Those White Sneakers!!

A Lesson in Resilience: How a Childhood Dream Shaped My Journey to Success

As a young boy growing up in a small town, there was one thing I desired more than anything else: a pair of pristine white sneakers. In those days, white sneakers were a rarity, a symbol of style and status. The sneakers were the newest design into the market and my size was available. The mere imagination of wearing those sneakers gave goosebumps and all my friends window shopped but sizes were limited. Every time I saw someone sporting them, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. However, my family's modest means meant that such luxuries were out of reach.

One day, my father noticed my longing glances at the coveted sneakers in a store window. Sensing my desire, he made me a proposition: if I could beat the competition and secure the top position in my class's final examinations, he would find a way to get me those sneakers.

With determination fueled by my dream, I poured myself into my studies. I burned the midnight oil, sacrificing playtime and leisure for the pursuit of academic excellence. When the results were announced, I stood first in my class.

Expecting to bask in the glory of my hard-earned victory, I eagerly approached my father, ready to claim my reward. However, instead of jubilation, I was met with solemnity. My father sat me down and imparted a lesson that would resonate with me for years to come.

He explained that while he was proud of my academic achievements, he wanted me to understand the value of resources and the importance of responsibility. He revealed the family's financial constraints and how my desire for expensive sneakers did not align with our budget. He emphasized the need to respect what we had and to appreciate the sacrifices made to provide for the family.

As a young boy, I was heartbroken. The dream I had worked so hard for seemed to slip through my fingers. Yet, amidst the disappointment, I gained a newfound perspective. My father's words ignited a fire within me, fueling my determination to overcome obstacles and achieve success through perseverance and innovation.

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I channeled my frustration into action. I realized that setbacks were not roadblocks but stepping stones to greater heights. I began to approach challenges with a renewed vigor, seeking out creative solutions and rallying my peers to work together towards a common goal.

My father's wisdom taught me the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and collaboration. It instilled in me a drive to push beyond my limits, to never settle for mediocrity, and to always strive for excellence.

As I journeyed through life, the lessons learned from that childhood experience remained etched in my mind. They shaped my approach to every endeavor, from academics to professional pursuits. I tackled each challenge with unwavering determination, drawing strength from the memories of that pivotal moment in my youth.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the invaluable lesson imparted by my father. It was not just about a pair of sneakers; it was about the journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. It taught me that success is not measured by material possessions but by the strength of character, perseverance, and the ability to uplift others along the way.

In the end, I may never have gotten those coveted white sneakers, but what I gained was far more precious—a foundation of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to guide me on my path to success.

As I reflect on my journey and the lessons learned along the way, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment and gratitude for how far I've come. The desire for those elusive white sneakers may have faded over the years, but the spirit of youth and resilience remains ever-present within me.

Now, as I prepare to purchase the Adidas Samba white shoes—the embodiment of my childhood dream—I am filled with anticipation and excitement. Yet, even as I eagerly await the right size to become available this time, I am reminded that the journey is just as important as the destination.

In the pursuit of this long-awaited purchase, I am reminded of the enduring power of dreams and aspirations. It is a testament to the fact that no dream is ever truly out of reach, and that with patience, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in oneself, anything is possible.

As I eagerly await the fulfillment of this childhood dream, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The spirit of youth is eternal, and it brings with it a pure energy and zest for life that has the power to uplift and inspire those around us.

In the end, it's not just about the sneakers—it's about the journey, the lessons learned, and the indomitable spirit that propels us forward, one step at a time. And when I finally lace up those Adidas Samba white shoes, I will do so with a heart full of gratitude and a deep appreciation for the journey that led me here.

Thanks Papa, I miss you and this is your 35th Death Anniversary Month. It has been a long time but your lessons remain with me. 

The 3 Seconds Fall!

Circa 1988, 250 odd Cadets of my course woke up to a bright morning at Pune. We had all joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) Wing at Ghorpuri, Pune amidst monsoons dipping the temperature. The NDA Wing was lush green and so were its surroundings. We were put through the acclimatisation of the Military rigor which would be our companion for life hereinafter. Coming from different backgrounds, our capabilities were at different levels and the Training Staff put us through the grind in right earnest. 

Aged between 17-20, these were the boys of all kinds and sizes. They were huddled together and the process of NDA- The Maker of Men let go its push to bring them to the requisite standards merited by the Indian Armed Forces for its Officers. These young lads would one day be the bearer of the extraordinary legacy set by their predecessors.

A month or so down the grill and the grind, the Cadet Captain announced about a 7.5/10 Metre jump into the Army School of Physical Training's Swimming Pool. This pool was Olympic Size and the freshly minted Cadets of the 80th NDA Course were to take a holy dip in its vast expanse. The distance to be travelled was close to 2 kilometres and everyone was directed to be ready for the next day.

This announcement created the huddle amongst the going to be best Brothers-in-Arms. A lanky, tall Sikh Cadet (most were lanky only in those days!) and a short, lanky cadet were the most sought after that evening. Both these gentlemen were gymnasts and had the past experience of swimming pool gymnastics to their resume. Both had passed out from the Army Public School, Delhi and were considered the Holy Masters. 

Mortals like me were dime and dozen. One of us who had not been able to wear his vest outside in even prayed that he will never repeat the same mistake if this 7.5/10 Metre monster is off his back! The deep dive had begun in the young minds. Many from the Armed Forces parentage background lamented that they should have tasted the jump when they were still in the school. The lankys - Sikh Cadet and his Pal were smirking their cheeks out. They were busy giving tips to the eager ears and each word was lapped with great interest by those who surrounded them.

A Sherwoodian filled up his big tea mug and said this would be his last till he does not come down from the slated height. Bubbles in my stomach were refusing to die as I was a Navy Cadet but with nil experience of water albeit for bath under the hand pump in my home. That was the only stream of water that I had seen till that day apart from a visit to Haridwar as a 10 Year old to immerse the holy ashes of my late Grandmother. A tall Lucknowi in my barrack room commented to be prepared for a hard water landing and lamented that why he was 6" taller than me. The gravity calculation were done and it emerged that the body would be in the atmosphere without ground for about 2-3 seconds!! These 3 seconds seemed to be the longest time of my existence on that day.

Many of us got up with bubbles still working inside the stomach. There were many suggestions to eat light and jump right that day. The mere entry for the breakfast and lunch that day, the suggestion was thrown out of the first window. Everyone ate as stomach needs to be full first in the NDA. The lesson was driven home- Army marches on its stomach.

Prompt at 2 pm, the longest 2 kilometres March began towards the pool. The Physical Training Ustads were riding their bicycles and all sorts of stories about the previous batches were being spoken. Cadet Singh did not jump on the first whistle and then he took the PT Instructor also with him as he cajoled him!! Cadet Ranga held on to the jump board and remained hung there till his fingers ached and he fell into the pool only to be failed!!!The stories came and came but the pool did not come.

Finally, we arrived at the coveted pool, changed, took a cold bath and lined up. The wait was eternal as Divisional Officers and the PT Officer arrived. The wet body had completely dried and the entire food inside the intestines was consumed by the warring cells. 

The lanky Surd and the lanky shorty went up the ladder and emerged at 10 Metre board. Many down below were not raising their eyes to witness their antiques. A brave few muttered softly and cursed their own luck! The lanky Surd knew where to rub it in. He did a prefect handstand at 10 Metre, stood with his legs aching to catch the stars and did a perfect back flip. My last of the spirit just disappeared at this sight. 2 flips in the rare atmosphere and the Surdy entered the water with his head first. He had a smirk on his face as he emerged and his Tiger Eyes were smiling. He knew that he had set the cat amongst the pigeons. The short lanky Cadet followed him, did a handstand, stood in the position for eternity right at the edge of the jumping board and then just flipped into the rare atmosphere. His 3 flips remain green even now. We were now awaiting our turns to be mauled.

The PT Instructor started taking names and the long queue started snaking upwards. The fight of the future giants had begun. And finally the time came when there was no one ahead of me and the rare atmosphere was awaiting to surround my mortal skin. I focussed hard on the posture that I needed to take to avoid any undue injuries. The best position for novices like me was to hold the Swimming Trunk on sides, and just walk out of the diving board. But walking was not allowed! One had to come to the edge, shout out his NDA Number and then jump. The coming to the edge and then a look down, the jump side pool appeared smaller than the smallest square I had ever seen on paper during geometry classes!! Oh Lord! is this the longest 3 seconds of my life! I did what I could do the best, just shut my World between my ears, stepped out with my left leg and joined my right leg. I was airborne and my hands were firmly by my sides. The blink did seem to last but soon my toes sent a wet feeling up the neural network. The water lapped me all around and my first ever high board jump had been completed. I remained inside water as gravity lost the fight and buoyancy pushed me up. The PT Instructor smiled and noted my academy number. The debates, confusions, calculations, guidance etc et al were all now history. I knew how it felt to make this jump and this was only the first of the many that the course would undertake before graduating from the sanctum portals of the National Defence Academy.

These days, I meet many who want to taste the thrill of bungee jumps from heights. They want to experience the thrill of life. The jump comes at a price. In those 10 metres jumps, I gained the ability to shut my mind and focus on my aim. The injury free entry into the pool was a testimony to the art of silent strategy at work. The huddle a day before the jump was the harbinger of seamless brotherhood which only strengthens with each ticking day. The two pioneers performed exactly as they were supposed to per their legendary reputation. They would go on to marvel the NDA's Swimming Pool with much more in the rest years of training. The jump built a swimmer out of my dead sinker entry into the National Defence Academy. Thereafter, I jumped with ease as I knew that these 3 seconds will be the longest but the only 3 seconds that my World will be shut between my ears!!

These days, I get my adventures thrill by climbing high up in the mountains where the atmosphere is thin and I need to gasp for breath. I need to be prepared well before I begin these rapid ascents and descents. I look for those smallest squares when I stand on these commanding heights as these squares can shelter the humans as they seek the balance between gravity and buoyancy.

WILL TO GROW

The will to grow comes naturally to some and is developed by some. Each morning, the eyes open and the mind prepares for the day’s challenges. A growth mindset prepares sizing up the various challenges and opportunities. It hits the ground with firm steps and the die is cast to scale up to the ensuing challenges. The mindset which does not look at growth also has to walk the same ground, but it fidgets at the touch points to be met during the time ahead. Eventually both the mindsets close their eyes after a fruitful or also walked day! The numbers toggle their presence even as the growth pattern is waiting to be discerned. Numbers are like those seeds which are seeking newer opportunity to display the scale and the path towards growth.

Two hybrid fruits caught my attention recently- the Lemon and the Tangerine! I consume them both frequently and especially the Tangerine during its season. Both are a great source of required chemicals to keep the human body moving. When we cut the lemon into two halves, the sharp knife neatly divides the fiber and the seeds. The fiber stays within the fruit but even at the slightest pressure, the seeds are ready to pop out of their position as if to find the right spot to grow again into a full plant! Similarly, in the Tangerine too the hand juicer keeps the seeds and the peels out of the extracted juice, and they are ready to find new spots for their further use.

Is there a choice to grow in life? The popping out of the seeds in the lemon and the neatly piled peels and the seeds of the Tangerine claim to be making the choice to grow! The seeds are within all the facets of life of the animal and the plant kingdoms. These seeds need to find their spot and then the growth happens. In the hot and the cold deserts, we find similar plants growing. Which was the first desert where they grew or is it that they sprouted together in these deserts separated by thousands of miles and opposite climatic conditions? There must have been a phenomenon which supported the growth, and the plant kingdom did not let go of the opportunity. The growth vector continues to scale if the conditions are ripe naturally or are made conducive as the situation maybe.

The will is the most important trait of any leader. The leader must generate the confidence in the team to plan the way ahead. A good, sound story needs to be crafted to move towards the new horizons. The story must be compulsive and truthful wherein the anticipated milestones must be discovered by the team. Each milestone brings not only the respite but also propels towards the discovery of the next pillar. The important facet of this journey is the focused approach and a clear strategic plan. Victory comes to many, but consistent victories come to a few as strategy, planning, coordination, and effort makes the difference. The means to achieve victory are many but it is only the fair means which ensure lifelong victories and establishment of victory patterns. Not all plans succeed but consistency of the effort matters.

The seeds of the Plant Kingdom give us the guidance to grow. The seeds come packed with a small content but display the ability to grow into a full-blown plant with even bare minimum permissible conditions. The challenges are galore to achieve this growth, but the seed does not relent easily. It keeps waiting for the opportunity and opens to gain rapidly at the first opportunity. The climate can play havoc with the living beings and yet the seeds find new growth patterns. Those who do not adjust, fail to grow, and lead into extinction.

Over the course of civilizational history, there are stories of both growth and extinction. The challenge to growth is always with the entire team. A mighty river changes its course and the entire civilization living along its banks disappears!! The river does not change its course overnight and the land does not become barren immediately. Someone in the leadership position fails to read the signs of change and the growth of the civilization comes to a naught. The humans get scattered as the change forced by nature arrives and the civilization is de-rooted! The history is full of such occurrences and only the fittest survive. These fittest probably have the best will to grow even against uncertainties. Growth must withstand vagaries of multiple kinds. Most challenges do not come unannounced, they build with tell tale signs. This is where the team effort comes into play and the leadership must be grounded to pick each sign to de-risk the situations.

The will to grow should remain alive always. It is this will which harbingers the ideas, strategy, and energy to plan the path ahead. Each step forward takes one towards the summit. Giant leaps are not always possible but small steps are always (and almost) available. The effort of growth is sweetened when the success emerges. Adaptation along the way is another key to grow. Those who plan and analyze all along find the adaptation challenge easier to grasp.

Grow at will and the will to grow complement. Stay the path and continuous assessment would open the new steps to reach the point called the summit. Find the flaws and overcome the challenges. The right resources if deployed at the right time hold the key to growth and success. If the seed inside the fruit can avoid being damaged by the sharp edges of the knife, it is willing to find the next opportunity to grow. Let the seed inside you continue its tryst to discover new dimensions of life. Grow and focus to develop the will to grow! 

THE JOYFUL LIFE

I love to maintain my equipment and machines. It is an age-old habit. The raison d’etre is the guidance that I received from my late Father. When I was a young child, his Black colored Hercules cycle was my center of attraction. The cycle would be parked neatly in a designated place in the sprawling house, and he would meticulously clean it each day. The cloth would simply dance between his fingers fabled for playing the harmonium and would clean the dirt from all the parts of the bicycle. A weekly oiling regime would make the cycle lighter as it ran and so he always said. He would lock the cycle while parked and the key would be stored inside his cupboard stacked with his personal belongings. On rare occasions, when I would find the cycle on stand and yet unlocked, I would pedal it with my little hands and feel the pulse of the spinning wheel.

Naturally, the growth demanded mobility. In those days, we lived within limited means. We had to create a conducive environment to demand something which was over and above our stature as a young lad. With great courage riding beside me due to my good performance in the school, I mentioned the word Bicycle to my father even as my mother stood with a consent in her eyes. He asked if I knew how many points are to be cleaned in a bicycle? All of 11 years old, I could give a few as I had been watching him doing the rituals each day. He said, start cleaning my bicycle each day after I have come back from work, and we will think about your own bicycle depending upon the shine that I can maintain. It was the moment, and I began in the right earnest from day 1. The following Sunday, my father checked my cleaning and gave me finer tips to cover the whole bicycle and put my soft, little fingers into the hidden curves of the iron machine. The cleaning would take 25-30 minutes each day and the best part used to be to ring the bell at the end as if to announce the completion. 3 weeks down the line and I oiled the bicycle for the first time. The oil dripped at a few places and my father guided me to conserve the oil for a longer use. The message was clear- the resources are minimal, and the outcome must be the best. This message remained ingrained in my mind forever.

 

One day, as I came back with the first-class result of being promoted into the class 6^th grade, I came back home and found a new, shiny red Hero Bicycle parked a little ahead of the Black Hercules Bicycle. I saw that it was locked too even as it stood gleaming bright on its stand. There was no carrier rest on this cycle as it had a sports shape. The cardboard packing was intact in a few places and my heart was now leaping. My mother came with a big smile and handed me over my first ever bicycle key, a set of two. Ecstatic with joy, I inspected the bicycle and unpacked the rest of the covers. All the 41 points that I had been trained on were shining new and the light layer of grease and oil were inviting me to begin the ride. Maybe, I slept fitfully that night imagining the first ride to the school. With the ride to the school came added responsibilities of getting daily milk and weekly flour procurement for the house. At age 12, I was shouldering the responsibility for the house. My body was now filling and the exercise on the bicycle was the right fodder to fuel its growth.

 

Thus began my love for the machines and to maintain super performers. I went on to buy many in my life and of various kinds retaining my art to understand their upkeep demands. The machines performed their duties, and I was always at the right place at the right time. The habit also made me perform my designated tasks with ease in the Navy as an Engineer and I knew what my machines needed to keep the Submarines scale the oceans.

 

With my first Navy salary and a part loan, I bought my first Scooter- a Bajaj Chetak. This robust, strong machine helped me to begin my professional life as also my family life. We virtually grew on this machine, and it travelled with us through the length and breadth of India during my Military Service. The Bajaj Chetak is still serviceable and has remained with us as a part of the family.

 

As I retired prematurely from the Navy, I bought a Honda Activa Scooter to be used by me and our growing Sons. Well, the task of cleaning the machines (albeit with daily help), continued to be a part of my hobbies. I love to open the bonnets of my Cars and keep them shiny. Likewise, I know each nook and corner of my scooters where the dirt finds its haven. My fingers are adapted to wrap the soft piece of cloth and the hose configuration is never disturbed neither do the cables running in the vehicles are strained. The machines work at their best efficiency and perform smartly.

 

The machines which were to be passed onto the next generation continue to be in my command as the children of today have different plans. They are not excited by the prospect of driving a machine and would rather be engrossed in the virtual world. They do not want to remember the ways to their destination as the digital products keep their visions glued to screens! I had to make a painful decision and yesterday, I sold my Honda Activa to my neighbor, an elderly but active Lady who drives two wheelers. Her existing Honda has lived its useful life and cannot be on the road. I was happy when she asked for my Honda as it had hardly clocked a few thousand kilometers and remains in pristine showroom condition.

 

As I stepped out from the lift today morning, my eyes went towards the Honda Activa parked in its designated slot. I stopped to look at the machine. It was rare to go on a ride and I knew that its new owner would be taking a ride on it. Its engine is melodious, and it throttles effortlessly on its super tuned engine. I would miss the beat but am sure that the new owner would enjoy the hum. The miles would be clocked regularly now on the Honda Activa, and it would find new destinations.

Nurturing is an important lesson of human existence. I received it from my Father when he first made me clean the bicycle before giving me my own. The habit of nurturing helped me to maintain not only equipment but also human relationships that came my way. Nothing was ever harmed or broken or destroyed, it simply extended to find a new humming spot and sweet connections. Likewise, human relationships were forged only to grow deeper and with ever-green roots. The Honda Activa would continue to be visible to me and keep reminding me of the bond that we shared together. I may never power it up again, but I know that its sound would always feel sweet to my ears. The habit of keeping cleanliness in all dimensions of human existence supports stable life. It keeps the clutter away and the shine tends to attract happiness all around. Go for it, eh! 

RISK TO LIVE

The Ibex stood watching the sky turning dark grey. The weather was turning into the snow zone again. The Ibex had survived 5 such winters. It knew, to survive, the time to conserve for the next few months has come again. It had to hunt for whatever food could be eaten and then save the precious energy to fight the vagaries of existence. Looking out, the Ibex walked from its resting position and climbed atop a cliff where patches of grass were about to be crushed by the snow's volumes.

The furry Red Fox also saw the weather turning turtle. It stretched it's limbs and glided out of its sanctuary to hunt for food that would only get scarce from now on. The large snow flakes were fast turning the mountains into white grounds. The animal knew, mistakes can be lethal.

The Snow Leopard had to make an effort to stretch it's limbs. He was now into its winter years and the body did not respond to his desires. He was the King of the Mountains in its prime and had outlived many of his contemporaries. Hardly did he know that his species numbers were dwindled and they would be extinct as glaciers receded. He must find food today to keep his blood stream running.

The Ibex was grazing from patch to patch. Little did he realize that the old Snow Leopard was slowly cutting across and cordoning off the escape routes. The old hazy eyes were making the distance calculations tricky but this was the survival point today.

The Red Fox had also seen the Ibis but it waited in a quiet crevice as it smelt the Snow Leopard's movement. It did not want to get entangled and waited for its moment.

The Ibex heard a stone move which alerted it. Turning its head, his eyes saw the Snow Leopard crouching to snap at him. It was at the edge of the cliff and lost its balance. Even as the Snow Leopard tried to hold the Ibex neck, the heavy animal was falling off the cliff into a freezing river gushing 200 feet down. The Ibex fell over and crashed into the river side. It's life was over even as the Snow Leopard and the Red Fox watched the event from their vantage points.

The Snow Leopard trudged towards the river and now he was not worried as stones made noises. Reaching down, it saw the Ibex fur getting wet due to rivers flow. The work was more now and the Leopard had to move the big animal out of the stream's flow. It was by no means an easy adventure! The Leopard dug it's teeth into the Ibex body and pulled with all its strength. The water was fast capturing the Ibex fur and clinging onto the body making it heavier by the second.

The Leopard decided to first savor the Ibex and began devouring. The Sun had broken out somewhere ahead and was melting the snow. The river was in its spate as the snow melted. The Leopard wished if his partner was still with him. They both would have combined to pull the prey to safety and would have ensured sustenance. Unfortunately, the dead Ibex was freezing and it's fur was dripping wet with each passing moment. The Snow Leopard filled it's appetite and retreated from the freezing river water.

The Red Fox watched from a distance as the Leopard melted away behind a rocky cavern. It moved in fast and hopped across stones to have a go at the Ibex meat. It filled it's stomach even as the Ibis continued to stiffen. Not standing a chance to pull the Ibex away from the frothing river, the Red Fox also retreated into safety yet keeping an eye on the proceedings.

The Leopard returned multiple times but only grew weaker in its attempt to pull the body. Eventually, it gave up the battle and his old body was not on his side. The Red Fox also retreated to keep balance energy safe. The snow blizzard had begun with ferocity and the food chain was drying up for the living beings. The survival would have to be managed with precision.

The Snow Leopard did not survive the winter. The winter sapped it's meagre energy and life sapped out. One more number had become less and it was a lonely end with none of his clan nearby him. The Red Fox conserved it's energy and waited for an opportunity to fill it's energy needs. The fasts were more than the occasional food breaks. The Fox longed to see the black mountains yet again. The carcass of the Ibex eroded bit by bit till one day there was no trace of it in the river. 

Life comes with its own twists and turns. Unpredictability awaits at every instant. Such is the ferocity of turn of events that it can shake the very root of belief. Possibly, the only method is to face the adversity with whatever resources can be deployed. As the fog engulfs, maintain a course and keep moving. There would be light at the end of the fog's envelope. 

It is a risk to live and to live one has to take the risk! Find that food chain, find that opportunity, find that will to keep up the fight and find that faith to keep going against all odds. If the end comes, do not look back dejected for that half effort or for that dead will! Go at it and let the risk of life face the courage inside you. Do you have it, eh!

Dharam Sankat (धर्म संकट)- The Crisis

King Vikramaditya stood on the roof of his Palace and looked ahead into the horizon. The rain clouds were departing and a fresh breeze was blowing clearing the clouds away. The evening twilight was fading into the dark night and the Moon's light was breaking out of the clouds lap to hide the carpet of stars. The King took a sigh even amongst his deep thoughts. His coffers and grain stocks were full and all was well.

The days rolled by and months passed by into a year. The Sun was refusing to reduce its intensity and the land had started parching. There was no trace of the clouds return. The evening breeze was dull and Vikramaditya stared hard into the horizon. The drought had set in and the just King opened his coffers and granaries for the needy people. The drought had no intentions to leave and the Kingdom began its depletion cycle. The revenues started falling and the population began to feel the pains of dwindling. The King had a *Dharma Sankat* at his hand.

One day, even as the drought kept squeezing the Kingdom, a Priest arrived into the Durbar of the King. He had an offer to make. The King listened to him intently. The Priest's offer was compelling and yet compounded with difficulties. The *Dharam Sankat* was staring into the King's eyes and he thought hard for his inner calling. He lifted his tall, well built frame, climbed his favorite Horse and leapt out of his Palace to begin a journey to fulfill the Priest's wish. The *Dharma Sankat* was too daunting for Vikramaditya not to take the decision to look out for the *Baital* (The Ghost). The King had to bring *Baital* to the Priest and the Priest had promised to bring in the rain clouds! The game of a lifetime had begun with no clear path.

Vikramaditya's journey was fraught with dangers enroute. He was determined to get his Kingdom out of the penury situation and would do all that he could to regain the grounds. He braved the travails of the journey and arrived where *Baital* (The Ghost) was hanging upside down on a tree inside a crematorium.

Vikramaditya commanded *Baital* to come down and accompany him. The Ghost listened to his narrative and agreed to accompany the King! But, he set forth two conditions for the journey back to the Kingdom:-

A) The Ghost would tell a story and the King would have to answer if he knew the answer. On answering, the Ghost would re-inhabit the tree.

B) If the King does not answer the question of the Story, then his head will be broken into pieces!

The King and his *Dharma Sankat* had no choice but to accept the conditions laid out by the wily *Baital*.

However wily the *Baital* was , but the *Dharma Sankat* bound King had no clue about the trick being played by the Priest who had promised to finish the Ghost and return Kingdom's prosperity.

The story goes that after 25 story attempts, the *Baital* accompanied the King back to the Kingdom. Along the way, he guided the King about the Priest's actual intentions and revealed his identity as a sorcerer. King was a possessor of 32 virtues and Sorcerer had intended to sacrifice the King alongwith *Baital* to give him control over King and *Baital* kinds.

The King gets the better of the Sorcerer and sanity of his Kingdom remains. 

The tales of King and *Baital* are 25 in number. These tales have a method which can be used to teach Management. Each of life's vagaries is actually a problem seeking to be solved. The solution only proves that the leader is capable of leading and the one who can take a call in the face of any adversity. The ethos of training is to transform *Boys into Men*. 

At each stage of life, we find *Baital* who are hanging upside down with a topsy-turvy view of things. They question everything and provoke for a (angry) response. This is where knowledge coupled with multiple leadership traits comes to the forefront. The King has to come to the Ghost and not vice versa.

The action field is like a crematorium where the King comes to fetch the *Baital*. It is not a mere ritual. It demands discipline of every kind. Only those who succeed to take *Baital* out of the crematorium are able to build the Kingdom. After all, no King is permanent but a Sorcerer and *Baital* do remain pervasive for every King.

The King is always given a common advise- *Do not think too much*! There is a fear of chaos. This is unfortunate as such advise has the inherent ability to turn counterproductive as time moves. This is where King Vikramaditya shows the path - *Dharam Sankat* is all pervasive, will remain, create VUCA environment and demands a call to act. Only action kindles self-esteem in one self and ability. This in turn helps all related dimensions of human existence.

Salute everyone as who knows who is the proverbial *Baital* who can ask the question to create the King Vikramaditya. Afterall, it is the Vikramaditya who will overcome the Sorcerer and maintain the balance to move out of *Dharma Sankat* (The Crisis).

Pandubbi Wala Peer Travels- The High Pass Challenge - Day 1- 10 Sep 2022

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.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JPHekwijHRaXGgiT9

Best wishes

*Commander Arun Jyoti (Retd)/Fox/80*81*

*_Pandubbi Wala Peer_*

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