In Memorium!

Twelve years back, on this date, the Pakistani terror attack on Bombay took place killing 166 people besides destruction of facilities! It's time to remember all the martyrs and say a solemn prayer to the departed souls. We salute each one of the security forces who tackled the difficult and often dangerous situations with courage.

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       The Unknown Sikh Soldier in the Kargil War.....

I remember it, as if it was yesterday. It was 23 May 1999 and the Kargil conflict was ongoing. My crew and I were in Awantipur, to pick up 24 casualties (20 sitting and 4 on stretchers); the casualties on stretchers were extremely seriously wounded. The age of the passengers ranged between 19 and 27 years. Some had bullet wounds, where the bullet had gone through and through but they still had legs and could sit, stand and walk, so weren't on a stretcher.....(I guess, in a strange army way making them feel better, that's how the system works, it actually works). I have actually seen a Gurkha with a bullet wound, helping another Kumaoni, who was limping along. It's a system which teaches one to be empathetic towards others. The men who were on stretchers were the really badly hurt ones, they were those, who had stepped on a landmine and had their legs blown off. A very different sight from those as seen on TV news videos, moving from wounded soldiers to heavy snowfall in some other part of the world, while people watch eating their dinner, disinterested, barely looking up from their phones - this was real life. The pain was terribly real. Also, it was not possible to merely change the channel.

The aircraft was the workhorse of the IAF, an AN-32; it reeked of Savlon and fear. As we waited for the last patient to arrive, I realised that my AN-32 also was a micro India. The Naga soldier was seated next to a tall Jat, the Thambi was next to a Maratha, the Rajput was next to the JAKLI, the Mahar was next to a tall Guardsman and the tiny Gurkha, next to an equally small and sturdy Kumaoni. All united by by shades of Olive Green and the invisible thread of pain. Injuries they had suffered on our behalf and honestly, had all been forgotten.

In the ambulance, which was parked just at the edge of the ramp (Behind the aircraft), was a Silkh Light Infantry soldier. He was really young. So young, that his beard had barely started to grow, a mere boy. He had lost both his legs in a landmine explosion. In an effort to distract him, I asked him if he was fond of cricket? His eyes brightened up immediately and he promptly said, "Yes, Sir". Seeing his response, I addressed all my passengers. (The World Cup was going on in England). India was playing Kenya and Sachin Tendulkar had scored 140 runs in 101 balls and was not out. He had helped India reach 329 in 50 overs. Tendulkar had dedicated his innings to his father, whose funeral he had returned from the previous day. "What do you think, will we win?" I asked the wounded bravehearts.

"Yes sir", was the immediate answer. All of a sudden, a Tendulkar tsunami swept through the aircraft and the ambulance behind it. 

Everyone forgot their pain and their injuries. They forgot their predicament - all they could talk about, was Tendulkar and his century. Everyone started talking to the person next to them. Everyone broke language and cultural barriers and new friendships were instantly formed.

I could see my new friend in the ambulance, talking animatedly. His eyes all lit up; his smile was ecstatic, as he described Tendulkar's shots. His injuries and pain were forgotten briefly. He was happy; all my passengers were happy. For a brief period, everything was the way it ought to be.

I don't think Tendulkar has any clue how much we value him in our country, as he sells us everything from washing machines to toothpaste, in an effort to make even more money.

Epilogue :

When I landed with my passengers in Delhi, I shared the good news with them, that we had indeed won the match, far away in England. My new friend, who was on a stretcher strapped securely to the floor, smiled at me. I shook his hand and wished him well. I was relieved that it was dark and he couldn't see my eyes. My crew and I stood behind the aircraft, as they disembarked, silently wishing them well.

It's men like these, the ones who were passengers on my plane, who silently walk away after giving their youth for all of us.

They are the ones we owe our freedom to.

Please do think about them for a moment.......if you really care.......

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores, washing machinex of the bed linen and was ready by 1000 hrs.

The LDF candidate, Bibitha, came asking for votes.