Born to Battle (B2B) – Tricity Chapter

MVI Desk
2 hours ago
3 min read

Date:- 14 June 2026

Editor's Note:

This well articulated piece by Brig SPS Dhaliwal is for the B2B course 55th anniversary commemoration at Tricity on 13 Jun 26 . The photos of the B2B coursemates who attended the morning golf and 'charcha over beer' sessions are attached.

Editor , MVI

Commissioned on 13 June 1971, most of us were "born to battle" almost immediately, seeing action that very year during the Liberation of Bangladesh and the subsequent operations against Pakistan on the Western Front. It is from this shared baptism by fire that our course derives its title – Born to Battle (B2B).

Following retirement, course mates have settled across India and, in many cases, around the world. Yet the bonds forged during our formative years in uniform remain as strong as ever. To nurture this camaraderie, B2B chapters have sprung up in various parts of the country, enabling course mates to remain connected despite the passage of time and distance.

The Tricity Chapter, centred around Chandigarh, comprises about 25 tri-service course mates residing in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali and neighbouring towns, along with a few who have since moved abroad to be closer to their children in our twilight years.

A key feature of our chapter life is the monthly stag gathering affectionately called "Charcha Over Beer" (COB). Hosted by a different

course mate each month, COB is far more than an afternoon of beer, snacks and fellowship. It is an occasion for reminiscing, sharing concerns about health and wellbeing, exchanging news, indulging in good-natured leg-pulling and, above all, enjoying each other's company.

For those whose backs, knees and handicaps still permit, the day often begins with a round of golf, adding yet another enjoyable dimension to the occasion and providing the perfect icing on the cake.

We are also fortunate to have a couple of talented photographers in our midst who faithfully capture these gatherings and share the

photographs on our WhatsApp group, allowing those who could not attend to remain very much a part of the event.

We are proud to have kept this tradition going uninterrupted for an incredible 197 consecutive months. Such commitment speaks volumesabout the spirit of the group, which we fondly call the Warriors Clan 1971.

In addition, we organise a quarterly get-together with spouses.These events are equally well attended and provide an opportunity for

our better halves, who have shared our journeys through the decades, to maintain their own friendships and connections.

Technology has given a further boost to our interaction. Our WhatsApp group keeps us connected on a daily basis. To preserve the

warmth and harmony of the group, we consciously avoid discussions on

politics, religion and other potentially divisive subjects.

The focus remains firmly on friendship, mutual support and shared memories.

Over the past few months, as some of our buddies have faced health challenges, another meaningful tradition has emerged. We began

gathering online for a brief prayer session each evening when one of our course mates was critically ill.

Thankfully, he is now recovering well by God's grace. What started as a response to a crisis has evolved into a weekly tradition. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., course mates and,

when appropriate, family members come together virtually to pray for the health, wellbeing and recovery of our friends and their loved ones— a true expression of Sarbat da Bhala.