AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 18 of 61 we all say good bye to each other 'till we meet again'. SEFIROGA is a unique initiative which has stood the test of time attracting more and more people every year. Veterans from all the Southern states attend when convenient. The date is fixed as it is a national holiday. And there is the added attraction of Guruvayur being the abode of the Lord and everyone queues up for a Darshan of the Divine before the commencement of the meeting. I have a hunch that it is due to His blessings that this organisation is growing from strength to strength as the years go by. Mohan Barathan Opportunity to Visit Dhaka- A Pleasant Surprise I got a pleasant surprise, when I received a telephone call from the Military Intelligence directorate ( Director, Foreign Liaison Section)of Army HQ New Delhi, when he inquired if I and my wife possessed valid passports and whether we are willing to proceed to Dhaka on an invitation from the Government of BANGLA DESH and attend their Victory Day celebrations from 15 Dec 2012 .I least expected such an offer, as the last time that I was in Dhaka was 41 years ago, on the afternoon of 15 Dec1971, when my C Company of 10 JAK RIFLES, entered the war ravaged town, in full battle gear with our weapons on the ready position, to the thunderous shouts of "JOYBANGLA" from the milling crowds of local populace standing on either side of the road. It was indeed an experience for the entire lot of us, and especially to the then "Major Krish". .As our unit was one amongst the earliest of the Indian Army fighting elements that was inducted into Dhaka to protect the township, we felt elated and proud. After the signing of the instrument of surrender, Lt Gen AAK Niazi, the Force Commander of all Pakistan Armed Forces in East Pakistan wanted Indian Army to occupy the major towns and cantonments to provide the protection to the surrendered PAK Army. What an irony indeed!! The rulers of East Pakistan needed our help for their safety. I consider the invitation given by the Government of Bangladesh through our Army HQ to a few old veterans, who facilitated in their gaining independence, is a very fine gesture and good statesmanship. We will endeavor to promote good neighbourly relations in the interest of peace and harmony in the region. We are leaving for Delhi on 09 Dec for briefing etc and leave for Dhaka on 13 Dec. We will be back in Chennai on 22 Dec. Krish ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++