The Navy prides itself on the various, some would call them quirky, Indian Navy customs and traditions – most carried forward from the British, and long discarded by them. Examples include:- I would like, however, to dwell on one of the particularly awkward Indian Navy customs – the ‘call on’….
Trouser Wearing Guide : A Middle-Aged Man’s Guide to Sanity
Bertie – “There are moments, Jeeves, when one asks oneself, ‘Do trousers matter?’” Jeeves – “The mood will pass, sir.” For someone like me, who has spent two thirds of my life in the Armed Forces, trousers (or any other article of clothing), always need careful consideration. The young don’t agree. (Neither…
Marriage Comedy Blog : Cleopatra Cries & the Lizard Wars
The Wife came across a recommendation on Insta about a movie we should watch. This would have been simple about three decades earlier where the sequence of events would be to switch on TV… watch TV. Those were simpler times and I had written about it earlier. The instant case…
10 Easy Steps to Becoming a Field Marshal : The Secret Diary of Asim Munir
Breaking – Pakistan Army Chief Becoming a Field Marshal Soon! Occasionally, Governments of the world bestow the rank of Field Marshal, a largely ceremonial rank to retired Generals, as a token of recognition for their leadership skills, especially in combat. Names such as Rommel, Montgomery and our very own Field…
Viral Ambitions and Ministerial Confusions: A Pakistani Comedy Act
In these tension filled moments between India and Pakistan, Mr Khawaja Muhammad Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, stands out as would Arnab Goswami dancing the flamenco. He is unique. So unique that this post could well be titled Khawaja Asif Blunders. Indians may not know the Indian Defence Minister,…
Navy Accommodation Woes – Roti, Kapda aur (No) Makaan
Through fingers splayed across his face, Manoj Kumar (RIP) told us that ‘Roti, Kapda aur Makaan’ are basic needs for humans to exist. No one can disagree. Unless of course you are in the Navy, where accommodation woes are not all that uncommon. Roti – Check. Kapda, Check. Makaan –…
Waiting for Sonu Nigam: A Story of Impatient Indians at Concerts
I had written sometime earlier about impatient Indians (and those keen to broaden their horizons can read about it here, or for that matter here again). I’m no different. For example, I hate waiting for … Off to a Concert But my impatience really peaks when fun things that I…