My Final Innings as DDG NCC Directorate, Gujarat
We reached Ahmedabad in the beginning of Aug 2004, after my professionally enriching tenure in Army HQ. It was once again a privilege when we moved directly into a spacious Bungalow, designated as the “NCC House”, located within the Ahmedabad Cantonment. Next day, I was welcomed by an impressive Guard of Honour, presented by the NCC Cadets at HQ NCC Directorate office complex. Thereafter, I was introduced to all my Staff Officers & the Group Commanders. It was followed by briefings about the scope of various training activities and Camps, conducted as well as planned by all the Group HQ & Units, across the entire State of Gujarat and the Union Territory of Diu & Daman. NCC Units were located in all the Districts and functioned under their respective Group HQ, located at Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Vallabh Vidya Nagar ( near Anand ) and Rajkot. NCC coverage extended to 250 Colleges & 350 Schools. The total strength of Cadets was 53,000 which included both Senior Division ( College students) & Junior Division ( School students ). The Cadets were further grouped into Army/Naval/Air Wing.
In the very first week, I completed my familiarisation visits to all the Group HQ & the locations where Camps were already in progress. I availed this opportunity to meet all the training staff which was organised into three tiers ---- Officers from all the three Services, Associate NCC Officers ( ANOs ) from the Colleges & Schools & the Permanent Instructional Staff ( PI Staff ) comprising JCOs and NCOs from the three Services. These visits gave me an overview of the magnitude of the challenges for “Grooming Tomorrow’s Leaders”, in accordance with the vision of the NCC. I visualised the intricacies of planning and execution of this unique training of NCC Cadets, as per the structured syllabus. Training was to be conducted utilising the existing infrastructure and the authorisation of resources such as vehicles, clothing & equipment, the weapons & ammunition; specific for each of the three Wings of NCC. I was briefed about the system of funding various activities and the budgetary allocations by the Directorate General NCC ( DGNCC ) and the Govt of Gujarat. It entailed efficient financial management.
It was a pleasant surprise when I was among the dignitaries to be invited to a special function at Raj Bhawan on the occasion of the Independance Day. It was perhaps destined that during this function, I got the opportunity to have my first interaction with Shri Narendra Modi, the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat. He congratulated my selection for shouldering this new responsibility and desired that the momentum of NCC must continue to be maintained, with a focus towards it’s motto ---- “Unity and Discipline”. He was nostalgic when he narrated his own experiences as a NCC Cadet in his younger days. He further expressed his views about the concept of compulsory NCC training. I was then introduced to Smt Anandiben Patel, the Honourable Education Minister, who assured all the requisite support for the NCC activities in Gujarat. Both these interactions triggered a thought of planning an adventure activity, which would motivate the NCC Cadets professionally. I conducted a brain storming session with my Group Commanders to suggest viable options. It took us about a week to finalise a proposal for a Vehicle Expedition upto Siachen Base Camp. This proposal was immediately sent both to the DGNCC & the Govt of Gujarat for approval. The Expedition was assigned the name ----- PURUSHARTH.
We began the preparations for this novel adventure on top priority. The selection of the Cadets and other participants was completed through a process of competition between several Cadets from the Senior Division of all the Groups. Simultaneously, M/s Reliance Industries & M/s Mahindra & Mahindra volunteered to assist the Expedition by providing two Scorpio & three Bolero vehicles respectively. Meanwhile, approval was received for launching the Expedition. Finally, the Team was announced consisting of Group Commander Ahmedabad Group, three officers including two ANOs, four JCOs / NCOs and five lashkars. In addition, two representatives from the TV Channel “Aaj Tak” expressed their desire to accompany for the media coverage. The entire Team was issued special clothing & equipment for utilising in high altitude terrain. We organised rigorous practice of long distance driving and endurance before the launch. The Expedition was flagged off from Ahmedabad by Shri Narendra Modi, the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat on 26 Sep 2004. He specially expressed his gratitude about all the assistance provided by the NCC Cadets after the earthquake in Bhuj in Jan 2001.
The route for the Expedition was planned to cover approx 6000 kms in 17 days and the time plot was intimated to all the NCC Directorates enroute to facilitate logistic support. It was a different experience, with different challenges, in different environment during each phase of the arduous journey. The most challenging phases were the journey from Manali to Leh crossing the Rohtang Pass at 15,000 ft and the final leg from Leh to Siachen Base Camp across the famous Khardungla Pass at 18,300 ft. The Team witnessed a very impressive training demonstration at the Siachen Battle School, inspite of the adverse weather conditions and the effects of high altitude terrain. Personally, it was a trip down memory lane since I returned to this prestigious location for the third successive year.
We set course on our return journey to Leh where we had a night halt. Next day was spent in local sightseeing and visit to the famous Pangong Tso Lake. We then proceeded to Drass via Kargil. Briefing cum Presentation about the Kargil War was conducted at Drass, which refreshed the memories of all the valiant battles won by our Units & Formations in this Sector. Subsequent journey involved crossing the Zojila Pass at 12,000 ft before reaching Srinagar for a night halt. Next day we moved as a part of Army convoy to Jammu, crossing the famous Banihal Tunnel at 9,000 ft. It proved to be an equally fascinating journey. Thereafter, I returned to Ahmedabad by flight from Jammu. The Expedition continued the return journey through the plains of Punjab, the deserts of Rajasthan and skirted around the Little Rann of Kutch, encountering yet another set of diverse experiences. Finally, Team PURUSHARTH returned to Ahmedabad on 14 Oct 2004, to a rousing reception after successful accomplishment of their Mission. Incidentally, it coincided with the first day of the most popular festival in Gujarat --- the Navratri festival.
It was the appropriate festival when our children came over from Pune for spending their first vacation in the “NCC House”. We participated in the Navratri celebrations in Rajkot where we witnessed the customs and rituals followed in Saurashtra region. In Ahmedabad, we began our visits by paying respects at the historic Sabarmati Ashram. In the subsequent days, we visited Akshar Dham and Kankariya Lake. We visited the National Integration Camp at Anand and thereafter availed the opportunity to witness the processes adopted at AMUL, known for the White Revolution. Thereafter, we went to Vadodara and visited the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace built by Maharaja Gaekwad in 1890. Subsequently, we went to Kevadia and saw the impressive Sardar Sarovar Dam ,which is the second largest concrete dam in the world. As usual, at all these locations, shopping trips were followed up by tasting a variety of Gujarati cuisine. Subsequently, ANA went back to Pune from Vadodara itself, hoping to return whenever feasible.
On return to Ahmedabad, I focused my attention towards selection of the Contingent for participation in the Republic Day Camp ( RDC ) scheduled at Delhi in Jan every year. The RDC is the final competition between the Cadets of all the NCC Directorates. Competitions at the National level were held earlier separately for each Wing, during Thal Sainik Camp ( TSC ), Nau Sainik Camp ( NSC ) and Vayu Sainik Camp ( VSC ). In order to select the Cadets for the RDC, we conducted inter Group competitions for all the events such as Drill, Firing, Obstacle Course, Camp layout, Flag area, State Presentation & Cultural events. Consequently, the best performers were selected for each event and coached further by expert instructors. The Contingent left by a reserved compartment, in the direct train from Ahmedabad in the last week of Dec.
I went to Delhi in the first week of Jan 2005 and witnessed high standard of competitions between all the NCC Directorates. The Cadets for the Youth Exchange Programs ( YEP ) to foreign countries were also selected during the RDC. Four of our Cadets were selected as members of YEP to Russia, Singapore, Vietnam and Bangladesh. It was a lifetime achievement for 30 of our Cadets ( SD & SW ) who were selected in the main NCC Contingent for the march past on the Raj Path on 26 Jan. It was a journey down memory lane, when I witnessed once again the grand Republic Day Parade. The Prime Minister’s Rally for the NCC Cadets was conducted on the next day and was the culminating event of the RDC. We felt so proud since our Contingent secured overall Fifth position out of 16 NCC Directorates. The Contingent returned to Ahmedabad and was given the customary welcome at the Raj Bhawan. The Governor of Gujarat complimented all the Cadets and exhorted them to continue their pursuit of excellence.
In the next two months, the pace of NCC activities reduced since the Cadets got busy with their studies prior to the final exams. In this period, myself and all the Group Commanders evolved plans for improvement in the infrastructure for conduct of Camps and creation of training facilities such as firing ranges, obstacle courses and parade ground for each NCC Unit. The proposals were compiled and the requirement of funds projected both to the DGNCC and to the State Govt. I assigned the responsibility to each Group HQ for selection and training of the Contingents for national level competitions and Camps during the next Training Year. All the Group HQ were instructed to organise special SSB coaching capsules for the Cadets who were aspiring to join the Armed Forces. Each Group HQ was also assigned the task of conducting one major event at the national level ---- Trekking expedition/ Sailing expedition/ National Integration Camp/ Advance Leadership Camp. In addition, all the Units were directed to carry out the social activities in their area of jurisdiction. In this context, the assistance rendered by our Cadets in the monsoon season, for flood relief operations in Surat was indeed commendable.
Routine training of the Cadets of all the three Wings commenced in the Training Year 2005/06, after the additional enrollment of Cadets to fill up the vacancies created by the Cadets who had completed their NCC training. By now, the funds had been sanctioned and allotted for the new Projects as proposed and the works began at all the locations after the monsoon season. The Camps were organised as per the schedule to prepare the Contingents for TSC/NSC/VSC. Our next major event was the Narmada Sailing Expedition involving participation by 50 Cadets of the Naval Wing in mid Sep. I accompanied the Cadets during this exciting adventure, sailing down the Narmada river, from Garudeshwar to Bhadbhooth, using Whaler boats & Power boats. Another major event was the All India Trekking Expedition which was conducted at Sasan Gir. All the NCC Directorates were represented in this Camp, having a total strength of 1000 Cadets. The Cadets got a chance to visit Somnath Temple, revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. We also organised their visit to Gir Wild life Sanctuary.
Meanwhile, based on the experience of our Expedition to Siachen Base Camp in the previous year, we evolved a plan for yet another Vehicle Expedition this year, to another challenging destination --- Nathu La in Sikkim. Our proposal got instant approval and funding , both from the Govt of Gujarat and the DGNCC. The process of selection and training of the Team was repeated. It was a different Team for this adventure activity and consisted of the Group Commander of Ahmedabad Group along with 2 officers, 2 ANOs, 25 SD Cadets & 5 JCOs/ NCOs. The Expedition was planned for a duration of three weeks and was assigned the name ---- SWASTIK. The route was selected through six States and the NCC Directorates enroute provided necessary logistic support to facilitate our night halts and maintenance of our convoy consisting seven Scorpio vehicles. The Expedition was flagged off from Ahmedabad on 25 Oct 2005.
It was really time consuming and strenuous experience while negotiating certain stretches in MP and Bihar where road conditions had deteriorated. However, the journey on the roads in Sikkim was most comfortable, affording scenic views of the Teesta River and the mountainous landscape till Gangtok. As planned, we had a two day halt at Gangtok to enable acclimatisation before proceeding to Nathu La, located at an altitude of 14, 500 ft. It was an exciting feeling for the Cadets to witness the Chinese posts just across the LAC at Nathu La. We paid homage at the War Memorial and descended to Chhangu Lake, which was partially frozen. Thereafter, as per the local custom, we paid respects at the Harbhajan Baba Shrine before commencing our return journey to Gangtok. Next day, we left Gangtok before sunrise to visit the sacred Gurudongmar Lake in North Sikkim. It was a spiritual experience to observe the miracle that the Lake situated at 17,800 ft was not frozen.
We reached Gangtok late at night, fully exhausted but full of lovely memories. Next morning, we set course for Darjeeling for the night halt. Next morning, we were lucky to witness the majestic view of Kanchenjunga at sunrise due to clear visibility. Thereafter, I boarded the flight from Bagdogra and reached Ahmedabad via Kolkata. The Team began it’s return journey via Gaya -- Allahabad -- Gwalior -- Udaipur and finally reached Ahmedabad on 12 Nov 2005. They felt so proud with the grand welcome on completion of their Mission.
Meanwhile, selection and preparation for the RDC 2006 was in progress. I proceeded to Pune to avail part of Annual Leave and returned prior to departure of the Contingent for RDC. All the efforts put in systematically by the Team of Instructors & the enthusiastic Cadets paid dividends, since we improved our performance in the RDC by securing overall Third position among 16 NCC Directorates. This year 12 Cadets were selected for the Youth Exchange Programs. It was a matter of pride for the Contingent, to receive greater appreciation from the Governor of Gujarat, during the formal ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan on our return. In addition, we received special accolades from the Chief Minister & the Education Minister, who were always a source of motivation and inspiration for all the activities of the NCC.
In Feb, we conducted Advance Leadership Camp at Mehsana. It gave the Cadets an opportunity to visit the renowned Sun Temple at Modhera. The sanctum sanctorium is designed in a manner that on the days of the solar equinox, exactly at sunrise, the rays of the Sun light up the image of Surya. It was an amazing phenomenon. Another major activity was the National Integration Camp conducted at Jamnagar in Apr. We organised a visit to the Jamnagar Refinery. Meanwhile, our relatives came over from Aurangabad and we joined them for a visit at Dwarka & Bet Dwarka. Thereafter, we traveled on the beautiful coastal route via Porbandar --- Somnath --- Bhavnagar, before returning to Ahmedabad.
In the next Training Year 2006/07, we introduced several new activities in the Camps at the Unit / Group level. The emphasis was on Personality development of the Cadets by enhancing their communication skills, improving the standards of Drill & Firing and the performance in NCC Certificate Exams. The training of Cadets of Naval Wing & Air Wing was also intensified after allotment of additional resources. Attachment training for Senior Wing was also conducted with the Army Units in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Dhrangadhra & Ahmedabad. New enrollment was carried out in various Schools & Colleges, specially in Diu & Daman. We also stressed on improving standards of ship modelling, sailing , rowing, aero modelling & skeet shooting. As a result of these new initiatives, we could improve our performance in TSC/NSC/VSC and Mavlankar Shooting Competition. It also enabled refining the training for the ultimate Goal --- RDC 2007.
I went on Annual Leave to Pune in Oct/ Nov and we celebrated Diwali festival, together as a family after a long time. We returned by mid Nov, before the NCC Day, which is always scheduled on the fourth Sunday of Nov. On this occasion, Shri Narendra Modi, the Honourable Chief Minister accepted our invitation and graced us with his presence. The main highlight was the inauguration of the NCC Chowk at the entrance of Ahmedabad Group HQ. It was significant that two 25 Pounder Guns of World War vintage were displayed in the centre of the traffic island. Thereafter, the CM laid the foundation stone for creation of permanent Camping facility, within the premises of Ahmedabad Group HQ, which would facilitate conduct of the major NCC Camps in the future. The entire Project was funded by the Govt of Gujarat.
In mid Dec, I was fortunate to be selected for a special management Course at XLRI, Jamshedpur. It was structured for a duration of six months and was termed “General Management Program”, designed for the officers from the Defence Services, in order to facilitate their transition to the Corporate world. I attended this Course from mid Jan to end of Jun 2007. It was a real challenge for me to grasp the key aspects of all the management subjects at the macro level in such a short duration, from the expert Faculty members at the XLRI. Incidentally, on completion of just one month of the Course, I received intimation from the Army HQ which specified 30 Sep 2007 as the date of my retirement due to superannuation. Perhaps, it was destined in view of the steep pyramid structure, specially at the higher levels in the Army. It certainly evoked feelings of nostalgia since my innings as DDG NCC Directorate Gujarat would end within three months of conclusion of my Course. It would also signify the end of my memorable journey of four decades in the prestigious Uniform, while keeping the ‘Chetwode Motto’ as a guiding beacon throughout!!
On conclusion of the last Course in my long career, I returned to the “NCC House”, which was a real home coming. In the next three months, I reviewed the progress of all the Projects which had been sanctioned and visited all the Units and the Group HQ. I conveyed my appreciation for the standard of achievement in the wide spectrum of activities conducted by the NCC fraternity in Gujarat. The outstanding contribution by Group Captain Tahlan, Director & all the Group Commanders ( Col Anklesaria, Col Sanjay Kulkarni, Col Easow & Col Shirish Kulkarni ) deserve special praise. In the last week of Sep, I was honoured by a farewell by the Education Minister in her office in Gandhi Nagar. Thereafter, I had a meeting with Shri Narendra Modi, the Honorable Chief Minister and expressed my gratitude for his benevolence in supporting and encouraging all the activities in the NCC. The final function was the formal dining out party hosted by all the officers & families of the NCC fraternity in Gujarat. It was an emotional moment for both myself & Sanjivani, when I was chaired out for the last time, as the “Jolly good fellow”, while the Band played the magical tune --- Auld Lang Syne!! The grand farewell from my office was organised on 30 Sep 2007. At exactly mid-day, I took the final salute from the Guard of Honour presented by the NCC Cadets and was escorted till the “NCC House” in the traditional manner. I still cherish the memories of all the moments throughout my journey of four decades. However, 30 Sep 2007, will always remain a moment of transformation, since I became a ‘Veteran’ of the Indian Army!!!
