#prepare group ppt which is in dec

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Hi how are you doing

im fine but i have so much to do

[born2battle]

First Innings as IG @ Deolali ( Aug 1977 to May 1980  )

         On completion of LGSC, we were sanctioned casual leave for one week, during which I shifted to my new accommodation in the IG Block in the premises of B Mess. I availed the well deserved break at Aurangabad & assisted my parents in shifting from Army house to a civil rented house, since my father had retired recently after 35 years of service. On return to Deolali, I was selected to be in the IG Team for teaching the new Course, LGSC Fd 778, which had just reported. It was a privilege to be given this responsibility which was a tough challenge in view of the expectations. 

        It was an unforgettable moment, when I gave my first lecture, to my first batch of students, as they recorded their first impressions about me. As the Basic Leg progressed, I realised the magnitude of the task of teaching three most difficult subjects ( Ballistics, Equipment & Ammunition ) in the easiest possible manner. It was achieved only after extensive study and preparation of lesson plans & OHP slides, on every week end. The often quoted statement ---” You learn only when you teach” was indeed true. It was equally exciting to set and correct Exam papers and evaluate the Teaching Practices of students. On the whole, it was an exhilarating feeling of repeating the Basic Leg, in the new role as an IG , wearing the prestigious Red Band !!

         Simultaneously, all the Instructional staff had to qualify in the BPET     ( Battle Physical Efficiency Tests ) and PPT ( Physical Proficiency Tests ) during the Annual Adm Inspection. The thrust towards” Fitness First” was emphasised by holding Volleyball & Basketball competitions as well as encouraging individual sports. These activities contributed towards physical fitness as well as team bonding. Gunnery Leg began with the usual tempo, specially for the new IsG who had to evolve new concepts & procedures for provision of fire support. Any such ideas had to be validated during Course Shootings. We learnt a lot and gained confidence while engaging targets firing variety of Guns & ammunition. We understood in detail about the most important aspect of planning & implementation of safety measures during firing practices. Gunnery Leg also proved to be an enriching experience --- not only at the Gun end but equally at the OP end.  

         In the first week of Dec, we proceeded for the Educational Tour, where I had to shoulder the responsibility of coordinating all the visits as well as the administrative arrangements. It was a valuable learning experience. On return, the new IsG had to give their choice for  assessing the Practice Camps of Units, in various Field Firing Ranges. I volunteered to go to Binnaguri, whenever scheduled. Meanwhile, we were detailed for planning & conduct of Ex TOPCHI, which was the annual Fire Power Demonstration. It would showcase the capabilities of all weapon systems in the Regiment of Artillery besides surveillance assets & the Air OP capabilities. We rehearsed for one week with the participation of all the Guns/ Mortars/ Rocket Launchers held by the Units of Deolali & Nasik. The deployment of 120 mm Mortar using the Mules was very impressive. In addition, the Cheetah helicopter of Air OP Squadron displayed its capability of ferrying the 120 mm Mortar as an underslung load. It was a thrilling experience to apply our knowledge and skills towards enhancing the accuracy and consistency of fire support of a variety of weapons.

           There was a rehearsal which was attended by all Courses at School of Artillery, all recruits of Artillery Centre, Nasik & the civil population of Deolali Cantonment. The final event was on the Army Day ( 15 Jan 1978 ). It was witnessed by the Officers attending the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, who were on their educational tour to all training establishments. It was a spectacular display of fire power which ended with a salvo fired by a total of 70 Guns/ Mortars/ Rockets, destroying all the targets on Bahula ridgeline. The grand finale was the salvo by GRAD BM 21 MBRL, when each launcher fired 40 rockets in 20 seconds. It was indeed a dazzling display which reinforced the statement ----” Artillery is the God of War”, as propounded by Joseph Stalin. 

           In Apr 78, there was a change of command in the Field Wing.Col T P Singh took over as the Chief Instructor and was well known for his professional acumen. All instructors looked forward to the opportunity to seek his guidance for solving any difficulty. He adopted a strategy of paying surprise visits to all the training areas and the Course Shootings. These gave a boost to the standard of training besides motivating all the instructors & the students to attain greater proficiency. I was lucky to be nominated by him to be part of the Study Group of six IsG, for an analysis of the combat potential of our Artillery vis-a-vis Pakistan & China. The entire Study Group had to slog for the next one week and give him a  Presentation , which as expected, had to be refined, since Col T P Singh contributed his expert suggestions. Really, I learnt so much as a result of this first direct professional interaction with this erudite Gunner. 

          In Oct 78, myself with two AIsG proceeded to Binnaguri for assessment of practice camps of all the Regiments of Artillery Brigade. It was so exciting to be back to meet the Jat Balwans again, while Lt Col M S Choudhary had taken over as the TIGER 98. We moved to Buxaduar Ranges and assessed the performance of all the Regiments as per the parameters laid down by the School of Artillery. It was a unique privilege for me to assess my own Unit, while wearing the prestigious” Red Band” outside Deolali, for the first time. I observed that the professional standards had distinctly improved in the last two years, due to the dedication by the Jat Balwans, under a new Team of officers& JCOs, guided by an ebullient CO. I was given an emotional gift at the Unit Mandir and presented the holy Bhagvad Gita, wishing me further success & glory while performing my duty. The philosophy “ Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachan” has always been my beacon of strength, ever since I wore the Olive Green uniform!!

          I was sent on one month annual leave in Nov, which was in accordance with the leave plan, an important facet of man management while ensuring the training commitments. On return, I was detailed in the IG Team for the next Course ---- LGSC Fd 809. It meant hard work once again but the appreciation by the students always encouraged me to put in that extra effort. I accepted it as an opportunity to constantly improve as a Teacher since teaching and learning have a symbiotic relationship. Simultaneously, I volunteered to be in the IG Team for Ex TOPCHI which was in the last week of Jan 1979. We suggested that battlefield illumination could be shown as a separate part in the night, just after the standard fire power demonstration during day time. The proposal was approved by the Commandant and we started the rehearsals at night as well. The overall impact on the Final Day was phenomenal, not only as a result of an excellent demo during day time but also an amazing demo of illumination  of Deolali Ranges by night, on the eve of the Republic Day. It proved to be a novel idea and the meticulous display of fire power, specially the salvo by GRAD BM 21 MBRL ( 40 rockets in 20 seconds ) convinced the spectators of Defence Services Staff College that” Power grows out of the barrel of a Gun”. (Video illustration at the end of the Blog)

         In the first week of May, I went to Aurangabad on casual leave for ten days.It was probably destined that during this short break, I would have my first pleasant interaction with Ms Sanjivani Bhogale, from the reputed business family of NIRLEP,  who would eventually be my life partner. It was a typical example of “ First impression is the last impression”. Both of us instantly approved each other and decided to build an innings of lifetime partnership, in a Fauji environment. Our parents also gave their concurrence &  we were thrilled after the customary Engagement Ceremony within two days. It was also finalised that the marriage would be conducted in Dadar ( date, time & venue to be confirmed later). Both of us were on Cloud Nine, as we departed for Deolali & Dadar respectively, while I looked forward to meeting Sanjivani at Dadar on each of the weekends. I reached Deolali bubbling with the “Breaking News”.  

         Soon the muhurat for the wedding was finalised as 9.57 AM on 26 Jun 1979. Obviously, there was shortage of time for all the preparations by both the families. I applied for 45 days annual leave ( keeping the remaining 15 days as reserve for Diwali festival ). My leave was sanctioned, as requested, for the most important event in my life. The waiting period upto the  auspicious day was spent in a state of stargazing by both of us. Finally, the marriage was solemnised after traditional rituals on 26 Jun 1979. The most emotional moment was the “Saptapadi” ritual when we sought the blessings of the Almighty by taking the traditional vows. 

        We returned to Deolali, with all the bag & baggage, as a young couple for the first time. My friends, who were also young couples, organised a grand welcome for us, into the Home of the Gunners. Initially, we stayed in the Guest Room in B Mess itself but shifted to our temporary accommodation in 48 OG Lines, within three days. Thus began the process of converting our House into a Home!! At this juncture, I feel that Sanjivani should narrate her impressions as she stepped into the Fauji environment.

         Musings as a Fauji bride - “DADAR to DEOLALI”

        Every girl thinks about the person she will marry and the family she will belong to. I had the same feelings. I vividly remember that when I was 19 years of age, my Mama got married to a girl from the Fauji family.During this wedding, I observed lot of Army officers in their special uniform for the first time. They looked very courteous and smart.  I was thoroughly impressed with the grandeur of the Army. I was a complete civilian and thought to myself about the special quality of life of a Fauji family. Later, my parents asked  me if I had any particular choice for marriage. I told them that if possible, I would like to marry an Army officer ( not knowing the realty of being a Fauji wife, it has several pros & cons ).

          I was very lucky that the first proposal itself was from Capt Vivek Toley, who was the most eligible bachelor in Deolali. As marriages are made in heaven, before I could realise, we were married. Thus began my roller coaster ride from Dadar to Deolali. It was going to be a 360 degree transformation from the life I was leading till then. I was astonished when I saw a black steel trunk marked with the name of Capt Toley. The journey from suitcases to trunks thus began. My mother in law had packed few utensils and other necessities for us before we moved to Deolali. I started my Fauji life in 48 OG Lines, which was temporary accommodation for married officers.  

             I belonged to a typical Maharashtrian family & was conversant only in Marathi. My neighbours were from different parts of India. So, I had to make do somehow with my Bambaiya Hindi. Still, i learnt a lot from these conversations.My urge to talk in Marathi was fulfilled by talking to the local vendors and the maids. Social adjustment was another big challenge for which I was not prepared at all. I remained generally shy and silent while interacting with the officers & their wives. Huge cultural differences made me feel out of place. However, my Fauji family went out of their way to make me comfortable. I must mention that my husband stood beside me like a strong pillar , taught me, guided me and encouraged me at every moment.

           It is a norm in any Army station to be on the waiting list for allotment of temporary/ permanent accommodation. In Deolali,we shifted into 10 houses in 10 months. It is a common practice in Deolali to shift into the house of any officer going on leave for a month or two. This was so difficult for me to digest.Thanks to the Regimental association & NDA Coursemates, we were always given the house for use on “as is, where is basis”. This was a great show of faith and trust. My heartfelt thanks to all of them for making us so comfortable in the very first year of our married life. It assured me that the Armed Forces constitute a big family, with each one playing a small role. 

            Finally, we were allotted our permanent accommodation in P4 Block in Depot Battery Road colony. We moved into our own home and settled down fully. I was really happy but was surprised when my husband informed me about receipt of his posting order to NDA, Khadakwasla. Our first year in Deolali  will always have a special place in our album of memories!! 

           Consequent to settling down in my new status, I reverted to my duties as part of the IG Team for LGSC Course Fd 810, for the third time, thus completing a hat -trick. In Jan 1980, I was fortunate to complete another hat- trick with the responsibility of Ex TOPCHI , which was again a dazzling display of fire power. Thereafter, I was deputed to the Faculty of Studies where I learnt about the latest developments & trials of new weapon systems including ammunition. It involved regular interaction with the Trials Wing. In the first week of May, I was pleasantly surprised with the receipt of my posting order to the prestigious National Defence Academy. The resultant ecstasy of being selected as an Instructor at NDA from where I had passed out exactly 10 years ago, was the pinnacle of my professional achievements so far. I looked forward to moving within a month from the” Home of the Gunners” to the” Cradle of Leadership” --- along with my life partner!!