One thing my mother never desired for me was, my
joining the army in the footsteps of my father. So, she quelled my enthusiasm
for the forces, by first denying me admission into the RIMC, and then also
succeeding in diverting my attention, by setting before me the challenge to
qualify the IIT JEE, at that point of time, rated, rightly or wrongly, the
intellectually most daunting test of the world.
Well, the fact, that I did qualify that test, did
put an end to my dream of some day donning the OG. As a child, I was enamored
by the uniform of the Guards, a regiment famous for long hair, long side burns
and handsome officers, with deep scarlet escutcheons, adorning their skin fit
short sleeves. But that was not to be.
Each time, I see the men in OG, realize their exalted
mottos of valor and service before self, as I do currently, on the super job
that they have done in Kedarnath, I writhe in nostalgia and remorse in equal
measure, for choice that I did not make.
Gen Chait, a 3 star General, led his troops, from
the front, in a 12 km march to Gaurikund. Commendable. Such acts have a
tremendous demonstration impact, and can be an immense morale booster for the
troops.
Although, I mostly detest Barkha, for her high
pitch anchoring, but one thing is clear, she leaves no opportunity to show
case, immense contribution that our forces make, both in times of war and peace.
I have to give this to her.
