AFVOA Newsletter May 2020

Section 3 - Memoirs Newsletter No. 1 / 2020 P a g e 49 | 101 7 Technical Glitch of a Different Kind Maj Gen R Karthikeyan Genre: Life in the Forces ay back in the Eighties, there was this urgency to upgrade our Armed Forces technology wise and the need for a scientific temper was a trending topic. Computers and sophisticated projection devices replaced roller charts and paste board displays. In this scenario, I having completed the command of my Infantry Battalion in the prestigious Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the Navy, was picked up for an Inter-Services Staff exposure. My Colonel of the Regiment was pleased and asked for my choice, I submitted ‘Sir, I really am at a loss. This much I request that if possible, I DO NOT want to go to Delhi. (a nightmare for Non Dehiites!). My CoR laughed and replied that there was a long queue of locals for that and I need not worry. I was merrily awaiting and enjoying the last few days of my real command of my men. We were camping at the field firing ranges and one fine evening, my DR (Despatch Rider or Motorcycle Messenger of news good and bad), came to my tent and handed over a sealed confidential cover; I had a premonition that it could be my much awaited Posting and Lo and behold, it was, posting me to Delhi, where else? I was to report at short notice to be the G-1 at the National Defence College. Orders are orders and how I moved and tried to establish at Delhi is a different story. However, the appointment was one of a kind for a half colonel in Delhi, with a dedicated accommodation and working in civvies mostly and with lunch at the college lounge with about 75 odd Brigadiers and equivalent from the other two Services, the IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group 1 Services with a fine sprinkling of officers from friendly foreign countries. The Senior Directing staff were Maj Gen Equivalent and the Comdt Lt Gen equivalent. The Secretary administered the college and I coordinated training, reporting directly to the Commandant. I had the fortune to serve under the then Comdt, Air Marshal Kinglee, who way back in my NDA days was a Squadron Commander there. I reported for my initial interview and after the pleasantries and expo to my unique charter of duties, he gave me the gem of an advice. I Quote “Son, I do believe there is good reason that you have been picked up for this job; Always remember the wide chasm in rank and service between us; we may not meet very often unless you bungle it up for W