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 -