Vijayant at Kargil - A book review

 

Vijayant at Kargil

Authors: Col Thappar and Dr. Neha Dwivedi.

About the Authors:

Col Virendar Thappar, the father of Capt Vijayant VrC(P), is a third-generation soldier. He writes a biography about his son, who was martyred in the Kargil war.

Dr. Neha Dwivedi is the daughter of Maj CB Dwivedi, who was also martyred in the Kargil War.

Book Review:

This book is a biography of Capt Vijayant Thappar VrC (Posthumous), a fourth-generation army man from the Thappar family.  Capt Vijayanth cleared the NDA and joined the 2nd Rajputana Rifles. The 2 Raj Rif is always tagged as "Ever Victorious." This book broadly covers the life history of Capt Thappar.

The biography starts with a beautiful wedding of Col Virender Thappar and Mrs. Tripta Thappar. The Thappars kept on packing and moving as Col Thappar faced multiple postings.  Capt. Thappar was a perfect Fauji Brat, and the initial part of the book talks about his childhood days. Capt Thappar was the firstborn, and he was nicknamed Robin. He enjoyed the military stations and the warships and battle tanks. Robin was named Vijayant, inspired by the Battle Tank Vijayanta – Indian Army's first indigenous war tank. Robin had a brother whom he called Birdie. Robin's childhood days were filled with witnessing the army officers and soldiers marching at the army camps, etc.; he idolized his father, who always returned home in the olive green uniform. Robin's first words were not mama and papa, and the authors have beautifully described the scene.

His bedtime stories would include the war stories of 1965 and 1972 wars retold by his grandparents. Robin's love for tom cruise movies, TOP GUN as his favorite one, he was greatly influenced by the uniforms and aviators. Robin grows up to have his first love as Indian Air force. But eventually, he ended up joining the infantry like his father.

Robin was an introvert but would share the feelings about life and death with his very close ones, especially his cousin. His cousin and brother would be shocked when he would say that he would die for the country in the uniform or sneak into the kitchen to taste the cocktail for which he would say that he would need practice for his NDA days.

A very religious and philosophical Robin would keep thanking God for all that he was blessed with. Robin cleared his NDA and joined the 'Ever Victorious' 2 Raj Rif, whose war cry is "Raja Ramachandra Ki Jai." His coursemates and fellow brothers in arms would tell that he was seen chanting Hanuman Chalisa and was a genuinely devoted person.

Robin used to write beautifully and had created doddles about the war. He had maintained a diary that he was supposed to complete when he returned from the Kargil war. As India's political scenario changed and the Kargil war was on, the 22-year-old Robin relied on letters to communicate with his family. The exchange of letters is very well documented in the biography by the co-authors. Robin would often rely on the idea that "India is a country that is 'great' and is worth 'dying for'" The incidents during the war, where he meets the young girl Ruksana and writes about her to his parents, will definitely leave you in tears. Robin had a secret lady love Naina (as mentioned in the book). But the country stood first to Robin rather than his family or his lady love. We remember that Vijyant is known for his valor, but through this book, we get to experience his humane side, whether that be helping the distressed or taking the responsibility of Rukhsana.

When Kargil war was on, Robin and his brother in the arm – Capt Kengruese loved their superior officer Major Padmapani Acharya. They fondly called him Tau and his newly wedded, then-pregnant wife, Tai. Kengruese and Robin would visit their Tau and Tai for a cup of tea and would always be shy to pick up a conversation. When they realized their Tai was pregnant with the first child, they brought a teddy bear to gift to the unborn child.

 The last few chapters of the book are so gripping enough that it describes the importance of the Battle of Knoll's victory and the martyrdom of many brave hearts, including Robin, Capt. Kengruese, Capt Kalia, and Major Padmapani Acharya., MVC(P).

It indeed is a herculean task for the family members to write about their most challenging experience that they had gone through in their life. But as the proud father Col Thappar and a brave daughter, Dr. Dwivedi (D/o Maj CB Dwivedi – a Kargil martyr), decided that Robin's story must be retold to the generations to come, we all are reading the book 'Vijayant at Kargil.' 

I would say that Robin's strong belief in the Almighty is beyond description. Because without such Otherwise, how could he foresee a lot for himself, including a posthumous award?

If the reader doesn't get tears of pride and pain in his last letter, which is a testimony of great 'Inspiration,' then there is nothing more to say. Robin displayed great traits of bravery, courage & inspiration. Before the attack on 'Knoll,' his daring sermon that nobody will turn back speaks volumes of his inspiring leadership. The capture of 'Knoll,' an extremely challenging operation, became a 'Turning Point' of the Kargil War under his command. Though the Nation won the Kargil War, there will be many untold stories of pain and loneliness that will never be known to the world!

After reading this book ;

1. I missed Robin and his Tau, unlike ever before. How I wish Robin came back to complete his diary, to his cousin's wedding, to play with Birdie, to hug his parents, to meet Naina again.

2. Though the war sings the valor and victory, some families are shattered forever. The unpaid debt of 450, the unkept promise of gold Jewelry, the unread letter in the pocket, saving a fellow officer, and dying because the protected officer is a young girl's father, and what not... every incident made me cry. After working with the noble organization called "Team DESH" I began Knowing Mrs. Acharya, Col Thappar and the Dwivedis, and other families, I feel heaviness in my chest that I presume will never go away.

Robins's story needs to be known to every young man to come. Finally, the lesson learned is to Live life king size! Kudos to Thappar uncle and Neha for this fantastic book.

Raja Ramachandra ki Jai!

JaiHind.

Breaking the stereotypes – Women in Safety profession !

EHS – Occupational Safety Officer – Health Safety Officer – Safety officer : A field that ‘was’ completely male dominant field with relatively less or even no woman working in the field. Have we ever wondered at the first instance, why women were not considered for this field, initially? When women were the ‘home-makers’ where they took care of ‘fire – safety’ while cooking, ‘road safety’ while taking their children to the school, ‘ergonomics’ while they correct the posture of the “working” husband and kids, ‘Health safety’ while feeding the family..? 

When the home maker woman considers the safety of her family members as her priority in all possible ways, why was a woman not considered fit for a “Health Safety Officer”? As difficult as it is for the society to visualize a male for a nurse, it is for visualizing a female officer for construction safety or biosafety or as a whole, Industrial safety. Of recent, a woman is not considered a rare face in the (mid)leadership of safety. Looking at the improvements, one can confidentially say that the percent of women working in safety field has tremendously increased from then to now. 

Way back in 1986, when one of the first females – Abrams was joining the field, she was taken aback by the statement that she would be terminated from the work if she gets pregnant. One may see a woman as safety managers, safety directors, very rarely vice president within a larger corporate safety program. Don’t you think this needs to change ? Don’t you think we need to Recognize women who are qualified for these positions? Don’t you think we must not discount them because of their gender? Why don’t we break the gender stereotype in professions?

Four Years in absence . . !

It has been four years without your laugh, without your teasing, without your advises, without the sound of your bike, without your charanagosham, and without the physical YOU. It has been four years of toiling, four years of solitude, four years of non-thoughtfulness. Yes, Four years of search, four years of new people, and four years of newest experiences and four years of non-stop tears.

Thoughts and photographic memories are something that I never could stop myself from having. Making friends and spending time with friends is something that both of us were interested in.  A syncing interest that we shared. Festivals, Birthdays and anniversaries actually stir up my emotions like a stone in the puddle. I clearly remember that day how you had conversed with me. I clearly remember that day when I walked into the morgue only to see a faceless you. I dragged the ice box to see the morbid, strong yet the lifeless hands that used to hug me and hit me. I still remember the demon in me with which I was fighting when I pushed you into the furnace only to receive the ashes of yours.

But again, the same me, clearly can recall how you made me smile. Tears of joy well my eyes when I see you in all my dreams. Hairs of my body raise up in respect, every time, when you ensure your presence in all our way long. Yes, I remember you coming as rain when I tied my rakhis every year since then. I remember you kissing me as rain drops when I do something that makes you pride. 

When He had his trip to Sabarimala - Probably the last one as a mortal man

Of course, I even remember you from the regular dream where you walk with a blue dhoti and sandal wood paste all over your golden body. You glitter. You shimmer. You sparkle . I rejoice at the very sight of you who have not aged a minute from what I saw you four years ago. I open the door just to let you in. But, what entered was just the golden rays of the early morning sun, brightening up the whole room. The excitements, the anxiety, the potpourri of emotions wake me up every single time and all I wake up to find is that my mobile screen displays 04.44am in the morning, in reality. I keep searching for you every time when a ray of light hits my window.

I am dying to sleep every day to see this dream again and again but my mind has become more cautious that it never lets me feel asleep to wake up to this beautiful dream of seeing you. And, every day in this big round earth makes me closer to you by a day and hence, I am glad about it.

The joy of receiving . . . !

Raksha Bandan – As the word says it all – A relationship that protects. It is, to me this time of the year when the heart flinches, aches and the mind hurts but at the end, the heart and mind come to a conclusion that “Kailash is up above the world so high and Like a diamond in the sky (in my eye too).” The struggle that the heart and mind faces to console each other is truly beyond any words. I am in a way lucky to have many brothers in my life who always give me a piece of mind, when I always needed it so badly. Three years after his demise, every memory remains so fresh, so painful and some memories very joyful. When I pulled down and confined myself from not celebrating this festival any more, there came souls few beautiful souls with their arms open to hug me as their sister, to protect me as their little sister and to make me laugh again. They make sure that, I celebrate the sisterhood and brotherhood relationship with them in Rakis and in spirit. Thank you Gowthaman, Venkat Anna, Velhu Anna, Prem, Raj , Sudhir and Sathya . These people have never let me down at any cost. They stay with me through thick and thin. This year, Ashwin, Vignesh and Karthik Kumar, made me feel good through their unconditional love, and thanks for this!

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

Said, the greatest writer. True. Mercy hath blesseth me that takes it. There are yet another two beautiful souls, who came into my life, as such a blissful friends, sisters, and what not. These people kindled the burning spirit of patriotism with in. The included me in their Desh family. They made me realize that I can thank and also pray for the well-being of the Men in Green, who are battling in a fluid situations across the borders of our country. My dreams for sending Rakis to border was always there behind my head and I would send the Rakis to the soldiers’ home. May be one or two, whom so ever I knew. These two wonderful ladies, Adrija Sen and Anasuya Mitra – founders of Desh, made possible the vision I was dreaming. Having sent few thousand rakis to the border, I had the joy of meeting Capt. Naveen Nagappa – A Kargil Veteran, and celebrate this joyous festive with him. After three years, I started celebrating this festival, back in India. And that joy knows no bounds. The ecstasy of receiving blessings, receiving love, receiving Shanmathis, receiving hugs, receiving time to spend with loved ones, receiving a letter of thanks, and many more, that ecstasy cannot be described in words. These brave Indian Faujis always keep us at the receiving end and they gracefully, big - heartedly stay at the giving end. But, again, this is purest bliss. A Raksha Bandan with those who protect us, always and in all ways. Endharo Mahanubhavulu…

PS:: Thank you Indian Army for your sweets, Thank You 56APO for your letter, Thank you Mrs Sowmya  Naveen ma'am for your beautiful shanmathi, Thank You Velhu Anna for the love, Thank you Venkat Anna for your presence, Thank you Prem and Raj for the promotion as Aththai, Thank You Raji Di and Anu Di for the confidence and yes, Thank you Kailash for being the Best Brother ever that I can never compromise on anything less !

In memory of . . .

Dear sister, 

Think not, that I left you. 

Think not, that you are alone.

Think not, that I don't love you. 

Dr Raj Kailash Mohan dressed as a Hindu Prophet

I am here,

up above you all.

I am here,

watching you from dawn to dusk. 

I am here,

when the sun kisses the earth. 

I am here,

when the moon hugs the sand. 

I am here, 

when you feel lonely to collapse.

I am here,

when you cry in fear of insecurity.

Believe me,

There are shadows,

because there is light

on the other side.

I am on the other side,

guiding you with my light. 

In memory of my brother, Dr.Raj Kailash Mohan (23/JUN/1993 to 16/APR/2015)

Kargil Vijay Divas - 2018

The most awaited time came into existence on June 30 2018, at banglore. I walked into the house of Adrija Sen, Co-Founder of Desh. I was meeting every one of them personally that day despite being friends in the virtual world for about 3 to 4 years. Devraj Uncle, Father of Capt. Tushar Mahajn(9 Para) was already there. He greeted me with a smile. Vikas Manhas, the Guiding Light of Team Desh was also there and we greeted with a hug, as if we were knowing each other for ages.

Capt.Naveen Nagappa who was a Kargil war veteran himself, arrived with a smile. I had read a lot about Capt. Naveen and the way how he had been meeting many martyrs in his recent days, the compassion he was sharing with his copatriots moved me. Meeting every one of the real heroes, be it an army man or the brave family members of the bravest, gave me chills deep down to my spine. When I met Sangeetha, Wife of Major Akshay Girish, I had a feel of guilt and pain, the pain of seeing a girl of my age, suffering an irreparable loss and the guilt, "What did we as citizens or the government as a Nation do the brave Major? How was the twin child of The Girishs recognized?"

The event started with cutting cake, Naina AkshaySangeetha, D/O of Major Akshay & Sangeetha Akshay, Capt Naveen Nagappa, Devraj Uncle, Aparajitha and others did the honors, cutting the cake and sharing happiness of the 19th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations.

Mrs. Charulatha Acharya fondly known as Charu akka, joined all of us through the video call. Her brief conversation with all of us made us glad and joyful. Mrs.Anasuya, CoFounder of Desh started telling how Team Desh was started. Few years ago, Vikas(a stranger then) called Anasuya in her father's mobile to connect and the strangers spoke for one hour about Indian Army and their bravery and then on started the journey of Desh. When the three of them got connected with Mrs.Aacharya, she offered her helping hand to approach the martyrs' family members as she herself was one inorder to gain the trust of them. And now, Team Desh has close to 8000 members and probably the only group where Patriotism towards Motherland is not only discussed but implemented in real lives.

I was asked to give a brief about Kargil War. And, with the heroes and the bravests next to me, I did stammer to give a gist of it, as the entire event was live telecast-ed. Post which, Deepak Surana, the young author of the book, "THE SHERSHAH OF KARGIL-CAPTAIN VIKRAM BATRA" spoke of how the soldiers captured Point 4875 where Capt. Vikram Batra was martyred. The way young little boy explained, brought tears in almost every one's eyes. 

Desh - Kargil Meet - 2018.

The most awaited moment came, when the hero himself, Capt. Naveen Nagappa, spoke about his experiences in Kargil. We told him if it was painful to talk, not to talk. He started sharing his stories. During the fight, he saw the enemies' mortal remains being shattered during the fight. He realized that part of the body belonged to a corpse lying near by. His first thought was why should he touch it, why cant he kick the flesh morsel to the corpse. His morale dint allow him. He further thought to push it with the riffle he had in hands. But he ended up picking the flesh morsel putting it to the right corpse, purely because his moral knowledge did not allow him to disrespect any corpse. He also shared that, when the enemy's army disowned few soldiers, it was Indian Army who cremated the soldiers with due respects. All these days, I thought an army man as a synonym for unmatched bravery and grit. But, Capt. Naveen Nagappa proved to all of us through his every experience that Indian soldier is a remarkable human being who is spiritually evolved, ethically right, morally perfect, mentally stoic and physically hardy and skilled. Many wars and battles are won by them because of their moral perfection and strong determination with perfect discipline. 

Captain Tushar Mahajan's father Shri.Devraj , Major Akshay Girish's mother Mrs Megna Girish, Col. Jojan Thomas' Wife Beena Thomas, Group Captain Ashwini Mandukot and his mother, Mrs Archana Rajput wife of Colonel Jaideep Singh Salaria, Mrs. Shakuntala Bhandarkar wife of Colonel Ajit Bhandarka and Mother of Navy officer Akshay Bhandarkar, spoke about their experiences and inturn their kin's drive to join Indian Army and Defence forces. 

An inspiring, priding pain meet ended with amazing dinner cooked by various people with love!

After the end of two hours, I came to yet another realization. It is indeed very very easy for people like you and me who live in the freedom given to us by brave soldiers to talk about battles and wars and intolerance.But the real pain of a soldier who fought in the battles, some of them who made supreme sacrifices, who lost their body parts, and those families who opened the doors to the coffins that had their loved ones, wrapped in the Tri Color Flag, the daughters and sons who grew up fatherless, the brave ladies who brought up every one in the family with bravery and guts... No we do not know any of these pains. No, we don't even know what is happening in the border or what happened during these wars. No, we don't care about the real heroes who are letting us live by dying a horrible death in the hands of enemies.
We must grow up to be a sensible human being and a responsible citizen to honor the supreme sacrifices of many many families out there.  Let us respect the sacrifice and try to teach our children their stories of bravery. Let us try to put the welfare of Nation first. Let us be the change that we want to see.

PS, The Flag that we are holding is a memorable Pride in Pain memoir, in which a hero came wrapped to his home. When I touched the flag, it was a perfect moment where tears welled in my eyes and I felt the pride of being An Indian. JAIHIND.

Memoies On (the) line . . . !

Kailash always believed that life is the greatest gift we are bestowed with and time – the greatest of the greatest gift that we can gift each other. Generally, for any events, be it big or small, he would make sure that he spent time with family and loved ones. When I met my friend who eventually was his college senior too, I was glad to know more about the other side of him – the naughty, the responsible and the crazier side of him. He was gentle to his friends. He had fun and made everyone around him, smile. He was caring to mostly all of them. His senior told, “Kailash ensured that I ate properly even when I am sick.”

 It’s happiness in remembering him the way he would have wanted everyone to remember. It is like holding on to the memories and the love that he shared with everyone. Because of the love that he shared with everyone around him so personally, grieving for him came as an optional while celebrating his life became a mandate. 

For siblings like us who never shared stuffs tagging each other, online in any media or any whatsapp, I feel it to be very odd to hear stories or see posts of brothers and sisters. However, I was sad about it. For long time I was even not in his friends’ list of face book or orkut. But, in reality, we fought crazily with each other and yet we loved each other unconditionally. It reminded me of the strong bond that we shared. I kept wishing him on his birthdays, when he passed and all other events, though he dint like it. He would be like, "When I am just a phone call away, why do you want to tell the whole world your wishes but not me?" I stopped at one point not knowing that he would not be physically around to read it and call me to scold!

The irony is, I began to write memoirs, only two years later, coz even then I am not sure if I would be able to write anything about him other than monotonous pain of missing him. But, I was wrong then.

It has been a year since

I started celebrating his life publicly,

I stared to tell tales about him to people who knew or not him,

I realized that the inevitable pain can be transformed into bliss by sharing joyous moments,

I realized that he shall be always the guiding force to strive through the strife!