The night of 09 Sep crawled silently and the countdown towards 10th September began. For the first time in my travelling life, my heavy luggage was already loaded inside the *Grey Fox* (Mahindra Thar). Tossing and turning, the clock also felt the mind racing about what lies ahead on 10 SEP 2022 at the solemn *National War Memorial*.
The planning for *The High Pass Challenge* (THPC) began with the unequivocal volunteering. It was not an easy decision on the personal front as my last Patrol into the deep Sea was way back in 2004. Since then, the life has been an early morning take off and maximum a day out. My best half and I are are always together in the travelogues that we undertake across India. This time and yet again, it was the fuzzy feeling of the Patrol on a different platform not gaining depths but heights.
Words fail me to thank enough the Gems of Humans who arrived at *The National War Memorial* (NWM) today. Their mere presence, their words of affection and their pats on the back were indeed the boosters needed to move on the expedition called THPC. In THPC, the team intends to achieve an unique distinction across high mountains. Testing human endurance and Mahindra Machines would decide the outcome.
The first light broke and we arrived at NWM to be welcomed by ever cherubic *Lt Col Rajive Khanna/Fox/43*. Rajive Sir is a bundle of energy and experience. He gifted us the hampers of goodies to recharge our energies. The day had begun well and on an auspicious note.
*Col Akash Khazanchi/Fox/90* of NWM is a dashing Fox. His appointment was providence for THPC and the solemn venue was decked up for the Flag Off.
As we lined up the Mahindra Thar (s) and Scorpio-N, in drove a dashing gang of *Classic Riders* Bikers led by *Col Tejinder Singh/Fox/32*. They were all excited to blaze us post the Flag Off from the NWM.
The Foxies in THPC were fortunate to be supported by *Col RC Patial/Fox/47*, *Gp Captain Sudhir Varma/Fox/55* (also a sponsor for THPC); *Deepak Modi/Fox/61* & *Commander Sandeep Puranik/Fox/82*
The cycling team of the *National Defence College* came in to boost the morale and was led by *Brig Salil Seth* and *Commodore Ravneesh Seth* There were IAF and also a Sri Lankan Air Force Officer from the NDC.
As the impressive gathering with charming Ladies in company mustered, the Chief Guests arrived for the Flag Off. It was an honor for THPC to be flagged off by *Air Marshal Suraj Jha/Fox/64* and *Lt General Anil Samantra/Fox/68*. The Flags of *India* and the *Foxtrot Squadron* flew as the Chief Guests gave their words of love and affection. THPC began as the Sun rose to illuminate the Statue of iconic *Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose*. The Flag off was a sheer pleasure.
The team bonded well enroute towards *The Western Army Command* where a *Mountain Flag Off* was planned.
It was a sheer sight to cross the gate of magnificent Western Army Command (WAC) and to be lead by *Lt Col Ranjit Patil*. The galaxy of Western Army Command officers came to meet THPC team led by the Chief of Staff *Lt General Vijay Nair/Fox /72*. The gathering was joined by the Western Army Commander *Lt General Nav K Kahnduri/Fox/63* and Mountain Flag Off was done by the Army Commander and his Chief of Staff.
The day of 10th September 2022 would be etched in my memory and am sure that all THPC Members would feel the same euphoria. A grand salute to all those who made it happen for us today.
As I wrote, words are no match for what THPC Members experienced today. These moments are a delight and can only happen when all the stars align well- 10 Sep 2022 is one such day which will be etched in my life always.
The first day has given a big adrenaline booster and its impact would only linger on. Have a look at the moments that we witnessed today (some of today are still under processing and would be added):-
Keep thinking about THPC, keep a watch for the reports as we move along and keep your good wishes turning stones into tars.
Best wishes
*Commander Arun Jyoti (Retd)/Fox/80*81*
*_Pandubbi Wala Peer_*
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