This post about an NDA Cadet’s life, is also dedicated to our dear departed course-mate, the ever smiling, ever positive, Joginder Chandna. Chandna was born to run and was, to my amazement, happiest when participating in Marathons, burning up the miles with his graceful and fluid running strides. May his…
Navy Humour Stories. Life is the Greatest equaliser!
Having just been promoted to Captain in the Navy, I faced more than one unexpected surprise. I was called to Naval Headquarters, New Delhi for some work. Ordinarily, an official move such as this should be a smooth affair, with vehicle and accommodation being arranged by the Navy. Equally ordinarily…
A Witty Military Story. The First Punch and All Goes Black!
As I have mentioned in some previous posts, training at the National Defence Academy lays considerable emphasis on physical fitness. This emphasis sees the Academy organising a large number of activities such as PT, swimming, drill, troop games, etc. This post relates to one of these activities, viz, Boxing. Boxing…
Observations on Indian Life. Indian Bargaining Techniques
India being yet, despite the recent spurt in growth, a poor country, her citizens love to get maximum value for the buck in all situations. None more so than when it comes to street shopping. This is one area where men are novices in Indian bargaining techniques and have yielded…
Military Chronicles. You think jumping is easy? Think again!
I had made a passing mention of jumping from the 7 m board into a swimming pool in an earlier post here, being an integral part of training at NDA (National Defence Academy). Well, this post aims to delve deeper into this life altering experience. To recap – Training at…
Real India Through Humour. The land of history, resourcefulness and ingenuity.
Funny Indian Crime Story. Do you know this Indian State? Well it is Bihar. Its honest citizens are hardworking and have this amazing knack of finding humour while answering the most trying of stereotypical questions. (Sample this – “Wahan toh sab raat 8 baje bandh ho jaata hoga?”. “Bhai, NOIDA…
Military Memories. Swimming is Fun. Learning, not so much
Swimming training at NDA is, as with most things related to the Armed Forces,not the place to seek logic. Just like the system of privileges that seniority bestows. Within the Squadrons (hostels) at the National Defence Academy (NDA), there are marked (some would say silly) differences in how one dresses,…