A Preposterous Prophecy Comes True

(-Col Ravi Nair-)

The story dates back over six decades to when I was a 15 year old student of pre-Cambridge at the threshold of the Senior Cambridge curriculum. In the 1960s I was pursuing my studies at Sainik School Madras, located at Amaravathinagar (TN).

   Amaravathi Nagar- Amaravathi Dam and Reservoir & Anamalai Hills

As per the undertaking, all students had to appear for the National Defence Academy (NDA) selection process after the pre-Cambridge exams (X standard). Hence, our entire class filled out the application forms for 33^rd NDA Course, under the guidance of our class teacher, Mr. Cariappa, and focused on preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) written examinations. The coaching for the Services Selection Board (SSB) tests also commenced simultaneously. Preparation for the UPSC exams included, in addition to our regular classes, special sessions on exam techniques, solving old question papers from the NDA Master Guide published by Khanna Brothers and model question papers put forward by the School.

                                        Main Gate of Sainik School Madras

             The SSB training was more practical oriented. The physical training ustads (Instructors) focused on our performance on the obstacle course, rope climbing, Tarzan swing, leopard leap, monkey crawling etc. The SSB training also included lecturettes and interview techniques, personally conducted by our Headmaster, Maj. Thamburaj. Group discussions, group tasks, command tasks, and interviews etc., were conducted under the personal supervision of the Principal, Lt. Col. D.N. Shahni. All these activities were in addition to our normal academic pursuit.

                Playing Reveille to rouse the School - Bugler IX Class

The UPSC exams were to be held at the Madras (Chennai) University Examination Centre on Marina Beach Road. Our entire class of 17 boys travelled to Madras by train. The school had organized our stay at Madras Govt Arts College (Cheṉṉai Arasu Kalaik Kallūri) on Mount Road. Fortunately, it was vacation time for colleges. One classroom served as both our living accommodation and study room. The benches and desks were turned into acceptable resting places and for study.

We were all in our early teens and, as a result, were up to mischief, mainly bunking out to the city, contrary to the orders of the schoolmaster, who, being from Madras, was seldom seen around. For many of us, it was our first time in ‘Mattraas’. Marina Beach, the swimming pool, Buhari Hotel, and cinema halls were irresistible attractions. I, however, was very serious about my preparations as I had always dreamed of joining the Defence Forces and donning the uniform, considering it my only deliverance from the years lost in my studies. I was a student of VIth (Sixth) Form or class Eleven when I, as per my permissible age, was inducted into Sainik School in Class 9. When I was pursuing Pre Cambridge, my old school colleagues were already in Colleges. The only way to catch up with them and compensate the two years lost, I figured, was to join the NDA stream. Having come from a Malayalam-medium curriculum prior to joining the public-school system of education at Sainik School, I was still catching up with my peers, who had exposure to English-medium education and who were fluent both in written and verbal expressions. After two days, the UPSC examinations commenced at the Examination Centre next to the prestigious Madras Presidency College. The examinations lasted three days and I acquitted myself well in the exams.

The results of the exams came after one month, and the Headmaster himself came to our classroom to announce them. Twelve out of seventeen was a good result, and he individually congratulated those who passed. By God’s will, I was also among those on the pass list. Now, those who passed the written exams concentrated on SSB coaching.

The calls for the SSB interview started arriving soon. My friends, in twos and threes, proceeded to various SSBs throughout the country. My call also came in a few weeks’ time, and I proceeded to SSB Bangalore. Bangalore was then an orderly, laid back and beautiful town with many parks, gardens and fountains. It also enjoyed a salubrious climate. The MG (Mahatma Gandhi) Road, 100 feet broad was the main thoroughfare in the Cantonment area and it was lined on either side with single-storey tile-roofed buildings housing various shops, restaurants, hotels, and offices. The SSB establishment was located on Cubbon Road in the Cantonment, which boasted of the Army Sub Area Headquarters and other military installations, all housed in colonial-style buildings.

Our batch consisted of thirty boys—some very confident, some feigning confidence, and many very unsure of themselves. From Bangalore Cantonment railway station itself, I became friendly with a few boys from Sainik School Kazhakoottam, mainly due to linguistic affinity.

The SSB selection process commenced upon our arrival with lots of paperwork and documentation, followed the next day by IQ (intelligence quotient) tests, psychological tests and physical tests like obstacles, etc. On the third and fourth days, we had individual tasks, lecturettes, Group Testing Officers’ (GTO) interviews, group discussions, group tasks, the SSB president’s interview, etc. Throughout, we were under the close scrutiny of our GTOs, who always wore dark glasses to mask who they were focusing on. The finale, called the ‘conference’, took place on the fifth day, when we each marched into the Conference Room, where an unnerving group of gentlemen sat around an inverted horseshoe table. There, the candidate confronted the entire selection team, from the president to the GTOs and psychologists—all in uniform. With all eyes grilling the hapless lone figure, they broiled each candidate for an unpredictable length of time.

After this, we were all huddled into a hall, where one GTO swaggered onto the platform with a small chit in hand to announce the results. After a customary moral lecture on success and failure in a selection, he unfolded the chit and read out five chest numbers. He said those five numbers would stay back, and the rest could return home. My chest number was 10, and I was among the five.

A sheaf of papers was given to us to fill out for our medical examination at the Air Force Hospital, Bangalore. The medical examination took three days. All five were found fit. Then instructions came for the three of us who had opted for the Air Force (flying) to stay back.

We were sent to No. 3 Air Force Selection Board, Gwalior, for the Pilot Aptitude Battery Tests (PABT), passing which was mandatory for flying. We travelled to Gwalior and underwent the PABT, which was more like computer games that children play nowadays. There were a few assimilation test papers on the basics of flying, for which we were given basic lessons and taught the nuances of flying an aircraft. The PABT is conducted only once, and if failed, one is considered unfit for flying forever. Fortunately, all three of us passed and were directed to proceed to Delhi for our Air Force medical checkups.

Accordingly, we travelled to Delhi and were put up in Air Vista Officers’ Mess on Janpath for our stay. Even now, I recall catching a glimpse of General J.N. Choudhuri, the Chief of Army Staff, arriving in his four-star saloon for a party at Air Vista Mess. I could also see that the General’s arrival was preceded by those of Chiefs of Navy and Air Force in their respective three-star saloons.

The medical check-ups were at Air Force Medical Establishment (AFME) near Ashoka Hotel. The medical examination was more thorough, and they even took an ECG, which was rare in those days. We all were declared fit and issued with return railway warrants to proceed back to our homes.

The real story begins now.

I was whiling away my time on the New Delhi Railway Station waiting for the Grand Trunk Express to come on the platform line, when I noticed a group of young men conversing with a relatively younger person who looked sad and withdrawn. They seemed like friends, trying to console the younger man, who was taciturn and appeared deeply saddened.

As the train was announced, I got busy positioning myself appropriately for easy entry into the coach. Upon the train’s arrival, I boarded with my baggage, and as luck would have it, my allotted seat was a window seat. I soon settled down. Shortly after, I saw the same young man being ushered in by a few of his friends. The seat opposite mine was his. He settled down silently. One of his friends asked me where I was traveling to. I replied, “Madras, and then on by Cochin Express to Cochin Harbour Terminus.” His friends seemed relieved. They took me aside and told me that their friend, travelling with me, had lost his father and was deeply disturbed and in a state of shock. They explained that he was travelling to his hometown, Trichur, and he also had reservations on the Cochin Express from Madras. They requested that I keep him company and console him. I assured them I would take good care of him and help him recover from the shock. When the engine hooted, announcing the train’s departure, his friends hurriedly got down, leaving their friend in my care.

                           Grand Trunk Express - Delhi to Madras
                                                                           I returned to my seat and found the young man, who I guessed to be a few years older than me, looking out of the window of the moving train with tears in his eyes. To break the ice, I shook hands with him and introduced myself. He murmured that he was Sethu Madhavan from Trichur, working in Delhi at the Cabinet Secretariat. He went silent again and continued gazing at the scenery flitting past. I then offered my condolences, which he accepted gratefully. When the ‘chaiwala’ (tea vendor) arrived, I ordered two cups of tea and offered one to him. Though he initially refused, he accepted after some coaxing. I felt the ice melting, and he slowly started to come out of his reverie of gloom. I kept engaging him in a long conversation, starting with our shared experience of losing a father at a young age and then discussing my family.

Eventually, he asked me why I had come to Delhi, and I explained my selection to NDA (Air Force). By evening, he had nearly recovered, and we started discussing personal as well as social topics. I ordered dinner for him, which he accepted without objection. We kept talking until we fell asleep.

Next day, I found him in a more relieved and relaxed disposition and nearly back to normal, an indication of his coming to terms with the tragic loss of his father. He ordered my breakfast, tea, and so on. Sethu seemed intelligent and highly knowledgeable, with a lot to say on many subjects. We became good friends, and on the third day of the train journey, he asked me about Sainik School, the selection process for the NDA, SSB, PABT, medical tests, and other such matters. I explained everything in detail and mentioned that I was returning home as a successful candidate. Then he asked me, ‘What’s next?’ I explained that I would receive a call with joining instructions for the NDA at Kharakvasla, Pune, in few months’ time and then I join the Course. He nodded as if he understood all the nuances. That day also passed, and after talking so much about myself, I started dreaming of joining the NDA and then the Air Force Flying Academy.

                        National Defence Academy - Logo

 On the morning of the third day, the GT Express steamed into Madras Central, where we alighted. I had planned to go to Sapphire Theatre for a nonstop movie and return late in the afternoon in time for the Cochin Express, but I cancelled that plan and stayed with Sethu to keep his morale high. When the Cochin Express arrived, we managed to secure adjacent berths in the train with some ‘mandatory coaxing’ of the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE).

On the fourth day morning the train entered Kerala, hooting its way to our destinations. Sethu was to detrain first, and I three hours later. We were having a cup of tea from the ‘chaiwala’ after breakfast when Sethu suddenly looked at me seriously and asked to see my palms. Surprised, I asked if he knew palmistry. He replied that he knew a little, though he wasn’t a master. So, I showed him my palms. He brooded over my lines, feeling the mounts of both palms, and then concentrated on my right palm. I was bemused initially but soon grew eager to know about my future. Suddenly, he came out of his deep study of my palm and asked if there were any more stages in the selection process. I replied that all my selection processes were complete and that I was just awaiting the joining instructions.

Then he asked if he should truthfully predict my future. By then, I was getting anxious and fretful and asked him to come out with his prophecy quickly. Hesitantly, still holding my palms, he said, ‘You will not be selected.’ I was shocked by this prediction and asked, ‘Then what?’ He continued, ‘You will never be selected for the current venture in the future either.’ Presuming this to be a cruel joke despite my having crossed all the stages of selection, including the Air Force Medical Board, I asked him how my education line was. Reviewing my palm again, he told me, ‘You will never be a graduate.’ I was totally shaken. Alarmed, I asked, ‘Then what do I do for a living?’ He replied, ‘Your lines predict that you will do well in life and lead a respectable life.’ I dismissed his prophecies as sadistic opinions. With his destination approaching, Sethu again went into a bout of depression and remained silent. Trichur railway station arrived, and Sethu alighted into the midst of his sad relatives, who had come to receive him. I felt sad for him, but he left me feeling sad too.

As for me, the school authorities received a letter from UPSC stating that although I had been successful in the written exam, SSB, and medical, I could not be accommodated as I had not come within the available merit capacity of the NDA. That was my saddest day, especially as four boys from my class left for Kharakvasla, leaving me to continue with the daily grind of school.

At Sainik School, we were regularly put through the mill of UPSC exams, SSB, and medicals. I went through the tests for NDA courses 34 and 35. Despite having cleared all hurdles of the UPSC, SSB, and medicals for both courses, my fate was the same—I did not make it within the available capacity. My school authorities were surprised with this turn of events with me repeatedly. Later I learned that this phenomenon occurred due to excess allotment of vacancies to foreign candidates from our friendly countries. There was an influx from a number of countries, more so from the African continent, that had become independent from colonial rule in the first half of 1960s. Thus, the qualified candidates who came up through the mill suffered. But then it would have been a diplomatic decision! Soon it was time for me to leave school after my Senior Cambridge exams.

                               Sanatana Dharma College, Alleppey

  I returned home with a broken heart and joined Sanatana Dharma College for Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature course. My mother was the happiest person in the world, as she was not very keen on me joining the Armed Forces. With my undying aspirations and ambitions, joining the National Cadet Corps (NCC Rifles) was a natural course for me. I qualified in B & C Certificates NCC, also attended Army Attachment Camp and the ultimate aspiration of an NCC cadet, that of representing Kerala State NCC Directorate in the Republic Day parade at Delhi.  I went for selection to the Officers Training Unit (OTU - NCC), but again fate was against me. After clearing the SSB at Kolhapur, I was sent to MH (Military Hospital) Pune for medicals, where I was told I was rejected on account of some cardiac abnormalities. I appealed against the medical board’s decision and was sent again to MH Pune to a different medical board, the results of which are still eluding me.

        At College Small Arms Firing Range with Instrusctor demonstrating
                                                                 

             By then, the prophecy of my transitory friend Sethu kept popping into my mind. I told my mother about it, and she assured me not to get demoralized. She reminded me of the story of ‘King Robert the Bruce and the Spider,’ which she often quoted during my childhood. She would always say, ‘Try, try, and try again till you succeed!’ She was the happiest person when her son returned home from Sainik School. She was the one who had coaxed me into taking English Language & Literature to graduate as she wanted me to join the Civil Services. But on being convinced of my intense desire to join the Armed Forces and admission to the Academies eluding me despite success in the selection process time and again, my mother from then on encouraged me to pursue my aspirations to the fullest. She performed pujas and sought divine interventions to fulfil my dreams.

That was when an innocuous-looking advertisement appeared in one of the local newspapers, seeking candidates for admission to the Officers Training School (OTS) Madras, to be commissioned as Short Service Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army. The position offered the same perks and conditions of service as those who passed out of NDA and the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and offered permanent commission to those who excelled. There was no written examination for those who had attended SSB selection earlier. I was floored by the conditions and sent a postcard with my details to the address given in the advertisement. After a few weeks, I received a call letter from SSB Jabalpur.

                                    Officers Training School (Academy) - Logo

I attended the SSB process with ease, as I was by now very familiar with the nuances. On the last day, during the ‘Conference,’ the President of the Selection Board asked me, ‘What do you think? Will you be selected?’ I confidently replied, ‘Sir, I cannot be rejected.’ The members of the interviewing board were amused by my statement, and the psychologist in civilian attire asked, ‘Why are you so sure?’ I replied, ‘Sir, if I can be selected by four SSBs, there’s no reason for a fifth SSB to reject me, and if that happened, there would be something wrong with the selection system.’ I couldn’t believe I had spoken so boldly. It was my pent-up frustration that gave rise to such a reaction. They seemed taken aback, and then the President smiled and said, ‘Ravi, you can go. We wish you all the best.’ I noticed everyone behind the inverted horseshoe table digging into my personal details, including the column seeking information as to the SSB interviews attended earlier and their results.

After the conference was over, one of the GTOs entered the hall empty-handed to announce the results of our batch of 30. He announced, ‘Chest no. 17, stay back; the rest proceed to the accounts office to collect your railway warrants to return home.’ And I donned chest No 17. My medical examination was at MH Jabalpur, where I was cleared as FIT.

After returning home, I wasn’t sure whether I would receive the call from OTS. In light of Sethu’s prophecy, I was apprehensive and felt like a ‘cat that had fallen into hot water and now feared cold water.’ I concentrated on my studies. After few months was my final year examination, and with prospects of joining the pre- commission training at OTS during the academic session, I found it difficult to concentrate on my studies too. One day when I reached home from college, my mother told me that there was a fat envelope for me lying in the head post office. I rushed to the post office, collected the heavy envelope, and opened it. It was my joining instructions for OTS. I was to undergo police verification and purchase a long list of necessary kit to take along and report to OTS on a date that was one month prior to my final examinations. There were strong reservations from the ruling dispensation of my State then to carry out the verification of candidates for Central Government jobs by State Police, so my call came from Central Bureau of investigation and I complied. Propriety goaded me to report to OTS and not to miss the God given opportunity. In the circumstances, I gave the go-by to attending my final year degree examinations.

           At OTS - sapped out after Ex Chindit march- Life was indeed tough !😤
In due course, I was commissioned in the Indian Army as an officer. My three and half decades of service life thereafter, through trials and tribulations, that too as an Infantry officer, is yet another story.

 Commissioned as Second Lieutenant into First Battalion the Sikh Light Infantry

That marked the end of my unsuccessful attempt at college graduation. To this day, despite my efforts to complete it, even by correspondence from other States and Universities, I have not been able to graduate due to various exigencies. The spell cast by my strange transitory friend Sethu seemed to have come true. ‘Neither could I join the NDA, nor could I be a graduate.’ However, I was able to earn a decent and honourable living from the profession of my dreams.

In the hurry-burry of his palmistry at the fag end of my journey with Sethu and the mood changes it caused, we could not even exchange our postal address, which was very usual and the only means to keep in touch in those yonder days. Access to telephones was then futuristic, and mobile phones were yet to be invented. Despite my best efforts in subsequent years to trace Sethu—my ‘soothsayer’—he continues to remain an enigma.

In the ultimate analysis, I, from a family of doctors, engineers, auditors, those in civil service, judges, professors, and the like, was transformed—as the saying goes in my place—to a moron with ‘Sixth and Gusthi’ (Sixth Form or 11th class and wrestling!!) as my educational qualification.

Yet, God has been kind and my long-departed mother’s concerns for me, her assurances and prayers stood by me in all my ventures, and I have no regrets in retrospection. 

                                                                            - Col Ravi Nair -

 

RECOLLECTIONS  OF AN NCC CADET 

[Col R Ravi Nair (Retd) 

 

        Sanatana Dharma College is my alma mater and the only college to which I pledge my allegiance. The golden phase of my youth was well spent on this campus. In retrospect, I vividly recall this period through my intimate involvement with the NCC primarily, and then through my engagement with the College Students' Union.

        Unlike my contemporaries, I did not have a pre-university exposure, as I joined the BA English Literature program (the premier batch of 1965) after completing the Senior Cambridge Examination from Sainik School. While in college, I had the opportunity to be elected as the Secretary of the English Language and Literary Association, a Cabinet Member of the Students' Union, and finally, the Speaker (Chairman) of the College Students' Union under the banner of the Independent Students’ Union (ISU). From a modest member of the party, I progressed to Party President by the time I left the college. I am convinced that it was the National Cadet Corps (NCC) that imbued me with the confidence and managerial acumen to acquire and hold important offices within the student community, without any external political influence or sponsors.

Speaker SD College Students Union 1968-69

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

        Enrolling in the NCC was a natural response for any active and well-meaning student. The nation was still in the fervor of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, and any able-bodied youth desired to be of service to the cause of national defense. Enrollment in the NCC was selective; aspirants had to undergo stringent physical and medical screening, and many were deemed 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’ mustaches, with a dominating personality and a ‘Drill Sergeant’s commanding voice’. Cadets and students were so scared of him that even the most ‘misadventurous’ avoided him when he passed by. He had a dedicated team of PTOs like Captain P.K. Padmanabhan Potty, Lt. R. Ramachandran Nair, Lt. N. Gopalakrishnan Nair, Lt. R.V. Ramachandran, Lt. M.P. Subramanian, and Lt. C.J. Rao. They were a team and fully in control of nearly one thousand cadets, 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. C.V. Donoghue.

        The Senior Division NCC was then known as NCC Rifles, and the uniform was mazri shirts and khaki trousers. The college had an imposing firing range where shooting was a regular feature on parade days. The cadets fired .22 and .303 bolt-action rifles, and even light machine guns. Weapons and ammunition of all sorts were kept in a large kote consisting of four classrooms within the college. To the best of my knowledge, I do not remember seeing any police guard for its security. The ANOs and the Under Officers were fully responsible and accountable. The security was impeccable, and the kote was granted its due sanctity. The NCC administrative office, stores, kotes, and classrooms occupied the entire complex adjacent to the boys' hostel, which is now the Commerce Department. The area was out of bounds for non-NCC students and non-functionaries.

        As a Senior Division NCC Cadet, I had the unique privilege of taking part in two Annual Training Camps, an Army Attachment Camp with the 1st Battalion of the Brigade of the Guards, an Advanced Leadership Camp, a Republic Day Parade Preparatory Camp at Munnar, and the All India RD Parade in Delhi. Normal parades were held on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. The ‘falling in’ on the parades, I distinctly remember, was a solemn and impressive occasion. With nearly 100% attendance of cadets who were properly turned out, the ANOs 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 untoward movements. Every parade was an affirmation and reaffirmation of the authority vested in a student as an appointment holder – as a leader.

        Defaulters, if any, were summarily dealt with, 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 rifles held high! Long sideburns and long hair were becoming a fashion in those days. But an NCC cadet stood out by his demeanor, scrupulously insisted upon and set as an example by his ANOs. Senior Under Officers took most of the theoretical classes, including ‘Military Tactics’. One had to spend hours preparing for the classes one had to take. The only reference book available was a small NCC Handbook. The rest was left to imagination and how good one was at spinning a yarn! But it was a stage to bring out one’s latent instructor prowess.

        The esprit de corps amongst the cadets of the college was commendable. They were united when it came to competitions. Our competitors were Carmel Polytechnic College (under Major Kuzhuveli, another dedicated ANO) and TD Medical College. As I recall, the winners were always SD College. S.N., St. Michael’s, and NSS Colleges were still in their conceptual stages.

        The cadets took pride in their turnout and even compromised their precious looks for a tough, soldierly bearing, risking giggles and disapproving comments from the girls. Most of the cadets, especially the Under Officers, had their uniforms custom-stitched. Honing an 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 discreetly took advice and tips from the PI staff on ‘spit-n-polish’ and maintenance of leather, brass, and uniforms. The night prior to a parade was always spent on spit and polish and starching of uniforms. Remember, ‘terry cottons’ had not yet entered the market. Upgrading the issued 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 out like a ‘tonga horse’ and cycling to an NCC parade. One always felt that the ‘world’ around was gaping in admiration! One felt on top of the world if one happened to ‘home in’ on a ‘Ladies Only’ bus! Those were the days! Will they ever come back?

As Company Sergeant Major -1968

          There was an unwritten camaraderie in the NCC. A senior cadet always took a junior cadet under his wing. Any misadventure with a cadet was taking a big chance with a 1000-strong organization. Even the ANOs 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 ANOs 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 at the forefront resisting the attempt was Major Rajashekaran Nair. There were some altercations, and finally, the police withdrew. The grapevine is that the ANO ordered the ‘kotes’ to be opened and the cadets to be armed to defend the sanctity of the campus. It may be a myth, but well-accredited! Nowadays, I see a police posse permanently posted within the college. I still recall an incident when an Under Officer cadet was facing dismissal for alleged misbehavior with a girl. The ANO stood by him, and even to the great dislike of the management, the Under Officer was reinstated. But the summary disposal meted out to the Under Officer by the ANO ‘in camera’ is still a mystery. He is now a very senior bureaucrat in the government service.

        As a cadet, I had only glimpses of the Battalion Commander and Group Commander. As far as the cadets were concerned, their ultimate authority was the PTO. When I was detailed by Major Rajashekaran Nair to attend the Republic Day Parade in Delhi, I expressed my fears of missing the ensuing examinations. He assured me not to worry. Now I recall that I missed all the college examinations, i.e., the Onam and Christmas exams, during my entire three years in college. But still, the Principal and the English Faculty always considered me a disciplined and ‘bright student’!

 

Kerala and Lakshadweep NCC Directorate RD Parade Contingent-1968

In those days, student politics and the NCC movement were inseparable. NCC cadets held nearly all the Students' Union offices. This arrangement ensured 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 C.M. Babu. I followed suit in my third year with the same qualifications. The sad thing is that nowadays, discipline and politics do not mesh well. I doubt whether any student of importance, affluent or effluent, is connected with the 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 for cadets as you find nowadays. A student enrolled purely out of love for the uniform and an orderly life. All the Under Officers and cadets I know and recall have done very well in life, and they all reminisce with reverence about their association with the NCC at SD College.

        I, for one, always remember with gratitude all the PTOs (ANOs), PI Staff (permanent instructional staff – deputed from the three services), and the functionaries who gave me direction in life and brought to the fore latent leadership qualities, including the confidence to face the world – to make me who I am today.

        I also take this opportunity to pay tribute to 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 support and blessings to me as a student and a functionary of the student community.

        Last but not least, I am grateful to Prof. Iyengar Sir and the members of the English Department staff, who were proud of one of their student’s achievements in extracurricular fields and encouraged me all the way toward 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.

(- Col Ravi Nair -)

            An unforgettable incident of my NCC (National Cadet Corps) 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. As per propriety our Deputy Director General (DDG) being the available senior most officer present in the state capital 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 when the directorate trophy being bagged for the first time in history by my Group. But DDG had different plans for me. He 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 asked me 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 in Trivandrum  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 Short Service (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 who were 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. Mohan Lal had covered up his abesence by an audio message from him,

            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 oneself from a tricky situation with honour and face the life ahead with a smile. 🙏🙏😊😊

                         - Col Ravi Nair -

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  )