‘BORN TO BATTLE‘ COURSE CELEBRATE

54TH  COMMISSIONING ANNIVERSARY AT  PUNE &  CHANDIMANDIR

The  ‘Born to Battle’ (B2B)course group celebrated their 54th commissioning anniversary on 13 Jun 2025 at  RSAMI ,  Pune and  Khetarpal Officers' Institute, Chandimandir.

49 veterans and spouses attended the lunch  function at Pune while 22 attended a dinner function   at Chandimandir. Thus, the course group comprising   71  officers and their sposes reunited after a gap of 12 months since their last 53rd reunion  .The veterans and ladies   in their informal ,  colourful  attire , enthusiastically, met and interacted with  each other to   vividly recall  their past  intimate association during pre-commissioning days  at their basic  training academy  at NDA ,Khadakwasla for 3 years  from  June 1967 - June1970 , at the finishing training academies at IMA /INA /AFA  for about  a year from July 1970 - June  1971 from  where they all  were commissioned just 6 months prior to the historic 1971  Indo - Pak War that created Bangladesh.

The exchanges between the veterans and ladies  were filled with pride,  nostalgia ,love and laughter that hovered  around their association  of  4 years of rigorous  training at their military academies and later interaction during service period  and post retirement till date .The post commissioning  period of military service of  the B2B course  ranged upto 41 - 42  years when the highest ranking officers  of  B2B  course who reached apex ranks of Lt Gen / Vice Admiral/ Air Mshl from which they  superannuated from service . During the military service period  of the B2B course  ranging  from 20 - 40 years ( 1971- 2011) the  interactions between the course officers was very limited due to the exigencies of military service .

However, many years later towards the fag end of their service ,the B2B course came together and reunited at several course get-togethers ( CGTs) .The first B2B course GTG / reunion  was in  June  2007 at NDA when the Comdt ,NDA,Khadakwasla , was Air Mshl  TS Randhawa .This was followed by a Reunion at IMA,Dehradun  in June 2010 when Lt Gen RS Sujlana was Comdt ,IMA .In Aug 2011 a special reunion was organized at Chandimandir  by Lt Gen Shankar Ghosh ,Army Cdr West Comd . In  Jun 2017 a unique B2B reunion was held  at NDA to commemorate 50 years of joining NDA in Jun 1967 . The NDA passing out Golden Jubilee scheduled for Jun 2020 was delayed by 2 years and held in Jun 2022 ,in which the Coffee Table Book was released. The  Commissioning  Golden Jubilee Reunion at IMA  was delayed by 2 years due to Covid - 19 and  held in June 2023 . All these Course CGTs / Reunions have been well attended and have helped most  coursemates of B2B to remain connected . With the advent of the internet , mobile phones ,emails ,WA, etc., maximum  coursemates have remained connected in India and  around the globe despite the long distances between them..

During past 54 years the B2B Course has lost quite a few dear  coursemates who left for their heavenly abode . We remember them fondly and hope and pray for their well being and  liberation of their souls.

MVI was privileged to interact with  three high rankng officers of the B2B course who attended the functions at Pune  and Chandimandir and obtained  their thoughts and feelings  . These  are published below and convey the essence of the collective  feelings and sentiments of B2B  on reaching the milestone of their  54th commissioning anniversary !

Pune :

Lt Gen Dalip Bhardwaj ,former DGMF :

Thirteenth Jun , a memorable date,to celebrate Our Commission and Our Strength.Our Yearly Get Together in Pune on 13 Jun 2025 at RSI reminds us of the Greatest Tradition  started .... Without an End !!!. This year we were 49 with our better halves  and together it felt so good !!!. For it gave us an opportunity to revive memories with the " Old Gang".and to renew our friendship with outstanding friends. As the years go bye we realise that its our strong roots developed during our years of training and over the years the branches which have spread .... far and wide... have strengthened our unity and our resolve to continue and remain connected as " One Big Family".... Our Unique Camaraderie of being " Born To Battle" Till 13 Jun 2026... Stay Healthy ... Stay Safe... Love You All...

Lt Gen Deepak Raj ,former Comdt ,AWC :

54 years ago, on the 13 th of June, it rained on our parade .

But it didn’t rain on our spirits.

The Born to Battle Course marched snappily past the Saluting Dais to the rousing drum beats of,  “Aisa Desh kabhi na Suna, kabhi na dekha hai- Deshon ka sartaj yeh Bharat Desh hai…!”

They slow marched past the Quarter Deck on “ Auld Lange Syne..”, chests swelling, every sinew drawn taut , towards careers that would propel us into Battle.

This Course produced officers who won the highest gallantry awards in the land, reached the highest of ‘ Select’ ranks ,executed their sacred duties in the Service of the Nation with aplomb and dignity.

And hence, who wouldn’t agree with  us if we cry out- “ Proud to Belong!”

Chandimandir :

Lt Gen RS Sujlana ,former Comdt,  IMA :

Amidst the spell of the blistering heat over North India, the known spirit of B2B blossomed with all pride and camaraderie at the Khetarpal Officers' Institute, Chandimandir. The back slapping and cheer resounded amongst the ladies and all coursemates. Wishes poured in from all who have flown abroad and those who couldn't make it for health reasons. The  celebration of the 54th Anniversary gets etched along with many such gatherings. God Bless us all, keep us running to meet, and keep meeting with good cheer!

PHOTO GALLERY

A few select photographs of the functions  held  at RSAMI ,Pune  and  Khetarpal Officers Instiute ,Chandimandir on 13 Jun 2025  are placed in two collages covering  the Pune function  and two group photos of the Chandimandir function. .These photos  will  hopefully enhance the written words and add   colour  to the  54th commissioning anniversary Reunion at Pune and Chandimandir .

COURSE HISTORY

In Jun 1967, 250 bright young boys entered NDA (with the 38th NDA Course) the cradle of leadership, to be nurtured as men and groomed as ‘Officers and Gentlemen’

After three gruelling years at the NDA, where they developed their bonds of friendship, camaraderie and brotherhood and a year at IMA as 47 Regular Course with 31 Technical Graduates Course /Naval Academy as 38 Naval Course / AF Academy as 107 P C (IAF) they devoted the next few decades to their calling ‘The Profession of Arms’.

BORN TO BATTLE

Within six months of commissioning , before most could complete their Young Officer’s course they were inducted into battle  to serve their motherland in the ultimate call of duty to participate in the 1971 war against Pakistan. Officers of the course lived up to their respective Alma Maters - NDA, IMA, and NAVAC & AFA and did the country proud. Five officers were martyred during the operations.

2/LT  ARUN KHETARPAL, POONA HORSE 

He was primarily responsible of repulsing a fierce counter attack at the Basantar River and after having destroyed five enemy tanks he laid down his life. The nation acknowledged his valour and awarded him the PVC posthumously . Apart from him 4 Officers were awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry). In recognition to the contribution of these young men who went straight to battle they rightly designated themselves to as “Born to Battle” Course.

DURING  SERVICE

COL NJC NAIR KC,CO 16 MARATH L I

In Dec 1993 during CI Operations in Nagaland, Col NJC Nair (a recipient of Kirti Chakra ), CO 16 MLI, led his troops to successfully break an ambush and  paid the ultimate price and decorated posthumously with  the Ashok Chakra. Hence the ‘Born to battle’ course has the unique distinction of being the only course to have been awarded the highest awards for gallantry both  in War and Peace.

The officers of B2B course  have also  been   awarded 3  Shaurya Chakras and 4 Sena Medals (Gallantry)

SENIOR RANKS

47 Regular Course (38 NDA & 47 Direct Entry) have approx 100 officers who attained Flag Rank with 18 Officers of 3 stars. The 38 NDA/107 PC IAF course mates had a record 5 officers attaining Air Marshal Rank with 4 C in C’s.

NDA/IMA/OTA COMMANDANTS

The course  provided Commandants to NDA, IMA & OTA ( Air Marshal TS Randhawa , Lt Gen RS  Sujlana& Lt Gen Gautam Banerjee  respectively  )

CISC ,IDS Air Marshal SC Mukul was appointed as CISC (HQ IDS)

Aptly summing up the celebration -

Brig Deepak Bajaj :

A year has gone by in a flash, and it was celebration time again for the Veterans of the “Born to Battle” (B2B) Course at Pune and Chandimandir on 13 Jun 25. 49 Veterans and their spouses got together over a gala lunch at Pune, and 22 of them had an Anniversary dinner at Chandimandir. The bonhomie and camaraderie were palpable and heartwarming as Comrades at arms and their spouses’ exchanged pleasantries and relived fondest memories of association of over five decades and more!

These Get Togethers are an annual ritual for the members of this Course who were commissioned on 13 Jun 71 and had the privilege of being inducted into the 1971 Indo Pak War virtually straight after passing out of the Academy – hence the title “Born to Battle” Course!

This prestigious course has had the enviable distinction of having won the Nations two highest awards from amongst its ranks. 2/Lt Arun Khetrapal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for bravery of the highest order during the 1971 Indo Pak War and Col NJC Nair has the distinction of having won the Kirti Chakra and later the Ashok Chakra, highest Peace time award, albeit posthumously, for bravery of an exceptional order fighting insurgency in the Northeast.

The Last Word:

An Ode to the 54th Anniversary --Lt Gen Raj Sujlana

Pages of History beckoned us to the gather, all trooped in though at a stagger;

The Ladies walked in the effect was kaleidoscopic, Pink and Lemon, Mauve and scarlet, there was no need of any bi-scope;

Single malts and whiskies lit the bar,

The snacks were very inviting not to far;

The bar was crowded, the thirst was quenched,

Beer to start, followed by whisky n single malt;

Louder n louder, the laughter resounded,

The fun increased and was unbounded:

We missed all who were away, but they were there in spirit n sway;

Farewell for now, the 55th is not too far,

Smile away the time ahead, God Bless and take care!