granting me the serenity and courage to take on the situation. 🙏🙏🙏

     I take the liberty to post an unfinished water colour work which I attempted over half a century back, during my tenure on Indo-Burma borders, of a 3” Mortar detachment struggling with their tube and the bomb in Arakan battlefields of Buthidaung & Maungdaw during Burma Campaign- Second World War. The art of war had rapidly advanced and what we saw of Bofors taking on Kargil Heights by precision shelling was a marvellous feat. 😳

      It was a happening three decades ago. And also have been forgotten by all. In the evening of ones life, when one retrospect and savour such unique experiences, one is overwhelmed with gratitude to God Almighty, who unflinchingly and invariably stood by and goaded one to extricate himself from a tricky situation with honour and face the life ahead with a smile. 🙏🙏😊😊

                                                                   - Col Ravi Nair -

#ponderingofapongo

REMBERING “THE TIMMY OF INDIA” –

GENERAL KODANDERA SUBAYYA THIMAYYA, PB, DSO

      General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, also known as ‘Timmy of India’ to his admirers, was a leader of mankind, an architect of History and dispenser of human destiny the world over.  Thimayya was the only Indian to command an Infantry brigade in battle during the Second World War and he is regarded as the most distinguished combat officer the Indian Army has produced. India will long remember him as a soldier who saved Kashmir. He was the Chief of Army Staff of Indian Army from 1957 to 1961.

Anecdotes which bring out certain sterling virtues of the General as revealed from various sources are described in succeeding paragraphs.

Family background and upbringing

Thimayya was born in Medikeri, the district town of Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka on 31 Mar 1906 to Subayya and Sitamma. His father was a prosperous coffee planter and belonged to the Kodendera clan. Sitamma belonged to Cheppudera clan and both clans among the most respected in Coorg. His mother was highly educated, a social worker and recipient of Kaisar-e-Hind Medal. They were six children – three boys and three girls and Thimayya was second boy. They lived in a sprawling mansion named ‘Sunny Side’. The family was a joint family and the influence of the grandfather the head of the family is said to have been tremendous on Thimayya.

Thimayya’s early education was at St Joseph’s School, Coonoor and Bishop Cottons at Bangalore, before being sent to Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun in 1922, one of the first batches of 32 Indians to join RIMC. While at RIMC Thimayya was selected for pre-commission training at Sandhurst, UK.

RMC Dec 1925

Professional Career

Thimayya had a most chequered and colourful military career and exposures which none of his contemporaries could ever aspire for.

(a)              Thimayya came out with flying colours as 2^nd Lieutenant of Royal Indian Army in 1926 and posted to the High Land Infantry- a Scottish Unit. After a year of attachment with Highland Infantry, he joined 4/19 Hyderabad Regiment (Now 4 Kumaon) and served in Iran and North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

(b)             On 19 Mar 1944, Thimayya was appointed as Commanding Officer of 8/9 Hyderabad Regiment in Arakan – the first Indian officer to be privileged to lead a British Regiment in war. His exploits in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Mangaw against Japanese elicited the highest appreciation from top-echelons of South East Asia Command, including Lord Mount Batten, Gen Stillwell and Field Marshal Slim.

(c)              On 01 Apr 1945, Thimayya was given command of 36 Indian Infantry Brigade in Burma. He was the First Indian officer to lead a brigade in action in Second World War He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for outstanding leadership by HM King George IV- The Emperor of India. As a representative of the Indian Army, Thimayya was present at the formal surrender of Japanese to Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia at Singapore in 1945.

(d)             In 1946, Thimayya commanded 268 Indian Brigade in Japan and during his stay represented Indian Army at Independence Day Celebrations of Philippines in July 1946 at Manila. After this he did a stint with Armed Forces Nationalisation Committee at New Delhi. Again in 1947 he assumed the command of 5 Infantry Brigade. He was a member of Armed Forces Reconstruction Committee and joined Punjab Boundary Force at the time of partition.

(e)             In the wake of partition in May 1948, Thimayya took command of 19 Indian Division from Maj Gen TW Rees. Thimayya took timely and appropriate action to restore law and order in East Punjab to ensure safe and dignified movement of millions of refugees. As GOC of 19 Infantry Division in Jammu and Kashmir, Thimayya became a legend in Military History. Here he created an unique record in the annals of military strategy / tactics by deploying Stuart tanks over the snow bound 12000 feet high Zozila Pass and broke through strongly held Pakistani positions in the winter of 1948. The enemy was thrown out and Indian troops reached Kargil. He, as the GOC, displayed personal bravery by flying in to Ley in a dakota on 24 May 1948 to evacuate plane loads of the wounded and refugees. Thimayya combined tactical flexibility, firmness of command and the 1948 operations proved him to be a bold field commander, who could outwit the enemy. He was proclaimed to have liberated most of occupied Kashmir – only if an ill-timed ceasefire had not been agreed to.

(f)               1950-51 Thimayya commanded Indian Military Academy,which was forged out of best values and traditions of Sandhurst (UK) and West Point (USA). IMA could not have bargained for more inspiring model than Thimayya to emulate.

(g)              He was appointed as Quarter Master General at Army Headquarters during which tenure, he streamlined the working of the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) India- doing away with contract system.

(h)             On 15 Jan 1953, Thimayya took over charge as General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C ) Western Command with the overall command of troops in Punjab, Rajasthan and J&K.

(i)                In Sep 1953, Gen Thimayya was assigned as Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea. The Commission was made up of delegates from Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Czechoslovakia and India. He gained international fame at Korea winning many friends and admirers, by his impartiality, justice, and fairplay , sense of humour, curtsey and charm. For his deft handling of this complex and sensitive assignment, he was awarded Padma bhushan. He was even acclaimed 'Mc Arthur of India'.

(j)                On 08 May 1957, Thimayya was promoted to rank of full General and took over as Chief of Army Staff, the post which he held with dignity and honour till 07 May 1961, when he retired.

(k)              Recalling 08 May 1957, when Thimayya took over as COAS, he stated “It was the climax of my thirty one years of service and of course a proud moment for me. I remembered the other moment in Burma, when I had taken command of the Battalion. This moment was similar, but the burden seemed lighter than before. I think this was simply because I now had many more men to help me carry it”.

Courage of conviction

As Chief of Army Staff he proved to be a class by himself – a cut above the rest. He addressed himself to operational preparedness which was uppermost in his mind and not ‘digging wells in Rayalaseema’ as suggested by politicians as an occupation for the Army in peace time. Administrative improvements and welfare of officers, men, defence civilians and their families were closest to his heart. He was every time called ‘soldiers’ General’. Gen Thimayya was not for power or personal aggrandizements, but stood firmly by his values – whether he was dealing / deliberating with Pandit Nehru and VK Krishna Menon. He was a self made ‘tower of strength’ reinforced by what others saw in him – a beacon of the future of India.

Gen Thimayya kept on pointing out to the Government the frightful imbalance that existed between political theory and power equation. The Government’s failure to respond to his strategic assessment eventually led to devastating humiliation later in 1962. 

Courage in face of danger

Ø    Thimayya took over command of an Infantry Battalion while in operations in Burma. Japanese were strongly dug into the tunnels in Buthidaung and were in absolute control of the spine of Mayu Ranges all the way to the North. Thus between 25 and 26 Divisions , Japs could move up secretly along the ridges and attack at any point that they chose, thus cutting of the Line of Communication of the Allies from Chittagong. Japs could also watch every move of the Allied troops from atop the Mayu Ranges. Thus these Japanese positions earned tactical importance, which had to be eliminated. Many attacks failed and ultimately the task of reducing the Jap positions fell on Thimayya and his Battalion. Gen Thimayya decided to put in an unorthodox last light attack against the accepted norms of first light. The ‘Kumaonis’ under the personal leadership of Thimayya crept up the slopes through thick jungles during day light and caught the japs napping in the former’s last-light attack. The mission was a complete success. Gen Thimayya later reminisced of the action “If I failed I was sure to be court-martialed. Even if I took the hill but with heavy causalities, I would be finished.’ Gen Davies the GOC after congratulating Gen Thimayya stated “You are one of the lucky ones”.

Ø    Along with Sheikh Abdullah and the PRO (Col CL Proudfoot), Gen Thimayya was on a visit to an Infantry Brigade at Uri, which had been the first Brigade to operate in the Valley from 1947. The road to Uri runs eastwards along the escarpments of a range of hills with River Jhellum running alongside in a deep gorge down below. En route an officer was waiting to inform the General’s party that an enemy MMG was ranging the road ahead and suggested that they halt at Mahura Power House for ‘All Clear’. General and Sheikh had few words and he turned to other occupants of his jeep and said ‘Hang-on’, and let in the clutch. The MMG had not yet zeroed in on the road and they raced through the arching stream of tracers with a thrill.

Ø    Gen Thimayya’s youngest brother Somayya (Freddie) was second-in-command of a battalion in Uri. He died in a mine blast one early morning and the news was passed to the General immediately. The General took it coolly and told the Brigade Commander not to make a fuss of it, but to cremate as any soldier killed in battlefield and the normal work including patrolling would go on. He did not even inform his old father at Medikeri, as he wanted the news to reach his father in the normal manner through Adjutant General’s Branch, Army Headquarters.

Sporting Character

General Thimayya had a formidable sense of humour. He considered it necessary like luck for soldier to survive and prosper. His sense of humour was to not only provide relief under tension but had an intellectual structure and emotional dynamism. He was essentially a sportive and humanist character. As the ceasefire came in to force between India and Pakistan on 01 Jan 1949, he met and embraced the Principal adversary in Flag Meeting. When amazement was expressed by the United Nation’s Observer present there, he said “we are enemies during war, but we are old friends too”!!!

Compassion

       Magnanimity was a great quality of General Thimayya. He regarded it an essential quality for higher command. He understood the fallibility of man. He would often quote Dr Johnson’s “A fallible being will fall somewhere.!!”, and forgave people.

Incidents of Unusual Interest

Ø    General Thimayya liked nicer things of life and was often seen enjoying himself in Five Star Hotels and restaurants in the metropolis of Delhi. One morning the Prime Minister Mr. Jawahar Lal Nehru sent for General Thimayya in his office and obviously tutored by his intelligence staff, suggested that he should not be seen at public places late at night, as it created a bad impression. To this General humorously replied “Panditji isn’t that better than planning a coup in the middle of the night?”. (Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh, PVSM, Vrc)

Ø    Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh writes’ “Panditji as everyone knows , was at one time very fond of Gen Thimayya. General was immensely loyal to Panditji as a person and would have given his right arm for him. So, when the General submitted his resignation over a difference of opinion with the Defence Minister and later withdrew it on Panditji’s intercession, it was on the part of General a gesture of great deference and regard for the Prime Minister. No wonder that the subsequent castigation of General Thimayya by Panditji on the floor of the House came as a great shock to the General and he terribly felt let down. And those who had to work with him closely noticed a sea change in his attitude towards life. To those of us who had the welfare of the General and the country at heart, this internecine squabble at the highest level of national polity seemed to represent a denial to the country of the valuable services of a rare personality which is born only once in an age.”

Ø    General Thimayya was against senior ranks to club together at the exclusion of juniors. Lt Col Grant, Commandant of CMP Centre & School recalls an incident in a party hosted in honour of the General in his mess when he was a young officer. “On a request from the Second-in-Command of the Battalion to pass a message to his wife, my wife joined the Generals group and finding an empty chair next to the Second-in-Command’s wife parked herself on it so that she could discreetly pass the message to Mrs Second in Command. Awaiting for an opportune moment to withdraw unnoticed, my wife was suddenly taken aback, when Mrs Second in Command told her to leave the group as it was meant only for senior officers. Apparently this little side talk did not go unnoticed by General and his wife and there was some whispering between them. When dinner was announced, the General singled out my wife who had left the group by then and requested the honour of escorting her to dinner, while offering his arm, the General remarked loud enough for all to hear, “Young lady, in the mess we all share the same meal irrespective of rank- obviously a rejoinder to what he had noticed earlier transpiring between senior and junior wives. “

Ø    During Second World War, Thimayya was commanding the Brigade which was first to enter Rangoon. The men were amazed to find that the city was held by Indians of the INA. In the enemy retreat, the Japanese were abandoning the INA. After Japs left Rangoon, the local Chinese population began looting. The INA men stepped in to restore order. But they were anxious to turnover authority to the Allies. By twist of fate, Thimayya’s eldest brother Colonel Ponnappa (Ponnu) was the AQ (Asst Quartermaster General) to the INA (Indian National Army) Forces in Rangoon, and was captured by Thimaya’s Brigade. His brother demanded of the British officer who arrested him that he be taken to Brig Thimayya. The Englishman told him that, “Thimayya was not there”, and added ,”even if your brother were here, he would have you thrown in to the clink straightaway”.  “You are wrong’, Thimayya’s brother replied. “He would give me a cold beer, a hot curry, and then he would have me thrown in to the clink “. “My brother knew me alright”, Timmy said ”That’s precisely what I would have done”.

Ø    In 1935 Thimayya got married to Nina Cariappa , who had returned to India after her education in France. In May 1935 Thimayya was attending Staff College at Quetta (present-day Pakistan) which suffered a devastating earthquake and Nina helped in comforting the homeless refugees of the earthquake. She was awarded the KAISER-I-HIND medal for her social work at the tender age of nineteen, the youngest to do so. 

The Family

•           Thimayya and Nina had one child – a daughter - Mireille and they led an enviable and emulative family life. Timmy was an ideal husband and a wonderful father and they were a close-knit family. Though Timmy has had extensive western exposures he was not enslaved to western culture and values. And this virtue reflected in bringing up of his family. Though he served in the British Army and rose in ranks and status, Timmy was essentially a ‘son of the soil’ and more Indian and a nationalist than any Indian could be. The impression of Timmy as a father, an officer and a Gentleman has been  amply brought out by his daughter Mireille Chengappa in her frank depositions with Coorg Times, an English Daily. The feature which appeared on 30 Mar 2017, authored by APA Ganapathy, on the occasion of the 111^th birth Anniversary of Timmy brings out various sterling character qualities of the General  ( The link is given as a Post Script to this narration.)

Post Retirement Career

Ø    It was Timmy’s outstanding qualities of leadership, maturity, justice and understanding of global affairs that attracted the attention of the Secretary General United Nations (UNO), who offered him the post of ‘Commander of United Nations Forces in Cyprus’ (UNFICYP) in July 1964. Cyprus at that point in time had been torn by the bitter conflict between the Greeks and Turkish Cypriots, which could easily have spun off into another crusade. With six thousand multi-national UN forces under his command, Gen. Thimayya tactfully handled the delicate situation that was ridden with ideological differences as well as bad faith and mutual distrust. His courageous diplomacy became an example for forces all over the world, and provoked the Turkish Foreign Minister to describe Gen. Thimayya’s role as “A superhuman effort to keep peace going”. The Greeks adored his grit, pragmatism and sense of justice as well as his intellect. In this capacity he endeared himself to the rival camps who developed implicit trust in his fairness and judgment.

Ø    . Unfortunately on Dec 18 1965, General Thimayya succumbed to a heart attack at the age of 59. Cyprus cried and the world mourned the loss of an eminent leader of mankind departed before a mission completed.

Ø    The Government of Cyprus in his honour named the main road through Larnaca - Cyprus (East to West) as Gen Thimayya Road. In India , the street perpendicular to East Street (a road parallel to MG road in Pune) and Richmond Road in Bangalore, were also renamed as Gen Thimayya Road in his memory.

Ø    The Republic of Cyprus, also honored him by issuing a commemorative stamp in his memory in 1966.

Commemorative issue Stamp

General Kodandera Subayya Thimayya was born in Madikeri, the district town of Kodagu (also known as Coorg), Karnataka, India. He was a graduate of the Royal Indian Military College in Dehra Dun. He served in the Indian Army from many posts. He became Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army in 1957. He was also awarded the Distinguised Service Order. After the Korean War, he headed an United Nations unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners of war. After his retirement from the Indian Army, he was appointed as the Commander of UN Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in July 1964. While in Cyprus, he died of a heart attack, in 1965. The Republic of Cyprus, in addition to this stamp issue, honored him by renaming an avenue of the city of Larnaca after him.

Ø     The General K.S. Thimayya Memorial Trust, a Trust instituted by some Old Boys of Bishop Cotton Boys' School, annually hold the General K S Thimayya Memorial Lecture Series in his memory. 

Ø    Thirty-two years after his death, on December 18, 1997 the body of Gen. Thimayya was exhumed from his grave in Wilson Garden Bangalore and shifted to Army Services Corps (ASC) Centre, Bangalore where he was reburied with full military honours.

Ø    On 31 Mar 2018, in Madikeri, the renovated ‘Sunny Side,’ the residence of General Thimayya was dedicated to the nation on the occasion of his 112th birth anniversary. The Memorial features an exhibition of General’s achievements and a war Museum that has Tanks, replicas and photos of fighter jets  and other war collections. It also boasts of a park and an Amar Jawan War Memorial.

Ø    General Thimayya enjoys an unmatched legacy in the Indian Army.

Tributes to General

v    Prof VK Gokak Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University and winner of Gyana Peetha Award wrote about Gen Thimayya- “He rose to be the hero of a Nation new born- he served mankind – as a true Indian, upholding peace and helping the forlorn. Bless the soil that gave his birth”.

v    Times of India, Bangalore 19 Dec 1965 writes- “The death of Thimayya has shocked Mysore State, where he grew up as a young boy and later returned to live in retirement. Coorg district from where he hailed is in mourning. ‘Hutri’ Celebrations , a popular festival has been cancelled as a mark of respect to the former Army Chief.”

v    Indian Express New Delhi, 20 Dec 1965- quoting ex COAS Gen JN Choudhry on  Gen Thimayya – “A fine soldier, a gay companion and a man who loved his country”, writes “ In the first early formative years of our independence, the efforts of our soldiers have mattered as much, if not more than the effort of our politicians. ‘Timmy’ like all the good soldiers had no politics in his mind, though it saddens one to think that his brilliant career was cut somewhat abruptly by a confrontation with politicians. India will long remember him as a soldier who saved Kashmir. He lived as he fought and died with chivalry and gallantry. May the sea, earth and sky rest gently on him.”  

v    Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, MC, was asked who, in his opinion, had been the best General of the Indian Army. “Timmy, of course,” he replied and expanded his remark further, “General Thimayya was not only a brilliant tactician and strategist but one whose vision went beyond everyone else’s. The challenges he faced and his response to them were simply incomparable.”

v    Of all the eulogies for him, the late Lieutenant General Premindra Singh Bhagat, VC, PVSM, ADC (Retd.) summed it up best, "A General Thimayya is not born in every generation. It was fortunate for us who still serve, to be of the generation and the Nation of Gen Thimayya. The likes of him there will seldom be, Soldier General, a man's man; the Army was his soul; his soul the Army.”

The likes of General Thimayya are epoch makers, men of destiny,Who leave their footprints on the sands of time- For others to follow.  

                                                 

                        -Col Ravi Nair -  

PS:- Certain articles which throw light on the Character qualities of the General 
1. A Book Review by R Prasannan titled 'Humiliation of a General'  in The Week Magazine dated 24th Jan 2016 on the Book -'1962 War That Wasn't' authored by Shiv Kunal Verma-

 https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/the-war-that-wasnt-by-shiv-kunal-verma-gives-a-total-picture-of-the-1962-war.html     

2.  An article by Abhishek Bannerjee in Op India dated 15 January 2018, which high lights the exemplary virtues of courage of conviction by upholding his commander's actions to safe guard the honour of woman.-

https://www.opindia.com/2018/01/on-army-day-how-general-thimayya-stood-up-to-nehrus-chief-minister-for-the-honour-of-a-woman/        

3.   A feature in Coorg Times ' A Daughter's Tribute to Gen KS Thimayya' on His Birth Anniversary' dated 30 Mar 2017. 

- http://www.coorgnews.in/featuresnewsmakers/daughters-tribute-gen-k-s-thimayyas-birth-anniversary/                                 

( Curtsey to ‘'Thimayya of India: A Soldier’s Life’ by Humphrey Evans, The Star of Mysore, The Coorg Times, Brig MM Ashok Cariappa (Retd), Col KC Subbayya VSM (Retd), President,' Fd Marshal Cariappa Gen Thimayya Forum', Kodugu, , the Google and other relevant publications  )