THE DAILY OBSERVER-61

 THE DAILY OBSERVER -61

Sat 30 Jan 2020

         BEATING RETREAT

      Watching this ceremonial annual activity is still as magical an experience as it was on the first time i saw it.In fact it has been like that every time the opportunity arose. Nothing like watching it on the spot and live.But even on TV it's a surreal and moving experience beyond comparison. Before you know it, one gets transported into a different world. How lucky we are to be in possession of such a majestic setting for this event and the superb human and animal resources that go into weaving this touching hair-raising spectacle, year after year. As a nation, we ought to be thankful for these small mercies showered upon us.

          The event gradually builds up with the marching in of the various bands in their resplendent uniforms

and the ceremonial arrivals of the VVIP guests. The wintery Delhi sunset is an ideal backdrop for the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the ramparts of the North and South blocks with camels lined up in full regalia, adorning the side-walls. Well modulated male and female voices provide a vivacious running commentary in Hindi and English over the loudspeakers,lapped up eagerly by the keen ears of a mesmerised audience.Nostalgia is very much the theme of the evening.

   The arrival of the President accompanied by his horse-cavalry bodyguard in formation with the typical clippety-clop of hooves is so majestic along with the fanfare played by the buglers. In earlier days,the horse-carriage carriage used to lend an  even more regal air but so does the present-day Benz limousine. Befitting the special occassion, the proceedings commence with a salute to the Supreme Commander,along with the unfurling of the National flag and the band playing the national anthem.

        The massed bands from the three sevices and polce/ paramilitary forces make an impressive entrance to centre-stage. This time, it is the turn of the bagpipers with lilting hill tuned including "bhed-pako" to kick off the stunning and scintillating display.

Combined brass bands of ITBP,CRPF and Army played Sitara Hind, followed by a slow march, Muskoh Valley, making diamond and swastika patterns.

Air Force band with quick march - Nidar Yodha, followed by Tiranga. and an item featuring only drums were other highlights. They then marched off to the tune of Sky War.

         And so the show went on till the evergreen " Abide with me " brought tears to the eyes, as it unfailingly does. There were many other outstanding performances i would have loved to sketch out in detail, but time and space constraints prevent it.

          Time to attend  to the train of thoughts that struck me at that moment. What a proud moment to see this display of skill, precision, impeccable turnout, co-ordination and so forth and so on by all ranks of our forces, with the help of the civilian administration. A nation that can produce this is truly great indeed. SALUTE !

           BUT ……. the happenings at close quarters to this wonderful display, that took place almost simultaneously makes one hang the head in shame . There was a "BEATING" RETREAT of another kind.The blame game can carry on endlessly, but the shameful events just cannot be brushed under the carpet. Time to reflect. Happy weekend !

JAI HIND, JAI HIND KI SENA.

       

       😎THE DAILY OBSERVER -61😎

Sat 30 Jan 2020

         BEATING RETREAT

      Watching this ceremonial annual activity is still as magical an experience as it was on the first time i saw it.In fact it has been like that every time the opportunity arose. Nothing like watching it on the spot and live.But even on TV it's a surreal and moving experience beyond comparison. Before you know it, one gets transported into a different world. How lucky we are to be in possession of such a majestic setting for this event and the superb human and animal resources that go into weaving this touching hair-raising spectacle, year after year. As a nation, we ought to be thankful for these small mercies showered upon us.

          The event gradually builds up with the marching in of the various bands in their resplendent uniforms

and the ceremonial arrivals of the VVIP guests. The wintery Delhi sunset is an ideal backdrop for the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the ramparts of the North and South blocks with camels lined up in full regalia, adorning the side-walls. Well modulated male and female voices provide a vivacious running commentary in Hindi and English over the loudspeakers,lapped up eagerly by the keen ears of a mesmerised audience.Nostalgia is very much the theme of the evening.

   The arrival of the President accompanied by his horse-cavalry bodyguard in formation with the typical clippety-clop of hooves is so majestic along with the fanfare played by the buglers. In earlier days,the horse-carriage carriage used to lend an  even more regal air but so does the present-day Benz limousine. Befitting the special occassion, the proceedings commence with a salute to the Supreme Commander,along with the unfurling of the National flag and the band playing the national anthem.

        The massed bands from the three sevices and polce/ paramilitary forces make an impressive entrance to centre-stage. This time, it is the turn of the bagpipers with lilting hill tuned including "bhed-pako" to kick off the stunning and scintillating display.

Combined brass bands of ITBP,CRPF and Army played Sitara Hind, followed by a slow march, Muskoh Valley, making diamond and swastika patterns.

Air Force band with quick march - Nidar Yodha, followed by Tiranga. and an item featuring only drums were other highlights. They then marched off to the tune of Sky War.

         And so the show went on till the evergreen " Abide with me " brought tears to the eyes, as it unfailingly does. There were many other outstanding performances i would have loved to sketch out in detail, but time and space constraints prevent it.

          Time to attend  to the train of thoughts that struck me at that moment. What a proud moment to see this display of skill, precision, impeccable turnout, co-ordination and so forth and so on by all ranks of our forces, with the help of the civilian administration. A nation that can produce this is truly great indeed. SALUTE !

           BUT ……. the happenings at close quarters to this wonderful display, that took place almost simultaneously makes one hang the head in shame . There was a "BEATING" RETREAT of another kind.The blame game can carry on endlessly, but the shameful events just cannot be brushed under the carpet. Time to reflect. Happy weekend !

JAI HIND, JAI HIND KI SENA.