Sunday, November 2, 2014

The command-1

The command-1
  The readers would have observed that 4 Engineer Regt and even the location Tenga is not new to Ganesan.So he started his work as a routine.Though the Regimental location was Tenga as affliated Engineer Regt of 5 Mountatain Division one FdCoy was at Sela and another Fd Coy at Tawang.So Ganesan was moving up and down frequently.
Adiscplinery case happened in the unit few days before Ganesan joining.One jawan on his way along with a team to operational location (altitude-4770 metre) dis appeared and the court of enquiry headed by a Brigadier declared him as a Deserter and the closed file came to  Ganesan for taking action.Ganesan called for details.The Fd coy moved to Point 4770 for Defence works about a month before.As there is no road to this point it was 2 days marching from road head.There was a resting place midway for night halt.complete movement including stores is by foot and mules.Wprking parties to to the site and leave party from the site used to go now and then.
  once a party of 5 jawans started from Tenga for the Pt 4770.They went upto a place near Jang by vehicle and from there started climbing the hill.A sapper by name Murugan was weak and was lagging behind.The team were to carry their own bedding,7.62 SLR rifle andpacked food for a day.By the evening they were near the staging camp and coy rep came to meet them.since Murugan was lagging behind the coy rep was told to go down and help Murugan.The coy rep went down some distance and returned to the staging camp as he could not see Murugan.The team and coy rep came down searching for Murugan again and it was getting dark.They reported the mater to company commander and in turn to Brigade HQ.Next day the whole Bde (3000 personnel) searched for Murugan and not a trece was found.The Div ordered a court of enquiry and C of I declared Murugan as deserter. Th file came to Ganesan for tracing out Murugan and recover Govt properties like Rifle etc
Ganesan started to go into the case in greater details.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

The Command-1

The Command-1
The Command of troops in war and peace is very sacred duty in a military officer career.It cannot be compared with any type of jobs.How ever the end result of a command appointment is the feeling which your concience will give and not the award or reward which comes from spectators.Thousands of men's life and their future will be at your disposal.Utlisation of their will and skill for the safety honour and integrety of this country will be at your hand.Many commanding officers sold their Regiments,destroyed the future of few officers and men just to satisfy their ego or someone else ego.Many commanding officers functioned in such a way that the command appointment is a launching pad of their future irrespective of their capabilities.It all depends upon individuals.
As we all know Ganesan was not brought up to be an Army officer.He grew up to be a self motivated individual and highly patriotic.He remembers the story of Raja deisingh and Mohammed Khan in the battle with Arcot Nawab;Another story is like this; An young man goes for soldier's recruitment as the country was facing enemy threat.His young wife feels proud that her husband is going to fight for their country and bids him best of luck. after a day or two the man comes back with drooping head.His wife who was waiting with Arthi asks him what happened.The man says that he was absolutely fit to join and cleared from all tests.But he was asked one last question and that reply disqualified him.His wife was looking at him and asked him what was that question.
  The last question was.ARE  YOU MARRIED.He said yes and the examiners said that a married man cannot give whole heart and soul for the country as he would be thinking of his wife and children and hence rejected.
   On hearing this the more patriotic girl who was standing facing the man suddenly pulled the sword hanging in the waist of the man and killed herself and said,Now you go and tell them that you dont have wife and can give everything for the country
  well! That was the bringing of Ganesan.lET US SEE HIS COMMAND.
More....

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The Promotion-3

The Promotion-3
  Ganesan was stunned to see the change of events.All over Delhi looting,murder and killing of sikh community people were let loose and there appears to be no law and order.But the Army can't keep watching and with in 3-4 days the situation came under control.The Army had arranged a special courrier flight AN-12 to Assam on 06 Nov.By that time the present CO 4 E R came to Delhi with 2 escorts as he was to attend a special course.He had handed over the Regiment to the 2nd in command.Since the train journey was totally disturbed he advised Ganesan to take the courrier flight and take back the escorts also.
So Ganesan made arrangements accordingly and left Delhi on 06 Nov and reached Gauhati in the evening.A team of reception party under the Sub.Major had come to the Air port to receive their new Commanding Officer.
On 07 November 1984 Ganesan took ove as the 9 th Commanding  Officerof 4 Engineer Regiment
  .The Regiment was at Tawang in an exercise and ofcourse all the places and activities are not new to Ganesan and took over like a fish jumping into deep water.
   Let Ous see the activities of the new Commandine Officer of 4E R.
More........

The Promotion

The Promotion-2
Ganesan had already put on the rank of Lt.Col on 09th May1984 and was serving as SO-1 under Chief Engineer Delhi zone.Now He has to move  out.To earn a report one has to serve minimum 90 days.Here in Delhi because of his 2 months annual leave and leave of the initiating officer he was not eligible for a report.Hence a non initiation report was to be initiated.Ganesan's farewell was arranged as a simple Tea party on 31 October 1984 at about 0930 hrs.All were waiting for the Chief Engineer to arrive.At that time PA to CE camerunning with the news that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was shot by her body guard and probably she is dead.There was confusion and people were running here and there.Ganesan thought that this will creat lot of delay in his move and hence got the releaving order with out any Tea pary.The news  tha t indira Gandhi was shot by a sikh body guard build the anger agains all sikh community and hundreds of sikh irrespective of their status wre brutaly murdered.Ganesan's administrative officer Satnam singh was poured kerosin and burnt alive. Ganesan was stunned to see the change of events.
More....

Sunday, September 14, 2014

The Promotion

The Promotion.
Promotion to the rank of Lt.Col is the first selection grade and here after all promotions will be on selection only.Ganesan was denied posting to his Regiment and also not favoured for retention in Madras.He had no money to proceed with the construction.So he exhausted  everything and reported to Chief engineer Delhi zone and assumed appointment as Senior Officer-Grade-1 (S O-1) 0N O9th May 1984.This move helped Ganesan in speeding up the HDFC loan and an amount of 50,000 sactioned.Ganesan took his Annual leave and came back to Chennai.He completed his house up to roof level and returned.
The command of engineer Regiment is very prestigious appointment as mentioned earlier.But many officers took this as a green card for their rise to Chief of Army staff and literally sold the Regiment.Because of this nature ill treating of subordinates also was taking place.Over all there was disturbance in the Regiments and Army HQ ordered a team to go into details and suggest ways and means to improve the command.Earlier the postings to command was simply based on the profile of the officer with added advantage of staff college qualifications.This led to unknown officers taking over command and trying to be super figure by harassing his team and ultimately failure in command.So the fact finding team recommended that first preference to take command should be given to those officers who had served with them and approved for promotion irrespective of their profile.AHQ ordered to post such officers immedietely if they had been denied based on the old policy.
  4E R had three officers on promotion pannel out of which Ganesan and an officer senior to him was approved.Since the present CO 4 E R had not completed his tennure the officer senior to Ganesan was given the option whether he will wait to take over 4 E R or accept some other Regiment.Waiting after approval is risk taking as one may get medically dis qualified or change of policy.So he opted for other Regiment and moved.Ganesan had been denied command as pr old policy and already moved to Delhi.
Under such circumstances Ganesan was over night tobe shifted.At the same time the co 4 E R was detailed on a special mission and was asked to move immedietely.Viewers can see the rhe Cosmic game as demonstrated.
  The cosmi force fired the last bullet,and ganesan was posted as  commanding officer 4 Engineer  Regiment.The Regiment which was formed on 02 june 1966 ultimately got a commanding officer who was part of the formation team.
More.... 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

The Madras Posting

The Madras Posting
Gnnesan reported  to CWE ,Chennaiin March 1983.Commander Works Engineers(CWE)Chennai is authorised one DCWE and he was there.About 6 months before a civilian officer was attached to CWE,Chennai for some purpose.But since there was no vacancy the officer could not draw his pay.So special sanction was given to CWE Chennai for 2 DCWEs.After the officer finished his work he had gone back to his parent unit.But the sanction given was not withdrawn.Ganesan was posted in that vacancy.So he had literaly no work.He started concentrating on his house construction.His house site was at Annanagar.so he rented a house at Annanagarand planed the construction.The plot allotted to him by the Housing Board was 100ft by 51ft.at 943,HBlock,17th Main Road.Ganesan had Rs.30,000 in hand and withdrew Rs.50,000 from his provident fund.With that amount he had planed 1800sqft house.By the time he reached basement level all the money had been spent and nothing except his monthly salary.Can there be any  construction on the monthly salary of a Major.
  Ganesan and his wife and children daily go to the constuction and sit on the basement and started dreaming on how the building is going to come up.Every month after the salary is credited he will buy one load of bricks and few bags of cement and errect 4-5 feet of wall and wait for next month salary.But He never had any self pity and enjoyed life.Once there was heavy rain in Chennai and his construction site was totally under water.But still he went there with his children and started playing in the water and told his children that it was God sent Swimming pool.By Sep-Oct 1983 his promotion board was held and
  he was approved for promotion to the rank of Lt Col.Ganesan wanted to go back to his Regiment.But another officer was senior to him  and waiting for placement.More over Ganesan has not done staff college.Div Engineer Regiment CO is a prestegious appointment and hence it was denied to him.There was a vanancy of Lt.Col at chief Engineer Chennai Zone.But they wanted a works experienced officer. As there could be nothing Ganesan can do,he had applied fo HDFC Bank loan and was waiting.
In the mean time Ganesan was over night posted to Delhi in the same appointment as existed at chief engineer chennai zone.There appears to be a suspecion that Ganesan was trying for Madras posting and hence was relieved immedietly.
What can be done by Ganesan.......

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

The Command Report

The Command Report-6
It was almost 3 years after Ganesan came on poting and hence due for a transfer.At that time Tamilnadu Govt issued a circular that all those who were allotted plots under Tamilnadu Housing board scheme should build the house within 3 years failing which the allottment would be cancelled.Ganesan was having a plot at Annanagar but not built the house.He was afraid that the allottment may be cancelled.So he wrote a confidential letter to AHQ explaining the reasons whether he could be posted to Chennai.The commandant of CME was at AHQ at that time .so he immedietely posted Ganesan to Chennai as DCWE under CWE chennai.
At the same time 4 ER was ordered to move to Arunachalpradesh as 5 Mountain Div Engineers.The advance party to 5 Mtn Div was to move shortly.With out any consideration CO 4 ER appointed Ganesan as advance party commander and ordered him to move to Arunachalpradesh.Ganesan was with wife and children,so he asked for 10 days leave to dispose the family.But due to urgency this was denied and the family left for Chennai with an escort and Ganesan left for Aruachalpradesh.
Going as advance party commander is certainly a honour as he will represent the Regiment in the new location and will display the image of his Regiment.5 Mtn Div was guarding the chineese border at high altitude and lot of defence works were going on.Many places were not covered by road and one has to walk 2-3 days to reach the camp.Ganesan enjoyed this role and as he was physically very fit kept on moving from one point to other continuously.The outgoing Engineer Regiment was very happy so also the GOC of 5 Mtn Div.The main body of 4 ER came after three months.Meantime AHQ asked explanation of CO 4 ER as how an officer under orders of posting was sent as adv party commander.Ganesan came forward and gave explanation as he was associated with the Regiment for a long time,he voluntered to go as adv party commander.This had impressed the CO very much.
After the Regiment settled the CO relieved Ganesan to go on posting to Chennai.Before leaving he invited Ganesan for a special and personal dinner.At that time he said that with in a year he is likely to be posted out and in his opinion Ganesan will be most likely to take over on promotion.If that happens,Ganesan should put his first signature with this pen,telling ,he presented a pen to Ganesan.Ganesan thanked everyone and left Arunachalpradesh.
Ganesan was third senior officer at that time in the Regiment.Whose ever is approved for promotion will claim to be CO 4 E R.No one can say what will happen.
More....    
W


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

The Command Report-5

The Command Report-5 
It does not happen everytime.But an officer who does not act based on the report placed on his table but finds out himself will certainly be appreciated.Ganesan sent the Jawan for 2 months leave fresh and forgot  about it.Years rolled.Ganesan was posted out and was at BAGALORE.The Regiment was located at Allahabad and they were celeberating 25th year of their raising.Ganesan was invited and attended all functions.one evening he was in civil dress walking casually in the unit.An NCO saluted hin.Ganesan smiled and asked him,even though 10-12 years passed after he left the unit how the NCO remenbers him.
The NCO said that an officer comes across thousnds of jawans and he may not remember all.But a jawan comes acroos God like officers rarely and how can he forget that Gaod.
Ganesan was surprised and requested him to explain.He said that he was the same whome Ganesan helped in restoring his land in Andrapradesh and he has kept Ganesan's photo in puja room and hence how he can forget him.Ganesan told him that he did the dyty of an officer only  and beyond that nothing.
Ganesan shook hand with the NCO and left.
More...

The Command Report-4

The Command Report-4 
Officership in the Army is an oppurtunity to serve the country and those under your command.Some take it to please others and get elevated and ofcourse retire one day.When such oppurtunity mongers retire they are just kept on the road side,while the first said officers are held in high esteem by not only men in or out of uniform but also by public in general.
   Ganesan was going arround the working site accompanied by his subedar.A jawan came in attention and saluted Ganesan.Ganesan smiled and paid back the salute and proceeded.The subedar said that the jawan went on 2 months annual leave but returned with in 3-4 days.Ganesan looked at the subedar with a question mark.why?The subedar explained that the jawans hail from poor families and at home they dont even get full three meals and hence returning like that is not uncommon.Ganesan did not accept that and ordered to bring the jawan for his interview.
During the the interview,the jawan hesitatingly told that there was some problem at home.Ganesan explained that the officership does not end with unit only but extends beyond that and hence he will help the jawan if he tells all in detail.The jawan told that there was some altercations at home with his neighbour and that he being in Andra police locked up jawans brother and jawan came back running for safety.Ganesan smiled and looked at the subedar.This is what generally happens.If he kept quiet on subedar's explanation the Jawan's morale will be in his feet and this will indirectly offect his performance.
  Ganesan consoled the jawan and immedietly ordered a fact finding  team including the jawan.The taem will go to jawans village and get all details including name and address of collector and supdt of police of   that area,with out interfering in the problem.The team returned with in few days.What the jawan said earlier  was true and his brother was still in the lockup.
Ganesan drafted a strong and highly sentimental letter explaining the role of Army and the help they require from civil servants in protecting the safety ,honour and integrity of this Nation.He humbly requested the collector to interfere and help.The letter was posted and the jawan continued his work.After about a month reply came from the collector that the Jawans problem has been solved.
Ganesan ordered the same team iccluding the jawan to go to the village and check up.When they reached the village hundreds of public came and gave a roarin reception to the jawan and took him in a prcession to his house.
The collector had gone to their village,suspended the Andrapolice neighbour ordered restoration of water problems to the jawans land and corrected the revenue records.
More...

Monday, September 8, 2014

The Command Report.

The Command Report-3
Preparation for war is a cotinuous process.Every unit big or small practices their roll continuously and the ultimate real war will also be like an excercise.In ths way even Army commands conduct excercise.It will be very big roughly 50-60,000 troops taking part.Such excercise will require elaborate arrangements including demarcation of international border etc.When such excecise is ordered quite a few units will be taken off pposing forces and will be used for making arrangements for the imaginery war.
  During Ganesan'stennure there was one such great excercise coducted by western command.In that Ganesans sub unit was taken off from the opposing forces and was asked to prepare an imaginery international border between two forces Red and Blue.The works involves making a track for about 5 Km,constructing 3-4 bridges including a very big 300m bridge acroos River Beas.Even though the water will be flowing 80-100 m wide the sandy bed will stretch 300m.The enemy forces who is cotrolling the Headworks on upstream side will flood the river if required.
   Taking all these into cosideration Ganesan moved his sub unit 2 months before start of the war(?) to the imaginery border.All Engineering machineries and all Bridging equipments were dumped at Ganesan's disposal.A great work was executed as Ganesan had first hand war experience in 1965 and 1971.The road work was named as National Highway no.56 and all posters as it appeared in any highway was placed.The bridges were named in honour of the troops constucted as "Charlie Crossing"(C Platoon)" Brravo Bridge" (B Platoon) etc.The River Beas bridge was named "Falana Dimkhana"Bridge as almost all engineering bridging eqpmts were used there.in the entire srtetch a number of boards were kept,"Balvinders Boys are here.Bash on Regardless.'"( The CO name was Balwinder singh.)
   The war started.Troops were moving up and down.Every time they enter the new road they will communicate as "we are now entering National Highway 56" We are now at "Falana Dimkhana Bridge" etc
 The Army Commander Lt.Gen K.S.Krishna Rao came arround and stood at the Beas Bridge site.He called the Chief Engineer and asked him who contructed the Bridge.Ganesan was introduced to Gen Rao.The General asked Ganesan what is the meaning of this.Sir as this Bridge cananot be named in any way is named as "Something like"Gen laughed and and ordered all officers(about 600)to cross the bridge while coming for summing up.He specially appreciated Ganesan's work and congratulated in open.
Contd....   

The Command Report.

The Command Report-2
There was bridging camp in the Reginent.The regiment was to move to Doraha a place near Ludhiana where Sirhind canal coming from Bhakranangal dam crosses National highway and camp there for three months.All ranks will practice various types of bridging activities and return.The CO will gothrough the camps and help the sub unit commanders to improve their performance.
 The sub units were preparing for the camp and loading their stores.Since the bridging stores are to be collected at the site only the sub units were loading  their administrative stores only and hence no great supervision was reqyired.But Ganesan wanted that even a routine work if it is to be done by him it has to be different and convey new meaning to others.So he gave direction about what all to be carried.
   Next day the Regiment moved to the camp site along the banks of Sirhind Canal and unloaded their stores and at the time took charge of Bridging stores as allotted to each sub unit.The day -1 of the camp started.Generally the first day there will be puja and safety instructions and lay out of Bridging stores so that D-2 will be active training.
Ganesan assembled his troops and first they hoisted their company flag followed by puja.Ganesan explained to his team that "Flag"represents the honour of the unit and all ranks should take care that it is respected.Followed by this they started their training.The Co came arround and saw Ganesans Training.He immedietly directed all officers  to assemble at Ganesan's site.With in few mts all officers came and stood little away.The Co went  and asked other officers,"Are you all not proud of your sub unit.?Where is your subunit flag? I hope that you have not come here for picnic.Look at Ganesan's site. flying as hTheir company flag is flying as high as  their morale.I dont have to say any more.Break off.
The CO left.Other officers had no option but to run back 100Km to old location and bring their flag.Ganesan returned for lunch and shared a glass of beer with others.But they bullied Ganesan for doing something different,than normal.
 PEOPLE ARE NOT DIFFERENT BUT THEIR THINKING AND ACTIONS ARE DIFFERENT.
More.....

Thursday, September 4, 2014

The command Report

The Command Report.
In Services life upto the rank of Major it is time scale(now upto colonel).The first selection is for Lt col and it comes after about 20 years of service.The worst part of this is,it is simply based on confidential reports.The confidential report is simply the wims and fancies of the reporting officer.So an officer who is due for promation will certainly go out of the way to please the reporting officer and get good report.
At this juncture Ganesan came to serve under an unknown officer.But he came fully loaded with knowledge and experience of service in Training Battalion and college of military engineering.He had no doubt that he was far superior to all those officers in the Regiment at that time.So with out any due caution he took charge as company commander and started his activities.Sports,Training,Entertainment,Welfare and Family care, in every field he had set new dimention which was not heard in the past.
T here was inter company football championship.Ganesan was playing centre forward for his company.The first match was with last year champions.Everyone thought the champions will certaily take lead.Ganesan was in midfield terrorising the opponents and driving his team.They scored the first goal and people thought it was a fluke.They scored the second goal and people started looking up.Third,fourth,fifth,the crowed was wonder struck.Finally Ganesans team won 8-0 and sent a strong message that he has arrived to the entire Regiment.
More to follow......

College of Military Engineering-2

College of Military Engineering-2
  Whenever an officer is due for promotion and if he has to earn one or two reports,he trys to go under such commanders who are known to him already and with whom he had served earlier.Here Ganesan was posted to a prestigeous specialised Engineer Regiment itself shows that his reports sofar is good.But he could not join there.He requested AHQ tha he may be posted anywhere where vacancy exists,because he will certainly deliver goods of his expectation without compromising integrity and honour.
To his surprise he was posted to 4 Engineer Regiment and that too after pre maturely removing an officer from there to accomodate Ganesan.Ganesan had left the Regiment in 1975 after a rift with the then commanding officer.Presently an officer unknown to him was commanding.However it was like home coming for him.The stay at CME was a great oppurtunity offered to him by the cosmic force and he had well utilised it.During their stay at CME they were blessed with their second son Karthik.Karthik was born on 28July 1980.Ganesan was awarded best sports person in Basket ball.He was already holding honour in Swimming and Atheletics.So in ahappy mood Ganesans left CME and reported to 4 E R.
   This tennure of Ganesan will decide whether he is making it on selection or not.Let us see his conduct and perfomance in this "COMMAND ASSIGNMENT".
Contd.....

College of Military Engineering -2

College of Military Engineering-2
Ganesan had served about 3 years at CME.He was instructor in Field Engineering .This covers the entire role of corps Engineers of the Army except Bridging.This gave great oppurtunity to him to learn and then to demonstrate to the trainees.The role of Engineers in the Army is noted by a key word "FORWARD".F-fortification,O-obstacles,R-roads,W-water supply,A-air field,R-railways,D-demolition.Sice railways had introduced TA services ,this has been taken off from Engineers.Ganesan kept on refering to inter national Army magazines and discuss with senior officers before taking a class and this practice gave him good image
and better understanding to students.
Since he was playing all games his popularity  in the entire college increased and he was well known to staff and students.
Mine warfare and Explosives (Demolition)handling are two important subjects in which Ganesan became an expert and this gave an authoritative feeling in later part of his service.When he was due for promotion it was found that he had not been on Regimental service since 1975 and hence immedietly posted to a specialised Engineer Regiment.The commanding officer of that Regiment wrote to Ganesan requesting him not to join for three months for some administrative reasons.
But Ganesan was to move immediately to earn reports and then face promotion board.So he wrote to Army Head quarter to post him to some other Regiment.
Contd... 

Sunday, August 31, 2014

College of Military Engineering.

College of Military Engineering, Pune.
The college of Military Engineering is the prime institution of the Corps Of Engineers of the Indian Army.All ranks of the Engineers will come to this institution for some training or other and there will be 2-3000 all ranks at a time in CME.
The college consists of civil,Mechanical and combat wings and administrative wings.Diploma wings imparts training to NCOs selected for Military engineering services.
 The posting to the college is based on performances in different Training and recomendation as instructors.Ganesan has done course in combat wing,stood first in B.Tech course,and recommended as instructor in civil wing.so he was posted as instructor in diploma wing.While participating in cross country competition fordiploma wing Commandant saw his sportsmanship qualities and ordered him to report to combat wing  to take charge as Incharge of Young officers training.since he was playing all games he was also detailed as sports secretary of the college.Needless to say that Ganesan had enjoyed life at CME.
More........ 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

MEG&Centre Bangalore-3

MEG&Centre Bangalore-3 Contd.
The service at the training centre should be a total dedication as you would be resposible for imbibing patriotic sprit to young boys of different culture of this great country.Any relaxation in this aspect will lead to training criminals and anti National elements and handing over the safety,Honour and Integrity  of this country to them.One need not write further as what would hapen in the future.
Ganesan ,having mother tongue as Tamil was at great advantage to understand the mind of the recruits and his rural back ground also was an added advantage.He knows that if a recruit is reporting sick very often,the problem would be his mind and not his body.So he will isolate such recruits and talk to each in confidence as to what is the problem.Most of the time it may be that they are not interested in Army service or some one is harassing him.Many times Ganesan had found that the training staff or the seniors are the culprits.Ganesan was ruthless in implimenting DICIPLINE and set right the system.
The Army Act and Army rules along with Defence Services Regulations will certainly help any one who is interested to maintain dicipline.The officer should be intelegent enough to understand and bold enough to impliment.Ganesan had both and hence there was marked difference in his handling of training.As he was physically fit enough to be the best recruit his team always won laurels in all fields.
  The recruits who had under gone training  under his leadership rose in ranks and files and many of them were commissioned later.
With great satifaction Ganesan had spent three years at MEG&Centre and got posted to College of Military Engineering,Pune in Jan1978.During his stay at Bangalore They were blessed with a  son. Arindhan was born on 13 Juen 1975.

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Monday, August 11, 2014

MEG &Centre Bangalore-2

MEG &Centre,Bangalore.
  The recruits Trg is divided intothree phases.Basic,Field Engineering and work shop.The Basic and Field engineering are of three months each and workshop phase depends upon the trade of the recruit. Attestation is done within 52 weeks of trg and recruit becomes young soldier after attestation.The commanding officer can discharge a recruit as unsuitable for the Army within 3 months.The disciplinery powers  given to officers covers almost all aspect of human conduct, which will make a soldier extremely difficult to escape under a capable officer.
  Ganesan had spent almost one year as single as his wife was expecting their first baby and this gave plenty of time to Ganesan to understand all aspects of soldier training.Some of the acts and its implications are taken casually when the officers do not pay proper attentions.For example,Police verification of character and family back ground has to be done as soon as possible before the recruits are given wider and deeper training.A casual approach in this will lead to higher training being given to criminals if the police verification is negative as unsuitable for Army.Many times recruits are found unsuitable for Army and Ganesan used to wonder what type of recruitment  had been done.Once Ganesan found a recruit very weak inspite of extended training and decided to discharge him as unsuitable.At that time the recruit cried that he has paid Rs. 30,000 for geting this enrolement and he had been given clerk trade.Ganesan did not know what ot do.Physically he was very waek and almost failing in all tests.He could be given Cook,Safaiwala,Barber
and retained,but he will never do his trade work as he was from higher cast.So Ganesan was forced to discharge him.Had Ganeasan not observed him he could have easyly finished his training with the help of corrupt officials.
  More.......

Friday, August 8, 2014

MEG &Centre,Bangalore

The cradle of young soldiers.
   Soldiering in India is on voluntary basis.How can patriotism be developed on voluntary basis.What is the status of those who do not volunter.What is the Govt's responsibility towards those who volunter to protect the safety,honour and integrity of the country and those who sell the country directly and indirectly.We celeberate National days and Honour National heroes.Is there any one in this country who is willing to serve for 3 years in high altitude and then fight election to Assembly or Parliament.Well!Ganesan was full of such un answered questions in his mind when he landed at MEG&Centre.
   Soldiering in India is considered as an employment by majority of officers and other ranks.Since India is rated as top nation in corruption intrude of such virus in Defence services also can not be ruled out.Under these circumstances Ganesan started functioning as Training officer for training thousands of young boys coming from all parts of this country.He was assisted byJCOs and NCOs.One should be clear that those selected to train or be instructors at training centres should be far superior than those whom they are going to train.But in practice it may not be possible.so one has to accept such drawbacks.Ganesan started tightening his job in all direction.Firstly he himself improved his physical and professional fitness and made sure that  all those under him come up to acceptable level.
    Let us see....... 

The commanding Officer.

The commanding Officer.
  Irrespective of the level one reaches in the chain of promation, commanding a Battalion or its equivalent (Lt Col/Col)is the best appointment in the services.Here the commanding officer is the Godfather of all ranks of the Regiment.He guards the tradition set by his predicessors, takes care of the welfare and  trains his command for war and peace time employment.Commanding officer is not an individual but an institution.He trains all ranks to the best of his abilities.His appointment  should be an oppurtunity given to him to show the faith and integrity imposed by the system and improve on it depending upon the scientific and technological advancement exists at that time.
   A team of officers are already there when he takes over.He may add or remove according to his wish.Some of the officers may be  already known to him and some may be unknown.It should be the moral resposibility of the CO to look at everyone dispationately and take the team together as they perform.Many of  the COs take this oppurtunity for elevating themself by using the Regimental resources,both men and materials.Some of the junior officers who question any misuse will obviously be in his bad book and may be victiimised in the ACR.A capable officer whether the CO or a junior  will in any case shine wherever posted.
An officer who was demoted for some reasons later was awarded "scientific officer of the year".
   This shows that the fire in the belly of the individual should always be burning for performance.Even though Ganesan had some unpleasent experience in Leh,the CO was a gentleman and hence things moved smoothly.
Ganesan reported to MEG&Centre,Bangalore and was appointed Training officer of a Training Battalion.Thousands of young boys who knowingly or unknowingly opted to be soldiers are motivated,inspired and trained there.Ganesan dived like fish to deep water and enjoyed his tennure there.Let us see.
Contd....

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

The confidential Reports

The Confidential Reports.
The Army assess its officers and other ranks through confidential reports.These reports are initiated by one and reported by seniors in the channel of command.The initiating officer should be in such position to observe the officer's activities on daily basis at least for three months.These confidential reports are the personal assessment of the initiating officer.An incapable officer by virtue of his closeness to initiating officer(IO) may get an outstanding report.But the reporting officer (RO)if he is a gentleman and honest in his service will call the IO and warn him not to over assess officers.On the other hand if he is also soft natured and likes out of rules pleasings he will simply counter sign the IO report.
  Ganesan was a Major commanding a Fd unit.Under him there were about 50 NCOs(non commissioned officers).Like officers NCO,and JCOs are also eligible for ACRs(annual confidential reports).An ACR of one NCO returned from records for some technical reason.This ACR was initiated by his predisessor and the NCO was given 2 out of 4.Ganesan had spent anbout 3 months and knows the NCO as a physically tough and well co operative with other soldiers and Radio operator by trade.Why he  has been graded as average and given 2/4?could there be personal reason?He called the NCO and interviewed him.The NCO was unknown to the officer as he was with another sub unit.So just for completing the formalities he had copleted the ACR and sent.Fortunetly ther was a technical mistake and hence the ACR was to be re written.
    Ganesan wrote a genuine and un biased report and sent to records.After a few days higher promotion cadre started for NCOs at MEG&Centre Bangalore.Since these are on seniority basis those eligible NCOs were already at centre.For some reasons the vacancies were incresed suddenly and eligible NCOs were called by telegramme.In this Ganesan's NCO was also called.But other officers objected to this as this NCO was very junior and in his place other senior NCO should be sent.The CO ruled out this and sent Ganesan'sNCO.This NCO became an asset to the Regiment and went to UN Mission and later became Sub Maj of the Regiment
    Officers confidential reports are also like that only. Ganesan was an outstanding sports man,physicaly very tough,and was doing very well in all trainings.But he was not soft natured and do not go out of the way to please seniors.This had been his dis advantage.But he was aware of that and fully prepared to face the consquences of his act.
Contd... 

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The Regimentation

The Regimentation.
 So we have seen how the officers are of different types and how each category was looking service.If pariotism was the main source of inspiration to join the Army then there may not be much difference.But it was not so in service.Each one was trying to play his game in such a way that he is always in the good book of the commanding officer.Ganesan was straight ,blunt and physically very strong generally much better in overall performance.But that seems to be not sufficient enough to impress the commanding officer.The CO
had his own way of assessing the performance of officers.
Ganesan returned to unit after marriage and the unit had temporarily moved to Jaisalmer,Rajasthan.On one evening when the officers were playing games,the staff officer to CO called Ganesan,gave the office locker key and requested him to trace his confidential report and sign it and return the key.Ganesan went and opened the locker and found that  in a file all officers confidential reports were kept.In the process of finding his report he could n't avoid seeing other officers reports.To his  surprise few of the officers who were much below standard than him were graded much above him.Ganesan could not understand in what way he was inferior to them.However he could not complain as it was confidential and he was graded above average.But Ganesan was dis appointed  and felt that patriotism has different meaning in the Army.
  4ER moved from Bangalore to LEH in oct 1974 and Ganesan was posted to MEG&Centre,Bangalore.But the CO ordered Ganesan to go by Air to Leh and wait for the Regiment to join.When the Regiment reached Leh Ganesan was ordered to move to kargil and report to 121 Independent Brigade  as their Field company commander and relieve 411 Para Field company.Though Ganesan did all these without any hesitation he held the feeling that he had been rated below few officers and he was under orders of posting to MEG.
   Since the Regiment moved to high altitude in Oct-Nov with out much acclamatisation quite a number of officers and men were falling sick.The officer who was incharge of snow clearence at Changla to keep Leh-Dharbog road open fell sick and Ganesan was asked to take over that task.Ganesan went there and happily
doing the work.But there was heavy snow fall one day and Ganesan's assistant officer fell sick.Ganesan took him to Leh and got him admitted in the military hospital.
   It was about 4 months after his postin out and still he was not relieved.He had an argument with CO and left Leh in Feb1975.
Contd.....

Sunday, July 27, 2014

The cosmic Force

The Cosmic Force.
  Right from child hood Ganesan did not have great faith in rituals.There was a dilapidated siva temple arround which children and villagers go for natural easing thenselve.One archahar(pujari) used to come from  some other village on tuesdays and fridays to do puja.Ganesan and his friends used to climb on top of this temple and play hide and seek.At the outskirt of his village there is one village diety Periya Pidari where Ganesan and his mother used to go on tuesdays and fridays to light lamps.There was no puja room in his house.A small rack on the wall where a lamp used to be kept for worship.Other than that there was no worships.But every day morning after bath in the village tank or near by river there used to be regular sun worship.Being aggriculturists natural forces like fire water wind sun etc are worshiped.Ganesan had great impact on concience and he felt that mind is the temple and concience is the God.
    so by instinct the Cosmic Force was with Ganesan and helped him in all his activities.That may be the reason that Ganesan requested his friend to see the doctor girl and give his opinion who was rejected later.Now this friend one day went for shopping and there he saw a girl doing window shopping and thought to himself how good it would be if such girl becomes Ganesan's wife.When he was stepping out of the shop he met one lady whom he knows during the process of alliance seeking for Ganesan.Both recogonised each other and exchanged greetings.That lady enquired whether his friend Ganesan 's marriage fixed or not.Friend replied in negative and in return he asked their daughters marriage proposals.The lady replied in negative and pointed to the girl who was doing window shopping as their daughter.Friend was surprised as to why Ganesan's brother did not proceed in this alliance.He immedietely rang up Ganesan to come to Chennai and there was a meeting in the evening. They discused about the pros and cons of this alliance and his friend strongly felt that the girl he saw in the morning would be better choice for Ganesan.
    Since Ganesan did not have any choice of his own everybody felt that this alliance would be better.Incidently Ganesan and his brother's family saw this girl about six months before and took casual approach and did not proceed further.
The Cosmic Force identified as to who would be Ganesan' life partner and marriage conducted.
Ganesan got married on 06 th Feb 1974,on a Thai poosam,wednes day.
More to follow.....  

The Regiment

The Great 4 Engineer Regiment.
  Readers may re collect that Ganesan was one of the officer who was present at the time of Re organising the Divisional Engineers into Engineer Regiments and because of which 23 Inf Div Engrs became 4Engineer Regiment.During 1966-67 even though Regimentation has come into being the Fd and FdPark companies were reluctant to shed their independency and at times behaving as if they are not  under the Regiment.Now about 5 years have passed and lot of new officers are posted in and old officers posted out the unity of Regiment has come and officers were feeling proud that they belong to 4 ER.It was a real command as about 28 officers were under the commanding officer and he can move them where ever he wants with in the Regiments.Ganesan was inter posted under an officer who was 3 months senior to him as his 2nd in command.How ever officers junior to him were commanding sub units.Ganesan who had joined the Army for shear Patriotism did not bother about these as his full concentration was on his works and learning.
   Let us go about Ganesan's personal life a bit.
  The 1971 war has created a transformation in Ganesan's mind and attachment to his kith and kin took a beating.He started thinking that every man is resposible to the consquences of his act and he can not blame others.He also felt that while a man is at his liberty to seek advice from so many but the decision must be his own for his act.With this frame of mind Ganesan approached his marriage field.He rejected number of girls and he also had been rejected by many girls.Finally an B.Sc,M.B.B.S. qualified and employed govt doctor was choosen by all to be his bride.As Ganesan also had seen  the girl the closing in was going.At that time Ganesan requested one of his best friend and his wife to give their wiews about the doctor girl.This friend was in PWD with Ganesan ,joined the Army and now returned to PWD.This couple had lot of love and affection for Ganesan and hence took it seriously to see Ganesan's marriage.They went and saw the girl and immedietely called for a discussion with Ganesan and his brother.After analysing the pros and cons of this alliance it was rejected as unsuitable.
   Now the cosmic force has come into play.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

B.Tech

The B.Tech.
     CME runs 3 year Engineering degree courses for the Corps of Engineers,Signals and EME Corps.Since all officers are either Arts or Science graduates this 3 years course was sufficient for them to qualify for B.Tech.The final examination is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Uuniversity,New Delhi and degree awarded.
Ganesan and other course mates returned to CME less one.Capt SP.Dingra,a brilliat officer from NDA  who was posted to Samba sector in the western front on suspension of CME courses was killed in the war.Capt Ajmeer singh who had lost one eye and few fingers in the 1965 war was posted to Bengal sappers centre as he was not fit for war but was sent to flood relief works in Orissa.There Ajmeer did excellent works and was awarded Vashist Seva Medal.So the course resumed with valour.Those who  did not go for war and present in CME gave grand reception.
   Rest of the CME tennure was as usual.Ganesan was playing all games and also standing first amongst those selected civil engineering.His course won the inter-officers course championship five times out of six they took part.In all the course at CME was good.On 28 July 1973 Ganesan was awarded the Degree by Lt.Gen.P.S.Bhagath,the GOC IN C Northern command.On completion of the degree course Ganesan was again posted to 4ER.The Regiment who moved to Jodhpur from the eastern sector had completed their tennure and moved to Bangalore.
  After reporting at Bangalore Ganesan was given annual leave for 1972 and he left Bangalore.
   contd...... 

The Destiny

The Destiny.
   Capt Ganesan left Bangladesh and reached Dharmanagar, a terminal Raiway stn from where the militaty special was to leave.Mostly all heavy Engineering equipments and about 250 personnel were the total load of the first military special which capt Ganesan was to take.The train started on 25th jan1972 and was moving towards Assam.Mostly it was non stop train but for some railway reasons like crossing of trains and military reasons like ration collections.26 Jan1972 Republic day radio commentry was coming and Ganesan was seated on a open wagon where a low loading trailer was loaded.He had put a small table and chair and comfortably seated and listening to the commentry and at the same time observing the natural scene on either side of the railway track.
   Republic Day function started as usual with gallentry award of the top most honour.L/Nk Albert Ekka of the Guards Bn was awarded Param Veer Chakkra posthmously.this was one of the Battalion who entered East pakisthan from Tripura side.Their first battle was ballte of Akhoura in which Ekka had earned this Award.Ganesan kept on listening to the commentry and at the same time thought about the events that had taken place in the past few days.He was at CME happily going arround and playing games.No one would have thought that he will go to war.Even in the war zone how stupid of him to enter enemy territory alone and further go in civil dress to get informations.Had he been cought by Pak forces he would have been torchered badly with all vengens for them loosing their country.Ganesan thanked the cosmic force which brought him alive.
   The military special reacher Rangapara North on 27th Jan followed by other parts of 4ER.Immedietly they were ordered to move to Western sector destination Jodhpur in the 2nd week of Feb72.At the same time the CME opened all the suspended courses and Ganesan was ordered to report CME by 12th Feb72.It appeare that he will be missing the operation in the western sector.But he thanked the cosmic force for keeping him alive and reported to CME.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The Great Surrender

The great Surrender.
As the pressure on the Pakisthani forces was mounting from all direction, the over all commander Lt.Gen.AAKNiazimore time to consider the surrender.Finally it was fixed at 1600 hrs on 16 Dec 1971.Commanders of 4 core, 33 core, commanders of Navy and Airforc were all invited to attend the ceremony which was to be held at Dacca Race course.Ganesan was at Narasigdi and there was heavy rush to see the surrender.Military police imposed strict restriction for entry to Dacca.
   Lt Gen J S. Arora, the Eastern Army commander flew in to sign the surrender document.In all 93000 Pakisthanis were taken as prisioners and they were immedietely moved to prisoner of war camp set up at different part in India.
   Even though the war in east was over there was tough fights in the west and heavy casualities also.In order to relieve those troops Army units from East was ordered to move to west.4ER was one amongst them.Ganesan was detailed as commander of first militery special train to leave the war zone.So the troops moved to Dharmanagar, a Railway terminal after celebrating the new year 1972 in the New Nation Bangladesh.  

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

The war zone-2

The war zone-2
4ER less one field company moved to Brahmanbaria.The commanding officer, Ganesan and one more officer moved as advance party and they were given accomodation at "sabhera shobban  Residential girls highschool " as officers mess.Because of war condition the school had been lying vacant for quit some time and locked by local authorities.Dacca being a free port almost all goods are from England or Germany.That beeing residential girls school,there were number of sewing machines,blankets etc.The principal room was having TV,Fridge and other costly cquipments.Ganesan was asked to note all these as we have to hand over when we move out.Since war was on all officers were going out early morning and returned late evening.The CO occupied principal's room and other officers suitably accomodated.The pakistani forces also had used this building as their ammnution dumps.As Indian forces were forcing ahead the pak forces did not offer great fight and the were withdrawing to safer places.They had with drawn from here to Bairab bazar across river Megna and blown off the railway bridge.They also blew off all ammunitions.
  The indian forces used heliborn troops and landed near Narasigdi closer to Dacca.Inorder to support them
there was urgent requirement of Artillery guns.So engineers made heavy rafts and loaded 130mm medium guns which can fire upto 27km.Civilian launches were retrived from abandont places and with the help of launch operators these gun loaded rafts were pushed along River Megna and unloaded near Narasingdi.The first shell fired from these guns landed at Dacca Air port giving a warning to Lt.Gen A.A.K.Niazi,the over all commander of Pakisthani forces in East pakisthan that Indians are closing in,forcing him to surrender.
    After the first load of guns to Narasingdi, Troops also started moving through the river craft and each losd was taken by an engineer officer.So Ganesan also was ordered to move like that.The indian Army Chief gave a warning threat to Pakisthani forces to surrender or face mass casualities.By and lare the war was coming to a close.
contd....

The war zone

The war zone.
 Every one knows that east pakisthan is riverien terrian cris crossed by distributeries and contributeries of great rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.To conduct a military operation in that area is a challenge.The roads are limited and cross country movement will be very difficult.The Pakisthani forces were holding all important towns and main roads.The Mukthi Behni forces (freedom fighters of East pakisthan) had blown off some of the rail bridges and few important road bridges.under these conditions the Indian forces were fighting.Perhaps the Indian plan was to contain Pak forces and move forward towards Dacca.In this plan Mynamati is a big contonement of Comilla complex and on the main road Comilla-Daudkhandy-Dacca.
   61 Inf Bde was ordered to contain comilla and cut off road leading to Dacca.For this Ganesan was told to find out suitable roads through which guns can move.So Ganesan was ready to go deep inside.He requested the civilian to take him to a Mukthi Behni camp.One cycle riksha was brought and Ganesan was travelling through the tracks on which guns can move.
   He was taken to a mukthi behni camp and Ganesan met their leader and explained his plan .The Mukthi Behni leader gave two escorts with guns and told them in Bengali, where all they should take Ganesan.Time may be 1630hrs and ganesan was taken futher inside along the banks of river Gomthi.Incidently Gomthi was to be crossed to cutoff the main road and Ganesan was taking a mental picture of everything as they moved.The escorts were narrating the killings they had with Pak forces.They retuned to their camp and Ganesan thanked the leader and came back to Burichang where he left his uniforms.The civilian was waiting for ganesan and thanked Indian Army through Ganesan for helping them to get freedom.He gave a hot cup of tea and Ganesan changed to uniform and was walking back home .It was pitch dark and gun shots were heard here and there.What a strange experience.By the time he returned to his unit it was about 2200hrs.New orders were received that 4ER will leave a sub unit with 61Bde and rest of 4ERwill move to Brahmanbaria another impotant town in Bangladesh. (East pakisthan was liberated as war broke out and India recognised Banglasdesh on 06 Dec)
   It was 10 Dec and Indian forces were all arround Bangladeh closing in to Dacca.
So let us meet at Dacca .........

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Into the enemy Territory

Moving into Enemy Territory.
When two forces are fighting there are different methods to get information about each other.secretly going into enemy territory is one such method.You may go alone, may go in diguise,may take one or two for support etc.Each one has its own advantages and dis advantsges.When Ganesan was ordered to go and find out about roads Commanding officer did not mention anything.Two officers were told to go in different direction.So capt Ganesan and another junior officer set out with their personal waepons.It was 9th Dec1971afternoon.Ganesan took his weapon 9mm sten gun with 28 rounds loaded and 28 rounds as spare.since war already in progress,his Regiment personnel were  already inside intrnational border doing different tasks.Ganesan and other officer went and met another senior officer and told him about CO's order.That officer warned that the Pakisthnis are still at short distance away only and it is not adviceble to go further inside.If you are caught they will butcher you and will not treat like prisoner of war.The other officer was hesitant and did not proceed further.Ganesan was comparitively senior and felt that not going inside is like showing cowardice.So he decided to go inside.As he was walking along the foot path his regiment personnel were on widening  the Track.After some distance there was no one and ganesan kept on going.After about 1-2 km there was bunkers on either side and smoke was coming here and there indicating that it has just been vacated after making tea or something.It was village Burichang of East pakisthan.The village has been totally vacated except one or two caretakers.
    There one civilian came to Ganesan after recognising his OG uniform and asked him "are you from Indian Army"Ganesan replied in confirmation.The stranger said that the pak troops are still there and are in process of with drawing to Mynamathi cantt.They will shoot you if they see you in this dress.come with me and change your dress.Ganesan went with him in good faith.He gave a lungi and white shirt.Ganesan changed and kept his identy card into his boot.He took his gun and spare bullets and was ready to move further.
contd....

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Tension Mounts

Tension Mounts.
Readers may recollect that refugees from East pak were entering India from all over the border and it became a problem to manage.Freedom fighters from inside east pak had organised as Mukti Behni and were creating Great nuisance by blowing bridges and railway tracks.Shaik Mujubur Rahman had been arrested and taken to unknown destination.Under these circumstances Gen Yahya khan,the martial law administrator of Pakisthan launched un provoked attack on India on 01 Dec 1971.
The Indian forces retaliated  in alldirection both in east and west Pakisthan.If one could keep east pak map in front Indian forces were in Calcutta side to take on Khulna,Jessore,Rajshahi.They were in Siliguri side to take on Dinajpur Hilli,Rangpur and they were in Tripura side to take on Akhaura,Comilla and Bairab bazar area.So indian forces were in all round East pakisthan and when war was declared there was lightening speed in eastern theatre.Each Infantry Brigade was provided more than one Engineer Regiment to fecilitate crossing of water obstacles.Ganesan's 4ER was supporting 61 Infantry Brigade for attack on Comilla-Mynamati cantt area.On 6th Dec when the war was on full swing ganesan was ordered to go inside into Est Pak and find out the road condition whether 25 pounder Guns can be towed by jeeps in the existing tracks.
The Govt of India recognised Bangladesh as an independent Nation followed by many other countries.
     Ganesan was getting ready to go into enemy territory....
Contd.....

Back Home

Back Home.
   With that background Ganesan reached Gauhati Railway stn.He went to the retiring room took bath,had breakfast and then went to Military movement control office  to find out the where abouts of 4ER.They said that the entire 4Core Troops have moved towards.East Pakisthan border but the exact location is not known.Ganesan thought that the closest place to East Pak this side would be near Agarthala and hence it would be better to reach Agarthala.So went to Air port and found out that a focker friendship small air craft was ready to take-off to Agarthala and got into that and landed at Agarthala at about 4.00 pm.2-3 Army officers also flew in that air craft and landed along with Ganesan.He approached one of them and asked whether he knows anything about 4ER.Luckily he belonged to the same group in which 4ER was a part.He arranged for Ganesan to stay for the night with him and in the morning he gave a vehicle to drop Ganesan at 4ER location.
   As ganesan was going in the jeep at one place there was little traffic jam and in the opposite direction another jeep was coming.Ganesan knows the tactical no.of 4ER  and that jeep belongs to 4ER only .A civilian gantleman was seated in the front seat.As military officers were moving in civil dress to hide the identy
Ganesan thought it could be the commanding officer by age and look and so he went and saluted him and said Capt Ganesan reporting for duty sir.The officer smiled and asked to whom he is reporting?Ganesan said by the tac no.of the vehicle and by look of the officer he presumed that he could be the commanding officer.The officer shook hand with Ganesan and welcomed ganesan to 4ER.
   Since 4 ER is not to Ganesan a number of known faces smiled here and there as Ganesan entered the complex.
Contd....

Friday, July 18, 2014

Re collection

Re collection.
     At this point of time readers should know some of the developments.
   4 Engineer Regiment whom Ganesan left at Rangya in 1968 have moved out from there to Chandigar under an Engineer Brigade and became experts in the recently introduced Krupman Bridging Equipments.After their tennure there,they again ordered to move toRangapara,Assam under 4 Core in mid 1971.But because of the uncertainity of their location Ganesan was given warrant to Gauhati only.
      In the family front,we know that Ganesan's younger brother got married in Dec 1970 and after Ganesan moved to CME his brothers made some sincer attempts to get him married.Ganesan went to Madras once or twice to see suitable girls.Generally in south especially in Madras people have very low opinion about Army officers and in their opnion only unsuitable and rejected lots for good civil appointments will go to Army.Even in matrimonial market only rejected and over aged girls will be willing to marry Army officers as a last option.Because of this Ganesan decided that he will not take any hasty step and wait for a suitable fam
ily  who respect Army.He also felt that suitable exposure is not there even to his brothers  because of which they were not able to find suitable bride for Ganesan.After his mothers death Ganesan felt that the closeness of relationship amongst his brothers sisters also braking up.
     Because of such disturbed mental state Ganesan did not know to whom he should keep informed about the developments in his life.so he did not inform any body about suspension of Degree courses and his move out of CME.Ganesan felt that his life is like a chordless kite ,free to fly any where as the wind takes.At the same time he understood that he is a resposible officer and cannot bring any insult to uniform.
    such thought process was going on in Ganesan's mind as the train Deccan Queen speeding towards Bombay.He knows tha he has to go Eastern sector upto Gauhati and then locate his Regiment.He and another Army officer went and saw PATTON an english movi at Bombay.George s.Patton of the US Army was one of the finest officer of 2nd World war,about whom Ganesan have read a lot.So he enjoyed the movi and with that mental satisfaction he Boarded Assam mail at Bombay central.
   Contd....

The Tension Mounts

The Tension Mounts.
   In Nov 1971 Ganesan was writing semister examinition and a circular came that all officers were to assemble at assembly hall after the examinition.The moment that news was announced everyone knows what would be the message and hence did not continue in the examination hall and left.But Ganesan did not leave the hall,patiently wrote the complete exam and went to the Assembly hall.All degree course officers of Engineers,Signals and EME amounting to about 700 were there.The Commandant came and addressed like this,"Gentlemen! you are all aware of the National situation.In order to keep ourself fit to face any challenges Army HQ has taken the decision to suspend all Degree courses and post officers to Field units.Should there be a war You will be the luckiest lot to give a fitting reply to the enemy.The administrative officer will announce the postings and other administrative arrangements.Wishing you all success to protect the Safety,Honour and integrity of this great Country"
   There was lot of noise and discussions.The posting order was announced and Ganesan was posted to 4 Engineer Regiment.All married officers were given the options either to retain or vacate the quarters and dispose their families.Bachelor officers were given their options to keep their heavy luggages under the centralised arrangements and move with light luggage.Married officers were given 10 days leave to settle and then move according to their postings.Single officers were to move immedietly as CME will ensure train reservations in all the trains and in all directions.
  Ganesan went to the officers mess for lunch and saw the Bar was open to all and officers were gulping the drink of their choice.There was absolute gloom on married officers face as they were to take a hard decision.
Ganesan came to his room after lunch and quietly started packing things.He decided to leave his 3.5 Bullet Motor cycle with a civilian Family and rest of the heavy boxes under CME's care.In both the places he left a cover to be opened in case  he did not return.In that letter he wrote that his brotherP.Ramamurthy should take decision as he deemed fit and disburse Ganesan's belongings and Bank balances.
   Ganesan boarded Deccan queen train towards Bombay with just a suit case and the train moved.......
Contd....
.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Un expected turn of events

Un Expected Turn of Events.
The life at CME was going on smoothly.The college was conducting winter and summer sports in both group and individual events.Ganesan as an individual and as a team member of his class was taking part in almost all games.Readers may re-collect that Ganesan was awarded best sports man award at the time of his officer training and was awarded "Athletics Blue."Here at CME he was awarded Best Swimmer award and was awarded "Swimming Blue."
   In early 1971 Pakisthan conducted general election in that country and Awani league party of Sheik mujubur rahman of East pakisthan won with a thumping majority.Pakisthan was geting more income from East pakisthan but development works in East was not much.Because of this displeasure East people formed seperate political party called Awami League and fought the election.Population of East wing being more they had won the election.But the martial law administrator of Pakisthan General Yahya khan was not keen to hand over power to Mujibur Rahman.Istead of that the General started  mass arrest in East.So Mujib declared Sonar Bangla on 26 March 1971 and started mass dis obedience movement.The Law and order totally failed in East pakisthan and mass movements of refugees started across the border to India.
    The general situation along India Pakisthan relationship strained and tension started mounting along the border.The East Pakisthan is a reverian terrain and if war has to be fought there plenty of river crossing was required.Corps of Engineers were the specialised troops in that warfare.
     So one fine morning in Nov 1971 the news came that all courses of CME were sospended.
Contd....

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Life at CME

Life at CME.
    Ganesan was enjoying life at CME.Army provides excellent oppurtunities to all ranks provided they are physically,mentally and psychologically fit for Army life.You must be very healthy,have high patriotic sense willing to sacrifice your life at any time as the country demands.Then there cannot be regret for joining the Army.If you have personal comitments like dependent parents demanding brother-sisters etc then the Army life would be like riding two horses.Since Ganesan did not have any such thing he was really enjoying life at CME.Morning 0630,physical training for half an hour,followed by breakfast in officers mess(about 600-700 bachelors officers were dining),then0815 to 1330hrs class,then lunch and then Games on your own in the evening.Many officers do not play or not interested in games and they go outing like picture,visiting friends etc.Ganesan was very much interested in games.He will play almost all games and reasonably well.So for him about 1530hrs to 1800 hrs is sports time.Rarely he will see movi and used to spend all the spare time in the library.He will go through all magazines of entire Army(about 20Arms and services and all infantry units sends their magazines)The library is equipped with world best books and magazines of world level all countries Army publications.So it was like treasure for him and spend whole day there like sundays and holidays.
   On days when there is no games he will go on a 20 km run on his own and in case of rainy days he will play indoor games like sqash,Badminton etc.
So it was like heaven for Ganesan and was also good in academics.
Contd.....

College of Military Engineering

The prime institution of Corps of Engineers of the Army .
 The college of military engineering  in short CME is the prime institution of the corps of Engineers of the Army.It has four wings spread over 20 thousand acres near Pune called Dapodi on the Pune-Bombay highway.It has Civil,Eleect-Mechanical,Diploma and the prestegious Combat Engineering wings.Administrative wing is seperate.Corps of Engineers all ranks keep coming here for short and long courses.Officers of Corps Engineers,Corps of Signals and Corps on Elect-Mech Engineers those who are not Engineering Graduates come here for three years B.Tech course.The Signals and EME after one and half years training go to their parent training centre for another 1.5 years training.At a time about 2-3000 all ranks will be there.
It is a great institution having wonderful sports facilities,country's best library equipped with world best academic and military books.
Ganesan was very happy to meet many of his friends after a gap of 6-7 years here.The rest of the year 1970 passed of peacefully with his younger brother getting married in 03 Dec.Ganesan who is basically a sports person and already a diploma holder was very very happily spending his days and was standing first amongst Civil Engineering students.
   The year 1971 dawned.
Contd....

Farewell

The Farewell.
   On 26 Feb all went to the yesterday cremation ground to do the last ritual.The body had been burnt completely.However little bones here and there were collected and the last ritual was conducted.At that time Ganesan took one small piece of bone of his mother and some ashes and kept it in a cloth as he wanted to immerse it in River Ganga.Incidently readers may recollet that when he got his captain's pay with arrears in 1966 Dec,he had taken his parents to Rameswaram,Madurai and then to Palani.At that time he had promised his mother that he will take them to Kasi also subsquently.But that did not take place.so he wanted to immerse her ash in the Ganga.After his mothers death there was no female member at home as both sisters were already married.His father,and two younger brothers were there.So Ganesan suggested that his younger brother who was provisionally earmarked to look after ancestral properties be married as early as possible with out waiting for him.With that Ganesan bid Farewell to his home and the village.
   While immersing his mother's ashes in Ganga he kept one piece to himself and returned to Shillong.As mentioned earlier  he was to report to CME,Pune,for 3 years B.Tech course in May 1970.He had purchased 3.5 Bullet Motorcycle in March through canteen.Things went on without any problem and finally he bid farewell to Shillong and reached Pune in May 1970.
Contd..... 

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The painful revenge

The painful revenge.
The GE thought that he was establishing his authority by denying authorised annual leave to Ganesan.But Ganesan did not beg him further and left the rest to the cosmic Force.When the news spread number of people went to GE and shouted at him that there can not be a greater fool than him who denied leave when some one's mother was serious.So the GE came to Ganesan's office and rendered an apology for what ever happened and requested him to proceed on leave.Ganesan was not interested to go as it will take time to reach his native village .But the GE insisted that he will carry a life long curse if Ganesan did not go on leave.Friends and well wishers also requested Ganesan that he should not the idiot GE's face and should proceed on leave.So Ganesan sent another telegramme that he is comming on leave and went by car to Gauhati.From there he flew to Calcutta and further to chennai.It took more time from chennai to his village than the time it took from Gauhati to chennai.He reached home at about 4.00 a m on 26 Feb1970 and found an empty space in his house where his mother used to sleep.His brothers were looking at each other as how unfortunate Ganesan  as he could not even see his mothers face as they already cremated her.Ganesan was wondering why inspite of informing them that he is coming on leave,they did not wait?
    The cosmic Force gave the the answer.On 23 Feb Ganesan received telegramme that his mother was serious and he was denied leave.So he gave a telegramme that he is not coming on leave.Before this telegramme could reach his house his mother expired and his brother sent another telegramme that mother expired.Few hours after they had sent their second telegramme Ganesan's first telegramme that he is not coming reached them.So they without waiting for him proceeded further and cremater her.On their return from cremation ground Ganesan's second telegramme reached them.What a pity! Ganesan one amongst seven children will carry the regret for the rest of his life that he did not see his mother's face.Perhaps that is the reason that his mother went to Shillong to bid farewell to him.
Contd...

Monday, July 14, 2014

The life long Regeret

The life long Regret.
  With the happy news that he has been selected for permanent commission and he will be going for 3 years B.Tech course at the college of military engineering, Ganesan was doing the routine works.In early Feb 1970 he had been getting letters from home that his mothers health is deteriorating and it would be better if he come on annual leave.Around the same time a Major serving in Shillong Chief engineer office was getting married at Dindigul,Tamilnadu.Ganesan thought that by getting annual leave he can see his mother and also if possible attend the Major's marriage.On 23feb 1970 Ganesan received a telegramme that his mother's condition is serious.With that telegramme and past few letters he went GE's office and met him.Ganesan explained the situation and the urgency of going  leave. The garrison engineer,a civilian officer took it very lightly and sercastically said that Ganesan was planning to attend the Major's wedding and it is a bluff that his mother was serious.Perhaps in the light of strained relationship of Ganesan beeing very strict he wanted show of his power by refusing leave.In the Army leave is a previlege and not a right.you cannot leave a place without proper written permision or produce medical certificate like civilians do.Ganesan knows that his mother may not live long.But he can do nothing at that moment.He simply sent a telegramme home that he is not able to come.
In the evening he went to the bar and had couple of drinks and kept thinking about the situation.The glass which he was holding was being pressed in anger and suddenly broke to pieces.A gllass piece got into his hand and started bleeding The barman came running and put a bandage.Ganesan got up,had dinner and went to his room.He wrote that day's diary about the unusual events of that day and ended that a chapter in his life is beeing closed.He slept well.May be around 3-4 oclock in the morning he heard a sound that the door beeing opened and he saw his mother coming towards him.It was a great surprise and Ganesan asked her how she could come all the way from the village.She smilingly said that she wanted to see him before going.Ganesan rised his hand and wanted to hold his mother's hand.Suddenly everything dis appeared and he was sitting on the bed from sleeping position.Oh!What an experience.Just a dream.Perhaps because of yesterdays events some dream might have come.
Ganesan got ready and went to his office which is about 15 km away from GE's office.At about 3PM he rang up GE office and asked for any letters for him.The head clerk said no letters but another telegramme had come.Ganesan requested him to open and see.After a few seconds the head clerk said,"I am sorry sir "
Contd.....

Sunday, July 13, 2014

The cosmic Force- Contd

The Cosmic Force ....contd
Readers may understand by following the events that are happening in Ganesan's life that there is some external force that is guiding him.He was very clear that he will act only as per his concience and happyly accept the out come.With that resolve he entered the Services Selection Board Allahabad on 10th october1969.If selected he will continue in the Army otherwise he will revert back to PWD of Tamilnadu.
There were about 25 officers from different corps.The tests were exactly the same as he appeared in1963.For Ganesan it was too simple as he was keeping himself fit.The tests were over in 3 days but the Assam situation continued to be the same.So he was attached to Garrison Engineer Allahabad.Making use of this lean period he once again went to Kasi ghat and had a holi dip in ganga.After a week or so he started hich hicking and with great dificulty reached Shillong.Some time in Nov 1969 the great news came that he has been selected for permanent commission and has to clear medical board.
     Medical board was simple as he was a sports person and after a week or so he was informed by Army HQ,that his personal number in future will be INDIAN COMMISSION 21773N.He was further informed that he has been detailed for a 3 year degree course at the College of Military Engineering,Pune.
  Ganesan who had a head on collision with contractors was forced to undergo  a life long regeret in early 1970.
Contd....

Saturday, July 12, 2014

The Cosmic Force

The Cosmic Force.
Scientists and spritual Leaders are always in conflict about what is (who is )God.In 21st centuaty there will be a definite answer to this.Vedathri an ordinery person by his relentless thought process had put forward to this world that the Cosmic Force of the SPACE is the super power which reacts to your concience and the oldest generation of mankind had named this force as GOD.Dr.Alagar Ramanujam a Ph.D holder in Physics had great inter action with Vedathri and had de-coded the secrets in more clear terms.But those people who are benifited by keeping the secret alive may not accept Vedathri's theory.Only those practical persons(Rationalists) will have to do more home work.
Contd.......

second services selection board

Second Services Selection Board.
   When the National Emergency is to be lifted,the Govt wanted Army officers who were granted EC is to be regularised  either by granting Indian Commission(IC)or leaving the Army.It is unfair that officers who had served for about 5 years,commanded troops in war and peace were asked to prove their officer quality once again.It is a pity that some of them were even war (1965)decorated.
   Army took the decision and hence implimented.Ganesan was at Shillong  and Assam was cut off from rail and road link.He was to reach Allahabad.One of his well-wisher civilian officer was incharge of Air port maintainence at Borjar(Gauhati).He asked Ganesan to come immediately to airport as time was short.So Ganesan reached air port and was shocked to see the crowd worst than chennai central.However his friend took Ganesan straight to the pilot of the aircraft which was about to take off to Calcutta and explained the situation.The pilot fortunately an Ex Airforce officer told Ganesan to get the ticket.Ganesan got the ticket and along with the pilot got into the aircraft.The pilot seated Ganesan in the place where airhostesses were seated and went into the cockpit.The aircraft started and after some time pilot came out and was looking for any vacant seat.There was none.One lady was sitting along with her 5 year old son in another seat.The pilot requested the lady to have the boy in Ganesan's lap and Ganesan be seated.The lady gracefully accepted. The aircraft landed at Calcutta and the lady who was having great respect for Army dropped Ganesan at Howra Railway stn and wished him best of luck.
  GANESAN GOT INTO THE TRAIN AND THOUGHT ABOUT THE PAST FEW HOURS EVENTS.The cosmic Force which the illeterate call as GOD is great.
Contd......

Saturday, July 5, 2014

The fish goes into Deep water

The Fish goes into Deep Water.
In 1969 when Ganesan was having a tough time with the contractors,Emmergency of the country was lifted and all those who were granted Emmergency Commission were asked their choice,going back to parent department,leaving the Army or go for another SSB in case they wanted to continue in the Army.Infact their choice was asked about end of 1968 as Army HQ has to plan accordingly.Ganesan had thought for a while.Even though he wanted to continue in the Army,his mother was not keeping well and his elder brother wanted him back in PWD.since it will take time for implimenting any decision Ganesan gave option to continue.Accordingly in 1969 Ganesan was called to appear at SSB Meerut.But that information came very late and there was no reaction time.So he asked fresh date.Army HQ gave fresh date to appear at SSB Allahabad.One week before Ganesan was to leave for SSB there was heavy rain in Assam and many roads and rail bridges were washed away.Assam was totally cut off from rest of India.Ganesan did not know whether the nature is against him or in favour of him.How can he reach Allahabad
    cotd....

The fish estabilishes

The Fish  Breaks the Net.
Ganesan,by carrying a stock taking established the facts of the project just before his taking over and also the payments.By this he had sent s strong warning that no further payment will be made with out overcoming the over payment.He had also briefed his subordinate staff about his interest.Though Shillong is a wonderful place and called "Bachelore's Paradise" Ganesan had no interest in moving around except playing games in Assam Regimentat Centre.
     We had seen the climate at Laitcorepeak.Wind and rain reduces the working  clear days and also man's efficiency goes down.So the project was already under extention of time.As the contractor was finding it difficult to produce the good standard of work as demanded by Ganesan,He started finding ways and means to put the blame on Ganesan.Unlike PWD,the MES has clear work procedure where in the Engineer in charge of the project is the authority on supervision of the work,and one can over rule only when he is incapable of supervision.If one over rules the engineer incharge,then the entire responsibility comes on the person who over rules him.since no one wants that burdon,without giving a solution every one started blaming Ganesan for slow progress.
   Ganesan gave in writing whether the authorities wants good work or speedy work,as the contractor is not capable of doing both.This had put every one in tight corner.When Ganesan rejects a material no senior officer was willing to over rule Ganesan and approve it.
The fish gets into deep water.slowly slowly all those who supported the contractor slipped away and  it was direct challenge between Ganesan and the contractor.
More.....

Thursday, July 3, 2014

The Fish.

The Fish.
    Ganesan started his work in earnest interest.He was Engineer in charge of a major project for HQ Eastern Air Command.Technical and administrative buildings were coming up in about 100 crore project out of which about 60 peccent works completed.The wokk site was at Laitkore Peak the highest place in Shillong.It was strange weather at Laitkore peak.Wind used to blow like a cyclone and rain heavily when Shillong was geting bright sun light.Incidently Chirapunji, the world's heaviest rainfall geting place was only about 60 km from there.The working condition was definetly very bad.Ganesan went through  the contract document thoroughly and under stood the terms and condition under which the work has to be completed.   Th contractor was paid 32 lakhs on running bills,totalling 18 times the last one being about 2 days before Ganesan joining.
   Ganesan called the contractor and requested for joint inspection and assessment of the works.Because in a running contract it is possible to make over payment which can be adjusted in subsquent bills.Payments are also permited for materials collected at sit which could have been shifted to other sites So Ganesan was right in calling for joint inspection and assessment.On completion of this it was found that the value of work executed was 28 lakhs only.In a running contract  of a major work making 2-3 lakhs over payment is not a serious mistake.But when the engineer is new he can not accept the over payment made during the previous incumbent.So he told the cotractor that the next payment will be made only after overcoming the present over payment.
     Perhaps the Fish which was trying to get into water.
    contd.......

The Fish out of Water.

The Fish out of Water.
   Ganesan who was an active member of all Army activities and was enjoying the respect from all ranks was shocked to receive a posting order to a semi military organisation called Military Engineering Services.It is not only Semi military but the worst part is a construction unit .Readers will remember that Ganesan litraly ran away from PWD of Tamilnadu and luckily selected to the Army.But the destiny appears to be keen to test him further.The training  which Ganesan attended at Roorkee university seems to be the reason for this posting.Ganesan stood first in that course and the report had reached Army head quarters and immediately they had issued posting to works side.4 Engineer Regiment took up the case to cancel the posting  but they could not succeed.So on 28 March1968 Ganesan left 4 E R.
   Ganesan had spent about2 years at Changsari,the location of 44 Fd Pk.During this time number of his Regiment officers had visited Shillong,the hill station of Assam and also called "Paradise of Bachelors".Ganesan tried to join his friends once or twice but could not go.To his great surprise Ganesan was now posted as Assistant Garrison Enginer,Under chief Engineer Shillong Zone,to be located at Shillong
Shillong is about 85 KM from Gauhati(Rail Head and is an out Agency).Assam state capital was shillong before bifurcation of Mehalaya state out of Assam. So Ganesan landed at Shillong on 29 March 1968.
The fish was out of water or in deep water.....
   let us see.....

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Captain

The Captain.
  The ranks of 2lieutinent and lieutinent are addressed as Mr only in the Army.The first rank to be honoured is captain.Ganesan was very happy about the developments that had taken place and thanked every one.It was 15 Aug 1966.Though he was officially captain since02 Jul and shown as Adjutant 4 Engineer Regiment on paper,he never sat in that chair and continued to be in 44Fd Pk only.He captained 23 Mtn Div Athletic team(Div troops) and took part in pole vault and tripple jump.Sports and games became very important constituent in his daily routine.He wanted to be associated in all troops games and at the same time played officers games like Badminton,squash etc.Running a few KM daily  with or with out troops  was normal for him.
 He has thoroughly understood the soldier's psychology  as he was mostly with them and  at the same time kept the distance.He was friendly but not familiar with them.He went  out of the way to help in training and also solve their personal problems.In their recreation hall he put up a poster like this"Even though we are soldiers and willing to sacrifice our life for the  Safety,Honour and Integrity of this country, we too have got a family consisting of parents, brother sisters wife and children.They pray for our well being and egarly awaits for our return home.Spend your leave happily with them and return to unit with satisfaction.write letters regularly to them".Below this poster  free forces letters and a pen was kept. A few days after this a Havildar came to see Ganesan in his room.Ganesan thought it could be some office matter.The Havildar after entering his room stood silently for some time and Ganesan noticed that tears were rolling down from his eyes and slowly he started crying loudly.Ganesan consoled him and asked him what is the matter.
Havildar said that he had gone on  2 months annual leave and returned recently.During the leave he had some family problems and fought with his wife.He returned in that mood only and decided not to write his wife.But when he saw the poster in the recreation room he changed his mind and wrote his wife .He got a reply from his wife deeply regereting  for the events during his leave and  expressed unlimited love to  him.So he wanted to thank Capt Ganesan.Ganesan sent him with little more advice.
When ganesan was enjoying his Army life he got a shocking news that he has been posted out of Army to a non military unit.Ganesan felt like a fish out of water.
Let us  meet the FISH.......

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

4 Engineer Regiment

4 Engineer Regiment.
The Army units follows strict rules and regulations.In addition to Indian penal code which law is applicable to every citizen of India,Army personnel are also subjected to Army laws and code of conduct.Further the Army units take pride in setting up their own traditions.Though the Regiment is newly formed the constituent units are very old and have deep pride in maintaining their own identity.So it was taking time to function as a monolithic body.The commanding officer of the Engineer Regiment have to handle the the re organisation process very tactfully.
   On re organisation the number of Caption vacancies increased and all of a sudden most of the Lieutinents became captains.Ganesan's company commander was out of station and so Ganesan though approved for captain was not putting on the rank awaiting for his company commander.There was a fomal get together function where all officers were present.Lt col M K.Basu,the CO,all of a sudden  said,"Look,Suresh,(Suresh Nath Endley,company commander,32 Fd Coy),this fellow Ganesan is improprly dressed."Ganesan was shocked and was looking at himself what was wrong.Col.Basu continued,"Even though his captaincy has been approved about a month before,he is not puting on captain's rank.Maj Endlay replied,"We will punish him now itself sir".In the mean time capt Venkatraman,2i/c 56 Fd Coy ran and brought captain's appallet(cotton cloth shoulder cover having 3 stars).Maj Suresh Endley called "Ganesh come here"
  Ganesan was totally lost as to what was happening.Like walking in the dream,Ganesan went ahead  and stood infront of Lt col Basu.Basu and Endley on either side changed the shoulder rank from Lt to Capt and congratulated Ganesan.
  Let us meet captain Ganesan.......

Monday, June 30, 2014

Land of Rhinoceros

Land of Rhinoses.On completion of the course at Roorki university in April1966 Ganesan  moved on to a new route "The North East".23 Mtn Div had Engineer units,56 Field company,32 Field Company,23 Field Company(Bombay sappers)306 Field Park Company(Bengal sappers).Since this was to be formed into 4Engineer Regiment which would be Madras sapper unit the non MEG units were to be moved out.So 44 Field park replaced 306 and similarly 13Field company was to replace 23 Field company. 44which was part 6Mtn Div had taken part in the war and after the war moved to Rangiya.
   13Field Company is one of the oldest field company of Madras sappers which has taken part in almost all the wars India fought from second world war to till date.In the 1947-48 war, the partition war of India-Pakisthan they had fought in J&K and Sub Thangavelu was awarded VIR CHAKRA and the company was awarded Battle honour "Jojila"as they fought in jojila pass.In the Sep 65 war they were part of 19 Div and fought at Baramula,J&K.In the re organisation process they were to move to23 Mtn Div,Rangiya.Maj Bawa was commanding the company.During their move Maj Bawa met with an accident and CaptPillai along with other officers,capt K.S.Rao,Lt.Das  came to Rangiya.
     Lt Col M.K.Basu was the commander engineer along with Maj G.S.Grewal 2i/c capt D.K Sen.Adjt,capt Bhute,IO,capt C.R Rao TEO.
   The other officers were as follows.
    32Field Company.Company commander Maj.S.N.Endlay,along with capt P.K.Agarwal 2i/c,Lt.zakkuma,Lt D.R.Johar,Lt S.N Mukerjee.
    56 Field Company.Maj D.P.Jairath company commander along with capt M.S.Venkatraman 2i/c Lt VK Sharma Lt.IRS.Chopra.
    44 Field park company.Maj HS Grewal company commander along with capt Murali Manohar 2i/c Lt Ganesan Lt.AH.Panicker,Lt R.Krishnamurthy.
   On an auspicious day 02 JUNE 1966,4 Engineer Regiment was officially formed and cane into existence.
More..........