AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 131 of 170 We continue with our efforts to highlight a few episodes of military history. In this issue we focus on the heroes of the 1971 operations, which saw Flg Offr Sekhon become the first person from the Indian Air Force to be decorated with the highest gallantry award of PVC. The second PVC in that operation was won by L/Nk Albert Ekka – both of whom are featured here. And uniquely both heroes have a statue in their honour in their respective states and have been featured on postage stamps – something that all of us servicemen can be justifiably be proud of. In spite of the fact that we have had no feedback on including articles of interest to the home, we are giving a couple of more dishes to be tried out during the ensuing festival as also a few tips which some of you may already be aware of, and useful to the rest of us. Meeting Gone By – “An Impression” by Smt Rajeswari Raghavachari If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves. ~ Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931; American Inventor) The last meeting was held at the Youth Hostel in Indira Nagar on the 24 th of August. As brought out in the previous issue, the members had been requested to come in for the Tambola at 5.00 pm – a solid one hour before the commencement of our normal proceedings. Even though the evening was rather sultry the atmosphere of friendship, the camaraderie among old friends, seemed to override the discomfort. The two games of tambola scheduled for the day went off smoothly, and sooner than one would have thought it possible, the President and the Secretary took over the proceedings, and got down in all earnestness to business. As is customary, the members observed stood in silence for a minute in memory of those of our fraternity who had passed away since the last meeting. Being the Ninth Anniversary of the Association, we had invited six serving officers – two from each service. Notwithstanding the pressures of work, we were fortunate that an officer from each of the three services were able to make it. We were blessed with the presence of Maj Gen SC Awasthy, VSM of the OTA, Cmde Vasan from the Coast Guard and Air Cmde Sudip Mondal from AF Station Avadi. AVM Krishnaswamy, VSM, the President welcomed the gathering present. He briefly outlined the growth of the organisation. It was on the 7 th August 1994, a group of about 24 officers and their wives, assembled at the Youth Hostel at Indira Nagar. Their motivation was, if they could occasionally greet each other during their early morning joggings, why not attempt to assemble at one location to relive their past associations. Luckily, the Youth Hostel was being administered by Col and Mrs. Raju, who assured the venue for such meets. That day, the Ex Service Officers’ Association was born. The Association was to serve as a forum for the retired officers and their families, to exchange views, news, and share their experiences and help each other and the community at large. Over a period, the membership increased. Today the number of members has swelled to over 240. Gradually ideas and perception also underwent an upward change. Apart from the usual “soft drink socialization”, thanks to the interaction with various contacts, the Association adapted to the changes that occurred in society. Notwithstanding the changes, the