Page 23 - Seniors Today December 2020
P. 23
AIR announcers, inaugurated my transistor
by saying that the Pakistan Air force (PAF)
had struck along the Western Front by
bombing nearly ten airfields including Agra.
The Indian Air force (IAF) was already
retaliating, they said. “Stand by for further
news,” said Lotika Ratnam in her clear
voice. PM Indira Gandhi was in Calcutta
on December 3 and even the Defence
Minister was not in the Capital. The PM had
addressed a rally in Calcutta and was sitting
with Governor of West Bengal Mr Dias and
his wife. At 1800h on 3rd December Gen
(later Field Marshal) Sam Manekshaw, the
Army Chief, called Maj Gen Jacob Chief of
Staff, Eastern Command and informed him
of the PAF strikes on the Western Front,
and that the PM was to be informed in
Government House.
The message was given to the PM, and she
soon returned to Delhi. I then informed the
Adjutant Capt Sapatnekar about the news
of the PAF air strikes on the western front.
‘Stand To’ was soon ordered and all guns
On Commissioning into the Indian Army
were ready to fire again.
Swaran Singh peeped deeper into the thick AIR news only focused on PAF air strikes
envelope. There was a card from my parents and our response. Heavy firing now
wishing me in advance for my birthday on commenced and the sound of gunfire was
December 18 but since they didn’t know how resonating across the entire battle front. We
long it would take to reach me they had sent waited, because the PM was to address the
it much earlier. Thanks to our Army and nation in a little while.
Field Post Office Service it reached me well
in advance. The PM’s speech
While I was giving fire orders to the guns A minute, either side of midnight, on the
at about 5.45 pm I suddenly heard the All night of December 3/4, Prime Minister
India Radio (AIR) signature tune ringing Indira Gandhi addressed the nation and
out. While I was controlling the fire of the in her broadcast she said, “I speak to you
guns my Havildar (Sergeant) Nanak Chand at a moment of great peril to our country
had fitted batteries in the transistor and and our people. Some hours ago soon after
was tuning in to some station. There was a 5.30 pm on December 3, Pakistan launched
spluttering sound and then the station was a full-scale war against us. Today a war in
crisp and clear. Bangladesh has become a war on India.
Barun Haldar and Surjit Sen, renowned I have no doubt that by the united will of
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #18 | DECEMBER 2020 23
