AFVOA Newsletters of Year 2012

Page 30 of 80 Epilogue Three years back, there was a dinner in honour of Gen Deepak Kapoor, the previous COAS. Col K Marimuthu and I attended. While talking to Col Marimuthu, the Chief mentioned, “your name is well known in the Regiment of Artillery”. The hero of this episode is Col (Retd) K Marimuthu, who took over the command of 166 Field Regiment, which was involved in the mutiny, after finishing his first successful command tenure of 262 Field Regiment in Kargil. I was fortunate to take over 262 Field Regiment from him, in Kargil. Col. Marimuthu was instrumental in 166 Field Regiment retaining its Colour as well as its composition, after its brush with such an unfortunate episode. Men made of lesser material would have reported sick or tried their level best to avoid such a tryst with destiny. He faced the situation courageously and above all delivered the goods. Not without the attendant perils. He retired as a Colonel. His wife Mrs Nirmala told me that they used to receive threatening letters (anonymous ones) every now and then. The letters invariably contained the same message, “If you sentence any Sikh Soldier, you may not live to see the sentence executed”. Col. Marimuthu was quite dismissive of such threats saying that “I trusted those Sikh Soldiers of my Regiment and they had full confidence in me to deliver justice. I just did that”. In his own humble and unassuming way, Col Marimuthu had brought out a great lesson on Military Leadership and Man Management. I salute him!! COL TN RAMAN Editor’s Note After reading this moving saga, We all need to “SALUTE COLONEL MARIMTHU” with great respect. I am proud and fortunate to have served together in the NCC Directorate Tamil Nadu with dear Mari. He was a source of inspiration to the cadets with his magnetic personality and polished conduct. Troops Welfare was in his breath. Few days before his demise, we spoke to each other regarding giving coaching to one of his Jawan’s Sons aspiring to join the Army as an officer .The jawan was full of praise for the nobility and magnanimity of his Sahib. I was So proud to hear the true feelings. Although our dear Mari was cremated on a Sunday, regrettably not many of us could pay our last respects, perhaps due to lack of proper intimation. Yet, everyone had tears in their eyes when we heard the sad news. Col Marimuthu has not been forgotten. Let the departed soul REST IN ETERNALPEACE. KRISHNASWAMI BOND BETWEEN GRANDPARENTS AND THEIR GRANDCHILDREN: From Internet Close your eyes for a moment, open your treasure trove of memories and take a step back in time to your childhood. Do you remember your grandfather gently scooping you up into his warm and comforting embrace? Or sitting by your grandmother's side as she