AFVOA Newsletter May 2020

Section 3 - Memoirs Newsletter No. 1 / 2020 P a g e 80 | 101 With regular Executive Committee meetings that were attended by co- opted members from the Air force and Navy representatives, dissemination of information was faster easier and the cohesion amongst members was visible and there was a willing cooperation from the members to volunteer for the tasks assigned. In the GB meeting held on 11 Feb 1996, some path breaking decisions were taken. There was a change of command and the President handed over to the Vice President (me) to assume charge. The first President was elevated to become the PATRON and be the guiding force for the association. We had decided to start making our presence felt among the civilian gentry. On the advice of the newly elected Patron, we took a decision to start capsule training courses for students to join the Defence Services. ADYAR Times in their edition of17 March gave a very prominent coverage stating, “EX Service Officers in ADYAR keen to counsel students on opportunities in defence services” (copy is in our records.) We got the assistance of our members Maj Gen Chander Govindaswamy (past president of SSB Bangalore), Lt Col SK Ramanathan (past GTO in the SSB) and Wing Cdr BG NARAYANAN (PAST GTO}to prepare a capsule training programme for the duration of one week. We also incorporated a few other gallantry decorated members from the three Services who had been instructors in NDA IMA and Service training institutions, to formed part of the training team. They gave motivational talk and shared their experiences to the assembled 20 students. It was a very satisfying effort. Our qualified officers were now visible to the Civilian Gentry and started getting calls from principals of colleges and Schools for giving career Counselling talks to their students. Elsewhere in this Newsletter, a compilation of our OFFICE BEARERS appears. A close look at the appointments would reveal that generally the Vice President became the next president and other important assignment like the Secretary cum Treasurer was left to the choice of the incoming President. We had a very friendly atmosphere in the association. The chosen officer was detailed by the patron to volunteer to get elected unanimously. (This procedure is like the typical OFFICER MESS tradition for the post of Mess Secretary and Food Member). The President and the Vice President normally gave out the e plan of action for the stalwarts Secretary and Treasurer to get them executed. We must place it on record that our (detailed to volunteer stalwarts} did a commendable job and played a significant role in shaping the growth story of our Association. One of the reasons for many our ladies attending the meets is the inclusion of the game TAMBOLA in the programme of events of the meeting. As early as Dec1994, the game featured as an event of the get together meets. Our long time TOMBOLA conductor Brigadier VA SUBBY has been an ever-willing volunteer. May