Ablaze in a Blizzard

The 7 th Expedition during Nov-Dec 1987 had laid the foundation for India's second research station. During wintering time Ganesan's team took care of it and maintained. When 8 th Antarctic expedition along with 6 th wintering team came in Dec 1988, further works on the second station started. Ganesan's 5th winter team after handing over Dakshin gangotri station also joined hands to complete the constuction. On 29 th Feb 1989, India's second station "Maitri " was inaugurated.

Inauguration of Maitri. Knowing that Col Ganesan is a fine sports person and adventurous the Engineer in chief of the Indian Army Lt Gen P S Rai had sent one Parachute through 8 th Expedition , ordering Col Ganesan to try Para sailing at Antarctica. Para sailing is an Adventure sports for non para troopers. For this you require very big open space and slight wind. The parachute is tied arround the waist of the person. A long rope as long as he wants to go high is also tied arround the waist. The other end of the rope is tied to a vehicle. The the vehicle is started and slowly moves picking up speed. Once the rope is tightened, the person runs behind the vehicle, and parachute getting dragged behind. Depending upon the wind and speed the parachute goes high. If the vehicle speed is reduced the parachute comes down. Ganesan tried this in Antarctica and became first person in the world to have done Para sailing at Antarctica.

First in the world to do Para sailing at Antarctica. Having completed all the works successfully Ganesan had spent two days at Maitri with the 6 th wintering commander till he gets cofidence and acclamatise to Antarctic environment. Readers may be aware of Ganesan's uprightness calling a spade as spade and merciless approach to defaulters, irrespective their position. This was not appreciated by Depatment of ocean development and did not listen to Ganesan's practical approach. The 6 th winter team was selected with the presumption that the second station Maitri wold be completed and one team will winter at Maitri and another at Dakshingangotri. Accordingly one Colonel and one Lt Colonel and suitable members were selected. Ganesan suggested that wintering at Dakshingangotri would be suicidal as they had experienced most dangerous situation of snow comming through the escape shaft during heavy blizzard. Since the Leader designate to Dakshingangotri was keen to show his heroism he was keen to winter at Dakshingangotri and not to be under command at Maitri.

Totally burried Dakshingangotri where 6 th winter team wanted to winter. Readers should be aware that Dakshin Gangotri is on icecap and Maitri is on rocky base. The stations are 85 Km away and not easy for rescue in case of any problem. Explaining all these to all Ganesan returned to the ship . The 8th expedition along with Ganesan's 5th winter team left Antarctica on 02 March 1989.

Leaving Antarctica on 02 March 1989 As expected hell broke out between the the two teams at Antarctica. Needless to mention what all had happened. But sufficient to understand that both the wintering leaders resigned on their return to India. Ganesan landed in Goa on 26 March 1989. He was posted as Battalion commander MEG &Centre, Banglore. At Bangalore another glorious chapter opens up which will Print Ganesan's name in the history of Indian Army.