ON THIS DAY IN THAT YEAR 1966.

Republic Day is celebrated with a lot of fanfare on 26th Jan in New Delhi.  Every battalion from NCC, Air Wing, Navy, Scouts, (both girls and boys wings) from each state sends a contingent of cadets. The preparation started in September. The selection was done at the college, district, and state levels. Only about 40 cadets were selected in the whole state.

In 1965, I was doing my final year degree in St.Joseph's Tiruchy. I wanted to attend this parade. My parents and Principal Fr. Mathias advised me to think thrice as my degree final exams were due in April. I had a dream of serving in the Army for which passing B and C certificates in the NCC and attending this parade would be of great advantage.

So I enrolled myself. The main aspects they look for, were your turn out, marching talent, stamina to carry the rifle for a long distance, and in bayonet fight. Major Abdul Khader was in charge of the district. I was confident I could easily pass at the college level. I also did well at the district level and got selected.

We were to go to Madras for the final selection. Many student cadets came from different colleges across the state. The first selection was in St.George's school in Shenoy Nagar and the final at Pachaiappa's college. The contingent from Tiruchy traveled by the Tuticorin Express. Throughout the night I did not sleep and I was polishing my boots, shaving, dreaming, etc.

Finally, we landed and went to the venue, had breakfast and tea, and assembled for the ultimate. Senior Division NCC was called after other units were completed. All the cadets were lined in three's and did march past for two hours without any break. Finally, the Lt. Col in charge of the 2nd Madras battalion came for selection.

My chest number was 42. While we were marching, suddenly it started raining heavily spoiling our turn out. My number was called first and my heart was broken. I thought I was not selected.  My joy knew no bounds when I came to know that I was the first to be selected. After the selections were over, we assembled to receive instructions about the Delhi trip.

The camp at Delhi was for two months during Dec and Jan. It was a huge camp with hundreds of girls and boys staying in tents in biting cold. We met different people from different places speaking different languages. We were allowed to go out on Sunday for shopping. It was a wonderful experience though tough. Finally, the D-day arrived.

On 26th Jan 1966, we got up at 5 AM, had our breakfast and tea, and assembled for the march past. The distance to cover was about 7 KMS and to march with the rifle, on one hand, was both painful and enjoyable. The event was over by 4 PM. It was a strenuous one and only people with a lot of stamina could withstand it. I feel very proud that I took part . JAI HIND.