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THE TRUE ARMY SPIRIT

 THE TRUE ARMY SPIRIT

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

16/1/2024

   

Our daughter returned home yesterday from the Garden city, Bangalore, where she had gone for her enhancement of professional skills. Our girl is very independent and keeps telling us to stop worrying as she has grown up now. Still, I gave her numbers of all course mates and relatives, just in case she would need them.

Accommodation at Bangalore was an issue. With no idea about Bangalore, we needed help. A fellow Mech officer and course mate from Bangalore was contacted. Within minutes I received phone numbers for the needful.

Our first choice was a PG accommodation, closest to her place of work. Second, if it could be an Army set up, that would be ideal.

I then messaged a classmate, coursemate, squadron mate, jiggrey and above all a gem of a person, who had commanded a unit at Bangalore if something could be done. He replied within an hour that the ‘warmer round’ has been fired as we say in the army parlance. Meaning, a message had been sent to the concerned. I should expect a call soon.

The very next day, I got a call from the Commandant, giving me an assurance that accommodation would be organised, giving me the details of contact persons. In case of issues, he could be contacted straight away. I was so impressed with the positive response. I had only blessings for him and his organisation to be so forthright.

It was time to contact the Mess Secretary, incharge of accommodation. Within an hour, I had the Mess Havildar’s number and the room allotted to my daughter. Promptness and the speed of response was unbelievable and in true Army style.

My daughter rang up that she wanted to reach a day earlier. Hesitatingly, I sent a request to the Mess Secretary. Within a minute I got a reply ‘done sir’. Matter was resolved and all of us were at peace. How accommodative the set up is worth the mention.

I kept thinking of their positive attitude and spirit. The Commandant even told me, if I would like to see the accommodation to be satisfied. I told him, it would be a privilege but travelling from the Sun City to the Garden City won’t be possible. As it is, she was a ‘fauji bacha’, she better enjoy what she gets.

She took an overnight bus which had got delayed. But with Ola and Uber services a phone call away and the address of the mess already shared, things appeared sorted. The courteous Mess staff received her and assisted her to her quarters. The accommodation was top class.

Her health issues started soon. Bangalore poses respiratory problems to some people. Our daughter fell prey. The only way out was hospitalisation. That is when she informed us.

Before I could get into action, she was given a car to go to the MI from where she was referred to the Air Force Command Hospital. After her tests and nebulisation, she felt better and was sent back and advised further treatment. During lunch hour the Mess Havildar personally ensured that all her medicines were collected and delivered to her room.

This soldier looked after her like an elder brother. Checking on her and her ‘tabiyat’ from time to time to see if she needed anything, providing her soup and a diet which she could eat comfortably. She was in safe hands. The Mess Havildar would ensure that she ate something before taking medicines. Imagine the concern and personal touch. Outstanding.

This attitude trickles down from the senior most officer of the organisation.  He ensures that his staff are extra courteous and provide all assistance and cooperation to people who come from outside. Hats off to you sir. You are a real leader of men.

The Commandant himself came to meet my daughter, but due to the heavy dose of medicine, she was not in a condition to get up. I am sure he would have given instructions to monitor her health and give him personal feedback.

Finally, we made a decision to call her home. Seeing her medical condition and the odd time for her early morning flight, she was provided transport till the airport. I wish to thank all of them all from the bottom of my heart. We can only send our blessings and be indebted to such manganous and big-hearted people.

That’s the mettle ‘we’ are made of. How can I reciprocate? I wonder!!!!!!!

(I dedicate this article to my veteran course mates Col GG Pamidi, Maj Gen Rajesh Puri. A special thanks to Brig R Budhwar, Lt Col A Kulkarni, the Mess Havildar, and other staff of the Base workshop).

 

JAI HIND

© ® NOEL ELLIS

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