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THE NATION REMEMBERS ITS BELOVED LEADER.
INDIRA GANDHI - 25 YEARS AFTER THE ASSASSINATION OF THE SPIRIT OF AN INDIAN ARMY OFFICER :
25 years ago, on October 31, 1984, Srimati. Indira Gandhi was brutally assassinated by her own bodyguards. The Nation has recently mourned her death and has also celebrated her 92nd Birth Anniversary. A year before her assassination, on September 18, 1983, Srimati. Indira Gandhi was unaware of the fact that a tiny flame got extinguished; a spirit got crushed at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, South Block, the Secretariat Building in New Delhi. The Prime Minister’s office is also in the same building. I would like to share that story; the story about a young Medical Officer who had joined the Army Medical Corps with a spirit to serve the Nation. The top bureaucrat of the Army Medical Corps chose to use his power and position to kill the spirit of this Junior Officer in broad daylight. The story begins and ends during the years Srimati. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India. This story narrates events in the course of my life’s journey and it does not mean that it pertains to past. These events belong to the life of the Nation. The entity called ‘NATION’ has a life and has an existence of its own. As long as this entity known to us as ‘INDIA’ exists, this story remains relevant and it cannot be buried as the remains of an individual’s past life. As long as I am alive, I would keep my memory alive and I will ask the Nation to read pages from its own life.
THE NATIONAL SPIRIT – A TINY FLAME GOT EXTINGUISHED. This Flame represents the ‘National Spirit’ of a Junior Officer who was serving in the Indian Army Medical Corps.This Flame got extinguished not because of Enemy Action.
The top bureaucrats in 1983 were not able to grasp any ethical considerations. A sense of objectivity got lost and only the sense of self-preservation characterized the actions of top ranking officials. Srimati. Indira Gandhi had also paid a very heavy price because of the trust she had placed in some of these career opportunists who had no real interest in serving the Nation.
THE SPIRIT OF INDIAN NATIONALISM :
I grew up in the post-independence era of a newly born Nation and was inspired by the Father of the Nation to seek National Identity and National Individuality.
I grew up as a kid drawing inspiration from India’s First Prime Minister to express my sense of loyalty and allegiance to a Nation called the Republic of India.
On November 14, 1958, I was a student at Danavaipeta Municipal High School, Rajahmundry when we first celebrated the Children’s Day. The School had received a brand new Public Announcement System and I gave a very inspired and eloquent speech during the School Assembly and had expressed my love and a sense of attachment to Prime Minister Nehru. During 1962, Prime Minister Nehru visited Nizamabad District to inaugurate the irrigation project at Pochampadu on the banks of River Godavari. Government Giriraj Arts College, Nizamabad had declared a Holiday. Myself, my father R. Suryanarayana Murthy who was then the Principal of that college, many of Staff Members and students converged at that venue in show of our love and admiration for Prime Minister Nehru.
THE CHINESE AGGRESSION AND THE INDIAN ARMY’S DEFEAT IN 1962. I HAD RECOGNIZED THAT INDIA MUST GET UNITED TO OPPOSE FOREIGN INVASION AND CONQUEST.
During 1962, in the wake of massive brutal attack by Communist China across the Himalayan frontier, I had developed a wish to serve in Indian Army which had experienced a very humiliating defeat. I was a student at Government Giriraj Arts College, Nizamabad. From 1962 to 1965, I had participated in the National Cadet Corps training, but I was not sure as to how I can to get into Army Service.
On January 24, 1966, Indira Gandhi became the First Woman Prime Minister of India heralding the Dawn of a New Era in India’s National Life.
I was a second year M.B.B.S.( First M.B.B.S. Part III ) student at Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool when Srimati. Indira Gandhi was chosen as the third Prime Minister of India. She had symbolized the spirit of Indian Nationalism. She had transcended the limitations imposed by deriving identity based upon region, religion, caste, and language. I was instantly attracted by the charisma of her personality which portrayed my vision of National Unity.
The Charisma of Indira Gandhi – She had portrayed my vision of National Unity.Image by Bettmann/CORBIS
I sent her a letter in my hand writing expressing my sense of pleasure for her appointment as the Prime Minister. She had graciously sent me a reply. In the year 1967, I met her at her official residence in New Delhi along with a batch of Student Delegates attending a National Student Seminar on National Integration. This four-week long Seminar was sponsored by Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, an International Youth Center.
Indira Gandhi – A Flame that got Extinguished : The National Student Seminar on National Integration organized by Vishwa Yuvak Kendra during June 1967 gave me the opportunity to declare that Indian people must come together and foster National Unity based upon a sense of devotion to the Nation and must not get distracted by an Identity that could be derived from a sense of social affiliation or association that is related to a person’s attachment to a particular region, religion, language, and caste. I had advocated that men must seek marital social relationships based upon National Identity and not that of Caste Identity.
Srimati. Indira Gandhi – A symbol of National Unity and a call for National Integration.
National Integration represents the idea of people of all regions and religions coming together, to work together, and to participate in National Affairs as equals. During 1969, a team of Army Medical Corps Officers had arrived at Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool to conduct interviews for selection of Final Year M.B.B.S. students for the grant of Short Service Regular Commission. Myself, and another student by name Ahmad Vali Jan got selected in the interview but he opted out. I was granted the rank of Second Lieutenant. I made this deliberate choice to join the Indian Army Medical Corps to serve the Nation and to take part in National Affairs to the fullest extent that could be possible.
Indira Gandhi – A Flame that got Extinguished : The decision to serve in Indian Army Medical Corps was made at Kurnool and I was granted Short Service Regular Commission in the rank of Second Lieutenant after an interview conducted at the Principal’s Office in the Administrative Block of Kurnool Medical College. Dr. Bhasker Reddy, Principal had conducted this interview along with a team of Army Medical Corps Medical Officers.
Indira Gandhi – A Flame that got Extinguished : The Flag of Indian Army Medical Corps. I made a deliberate choice to join the Army Medical Corps to serve the Nation.
Indira Gandhi – A Flame that got Extinguished : I will give the entire credit to Dr. Sripada Pinakapani, M.D., who served as Professor of Medicine and the Superintendent of Kurnool Government General Hospital until his retirement during August 1968, for his initiative to Extinguish the Spirit of Nationalism that I had displayed while I was a student at Kurnool Medical College. He had opposed my idea of ignoring my Brahmin Caste Identity to formulate a marital social relationship based upon a National Identity. He had influenced my paternal uncle, Dr. R. Anjaneyulu, M.D., D.G.O., Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, B.J. Medical College and Sassoon Hospitals, Pune and he had directed him to use his social contacts with Senior Army Medical Corps Officials at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune to defeat my intention to have a marital relationship with a person who does not belong to the Brahmin Caste. This threat was communicated to me verbally and in a personal letter that was sent to my father who was asked to deliver the threat to me. I had to relent and delayed my plans for marriage in a bid to avoid this confrontation. I was allowed to join Indian Army during July 1970 after obtaining my M.B.B.S. degree with the expectation that I would not compromise my Brahmin Caste Identity.
On 26 July 1970, I had reported for duty at Officers Training School, Army Medical Corps Centre & School in Lucknow. I had completed my training in Ambala Cantonment during 1971 and was fully ready for my role as a Medical Officer to provide medical care and support to our troops. Indeed, the opportunity to serve the Nation came to be true to my desire and my expectations.
The Prime Minister whom I knew. The first posting of my Indian Army Career took me to the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Secretariat.
SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE-OPERATION EAGLE 1971-LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH-GALLANTRY AWARD:
OPERATION EAGLE 1971 – A HISTORICAL MILITARY ACTION TAKEN BY PRIME MINISTER INDIRA GANDHI
During 1971, I had joined the Special Frontier Force on deputation from Indian Army. I was sent to work at Headquarters Establishment No.22 and as my service was supervised by the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Secretariat, I got an opportunity to know and to carry out Srimati. Indira Gandhi’s decisions in furtherance of her Foreign Policy initiatives. During the conduct of India-Pakistan War of 1971, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had approved the military operations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts which initiated the Liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistani military dictatorship.
Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General(Retd) TS Oberoi, PVSM, VrC., former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command, Pune, former Inspector General, Special Frontier Force, former Commandant, Headquarters Establishment No. 22. He is the tall person in this photo wearing dark brown turban. I knew him since 1971. Under his able leadership, the Liberation of Bangladesh had commenced in the year 1971 during the Indo-Pak War.Apart from his military wisdom, he took a good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to Chittagong Hill Tracts, he had individually greeted all the members of my team and had delayed the departure of aircraft to ensure that a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. He paid personal attention to all the aspects of the military mission to ensure the wellbeing of men apart from achieving success in accomplishing the military task. The sense of warmth he radiated is easily felt when we meet him in person. His grandson provided me the link to this photo. Photo Credit – Trishna-Ajay-Picasa Web Album.
The remarks made by Lt Col B K Narayan on May 13, 1972 in my Annual Confidential Report for 1971-72 are as follows:”A very conscientious and Tough MO who worked hard during the Bangladesh OPs. He did very well and showed Maturity which was beyond the call of duty. I have recommended this Officer for a gallantry award for which he deserves eminently. He is physically Tough and cheerful. Is a fresh entrant with less than 2 years of Service and yet he displayed capability and confidence.
Remarks of Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, PVSM, VrC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief,Headquarters Southern Command Pune 411001.He had remarked about my participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
MS-8466 CAPTAIN R.R. NARASIMHAM,AMC/SSC. During the 1971 War, at a critical juncture, as the Unit waited for Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s decision, this Medical Officer acted with decisive Courage inside the enemy territory and had accomplished his military Mission. This Medal Known as ‘POORVI STAR’ symbolizes India’s victory in Indo-Pak War of 1971.
Poorvi Star 1971. It is my evidence of my participation in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
THE SWEETEST MOMENT OF MY MILITARY SERVICE :
The Sweetest Moment of my Military Career – I had experienced a very Sweet moment called “MADHURYA” when I had medically evacuated my battle wounded casualties from the helipad at BONAPANSURIA, a Border Security Force Post in Mizo Hills after capturing the first enemy position during the 1971 War.
The Medical Directorate at the Indian Army Headquarters had failed to process the citation that was forwarded to them by my South Column Unit which took part in the Chittagong Hill Tracts military operation. I was recommended the Gallantry Award of ‘VIR CHAKRA’ and I was the only Officer in my Unit who had not received the Award for which the Unit had submitted a citation. However, I had enhanced the prestige of Army Medical Corps and for the first time in the history of the Army Medical Corps; I had performed the duties of a Medical officer, a Nursing Assistant, and an Ambulance Assistant while medically evacuating critically wounded soldiers; marching in a remote, roadless, forest terrain for over forty miles and I had maintained the patients in a stable condition throughout the difficult land journey. I was overjoyed by this uplifting experience. My patients had survived their battle injuries. I had narrated the story to the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services in an interview that was held in September 1972 at the Headquarters Ministry of Defence, New Delhi and I was granted Direct Permanent Commission in the Army Medical Corps just based upon the powerful story that I had narrated to the DGAFMS.
This Medal known as Sangram Medal symbolizes my transition from Short Service Commission to that of Direct Permanent Commission. President V.V. Giri under his signature granted me the Short Service Regular Commission. President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy signed and proclaimed the grant of Permanent Commission. I was connected to these two National Leaders from my early childhood days spent in Madras before the formation of the State of Andhra and later Andhra Pradesh.
THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF MY MILITARY CAREER :
Visiting the War Memorial in Walong, Arunachal Pradesh(North East Frontier Agency) was the Proudest Moment of my Military Career.
“The Sentinel Hills that round us stand
Bear witness that we loved our Land;
Amidst shattered rocks and flaming Pine,
We fought and died on Namti Plain.
O’ Lohit gently by us glide,
Pale stars above us softly shine,
As we sleep here in Sun and rain.”( Poem composed by Bernard S Dougal, Deputy Commissioner )
This Medal known as ‘Sainya Seva Medal’ with ‘NEFA’ clasp speaks of the time I spent serving in North East Frontier Agency, now known as Arunachal Pradesh.
During 1962, Indian Army had resisted the Chinese aggression and the men gave their lives defending Walong. During 1972, I had the good fortune to visit the War Memorial and had filled up my heart with a sense of pride. There is Dignity and Honour in fighting for the Nation and in resisting the enemy. I had received the 25th Independence Anniversary Medal during the 25th year of my life’s journey and I had received the Medal as a Blessing. Pride is not defined by Victory or Defeat in the Battle. I display PRIDE in resisting the enemy and in defending my territory; victory and defeat are shaped by forces beyond my control.
25th Independence Anniversary Medal symbolizes my desire to serve the Nation with DISCIPLINE, DIGNITY, AND HONOUR.
INDIA ENTERS THE NUCLEAR ERA :
During 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made the bold decision to test a nuclear device at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
I fully support India’s decision to test a nuclear device and defend our National interests, and our territorial integrity. During 1979, while taking part in a military exercise, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the test site at Pokhran in Rajasthan State.
THE UNHOLY BRAHMIN ALLIANCE IN PUNE : I WAS BACK STABBED AT ARMED FORCES MEDICAL COLLEGE , PUNE :
THE UNHOLY BRAHMIN ALLIANCE AT PUNE : I had attended ‘The Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune from December 1975 to April 1976. At that time Major General B D P Rao was the Commandant of AFMC Pune. To my personal misfortune, the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Pune University was also a Brahmin. The Unholy Brahmin Alliance buried my career in Indian Army Medical Corps without giving any further chance to improve my professional qualification.
SPIRITUALISM AND IDENTITY – THE CONFLICT AT ARMED FORCES MEDICAL COLLEGE PUNE : This is the photo image of the letter that was sent to Pune University communicating the fact of my disqualification(Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course) in a Screening Examination that was held at AFMC Pune during April, 1976. I am not blaming Lieutenant Colonel S P Kalra, the Chief of the Department of Paediatrics for this disqualification. He had disqualified me in one component of the Screening Examination, the Oral test he had given. He had no control or jurisdictional power over the results of the other two components( Written Examination and Practical Examination) of the Screening Examination. He had simply reacted to the rudeness displayed by the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Pune University to a simple request that I had communicated to the Dean on behalf of Naval Army Medical Corps Officer Captain Sachdeva, the Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, AFMC Pune.
Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College Pune – The Unholy Brahmin Alliance at Pune : The Disgraceful, Dishonest, and Infamous Phone Conversation between two Brahmins of Pune recorded during April, 1976; 1. The Commandant of AFMC Pune, and 2. The Dean Faculty of Medicine, Pune University, the Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, B. J. Medical College and Sassoon Hospitals Pune. I heard this Phone Conversation at my paternal Uncle’s Office in the Sassoon Hospitals. Both parties of this phone conversation had agreed to share lies about the results of the Screening Examination that was held at AFMC Pune during April 1976 and both had agreed not to further investigate the matter and ascertain the real facts about the assessment of my performance in the Written and Practical Components of this Screening Examination. Both the parties knew the reason for Lieutenant Colonel S P Kalra’s displeasure and had decided not to intervene and provide him with a reasonable response to a simple, verbal request that he had asked me to communicate to my Uncle, the Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Pune University.
Major General B D P Rao was the Commandant at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune while I had attended the ‘Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course from December 1975 to April 1976. He had literally back stabbed me by falsifying my performance sheet and had lied about the results of my performance in the Screening Examination. Group Captain Krishnamurthy, the Additional Professor of Medicine who acted as the Chief Examiner for the Screening Examination had personally expressed his sense of utter remorse and he was shocked beyond belief that I was not allowed to continue my ‘Advanced Training in Paediatrics’ Course. I was most unceremoniously got kicked out of Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and was posted out. Group Captain Krishnamurthy was not only satisfied with my performance, but also he had actually communicated the results of my performance to my paternal uncle( Dr. Rebbapragada. Anjaneyulu, M.D. Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, B.J. Medical College, and The Sassoon General Hospitals, Pune) who was then serving as the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Pune University. In my presence, as I was closely listening to the phone conversation, my uncle had called Major General BDP Rao and had questioned him about his decision to disqualify me from the Advanced Training Course in Paediatrics. The General made a statement about my performance over the phone and stated that I had failed in the written examination, practical examination, and the oral test. Group Captain Krishnamurthy, the Additional Professor of Medicine who had actually evaluated my performance in the written examination, and had conducted my practical examination had directly admitted to me that there was no justification to disqualify me in those areas where he was responsible for the evaluation work. I was hurt, the wounds did not kill my spirit to continue in Service. I did not demand a Court of Inquiry to prove the guilt of Major General BDP Rao who belonged to my South Indian Brahmin community. I have very specific reasons to call him a ‘BACK STABBER’. Major General B D P Rao’s daughter( Captain Uma Ramachandran) had also attended the same Advanced Training Course in Paediatrics and she was present when Group Captain Krishnamurthy had openly announced to the entire batch of AMC Officers and had claimed that I had scored the highest marks in the Written part of the Screening Examination. Before this Screening Examination, while serving at the Military Hospital Wing of Headquarters Establishment no.22, I had performed the duties of the Medical Specialist, and later also of the Surgical Specialist when these Specialist Officers had availed their two months annual leave. When these Specialists proceed on casual leave, I used to provide cover at their respective departments. The Units where I had served had immensely valued my professional service and the appreciation was duly recorded in my Annual Confidential Reports. Prior to the Screening Examination, the Department of Medicine conducted an Interim Test and I stood first in the entire batch of AMC Officers getting trained by the Department of Medicine at AFMC, Pune.The results of this Interim Test were publicly announced in the class room by Major Kalipatnam Seshagiri Rao AMC, a Staff Member of the Department of Paediatrics. Captain Uma Ramachandran, was also present in the class room during this announcement. All this Record of Service and performance did not help me to prove a simple fact that I deserve a chance like all other trainees to complete my Advanced Training. General B.D.P.Rao had never believed in serving the Nation and was a mere career opportunist who got promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General . His departure from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune gave me an opportunity to show and to prove my academic merit. My failure in the Screening Examination and the Disqualification in the Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course 76 is entered into my Record of Service and hence this information is Private and is Confidential. However, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune chose to dishonour this Rule of Confidentiality and has openly communicated my Failure in the Screening Examination to The Registrar, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune-7 by sending him Letter No. 3410/Gen/76 dated 11 May 76. The Registrar, University of Pune has no Right to this Private and Confidential information about my Performance in a Training Program conducted by Indian Army. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune has acted in a reckless manner causing a Breach of my Privilege. I have not given permission to Armed Forces Medical College to disclose the information from my Record of Service. Hence, I would openly demand and ask the Government of India, Ministry of Defence to remove the information that pertains to the Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course 1976 from my Record of Service. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune must be suitably warned and be directed to avoid such violations in the future.
On 11 May 1976, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune has violated the Rights of Indian Army Medical Corps Commissioned Officers. Officers have the Rights to keep information in their Record of Service as Private and Confidential. I would openly demand Government of India, Ministry of Defence to exclude this information about my Performance in the Screening Examination from my Record of Service. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune must be warned and be directed to avoid such Violations in the future.
THE AWARD OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ARMED FORCES MEDICAL SERVICES SILVER MEDAL IN 1976 :
I had attended the Medical Officers Junior Command Course No. 67/76 at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune from June to September 1976.
I was posted to First Armoured Division after my disqualification in ‘The Advanced Training in Paediatrics’ Course in April 1976. In June 1976, I again went back to Armed Forces Medical College, Pune to attend the Medical Officers Junior Command Course( MOJC 67/76). Major General Daryao Singh was the Commandant at AFMC, Pune. He had awarded me Grade ‘A’ for my performance in this Course. Later, Lieutenant General R.S. Hoon, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services had invited me to come to Pune and receive the DGAFMS Silver Medal. I had attended the Awards Function held at AFMC, Pune along with my wife and daughter and had received this Silver Medal. My name as a recipient of the DGAFMS Medal in 1976 is displayed both at AFMC, Pune and at AMC Centre and School in Lucknow.
THE DGAFMS MEDAL AWARDED BY ARMED FORCES MEDICAL COLLEGE, POONA
Apart from awarding this DGAFMS MEDAL in the Medical Officers Junior Command Course-67 held in 1976, The Commandant, the Professor of Medicine, the Professor of Pathology, and the Professor of Social & Preventive Medicine at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune gave a written recommendation that I should be allowed to undergo Training in Paediatrics. Based upon this Strong written Recommendation, I had reapplied for Advanced Training in Paediatrics during 1977 and my application was rejected by Lieutenant General BDP Rao.
67 Medical Officers’ Junior Command Course Report from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune.
Major General Daryao Singh, AMC, Commandant of Armed Forces Medical College, AFMC Pune had strongly recommended my name on 11 October 1976 for attending Advanced Training in Paediatrics. Professor of Medicine, Professor of Surgery, Professor of Pathology, and Professor of Preventive Medicine had remarked that I would do well as a Specialist and had noted my interest in Paediatrics. They had personally interviewed me and had evaluated my performance during the MOJC Course.
I had applied for Advanced Specialist Training in Paediatrics during 1977-79. My application was Strongly Recommended by all Reviewing Officers along the entire length of the Chain of Command. My application was rejected. On 22 October 1977, I had submitted a Non-Statutory Complaint against this decision. On 8 December 1977, the Director of Medical Services, Army Headquarters had simply informed me that my Complaint was rejected. No reason was stated. I had no answer about my non-selection for the Specialist Training Course. While rejecting my Complaint, the Director of Medical Services(Army) also made a very surprising decision. The Director had disallowed MR-3363 Captain K VAIDYA from attending the Advanced Specialist Training in Pathology Course 1977-79 after selecting him for that Course. Captain K Vaidya’s name also appears in the letter dated 11 May 1976, the letter sent by Armed Forces Medical College, Pune to The Registrar, University of Pune informing that he had failed in the Screening Examination held in April 1976. I never wanted to harm Captain K Vaidya. The action to reject my Complaint was validated by disallowing Capt K Vaidya from attending the Pathology Training Course. Lieutenant General BDP Rao and Brigadier VVS Pratap Rao during 1977 had conspired to exclude my name during the Selection process and had obstructed me from attending the Training Course in Paediatrics and Captain K Vaidya became a victim of this Conspiracy.
THE POLITICAL ECLIPSE AND THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN :
The Political Eclipse and the Triumphant return of Indira Gandhi.
This Nine Years Long Service Medal was awarded to me after Indira Gandhi’s triumphant return to power in 1980 .
During my military service, Srimati. Indira Gandhi had lost her political power for a period of three years from 1977 to 1980. From 1976 to December 1978 I had served in First Armoured Division under the command of Major General K S Sundarji and have known his personal qualities as a military Commander.
The ambition for promotions and the career oppotunism of this Military Commander has played a role in the sad killing of Srimati. Indira Gandhi. She made a mistake in choosing him for execution of ‘Operation Blue Star’.
During December 1978, I was posted to Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad at the end of my tenure at First Armoured Division. I had witnessed the tragic loss of Mrs. Padma Sundarji and had commented about it at a different blog post. While I was posted at First Armoured Division, I had again tried to attend ‘The Advanced Training in Paediatrics Course’. Lieutenant General B.D.P. Rao, a fellow South Indian Brahmin had continued to delight himself by denying me an opportunity to improve my professional qualification. I had filed a ‘Non-Statutory’ Complaint and it was rejected by the Chief of Army Staff based upon a recommendation given by the Director of Medical Services(Army) who had acted after consulting with the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services about my Non-Statutory Complaint. I did not bring this problem to the attention of the Defence Minister and had silently endured this insulting and prejudicial conduct to keep my Spirit to Serve the Country alive.
TELUGU PEOPLE VALUE SELF-RESPECT AND DIGNITY :
N.T.R. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao became the 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in January 1983.
I am not one of those Fan Club members. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao was an advocate of the Cultural Identity of Telugu people and he had demanded the restoration of Self-Respect for Telugu people. I was amongst those people who had voted in favour of Telugu Desam Party which he had created. My single vote did not put N.T.R. into the seat of power. My vote had only symbolized a desire to take part in National Affairs while upholding the principle of Self-Respect and Personal Dignity. I was acutely aware of my own ill-treatment and I was deeply offended by the behaviour of the top bureaucrat of Army Medical Corps. My applications for Study Leave were getting rejected without any reason.
A FLAME THAT GOT EXTINGUISHED AT SOUTH BLOCK, THE SECRETARIAT BUILDING, NEW DELHI :
My first application dated January 17, 1983 to relinquish my Permanent Commission got rejected. While I was in New Delhi waiting to meet the Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Banerjee, the Director of Medical Services contacted me and had asked me to submit an additional application. Fortunately, the Commandant of Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad was also camping in New Delhi to attend a meeting at this Secretariat Building.On September 17, 1983, on the front foot steps of this South Block Building facing Rajpath, the Commandant of Army Ordnance Corps Centre had signed my application to relinquish my Permanent Commission in Army Medical Corps. This application dated September 17, 1983 was directly submitted to the Director of Medical Services and was not processed through the normal Staff Channels. Next day on September 18, 1983, I had a personal interview with the Union Minister of State for Defence.
On January 17, 1983, while serving as the Senior Regimental Medical Officer at Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad, I had applied to Brigadier A M Bhattacharya, the Commandant of AOC Centre and sought his permission to relinquish my Permanent Commission in Army Medical Corps. At that time, Lieutenant General V.V.S. Pratap Rao was the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services. General Rao had visited Military Hospital, Secunderabad during the AMC Day Celebration and had openly assured all the AMC Officers that he would support all Officers who would seek to relinquish their Commission. He did not view the job of AMC Officers in terms of a patriotic duty. I was personally frustrated as he would not allow me to improve my professional qualification and made me ineligible to seek any future Specialist Appointment in AMC. On the basis of his public assurance and his attitude about rendering Service to the Nation, I had decided to quit this hopeless struggle of serving without any Self-Respect or Dignity. Meantime, AOC Centre had also received a transfer order that had posted me to serve as a Medical Officer in a Medical Battalion, a Unit located in Mizoram. People at the AOC Centre who had known my Record of Service had immediately recognized that the posting order was issued to specifically undermine my ability to seek advancement in the military career and to deny an opportunity to give me substantial Service Experience. At its face value, the posting order intended to insult me as a person showing no concern for my length of service and experience. The Commandant, AOC Centre, Secunderabad had refused to serve me that unfair and unjust posting order and he did not ask me to move to the new station. AOC Centre, Secunderabad had simply refused to issue a ‘Movement Order’ and did not relieve me from my duties and responsibilities as the Senior Regimental Medical Officer. The Centre Commandant had very firmly insisted that the Medical Directorate must first decide on my application to leave army service. During 1983-84, Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad was my bastion of support and the Officers at the Centre had united behind me and had resisted the implementation of a transfer order which had displayed all the characteristics of foul play.
Recommendation of Brigadier AM Bhattacharya, Commandant AOC Centre, Secunderabad dated 19 January 1983. During September 1983, he served as the Commander of Central Ordnance Depot, Delhi. He had personally briefed Lieutenant General Banerjee, Director of Medical Services(Army) about my personal interview with the Defence Minister on 18 September 1983 and he made arrangements to deliver my second application dated 17 September, 1983 direct to DMS(Army) Office in New Delhi.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND HONOUR :
Brigadier J Verghese, Commandant AOC Centre, Secunderabad was in New Delhi on 17 September 1983. He had signed this document while standing in front of Ministry of Defence at South Block, the Secretariat Building in New Delhi.
Shri.Rebbapragada Ramananda Rao. He had served as an Officer in the British Royal Navy and had Commanded British Naval Vessels during the Second World War and had taken part in Allied Forces Naval Operations in the Indian Ocean particularly attacking German submarines and escorting mercantile vessels from the Port of Aden to Bombay. He had believed in Service with Pride, Dignity, and Honour. He had helped me to resist the undignified behaviour displayed by General V.V.S. Pratap Rao, the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services during the year 1983. He had written letters and spoke to the Union Cabinet Ministers and to the Member of Parliament to support my application to relinquish my Permanent Commission in the Army Medical Corps.
General V.V.S.Pratap Rao had refused to give me permission to relinquish my Permanent Commission and had started demanding that AOC Centre must implement the posting order that was issued to me. I had decided to bring this issue to the attention of the Union Minister of State for Defence. Before I could get a chance to seek a formal interview with the Defence Minister, General Rao submitted my application to the Defence Minister and had recommended to him to reject my request. My request to leave Army Service got rejected and AOC Centre was again asked to implement my posting order to that Medical Battalion. In an effort to uphold my personal dignity, and with help and support of my uncle( Shri. Rebbapragada. Ramanand Rao, Industrial Consultant ), I had contacted Shri. Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy who was then the Union Cabinet Minister for Shipping and Transport, Shri. Pendekanti Venkata Subbaiah who was then the Union Minister of State for Home & Parliamentary Affairs, and Shri. R. Prabhu who is the Member of Parliament( 7th Lok Sabha Member during 1983). All of them had strongly supported my view that I should demand to uphold my Self-Respect and personal dignity and had asked me to oppose the illegal harassment that I was facing. Shri. Pendekanti Venkata Subbaiah had also personally demanded General V.V.S. Pratap Rao to cancel the posting order that was issued. General Rao had asked Lieutenant General Banerjee who was the Director of Medical Services during 1983 to cancel the posting order issued to me and at the same time he insisted that I should be reposted to the same Station in Mizoram but in a different capacity. The Director of Medical Services was not allowed to deal with my situation in any other manner. I was then posted to the Border Roads Organisation Task Force( CE Project Pushpak ) located in Mizoram. Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad had again refused to issue a ‘Movement Order’ in compliance with this new posting order. The Director of Medical Services had openly expressed his remorse about this interference in his duties and responsibilities and had communicated his feelings to Brigadier A M Bhattacharya. Then, I had decided to travel to New Delhi and speak directly to the Defence Minister about my application that I had signed on January 17, 1983. Shri. Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo was the Union Minister of State for Defence. Shri. Singh Deo’s younger brother was serving as the Adjutant at 125 Infantry Battalion( Territorial Army) located at Trimulgherry, Secunderabad. This Territorial Army Unit was attached to the Medical Inspection Room of Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad. As the Medical Officer of this Territorial Army Unit I had provided them medical support and Lieutenant Colonel Ranjit S Grewal, the Commanding Officer of the Unit was very pleased with my services. Shri. Singh Deo’s younger brother had helped me to plan my visit to New Delhi.
My personal interview with Shri.Kamakhya Prasad Singh Deo, Union Minister of State for Defence took place on September 18, 1983 in his office at Ministry of Defence, New Delhi. The Minister’s younger brother was serving as Adjutant at 125 Infantry Battalion ( TA ) in Secunderabad. This letter was issued to me by Lt Col Ranjit S Grewal, Commanding Officer, 125 Infantry Battalion ( TA ) on February 27, 1983 several months before my personal interview with the Defence Minister.
Shri.Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy, the Union Cabinet Minister for Shipping and Transport had arranged for my personal interview with the Union Minister of State for Defence on September 18, 1983.
Shri.Pendekanti Venkata Subbaiah, the Union Minister of State for Home and Parliamentary Affairs had arranged for my personal interview with the Union Minister of State for Defence on September 18, 1983.
Shri.PRABHU, R, the Member of 7th Lok Sabha spoke to Shri. K P Singh Deo, the Union Minister of State for Defence in support of my application to relinquish Permanent Commission.
THE ASSASSINATION OF THE ‘SPIRIT’ OF AN INDIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS OFFICER - DISCIPLINE WITH DIGNITY:
My personal interview with Shri. K P Singh Deo was very frank and I had made my case very clear. He did not suggest to me that I should continue to serve in the Army with a sense of patriotism. He did not speak about any National Spirit or Nationalism. He did not say a word to justify the actions of General V.V.S. Pratap Rao. Prior to this interview on September 18, 1983, Shri Singh Deo had specifically directed General V.V.S Pratap Rao to change the rules that had made me ineligible to seek Study Leave, and to seek Specialist Appointments. General Rao did not act upon the ruling in spite of very clear and specific instructions given by the Minister. General Rao had kept that ruling as a secret and did not communicate the orders issued by the Defence Minister to the Director of Medical Services. At the time of my personal interview, the Defence Minister was not aware of the fact that General Rao had deliberately concealed information that pertains to my application. General Rao had apparently desired to keep both of us in darkness at the time of this interview. I went to the interview with the assumption that the Defence Minister had failed to act upon my application. Shri. Singh Deo met me under the assumption that he had already taken action to resolve my concerns about Study Leave and Specialist Appointments and my professional growth in the Army Medical Corps. The Defence Minister had believed that I have other personal reasons for relinquishing the Commission. I did not state any personal reasons in my first application but I had illustrated some of them in my second application dated September 17, 1983 and I had emphasized the fact that I want to serve with a sense of Pride and Honour and uphold the principles of Service Discipline. I had joined Army Medical Corps as a Final Year M.B.B.S. student with a spirit to serve the Nation and to participate in National Affairs with a sense of Pride and Self-Respect. It was not my intention to support myself or my family without upholding my dignity to wear Uniform and serve with a sense of Honour. The Minister had accepted my request and I was granted the permission to relinquish my Permanent Commission and I was relieved of my duties on January 10, 1984 and I had lost no time and left Secunderabad immediately and had departed from India. General V.V.S.Pratap Rao could not move me to Mizo Hills and I had served at AOC Centre, Secunderabad until the morning of January 10, 1984. All of my statements could be verified from documents that are archived at Medical PersonnelRecords Section(Officers), Headquarters Ministry of Defence, New Delhi.
THE ASSASSINATION OF THE PRIME MINISTER :
I had received the tragic story of assassination of the Prime Minister while I was working in the Land Forces of Sultanate of Oman.
Srimati. Indira Gandhi had unfortunately trusted her top bureaucrats. I had known the personal qualities of Lieutenant General T S Oberoi who was serving as the General Officer Commanding- in – Chief at Headquarters Southern Command, Pune during 1983. General Oberoi had also served as the Inspector General of Special Frontier Force after sucessfully Commanding the troops during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Operation Blue Star had involved the participation of Commandos of the Special Frontier Force. General T S Oberoi had deeply cared for his men under his Command. He would have executed that kind of difficult military mission with due care and concern for his men and also the civilians. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had failed to seek guidance from Lieutenant General T S Oberoi about the execution of Operation Blue Star. She did a mistake in not showing adequate trust and confidence in a senior Army Commander. Sikh Officers serving in Indian Armed Forces are members of a National Service and we take pride in serving the Nation. During my service, I have not seen any Sikh Officer or other rank displaying a ‘CLAN’ mentality or a Sectarian attitude.
This is a picture taken at Headquarters ‘D’ Sector, C/O 99 APO during 1972 before I had appeared in the AMC Examination of 1972 for the grant of Direct Permanent Commission in Army Medical Corps. At that time, I was serving in Assam and North East Frontier Agency(Arunachal Pradesh).This photo symbolizes National Unity. We are all partners in defending our Nation. Sikh Officers of Indian Armed Forces treated me with Love, Affection, and Respect. The ‘FLAME’, the Spirit to serve the Nation got Extinguished by a person who belonged to my clan and my Telugu Speaking, South Indian Brahmin Community.
Lt Gen T S Oberoi is seen wearing helmet in a picture taken in 1982. As Commander of Headquarters Establishment No. 22, he had served the Nation with great distinction during Indo-Pak War of 1971. He was promoted to the rank of Major General. He then replaced Major General Sujan Singh Uban,AVSM and became the Inspector General of Special Frontier Force while I had served there. I knew him well. As a Commander he had belonged to the men he had Commanded. He does not belong to a ‘sect’ or a ‘clan’. He belongs to the Nation. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made a fatal mistake. If she had reposed her trust and confidence in General Tirat Singh Oberoi, the Story of Operation ‘Blue Star’ would have been different.
Indira Gandhi – A Flame that got Extinguished : The Spirit of Nationalism that I have nurtured as a student at Kurnool Medical College got extinguished during January 1984 and I had left India. The same year, Dr. Sripada Pinakapani, M.D. who had directly opposed my desire to serve the Nation received the award of PADMA BHUSHAN from India’s President Zail Singh.
THE FLAME GOT EXTINGUISHED – THE HEART HAS GIVEN PLACE TO LORD RAMA :
After departing from India in 1984, my heart is now filled with the image of Lord Rama to guide me in my life’s journey.
After leaving India in 1984, I could not get a chance to revisit the country. Now, I continue my life’s journey with a new spirit guided by the image of Lord Rama.
THE SPIRITS OF SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE:
THE SPIRITS OF SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE: WE ARE OPENLY SHARING THIS PHOTO ILLEGALLY OBTAINED BY A CHINESE SPY. THE PHOTO WAS TAKEN AT CHAKRATA ON 03 JUNE, 1972 WHILE HIS HOLINESS THE 14th DALAI LAMA WAS PRESENTED A GUARD OF HONOR BY MAJOR GENERAL SUJAN SINGH UBAN, AVSM, INSPECTOR GENERAL, SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE. MY INDIAN ARMY CAREER BEGAN AT THIS LOCATION AND I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY IN THE OCCUPIED LAND OF TIBET.
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Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,
Ex Numbers: MS-8466 Lieutenant/CAPTAIN AMC/SSC & MR-03277K MAJOR AMC/DPC
Medical Officer South Column Operation Eagle 1971
Headquarters Establishment Number 22 C/O 56 APO(1971-74)
Biographical Information:
1. Place of Birth: Mylapore, Madras City, Chenna Patnam, Chennai, Madras State, Tamil Nadu, India. Born Hindu-Brahmin(Niyogi-Smartha) and Telugu-Speaking.
2. Date and Place of Marriage: January 29, 1973. Congregational Town Church, Cuddapah, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India. This marriage at a Church was conceived to reflect my passion to promote National Unity and National Integration that is coupled with my Service in Indian Army.
Related Blog Post : http://bhavanajagat.wordpress.com/2010/04/03/award-of-gallantry-awards-indo-pak-war-of-1971/
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