Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Tibri Cantonment (Gurdaspur), August 14: Years seemed to whizz past in a whiff of warm breeze as Captain Amarinder Singh entered the ‘Barakhana’ (regimental dinner) with the troops of the 3rd battalion of the Sikh regiment on the borders of Punjab. As the soldiers erupted in joyful euphoria, he wondered if he had been transported back in time, to those days when he was an active soldier like the rest of them. His love for the army had led him to join the force back then, and his love for the army was what motivated him to leave the comfortable confines of his home to spend the night preceding India’s 70th Independence Day anniversary in the dry and deserted plains somewhere in the Western sector.
A soldier first and a soldier last is how Captain Amarinder Singh loves to describe himself. At the age of 75, the Chief Minister of Punjab might not be a young soldier any more, but his heart still beats for the Army, which continues to be his first and last love. That is why he chose to spend the night of August 14, 2017, with the men of the Sikh Battalion, to which he belonged as a military officer.
For Captain Amarinder, it was like reliving history. Shedding his `neta’ image for the first time in decades, he entered the mess looking as though he had never been away. And why not? After all, in some ways, he had always remained a part of India’s military establishment, even though he had been out of it for years now. As a military historian, he has continuously remained in touch with the Army, capturing its many facets in his highly popular books. No wonder he felt he had never been away, or at best that he had come back home after a somewhat prolonged break.
It was a joyous occasion, indeed, not just for the chief minister but for every man at the camp station, which was to be Captain Amarinder’s home for the night. The men had a pleasurable time interacting with the Chief Minister before they enjoyed a Pipe Band display and a Bhangra performance, followed by dinner. Earlier, after a brief introduction about Captain Amarinder, there was Gatka (combat training) display, as well as a Battalion presentation, which the Chief Minister seemed to absorb with full concentration.
“This is a special day in more ways than one. Captain Amarinder has made it a memorable occasion for us,” said one of the soldiers who seemed to be totally in awe of the man who was part of the regiment before he himself was even born.
But the thorough gentleman he is, Captain Amarinder gave all credit to the men for making it a special occasion for him. “I will never forget this night. It has revived all those memories of the yonder when I was part of the force. And at the same time, it has created many new memories which I will remain etched in my heart and mind till my last breath,” he said.
As dusk gave way to the night stars, the ‘Barakhana’ turned into a bustling centre where soldiers of the 3 Sikh had gathered to felicitate the officer and a gentleman.
Experiences of the past started merging with stories of the present day Battalion and loud laughter flowed freely well into the night, with the promise of much merriment till the break of the dawn of the big day that was to mark the 70th anniversary of the nation’s independence.
But there were several hours to go before the dawn of August 15, 2017, and Captain Amarinder clearly meant to make the most of them. The lines of smile lurking on his face could be seen getting broader and the emotions in his eyes could hardly be concealed.
