My first posting as a young soldier in the Indian Army was to Sukna, home of the 33 Corps. Like any newcomer, I was filled with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The stories I’d heard during training about my unit’s engineering prowess and legendary tasks had built a grand picture in my mind. However, the first few days were a stark contrast to my expectations. We were assigned administrative duties—gardening, cleaning, and routine chores. "Is this it?" I wondered. "Is this what I trained for? Where are the engineering tasks, the challenges, the real work of my trade?"
Gradually, I learned that unit life is a unique blend of routine and readiness. It’s a family that moves and works together. The calm before the storm didn't last long. One day, while I was working in the garden, our Company Havildar Major (CHM), Ganeshbabu, called all the newcomers. "Pack your bags," he announced. A wave of excitement and confusion swept through us. We were finally moving out. A few minutes later, the CHM revealed our destination and mission: Sikkim, for a flood relief operation. Our task was to build a bridge over the mighty, raging Teesta River. The real work had begun.
The Call to Action
We were a team of 46, including seasoned JCOs and NCOs, mounted in our ALS vehicles. For me, the journey to Sikkim was breathtaking. It was my first time visiting the region, and I was captivated by the scenic beauty. But the idyllic journey ended the moment we arrived at the site.
The scene was devastating. The river, swollen and furious, had destroyed homes and livelihoods. We were met by our officers and senior civil authorities, but my eyes were drawn to the people—crying, lost, and desperate. The gravity of our mission hit me with full force. The cheerful chatter of our journey was replaced by a grim, focused silence. The josh was palpable, but it was a serious, determined energy. As a newcomer, I was initially lost, but we quickly fell in line, helping the NCOs unload equipment and prepare for the enormous task ahead.
Engineers at Work: Making the Impossible Possible
June 22, 2022. This is a date I will never forget. It was the day I became part of something truly great. We were tasked with constructing a 180-foot Bailey bridge across the turbulent river. Looking at the sheer force of the water, the task seemed impossible.
But then, our Commanding Officer, Col. Srivastava, briefed us. His plan was clear and concise. The JCOs and NCOs responded with a thunderous "Yes, sir!" and "Ok, sir!" Their confidence was infectious, igniting a fire in our hearts. We were no longer a group of individuals; we were a single unit, a full regiment working with one mind and boundless energy.
I witnessed something incredible that day. There was no seniority gap. Everyone, from the youngest sapper to the most experienced officer, worked side-by-side. We followed the orders of our officers and JCOs, lifting, hammering, and assembling with a shared purpose.
Within four hours, the impossible began to look possible. The bridge started taking shape. Onlookers, the very civilians we were there to help, watched in awe and curiosity. The hard work paid off. The bridge was complete. A wave of pride washed over me as I watched our CO's vehicle drive across the newly constructed bridge—a testament to what engineers can achieve.
At that moment, the motto of the Engineers, "Sarvatra" (Everywhere), echoed in my mind. We were surrounded by grateful civilians, their applause a powerful validation of our efforts. Our CO spoke with the civil authorities, receiving their heartfelt appreciation. The next day, I saw our work in the newspaper, officially named "Operation Teesta." It was a proud moment, a powerful lesson in the real-world impact of our training and dedication.
.png)
0 Comments