Bharat Darshan. The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors on Full Moon Day of the Last Month, Phalgun of Hindu Lunar CalendarBharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors on Full Moon Day of the Last Month, Phalgun of the Hindu Lunar Calendar.
Indians celebrate Holi for they have the choice to choose their personal God. In the Indian tradition, God manifests in various vibrant colors giving the people a sense of joy from several directions.
Bharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors on Full Moon Day of the Last Month, Phalgun of Hindu Lunar Calendar.
WHY INDIA CELEBRATES HOLI: THE LEGENDS BEHIND THE FESTIVAL OF COLOR – CNN
By Manveena Suri, CNN
New Delhi (CNN): It’s the bold image of India most often seen in ad campaigns, films and music videos.
But what is Holi and why do Indians celebrate it?
Bharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors.
Hindu devotees play with color during Holi celebrations at the Banke Bihari temple on March 27, 2013 in Vrindavan, India.
The beginning of Spring
Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the start of Spring.
Celebrated across India, it’s an ancient festival with the first mentions of it dating all the way back to a 4th century poem.
It was even described in detail in a 7th century Sanskrit play called “Ratnavali,” written by the Indian emperor Harsha.
“Witness the beauty of the great cupid festival which excites curiosity as the townsfolk are dancing at the touch of brownish water thrown … Everything is colored yellowish red and rendered dusty by the heaps of scented powder blown all over,” wrote Harsh.
Bharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors.
Indian students smear colored powder during an event to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi in Kolkata on February 26, 2018.
How it looks today
Although a Hindu festival, Holi is celebrated by Indians across the country and is a great equalizer.
Children can douse elders with water, women splash men with color and the rules of caste and creed are briefly forgotten with everyone taking part.
The evenings are spent visiting friends and family.
A national holiday, it takes place on the last full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month, which is usually March.
This year’s national holiday falls on Friday, March 18.
The festival takes place a day earlier in the eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha. In some parts of northern Uttar Pradesh state, the festivities take place over a week.
Bharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors.
An Indian artist dressed as Hindu god Lord Shiva takes part in a procession ahead of the Holi festival in Amritsar on February 26, 2018.
Mythological roots
The roots of the festival lie in the Hindu legend of Holika, a female demon, and the sister of the demon, King Hiranyakashipu.
Hiranyakashipu believed he was the ruler of the universe and superior to all the gods.
But his son, Prahlad, followed the god Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe.
Prahlad’s decision to turn his back on his father left Hiranyakashipu with no choice. He hatched a plot with Holika to kill him.
It was a seemingly foolproof plan; Holika would take Prahlad onto her lap and straight into a bonfire. Holika would survive because she had an enchanted shawl that would protect her from the flames.
But the plan failed. Prahlad was saved by Lord Vishnu and it was Holika who died as she was only immune to fire if she was alone. Soon after, Lord Vishnu in His Narasimha Avatar killed Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad became king.
The moral of the story is that good always triumphs over evil.
Bharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors.
Indian Hindu devotees throw colored powder during celebration of Holi Festival at Sriji temple in Barsana in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 23, 2018.
The love story behind Holi
In modern day Holi celebrations, Holika’s cremation is often reenacted by lighting bonfires on the night before Holi, known as Holika Dahan.
Some Hindus collect the ashes and smear them on their bodies as an act of purification
Rangwali Holi takes place the next day and is an all-day affair where people throw and smear colored powder on each other.
Bharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors.
Indian college girls throw colored powder to one another during Holi festival celebrations in Bhopal on February 28, 2018.
The tradition of throwing colored powder and water is believed to originate from the mythological love story of Radha and Krishna.
Krishna, the Hindu god depicted with dark blue skin, is believed to have complained to his mother about Radha’s fair complexion.
To ease her son’s sadness, his mother suggests to change Radha’s skin color by smearing her with paint. It’s believed that this is where the custom of smearing loved ones with color during Holi came from.
Friday, March 18, 2022. Bharat Darshan-The Celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors on Full Moon Day of the Last Month, Phalgun of the Hindu Lunar Calendar.
The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: The Grasping ability of Hand can perform two functions; 1. The Power Grip, and 2. The Precision Grip. The image shows the anatomy of the distal phalanx and its relationship with soft structures that are related to refined manipulation of tools or objects held by the Grip. It can provide evidence to make the distinction between a human artist and a nonhuman artist.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: Human Hand has Grasping ability and it provides two kinds of Grip; 1. The Power Grip, and 2. The Precision Grip. Each human being can be identified as a specific Individual by gathering evidence from the use of the Precision Grip.
The term ‘man’ has been loosely applied to describe a variety of animal species that belong to Family Hominidae. To understand the status of man in nature, it would be helpful to make the distinctions between the Paleolithic, Archaic, or Ancient Man and Modern Man. Since the term ‘Man’ may cause confusion, a distinction between ‘Man’ and ‘Human’ is all the more important. The Hominids belong to Class-Mammals, Order-Primates, Suborder – Anthropoidea, Superfamily – Hominoidea, Family – Hominidae, Subfamily – Homininae which includes the Genus-Homo and species such as sapiens, erectus, habilis, and etc., The members of Hominidae Family show a unique specialization of the lower limb, the pelvis and leg to provide the support for bipedal propulsion of the body in the erect position or vertical gait. In Primates such as the apes and monkeys, the feet and toes have the characteristic called prehensility and the Hominids have lost that characteristic. The Hominids have a large and complicated brain, the visual sense is better developed with a corresponding reduction of the sense of smell. The hand with flattened nails and the true opposability of the thumb can perform two types of grasping function called, 1. The Power Grip and 2. The Precision Grip. The Hominid Family members have intensified mother-offspring relationship due to prolonged infant dependency. While the Hominid brain shows both qualitative and quantitative development, there are significant differences in the areas of the brain concerned with vision, muscular coordination, memory, learning, and communication. Hominids such as the Rhodesian Man and the Cro-Magnon Man had large skulls and their brains were larger as compared to that of Modern Man. The Hominid Family members share important skeletal features and similarities and yet the same time, the size and shape of the skull can be used to make distinctions between the various species. Similarly, while the skeletal features that contribute to the ability called ‘Precision Grip’ are common, in the use of this Grip each member demonstrates an originality with which the member can be identified as a specific Individual with Individuality.
The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: While the Modern Man (Homo sapiens, sapiens) and Paleolithic Man (Homo sapiens, neanderthalis) NEANDERTHAL have similar skeletal features that contribute to the functional ability called the ‘Precision Grip’, the distinction between the two can be easily made when they perform functions making use of that Grip. A human artist can be distinguished from a Neanderthal artist.
THE CRO-MAGNON MAN AND THE MODERN MAN:
The Cro-Magnon Man is often described as Prehistoric Man or Early Man who lived 40,000 to 35,000 years ago. The Cro-Magnon is not a species or subspecies and as such is included in the Homo sapiens, sapiens species. However, there are some important differences between the two. The Cro-Magnon Man lived during European Upper Paleolithic Period and the fossil remains were discovered in 1868 in the big cave in Occitan, Southwestern France. During the Upper Paleolithic Period, there is evidence of communal hunting, man-made shelters, rock carvings and paintings and primitive belief systems like Magic and the Supernatural. The Cro-Magnon Man was about 6 feet (180 centimetres) tall, had a high forehead, short, wide face, prominent chin and a brain capacity of 1600 cubic centimetres, larger than the average for Modern Man which is about 1,350 cubic centimetres. He had used flint and bone tools and designed shell and ivory jewelry.
The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE CRO-MAGNON MAN IS DESCRIBED AS PREHISTORIC MAN. HIS SKULL IS LARGER AND LESS ROUNDED IN SHAPE AS COMPARED TO THE SKULL OF MODERN MAN. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN MAN AND HUMAN CAN BE MADE USING THE EVIDENCE GENERATED BY THE USE OF THE PRECISION GRIP.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE CRO_MAGNON MAN IS DESCRIBED AS EARLY MAN AND HIS SKULL BONES COULD BE EASILY DISTINGUISHED FROM THOSE OF MODERN MAN. APART FROM THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE SKULL, THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN HUMAN BRAIN AND CRO-MAGNON BRAIN CAN BE MADE BY COMPARING THE ARTISTIC WORKS OF BOTH.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE SKULL OF MODERN MAN IS DIFFERENT IN ITS APPEARANCE AS COMPARED TO THE SKULL OF THE CRO-MAGNON MAN. THE SCIENCE OF FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY HELPS TO ESTABLISH THE IDENTITY OF THE HUMAN INDIVIDUAL WITH VERY HIGH SPECIFICITY USING SEVERAL IDENTIFICATION MARKINGS OF THE SKULL AND FACIAL BONES.
THE EVIDENCE OF PRECISION GRIP: MAN vs HUMAN
The Cro-Magnon Man perished and fortunately we have evidence in the form of Prehistoric Art which includes sophisticated polychrome paintings of exquisite design. Magnificent cave paintings were discovered in Southwestern France and Northern Spain.
The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE EVIDENCE OF PRECISION GRIP. LASCAUX CAVE PAINTINGS. Belong to the Aurignacian-Perigordian Period, c. 14,000 – c. 13,500 B.C. This artist has not provided sufficient evidence to know the artist as a ‘Human’ artist. The object depicted existed in the physical environment that was experienced by the artist.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE EVIDENCE OF PRECISION GRIP. MURALS AT ROUFFIGNAC – THE SOLUTREAN-MAGDALENIAN PERIOD, c. 14,000 – c. 9500 B.C. THIS ARTIST WAS NOT A HUMAN ARTIST AS THE OBJECTS DESCRIBED COULD BE FOUND IN THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT DIRECTLY EXPERIENCED BY THE ARTIST.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE EVIDENCE OF PRECISION GRIP. NIAUX CAVE PAINTINGS, c.14,000-c. 9500 B.C., THE SOLUTREAN – MAGDALENIAN PERIOD. THIS ARTIST HAD NOT DEMONSTRATED THE POTENTIAL ABILITY TO MAKE A DRAWING OF AN OBJECT THAT WAS NOT DIRECTLY EXPERIENCED. THESE ANIMALS WERE FOUND IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT EXPERIENCED BY THE ARTIST.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE EVIDENCE OF PRECISION GRIP. CAVE PAINTINGS OF ALTAMIRA, SPAIN, c. 14,000-c. 9500 B.C. THE USE OF THE PRECISION GRIP IS DEMONSTRATED BY THIS ARTISTIC DRAWING. BUT, THE ARTIST WAS NOT A HUMAN ARTIST WHO HAS THE POTENTIAL ABILITY TO DESCRIBE OBJECTS FOR WHICH THERE COULD BE NO PHYSICAL BASIS.
The painting of pictures on the walls of caves or on the rocks is a definitive evidence of the use of the Precision Grip and yet it does not constitute the evidence for the specific human ability and characteristic called Writing. The purpose of Writing is not simply about communication using written shapes or signs. It requires the development of specific areas of the brain that are associated with human speech. For example, Broca’s area produces verbs, builds sentences, and predicts what people are going to say. The brain area called Wernicke’s Area attaches meanings, images and feelings to sounds and to individual words. Human Speech and Writing has a spiritual attribute with which it can transcend the limitations set by natural boundaries and it extends across the barriers of Time when the thoughts of the dead and the living reach those as yet unborn. A Human Artist has the potential ability to draw and depict objects for which there could be no physical basis in the environment directly experienced by that Artist.
The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE EVIDENCE OF PRECISION GRIP CANNOT PROVIDE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF THE PURELY HUMAN ABILITY CALLED WRITING. THE CRO-MAGNON MAN HAD APPARENTLY NOT DEVELOPED THE SPECIAL AREAS OF THE BRAIN THAT ARE IMPORTANT FOR HUMAN SPEECH AND WRITING. THE CHIEF AMONG THE BRAIN AREAS OF SPEECH IS BROCA’S AREA – BRAIN’S SPEECH CENTER.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE HANDAXES OF PALEOLITHIC PERIOD. HAND AX APPEARED ABOUT 700,000 YEARS AGO. THE USE OF AX DESCRIBES THE POWER GRIP, THE GRASPING ABILITY OF HAND. BOTH HUMANS AND THE PREHISTORIC MAN SHARE THIS CHARACTERISTIC GRASPING ABILITY.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE MESOLITHIC PERIOD (c. 10,000-c. 8000 B.C.) KUNDA TOOLS FOUND IN ESTONIA. THE TYPES OF TOOLS USED GENERALLY HELP US TO KNOW THE ABILITY CALLED DEXTERITY OR THE ABILITY TO MANIPULATE OBJECTS HELD BY THE HAND.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE NEOLITHIC PERIOD (c. 8000-c. 3500 B.C.) IS CHARACTERIZED BY POLISHED STONE TOOLS APART FROM POTTERY. THE EVIDENCE FOR A HUMAN ARTIST EMERGES FROM THE DESIGNING OR CRAFTING OF THE TOOLS.The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE NEOLITHIC PERIOD SHOWS THE DEVELOPMENT AND SPREAD OF MODERN HUMAN CULTURE APART FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF A VARIETY OF TOOLS BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF BRONZE AGE (c.3500-1000 B.C.) ANIMALS CAN BE TRAINED TO USE TOOLS CRAFTED BY MAN. BUT A HUMAN ARTIST INVENTS TOOLS FOR A PURPOSE HE DISCOVERS USING THE POWER OF IMAGINATION.
It is important to make the distinction between the Prehistoric Man and the Modern Man to determine the Status of Man in Nature. The evidence for the Modern Man’s arrival on planet Earth begins in the Mesolithic Period or the Middle Stone Age at the end of the last glacial era, about 10,000 years ago. The Neolithic Period or the New Stone Age is the Old World Cultural Period (c. 8000-c. 3500 B.C.) which is characterized by polished stone tools, pottery, weaving, stock rearing, agriculture, megaliths like the Stonehenge and the first known human writing dates from 6000 B.C.
The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human: THE EVIDENCE OF PRECISION GRIP. MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI (1475-1564), ITALIAN SCULPTOR AND PAINTER WORKED ON THE CEILING OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL FROM 1508 TO 1512 TO CREATE THIS VISION OF PRIMORDIAL HUMANITY FOR WHICH THERE IS NO PHYSICAL BASIS IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF HIS LIFETIME. THIS IS THE EVIDENCE FOR A HUMAN ARTIST. IT DEMONSTRATES THE USE OF PRECISION GRIP, THE HUMAN HAND THAT GRASPED THE PAINTING BRUSH THAT CAN DRAW OBJECTS WITHOUT DIRECT EXPERIENCE OF SUCH OBJECTS.
Among animal species, only ‘Humans’ have the spiritual ability to communicate or describe things that may not exist in their immediate, physical environment. A Human Artist has the potential ability to write or depict objects for which there is no direct sensory experience. To make the distinction between the Prehistoric Man and the Modern Man, to discern the difference between Paleolithic Art and Human Art, I want to suggest that only a Human Artist has the potential, spiritual ability to draw and depict objects for which there could be no basis in the physical environment directly experienced by the Artist. To make the equation between Man and Human and to determine the Status of Man in Nature, the use of the Precision Grip provides decisive evidence.
The Status of Man in Nature. Man vs Human. Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt provide the evidence for the use of Precision Grip with human imagination.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE: THE GREAT MYSTERY OF CHIDAMBARAM – “CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM”:
What is the Greatest Mystery about Man and his Earthly Existence? Man has a Physical Form and Appearance that can be easily recognized by any observer. But, man’s Life has Mental, Social, and Moral Dimensions that can establish man’s identity and essence in terms of Mental, Social, and Moral Being. The Mystery is about man’s Spiritual Dimension. If man is a Spiritual Being, how can we investigate and explore the Spiritual Dimension of man’s Life? How can we prove that man has a Spirit or Soul? We have a fairly good understanding of man’s Physical Form and its earthly mortal existence. Does man exclusively belong to the Earthly or Immanent Realm? Does man have an existence in a Realm other than Earthly Realm? How can an Earthly Being enter the ‘Transcendental Realm’? If Earth is a Material Realm, is there an Immaterial Realm’ where the Beings exist without Physical Matter or a physical Form with Appearance? Both God, and man are manifested on Earth with a Form and Appearance that can be easily recognized and described. And yet, there is something that is unknown about the Spiritual Form and Appearance of both God, and man in an extraterrestrial realm. I would like to invite my readers to visit CHIDAMBARAM in India to explore the Mysteries of Human Life and Human Existence.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE: IN BOTH CHRISTIAN AND INDIAN TRADITIONS, EARTH IS THOUGHT TO BE THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE. IN INDIA, CHIDAMBARAM IS THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE. THE PLACE IS VIEWED AS THE CENTRE OF GEOMAGNETIC EQUATOR OF PLANET EARTH. THE GREEN HORIZONTAL LINE REPRESENTS THE GEOMAGNETIC EQUATOR.
Chidambaram, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu State, southeastern India is the Center of the Universe as per Indian tradition and the local legends or the “PURANA” of this historical City which has the famous early Chola Dynasty 2nd century B.C. bronze idols. The name “CHIDAMBARAM” is derived from Tamil words, Chitt meaning wisdom, and Ampalam meaning atmosphere. The Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Lord Nataraja or Lord of Dance, is in Chidambaram. The purpose of Lord’s manifestation in Chidambaram is that of showing the way for man’s release from bondage to ignorance as man is trapped under the powerful influence of Illusion which controls man’s earthly existence. Chidambaram may provide man with the necessary Knowledge and Wisdom to recognize all the Dimensions of Life and verify if man could be a Spiritual Being who may have the potential ability to exist in a Transcendental Realm apart from the transient or ephemeral earthly existence which is operated by a Natural Law that demands the death of everything that is born or arrived on Earth.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD SHIVA KNOWN AS LORD NATARAJA IS THE PRESIDING DEITY AT CHIDAMBARAM WHICH IS VIEWED AS THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE. IT COULD BE AT THE CENTER OF EARTH’S GEOMAGNETIC EQUATOR. THE PURPOSE OF LORD’S MANIFESTATION AT CHIDAMBARAM IS THAT OF SHOWING THE WAY FOR MAN’S RELEASE FROM BONDAGE TO IGNORANCE.
Chidambaram is a place of interest for it may have the clue to a hidden or concealed truth. It is often described as “CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM” or the Mystery of Chidambaram. Lord Shiva has physically manifested at this place to remove man’s ignorance and to utterly destroy man’s forgetfulness and heedlessness. Man exists leading a conditioned Existence that is fundamentally formulated by the experience of Cosmic Illusion. This blog post examines ‘Chidambara Rahasyam’ or the Great Mystery of Chidambaram and it explains that the Illusion is generated by the fundamental distinction between Essence and Existence.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE: CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM – THE GREAT MYSTERY OF CHIDAMBARAM. LORD NATARAJA DESTROYS MAN’S IGNORANCE TO RELEASE MAN FROM THE INFLUENCE OF COSMIC ILLUSION.
Lord Nataraja, Lord of Dance is seen dancing on the figure of a dwarf, the person is named ‘Apasmarapurusha’. The word “PURUSHA” means man. The word “APASMARA” means forgetfulness, lack of memory, heedlessness that leads to mental ignorance. The “ignorance” refers to man’s alienation or separation from Knowledge about his true or real nature and man basically exists in a condition of Ignorance due to the lack of understanding about his true or real-self and the world and the universe in which he exists. Lord Shiva is the source and the Cause of all movements or motions in the Cosmos. In Physics, the Cause of Motion is not explained and is not discussed. While Physics formulates the Laws that govern the motions of material bodies, Physics cannot account for the phenomenon of Motion that can be observed among the Living Bodies. Life exists in a constant state or condition of motion, and at the same time, the Living Thing is constantly driven towards a destination called ‘Death’ when the motions that are characteristic of Life cease to exist. This arrest of motions of Life is accompanied by a dissolution of the Physical Form and Appearance of the Individual Living Thing. The purpose of Lord Nataraja’s Cosmic Dance is that of releasing man from his attachment to ‘Form” and “Appearance” that shapes man’s ideas of his own Identity. Man describes his Essence visualizing his Identity that is derived from Form and Appearance. To understand the nature of true Identity, man has to explore the basis for the condition called Existence. At Chidambaram, man is encouraged to explore and investigate Existence by drawing inspiration from the Form and Appearance of Lord Nataraja and His Cosmic Dance. The gestures of the Dance represent Lord Nataraja’s five activities called “PANCHA KRITYA”; 1. Creation, 2. Protection, 3. Destruction, 4. Embodiment, and 5. Release. Man ultimately needs LORD God’s Compassion for the ultimate Release from his bondage or Conditioned Existence. To explain the reason for this Dependence upon LORD God’s Mercy, Grace, and Compassion, I suggest the use of ‘Devotion’ as a valid method of Scientific Inquiry.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE: IN INDIAN TRADITION, GOD EXISTS IN BOTH TRANSCENDENTAL REALM AND IMMANENT REALM. WHEN GOD IS PHYSICALLY MANIFESTED ON EARTH, IT WILL BE CORRECT TO CLAIM THAT EARTH IS THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE. LORD NATARAJA’S BIG TOE IN THIS TEMPLE IS THOUGHT TO BE AT THE CENTER OF EARTH’S GEOMAGNETIC EQUATOR.
In Indian tradition, it is explained that God exists in both Transcendental Realm and Immanent Realm. Hindu Scripture, “ISA UPANISHAD” that comments on “SHUKLA YAJUR VEDA” in verses 12 to 14 makes the following recommendation: “He who knows at the same time both the unmanifested and the manifested, he crosses over death through Knowledge of the manifested and attains immortality through the Knowledge of the Invisible Absolute.” It is very important to know and understand LORD God as a Physical Being that has fully manifested on Earth. If LORD GOD is physically manifested on Earth, it will be correct to claim that Earth is at the Center of the Universe. From a human perspective, the center of activity is planet Earth for Life seems to be very unique or special to this small planet in the vast universe made of stuff called Physical Matter.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE: THE GOLDEN TILES COVERING THE ROOF OF LORD NATARAJA’S TEMPLE IN CHIDAMBARAM INSPIRE US TO REFLECT UPON ESSENCE OR FORM, AND APPEARANCE AND ITS DISTINCTION FROM EXISTENCE.
The roof of Lord Nataraja’s temple in Chidambaram is adorned with golden tiles and it inspires man to reflect upon the distinction between Essence and Existence. What is Essence? What is Existence? We can describe the ‘Essence'(What you are) by attaching a variety of names. Man may describe his Essence in a number of ways which may include references to his physical or morphological appearance, age, sex, ethnicity, race, language, religion, culture, region or national identity, education, occupation, social or political affiliation and other attributes like achievements and accomplishments. It is important to know the attributes of the Physical Elements that constitute the Living Matter using which man develops all the structures of his physical body. Man’s Physical Being experiences the problem of mortality, whereas the Physical Elements of his body are imperishable, indestructible, immutable, immortal, eternal, and even could be considered to be “UNBORN.”
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: ADI SHANKARACHARYA FOUNDED THE INDIAN SCHOOL OF THOUGHT KNOWN AS NON-DUALISM OR ADVAITA. HE HAD VERY FORCEFULLY CLAIMED THAT HIS PHYSICAL BODY AND MIND DOES NOT DESCRIBE HIS TRUE IDENTITY. HE LAID A GREAT EMPHASIS ON IMMORTAL AND ETERNAL EXISTENCE.
Adi Shankaracharya founded the Indian School of Thought known as ‘Advaita’ or Non-Dualism. He vehemently opposed the idea of attaching his Identity to his physical body or mind. For example, he wrote, “ManO buddhyaHamkaara, Chittani na aHam; na karnam, na jihvaa, na cha ghraana netre; na cha Vyoma Bhumir, na TejO na VaayuH; Chidaananda RuupaH, ShivOaHam, ShivOaHam.” He had formulated a view about his true or real Identity that basically excludes all the four types of mental functions, the Five Elements of Nature, the five organs of Sense Perception. He made an attempt to overcome the problem of transient Existence that makes man a Mortal Being. Shankara forces people to avoid using Form and Appearance to describe Identity or Essence as they are not constant and keep changing all the time. Shankara demands total perfection while stating his real Identity. That perfection is characterized by Immortal or Eternal Existence. Man’s existence in the world is of varying durations called Lifetime and this Life-Span is a product of his conditioned existence. Shankara attached utmost importance to Everlasting Existence and in the context of that Everlasting Existence, he calls himself “SHIVA.” While I truly appreciate Shankara’s insistence about man’s existence in a Transcendental Realm, we may have to still account for man’s earthly journey. In man’s earthly life, the ‘Essence’ is not recognized until the thing called man begins existing. The thing called “I” is recognized and is known if, and only if it begins to exist; and “I” that exists can be stated as “I AM”, the “I” as an existing being. It must be noted that the fact of Existence always precedes Essence. In the statement, “Aham Brahma”,(“I AM BRAHMA, THE ULTIMATE REALITY”), or “SHIVO AHAM” (I AM SHIVA) the thing called “I” is not Brahma or Shiva. The statements such as “Aham Brahma” and “ShivO Aham” would be wrong if they do not qualify that the thing called “I” is in existence and is specifically known as “Aham” or “I Am.” The term ‘Brahma’ or ‘Shiva’ is perfect and complete in all of its aspects as it is the basis for both Essence and Existence. Hence the word ‘Brahma’ or ‘Shiva’ brings unity between matter, energy, and the physical form constituted by Physical Elements that have the attributes like imperishability or indestructibility.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD KRISHNA IN THE DIVINE SONG CALLED THE BHAGAVAD GITA EXPLAINS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE. HE EXPLAINS THE POWERFUL INFLUENCE CALLED “COSMIC ILLUSION” OR “MAYA” WHICH CAN BLOCK MAN’S PERCEPTION ABOUT HIS TRUE OR REAL SELF.
Lord Krishna in the Divine Song called The Bhagavad Gita explains the distinction between Essence and Existence. He explains the powerful influence called “Cosmic Illusion” or “MAYA” which can block man’s perception about his true or real Self. Lord Krishna in Chapter X, Vibhuti – Vistara Yoga, verse 39, claims, “I am the generating seed of all existences. There is no being, moving or unmoving (Chara -Acharam) that can exist without Me.” The term ‘atman’ and ‘Paramatman’ must be used in the context of Existence and not that of Subjective Essence that involves the thing called “I.” Lord Krishna gave this clarification to explain that the fact of Subjective Essence by which various kinds of Living Things are known do exist for they all share a common, or undivided Principle that is Imperishable and establishes the fact of Existence as a Physical Reality. The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XVIII, Moksha-Opadesa Yoga, verse 20:
Tat Asmi Prabhu – Fifth Mahavakya – Existence Precedes Essence.
The knowledge of one who sees in every living entity, though divided into innumerable forms, one undivided spiritual nature, that knowledge is to be understood as being in the mode of Goodness. One undivided, imperishable reality is seen within all diverse living entities.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD SHIVA’S ESSENCE IN THIS IMAGE IS DESCRIBED AS “ARDHANARISHWARA”, HALF-MALE AND HALF-FEMALE, A PERFECT UNION OF MATTER, ENERGY, AND THE ENERGY CONTROLLER.
Apart from all the diversity among the numerous living entities, the LORD God Shiva manifests Himself in a variety of Forms and each Appearance has its own reason, and serves a specific purpose.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD GOD SHIVA HAS PHYSICALLY MANIFESTED HIMSELF ON EARTH DURING DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS OR YUGAS FOR SPECIFIC REASONS TO SERVE A SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR EACH APPEARANCE. AS LORD NEELAKANTHA, HE SAVED HUMANITY FROM THE DANGER POSED BY AN EXTREMELY NOXIOUS SUBSTANCE.SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD SHIVA OFTEN CALLED LORD GOD “MAHESHWARA” IS THE PROTECTOR, AND CONTRIBUTES THE MENTAL EXPERIENCE OF EQUANIMITY AND BLISS.SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD SHIVA AND GODDESS PARVATI MANIFEST THEMSELVES AS EMBODIMENT OF ALL VIRTUES AND BESTOW THEIR MERCY, GRACE, AND COMPASSION THROUGH THIS APPEARANCE.
All different forms of life including persons whom we may call Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Prince Arjuna or Partha are to be known because of that imperishable Principle(avyayam) that is chiefly concerned with Existence, and thus there is unity or oneness while the thing called “I” is variable.
Rudranarasimham, Rebbapragada
On Saturday, November 1, 2014 9:55 AM, Krishna G Misra wrote:
Surrender to THAT ‘i’ ‘i’ is a variable. ‘i’ does not know what it is. ‘i’ cannot be known. ‘i’ is never known because it is a variable. ‘i’ becomes body, ‘i’ becomes mind, ‘i’ becomes things which it owns, ‘i’ becomes anything. but ‘i’ is none of those which it represents and is independent of those too. Krishna says ‘i’ am Krishna. Parth says ‘i’ am Parth, This means, ‘i’ is Krishna and Parth both, but Krishna and Parth differ. Krishna carefully says ‘i’ am Parth and Parth is ‘i’ . ‘i’ am 1, ‘i’ am 2 but 1 and 2 are different. every one of us says ‘i’ am A, ‘i’ am B but not knows the ‘i’ , the universal self.’i’ is a UNIVERSAL variable. anyone is ‘i’ but those who it represents are not that ‘i’ .
On Sat, Nov 1, 2014 at 7:20 PM, R.Rudra Narasimham wrote:
What is spread all over the body?
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: THE MANDUKYA UPANISHAD SPEAKS ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP OR CONNECTION BETWEEN SOUL AND THE PERFECT ENTITY CALLED BRAHMAN WHICH COULD BE INVISIBLE OR UNMANIFESTED.
We may try to interpret verse #17, Chapter II, Sankhya Yoga of The Bhagavad Gita. It says the imperishable, or indestructible soul pervades or permeates(“tatam”) the entire physical body. The soul or atma is spread all over the body or influences the entire body, or the symptom of soul or atma is present in all the parts of the body. In Chapter XIII, Kshetra – Kshetrajna Vibhaga Yoga, verse 34 says that, Just like Sun who illuminates the entire world, the soul within the body illuminates the entire field of activity of the physical body by consciousness. Hence, consciousness is the proof or symptom of the presence of the soul or atma. For the soul is present, we can show respect to the feet or the toe as the Essence illuminates it and thereby we recognize that the part is present. In other words, I am trying to suggest that we may not search for Atma or Paramatma in our minds or brains, it is simple and easier to find it in the feet with an attitude called devotion.
On 31/10/2014 12:03 am, “Krishna G Misra” wrote:
Sri Rudra ji,
I respect your thoughts. It truly is devotion. Rudra means explosion and this explosion of param atma makes the two jivatma and Prakriti which means shiv and Parvati. These two are actually one but appear as two or Rudra in dance firm called manifested universe or samsara or tandav. Prakriti is law bound and called mind and body and atma or spirit is free but focus at its goal called bhakti. These two opposites are like car and driver where car is law bound nature and driver is goal oriented atma shiv. In bhakti the tandav dance of Shiva Parvati or Rudra becomes araudra or peace and this is yoga or bhakti or inseparable state. Bhakti is goal of Shiva in Rudra state to become peaceful or araudra state. Your name Rudra is world intending to realize its source RAM the param atma.
What is Bhakti?
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: IN INDIAN TRADITION, DEVOTION OR BHAKTI IS A VALID METHOD OF INQUIRY TO KNOW THE MANIFESTED, AND THE INVISIBLE OR UNMANIFESTED ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
On Thursday, October 30, 2014 8:23 AM, Krishna G Misra wrote:
Chitta is chitra or picture. In English this is called perception. Perception of an object or event will differ from one and another observer and by same observer at different mental states. This is why people have conflicts. Yoga is removal of any variation of chitta as Patanjali says. Ahankar is strength of association of an observer with its chitra or perception. Buddhi is bodh or tool of making and removal of chitta or perception. Kripa is giving unconditionally and without restrictions and without obligation. Recover of krioa cannot expect or imagine it because lord is kind without any measure. Your Sanskrit verse is a perfect statement. Ram Chandra krioalu bhaj man Krioa is not what can be asked because it is grace if God and none can imagine its intensity. Ability of person is irrelevant because krioa can bypass all hurdle.
What is Krupa?
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: LORD GOD IS JUST ONE AND THE SAME AND YET MAN KNOWS HIM BY DIFFERENT NAMES. IN INDIAN TRADITION, THE NAME RAMA IS THE PERSONIFICATION OF THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH OR THE ULTIMATE REALITY. LORD RAMA IS THE SOURCE OF KRUPA OR COMPASSION FOR HE HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFE JOURNEY IN HIS PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION AS A HUMAN BEING.
The four aspects of mental activity are described as Manah, Chitta, Buddhi, and Ahamkara. Chitta is the function associated with Krupa, Karuna, or Daya. But, the experience of Krupa is not a mere mental experience. The experience is shared by the entire body. It is not a simple subjective experience. It is an objective experience that can be verified by an independent observer.
The hymn suggests that the experience called Krupa is Great for it can give the ability of communication to the mute, and the disabled person can cross over obstacles such as mountains. The Lord known as Madhava is specifically described as the fountain of eternal bliss and joy. The idea is, when a person experiences Krupa or Compassion, the experience comes with a sense of joy and happiness. Very often, we get a chance to personally experience the reality of Krupa. When we recognize the experience called pain, and suffering in the lives of others, it evokes an instinctual response of kindness and compassion that practically helps us to provide physical assistance to the person who is experiencing pain, and misery. That feeling of compassion is powerful and is very uplifting and it gives the necessary energy and stamina to perform a challenging task with much ease and no strain. During natural calamities, we witness people coming out to give assistance and help to total strangers and work tirelessly. The entire human body is transformed. The provider of help, and the recipient of help experience a sense of joy when actions are performed under the influence of Krupa.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2014 2:32 PM, Krishna G Misra wrote:
Mind has seven colors or Man -Sat Roopa. Mind is like light which appears colorless but it includes seven colors while objects that have actually no colors appear in colors of that colorless yet seven colored light. Mind is just that light which has seven patterns but is invisible. Objects are seen in color not because objects own any color but because of the mind of seer or who sees it. A thief can recognize a gold necklace but an innocent child cannot. This means that same necklace is valuable to a thief but not to another observer. Rose is red when two observers see it in same sun light but when sun light does not exist rose is not seen let leave its red color. When one observer has colored glass and another by naked eyes they both will see same rose in different colors. Mind has seven colors a. Information b. Imagination c experience d. Memory e. Knowledge f. dream or subconscious g. intuition. Experience is one of seven colors of mind but it lives for short time and memory of it stays longer. For example you drink milk and it takes 10 minutes but memory of milk remains a lifetime. Similarly each color has different depth of thought and with which we or different observers make perceptions differently for the same object. I am traveling and cannot describe it as I would have wanted but I hope you can discover it by yourself.
On 29/10/2014 11:32 pm, “R.Rudra Narasimham” wrote:
What is Experience?
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: WHAT IS EXPERIENCE? IF GOD IS INVISIBLE AND IS UNMANIFESTED, HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE THE EXISTENCE OF GOD? IN MY VIEW, GOD IS EXPERIENCED AS PEACE, HARMONY, AND TRANQUILITY THAT IS BEST SYMBOLIZED BY THE LETTER OR SYLLABLE CALLED “AUM” OR “OM.”
Apart from matter and energy, we have to account for ‘experience’. There is an entity who has the experience of the various manifestations of matter and energy. Man studies matter and energy for he has this ability called experience. Mechanics, Statics, Dynamics, Acoustics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Electricity, Magnetism, gravitation and others are of interest for they are involved in giving man the experience called ‘equilibrium’ while he is at rest or in motion. While a number of varied forces are acting on man, the experience called ‘Ananda’ or Bliss, or Joy is possible because of the operation of a Fundamental Force that can be called ‘Love’. But, Love is a force that cannot be expressed as a mathematical formula or equation and cannot be experimentally verified for it cannot be measured to ascertain its quantity in numbers. In Indian tradition, God is called Sat, Chit, Ananda. The reality called Energy will have no relevance or importance if there is no experience of the same.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2014 12:58 AM, Mukund Apte wrote:
Please note that Modern Science has confirmed that the Universe is only filled with Energy in various forms. Even thoughts are energy and the matter is nothing but consolidated form of energy and so whether we consider metaphysics or solid material, they are the same thing; Energy. When matter dies or get destroyed, it merely gets transferred to different form of Energy.
SPIRITUALITY SCIENCE – ESSENCE AND EXISTENCE – CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM: IN INDIAN TRADITION LORD BRAHMA IS THE LORD GOD CREATOR. PHYSICAL MATTER, THE CHEMICAL ELEMENTS OF MATTER HAVE DIVINE ATTRIBUTES LIKE IMPERISHABILITY OR INDESTRUCTIBILITY.
Happy Twosday on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. I joined Two-Two after getting Commission at age Twenty-Two
22/02/2022: Today is Happy Twosday, and it’s both a palindrome and an ambigram
Happy Twosday on Tuesday. The date on 22nd February 2022 is both a palindrome and an ambigram. The date reads the same from left to right, from right to left AND upside down. Photograph:( Twitter )
The world will reach a historic milestone on February 22. It’s the date itself: February 22nd, 2022.This is an ambigram as well as a rare palindrome. Only a few dates on the calendar are extremely rare numerically. Such dates are usually accurate over a long period of time. Today is one of those occasions.
The date forms a palindrome and an ambigram when written in the British style on 22/02/2022, a pattern that is unique and extremely unusual. This implies it may be read in any direction, including backwards and upside down.
Personal Number: MS-8466. Rank: Captain. Name: R Rudra Narasimham, Branch: Army Medical Corps/Short Service Regular Commission. Unit: Headquarters Establishment Number. 22, C/O 56 APO. Designation: Medical Officer. Organization: SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE. Joined Two-Two after getting Commission at age Twenty-TwoHappy Twosday on Tuesday, February 22, 2022. I belong to Two-Two and I joined Two-Two on September 22 after getting Commission at age Twenty-Two.
At age twenty-two, I got Commission in the Indian Army Medical Corps giving me the opportunity to serve in a top-secret military Establishment Number. 22 which is popularly identified as Two-Two. I joined Two-Two on September 22 making it a Special Day of my life.
Who are You at age Twenty-Two?
I ask my readers to share their images at age Twenty-Two.
Happy Twosday on Tuesday, 22/02/2022. I joined Two-Two after getting Commission at age Twenty-Two.
In this graphic, Julie Peasley shows how many one-dollar bills it would take to stack up to the total U.S. debt of $31.4 trillion.Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse
Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February; Presidents’ Day 2022 occurs on Monday, February 21.
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse.
Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.
The story of Presidents’ Day date begins in 1800. Following the death of George Washington in 1799, his February 22 birthday became a perennial day of remembrance.
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act also included a provision to combine the celebration of Washington’s birthday with that of Abraham Lincoln, which fell on February 12. Lincoln’s Birthday had long been a state holiday in places like Illinois, and many supported joining the two days as a way of giving equal recognition to two of America’s most famous statesmen.
Washington and Lincoln still remain the two most recognized leaders, but Presidents’ Day is now popularly seen as a day to recognize the lives and achievements of all of America’s chief executives. Some lawmakers have objected to this view, arguing that grouping George Washington and Abraham Lincoln together with less successful presidents minimizes their legacies.
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse.
In its modern form, Presidents’ Day is used by many patriotic and historical groups as a date for staging celebrations, reenactments and other events. A number of states also require that their public schools spend the days leading up to Presidents’ Day teaching students about the accomplishments of the presidents, often with a focus on the lives of Washington and Lincoln.
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse. Presidential Term: January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001
On Monday, February 21, 2022, while celebrating the Presidents’ Day, I remind the Nation about the legacy of William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd US President. Bill Clinton’s Presidential Term: January 20, 1993 – January 20, 2001.
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse.
1995-1999
Outstanding debt in 1995: $4.97 trillion
Debt adjusted for inflation: $8.39 trillion
Outstanding debt in 1999: $5.66 trillion
Debt adjusted for inflation: $8.72 trillion
Change in debt between 1995-1999: 13.72% Change in debt adjusted for inflation: $337.54 billion
2000-2004
Outstanding debt in 2000: $5.67 trillion
Debt adjusted for inflation: $8.47 trillion
Outstanding debt in 2004: $7.38 trillion
Debt adjusted for inflation: $10.04 trillion
Change in debt between 2000-2004: 30.05% Change in debt adjusted for inflation: $1.57 trillion
Bill Clinton rejected the Promises of Prosperity and embraced the Curses of Indebtedness the LORD imposed for acts of Disobedience.
U.S. National Debt Clock February 2022
An Overview of the United States National Debt
The Current Outstanding Public Debt of the United States is:
Of the $5.1 trillion dollars of US debt that is owned by foreign governments, China and Japan own nearly half, as evidenced by this chart:
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation Must Wake Up to the Reality of the Clinton Curse.
America’s national debt surpasses $30 trillion for the first time
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation Must Wake Up to the Reality of the Clinton Curse.
Skyrocketing pile of debt
The federal government now owes almost $8 trillion to foreign and international investors, led by Japan and China. Eventually, that will need to be paid back, with interest.
“That means American taxpayers will be paying for the retirement of the people in China and Japan, who are our creditors,” said Kelly.
The $30 trillion national debt figure is somewhat inflated by the fact that a chunk of the money is owed by the government to itself. This is debt held in Social Security and other government trust funds. So-called intragovernmental holdings total more than $6 trillion.
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse.
The United States must reflect upon the actions of the 42nd President that violate the LORD’ s Commandments. The Welfare Reform Act of 1996 enacted by President Bill Clinton reintroduced Slavery into the United States nullifying President Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation that abolished Slavery.
Presidents’ Day 2022. The Nation must wake up to the reality of the Clinton Curse. A Balanced Budget vs Foreign Debt.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung,Lushai, Mizo Hills. This Memorial Stone was erected in Demagiri in honor of Captain Thomas Herbert Lewin, the Deputy Commissioner of the Chittagong Hill Tracts who built a fort in Demagiri to serve as the Force Headquarters of the British Indian Army First Lushai Expedition of 1871-72.
I am sharing this story about the British Indian Army First Lushai Expedition of 1871-72 to honor the memory of the Tibetan soldiers who arrived in Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai or Mizo Hills in October 1971 and gave their precious lives during the military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts initiating the Liberation of Bangladesh. On behalf of The Living Tibetan Spirits, I ask that a Memorial Stone be erected in Demagiri, Tlabung, the place which served as the Force Headquarters of The Fifth Army in Bangladesh under the command of Major General Sujan Singh Uban, the Inspector General of Special Frontier Force.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tablung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. Captain Lewin the founder of Demagiri Military Settlement lived in Demagiri for about nine years. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tablung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. Captain Lewin befriended the native people by learning their language and their cultural traditions.
Captain Thomas Herbert Lewin was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner and Political Agent for the Chittagong Hill Tracts in March 1866. He held that post until 1875. In 1874, he was made an honorary Lieutenant Colonel.. He made his first camp at Chandraghona and later in Rangamati. He was the founder of a military camp and settlement at Demagiri ahead of the British Indian Army First Lushai Expedition of 1871-72.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. A view of Demagiri, Tlabung on the banks of the Khawthlang Tuipui or Karnaphuli River, the border between Mizo Hills and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The British Indian Army Lushai Expedition of 1871 to 1872 was a punitive incursion under the command of Generals Brownlow and Bourchier. General Charles Henry Brownlow commanded the Southern Column or the Chittagong Column for the Lushai Expedition and then served as Assistant Military Secretary for India for ten years. General George Bourchier commanded the East Frontier District, and in 1871 to 1872 he commanded the Cachar Column or the North Column in the Lushai Expedition.
In 1871, the British Indian Army military expedition named the Southern Column started from Kasalong in Rangamati and it followed the course of Karnaphuli River to reach Demagiri, Tlabung in Lushai, Mizo Hills. Whereas in 1971, the Special Frontier Force military expedition named the South Column started from Demagiri and initially it was an overland incursion followed by the use of passenger boat service to reach Rangamati and used captured vehicles to advance to Kaptai by road and launched a separate airborne operation to secure the Naval Base at Chittagong Sea Port. The South Column reached Chittagong by road taking advantage of the vehicles left behind by the enemy but camped in Kaptai and around the Kaptai Lake until the conclusion of the Campaign in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. A view of the Khawthlang Tuipui or Karnaphuli River near Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.
The objectives of the British Indian Army First Lushai Expedition were to rescue British subjects who had been captured by the Lushais (Mizos) in raids into Assam—including a six-year-old girl called Mary Winchester—and to convince the hill tribes of the region that they had nothing to gain and everything to lose by placing themselves in a hostile position towards the British Government. Mary Winchester, or Zolûti to Mizos, (1865–1955) was a Scottish girl who was captured and held hostage by the Lushai, Mizo tribes of Lushai Hills, Mizo Hills in 1871, and rescued by the British expedition in 1872.
Captain Thomas Herbert Lewin signed a Peace Treaty with Mizo Chief Rothangpuia of Thangluah clan following which he shifted his headquarters from Rangamati to Demagiri, Tlabung. The Mizos called him Thangliana or the Man of Great Fame. Captain Lewin returned to England due to ill health, was made an honorary Lieutenant Colonel and received a Colonel’s pension. He returned to India in 1875 to take up the post of Deputy Commissioner of Cooch Behar, and later became Deputy Commissioner of Darjeeling, where he remained until his retirement in 1879. In 1885, Thomas Herbert bought Parkhurst, a house in Abinger, near Dorking, Surrey where he lived until his death in 1916. Lewin was the author of several works on India and Indian languages.
The Story of South Column
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. On completion of my Medical Internship at Military Hospital, Ambala Cantonment, Haryana, I joined Establishment 22 (Two-Two) on September 22, 1971.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. The Story of South Column begins in October 1971.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. During October 1971, I provided the medical support to Bangla Freedom Fighters training at a Camp on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River near Dakpathar Barrage.
I joined duty at the Military Hospital Wing of Establishment 22 (Two-Two) on September 22, 1971 and at the end of the month I was sent on temporary duty to provide medical support to Bangla Freedom Fighters training on the eastern banks of the Yamuna River between the Shivalik Hills and Dakpathar Barrage across the Yamuna River. This Training Camp was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Prasanta Coomar Purkayastha, The Regiment of Garhwal Rifles. I did not take my service weapon to perform this duty while the men did receive weapon training. I returned to Chakrata during the third week of October 1971 and was not yet aware of any battle plan to take military action in support of the Bangla refugees in India.
On October 19, 1971, while serving in the Military Hospital Wing of Establishment 22 (Two-Two) in Chakrata, I was asked to provide medical support to the Mobile Reserve Force (MRF), Kailana Camp in Chakrata Cantonment. I was not briefed about the nature of my temporary duty and I moved to the MRF Kailana Camp with a steel trunk and a bedding, a heavy load of personal belongings.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills From the Military Hospital Wing, Chakrata Camp, I proceeded on temporary duty to the Mobile Reserve Force, Kailana Camp in Chakrata Cantonment without taking my service weapon, the 9 mm Sub Machine Gun, SMG (Carbine, Machine, Sten)..
As an Officer of the Indian Army, I received training in the use of a 9 mm Sub Machine Gun known as Sten Gun or SMG (Carbine, Machine, Sten) and had always passed in my weapon training tests. It is a devastating close-range weapon. It is a compact, lightweight automatic weapon firing pistol ammunition and it would fire without any lubrication. The personal weapon is held in the Unit Quarter Guard (Armory) and is generally taken out for range practice and weapon training during peacetime and is carried during the performance of active duty deployment either training or actual combat operations. I proceeded for this assignment at MRF, Kailana Camp without taking my personal weapon and ammunition as it was primarily a peacetime assignment. My Movement Order did not specify that I must draw the service weapon and ammunition prior to proceeding on this duty. However, the men were personally briefed to prepare for a wartime duty and I was in the Hospital and did not listen to the motivational speech given by Gyalo Thondup, the brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. THE PROBLEM OF ESPIONAGE. ILLEGAL PHOTO IMAGE TAKEN BY CHINESE SPY AT ESTABLISHMENT NO. 22. DAPON/POLITICAL LEADER RATUK NGAWANG HAD POSSESSION OF THIS IMAGE AND SUPPLIED IT TO A JOURNALIST. Gyalo Thondup, 14th Dalai Lama’s brother gave a motivational speech at the Mobile Reserve Force Kailana Camp in Chakrata during the third week of October 1971. Special Secretary Mr. R.N. Kao is flanked by Major General Sujan Singh Uban (Left) and Brigadier T S Oberoi (Right)..1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. The Key Players met in Chakrata. Brigadier T S Oberoi (extreme left) seen with Special Secretary Mr. R. N. Kao, and Major General Sujan Singh Uban, the Inspector General of Special Frontier Force, and Tibetan Political Leader at extreme right.The Fifth Army in Bangladesh. Establishment No. 22 – Operation Eagle: This badge represents a military alliance/pact between India, Tibet, and the United States of America. Its first combat mission was in the Chittagong Hill Tracts which unfolded on Thursday, October 28, 1971 when South Column crossed the international boundary West of Borunasury Border Security Force Company Post. It was named Operation Eagle. It accomplished its mission of securing peace in the region that is now known as Republic of Bangladesh. The Badge is not worn on uniforms during active duty.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. I proceeded from Mobile Reserve Force Kailana Camp, Chakrata in Uttarakhand to the Aviation Research Centre Airbase in Sarsawa on October 20, 1971 without carrying my service weapon.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.My journey begins at Mobile Reserve Force Kailana Camp, Chakrata after I was attached to the Mobile Reserve Force on October 19, 1971.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. The story of South Column begins at Mobile Reserve Force Kailana Camp, Chakrata. Apart from Chakrata, troops had also arrived in Demagiri from other locations.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 20, 1971, I moved from Kailana Camp, Chakrata to Sarsawa, near Saharanpur travelling by road in a military convoy.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 20, 1971, I moved from Chakrata to Sarsawa, near Saharanpur by road. A view of the bridge over the Tons River at Kalsi, near Dakpathar.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. After arriving in Sarsawa on October 20, 1971, I was issued a Movement Order to proceed on duty described as Operation Eagle. I proceeded on this duty with a heavy load of my personal belongings and without my personal service weapon and ammunition. A view of Sarsawa Airfield. On October 21, 1971, for the early morning takeoff, the runway was lit by rows of flaming torches.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. OPERATION EAGLE IS THE CODE NAME FOR MILITARY ACTION THAT INITIATED THE LIBERATION OF BANGLADESH DURING OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 1971 WITH STRIKES ON THE ENEMY MILITARY POSTS IN CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. I took an early morning flight on October 21, 1971 from Sarsawa Air Force Station to Kumbhigram Air Force Station.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 20, 1971 I was deployed for the military action code-named Operation Eagle at Sarsawa, near Saharanpur. My Movement Order did not provide any details and there was no briefing to keep the battle plan as a secret.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. The Antonov An-12 is a four-engined turboprop transport aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. The above photo image is used just for the illustrative purpose. We were not permitted to take any photographs in the conduct of the covert military mission code named Operation Eagle.
At Sarsawa Air Force Station, I boarded the Antonov An-12, Soviet designed transport aircraft in the early morning hours of October 21, 1971. The runway was illuminated by rows of flaming torches on either side. The Commandant of Establishment 22 (Two-Two) Brigadier T S Oberoi delayed the departure of the flight until a hot breakfast was served to all the men boarding the aircraft. The men were fully armed and were dressed in combat gear and I was the only exception proceeding on Operation Eagle mission without carrying a service weapon. I was permitted to carry the heavy load of my personal belongings as the nature of the mission was not formally disclosed. While we boarded the aircraft in a single file, Brigadier T S Oberoi warmly shook hands of each person. He wished me all the best and did not inquire about my service weapon as the mission remained a secret and its objectives were not disclosed in Sarsawa. I was just taking part in an unknown military mission and did not even know the destination of this morning flight from Sarsawa Airfield until the aircraft landed in Kumbhigram Airfield near Silchar City in Cachar District, Assam. However, I checked the Movement Order that was issued to me. The Commandant of Establishment 22 has the authority to sanction my move from the Military Hospital Wing to the Mobile Reserve Force Base, Kailana Camp in Chakrata and from there to Sarsawa airfield where we often go for parachuting or para jumping. The Inspector General of Special Frontier Force has the authority to sanction my move from Chakrata to any other location within India. The Inspector General does not have the sanctioning power to ask me to move across the boundaries of India. The Movement Order deploying me for Operation Eagle that I received in Sarsawa did not specify any particular location but the Move was sanctioned by the Cabinet Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the executive branch of the Government of India which has the sanctioning power to move me to any location in India as well as across the borders of India. Before boarding the Antonov An-12 transport aircraft in Sarsawa, I knew I may have to move across the borders of India but had no clue about its precise location. I was not briefed and I did not ask any questions as my mission was still under the wraps of operational security. On October 21, 1971, I was blissfully unaware of the existence of a place known as Demagiri in Lushai, Mizo Hills. On that date I am aware of the training imparted to Bangla Freedom Fighters but had no clue about an impending operation that follows the course of the British Indian Army’s First Lushai Expedition of 1871-72.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. On October 21, 1971, I boarded the Antonov An-12 transport aircraft in Sarsawa without knowing the destination of my air flight.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 21, 1971, I arrived in Kumbhigram Air Force Station, Cachar District, Assam and camped near the runaway to begin the road journey to Lushai, Mizo Hills on October 22, 1971.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. The 3-ton Lorry shown in this picture is used just for the illustrative purpose.. In 1971, the Indian Army was using TATA Mercedes Benz 3-ton Lorry for the transportation of men and supplies.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 22, 1971, I moved from Kumbhigram, Cachar District, Assam to Aizawl, Mizo Hills in a military convoy and halted there for the night at the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Project Pushpak, Officers Mess.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 22, 1971, I arrived in Aizawl and spent the night at the Officers Mess of the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Project Pushpak.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart. Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. On October 23, 1971, I moved from Aizawl to Lunglei, Mizoram for another night halt at Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), Project Pushpak Officers Mess in Lunglei. A view of Mizo Hills, Aizawl.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 24, 1971, I moved from Lunglei to Demagiri, Tlabung.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On October 24, 1971, the military convoy moved from Lunglei to arrive in Demagiri. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. I arrived in Demagiri on October 24, 1971. I walked up to the Khawthlang Tuipui, Karnaphuli River bank and looked for signs of activity across the border. Surprisingly, the area looked uninhabited while in Demagiri the streets were crowded with Bangla refugees.
October 1971, Operation Eagle Deployment at Demagiri, Tlabung
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. On Monday, October 25, 1971, I selected Vietnam War Era US Army Infantry Assault M14 Rifle as my service weapon.Operation Eagle. The military action to initiate the Liberation of Bangladesh involved the use of this US Marine Corps Service Rifle. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. The M14 Rifle was issued to me on Monday, October 25, 1971. On Tuesday, October 26, 1971, I returned the Gun to the Armory at Force Headquarters, Operation Eagle, Demagiri (Tlabung).1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. On Monday, October 25, 1971, I was offered Hungarian AK-47 Assault Rifle to use as my issued or authorized weapon. I selected the US Army M14 Infantry Assault Rifle recommended by the Company Commanders of South Column.
Friday, October 01, 1971 to Friday, October 15, 1971: I was at a Training Camp with Bangla Freedom Fighters near Dakpathar Barrage across the Yamuna River, Uttarakhand, India.
Tuesday, October 19, 1971: Moved from the Military Hospital Wing, Headquarters Establishment 22, Chakrata to the Mobile Reserve Force, Kailana Camp, Chakrata Cantonment.
Wednesday, October 20, 1971: Moved from Mobile Reserve Force, Kailana Camp, Chakrata to Sarsawa Airfield, near Saharanpur by road in a military convoy.
Thursday, October 21, 1971: Moved from Sarsawa Airfield to Kumbhigram Airfield, Cachar District, Assam in the Antonov An-12 transport aircraft. The air flight was provided by Aviation Research Centre. The Movement Order described the move as Operation Eagle deployment and did not specify the name of any location.
Friday, October 22, 1971: Moved from Kumbhigram Airfield, Assam, to Border Roads Task Force Camp, Project Pushpak, Aizawl, Mizoram by military convoy.
Saturday, October 23, 1971: Moved from Aizawl to Border Roads Task Force Camp, Project Pushpak, Lunglei, Mizoram by military convoy.
Sunday, October 24, 1971: Moved from Lunglei to the Force Headquarters, Operation Eagle Camp in Demagiri, Tlabung, Mizo Hills by road convoy. I viewed the Khawthlang Tuipui, Karnaphuli River. Found several Bangla refugees on the streets of Demagiri.
A Personal Tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, The Regiment of Artillery, Indian Army.
A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971: Glorious Quran, Surah VIII, SPOILS OF WAR, Verse 01: “And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah.Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
Monday, October 25, 1971: I was informed that I am posted as the Medical Officer of South Column under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, the Regiment of Artillery. Attended the first briefing by Colonel Narayan. Briefed about the battle plan to operate on Manpack basis to assault the enemy posts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I reviewed the options for my service weapon. I viewed the Hungarian AK-47 Assault Rifle and the US Marine Corps M14 Rifle. On the recommendation of the Company Commanders of South Column, I selected the US Marine Corps M14 Rifle.
Tuesday, October 26, 1971: Attended the second briefing by South Column Commander B K Narayan. Discussed the options for my service weapon. Took permission to return the US Marine Corps M14 Rifle and to serve in the military mission without carrying any service weapon and ammunition. Deposited all the heavy personal belongings in the store of Quartermaster of Force Headquarters Camp in Demagiri. Collected all the field gear, rations, medical supplies required for the conduct of operational tasks on the manpack basis.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. American made High-Explosive Fragmentation Mark II Hand Grenade. OPERATION EAGLE 1971. During Operation Eagle, the India-Pakistan War of 1971, I collected two such hand grenades at the enemy post that we captured. I removed the Detonator to safely handle the grenade. I took them home and presented them to my father as a piece of evidence of my participation in the War. My father was afraid to keep my evidence. The Grenades were buried in Alcot Gardens, Rajahmundry. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.The General Purpose Machine Gun M60 was designed for use in the Vietnam War was equally useful for our Infantry Operation Eagle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. M1 Muzzle loading 81mm Mortar is a heavy piece of Infantry weapon which provides indirect fire support. During Operation Eagle, our men had carried them on their backs and used them to fire upon the enemy patrols whenever they had confronted us. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. The most common weapon used by American Infantry Battalions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Operation Eagle was fought on a manpack basis and this short-range, lightweight mortar was very useful. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills AN/PRC-77 Backpack radio set is similar to the AN/PRC-25 radio set. This has the additional ability to scramble voice communications while being transmitted. The US Army used the same radio sets in Vietnam. .1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo HillsShort-range, manpack, portable, frequency modulated (FM) transceiver that provides two-way voice communication. Radio Set AN/PRC – 25 is used in the Vietnam War and I had used the same in Operation Eagle. .1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills Operation Eagle: Fifth Army in Bangladesh. We used the Collapsible, Tri-fold, Entrenching Tool used by the US Army in Vietnam. .1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills Infantry marches on its feet. Boots are the most important equipment apart from Guns. I had used Ankle Canvas Boots used by the US Army in Vietnam, during Operation Eagle and had marched on feet to fight and dislodge the enemy from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. .1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. A Soldier needs his gun, boots, and clothing to protect himself. During Operation Eagle 1971, I had used this US Army Nylon Poncho with Hood (Olive) to sleep on the ground and as a coat to protect myself from intense fog and dew prevalent in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.During Operation Eagle 1971 we were not allowed the use of cameras or photography. I would have looked like this man wearing Olive Green Coat Poncho. I had used US Army Cap-Jungle. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. The US Army Lightweight, Olive Green, Field Patrol Cap or Cap Jungle was worn by me during the entire duration of the military expedition.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.U.S. Army uses a variety of Individual Field Medical Kits. The Kits issued to us during Operation Eagle 1971 were Olive Green Canvas pouches worn on the belts by each individual. The medical supplies included Water Purification Tablets for use in water bottles, anti-Malaria pills, Insect Repellent Solution (DBP), Insect Repellant Cream (DMP), Injectable Tubonic Morphine, Oxytetracycline tablets, Multivitamin tablets, Field dressings, bandages and others. The Kits were not stamped but the contents reveal the place of origin. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.Operation Eagle. We used the same Water Purification Tablets and Water Canteens used by the US Army in Vietnam. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. Field Rations supplied in Demagiri. Kraft processed Cheddar Cheese in Blue tins.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. Field Rations supplied in Demagiri. Nestle’s Condensed Milk. Image used for illustrative purpose.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. In 1971, South Column used the US Army 2-piece Aluminum Mess tin kit
In October 1971, the US Army in Vietnam was using the same items and supplies that I was supplied in Demagiri. After the Sunset, South Column began its tactical move to Borunasury, a Border Security Force Company Post located South of Demagiri. The South Column marched in single file along a narrow walking trail observing absolute silence and without the use of lights. The trail was not maintained and was broken at several places with steep trenches and we had to very slowly negotiate these obstacles maintaining the distance between the person ahead and the person behind. Sometimes, we were forced to stop the march as the advance elements checked the route for any possible threats. We were in an area known for Mizo rebel activity and took precautions to avoid getting ambushed. I still remember the moment when I watched a bunch of snakes crawling under my legs while I rested on the trail using my heavy backpack as my support. I just silently watched the snakes without making any move and they moved quickly without noticing my presence.
Wednesday, October 27, 1971: Camped at Borunasury Border Security Force Company Post preparing for the next tactical move to assault the enemy post at Jalanpara, the Chittagong Hill Tracts located across the international boundary West of Borunasury. Using binoculars, we could watch activity at Jalanpara Camp as the enemy prepared trenches around the Camp.
Thursday, October 28, 1971: Crossed the international boundary West of Borunasury under the cover of darkness wading through the waters of a narrow stream. After marching through the forest for several hours, wading through shallow streams, avoiding all known walking trails and beaten paths, the South Column decided to Camp in the forest near an abandoned Chakma hut. One Company of South Column moved to a location just East of Jalanpara enemy camp to keep the enemy engaged while the assault gets launched from North of Jalanpara enemy camp.
Friday, October 29, 1971: The march resumed in the morning to reach a place North of Jalanpara enemy post to secure the enemy’s supply chain. Wading through the forest streams posed its own problems like leeches and my feet got soaked for so long, the skin simply peeled off. After Sunset, the enemy patrol spotted our movement and fired upon our position. We remained calm taking cover in trench pits and kept the enemy patrol at bay by very restrained response with a very few men returning the fire. The enemy patrol went back and didn’t get the chance to estimate the size of our force.
Saturday night, October 30/early morning hours of Sunday, October 31, 1971: Two Companies of South Column with Company Commanders Major Savendra Singh Negi, the Grenadiers, Major (Honorary) G B Velankarmove South along the trail to assault the enemy post at Jalanpara.The enemy resisted the assault fiercely shooting the made in China machine guns and I was able to hear the bouts of coughing noise of the gunfire for several hours. Finally, the enemy was neutralized and the machine gun fire stopped.
Sunday, October 31, 1971: South Column Commander radioed me and spoke to me using my mother tongue Telugu. We knew the composition of the enemy troops and we knew that they would not be able to decipher the words spoken in Telugu. He asked me to come to the enemy post at Jalanpara. I moved there with four men providing me the escort. South Column lost nine Tibetan men in the action due to hostile fire and had 13 battlefield casualties. South Column cremated the bodies of the battlefield dead as per the Tibetan Customs. I was informed that an airlift of the battlefield casualties was not possible as the helicopter flight across the international boundary was not sanctioned. The men were utterly surprised and reacted with anger. I spoke to the men giving them the assurance that I can take care of the situation. I made a decision to evacuate the casualties to Borunasury Border Security Force Company Post in India by using improvised stretchers. South Column assembled a party of about sixty or sixty five men to lift the stretchers and to provide armed escort to the evacuation team. We marched to Borunasury Border Security Force Post on foot and had to halt the march after 4 hours due to night fall. During the night of Sunday, October 31, 1971, I continued to monitor the condition of the battle casualties providing nursing care and support. For this battlefield casualty evacuation, I performed the duties of the Army Medical Corps Medical Officer, Nursing Assistant, as well as Ambulance Assistant. The services of the AMC Nursing Assistants of the South Column could not be spared for this ground evacuation from Jalanpara as we had to be on alert for an enemy counterattack.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. The Mi-4 was a Soviet design medium-lift helicopter designed to carry 1,600 kgs of weight or 16 troops and had a maximum range of 500 km at typical speeds of 140 kmph to 160 kmph.The helicopters could be loaded up to the maximum since the sortie durations were not more than an hour or so in duration and the missions could be flown with less fuel..
Monday, November 01, 1971: The ground evacuation of the battle casualties resumed before dawn and I reached Borunasury Border Security Force Company Post early in the morning and prepared the battle casualties for airlift to the Field Hospital in Lunglei, Mizoram. Flight Lieutenant Jadhav of Aviation Research Centre (ARC) arrived at the helipad in Mi-4 Helicopter. Operation Eagle was provided airlift support by two ARC Mi-4 Helicopters.
On Monday, November 01, 1971, myself and the battle casualty evacuation team marched back to Jalanpara and the foot journey took about eight hours. I had a very surprising encounter with a Chakma youth who stopped me asking for medical assistance.
After I rejoined the South Column at Jalanpara, the second Mi-4 helicopter pilot Flight Lieutenant Parvez Rustom Jamasji of Aviation Research Center (ARC) arrived at our Camp to bring in a young Captain who was posted to the South Column. I could not meet the helicopter pilot as this Captain from the Regiment of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles wanted to speak to me immediately upon his arrival.
The Slow and Tedious Military Campaign in the Forests of the Chittagong Hill Tracts
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH – THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS. I arrived in Demagiri on October 24, 1971 and I attended the first briefing by Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan on October 25, 1971.THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH – THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INDIAN ARMY AND THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH . WE USED THE SAME WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT USED BY THE US ARMY IN VIETNAM.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. Special Frontier Force-Establishment No. 22-Operation Eagle:. In 1971, Special Frontier Force initiated Liberation of Bangladesh with military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts with Battle Plan Code-named Operation Eagle. This Operation is not governed by Army Act 1950.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.
Tuesday, November 02, 1971: At Jalanpara, we expected the enemy to regroup and launch a counterattack the Company Post we captured. It did not happen. We used the beaten track to march towards Barkal which was our next target. As we marched out of Jalanpara in single file, an hour before the Sunset, we had an encounter with an enemy patrol. The advance party of the South Column exchanged fire with the enemy patrol keeping them at bay.
As we our exchanging fire with the enemy patrol, Major Sarvendra Singh Negi came up to me to offer his M-14 Rifle and invited me to join the gun battle with the enemy patrol. I told him that I am too busy for I was reading a paperback romance novel authored by Denise Robins and that I wanted to finish reading the novel before the Sunset. I found this book in Jalanpara and I was intrigued by its presence in the enemy camp where none of the men of Pakistan’s Frontier Regiment (mostly Pathans) read books in English language. This camp was involved in training the Mizo rebels and we found the records of their training sessions. However, this book was published in England and not available in Lushai/Mizo Hills. Later, on December 16, I met the owner of this romance novel in Rangamati at the Force Headquarters while he was being interviewed to ascertain his involvement in training the Mizo rebels at the Jalanpara Camp. He was a Christian Missionary (a foreign agent posing as a Missionary) of British descent but arrived in East Pakistan with an Australian passport.
The enemy patrol withdrew but left behind a booby trap using hand grenades and a tripwire. Several of my men marched over the tripwire without noticing it. Soon, the booby trap was discovered in a very tragic manner. A young Tibetan soldier had hit the tripwire setting off a loud explosion. I immediately rushed forward to see if I could provide some medical care and support. The blast force was too severe and hit him over the abdomen spilling his intestines. He died almost instantaneously. The South Column decided to cremate him at that site on the forest trail. It taught us a bitter lesson about the use of the beaten tracks.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. Made in China High-Explosive Fragmentation Hand Grenade found during Operation Eagle 1971. Chinese Army uses the same hand grenades. Pakistan receives arms and ammunition from Communist China apart from the massive military aid it receives from the United States of America. In the Indo-Pak War of 1971, we captured enemy posts and recovered arms and ammunition that were made in China. 1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.
During the month of November 1971, our march towards Barkal was hampered by the enemy sending heavily armed patrols waiting for us on the tracks we tried to use to reach the Karnaphuli River at Barkal. At least on two occasions, we had prolonged exchanges of gunfire and we had to use the 81mm Mortar Bombs to checkmate the enemy patrol parties. We were not able to cross the Karnaphuli River without fully neutralizing the enemy force operating from hidden camps in the forest East of Barkal. It took us a while to locate the enemy’s camp in the forest where he was hiding to impede our advance to Barkal on foot.
Friday, December 10, 1971: The South Column launched a decisive attack on the enemy camp on a hill feature East of Barkal. The assault started early in the morning before the Sunrise to take advantage of the very dense fog. But, it was not much of a surprise. The enemy was fully prepared and the resistance was fierce. The South Column experienced the worst loss of battle dead in this attack. I duly identified all the battle dead and prepared the documentation before the South Column prepared individual graves to bury them on the side of the forest trail near the hill post East of Barkal. The battle wounded were airlifted to the Field Hospital in Lunglei. I met Flight Lieutenant Parvez Rustom Jamsaji, the Mi-4 helicopter pilot for the first time on Friday, December 10, 1971 when he had arrived at that South Column location.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.The Mi-4 was a Soviet design medium-lift helicopter designed to carry 1,600 kgs of weight or 16 troops and had a maximum range of 500 km at typical speeds of 140 kmph to 160 kmph.The helicopters could be loaded up to the maximum since the sortie durations were not more than an hour or so in duration and the missions could be flown with less fuel. On Friday, December 10, 1971, the Mi-4 helicopter was loaded up to the maximum capacity to provide airlift support to the battlefield casualties.
Friday, December 10, 1971: The Battle for Barkal was intense. The enemy withdrew from the hill post taking away the battle wounded and battle dead casualties. The South Column captured an enemy soldier who could not run away because of his ankle injury. I treated this prisoner of war and got him airlifted to the Field Hospital, Lunglei.
Monday, December 13, 1971: The Indian Air Force sent a sortie in support of the advance of the South Column to capture Barkal. The IAF pilots were in contact with the South Column as they targeted the enemy’s fortified bunkers on the hill ridge that overlooks the Karnaphuli River.
Monday, December 13, 1971: The South Column crossed the Karnaphuli River using very small fishing boats left behind my the local fishermen on the east bank of the River. It involved the making of several trips. The enemy and even the civilian population of Barkal had fully withdrawn and I could not find any person in this small village. I visited the enemy’s fortified bunkers on the top of the hill ridge. The bunker roofs were riddled with large gaping holes. Apparently, the enemy withdrew from the post on Sunday, December 12, 1971. I checked the Medical Clinic in Barkal. There were no signs of any casualties from the air raid by the Indian Air Force.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. The South Column crossed the Karnaphuli River on Monday, December 13, 1971 to capture Barkal.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. The South Column advanced to Rangamati hiring a passenger boat service on Monday, December 13, 1971. The passenger boat came to Barkal from Rangamati.
Monday, December 13, 1971: The South Column advanced to Rangamati after the Sunset. A large crowd of Bangla citizens had gathered to greet us as we disembarked from the passenger boat. The crowd was cheering, wild with excitement and enthusiasm as the enemy withdrew from Rangamati prior to the arrival of the South Column.
Tuesday, December 14, 1971: The South Column advanced to Kaptai by road taking advantage of the vehicles abandoned by the enemy.
Friday, December 17, 1971: The South Column deployed itself in Kaptai and a few locations around the Kaptai Lake. Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, the South Column Commander officiated as the Imam of the Friday Morning Prayer Service held at the Kaptai Guest House where we camped. A very large number of Bangla citizens of Kaptai attended this Prayer Service and the large conference hall at the Guest House was fully packed.
Soon after capturing Kaptai, South Column Commander Colonel B K Narayan and myself along with our Bangla guide Mr. Siddique Ahmed went to Chandraghona using a captured enemy car. Mr. Siddique Ahmed worked as an engineer in the Chandraghona (Karnaphuli) Paper Mills before he joined the Bangla Freedom Movement.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. The Bangla Guide assigned to South Column, Mr. Siddique Ahmed worked as engineer at Chandraghona (Karnaphuli) Paper Mills, Chandraghona. We visited the Paper Mills soon after capturing Kaptai.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. Soon after capturing Kaptai, South Column Commander Colonel B K Narayan, myself, and our Bangla guide Mr. Siddique Ahmed visited Chandraghona. A view of the Karnaphuli River at Chandraghona.
Tuesday, December 14, 1971 to Saturday, January 22, 1972: I camped in Kaptai and could fortunately enjoy the comforts of residing in the Guest House whose staff prepared and served hot meals using our military rations. I could purchase a few personal care items and some casual wear at the local market in Kaptai. I was visiting the Company locations deployed around the Kaptai Lake using the speedboats the enemy abandoned.
1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. The South Column was camping in Kaptai on Monday, January 10, 1972, the Homecoming Day of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Mizo Hills. On Saturday, January 22, 1972, the South Column departed from Chittagong Sea Port after their successful execution of the military expedition to the Chittagong Hill Tracts launched from Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. On Saturday, January 22, 1972, the South Column boarded a hired Indian Merchant Vessel to depart from Chittagong Sea Port.1871 and 1971, One Hundred Years Apart, Southern Column vs South Column. The Military Expeditions to Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills. Just like this Camp Hale Memorial Plaque in Colorado, USA, I am asking for a Memorial Plate to be placed in Demagiri, Tlabung, Lushai, Mizo Hills, India.
Bharat Darshan: The Celebration of 73rd Republic Day. Jai Hind, Bharat Mata Ki Jai.I served in the Indian Army Medical Corps (AMC) from September 1969 to January 1984.Bharat Darshan: The Celebration of 73rd Republic Day. Jai Hind, Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The Army Ordnance Corps contingent. I served in the Army Ordnance Corps Centre, Secunderabad from December 1978 to January 1984.Lieutenant Manisha Bohra of the Army Ordnance Corps became the first woman to lead its all-male contingent as they marched in the Republic Day parade on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is the first woman fighter pilot on the Rafale combat aircraft. She was seen at the Indian Air Force (IAF) tableau today, making our hearts swell with pride. Lieutenant Commander Aanchal Sharma was seen leading the Indian Navy contingent at the Republic Day parade today.Lieutenant Preeti led the Indian Navy tableau at the Republic Day Parade, alongside Lt Mayank Bhagour.The Seema Bhawani motorcycle team of the BSF left everyone in awe today as they put on a spectacular display of strength. Bharat Darshan. The celebration of 73rd Republic Day. The Rajput Regiment.Bharat Darshan. The celebration of 73rd Republic Day. The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment.Bharat Darshan. The celebration of 73rd Republic Day. JAK Light Infantry Regiment.SIKH Light Infantry contingent takes part in the Republic Day parade at Rajpath. Army Chief General MM Naravane is the present Col. of the regiment. Bharat Darshan. The celebration of 73rd Republic Day. The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment.The Assam Regiment contingent marches down the Rajpath on Republic Day. This contingent comprises troops from all seven North Eastern States. It has been a three-time winner of Republic Day Parade. Bharat Darshan. The celebration of 73rd Republic Day Parade. The Parachute Regiment.Bharat Darshan. The celebration of 73rd Republic Day. I served in the First Armoured Division, Black Elephant Divisional Badge from May 1976 to December 1978.Bharat Darshan. The celebration of 73rd Republic Day. I served in First Armoured Division (Black Elephant Divisional Badge)from May 1976 to December 1978.Bharat Darshan: The Celebration of 73rd Republic Day. Jai Hind, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Mataram, Salutations to Mother India.Bharat Darshan: The Celebration of 73rd Republic Day. Jai Hind, Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The Republic Day Parade keeps alive the memories of my Service in the Indian Army from September 1969 to January 1984.Bharat Darshan: The Celebration of 73rd Republic Day. Jai Hind, Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The Republic Day Parade keeps alive the memories of my Service in the Indian Army from September 1969 to January 1984.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome.
The Earth revolves around Sun and reaches the same location in its orbit on the same calendar date each year. On Friday, January 14, 2022, Earth reaches the location that an observer on Earth recognizes as the constellation of Capricorn when he sees Sun against the backdrop of stars in the Celestial Sphere. The man is blissfully unaware of Earth’s motion and merely perceives the apparent motion of Sun, Moon, and stars.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome.Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome.
The experience called Life is possible for man’s terrestrial home is set upon firm foundations so that it is never moved. The Celestial Drama unfolds on the vaulted Dome called Sky which seems to be strong and resembles molten looking glass.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. For God created Universe with Life on Earth, Sun traverses across Earth’s Sky giving man a blessed opportunity to Measure Time and Mark his Calendars.
Indian religious festival known as Makar Sankranti is celebration of an event witnessed by man who dwells in the Natural or Terrestrial Realm recognizing Sun’s apparent journey across Sky Dome which belongs to the Supernatural Realm. This separation of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial domains is a creative event. God created Earth separating it from the Firmament.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome.
The separation and distinction between Natural and Supernatural Realm is important to understand the nature of man’s conditioned existence as a terrestrial organism. Firstly, I would extend Happy Makar Sankranti Greetings to my readers and share some information about Sun’s Path across the Sky known as Ecliptic.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. Sun is a Celestial object that belongs to Supernatural or Extraterrestrial Realm.Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. Sun’s Ecliptic Path belongs to Supernatural Realm and this Motion is apparent to an observer who belongs to Natural or Terrestrial Realm.Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. Sun’s Ecliptic Path. Is this a Problem of Visual Perception or does it describe the reality of man’s conditioned existence in Natural or Terrestrial Realm?Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. Sun’s apparent motion or path in Supernatural or Extraterrestrial Realm crossing Signs of Zodiac.Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. While Sun belongs to Supernatural or Extraterrestrial Realm, Sun’s Power/Energy/Force dominates Natural or Terrestrial Realm.
I am happy to extend my greetings to all of my readers on this festive occasion called ‘Sankranti’. In the Indian tradition, Sun is represented as personification of the Divine Energy that sustains the life of all that lives on planet Earth. Apart from being the source of primary Energy, Sun is viewed as the Source of Knowledge and Indians seek Lord Surya, the Sun God’s blessings to illuminate their inner, mental world to banish darkness called ignorance. This would lead me to reflect about the theory of Knowledge and the revolutionary change caused by Immanuel Kant in understanding our philosophic problems and procedures. In the context of our celebration of the Indian festival of Sankranti, I would like to pay a special tribute to Nicholas Copernicus (1457-1543) who laid the foundation for modern astronomy with his heliocentric theory of planetary motion which replaced the geocentric cosmological theory established by Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus) of 2nd century A.D. Ptolemy’s theory placed Earth motionless at the center of the universe with all celestial bodies revolving around it. Copernican system places the Sun motionless at the center of the Solar System with all the planets, including Earth, revolving around it.
THE THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE – A COPERNICAN REVOLUTION:
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome: Spiritualism is the potency that brings the man’s essence and existence to come together to provide the man the subjective and objective reality of his own existence in the physical, or material world.Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. Nicholas Copernicus, Polish astronomer caused a revolutionary change in Astronomy for he reversed the way scientists think about the relationship of the Earth and the Sun.
Copernicus caused a revolution when he discerned reflections of the Earth’s own motion in the apparent motions of the planets, and stars. To the same extent, German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) inaugurated a new era in the development of philosophical thought. He did comprehensive, and systematic work in Theory of Knowledge, Ethics, and Aesthetics.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. Immanuel Kant reversed the way philosophers think about the relationship of the world of experience and the mind. As per Kant, the mind is not shaped by the world of experience; rather, the world of experience is shaped by the patterns set by the mind.
Kant alters the nature of philosophic inquiry. He recognizes the limits of the philosophical traditions of both Empiricism that stresses Experience, and Rationalism that stresses Reason. He analyzes the tradition of Rene Descartes (Rationalism) and clarifies the tradition of Francis Bacon (Empiricism). Kant attempts to incorporate both Experience and Reason, without falling into the Skepticism of the empirical school and without embracing the unverifiable metaphysical structure of the rationalist school. He criticizes Leibniz rationalism in his book, “Critique of Pure Reason” (1781). In Kant’s view, objective reality is known only insofar as it conforms to the essential structure of the knowing mind. Only objects of experience or phenomena may be known. Things lying beyond experience or noumena are unknowable. Kant states that the human mind provides the forms and the categories that can be used to describe experience. He holds the view that the problems like the existence of God, freedom, and immortality are insoluble by scientific thought. Kant proudly asserts that he accomplished a Copernican Revolution in philosophy. He claims that the subject doing the knowing constitutes, to a considerable extent, the object of knowing; i.e., that knowledge is in part constituted by the mind itself which imposes its influence upon the data of experience. Hence, knowledge is the product of the knowing subject and not a simple description of an external reality. Kant accounts for the application of the mind’s principles to objects by showing that the objects conform to the mind; in knowing, it is not mind that confirms to things but things confirm to the mind. I examine this issue for its relevance to the fundamental concern about human existence.
SPIRITUALISM-A COPERNICAN REVOLUTION:
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome: In a moving world and universe called “JAGAT”, the entity called Soul , or “BHAVANA” provides the unchanging operating system to make the human existence a reality.
The man’s earthly existence is conditioned by constant change under the influence of Space and Time. To make Life happen, the existence has to be synchronized with the external events on which the man has no control. While Earth is spinning at an amazing speed, the man perceives Earth as a motionless object, and experiences the apparent motions of planets and stars. The speed of Earth’s motion, if perceived, is not compatible with human existence. The reality of Sun shining brightly in the sky all the time is not also helpful for human existence. The man needs alternating periods of light and darkness called day, and night. Human existence demands alternating periods of wakefulness and sleep. To experience the physical reality called existence, the man needs the influence of a powerful illusion that changes the perception of reality of this world, and universe that is constantly changing, and moving. The man exists for he cannot alter the sensory experience of Sun’s journey across the heavenly dome.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. Sir Isaac Newton demonstrated the properties of Light rays using experiments. Science explains this optical illusion. Could Science remove the optical illusion and give man a chance to experience the reality of this Pencil. The Reality of this Pencil would be known if and only if the Pencil is removed from water as man has no ability to change the properties of Light rays.
In the Indian tradition, it is stated that the Creative Force/Power/Energy called Maya clouds man’s sense of perception of the world experience and the man has no ability to overcome the Power/Force/Energy that causes ‘ILLUSION’. This world experience caused by ‘ILLUSION’ has a survival value as it intends to protect the man from the harsher realities of the world and the universe.
In my analysis, the man needs the guiding and regulative mechanism called Soul to perform his living functions in a moving, and changing world. Soul establishes the man’s ability to derive energy from an external source and hence Soul is always associated with the living body. The unity of man’s body and Soul could be named as the ‘God-Connection’ as this ‘Connection’ is not formulated by man’s mental, or physical work. This ‘God-Connection’ helps the man to express his desire for Freedom which includes a desire to seek Freedom from the world experience called ‘Death’. If Soul and Spirit are present in the living body that exists in the earthly, material realm, it points towards the operation of the Divine Providence in this terrestrial realm. If God by the nature of His existence is present in the immanent realm, the problems of metaphysics such as Freedom, Immortality, and God’s existence do not belong to unknowable, transcendental realm. I may have to suggest that Kant could be wrong in his view about the relationship between human mind, and the world of experience.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome.
The man is fortunate for things of world experience do not always confirm to the knowing mind.
Makar Sankranti on Friday, January 14, 2022. The celebration of Sun’s Path across the Sky Dome. MAKAR SANKRANTI IS A FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN INDIA IN RECOGNITION OF SUN’S CELESTIAL JOURNEY IN SUPERNATURAL OR EXTRATERRESTRIAL REALM, WHEN SUN ENTERS THE ZODIAC SIGN OF CAPRICORN OR ‘MAKAR’ ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022.
A Personal Tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, The Regiment of Artillery, Indian Army.
A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971: Glorious Quran, Surah VIII, SPOILS OF WAR, Verse 01: “And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah.Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
A Personal Tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, The Regiment of Artillery, Indian Army. An Islamic Scholar Who Served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971.
A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, the Regiment of Artillery. An Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer on December 17, 1971.A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971: Glorious Quran, Surah VIII, SPOILS OF WAR, Verse 01: “And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah.Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
I was in college from 1962 to 1965 and obtained the Bachelor of Science degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad. I remember this period as the Golden Age of immortal Mohd. Rafi whose melodies still fill my ears. I grew up in this cradle of Urdu language Culture and had acquired my love for ghazals and qawwalis. I spent time in Lucknow, a crown jewel in the Urdu speaking world, where you meet in the market place, ordinary folks who speak in tones that have made the language famous for its sweetness. Much later, I had served in the Royal Oman Army and took my first lesson in Arabic language. My love for Urdu and my Knowledge of Arabic language pales when I write about this Islamic Scholar and Arabic language expert whom I met in India during 1971. He passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2004, in Bahrain where he worked for over 20 years as the Head of the Translation Department at the Bahrain Archives. This is not a tribute about his academic accomplishments, the books that he had published, his military career or about his famous friendly relationship with President Gamal Abdel Nasser and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt. I am writing this tribute to recognize his personal qualities and the values that he had promoted. I am writing this tribute to recognize him as a “peacemaker.” He represents a symbol of hope and the light that he had shown may lead us on to a path of peaceful co-existence.
A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971: ” (This is) a Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect “.(Holy Book of Quran, Surah XXXVIII, “SAAD” verse 29)
I met Colonel.B K Narayan in Demagiri, Mizoram in October 1971. He hails from Karnataka, and he grew up as a Hindu. We gathered in Demagiri to make preparations to launch Operation Eagle in support of Bangla Muslims seeking freedom from military dictatorship imposed by Pakistan. In Demagiri, I reported to him to serve as his Medical Officer of the South Column Unit. He had the unique distinction of commanding an Infantry Unit in the conduct of War while he belonged to The Regiment of Artillery. I have not known a ‘GUNNER’ who could plan and execute Infantry Attacks on Enemy posts. Colonel Iqbal Singh, the Chief of Staff at the Force Headquarters also belonged to The Regiment of Artillery. But, the role played by Colonel Narayan as an Infantry Commander during War is exceptional and has no comparisons that I am aware of. I had the opportunity to converse with him for extended periods of time and came to know his admirable personality. It is not the knowledge of Arabic language that has made him unique and sets him apart from all other language experts. He is special because of his love for Islamic Culture and his ability to project the deep understanding of that Culture when he speaks to others. He performed the holy pilgrimage of Hajj and had observed all the rituals of that spiritual journey like a true and devout Muslim. When he narrated his Hajj experience, I could know the sense of joy and the purity of his intentions. His observance of Hajj, a ritual performed by all devout Muslims, was genuine, real to its core.
A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. On Friday, December 10, 1971, the South Column Unit under his Command fought a furious battle with Pakistan’s Security Forces just east of Barkal and forced them into a retreat On Friday, December 17, 1971, Colonel Narayan conducted the Friday Worship Service in Kaptai acting as the Imam of Friday Prayer.
From Tlabung, Demagiri, South Column marched to Borunasury and then we marched towards Barkal after neutralizing the enemy post at Jalanpara and had encounters with aggressive enemy patrolling to resist our advance at two other locations. Finally, on Friday, December 10, 1971, the enemy fought a very decisive battle on the east side of Karnaphuli River to stop our advance towards Barkal. After losing the battle, the enemy promptly beat a retreat and withdrew from Barkal, Rangamati, Kaptai, and further moved out of Chittagong without putting up a fight. Col Narayan was able to quote the Quran from his memory and would convey his understanding of the verses with great clarity. I personally witnessed his amazing performance in a little town called KAPTAI, on the banks of Karnaphuli Lake, Rangamati Division of Bangladesh. He conducted the Friday Worship Service for the local Bangla Muslims and delivered a sermon which was received with great appreciation by the worshipers. His job in Uniform did not impose any obligation to organize such an event. He held that prayer meeting entirely on his own initiative and it was purely an expression of his love to worship in the Islamic tradition and it also affirms his faith that the worship of God is not limited by one single tradition.
A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971:”And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”
The Friday Prayer Service was held at the State Guest House in Kaptai where I stayed after my Unit had captured Kaptai. It had a large Conference Room. Col Narayan contacted the Muslim Clerics of the local Masjid and they were absolutely delighted when they met him. His Scholarship and devotion to Islam had captivated them and they immediately agreed to convene the local congregation at the Guest House and organize the Friday Prayer Service. The Conference Hall got totally packed with worshipers. I could watch the proceedings directly from my room in the State Guest House. The Bangla Muslim Community of Kaptai were truly appreciative of Colonel Narayan and his military campaign for bringing Peace and Joy to their Community.
A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971
I knew Colonel Narayan’s great admiration for Arab people. He always described them as peace-loving people. He knew this as a fact and it was based upon his understanding of Islamic Culture and traditions. I would describe Colonel Narayan as God’s humble servant. It is important to remember and pay tribute to such “peacemakers” as we can achieve true peace through reflecting and understanding the revelations from the Holy Scriptures of all people. The Regiment of Artillery of Indian Army must record this historical contribution made by a Gunner officer who served as an Infantry Commander during the Bangladesh Ops of 1971-72.
SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE – ESTABLISHMENT NUMBER. 22 – OPERATION EAGLE – LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH 1971:
A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. OPERATION EAGLE – BANGLADESH OPERATIONS – 1971-72 – A SERMON IN KAPTAI, BANGLADESH
Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India initiated Liberation of Bangladesh during 1971 with military action in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The battle plan of this military action is known as Operation Eagle. She conceived this battle plan to bring peace in that region. She was inclined towards peace. She wanted to deliver peace to people of Bangladesh who had earlier declared their independence from Pakistan. During Operation Eagle, Bangladesh Operations of 1971-72, I served in South Column, an Infantry Unit Commanded by Colonel B K Narayan. He was a great Islamic Scholar. He had explained to me that PEACE is the greeting of Righteous people.
A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. OPERATION EAGLE – BANGLADESH OPERATIONS: The Flag of The Regiment of Artillery of Indian Army. This is a story about a Gunner, an Officer of The Regiment of Artillery who had commanded an Infantry Unit during India-Pakistan War of 1971 and had planned and executed Infantry Assaults on Enemy Posts to Liberate Bangladesh. His Unit was the first to receive the Gallantry Awards of Vir Chakra during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. OPERATION EAGLE – BANGLADESH OPERATIONS: The Military Operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the India-Pakistan War of 1971 aimed at restoring Peace and to deliver Peace to Bangladesh Muslims to help them live in Dignity. My Unit had captured Kaptai and this Dam was not targeted for inflicting any kind of damage. For example, we carried explosives to execute operational plans to evict the enemy but not to harm the people. In any case, Pakistan withdrew its forces after the decisive battle fought on Friday, December 10, 1971.
A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. OPERATION EAGLE – BANGLADESH OPERATIONS: My Unit never discussed any Battle Plan that required blowing up the Dam over Karnaphuli River at Kaptai. However, we discussed the Plan to capture Rangamati, and Kaptai and carried explosives if a contingency arises for their use. The Pakistan Security Forces withdrew from Rangamati and Kaptai without offering any resistance.OPERATION EAGLE -BANGLADESH OPERATIONS: Major General Sujan Singh Uban, Inspector General of Special Frontier Force, was my Commander during Operation Eagle 1971-72 but he made no mention in his book about the Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai’. He did not destroy Kaptai Dam during the 1971 War. His son’s claim about Kaptai Dam is totally incorrect.A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. OPERATION EAGLE – BANGLADESH Ops: THE SERMON IN KAPTAI. We helped the Bangladesh Muslims to regain their freedom and dignity. The India-Pakistan War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in Establishment No. 22 under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had a direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She personally approved our military Operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my GALLANT response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. OPERATION EAGLE 1971: Electricity generated at Kaptai helps to operate Chandraghona Paper Mills near Kaptai.An engineer who had worked in the Paper Mills at Chandraghona, a Bangla Muslim had helped my Unit during our military operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. When our Unit reached Kaptai, the engineer happily returned to his home. He had joined Lieutenant Colonel Assar in a military operation at Chittagong. I went and visited the Paper and Rayon Fiber Mill at Chandraghona.A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. 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, Commander Operation Eagle – Bangladesh Ops. He is the tall person in this photo wearing the 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 good care of all men under his Command. While I was proceeding to the 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.
R. R. Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,
Service Number: MS-8466, Rank: Captain Branch: Army Medical Corps/Short Service Regular Commission;
Designation: Medical Officer, South Column, Operation Eagle
Major General Sujan Singh Uban, a legendary veteran of the Second World War, was a natural choice to raise, train and command the Special Frontier Force and mould them into a well oiled fighting machine, recalls his son Inspector General Gurdip Singh Uban (retd), who led SFF troops during the Kargil War.
As the Indian Army moved in with their major thrust into East Pakistan, the SFF, while supporting the flank of the Indian Army, by a blitzkrieg, cleared the Chittagong Hill Tracts, destroyed the Kaptai dam and encircled and prevented the escape of Pakistan’s 97 Brigade and No 2 Commando Battalion, all of whom were taken prisoner.
The SFF was poised for the capture of Chittagong port when a ceasefire was declared; a daring move which paid handsome dividends.
This earned them the title ‘Phantoms of Chittagong’.
A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971. The Kaptai Dam was not destroyed during the Bangladesh Ops 1971-72.A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, an Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971.
The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. ESTABLISHMENT NO. 22 – OPERATION EAGLE: A COVERT MILITARY ACTION SANCTIONED BY PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA TO SECURE PEACE IN THE REGION NOW KNOWN AS THE REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH.
The Phantoms of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Fifth Army in Bangladesh.The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Comic Strip Superhero – The Phantom,The Ghost Who Walks.The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Lee Falk created the fictional Superhero known as PHANTOM
LEE FALK’S PHANTOM:
Leon Harrison Gross, popularly known as Lee Falk had created the comic strip superhero ‘The Phantom, The Ghost Who Walks’. The story of Phantom was initially set in the deep woods of Bengal of India. Later, the setting of the story moved to the jungles of the fictional African country of Bangalla. In that story, the true nature of Phantom is only known to the PYGMY tribe, the natives of the forest.
THE PHANTOMS OF CHITTAGONG: THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH
Major General Sujan Singh Uban, AVSM, the former Inspector General of the Special Frontier Force. The Commander of ‘The Phantoms of Chittagong’.
Allied Publishers of India had published this book on April 1, 1985. The author of this Phantom fiction is Major General Sujan Singh Uban. He commanded the Special Frontier Force as its Inspector General. In his story, General Uban narrates the military exploits of the Special Frontier Force during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. General Uban was deputed to carry out a hazardous operation in Chittagong Hill Tracts. His force was airlifted to the northeast corner of India and had reached the border of Mizoram State and had proceeded on foot to accomplish its mission. The force had operated independently on a man-pack basis in the most difficult terrain of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The phrase Fifth Army makes the important distinction between Special Frontier Force and the Indian Army.
The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts
For the success of this operation, General Uban was awarded the medal for distinguished service of exceptional order known as ‘Param Vishisht Seva Medal’ ( PVSM). Just like the ‘bush people’ of the forests of Bangalla know the true nature of Phantom, the native forest dwellers of the Chittagong Hill Tracts described as ‘Chakma’ know the true nature of the Phantoms, the ‘Fifth Army’ in Bangladesh. The Chakmas have eyes that can see. They had silently witnessed the movements of the Fifth Army. General Uban may not have contacted these denizens of the forests. He may have no clue as to what the Chakma might have seen. In the execution of General Urban’s military plan some of the Phantoms, gallant members of the Fifth Army sacrificed their lives. General Uban was not present when the real heroes were cremated or buried. Apart from myself, I presume that the Chakma might have seen where the ‘Phantoms of Chittagong’ were buried.
Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands(December 1985 to December 1989) – Lieutenant General 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 the 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 UNTOLD STORY OF THE FIFTH ARMY:
The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Operation Eagle. The military action to initiate the Liberation of Bangladesh involved the use of this US Marine Corps Service Rifle. I declined to use the US Service Rifle M14 and had no Service Weapon for self-defence.
General Uban in his book did not describe the full story about his military expedition to Bangladesh. He did not describe the Medical Evacuation Plan for his operation.
The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. 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 rescue mission to save the lives of battlefield casualties.
In the history of the Indian Army Medical Corps, a unique chapter was added in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts. It would be my privilege to narrate that historical moment. General Uban may not be aware of the fact that I had actually marched into enemy territory without my personal weapon to defend myself.
The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. I was trained in the use of a 9mm SMG or Sten Gun which is very similar to the gun shown in this photo image. I had chosen to march into enemy territory without my personal weapon to defend myself. When I reported for duty, I learned that my South Column Unit had no Sten Guns on their inventory. War is a team effort. My contribution to this team effort is not based upon firing bullets from my Sten Gun. I had totally discarded any concerns about my personal safety and worked for the success of the team. I have shown Courage by not carrying this Sten Gun and in following my team like a shadow and confronting the enemy as a TEAM.The Phantoms of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Untold Story of the Fifth Army in Bangladesh. Where was my Sten Gun?
General Uban was not aware of the Sermon delivered by Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, my South Column Unit Commander in Kaptai. On Friday, December 17, 1971 morning, the religious worship service for Bangla Muslims of Kaptai was conducted by Colonel Narayan, a non-Muslim. I shared this story at my blog post titled ‘A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh’.
A Personal Tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, The Regiment of Artillery, Indian Army.
A Sermon in Kaptai, Bangladesh Ops 1971-72. A personal tribute to Colonel B K Narayan, Islamic Scholar who served in Olive Green Uniform. The Imam of Friday Prayer in Kaptai on December 17, 1971: Glorious Quran, Surah VIII, SPOILS OF WAR, Verse 01: “And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah.Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.”The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. On Friday, December 17, 1971, Lieutenant Colonel B K Narayan, Commander of South Column Unit of Operation Eagle conducted the Friday Worship Service for Bangla Muslims of Kaptai, Rangamati District, Bangladesh.
General Uban was not aware of the use of Telugu language in military radio communications during a crucial phase of our Unit’s encounter with the enemy. Our enemy was not in a position to comprehend a South Indian language like Telugu. Myself and Colonel Narayan took advantage of the language barriers and had openly communicated in Telugu language. The enemy might have intercepted and listened to our radio conversations but did not decipher our messages. During 1971 War, for brief moments, the airwaves in Chittagong Hill tracts had carried words spoken in Telugu.
The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. AN-PRC-25 US Army Backpack VHF Radio. We used the radio communicating in Telugu language.
General Uban is entitled to take credit for his military plan. However, the real credit goes to the person who had executed the plan on the ground. Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, PVSM, VrC who was the General Officer Commanding – in – Chief at Headquarters Southern Command, Pune during 1982-85 should get the real credit. I knew General Oberoi. In 1971, he was a Brigadier. While I was heading to Kumbhigram airfield, he had personally seen me off in the early morning hours at Sarsawa airfield. He delayed the departure of the aircraft. He insisted that the men must be served a hot breakfast before boarding the plane. I remember him for his sense of devotion to the men he had commanded. He displayed this devotion in his actions and the manner in which the military plan was executed on the ground. Rajiv Gandhi. the Prime Minister of India had simply overlooked his merit and had denied him the opportunity to serve the nation as the Chief of Army Staff. I had also served under General K S Sundarji at the First Armoured Division. In my blog post titled ‘Living Under The Shadow – A Prescription For Death’ dated June 22, 2009, I wrote that I could not perform the simple task of medical evacuation when I was called to attend upon his ailing wife. Whereas while serving under the Command of Brigadier Oberoi, in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts, I had written a new Chapter in the History Books of the Indian Army Medical Corps. Based upon that story, I ask the Government of India to award me the Gallantry Award Vir Chakra that was recommended but not presented. A gallantry award is not the equivalent of winning a lottery ticket. The award is only a recognition of a past event that had taken place. History cannot be rewritten. Apart from the Citation recommending me for this decoration, my Annual Confidential Report for the year 1971, Colonel Iqbal Singh’s Remarks on my application for Direct Permanent Commission – AMC Examination held in 1972 are part of the documents archived at Ministry of Defence, New Delhi. My actions in Chittagong Hill Tracts were witnessed by Bangla Muslim refugees who had accompanied us and more interestingly by a young Chakma man who had silently observed me while I cared and comforted the battle casualties. I am happy to narrate this Untold Story. Kindly view my Blog Post:
Lieutenant General T S Oberoi, the Southern Army Commander during 1983, the former Inspector General of Special Frontier Force is seen in this photo wearing a helmet. The photo was taken during 1982 while he had visited A S C Centre, Bangalore. He would have executed Operation Blue Star with due care and concern to save the lives of his men and the civilians.
I want to express my sense of appreciation and give my warmest regards to Mr. Siddique Ahmed who served at Karnaphuli Complex at Chandraghona near Kaptai and had joined our Unit during the execution of Operation Eagle. I thank him for sharing his comments on this post.
R. Rudra Narasimham, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,
Service Number: MS-8466, Rank: Captain, Branch: Army Medical Corps/Short Service Regular Commission,
Designation: Medical Officer, South Column Operation Eagle, 1971-72,
The Phantoms of Chittagong – A story from the Chittagong Hill Tracts.THE FIFTH ARMY IN BANGLADESH. A VIEW OF MIZO HILLS (INDIA) FROM THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS.The India-Pakistan War of 1971 and the Birth of Bangladesh are very significant achievements of Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. As I was then serving in Establishment No. 22 under the Cabinet Secretariat, I had direct and personal understanding of her Foreign Policy Initiatives. She approved our covert military Operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In the conduct of this War, we had faced a very critical moment and it needed her personal intervention and a decision that she alone could make. I rendered my services and had overcome the challenge posed by that critical situation that directly impacted our rescue mission to save the lives of battlefield casualties. The importance of this situation could be understood as it needed an intervention from the Prime Minister. I am now asking the Government of India to recognize my gallant response in enemy’s territory without any concern for my personal safety.
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