Ayyappan Pillay

 AYYAPPAN PILLAY 

Moolayil Ayyappan Pillay, my maternal grandfather, is my favourite among the Thattanappallil doyens. I had lost my father when I was a two year old. I’ve very hazy memories of him. When it comes to my grandfather, I do have a clearer picture. He was about 80. He gave me so much love, shelter and patronage impacting my personality development early in life. I believe a strong bonding exists between us albeit he  passed away when I was a child. He was a dignified and highly respected old man. An epitome of elegance and wisdom! As I’m growing older( 78  now) I feel I’ve inherited the silver grey hair on the dark scalp, a striking feature of my graceful and benign grandfather! 

Moolayil Ayyappan Pillay (MAP) was born at Kattanam in Moolayil Veedu, a well known Nair Tharavad. 

I had visited this house during my childhood along with my mother. I remember witnessing spectacular fireworks in the neighbouring church, an annual celebration (Perunnal) which used to attract large crowds. 

MAP was a brilliant student. He earned double promotion twice in lower classes until he reached the final year in School. The centre for his final examination was in Trivandrum . He had a team of 10 people providing logistics and security for his arduous journey to Trivandrum. The team moved on foot with  personal baggage, provisions and utensils loaded on a bullock cart from Kattanam to Kayamkulam. Thereafter they travelled by boat all the way to Trivandrum through canals and backwaters. On reaching the Capital City they set up camp near the School where the examination was to be held. It took almost three weeks for MAP to return home after this long journey. 

On successful completion of his matriculation, MAP got an offer to serve the Travancore Kingdom in the Munsiff court, Adoor. It was a rare and coveted opportunity in those days to be an employee of the Maharaja of Travancore. Nair Community had enjoyed prominence as warriors in Travancore under the Maharajas which  earned them handsome rewards particularly landed properties. They became landlords owning sizeable lands  especially in the villages. Having landed a prestigious Government job MAP got married to Kalyani Amma of Thattanappallil, a well known Nair Tharavad in Peringanad, Adoor. It was a time when Nairs practiced matriarchy. MAP stayed in Thattanappallil Veedu for a couple of years. Later he moved to a new house built on a family property about one kilometre away. This house was named as Bhaskaravilasam Bungalow. It was built on a vast hillside stretch covered with casuarina trees. In fact the locals referred to this hillock as “ Parangam Vila” and continued with that name despite Bhaskaravilasam Bungalow having come into existence. Along with MAP, his younger brother Kesava Pillay ( KP) also moved to Adoor and stayed under the same roof. Whereas MAP was addressed as Valiachan or Valiappopan, KP used to be addressed as Kochachan or Kocappopan by children and grand children respectively. Kalyani Amma ( KA) was the lady in charge of Bhaskaravilasam, in accordance with the matriarchal order and tradition. Whilst she donned that hat, MAP assumed the position of the Head of the family. It was in tune with the changing times that the transition from Matriarchal to Patriarchal order took place in our family. It was a joint family headed by MAP. While MAP was busy with his Government job, it was KP who managed the sizeable holdings of land, farming and related activities. It was a perfect arrangement for smooth management of the household, properties and social engagements . MAP, KA and KP together raised five children, three girls and two boys all of whom grew up in a conducive and vibrant joint family environment. In fact, this branch of Thattanappallil earned the envy and admiration of not only the relatives but also the neighbours for its harmony and achievements. In retrospect, I can say, the importance given to education of children was the main reason for the shining success of our branch of Thattanappallil! And I’m glad and proud to observe that it continues as a tradition to date!

Bhaskaravilasam was a big house designed in the traditional Nalukettu style with sprawling verandas, columns, wooden storage space to stock the harvested rice and having several rooms. MAP used to relax on a big sofa on the front verandah. 

The Bungalow and its surroundings bustled with people, livestock and paraphernalia. Cashew trees on the periphery, coconut plants, jackfruit trees, mango trees and vegetables closer to the Bungalow, giant hay stacks and cow dung plastered courtyards were some of the features that I remember. 

MAP liked to talk to me on all kinds of topics and always answered my questions. I had started reading newspaper headlines in addition to the text book lessons. I had to read loud for my grandfather who used to check my comprehension and clear doubts. My mother was too keen on my education and she engaged Veluppillai Sir, the headmaster of the Primary School for tuitions. My grandfather insisted that the teaching should take place in his presence. Veluppillai Sir started the first class on the Varanda while MAP was watching from a distance. The teacher wanted me to write the letters and numbers that he called out on the sand spread in front of me. I got distracted after a while and the teacher got annoyed. He pressed my finger hard and I howled in pain. This alerted my grand father who walked up to us and asked me what had happened. I told him about the Sir hurting me. My grandfather asked Veluppillai Sir to get up and waving his walking stick asked the teacher to get out. Veluppillai was a terror   In his School, unsparing for errant children and often rude to their parents but he didn’t dare to utter a word. The story doesn’t end there. My mother persuaded another teacher of the same school, Raman Nair to take up the tuitions. Raman Nair was friendly and nice towards me asking questions, narrating stories and chatting with me. After the first session he went up to MAP and told him that Unni was far ahead in studies and he didn’t require tuitions. He went further to advise that since I was about to turn five l  should be joining School next year, directly in Class 3. My grandfather was so pleased that he rewarded Raman Nair Sir with Five rupees! He called  my mother and directed not to engage any teacher in future. I got admission to Class 3 next year, thanks to my mother who took time to teach  while my grandfather kept on pampering me! 

Emulating MAP’s example of  saving two years through double promotion, I could skip two classes right at the beginning of my school education!

MAP had his own “ Villu vandi” a specially designed bullock cart with a driver. He would go to the Treasury to collect his pension every month in this mode of transportation. Kids used to wait eagerly for his return to receive the toffees he brought for them. He would always ask the driver to take the children for a ride on the cart.

MAP had many friends for social interaction. I would like to mention two contemporaries from Adoor, E V Krishna Pillai and Munshi Paramu Pillai, both famous writers and satirists. 

In sum I cherish the memories of my grandfather. 

A strong influence in my formative years and a source of inspiration even today! 

A Bhaskaran Nair

 A BHASKARAN NAIR

A Bhaskaran Nair(ABN) was my elder maternal uncle (Valiyammavan). He was  illustrious, multifaceted and  popular in public life. A brilliant student and a topper in School, ABN moved to Trivandrum for higher education in the University College followed by the Law College to emerge as a First Class  BSc BL with the First Rank! He started practicing law  under the legendary criminal lawyer, Malloor Govindappillai. However it was cut short since he got inducted to Kawdiar Palace, in the service of the Maharaja of Travancore. He felt suffocated by the splendour and constrained by the strict palace rules and tendered his resignation within a month. Soon after he became the Legal Advisor, Titanium Minerals. Even this job didn’t appeal to his genius and he quit after a short tenure.

 In the meantime he got married to Sarojini Amma (Rajamma) from a well known Nair Family, Papadiyil, in Kudasanadu. 

ABN was enamoured by the Freedom Struggle and the Congress ideology. Having returned home from a long stint in Trivandrum he took a decisive plunge into politics! He contested the first Panchayat election and won handsomely. It was exciting times for the nascent Indian democracy and polity. ABN relished the new opportunity. He was elected as the First President of Pallikal Panchayat. During this period he lived in our house ( Krisnabhavan) adjacent to Bhaskaravilasam Bungalow. I was witness to the hectic campaigning during the elections and the growing popularity and political clout of Valiyammavan. He was a born leader who could win the hearts and gain the support of people. He was gifted in resolving conflicts. He cultivated lasting friendships and 

became highly influential. 

The Congress chose ABN as its candidate for the first Legislative Assembly Election from Kunnathur Constituency. He was pitted against a seasoned politician, Pandalam P R Madhavan Pillay ( PR) of the Communist Party. Krisnabhavan was a bustling centre of Congress campaign and Ammavan and supporters felt sure of winning. He bought a huge Chevrolet and the Party hired a fleet of jeeps for the campaign! It was the first Assembly election I had witnessed and that too from close quarters. A spectacle of posters, graffiti, flags, leaflets, loudspeakers, processions, sloganeering, public meetings, speeches, door to door canvassing etc! Propaganda on full scale but no violence,  booth capturing or foul play! I remember the kids having a whale of a time shouting slogans and parading with flags. We had hilarious moments when some of our children shouted ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ or waved a red flag with hammer and sickle inadvertently! Despite all efforts, PR won due to a strong Communist wave that swept through. It was a rude shock but ABN remained unfettered. He focused on construction of new village roads in our Panchayat. Another contribution was the creation of a Cooperative Society for Beekeeping and Poultry. 

About this time ABN happened to meet with Mannathu Padmanabhan, the Founder of Nair Service Society ( NSS). Mannom was impressed by the young Advocate and lured him to join the NSS. This was a great 

opportunity to harness his potential. His organising ability and proximity to Mannom catapulted ABN to the top echelon of NSS. Mannom gained national and international fame spearheading the state wide Vimochanasamaram (Agitation for liberation) to oust the Communist Government of EMS. ABN used to accompany Mannom across the State that resulted in further enlarging and consolidating his reach and stature. 

I would like to mention some of his major contributions such as establishing Mannom Sugar Mills and Medical Mission Hospital both at Pandalam, Polytechnic, Perumpulikal and Engineering College, Palghat. Out of these, his role and involvement in Mannom Sugar Mills in the Factory and promoting widespread cultivation and procurement of Sugarcane in the Region deserves special mention. While he was engaged in all these activities, he used to teach law in NSS College, Pandalam as an honorary professor. 

Valiyammavan used to wear white or more often off-white (cream) coloured bush shirt, white single mundu (dhoti) and polished black leather shoes. He was always clean shaven. He used to read newspapers daily. He was fond of cartoons and he used to subscribe to Shanker’s Weekly and Sarasan ( Malayalam magazine). He had keen interest in farming particularly rubber plantation and banana/ plantain cultivation. I admire his sharp intellect and quick wit and ability to resonate at different intellectual levels. He took me to Calicut in his car for my interview for admission to Regional Engineering College . And we talked in English throughout the journey. I wasn’t used to converse in English but gained confidence as we moved on. And what a thoughtful act on his part as I could do well in my interview that was in English! 

I remember staying in Alakapuri, the best hotel in Calicut. Among the dishes for dinner I liked fish molee, the most! As I narrated my interview experience over the dinner I could observe ABN’s beaming face! 

 Valiyammavan had helped many people in getting jobs and  admission to college.  I had seen several aspirants and their parents seeking his advice and help. He had always been empathetic and kind. He gave employment in Mannom Sugar Mills to several people linked to Thattanappallil!

Valiyammavi had always been pleasant and lively. She had an attractive disposition with a bright face and captivating smile. She was affectionate, caring, friendly and  hospitable. She outlived ABN and remained in good health until passing away recently. 

ABN was a colossus who had impacted not only Thattanappallil family but also a sizeable section of Society, particularly in Central Travancore. For me, he was a role model having a profound influence during the formative  years in life!  

Prof A Gopinathan Nair

  

PROF A GOPINATHAN NAIR

Professor A Gopinathan Nair(Gopi/ Gopi Sir) was the younger one among my maternal uncles. His image  etched in memory is that of a handsome young man fond of sports. A kids’ hero! After completing his meritorious School education in Adoor he joined College in Trivandrum and passed out with a first class degree, BSc (Chemistry). Soon after he joined FACT, Cochin as a chemist. 

After the Second World War ended in 1945, the Freedom Struggle had gathered momentum across India. Alongside,  several educated young men and women in Travancore and Cochin (Kingdoms) and Malabar( Part of Madras Presidency) got attracted towards Communism. Soviet Union followed by China championed the cause of Communism and Socialistic Pattern of Society (Socialism). The Western Bloc led by USA advocated Capitalism and Free Market. The stage was set for a bitter Cold War. It was also a period of political turmoil in the Indian subcontinent. 

Gopi was ideologically inclined to the left and he started taking part in the Communist movement covertly. It was a time when the Communists had eminent leaders like EMS, AKG,MN, Achutha Menon, TV Thomas and KR Gouri. The revolutionary Communist movement made deep inroads amongst the agricultural labourers and factory workers. The ruling dispensation was ruthless in trying to suppress the movement through coercive measures. Iron hand of the Government forced the Communist leaders and party cadres to go underground. You may recall the Punnapra-Vayalar revolt and its aftermath. The hunt for Communists became more organised, well coordinated and relentless since then.

Gopi got to know that he had become a target. In order to avoid arrest he fled from Cochin, rushed back to Adoor and went into hiding. That’s when he got admission for Masters in Aligarh Muslim University ( AMU). He escaped to Aligarh and joined a post graduate program, MSc, Chemistry. AMU was one of the best universities in India, at par with Banarus Hindu University. While at the AMU campus Gopi took an active part in the political discourse. By the time he finished studies, significant transformation happened in his thinking and views. He had matured and mellowed down albeit continued to believe in Socialism through democracy and peaceful political means. 

He chose a teaching career and joined NSS College, Changanaserry as a lecturer in the Chemistry Department. He earned the reputation of a brilliant teacher at the very start of his career. On transfer to Pandalam NSS College he was promoted to Professor and Head of Department, Chemistry. His reputation went up not only as a teacher but also as an effective administrator. His journey continued to MG College, Trivandrum, NSS College, Mattannur and finally to NSS College Ottappalam where he was elevated as Principal. He had a glorious innings as Principal. On retirement from NSS College Ottappalam he was in great demand  as Principal and Visiting Professor in different Parallel Colleges. 

Kochammavn had a major role in my growth and development. He moved me to Pandalam from Pallikkal as soon as I finished Class 6. I did my classes 7 to 9 in NSS Boys High School, Pandalam. For three years, I was under his wings. I was adjudged the best Class 9 student across all NSS Schools in the State! 

Kochammavan was a voracious reader. Thanks to him I got to read Readers Digest and Illustrated Weekly of India. I started reading English fiction from his collection. He also helped me with my essays and speeches. 

He was fond of playing tennis, watching movies and acting in plays. I still remember his role as Othello, a riveting performance! It was  routine to see a movie once a week in Pandalam National Talkies (movie hall under a thatched roof)!

When I was studying in Regional Engineering College, Calicut I could visit him at Ottappalam and Palakkad. I noticed a happy home with a ‘made for each other’ couple. I was thoroughly impressed by Thankam Ammavi  who was a Professor of English in the same college. She was friendly, articulate lively and affectionate. It was instant rapport as she narrated the unnatural passing of the celebrated novelist  T A Rajalakshmi who was her colleague and a close friend. Incidentally, Rajalakshmi was my professor in NSS College, Pandalam when I was doing 1st Year BSc (Physics). In fact, I had become her fan like my mother as  both loved reading her novel “Oru Vazhium Kure Nizhalukalum “ published serially in Mathrubhoomi Weekly!

In their Palakkad (Chandranagar) home I could meet with other members of Ammavi’s  family in a warm and vibrant ambience. A senior family member took me to their house in Chittoor for a short visit. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the bonhomie and hospitality. I could  get a feel of the cultural difference between Travancore-Cochin and Malabar, as well! 

Ammavan and Ammavi  visited us in Jaipur when I was the Commanding Officer of an Army Regiment. They loved to visit the historical monuments in the Pink City, the National Capital and Agra. They also enjoyed the stay in our Officers Mess and the company of my colleagues and their families from different parts of the country.

Ammavi used to write copious letters to Shanta keeping us updated and well informed. She had a flair for writing and an inimitable style to make the communication  lucid! 

Gopi Sir led a simple life, dedicated to his work and devoted to the family. He was a reservoir of knowledge, an effective administrator and an excellent teacher. And a compassionate human being who believed in equality and social justice!  He earned the love and respect of his students and staff and made

 lasting contributions to the society in the field of education!

I felt most comfortable in his company to have a drink, light a cigar, crack a joke or engage in a serious conversation! Enjoyable, enriching and enlightening experience! In sum, he was a guide, a friend, and a philosopher to me! 

Moby and I

Moby gets an edge over me in a Battle of wits

It started weeks ago. Moby displays a desire to be outdoors and that too after the midnight. I cooperate with him assuming that he wanted fresh air and also to gaurd us during the wee hours. I thought over it and I interpreted it as a natural trait. This beacame a routine. About 1 in the early morning he would bark mildly to invite me (without annoying Shanta). I used to come out, open the door and also keep a bowl of water for him before closing the door. It wasn't easy to resume my sleep. I started feeling that Moby was getting wiser and calmer with age...His education at Dog Guru's ( dogs' IIM) had been showing the effect though belated, I thought! This went on for over a month until one day I caught him red-handed. Moby was with a companion! A stray dog but not a bitch. Seeing me the visitor jumped the wall and fled. Moby came to me sheepishly but I conveyed my displeasure. For the last few days I've not been yielding to his mild barks late at night. Two days ago he persisted with his intermittent barks that became annoying to Shanta. I had to act. I took him out but tied him to the rail on the varandah. He quietly accepted this and I went back to sleep. As I couldn't sleep well and feeling a bit guilty about my harsh treatment of Moby I got up and went to look him up. And what do I see? His friend was there next to Moby licking him. Moby was enjoying the company. I didn't like it, though! So I chased the visitor away and shifted Moby to the room upstairs. Nowadays Moby has to spend maximum time in the cozy comfort upstairs which is not to his liking.
Moby is showing a great liking for other dogs when I take him out. He tries to woo dogs irrespective of age and sex. I have to be alert!

Scruffy_my_Buddy

Scruffy, a cocker spaniel that belonged to my daughter Samantha became my buddy and we were inseparable especially after my retirement. His life revolved around me and I remained his constant companion until he breathed his last. Some of my feelings towards his end are as follows:-

June 30, 2015.

He is a pale shadow of the scruffy you are accustomed to. What a change in the last few days....graceful degeneration...painful for him but he has been dignified and calm taking it in his stride eventhough his kidneys more or less stopped functioning, registering creatinine level of 15. He is only 11 years, a senior small dog. 

I felt somewhat happy and hopeful when he started eating fish after three weeks of IV feeding, creatinine level came down to 9, still very high, but a declining trend giving him appetite to relish the fresh fish that he likes  and I enjoyed going to the market with him to buy, cooking and feeding. Alas, it was a short respite and kidney failed again to record a creatinine level of 16. He started throwing up every thing and then stopped eating anything. Back to IV fluids twice a day but no improvement at all, this time. On the contrary, deterioration day by day. He  stopped barking...stopped hugging me...breathing through the mouth...couldn't follow me for walks or climb stairs. I got the worst fears on how long he would last out and none among the four vets of Cotton City Pet Clinic could give me a positive opinion.
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>> July 10, 2015
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>> But scruffy is a fighter and there are miracles that happen, I think, as I see him resilient and slowly coming round . There may be a psychological angle to his recovery this week. He is very happy to see Samantha. Her presence did something miraculous to his psyche. We gave him a little bit of chicken that he relished. Although he vomited next morning we gave him some more pieces. He has been vomiting but there has been remarkable changes in him--- more alert , he barks , he hugs me and he is more steady on feet. It is visible, the way he has been struggling to regain his old form!
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>> With Sammu home I could go to Bangalore for a couple of days and when I returned I found him better. The vets cautioned, ups and downs are common. Well, we went on a drive to Agali in Kerala. Scruffy was happy. But I noticed him throwing up. It was perhaps the beginning of a slide down.
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>> July 20, 2015
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>> In two days, Sammu left for Delhi. Scruffy was with us to drop her at the Airport. He tried to be his usual self barking to announce that he didn't want her to leave. On the way home he was quiet but I saw him vomiting in the car. In the days that followed it was nightmarish for me. His condition deteriorated day by day. He stopped eating. He made an exception last Saturday to eat a small piece of chicken to please me, I believe. But the next day he vomited that too. The vet advised me not to prolong his agony albeit Scruffy was getting his IV fluids that prolonged life. Soon Scruffy needed help in getting in and out of the car. He looked very weak and anaemic. I got into a dilemma. I talked to both Samantha and Cynthia but it was my call and I took the decision to end his life. I must tell you what happened on last Sunday. Shanta wanted to visit Brookfield and I couldn't take Scruffy along. I was worried and while at the Mall I lost sight of Shanta to her annoyance. She cut short the shopping and we returned home. Scruffy was nowhere in the hall, kitchen or bedroom on the ground floor. I rushed up to see him on his favourite bed in Samantha's room. It was a Herculean effort in his condition to climb up and jump on to the bed; I could not believe my eyes! My eyes got moist and soon wet; I hugged him and lied on the bed next to him caressing him for a long time. In fact Sammu told me the previous day to put him on her bed and he would smell her scent on the bed and feel peaceful and happy . He did exactly that but on his own despite being so weak and unsteady!
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>> Today is a very sad day. I'm carrying Scruffy to his grave. He was on his favourite bed all night. I took him out to the terrace ; he could barely stand but he peed before I lifted him and put him back on the bed. I took the phone and called him. He lifted his head and posed for the last photo on the bed, Samantha's bed, he is fond of. I lied down by his side for a few minutes, got him water and he obliged to have a sip. Now I took him in my arms and brought him down; Shanta kissed him and opened the car door for his last journey on his favourite vehicle.
>> His end was most peaceful. I didn't cry as I watched him sinking. The vet did it with professional skill and my Scruffy, Sam's Scruffy, Cynthia's and Shanta's Scruffy, GreenFort's Scruffy left for ever!
>> He was a great companion for me and I'm unable to bear the loss. We had been buddies throughout. When I was not confident about my own long distance driving he had been next to me to encourage me. We travelled together from Coimbatore to Bangalore and Chenniai and back a couple of times and both of us enjoyed. He used to follow me even when he was too unwell...towards the end he needed my help though. The vets at the clinic too got to like him. He was a very very lucky pet, according to the doctors. It had been a great relationship between us and thoughts about Scruffy keep coming to mind. I keep seeing him every where especially when I close my eyes!
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>> Sent from my iPhone

Home Composting--My Experience in "Near Zero Waste"

                                                SWACHH GREEN FORT

One of the thrusts in the Swachh  Green Fort Campaign that we launched in our Colony is " Zero Waste" from homes. I wish to share my experience of an effort in this direction.

We generate a good quantum of waste daily in the kitchen at home. It is normally disposed off along with other waste. Frankly, I never bothered about kitchen waste until I got interested in the "Zero waste" concept. In fact, I'm now obsessed with the idea of kitchen waste management. I did some research and also discussed the subject with friends and a few experts. Mr Jose Kurian, a veteran Green Fort resident gave me inputs on home waste composing in the cities and estates in Kerala using PVC pipes placed outdoors partially embedded in the soil. Thiruvanathapuram Muncipal Corporation has been providing such a device free of cost to houses. However I  decided to follow the example of another Green Fort veteran, Mr G Swaminathan (GS ) in kitchen waste composting. Among various options, I preferred a low cost device for a small family. I procured Kitchen Waste Composter ( KWC ) 3 stack, a device comprising three stackable earthen ( terra-cotta) pots costing Rs 1200 from Siruthuli, Coimbatore. This coincided with the launch of Swachh Green Fort Campaign, a cleanliness drive in our gated Green Fort Colony.

I took it upon myself to use this new devise. KWC is user friendly and I could learn how to use it efficiently and effectively in a week's time. As an expert said, it is like cooking but it takes several days ( 30-40) to get the final product, the compost manure. GS sent me a photo of the compost produced after 45 days and it looked good. I'll probably get  a similar result. 

But what I'm more interested is in the march towards "Zero Waste" than the quantum and quality of the compost, which is a "byproduct". In the garbage disposal scheme, SEGREGATION of garbage into categories ( biodegradable, non-biodegradable, toxic etc) is the first step. If we can reduce the waste for disposal by various means and methods, it is all the better. "ZERO WASTE" is a great concept. I realize that it may not be easy and pragmatic to achieve full Zero waste. But I'm certain and now fully confident from my own experience that " Near Zero Waste" (NZW) is very much possible, practical, cost effective and not time consuming. Most households in Green Fort are similarly placed and I do believe it is a concept relevant to them. I wish to highlight the fact that there are different solutions to reduce waste for further disposal, be it kitchen waste or garden waste and convert the waste to some use. KWC is one of the practical solutions.

Brig B K Unnikrishnan 

Subaltern Stories: My Best Companion in War, the Section NCO

 I've had occasion to know several outstanding NCOs during my 3 decade long service in the Army. It is my candid view that NCOs are the backbone of subunits. A soldier has to perform well, pass up-gradation tests and gain some experience, for his selection as an NCO. Thus selected on merit and seniority and at the same time very young as they are, their leadership is crucial to the strength, resilience and performance of an organized body of troops. I began my career in the Army as the Officer Commanding of a Line Section of 1 Corps Signal Regiment in 1971. This Section had eight NCOs; one  havildar, two naiks and five lance naiks. Hav Mohinder Singh was the Section NCO. When I joined duty, he was away on leave, but I came to know that he had made all arrangements for my reception and initial settling down. I also came to know that he was blamed in a court of inquiry and was to face disciplinary action on return from leave. What I found intriguing was that he was very popular with the men in the Section despite the pending disciplinary case. The Regiment got orders to move for operations and those on leave were recalled. Mohinder arrived and got into action. I found him pleasant, confident, resourceful and competent. We got ready for the move as part of the advance party. No one bothered about the disciplinary action in the heat of the operational move. After we reached Pathankot, our Section was given the task of laying a long field cable (carrier quad) route astride Pathankot- Jammu Highway and also carrying out heavy maintenance of a P&T permanent line (PL) route between Pathankot and Samba. It meant staying away from the unit for the Section. Mohinder showed his organizational skills, innovative ability and stamina for sustained hard work during this period. An effective leader who could inspire the men and get the best results according to a meticulous plan! He told me frankly, his requirements- I should tell him the tasks to be performed and provide the resources. He further clarified that he would ask for a resource only if it was to be procured. He also asked if I could manage to get extra rations and a few bottles of rum! He added that the 2IC and QM were aware of this requirement. One more thing he wanted was the password before last light. And that's all. He said that once a task was given I didn't have to bother, take it as done! He also found ways to engage me. Learn to drive, see places and visit our detachments! He got my official accommodation, office cum residence in a set of 3 tents, 180, 112 and 40 pounder. Remarkable in neatness and improvisation, with all field comforts, these tents were furnished by Army issued items such as cable drums, duck boards, coir mats, GI wire, table telegraphs and camp chairs. He got a neat wall around the tents with locally available sarkanda. While this set up was created as my official accommodation near Madhopur Railway Station he had another surprise for me; he liaised with the Railway Station Master to get a room for me and got it furnished with several amenities including a civil telephone. This was to be my private accommodation! What surprised me most was the composition of our detachments. We had a mix of men from different parts of the country. Mohinder cleverly formed five detachments with class composition, one each of Sikh, Jat, Bihari, Maharastrian and South Indian boys with a naik or lance naik as the detachment commander. He deployed them in five different locations close to the PL route. He distributed tasks judiciously and took care of administration. These detachments were highly motivated and cohesive and very proud of their professional skills. There was a degree of competition among them to excel in everything they did. Each detachment would try to impress me by their professional output as well as the food they prepared. It was a custom for me to have at least one meal with any one of my detachments every day and it always turned out to be a pleasant experience. I enjoyed the informal interaction with the men. We became a close knit family. The men had very tough tasks to carry out, but they enjoyed as well. The local people of Punjab were very supportive and helpful and they came forward to welcome us. The patriotic spirit and love of the local people impacted on the morale of troops. I had to have milk, lassi and kinu juice every now and then when I moved around. Within a few days I learned how to drive. I had a jeep to myself, but I learned to drive the bigger vehicles as well. Mohinder was a good driver. Although we had drivers, all my NCOs had learned driving. In fact, they were experts! The linemen were versatile who could do unimaginable feats and in a short span of time I got to know their capabilities and potential. My appreciation for Mohinder grew day by day. Not a very disciplined peacetime soldier, he was unorthodox, but he turned out to be the most dependable in War! In my later life in the Army I've always looked for such talents. I did come across similar characters, but long periods of peacetime service did not afford the right opportunities for many of them.