A Colonel's Crusades with Destiny an Autobiography

By Sateesh Bhola

The book is basically about my hardships, challenges, and struggles encountered at every stage of my life, right from the Adolescence age till retirement from the Indian Army and thereafter, and how I overcame these with sagacity, resolute will power, determination, wisdom, and by remaining in a state of high life condition. My supersession in the army never dampened my spirits or traumatized me or my family. I continued to give my very best under all circumstances and situations. Like any other person, I too had my infatuations, crushes, and emotional attachment with the opposite sex. But my loyalties with my wife were never compromised. We are leading a very happy and contented married life with total harmony in the family comprising of my two sons and one daughter- in - law and my 3 grandchildren. My eldest son is married to an Irish lady and they are staying in Drogheda county in Ireland. Incidentally, the marriage of my son was solemnized in our presence in Ireland in July 2010.

Truth has been my fundamental ingredient, which put me in embarrassing situations many times. I firmly believe in the dictum that," A bitter Truth is always better than a sweet lie and two wrongs do not make a right." Whatever tasks were entrusted to me were undertaken by me meticulously and methodically in an honest and transparent manner without bothering about the negative perception, if any of others.

I and my wife 's induction into Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism was a shot in the arm, which provided us with a golden opportunity to improve ourselves as good human beings and continue to lead a life of " Absolute Happiness." I have always endeavored to live a King-sized life on my own terms and conditions. I have been very candid ( but not a cribber ) in my opinions in calling a spade a spade, leading to my genuine and selfless intentions to be misconstrued at times in the environment. And for which I had to suffer emotionally.

I was a regular nonstop drinker for 43 years, but suddenly I left this addiction including gambling of horse racing and IPL cricket matches a few years ago in February 2017. It was purely due to my determination and will power, especially doing so without any therapy, medical intervention, and rehabilitation. My friends have been my lifeline and I always endeared to love and like their company. Writing my Autobiography was my long-cherished dream, which I ventured to fructify during this sudden lockout enforced upon us due to the corona virus. I always knew my inner strengths and weaknesses. Nothing is impossible in this world and I firmly believe in the dictum that, " you become whatever you think.

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd
• Release date: Nov 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9789390543168

Sateesh Bhola

Col. Sateesh Bhola alias Satish Kumar is the first generation army officer of his ancestry. Suppression, though distressing, has never impacted his psyche or acted as a dampener for his spirits or traumatized him or his family. He firmly believes in the dictum that, " There are two tragedies in life; one is to lose your heart's desire and the other is to gain it.

Book preview

My Professional Life

CHAPTER 1

1.1.Early life.

On the 11th February, 1949, I was born in New Delhi at 47, Church Road in Bhogal. My parents, refugees from Talagang in Pakistan’s Chakwal district, moved to Patiala and then to New Delhi in 1948, one year after the devastating Partition. They lived in a rented house for quite some time in Bhogal/Jangpura-A until they were relocated to single-storey quarters measuring 100 Square yards each. In 1956, these were distributed to refugees for quick rehabilitation. My parents told me that they only had to pay just a small sum of Rs 5000/ for the dwelling unit, and that they had to pay it in easy instalments. The neighbourhood was mostly populated by marginalised and illiterate persons from the lower social strata of society, such as Tangewallas (horse - cart drivers) from Peshawar district, Kabbadis (junk - sellers) and small- time shopkeepers, who lived in double -storey buildings of 66 Square yards each in similar colonies like Jangpura-A, Jangpura-B, Jangpura Extension, Pant Nagar, Vinoba Puri, Amar Colony and Lajpat Nagar. By any standards of the period, the nearby colonies of Nizamuddin (East and West) and Sundar Nagar were considered affluent and expensive. Jangpura is a prominent area in Delhi’s Southeast district. The Hazrat-Nizamuddin railway station, as well as hospitals like Apollo, Escorts, Holy family, and Moolchand, and markets such as Bhogal, Lajpat Nagar and South Extension, are all close by. On holidays and Sundays, I spent some valuable time at the famous historical tombs of Khan-I-Khana and Humayun for my individual studies and tuitions.

My father was a BA graduate of DAV College in Lahore, while my mother had completed the eighth grade. She was fluent in written Gurmukhi, which is usually referred to as Sikh script and is the official script of Punjabi and was proficient and competent in reciting the entire Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) hymns /Shabads, and she used to do so regularly by visiting a nearby Gurudwara until she passed away on July 20, 2017 at the ripe age of 93 years.

A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.

My father worked as an Auditor for AGCR- Accountant General Central Revenues and had a wonderful working relationship with the powerful in the Central Government. He was well-known for his honesty, unwavering integrity and unwavering dedication to peers, co-workers and superiors. He had a burning ambition to make me an Army Officer since I was born because it was the most popular and lucrative career option for well-to-do families at that time. However, as the eldest son of five siblings, my mother had qualms about sending me into the military forces. As a result of this, I was unable to gain admission to the Sainik School in Kunjpura, Karnal.

But, in the end, my father’s will won out, and I am who I am today as a result of his passionate indulgence. As a father, he used to always accompany me to all of my Services Selection Boards, most likely to provide moral support and encouragement. I am not sure how he managed to spend his days at the railway station retiring room while I was still going through the selection process. In 1983, he was involved in a terrible road accident and had to have surgery of his hip, which unfortunately resulted in a slew of health issues. Due to these complications, he died peacefully on January 8, 1991. I vividly recall my father’s signature Hercules Cycle which he used to ride to and from office with utmost comfort, happiness, pride and ease. The cycle had become synonymous with his straightforward, unassuming demeanor and way of life. Local residents affectionately referred to him as Babu Ji because of his high regard among them. Though he was a non - vegetarian, he never drank alcohol or smoked cigarettes.

He was a firm believer in the Arya Samaj. (This is a monotheistic Indian Hindu reform movement that promotes values and practices based on the belief in the infallible authority of the Vedas). He never forced his religion on others, allowing them to preach whatever religion they wanted. My mother, on the other hand, had religious origins in Sanatham Dharam (Eternal religion). She was also a follower of Sikhism. We were given the option of choosing any religion we wanted, but used to celebrate all Hindu rites, ceremonies, and festivals with our families and friends at home, though.

At the youthful age of 15 years and 2 months, I passed my Higher Secondary Exam from the old Quetta DAV Higher Secondary School in East Nizamuddin, now known as GA DAV Senior Secondary School. I had to get special permission from the CBSC - Central Board of Secondary Education to take the exam at such a young age, as opposed to the permitted age of 16 years. This situation had been inadvertently created because I enrolled in the same school in 1958, straight from third to fifth grade, bypassing fourth grade.

Nonetheless, with subjects like English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Mechanical Drawing, I passed the exam on first attempt. However, because I was underage, I was not eligible for admission to any Delhi University college. I did not apply for admission to Jamia Millia University in Okhla, which did not have an age limit and was conveniently placed near our home. In any case, due to poor percentage of marks I would not have been able to go into BSc (Bachelor of Science). Having studied Science in high school, I was never interested in perusing a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree. Hence, I was persuaded by my father to enroll in Hindu College in Sonepat, Punjab, to study Pre-Engineering in order to seek a career as a full-fledged Engineer later in life and avoid wasting a valuable academic year. There was no age restriction for admission, unlike Delhi University. I recall boarding the Bombay - Derhadun Express train from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station after walking a substantial distance from home. In comparison to now, the station was then relatively peaceful and abandoned, with no hustle or activity of any kind. Despite weak signaling systems, trains arriving from other out stations were frequently on time. I went to the New Delhi Railway Station after boarding the train at 7.10 am to catch the Panipat shuttle train, which left at 8.10 am. This was a passenger train that took around two hours to travel 44 kilometers from New Delhi to Sonepat, passing through stations such as Subzi Mandi, Azadpur, Badli, Khera Kalan, Narela, and Rathdhana. I had created a three-month boarding pass that would need to be renewed on a regular basis. The start of the first study period was usually timed to correspond with the train’s schedule.

It would be late evening hours and I would be exhausted by the time I finished attending my classes at the college and returned home. This became an unavoidable part of my daily routine, depleting my emotional, recreational, and psychological resources. It was impossible for a healthy young man like myself to dedicate sufficient time to my focused studies, despite the fact that there was no homework or any assignments. However, I spent the majority of my time travelling and occasionally skipping lectures with like-minded students to watch an unusual film at the Ritz or Jagat Cinemas near the main Delhi Railway station. Even if watching movies was not my passion, I remember taking after-dinner strolls to the nearby EROS cinema to look at the posters for new black -and-white films and occasionally purchasing a sweet Meetha pan (sweet betel leaf). I was given a daily pocket stipend of Rs 5/6, which covered everything from transport fares to light snacks.

Those were the days when people lived Eco-friendly, Environment-friendly, and Nature-friendly lifestyles. The term Pollution was unheard of during those times! The very sight of deserted roads after twilight hours was a tremendous lure to stroll around freely in our casuals, such as Pyjamas (loose-fitting trousers for sleeping or lounging), without fear of being seen or being judged. Anyway, as expected, I failed the aforementioned exam in 1965 due to a lack of preparation and commitment to methodical study. Military training, in the shape of the National Cadet Corps aka NCC was both compulsory as well as an optional subject for the exam. Despite the fact that we never attended any indoor lectures or training camps, we used to enjoy a hot glass of milk and snacks after the required Parade and before boarding the train to Delhi / New Delhi. The majority of the trains’ schedules became familiar to us.

After clearing my Higher Secondary Exam in March 1964, my primary goal was to qualify for the National Defence Academy (NDA), for which I had already began the road. I failed in my first attempt in the written test of June 1964, but it gave me the confidence and experience I needed to tackle future written examinations with ease and a carefree attitude. It might be prudent to mention that one of my classmates had completed the 32 NDA course and was assigned to the Guards Regiment when he graduated in June 1968. He then retired as a Lt Gen from the Army Headquarters in the appointment of QMG- Quarter Master General. I have always been proud of my friends who have done exceptionally well in their lives. Sudhir Sharma is one of those people. He attended the elite Staff College in Camberely, England, and afterwards served as Military Attache’ in London.

However, despite my wishes, I was not meant to follow him to Khadakvasla. As fate would have it, I passed both the written and the No 11 SSB Interview in Merrut Cantt (Army speak for Cantonment) in December 1964. It was most likely the 33rd NDA course. Because the Air Force was my second choice, I cleared my PABT - Pilot Aptitude Battery Test, which was held after a few days at Dehradun soon after my having passed the rigorous medical exam at the Military Hospital in Merrut Cantt. By any measure, my clearing the SSB in first attempt was a huge accomplishment. It was the happiest day of my adolescence, and we hosted a huge party at home to celebrate. My parents were overjoyed to the point where my mother as a good omen, in her joy, distributed Laddus (sphere - shaped sweet made of flour and originating from the Indian subcontinent) to the familiar individuals in our neighborhood, unaware that a merit list was also prepared for final selection and admission into the NDA. As a result, we only realised it afterwards, because fate plays a significant role in our live.

Unfortunately, there were only 253 places for the 33 NDA course, and I was apprised by my father’s friend, who worked for the UPSC as an Under Secretary, that I would not be able to make the merit list, and hence would be denied the golden opportunity to join the much - hyped NDA. This, understandably, disheartened both my parents and myself. However, I was dead set on joining the Indian Army. As a result, taking NDA written exam every six months became a routine that I cherished with all my heart. I did relatively well in school, and my father made sure that I read the English newspaper and the Competition Master Magazine on a daily basis to develop my general knowledge and keep up with the current events at the national and international levels. This gave me more time to spend to the Sports Page, which allowed me to stay updated with the news in athletics, cricket, tennis, hockey and football.

I was oblivious of the underlying fact that human memory in childhood is qualitatively and quantitatively different from the memories formed and retrieved in late adolescence and the adult years. These implications were unknown to me. Every parent wants their child to succeed and live a comfortable life. They make sacrifices every single day to prepare us for the competitive world and endeavour to provide the best possible education, learning opportunities, nutrition, skills, life lessons and experiences. My parents also left no stone unturned to look after my academic interests and growth in life, despite all the imponderables of that time. This carries on from generation to generation. Those were the times when there was no television, no mobile phones, no internet and no electronic gadgets. Radio was a barely affordable luxury and so was a landline telephone. I remember we having a Philips Radio at home, which would be useful in listening to the running commentaries of live matches of cricket and hockey and Hindi and Punjabi news. I still recollect the name and voice of Devaki Nandan Pandey, the Hindi news reader and Melville de Melo, the English news reader of All India Radio (AIR). Listening to Binaca Geetmala was a great experience as a child as the voice of Ameen Sayani became syv with very popular Radio Ceylon.

1.2.Schooling at Quetta DAV Higher Secondary School.

Quetta DAV School was the only one nearest to our house, though the prestigious Delhi Public School, Mathura Road was also located barely a kilometre away. There were two other schools, viz. Modern School, Barakhamba Road, and The Frank Anthony Public School located a few kilometres away. Getting admission to those elite schools was an extremely difficult process since the school authorities had devised a stringent written test for admission of students in class VIII. Furthermore, my spoken and written English language skills were insufficient to gain admission based on my qualifications. As a result, Quetta DAV Higher Secondary Institution, which was a Hindi medium school was chosen. Despite the fact that it was located under teenage, it had intrinsic advantages due to its proximity to my residence and affordable fee structure. My parents could not afford to enroll me into any public school, let alone, Delhi Public School - DPS, because we were three siblings at that time and, perhaps, had financial limits, despite my father’s great central government income. My two younger siblings were born later, bringing the total number of children to five: three brothers and two sisters.

School buildings, classrooms, dedicated staff, playgrounds and huge libraries form a pertinent aspect of any school’s infrastructure. My preferred school was nothing in comparison. Good hygiene and sanitation were lacking, and toilets were non-existent. There was no greenery. The environment was, therefore, not conducive, where students could challenge to seek excellence academically, socially, physically, artistically and spiritually. There were no canteen facilities for refreshments - it was existing for namesake to cater only to the teaching staff. The only source of buying ice cream or other snacks were the vendors who would stand outside the school premises during our lunch recess. One good point about the school was that Physical Training with standing exercises were a regular morning ritual before the commencement of the first study period.

Even when I was promoted to the Ninth class, a very constructive and viable debate was held with my father and close friends (also keeping in mind my aptitude) as to what stream I should join class IX onwards —Science or Arts. Both options were available with the school except for subjects like Biology and Commerce. Ultimately, I chose the Science stream, which intrinsically suited my academic interests and my aptitude.

Grooming by my Sanskrit Teacher. Sanskrit was also one of the topics in my elementary school grades of Class VI, VII and VII. Despite being an introverted young kid, my teachers were blown away by my personality because I was easy going and full of enthusiasm. I distinctly recall my Sanskrit teacher initiating, training and grooming me in performing Havan (fire ritual) with a few other students during the fortnightly school assembly in front of the instructors and the Principal. It greatly lifted my spirits and gave me a chance to show off my latent abilities reciting the Gayatari Mantra and the Shanti Path verbatim without presenting any brochure, paper, or note. I eventually perfected the art of memorising both Mantras in letter and spirit throughout time. My teachers recognised my efforts and indulgence, and I became well-liked by both pupils and teachers.

At that particular time, I was not aware of the exact meaning of the Gayatri Mantra or the Shanti Paath, except having a little understanding that its dedicated chanting purified the environment to a large extent. It was only at a later stage that I understood the exact connotation and intrinsic meaning of these powerful chants. This prayer is not to seek the worldly riches, success, name or fame, nor is it a prayer of any desire for heaven.

Havan (Fire Ritual) was basically a ritual burning of offerings such as grains and ghee, which is held to mark births, marriages and other social occasions, whereas Shanti Paath is a mantra for peace, harmony and happiness.

1.3.Meaning of Shanti Paath in English.

Unto the Heaven be Peace. Unto the Sky and the Earth be Peace. Peace be unto the Water, Unto the Herbs and Trees be Peace. Unto all the GODS be Peace. Unto Brahma and Unto All be Peace and may we realise that Peace. OM PEACE, PEACE, PEACE.

Meaning of the Gayatri Mantra - It is a prayer dedicated to illuminating our intellect. It is directed towards enlightening us, giving us immense knowledge. Chanting of this mantra helps stimulate our brain, keeping us calm and focussed. It makes a person more resilient. Originating from Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, the Gayatri Mantra is addressed to the Sun and God Savitr.

MANTRA is a sacred utterance — a numinous sound, a syllable, a cluster of words believed to have psychological and spiritual powers.

Unbeknownst to myself, from the beginning, I was innocently but definitely doing good work in life. Looking back, I see it having accumulated good karma which helped me immensely to smoothen the journey of my life, despite the struggles I had to encounter. I was able to withstand my life’s challenges. It, therefore, implies that ‘Adversity is a Turning Point for Elevating our State of Life’. I was God-fearing and not God-friendly enough to just invoke HIS blessings at difficult times. We used to have Havan at our homes on a regular basis later in our lives after learning that reciting the Mantras had a pleasant and profound influence on everyone there, as well as making the dwelling place auspicious. The Gayatri Mantra is the mother of all Vedic mantras, and indeed the Vedas itself.

1.4.Pre-Engineering at DAV College, Ambala City.

After having exhausted all my attempts for admission into the National Defence Academy and keeping in mind my earlier failure in the Pre-Engineering exam, I still wanted to kill two birds with one stone. Firstly, I wanted to complete my Pre - Engineering, which was equivalent to an Intermediate qualification and a mandatory requirement for appearing as a DE -- Direct Entry Cadet for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun and other competitive exams held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Secondly, after completing this academic qualification, I again desired to prefer the DE Route to get inducted into the Army, since becoming an Army Officer was heavily playing on my mind. Even if failed in my attempt, I would be able to pursue further studies with Pre-Engineering as a sound foundation. The college was considered top notch under the stewardship of Mr Bhagwan Das, a renowned mathematician of those days. I had only the tell-tale stories of my not securing a merit vacancy in the 33 NDA course. I, therefore, took admission as a Hosteler in order to focus more competently on my studies. Despite having no prior experience of organising social or cultural activities, I was overwhelmingly voted as the Secretary of the Hostel Cultural Society. It was purely for the purpose of name and reputation, and it gave me direct access to the hostel Superintendent. I continued to play badminton and cricket, which were two of my favourite pastimes. My monthly expenses were under Rs 150/ per month, which comprised vegetarian meals, college and hostel fees, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Since it was my first sojourn outside the