ZOOM made the Commissioning Day !After 48 years for SS-15
& Tech-6 course mates
The unforgettable, significant and memorable day for 298 Gentlemen Cadets of the SS-15 and Technical 6 Batch , commissioned into the Army on 29 Apr 1973 as young Second Lieutenants bubbling with energy with chests swell with pride.
It is a proud moment where after rigorous training, one is finally acknowledged as an OFFICER of the Indian Defence Services and special pride for their parents. Today after 48 years those who could make via ZOOM(On line app) on their computers were able to watch how young childish faces after 48 yrs have turned into handsome young senior veterans with grey hairs and beards. 29 Apr 1973 , was this day when with that coveted one star adorned on their shoulders with their regimental accoutrements shone distinctly on their uniform, they moved within the academy with their chest up and head held high. The feelings were unique and UN equivocal. To commemorate and bring back those nostalgic moments the course organised a Virtual Celebrations over a Zoom Meeting wherein officers from across the world attended i.e. Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada . They all remembered the events of that momentous day starting from the passing out parade in the morning to the pipping ceremony at night.
The grey haired and bearded Officers of the batch along with their graceful wives had a special twinkle in their eyes and symptomatic smiles .The common dialogue was “Today when we sit back, all that seems only yesterday.” In those good old days the Defence Services career was the most sought after and to have become part of it as an Officer at the prime young age of 20 years , was a matter of great pride.
While congratulating each other on the occasion, they remembered and paid tributes to those batch mates who have achieved their heavenly abode, with some are on war with Covid. Sharing some pics of that memorable day of our Life …..Our Commissioning Day!
The officers and their Spouses are now eagerly looking forward to the Golden Jubilee in 2023 which they all hope they will be able to celebrate physically at the Officers Training Academy at Chennai.
Two veterans have become pillars of Sanjha Morcha and ESM welfare association ie Col Charanjit Singh Khera as Gen Secy since 2009 and now Brig HPS Bedi VSM as Haryana State President
Jai Hind
HOW YOUNG FACES CHANGED WITH TIME AND EXPERIENCE :
POEM ON COMMISSIONING DAY
Commissioning poem
On this day some 48 years ago,
There were go getters, strutting about like peacocks,
In full Army regalia,
Dreams getting fulfilled of the flock,
There was swagger in walk, confidence in talk,
They had come away from no one to someone, after the drill square squad,
The OG had converted, lads into soldiers and gentlemen,
With solemn prayers on lips to live by the oath,
Defend the nation, whatever be the cost,
Nostalgia gripping today, thinking of that pipping,
The crew cuts of 1973 are now bald grandpas
Life passed though like desert sand out of hands,
Loved ,lived each minute no regrets,
Oh Lord,if there is another life,
send us to OTS, I say with folded hands 🙏🙏
Major Gurdeep Samra
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
This day 48 years back, my friends
Was a red letter day for all of us
Who from cadets became Officers
Thus realizing our long cherished dreams.
The Magnificent Army of ours
Had just a few months before
Delivered a resounding victory
In the wake of which we all had
Walked into the hallowed portals of OTS.
Dashing and romantic youngsters
We were when we offered ourselves
For months of rigorous training
In quest of our dream of being pipped.
We had chosen sweat, dust and grime
And the rough, tough and the sapping grind
Of months to the cosy and comfortable
Life our friends in college had opted for.
Besides the rigours of training
Including PT, WT, Drill and Excercises
We put up with, with equanimity,
The crew cut, bullshit and ragging
Rolling, crawling and patti parades,
Countless runs to P Hill and around khajjis,
All together in a span of 10 months
To come out shining to wear those pips.
A few of us bid adieu while in harness
A few after hanging up the boots
And a few recently as is the order of life.
Let us bow our heads to those dear souls
And celebrate the day together
For all of us and on their behalf too.
Let us raise a toast to the collective spirit
Grit and bonhomie of SS 15 & Tech 6.
Let us hope we all make it to the next one
And celebrate the Golden Jubilee together.
🥂Cheers
Col Muraleedharan Nair
MESSAGES FROM COURSEMATES
[ Hello Course Mates,
Heartiest Congratulations on our Commissioning Date.
Sorry, I have not been active on the Course Group, for personal reasons, but I regard the OTS Phase as a primary one in my life, and my CMs as those gems whom any of us can fall back upon any time. I can never forget the emotional support I got from my CM friends when my Wife left me in Oct 19.
On this day, I pray for those who are back to Heaven, and also wish good health, happiness and s long, contented life to all of you and your Families.
I am in Goa- any help, please reach out.
While each Course get-together in Delhi has been memorable, I apologise for missing the Zoom Meeting, for an unavoidable duty of taking care of COVID positives, and those left behind by my RIP friends.
Regards & best wishes,
And Cheers !
- Brig Arun Vyas
+91 98180 60445: (GC 9774 Jessami-
Ord)
