BLOG 3 - Pre University and the National Cadet Corps

PROLOGUE

Having had the experience of living in an atmosphere of the Armed Forces in my childhood days, there was a small part of me that wanted to look for an Army career in later days.

When the time was approaching to make a choice, whilst doing my PUC, I attempted to prepare for the physicals and SSB (Services Selection Board) for a year. I ran long distances, I exercised, I went regularly to Army Supply Corps' Unit stationed nearby to take some training, including going through their obstacle course. I did my best. NDA was my target.

I always had an underlying doubt whether a 165 cm frame and a 48 kg weight would allow me to be selected.

Fate willed otherwise.

Today is called 'Pongal' in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, 'Makara Sankranti' in Telengana, Karnataka and Maharashtra and other names in the rest of India. Traditionally, it is the day the harvest is brought in. The month of "Thaie" starts today in the Tamil Calender. There is an age old saying in Tamil - "Thaie Pirandhaaal Vazhi Pirakkum" - which, (loosely translated), means that with the start of the month of "Thaie", it will be giving birth to seeing the way ahead. The crops are sold, the granaries become full, people settle their debts and there is prosperity all around.

I wish my readers and friends prosperity and good health for the times ahead and the paths ahead.

Chapter 3

My NCC – my Pride

I had also joined the NCC (National Cadet Corps) in this College. This college had the Army Wing only. It was mandatory for some sections and optional for some, but my love of the discipline and the pageantry learnt from being in the Air Wing of NCC in school, made me sign up once again. We were all supplied the uniforms, berets, belt, shoes. A week before the first parade, I got my shirts and trousers washed, starched and ironed. All the brass were polished to a bright finish, the belt blancoed and shoes shined – the toe end of the shoe given a ‘water polish’ so that it shone like a mirror. On parade day, I set off on my bicycle, feeling like a million in my uniform, with proud and eager anticipation to be part of something grand.

What a let down when I reached the parade ground (in college). The turnout was abysmal. Sloppy uniforms, unwashed or unironed, unstarched, unpolished shoes, with an unhealthy disregard for smart turnouts, not only from my PUC classmates but also from the senior classes.

From 400 odd attendees, only about 15 were turned out smartly, those being the CSM (Company Sergeant Major), a few Under Officers, Sergeants and me. Having just joined the college, I did not have a rank. After a short while, in the chaos, I realized that the majority had had no truck with regimentation and cannot be blamed – they needed to be trained.

Half way through that parade day, I found myself promoted to Corporal and assigned 30 cadets under my control for teaching them, most of them being my classmates. Suffice it to say that my unit became the most smartly turned out unit amongst all by the 4th parade and the cream of the company within 3 months, performing marching and rifle drills to near perfection. In the beginning, I had some opposition from a few towards regimentation, but seeing the enthusiasm of the others and my quietly persuasive methods, all toed the line within a month.

The Officers in Charge and the CSM, seeing my leadership qualities, promoted me to Sergeant. The pride and discipline of my unit slowly rubbed off on the other units and we were all improving and competing with each other. Why I mention this in such detail is that this college company had always had the reputation of being the most indisciplined and rowdy amongst all Companies in Andhra Pradesh. A few of us – the CSM, most of the sergeants and myself (a Corporal at that time) – used to gather after each parade and discuss ways of improvement. I had a lot to say, having come from an elite junior NCC category. After a couple of months, discussions shifted to planning for the NCC camp due to take place soon and a determination to wipe out the tarnished image of the College during previous years.

Came the day of the 10 day camp and we found ourselves in an open field, close to a forest. Close to 3000 cadets, from different colleges were in attendance. The first day was hard toil – pitching tents, smoothening the living areas, putting up mess tents etc. Each activity was point based, leading to the Trophy on the final day. My school NCC experience played a part in us finishing the first day with a substantial lead. Reveilles, roll calls, drills, marching, shooting, map reading, guerilla tactics, evening entertainment – all were contests between companies.

My first few shots – with a .22 rifle – went anywhere but the target. The Army Subedhar, who was watching, realized I was not lining up the sights or did not know about the sights. I was shooting like I had seen scenes in cowboy movies. Once he explained the concept, my eighth bullet was in the inner circle. We were allowed only ten bullets each, unless you were representing your college in the shoot out championship. My ninth was closer to the centre and my tenth was spot on. As an exception, I was given more bullets and I was able to put 7 of 10 in the 'bull's eye'. Suffice it to say that I represented the college and came second in the (all Andhra Pradesh) championship. Along with high marks in my NCC 'B' certificate, I was also selected as one of a few to represent Andhra NCC Battalion in the next year's (1967) Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. This, of course, did not come to pass.

My college went on to win laurels in many an event and took home the prized trophy, much to the surprise of some and the chagrin of others, as the ‘rowdiest college of all’ beat all comers. A good memory – now a pleasant one.

==== To be continued in Blog 4 ======