The Indo- China Conflict of 1962
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Presented by Dr R M Mathur
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(In the above photo Dr R M Mathur is presenting Indo-China conflict of 1962)
I lead my mobile surgical unit to cater for health and rehabilitation of the soldier before, during and soon after the actual combat.
We were medically reasonably provided as a laid on drill of twenty medical personnel, each one fully trained for his duties for emergency operations including blood transfusion if necessary before evacuation to base as and when possible.
We were located with the brigade head quarters at Chusal at a height of 14000 feet. Geographically, we were located in a bowel with Hindukush range in the North-west, Kuen Lun and Lake Pangoug (salt water) in the North-east, Rezang la in the south and overlooking the China-Tibet highway 219 in East. The highway is the main bone of contention. It cuts through 42000 sq. miles of Aksai-Chin claimed by us. The highway is very vital to them since it connects Lasha with the Muslim majority district of Xinjiang, which is showing separatist and terrorist tendencies.
The Indian army units were deployed on two hillocks overlooking the national highway 219. There was political ambiguity between the two nations (India and China) about the sovereignty on Aksaichin. India was neive enough to believe that inspite of the dispute, China would never take a military action to dislodge the Indian army units on these hill-top manned by major Shaitan Singh and Maj. Dhan Singh Thapa with about hundred soldiers each. Inspite of the fact that our briged commander communicated the numerical incompatibility between Indian and Chines troops, The order received from Delhi were “fight up to last man and last round (bullet).”
The terrain was unfamiliar to us. Climatic condition were unbearable with ambient temp: as minus forty, wind velocity at 80 mph, altitude 14 to 16000 and atmospheric oxygen at 12%(as against 21% what we breath in the planes).
There was no ground support as there are ten high altitude passes ranging up to 14 to 16000 feet high between Jammu and Ladakh. There were no regular connecting road for vehicular traffic. Project beacon had started road building over Zojila pass. All supplies and food were Para-dropped as and when the big aircraft could make it up to that altitude depending upon clouds/weather conditions. On an average this could only be about twice a month or so.
Our personal facilities were also not very sufficient. Shoes, clothing and heating arrangements were less then adequate. Any way all the officers and soldiers showed great courage, and creativity inspite of adverse climate and logistic conditions. Medically we had to take care against frostbite (ambient temp: 40) and pulmonary edema (atmospheric 02 con: only 12% as against the 21% which we are enjoying in the planes). Battle casualties were adequately cared for and evacuated in time.
Aksaichin is a region located at the junction of the people’s Republic of China, Pakistan and India. It is administered by china and claimed by India. Aksaichin is one of the two main borders disputes between India and China,the other one being Arunachal Pradesh. Aksaichin (which literally means’ Desert of white stones) is a vast Desert of Salt. This land is also the soda plain. The region is almost uninhabited.
One of the main causes of Sino- Indian war of 1962 was India’s discovery of road China had built through the Region, which India considers its territory. The road which connects Tibet and Xingiang passes through the settlement of Tianshuihai the only sizable town in the Region, with about 1600 inhabitants. Aksaichin is currently under the administration of the people’s Republic of China, with the vast majority of it as a part of Hoton County, in the Xingiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
India claims the area as a part of Ladakh, District: of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The area is strategically important because it contains china national highway 219, a major road between Tibet and Xinjiang.
Note:-
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A
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(The Three concepts regarding Aksaichin Border. 1) Mr. Jonson in his hurried dash to khotan had made only a cursory record of Aksaichin main features. However it was Mr. Federic Drew, Governor of Leh who first prepared a detailed Map of Aksaichin in the year 1870-71. 2) Thereafter Elgin Line made no attempt to include the Empty Quarter of N. E. Aksaichin. 3) However Gen. Ardagh (DMI) totally refuted the ‘Water shed Principle’. The record shows he recommended ‘Border to be pushed up to include ‘Kunlun’.)
B
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(Besides that Major Dhan Singh Thapa, and Major Shaitan Singh were awarded Parma Vir Chakra Posthumously for bravary shown.)
(Writer is a former Major Genaral of Indian army who witnesses personally the said conflict.)
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ARTICLES
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By Nalini Bhalerao
1)Believe it or Not!
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( The Indian Film Music Legend Manna Dey singing before members of the 'Chaubara' on the 5th of July 06)
We got married on 29th May 1967. The minutes, hours, and days of our new exciting, enjoyable life were having the colorful wings of butterflies.
In Maharashtra there is a custom that after marriage the elders of the newly married couple will celebrate the immediate first Ganpati and Mahalaxmi festival falling in the month of Bhadrapad on very large scale.
My husband and my self were staying in Pune as our jobs were at National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. Our elders were staying at Ahamadnagar around 90 miles away from Pune reachable by road journey. Every passenger had to depend on state transport buses, as the private bus services were not established that time.
The seat reservation was not available at that particular time because of rush of festival days. We thought we would manage to get some place in bus as number of buses pass via Ahmadnagar our destination.
A big crowd was there on Pune ST stand with a heavy luggage’s. Everybody was rushing towards the buses as soon as it used to arrive.
We were going to our elder’s place for first time after marriage and that too for Mahalaxmi the Goddess of wealth festival. I was carrying all my jewelry, expensive marriage Sarees and Photoalbums along with us in a suitcase that I had kept at the side where I was standing in a waiting crowd. My husband was on the lookout for bus. I was alert and trying to keep the track of him.
Finally he came hurriedly to tell me that we might get some place in the bus. We rushed inside the bus. Somehow we could get two seats though at different places. We were happy for getting the journey started and little unhappy as we were not sitting together. Three hours passed and we reached Ahamadnagar ST stand. He got down by front door and came at the backwards bench where I was sitting to get the suitcase and--------------
I thought that when he came to tell me that time he has taken the suitcase and he was under impression that I carried that suitcase to the bus when we got in to the bus at Pune bus stand. Alas------. The suitcase filled with all precious things remained at the ST bus stand Pune. I was very much frightened. My husband started his journey towards Pune immediately.
I was feeling very guilty to go elder’s place with the sad news about our precious suitcase. In a depressed mood I started walking towards my elders house and suddenly it occurred to me that I should call the controller of Pune ST bus stand.
That was the time when STD booths were not in existence like to day for making public telephone calls. I searched from the post office for public telephone and then for the particular phone number. I talked to the controller in charge of Pune ST stand and narrated him about the incident and gave the description of that particular suitcase. I do not know how i got the idea and courage to do that.
I reached home and burst into tears as soon as i saw my in-laws. My father in law was very thoughtful and kindhearted person. He consoled me and offered me a cup of tea. I could not forgive myself for not taking the care of such precious suitcase.
The seven more hours of torturing period till my husband arrives home! No communications till then as hardly anybody use to have telephone (Which is most essential amenity!) at home. I was remembering the great God and weeping during those weird hours.
At last I heard my husband’s voice and rushed to him running forgetting that i am at my elder’s place. He was carrying the historical suitcase. He explained us that as soon as the controller received my telephone call he went to the particular place on the Pune ST stand and to his great surprise he saw the prescribed suitcase. Nobody noticed that unattended suitcase for almost four hours! Because of great rush everybody was in his or her own hurry
The verification would have been the main problem but our marriage Photpalbums were there inside the suitcase. We received our precious suitcase in tact after dramatical incidence!
“The Almighty God is Great!”
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2)Mary & Bill
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Our grand daughter’s school closed on 16th June & a real summer vacation started for both of us too at home. My daughter had planned a trip to Crater Lake & Mt. Shasta in advance for 4-days weekend. She had arranged for our stays at Klamath Falls, which is a little place between Mt. Shasta and Crater Lake.
We left quite late from home on Saturday to start the 400-mile journey with 2 kids, 5,5 yrs & 2.5 yrs old. We realised that we will reach late at the resting place at night. Hence my daughter called the land lady& informed her about our late arrival.
By the time we reached Klamath Falls, it was almost 10.30pm & was very dark. We had difficulty in finding the place. We reached by almost 11pm, which was past midnight time as per American standards. We were amazed to find Mary, an 80 yr. old woman waiting for us to arrive & even more surprised to know that her 80 yr. “young” husband had also gone out for finding where about us.
She showed us our rooms on the ground floor & asked us not to worry about her husband, assuring us that he will soon come back if he doesn’t find us for a while. She informed us that breakfast would be ready at 8am next morning.
We were fast asleep after a tiring journey. I was pleasantly woken up at 5am by the chirping of birds and a fresh cool breeze through our window. We freshened up & proceeded upstairs to the kitchen on the first floor where Mary was to serve breakfast.
When we reached upstairs Mary & Bill greeted us with a pleasant smile, and I immediately developed a feeling of attachment to these warm people. I will never forget that moment. No grudges, no complaints or no enquiries of our delayed arrival the previous night. They had put it behind all inconvinience caused by us & presented themselves as the happy couple with smiling faces. A big dining table, beautifully decorated was ready with tea-coffee, fruits, fruit-juices & cereal along with home made waffles and pancakes with maple syrup.
The couple served us with smiling enthusiastic looks on their faces & an energy in their voices as they chatted freely with us.
The dining hall was full of decorative pieces that Bill & Mary had collected from their travel all over the world. That room had a huge clear glass window from where we got a breathtaking view of the Klamath Lake surrounded by lush green grass & the snow capped mountains at the distance.
Mary very energetically sat down as we ate our breakfast & asked us about our professions, our country & even was curious about our own background. She then explained to us the history & some background of Klamath Falls. We were so amazed to see the personal touch they gave when doing business with every customer.
They had lovely open-air terraces with different plants, flowers and bird feeders.
I knew now from where that chirping came from. The birds were happily flying from a grain feeder to a water feeder or just resting in the nests that she had put up on the trees.
She then got some animal food & placed in at the bottom of some bushes. To our surprise, within some time 2 deer came by & were eating the food & leaves fearlessly & walking joyfully! Mary told us that she does not spray any pesticides on those bushes since the deer feed on them.
I felt she has such a big responsibility of owning such place & maintaining with homely touch. The most amazing part was that they were doing this at the age of 80!!
Mary told us that she & her first husband, Thomson, had a small house at Klamath Falls. Mr. Thomson was an Engineer. He bought this place with a Bed & Breakfast idea in mind after his retirement. He built this place but unfortunately passed away due to cancer. Mary gathered courage & started running the place herself. He then met Bill Pohll at the age of 55 & married him. Together, they expanded their business to what it is today. They independently manage the business by themselves. Bill cleans the rooms, makes the beds and helps to serve the breakfast, while Mary prepares the breakfast & manages all administration, contacting customers etc. They seem to enjoy doing this personally as well as professionally.
Mary still continues to pursue her personal interests like hiking, dancing, kitty parties, and relations with her children & grandchildren with great enthusiasm & freshness.
Though we were enjoying our stay with them, we took a decision of checking out a day earlier than planned so we could start our journey back home early. We decided to take a break somewhat closer to home for the kids’ convenience.
This resulted in some financial loss for Mary. However she was very understanding about our situation & readily agreed. She did not charge us any amount for a late cancellation. This came as a pleasant surprise to us. She later on called us and informed that she did get a new customer for that day.
This put us at ease as well. I am sure we all will get a wave of new fresh lifestyle from Bill & Mary’s example!
(Writer is also a good poetess)
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Articles
By L G Patwardhan
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1)FINE TUNING THE SONG OF OLD AGE
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Translated from 'Marathi' and Presented by L G Patwardhan
(Umeshbhai Mashruwala along with other members of 'Chaubara')
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The basic notes of music cannot be ignored if you want to increase the appreciation of the tenor and tempo of a musical melody. Likewise to improve upon the Old Age Song, to make it more melodious, lively why not consider these basic notes in a different perspective? These notes are the eight virtues which we must try to inculcate and imbibe without any preconceived notions or any reservations. If we succeed, our life at the fag end will not only enrich, but will also be respected by the next generation spontaneously. Let’s analyse these virtues and take proper steps in the right direction.
1)Be Cautious
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(“Sa” for Savadhan)Make reforms in your behavioural pattern, curtail your wants, make yourself useful. Do not often complain about your ailments. Do not insist on a particular methodology you like for carrying out certain jobs at home or outside the home. Just as you accept the wrinkles commensurate with the advancing age, also accept the fact that the respect , status, and power you enjoyed during your “service time” will also diminish and hence do not feel inwardly hurt about this loss! This is the Caution you must observe.
2)Neatness
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(“Re”for Rekhivpana)Just because you have retired, it does not mean that you can afford to be shabby, unshaven ,nails and unkempt hair, wearing torn clothes, missing buttons ,wearing torn shoes/chappals ,wearing cracked/broken glasses. These changed behavioural patterns, though apparently insignificant, create an ugly image of yours not only at home but also outside among your friend circle. Such shoddiness even is not justifiable because of your curtailed income , as a result of your retirement. This may gradually lead you towards being neglected by relatives and friends alike. Remember that a person with a pleasant appearance and a smile on face is often liked by others. Hence be cautious and neat in your outlook, behaviour and talk.
3)Shed your'Ego'
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(“Ga” for “Garva”)We unwittingly carry our ego in daily walk of our life, while dealing with our children, grandchildren at home and so also while dealing with other younger generation outside. Simply try to “Forget” what you were during your young days, the manner in which you handled your household and office affairs, what hardships you underwent during your formative days, and many such instances. The times have changed tremendously and at very fast pace and others have no “will and patience” to hear these “sermons/ historical background”. Life style e.g. style of wearing clothes,hair styles,patterns of clothing, footwear and other accessories have undergone an unimaginable change and hence we should be tolerant and must accept these changed lifestyles of both sexes without any bias(resulting out of your “ego”)
4)Mind
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(“Ma” for “Mana”)Control your mind. Keep it ever cheerful. Let us occupy it in “good reading, social work, developing healthy friendship, keeping tuned up to “Nature” .Old age leads us to instant irritation, doubts, thus leading to unnecessary arguments and also to “Indigestion”! Hence control your mind and remain ever cheerful. “
5)Prayers
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(“Pa” for “Parameshwar”)Owing to some handicap if you are unable to help others or do some social work, make God your trusted friend. Offer regular prayers. Try to safeguard other’s interest, do not publicize your prayers or efforts in this direction, since these are solely for your own enjoyment and hence must be kept to “Yourself”.
6)Finance
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(“Dha” for “Dhan”)Spend wisely what you have earned in your lifetime. If necessary make wise investments by seeking proper consultations. Do not ever part with your assets, sheerly out of affection and love , till you are alive. Remember your “Value among friends and relatives as well as nearones is directly proportional to your “Bank balance or assets.” The day you ask for some “Loan”, in your old age, from any one, you will be “looked down upon”. Hence be careful with your finance.
7)Virtue
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(“Nee” for “Neetimatta”)This not only means character but also, a)Thinking jealous/ envious about others just for the sake of your own benefit, b)Making “bias” comments , c)talking bad of others,d) criticizing others, are also considered as non-virtuous deeds/acts. Please abstain from such behavioural traits. On the contrary, train yourself in such a manner that others shall feel, ”this chap is indeed a straightforward and unbiased guy!”
8)Consideration
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(“Sa” for “Samanjasya”)Be considerate in old age. Do not ever insist that all others must accept your views and methodology, authority(being elderly!). In doing so you will invite hatred from younger generation, create unhealthy atmosphere among the household members as well as among the friendcircle. Please desist from such behaviour.
Finally these eight virtues born out of Musical Notes will definitely make our “Old Age Song” tuneful and melodious!!
Let us make an Honest attempt!
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2)HAWAIIAN PARADISE
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(Kadavul Hindu Temple of Hawaii Island)
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This is first Shiva temple established at Kauai Hindu monastery in 1973. Kauai is one of the famous island of Hawaii group and really boasts of
1) The Wettest place on the earth (Mount’ Wai Ale Ale’-5148 ft and 485” yearly rainfall)
2) Isle of waterfalls
3) Lush and verdant greenery like a paradise imaginable with hundreds of rare plants and wild life which flourish here
4) A 18 holes 72 par, championship golf course designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus and is a home to the PGA grand slam since1994.
5) Captain James cook landed here first in 1778.
6) First settlers arrived here around 500 AD, Approximately 500 years before the rest of the islands were settled. The area of island is 552 sq. miles and population about 55000.
7) Since 1933 film celebrities have been visiting this island for picturesque spots. Three Jurassic Park movies have been shot here along with several other outstanding movies.
I personally wonder as to why no reference whatsoever directly or indirectly is ever made to the beautiful Kadavul temple situated about 15 miles away from the harbor and commanding a picturesque spots spread over an area of 458 acres.
It is a traditional south Indian Shiva temple. There is a 6ft tall bronze murti of ‘Nataraj’; 3ft tall Swayambhuligam weighing 300 lbs. at the main entrance on either side then are 6-ft tall murtis of Lord Ganesha and Ardhanainnateshwara and full size trident. Facing the deity there is a huge Nandi in black stone weighing 32000 lbs. created from single stone. Lining the main walls of the temple is a rare collection of Shiva’s 108 Tandav poses in 16” bronze icons covered with gold leaf

The main panchmurti pooja is from 9am and is performed reciting in Sanskrit pathas. The interesting part being, the Sanyasis are American/English origin who have converted to Hinduism and underwent vigorous training in this monastery under the tutelage of Tamil gurus. They are uniform (like Sadhu/ Sanyasis). They are about 25/30 Sanyasis staying at this monastery and round the clock every three hrs, Pooja and Arti are performed.
The sacred fire is kept 24 hours. This temple was founded by late Satyam Sivaya Subramuniyaswami and currently managed by Satyam Bodinath Velayanswami.
Further the name “Shubhramuniya” is Tamil spelling of Sanskrit ‘Subhramaniya’ (Not to be confused with Subramannya). It is from ‘Shubhra’ meaning ‘Light Intuition’ and ‘Muni’= ‘Silent Sage’. ‘Ya’ meaning ‘Restrain, religious meditation.’ Thus Subramuniya means a “ Self restrain Soul who remains Silent or when he speaks, Speaks out from intuition.”
(Iraivan Temple)
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A $16 million project called Iraivan temple construction is in progress at this island on the same land where Kadavul Shiva temple exists. It is in the close vicinity of the old existing temple and has progressed more than halfway. The foundation was laid in 2001 and it is scheduled to be completed by 2008 or early.
The beauty is this is a ‘Chola Style’ temple being constructed in white granite stone imported from Banglore in India. Every stone is manually carved in India (Banglore) and, in bulk the crafted portions reach Kavai Island by sea in containers, where from these are transported by road at site and erected. All the artisans work meticulously under supervision of temple architect Shannengam Sthapati who has building experience of temple for 50 years. There will be 40 pillars, some will render musical notes when tapp.
It is on record that late Sataguru Sivaya Subramaniyanswami had in his early morning dream around 1975, mystical visions of Shiva which finally inspired him to construct this holy edifice of the world at this dream island. It is thus that he himself clipped the first stone in 1990 in India (Banglore) and 2001 laid the first stone at the monastery in Kavai. His successor Satguru Bodinath Veylayanswami is now guiding along with his monastic and devotees around the world.
The site and ambience at this Polynesian isle Kavai is such where life is unhurried, and gentle, where the land and its creatures are still honored, where rainbow fill the sky and where the Hawaiian spirit of love and community, called Aloha endures, embracing and uplifting every Visitor!
Some main features of this temple are: - Around the main temple tower then are 23 karat gold covered small towers on east, west, north sides in place Garbhanyasa rites of the main sanctum have been performed. Nandi Mandapam and Reception Center, High- Tech Security systems, have been incorporated.
Six lion pillars installed, each requiring 700 working days to carve from a single stone! This includes an interesting item, a free moving ball enclosed behind the clenched teeth of a lion’s open mouth. These pillars support Iraivan’s unforgettable “Chinna Gopurams”.
‘Open house’ is held every 2 years when Kavain residents and visitors (It is preferred if they ware Lungi and Augavastram or Dhoti/Pyjama and Kurta) are allowed to witness the progress of the Temple, meet the craftsmen and enjoy the lush, tropical grounds, full of greenary in its original tended form. 250 Rudraksha trees (Panchmukhi beads) have been planted and this is an added attention to the otherwise beautifully tended flower gardens bowers, and Hawaiian jungle (Tropical forest trees).
The temple construction is indeed a mystical marvel which is a team effort spanning the globe, engaging the hearts and minds of thousands of well wishers. This temple where inner and outer world meet and communing with God is easy and natural. In times to come this might be a place of pilgrimage for the devout, sincere and dedicated. This will be a place where you do not have to invoke God, as God is here, for this is where heaven meets the earth! In Hawaiian language this is known as “Pihanakalani”.
Whoever visits this temple in Hawaii will enjoy the heavenly bliss!
( Presenter is a deep Thinker and very Senior Engineering Executive from Indian Railways)
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