AFVOA Newsletter of Year 2021

Section 6 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 01 / 2021 Page 69 of 123 3 My Impromptu Intro to the Glacier Maj Gen R Karthikeyan Genre: Reminiscence ittle did I know in 1985 that later between 1987 to 91 , I would be posted as the Deputy and then Commander of the same Corps Reserve Brigade and for four long years , be associated with the Siachen Glacier; because , then in '85 , I was Col GS Infantry at the Faculty of Studies , College of Combat, MHOW. My battalion, into which I was commissioned and formed part of the Raising Crew, from Day One, way back in 1962 -63, with which I grew and even rendered an Adverse Career certificate to await to command, had been inducted in 1984-85 into the SIACHEN Glacier Sector, in the initial wave to stake our claims, soon after Col Bull Kumar's Forays. They were holding the Central Glaciers with HQ at Base Camp. Laxman Patil was the Sub Maj, who had been groomed by me too. I had visited the Unit once after finishing my command; Then I got a Forces Letter from Patil, highlighting the Glaciers' hostile terrain, sub-zero Climate and harsh Living conditions concluding “this is no time to invite you here; but we know your prayers for us". These lines pulled at my heartstrings and got me thinking. Next morning, I took the unusual step of putting that duly highlighted Forces Letter to my Comdt, Lt Gen Handu, (to whom I reported directly on Conduct of SC and HC Courses). I was duly accosted and submitted that with the Comdt's blessings, I wanted to prove my Sub Maj wrong. He stared at me hard and said "This is December, winter here and hell there; either you are crazy or you are a sucker with stupid sentiments". I politely accepted the later comment and still wanted to go. After due deliberations with his Deputy, another Diehard Infanteer, I was sanctioned temporary duty to visit the Glacier and report on ground realities by first -hand experience. But due to short notice and uncertain conditions, I had to manage my trip myself. Thus started my unplanned foray into the unknown with "out of the Box" solutions as the adventure unfolded. The initial stage was a cakewalk. With borrowed winter paraphernalia and dramatic justifications to family and friends, took leave and travelled to Indore and took an Indian Airlines flight to Delhi. Halted at the Airport Guest rooms; next morning managed a seat on the Delhi -Srinagar flight with no idea of who will receive me or what next! Landed at Srinagar to a very cold climate and reception. Collected my baggage and casting gloomy look around and weighing my scant options, I spotted an Air Force Police NCO L