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Jahangir Lolabi
Dehradun: The alumni of SS5 Course who were commissioned on 23rd June 1968 at OTA Chennai recently assembled in a big number at Selaqui International School Dehradun since their host Capt Om Pathak Chairman of the School is a proud member of the Course fraternity.
The gathering was led by their stalwart Maj Gen TEJ Kaul PVSM AVSM VSM, son of the soil, who is the highest decorated officer of the course and incidentally he is also the first proud recipient of the coveted PVSM award from OTA Chennai from the Hon’ble President of India.
The SS-5 Course the biggest batch of 524 to have passed out has a stellar record with a number of its officers having attained higher ranks in both the Army and civil services. Maj Gen Vijay Joshi, Maj Gen APS Gill, Capt Siddiqui IPS former DGP Punjab, Capt OP Gherotra IAS former Addl Chief secretary Maharashtra and Capt Om Pathak IAS from UP were physically present. Incidentally Gen Tej Kaul is also associated with a number of Gandhian organisations across india n J&K and is a follower of Padma Vibhushan Late Didi Nirmala Deshpande.
The functions exhibited camaraderie, esprit de corps, bonhomie of highest level, more than hundred participants, 78-81 years of age, converged from all parts of India. This reunion was pure joy, memorable and nostalgic in every sense for them. . The celebrations now are precursor their diamond jubilee three years hence. The reunion at Sela qui was unique in many ways since many officers who had missed the Golden jubilee came to Selaqui. The participants travelled from all over including the remote areas of Kerala.
The three-day function included family introductions, exchange of token gifts by members amongst themselves, presentation of Souvenirs to the Veer Naris and a solemn ceremony, paying homage to 176 course mates who have since passed away.
Veer Naris lighted the lamp while Gen Kaul and Capt Om Pathak lit the torch in memory of all those who have departed. A special mention was about the latest loss of their fraternity member Capt Vjay Shanker Tewari IPS former Director of CBI who also served in J&K.
All participants shall cherish the beautiful memories with nostalgia There was a bit of disappointed as few of veterans could not fetch up due cancellation of flights. Among those who could not make for the function were Stalwarts Brig Suresh Chand VSM and Maj Vijay Singh Mankoti who were the ADJT n Dy ADJT respectively in OTA DURING SS-5 traing .
Mrs Neelu Tej Kaul , commented as all were departing “we part ways after three unforgettable days of joy, bonding, and celebrating 57 glorious years, my heart is full. Wishing each one of you good health, happiness, and many more such reunions . The journey of a thousand miles truly begins with a single step—and that first step brought us closer and created bonds for a lifetime.”
