"We were ready to strike", former Air Chief, ACM BS Dhanoa.

Former Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, on Thursday, said that India was ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward bridges had Islamabad's "military adventure" been successful in response to the Balakot aerial strikes and added that "our military posture was very offensive".

His remarks came after PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq said in the National Assembly that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 PM".

"Abhinandan's father and I served together. So, when Abhinandan ejected I told him that we could not get Ahuja back but will definitely get Abhinandan back. During the Kargil war, my flight commander Ahuja was captured and shot dead. That was playing on my mind. I told him that there are two parts. The main pressure on Pakistan was diplomatic and political. But there was also a military posture", Dhanoa told ANI.

"The way he (Pakistan MP) is saying that 'Pair kaanp rahe the' (legs were trembling). It is because the military posture was very offensive......God forbid if there are military misadventure on the 27th and hit some of our military installations, we were in a position to wipe out their forward brigades. They know what our capability is", he said.

Wing Commander Varthaman had shot down a Pakistani F-16 which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air forces on 27 Feb 2019, his plane crossed over to the Pakistani side and was shot down. Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on 01 Mar 2019.

ACM Dhanoa, who was the Air Chief when the aerial strikes took place in Pakistan, said that the Indian military could not strike to secure Abhinandan's release but it could put pressure on the Pakistan military. "But that decision is political. Whether we need to go to war. Suppose strike on the 27th had been successful, then to what extent do we respond. Do we respond with a full-scale war or only hitting their forward brigades opposite us? This is a political decision", he said.

The former IAF chief said that the Balakot strike had put fear into Jaish-e-Mohammad and their Pakistani handlers that India can hit them in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) as well as in Pakistan. "Till the time Indian elections got over, there was nothing because they knew the response was going to be very swift. We were deployed in this manner that we could at very short notice. It is very good for the morale that he was released at such a short period of time and he came back unharmed", he said. 

Tailpiece.

Got up half an hour later than usual, being a Sunday. The chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. It was a quiet and lazy Sunday.

Participated in a webinar on "Green Jobs And Green Economy" by N Balagopal, Vice Chairman, PN Panicker Foundation from 1430 - 1530 hrs. It's our action plan for the next couple of years! 

Adieu Sir Sean Connery!

Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90, his family has said.

The Scottish actor was best known for his portrayal of James Bond, Agent 007, being the first to bring the role to the big screen and appearing in seven of the spy thrillers viz. * Dr No (1962) * From Russia with Love (1963) * Goldfinger (1964) * Thunderball (1965) * You Only Live Twice (1967) * Diamonds are Forever (1971) * Never Say Never Again (1983).

Sir Sean died peacefully in his sleep in the Bahamas, having been "unwell for some time", his son said. His acting career spanned five decades and he won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in 'The Untouchables'. Sir Sean's other films included 'The Hunt for Red October, Highlander, Indiana Jones, The Last Crusade and The Rock.

His son said his father "had many of his family who could be in the Bahamas around him" when he died overnight in Nassau. Much of the Bond film 'Thunderball' had been filmed there.

Daniel Craig, the current James Bond, said Sir Sean was "one of the true greats of cinema". "Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more", he said. "He defined an era and a style. TH\he wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in mega watts; he helped create the modern blockbuster.

In reference to Sir Sean's love of the game, he added : "Wherever he is, I hope there is a golf course".

Sir Sean, from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, had his first major film appearance in the 1957 British gangster film 'No Road Back'. He was largely regarded as being the best actor to have played 007 in the long-running franchise, often being named as such in polls.

Connery made the character of James Bond his own, blending ruthlessness with sardonic wit. Many critics didn't like it and some of the reviews were scathing. But the public did not agree.

The action scenes, sex and exotic locations were a winning formula.

In truth, his Bond is now a museum piece; the portrayal of women impossibly dated. The action scenes are still thrilling but the sex too often bordered on the non-consensual.

Thankfully, it has been a while since 007 slapped a woman on the backside and forced a kiss. But Connery's performance was of its time, enjoyed by millions of both sexes and gave the silver screen a 20th Century icon.

He was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000.

His unforgettable words, "the name's Bond......James Bond".

Adieu Sir Sean Connery. You shall always be my James Bond and I must hasten to add that I don't mean to disrespect the subsequent actors who had donned that role! My tears and salute to an icon!! May the family have the strength to tide over these stressful times!!!

Source : Adapted. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Wished Malu and Rajeesh a happy wedding anniversary. 

Participated in the Aazhchakkoottam from 1600-1700 hrs on 'Women and Covid' by Dr Amar Fetil. It was nice.    

Who are you?

 A story on 'Self Awareness'.

During one of his travels, Kalidasa felt very thirsty and looked around for water. He saw a lady drawing water from a well. He went up to her and asked her for water. She agreed to give him water but asked him, "Who are you? Introduce yourself".

Now, Kalidasa thought that an ordinary village woman was not worthy of knowing who Kalidasa was. So he said, "I am a traveller". But the lady replied, "In this world there are only two travellers - the Sun and the Moon. Both rise and set everyday and keep travelling perpetually".

Then Kalidasa said, "Alright then, I am a guest". The lady promptly replied, "In this world there are only two guests - Youth and Wealth - both are temporary and hence can only be called as guests".

Intrigued Kalidasa said, "I am a tolerant person (sahansheel vyakti)". Now the lady replied, "In this world only two truly know the meaning of tolerance - Bhoomi (Earth) and Tree. How much ever you stamp the earth or throw stones at the tree (for the fruits) both continue to nurture us".

Now, Kalidasa was completely perplexed. He said, "Fine. I am a stubborn person (hatavaadi)". The lady smiled and said, "There are only two truly stubborn personalities - our nails and our hair. We keep cutting them non-stop but they continue to grow".

Kalidas had been patient so far but now in anger he said, "I am a fool". Now the lady gave a wide smile and said, " There are only two kinds of fools in this world - a King who rules without having any capability or knowledge and a Minister who is a sycophant to such a King and lavishes praises on such a useless king".

Kalidas realised that he had been outsmarted. He fell at the feet of the lady and when he touched her feet and then got up, whom did he see?

Mata Saraswati - the Goddess of Learning and Wisdom.

She said, "Kalidasa, you are wise. But only if you know yourself do you become a Manushya (human being). 

A person without any awareness of self has not reached the pinnacle of being a human.

More than teaching children how to earn money and become rich, parents should teach them to become aware of themselves and become better human beings (Manushya).

Intelligence is good but Wisdom achieves better results.

    *         *          *

In jest!

John Wayne.......his 5 rules to life....

* Money cannot buy happiness but it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle * Forgive your enemy but remember the b******'s name * Help someone when they are in trouble and they will remember you when they're in trouble again * Many people are alive only because it's illegal to shoot them * Alcohol does not solve any problems but then again, neither does milk.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Power interruption from 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs but the saving grace was that it was announced through a What'sApp message, in the morning. .

Attended a webinar "Green Technology Packages to Invigorate Farmer's Economy" by Dr Kamalasanan Pillai, Principal Scientist - International Azolla Programme from 1600 - 1700 hrs.    

Just for fun!

These are some of my foolish doubts.

* Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard when he lives in the jungle without the razor?

* Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat?

* Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they they know there is not enough?

* Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars but check when you say the paint is wet?

* What is the speed of darkness?

* Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies wake up every two hours?

* If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?

* Do married people live longer than single ones or does it only seem longer?

* Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground? Did you ever stop and wonder.........

* Why do toasters always have a setting so high that could burn the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

* Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

* Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time but don't point to their rear when they ask where the rest room is?

* If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?

* If corn oil is made of corn and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?

* If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

* Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

* Did you ever notice that when you blow on to a dog's face, he gets mad at you but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out of the window?

* Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

    *              *                *

What an answer?

Dr S Radhakrishnan while speaking....one of his students raised a question. "Sir, what's the difference between a Station Master and a School Master?"

All were very eagerly waiting for his answer because they thought it was an irrelevant question to him but he coolly replied.......

"The Station Master, "Minds the Train" and a School Master, "Trains the Mind".

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. The monthly grocery was ordered by Lekha on the department store, nearby and the delivery boy brought the stuff an hour later.

    

Keep me in your prayers!

The actual meaning.

Since we always say, "Keep me in your prayers" to each other, I thought of sharing a small story about the actual meaning of these five words. Just go on and read it and I am sure you will start thinking the way I do after reading this story. 

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert-like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God.

However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island. The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, there was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes and more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. He boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?" "My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them", the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything".

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings".

"Tell me", the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered".

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone but also those of others praying for us. 

My prayer for you today is that all your prayers are answered. Be blessed.

"What you do for others is more important than what you do for yourself".

Keep me in your prayers!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Earlier, the Wednesday 'aarathi' of the house was undertaken. Subin came around a half past 7 and cleaned up the overhead fresh water tank.

Spoke to Leela chittamma, dad's youngest sister-in-law, who resides in Kochi. And wasn't she thrilled?

Infantry day.

You never chose infantry, rather infantry is when destiny chose 'you' over the rest.

Infantry is :-

* When a cold and shivering jawan gets you a cup of hot tea on a patrol break at 13,000 ft.

* When your sixth sense tells you there is something wrong with a guy at 50 meters.

* When you meet with an accident and the first thing you check is the serviceability of your legs.

* When you speak the language of your boys.

* When you sit from dusk to dawn in an ambush on Valentine's Day, you know infantry is giving you the red rose.

* When you are a master at pump stove, lanterns, solar lights, bukharis and travelling in trains without reservations.

* When you know more about cramps and cold injuries than your average doctor.

* When a girl in the pub is indicated by clock-ray method.

* When only your Sahayak can dig out the thing you want from your rucksack.

* When your pain submits to your will.

* When you find it funny when your relative says he's going on a holiday to a hill station.

* When your Arm ie. infantry, is a matter of discussion during marriage proposals.

* When you do not believe in ghosts but do believe in Peer Baba and other high altitude babas.

* When you know the real meaning of camouflage, in field, in parties, in unit routine and in your own house.

* When you can live, anywhere, with anybody, on anything that nature can offer.

* When you know this LMG will be resited by everybody up the ladder, till it comes back to where you had sited it initially.

* When somebody asks, "Do you play Golf?" and you look at the brass on your shoulder and say "Not yet!"

* When you are the biggest consumer of foot powder, DMP oil, water sterilization kit, ORS packets and Meals Ready to Eat in the Army.

* When you gave it all that you have got and some more.

* When you are the only one to get trained in bayonet fighting. And expect it to happen.

* When your girl friend thinks you are Rambo, Commando, Gladiator and Braveheart, all rolled into one. Your Commanding Officer, however, thinks you are none.

* When you get lost in a multiplex with signboards but are at ease in a jungle with a compass.

* When you can die for what you have lived.

And a slice of history.

It's 73 years to the dot. On 26 Oct 1947, His Highness Hari Singh, the monarch of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession and the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, on IS Duties around Gurgaon, was asked to report to Palam by 4 AM for airlift to Srinagar. Lt Col DR Rai and the soldiers of 1 Sikh were ready for the first troop airlift of independent India. The troops, with subsequent reinforcements, gave a good account of themselves and gave a befitting reply to the Pakistani forces. And 27 Oct, since then, has been celebrated as the Infantry Day!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 6. It was a quiet Tuesday.

A true life story!

This is a real life story from Tinsukia district, Assam.......

One fine day, a vegetable seller, Soberan, was coming home, pushing his vegetable cart. He heard a baby crying from the bushes. He went near the bush and saw an innocent child lying on the heap of garbage, crying.

Soberan looked around, waited for a while and when no one appeared, lifted her in his lap. It was an infant girl. He brought her home. He was 30 yrs old at that time and was not even married. Soberan was very happy after finding the girl. He decided to raise her and not marry! He named the girl, Jyoti....!!

He thought he should work hard day and night and did not let her feel the lack of anything. He sent her to school and did everything he could, to fulfill her needs. Even if he had to remain hungry, he never let his daughter fall short of anything. 

Years passed by.......and Jyoti graduated in Computer Science in 2013. She started preparing for competitive exams.

In 2014, Jyoti performed brilliantly in the examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission and was appointed the Assistant Income Tax Commissioner! Soberan was wet with tears after seeing his daughter fulfilling all her dreams!!

At present, Jyoti is taking good care of her father and is fulfilling all his wishes. Even though she insists on his relaxing at least now, her father still runs the vegetable vendor trade.

Let's hear what Soberan has to say, "I did not pick up a girl from a garbage heap, instead, I got a diamond from a coal mine, which filled my life with divine light".   

    *          *           *

A beautiful message from the Bhagwad Gita....

* Stay away from anger.......it hurts.....only you!

* If you are right then there is no need to get angry......

* And if you are wrong then you you don't have any right to get angry.

* Patience with family is love.....

* Patience with others is respect.

* Patience with self is confidence and patience with God is faith.

* Never think hard about the past, it brings tears......

*Don't think more about the future, it brings fear.....

* Live this moment with a smile, it brings cheer.

* Every test in our life makes us bitter or better........

* Every problem comes to make us or break us!

* The choice is ours whether we become victims or victorious.

* Beautiful things are not always good but good things are always beautiful......

* Do you know why God created gaps between fingers? So that someone, who is special to you, comes and fills those gaps, by holding your hand forever.

* "Happiness" keeps you.....sweet but being sweet brings happiness.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.

We went through the 'vidya aarambh' with Lekha reading a few lines from the Lakshmi sahasranaama sthothram and writing her daily prayers on the book she usually does. Lekha had, earlier, made a nice 'paayasam' for the occasion. 

A quiet day otherwise!