Ablaze in a Blizzard

The Tension Mounts. In Nov 1971 Ganesan was writing semister examinition and a circular came that all officers were to assemble at assembly hall after the examinition. The moment that news was announced everyone knows what would be the message and hence did not continue in the examination hall and left. But Ganesan did not leave the hall,patiently wrote the complete exam and went to the Assembly hall. All degree course officers of Engineers, Signals and EME amounting to about 700 were there. The Commandant came and addressed like this, "Gentlemen! you are all aware of the National situation. In order to keep ourself fit to face any challenges Army HQ has taken the decision to suspend all Degree courses and post officers to Field units. Should there be a war You will be the luckiest lot to give a fitting reply to the enemy. The administrative officer will announce the postings and other administrative arrangements. Wishing you all success to protect the Safety, Honour and integrity of this great Country"

There was lot of noise and discussions. The posting order was announced and Ganesan was posted to 4 Engineer Regiment. All married officers were given the options either to retain or vacate the quarters and dispose their families. Bachelor officers were given their options to keep their heavy luggages under the centralised arrangements and move with light luggage. Married officers were given 10 days leave to settle and then move according to their postings. Single officers were to move immedietly as CME will ensure train reservations in all the trains and in all directions. Ganesan went to the officers mess for lunch and saw the Bar was open to all and officers were gulping the drink of their choice. There was absolute gloom on married officers face as they were to take a hard decision.

Ganesan came to his room after lunch and quietly started packing things. He decided to leave his 3.5 Bullet Motor cycle with a civilian Family and rest of the heavy boxes under CME's care. In both the places he left a cover to be opened in case he did not return. In that letter he wrote that his brother P.Ramamurthy should take decision as he deemed fit and disburse Ganesan's belongings and Bank balances. Ganesan boarded Deccan queen train towards Bombay with just a suit case and the train moved....... Contd....