AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 5 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 172 of 237 Meanwhile, Gen Rao who had sought PMR at about the same time as Teja, in 1973, had moved to Vizag as MD BHPVL. In 1977 he had moved to Chennai as ED of Royal Enfield where he was till 1982, and then moved as Advisor to Brooke Bond for their two wheeler venture. It was in Chennai, that the two Eagles met again and renewed their strong bond and association. Teja made full use of his time in Madras, at the Royal Madras Yacht Club where he took to water often, to angling at the Madras Port docks and at the Madras Boat Club. He needed to get a new big freezer to stock his catch whenever he was angling. When Gen Rao insisted that he attend the first meeting of the EOWA ( later AFVOA), in 1995 at the Youth Hostel, at the instance of Lt Col Balaswamy. He attended, but told the fewmembers present, that he could be counted as a member but would be unable to attend any meetings due to his travel commitments. He has been a member ever since. Both Teja’s sons are well settled in businesses of their own. They acquired Teja’s sporting skills quite naturally which stood them in good stead. Both are settled in Chennai. Teja speaks of Gen Rao with great fondness. He took care of Teja like a father figure would. And their destinies brought them to Madras, Chennai. One is 98 and the other is 88. What a “Jodi”. It’s a pity that the sharp Teja has diminishing eyesight. Yet he is active and alert. So is Gen Rao. Kudo’s to their spirit. May these two Eagles soar high !!