The Daily Observer: 22nd June 2020

😎THE DAILY OBSERVER-19😎

22 June 2020 / 04:32

Having gone through three-fourths of a lifetime ( being optimistic ) of Monday mornings,it seems impossible to get used to the idea that now it is just another day. It is still very important to start the week on the right note after a weekend of rest and revelry. So we begin with the rechristening of Raman by Oscar le Sequera as conveyed by Pitamah. Behold Shri Shri 108 Shri Yogacharya Jagadguru Shankaracharya VC Ramanji Paonta Sahib vale. Swamiji emerged on Yoga day from his Himalayan retreat in his new Avatar to present a demo yoga video which all must watch. Amazing agility and flexibility are the words that spring to the mind. Here's hoping he will continue to shower blessings on this site by appearing regularly.

Sunday was a relaxed day but still kicked off early with Vidur replying to Bharat Bhushan's message on the Galwan clash. Sanjay Soi posted the official statement of the PMO after the all-party meet on Saturday. This was followed by a post from Vish saying how the credit for beauty at 60 goes to one's soul. Rajdip seems to be focused on the subject of arguments.His joke on the argument between a tiger and a donkey on the colour of grass was well received. Nirbhye honored the same with 21 tope salami. Sirohi was up early and set the tone for the day with his message on Yoga day. Alfred and Murali seemed to have taken very seriously the remarks of Shiv about the Mercury retrograde and observed silence for the better part of the day. 

Nirbhye kept the site humming with his uplifting posts. Sawant asked the billion dollar question about what the NSA was up to at the moment. C Arty had some caustic remarks on that and came with a post on a very interesting perspective on the Galwan issue from a Pakistani General.This is surprisingly yet to see a response. Umar, for a change shed his techie Director's garb and revealed the lesser known French connection to his character.He posted a real teaser of a video- the towel dance. It is said that Kuldeep Brar and some others are still re-running the video and looking at it from different angles in the hope of catching a glimpse of something! Saxy also kept posting eye-candy, showing he is fully recovered. Ramu made his usual afternoon appearance with a sharp remark.Shiv drew the attention of all towards the eclipse and its significance.There are a couple of videos on this subject on the site.Those inclined should watch both to get a general idea.Alfred got everyone guessing with a quiz on present-day cricketers.In the evening came the much awaited second episode of Old Monk from Arun Parasar. Arun has taken a lot of trouble to trace the lineage of Old Monk.He has also gone into a lot of detail about those responsible for its production and other members of the illustrious family.Shiv sang Chal Akela in his usual style. Rakesh Luthra seems to be warming up to the idea of writing, letting loose two long letters on the current situation and the benefits to martyrs' families. For some strange unfathomable reason , he also posted the photo of a pussycat.

Ajay Deb renamed Raman as Ramandev, responded severely to Luthra's post, posted some music videos and scooted before Alfred could catch him. JP Singh's video on PCS exams is worth watching. There is another very motivating video posted by both Sawant and Umar regarding a bedridden patient. In the chiwda session after the Old Monk, there was much remembrance of old bouts till late in the night, when Katoch recounted his bout with Gomes in detail. Pratap Ghosh had his own memories of having beaten everyone he faced in the ring "black and blue ". I do have my doubts about that, because it was no easy task to beat Madan Mohan black and blue. JC Sharma made Murali recall his knockout bout late at night.

And so ended another fun-filled day. Have a happy  Monday and a happy week, all of you!

The Daily Observer: 23rd June 2020

Geet gata chal, O  sathi gungunata chal!

A hearty welcome to AK Roy Chaudhri back into the fold.Just before midnight,PK Sharma cracked a couple of jokes, Shailendra posted an overview of the Galwan situation and Vish topped it off with an excellent one about raising cocks. Rajeshawar Sirohi was there, loving it all and cheering.This guy is now on the watch 24x7. Galwan occupied centre stage yesterday and the strategic as well as political implications were discussed in great detail.Seeing Shailendra's post, I felt I had seen it earlier and sure enough, found on checking that it had been posted by Vidur in the afternoon in a different format. Ever thought about why a hangover is termed so? Satish Pande came up with a brilliant explanation in the evening which rings true. Seems the origin is British and the term was used for the lowest form of accommodation provided to drunken sailors who had over-indulged i.e.a low rope over which they could hang for the night. Now where else but in this hallowed site would you find such all-important wisdom? The better part of my own service career has been spent nursing a hangover and desperately trying to get rid of it by gulping down buckets full of nimbu-pani. 

Nirbhye clocked in early yesterday and remarked that he had met Pandian in Chail. For some strange reason, this caught Duggal's eye and he remarked on it instantly. Something in these columns seems to have given Duggal a wake-up call! Anyway, this rang a bell in Katoch's head and true Pahadi that he is, he dashed off a picturesque description of his beloved Chail that could easily fit in a brochure for Himachal tourism.When his heart is touched, this guy writes as well as he sings. His write-up on Chail took one right into Devbhumi Himachal. Alan Clarke expressed his feelings freely and said that though he did not post much, he was going through all the happenings in this site, which was encouraging indeed. I am sure there are many other such strong, silent admirers. Alfred posted a motivational video on falling and getting up. Vidur's appeal for someone to elaborate this theme surprisingly found no takers. I had half a mind to tell him that this question could best be answered by someone who had suffered a knockout punch while boxing.For strange reasons( maybe retrograde Mercury), Murali refused to pick up the offer. Alfred posted a video released by China's Global TV and remarked on its change of tone. At last our own China expert, Navnit jumped into the fray. He seems very perturbed about the situation and spared no effort in freely expressing his anguish. He posted a PDF file in support and also a long letter on the subject written by US Gill. Talking of that letter, as I was going thru it, I realized that the language sounded familiar and it was not Navnit's. I was reminded of NK Sharma's reaction long back in reading US Gill's work- "I get nervous when I read that kind of English" said he. By afternoon, Murali's retrograde seems to have taken a backseat and he expressed his views on the China sit and other subjects. A sharp observation came from the Enlightened One himself - traffic on this site has not only increased but also improved over time. Murali put it down to Mercury retrograde. Satish's post on Experience of  business management in China is an eye-opener. 

Bharat Bhushan very proudly announced - "Look at these young motivated Lions. Abi dadi b puri fati nahi hai lekin jigra Babbar Sher hai. Let them loose on China or Pakis, these guys will tear them apart. Actually un ko tamboo main he mutwayen gay."

Sanjay Mishra took center stage and took on first Satish and then Shiv, Bharat Bhushan, Naithani and Saxy on matters political as well as astrological.The conversation is heated and informative covering a number of political personalities and nuances of astrology. Vish posted the PDF version of Bolton's book. Sanjay Soi posted the video of his live FB session which is a must watch.The in-house Voice of Kashmir, Bharat Bhushan has posted a video where a son of the soil makes a passionate declaration regarding the Galwan situation.This was followed immediately by a mysterious video posted by SBT. Pushpendra Yadav has posted a link which leads to my FB general page. Sukhi Chau posted a video on the future of bartending and KJS Sidhu appreciated Modi's kundali posted by Shiv. SBT's query regarding the exact length of the China-India border remained unanswered. Meanwhile I notice that Pandit Tripathiji has joined Shailendra in posting - The Gunner's shot posted earlier by Vidur. All in all, a day well spent. Gyaneshwar Maharaj was at his best - pointing out the drastic improvement in both the quantity and quality of posts on this site.He put it down to the fact that people and memories are more important than possessions.Point to ponder indeed.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Chiwda Times: 21st June 2020

Chiwda Times: Boxing

Never having boxed in life before landing up in OTA, I was quite apprehensive when the boxing classes started. The ustads taught us the basics and informed us that each one of us would have to box a full three rounds in the novices category.Before one knew it, a list of bouts was up on the notice board. Panicker, a lean cadet from Kerala was slated to box with me,as both of us weighed around the same. I was  wondering how to convey to him to take it kind of easy during the bout and not get over-enthusiastic, without sounding scared.He was in the next room and we crossed each others paths a number of times,glancing nervously at each other. Finally came the big day and just when i gathered the gumption to talk to him about the impending bout, he called me over to a quiet corner for a chat.i readily agreed.He went to quite some length to explain to me that there was no point hurting each other during the bout in over enthusiasm.i was only too ready to comply.In the evening, we entered the red and blue corners in the ring to the accompaniment of blood-thirsty cries of the audience.The referee made us shake hands and gave the command to BOX. Both of us kept dancing on our toes, circling each other and throwing careful punches in the air.The audience screamed louder and louder and the referee kept stopping us and warning us to BOX. We carried on as before till the last round .By now, the referee had lost his cool and warned us both of serious consequences if we did not mend our ways.The crowd was also shrieking louder and louder. The third round began, and all of a sudden, Panicker landed a solid punch on my ear or there-abouts. For the first time in life, i reeled on my toes and saw stars floating around my head.The countdown began but I managed to get back to my feet at the last second. I could see Panicker grinning sheepishly, trying to convey that he was as surprised by the blow as i was. What with the crowd roaring on top of everything, i forgot all about our pact and started throwing punches around in earnest. Panicker replied in good measure till the bell went off. 

Tired and bashed-up, we went to the center of the ring and let the referee announce the winner. I think i won on points.But the story does not end there.A couple of years after passing out of OTA, I happened to visit Panicker in his room in Delhi.On the wall was proudly displayed a pair of boxing gloves along with a tennis racket!

Then there was this other course-mate who was one of only two such cadets in that particular weight category. He was chosen to represent us in the inter-company boxing championship. Straightaway into the finals, he was up against our junior, Rock, a University champion of repute and as solid as the sound of his name. The bout was announced and the boxers shook hands and withdrew to their respective corners. As soon as the gong went off, Rock closed in and all one could hear and see was a flurry of punches.Within seconds, Jude's opponent was down for the count. At the end of the countdown, he was in no mood or shape to box further and was gingerly escorted out of the ring after completion of formalities. Of course, he got the runner-up prize in that weight category. Of course, he proudly displayed the prize in his room after passing out. And of course, as a result of his seniors observing the trophy in his room, he was appointed the manager of the renowned boxing  team of the establishment.

The Daily Observer: 21st June 2020

😎THE DAILY OBSERVER-18😎

03:00

Rajeshwar Sirohi flagged off yesterday with his Good Morning motivational greeting (his good morning messages are usually posted in the afternoon).Probably went back into his kambal because he was not to be seen after that.The morning proceeded gradually but activity on this site kept building up with a lot of conversation and a huge volume of posts.Borrowing from the words of our Resident Astrologer - Mercury is in retrograde and chances of communication being misread are higher than ever.While one does not wish to disappoint the early reader, at the same time one wants to ensure that the clientele should understand the circumstances.The safest thing to do seems to keep mum and have no newsletter at all. But that won't do, would it? In one column, this publication has to cover everything from the front page to page three to the middle page and right up to the last page. It's obvious  that everything said cannot be covered, so the editorial staff has to make quick decisions on what is to be printed.The rest of the details can always be gone through in the original post.

The needs of the discerning reader also have to be kept in mind. While Pitamah asks for a sumptuous breakfast, Alfred wants a quick snack with his morning tea and Vish wants a "Hajmola capsule" before going to bed. Probably, there are yet others who are looking for a Viagra before going out to do what they do in the world. Not an easy task to satisfy everyone at the same time, but the attempts are there and suggestions for improvement are welcome. 

Sanjay Mishra posts a book review by a Rimcolian on a book written by another Rimcolian on some forgotten India-China encounters. Really? A Rimcolian recommending a book review by another Rimcolian on a book written by yet another Rimcolian. That itself is enough to put one off the entire exercise. Not that we hold any grudge against Rimcolians. They are the salt of the earth and know how to handle a little leg-pulling.This publication reserves the right to pull a leg or two whenever the opportunity arises. Sanjay Mishra added a lovely song sung by a young eighty-year old which should be a lesson to all of us. Then, we also have S. Murali, the one who knows it all. Just a mention a video and without going through it, he advice all not to see such things and mentions a lot of derogatory things about the makers of the video. Judging a book by its cover and making sweeping comments and shooting the messenger are not the hallmarks of wisdom and age. 

When one Kang leaves, can another one be far behind? A video posted first by Naithani and later in the day by Ashok Chauhan was easily the pick of the day. In this video, Kulbir Singh Kang makes a fervent appeal to all the armchair experts to leave military matters to those on the ground. Rings a bell? Our own version of Kang had said the same. Ironically endorsed by none other than Murali himself! Satish Pande's review of the TDO is like a paper in itself, worth going through. This was followed by another long review of TDO by Murali in which he promotes the message of Kang and castigates the armchair experts, while exhorting everyone to stand united behind the Govt of the day in the present crises. For those interested, Sanjay Mishra has also posted the book earlier mentioned in pdf format. Rajbir Singh's post on how to learn not to be argumentative is a must read - he had himself called it "very relevant to SS33/24 " and it has been further endorsed by Chandan Das - extremely witty. Sanjay Saxena posted a criticism of service veterans lowering the image of the services in the media by their conduct and unwarranted comments.This was endorsed strongly by Murali. Saxy followed up with  a lesson from the Gita on "action without desire".

Satish re-posted a message from Shiv on how not to be judgmental about others and focus more on oneself. Do not miss Suresh Dikshit's photograph of Grumpy's expanded den . The powers that be should learn something about how to take proper care of migrants from Dikshit. RK Mishra came out with the revelation that Pawan Sheel is an excellent singer. Looking forward to a piece from Pawan soon. SBT made use of this opportunity to dish out some mangoes which Pawan found delicious Two videos posted by Chandan Das, one on our world and its contradictions and the other on Gratitude and blessings are worth watching. The article "Goofing Up " by Col Noel Ellis posted by Vidur is a must-read. Noel Ellis is a known straight-shooter and minces no words when he says there has been a goof-up. Though all ranks from all arms and services did justice to the uniform, there is absolutely no doubt that there has  been a royal goof-up. Read and find out details for yourself. Was not able to attend fully the live Facebook session by Sanjay Soi. It went on smoothly despite some initial audio hiccups. Could spot Farook and Murali among those attending, so hoping one of them will come up with the details. The panel was very impressive and one should watch the video which is sure to be posted on this site. Comments from some army personnel on the PM's speech posted by Vidur lead to the remark by Sanjay Mishra that Gen Prakash Menon should be tried for sedition. Suresh Katoch wrote a long message regarding freedom of speech and right to opinion and so forth, coming out in strong support of his regimental officer. Sanjay Mishra responded in good time and explained how his remark was in jest and not made against the General. This was immediately accepted. Shows how such disputes should be sorted out without giving time for misunderstanding to grow. 

Bharat Bhushan's post regarding dubious funding of Univs in the US makes interesting reading. It was nice to see Joe Dhillon join the ongoing discussion on the stand-off issue remarking how the Sikhs of Arty and others had given an excellent account of themselves in the proceedings.Everyone agreed that all ranks and arms had indeed performed well. Talk drifted to the impending eclipse and Shiv explained its significance and possible impact. Shiv also kept up a steady feed of inspiring music throughout the day for keeping the morale up. Wishing all a Happy Sunday with the good news that the next episode of The Old Monk saga is on its way soon, as promised by Arun.

Hollow Top Hats!

There is something wrong in grooming the army officers!

Even while the past AG very famously and stupidly stated on last day of his service that ex-servicemen need to have some discipline code, he said good thing very stupidly! Was he wrong?

I have interacted with many IAS and IPS officers and I know that they are very conscious of their public image. They are also very conscious and strict about seniority and rank (much more than army) and never permit anyone to encroach upon such issues.

I am yet to see even the most disgruntled IAS or IPS officer to criticize anyone who is in service or who was in service, howsoever ill famed that person might be. Never ever you will see an IAS or IPS officer criticizing their brother officers in public domain.

Crow doesn't eat crows meet!

But it is only Army officers who keep their trap shut while in army (in service) and posing as if this is part of their good discipline and self restraint. And in the garb of good discipline they accept bad orders. They take all the shit from their seniors and very dutifully pass these traits on to their juniors. And they believe they are setting very high standards and ethics.

The moment they are out of service they suffer verbal diarrhoea and at a drop of their tirchi topi or the hat which have a step to keep their mouth shut while in service and when this strap is now loosened, they go yappaty yap!

The jokers do not realise that same stupid work culture and personal examples they left their juniors to emulate and now criticize them for same things which day did in their so-called glorious career.

जहां पर बोलना हो, 

वहां ये चुप रहते हैं,

और जहां चुप रहना हो, 

वहां ये बोल जाते हैं!

They never had spunks in their balls and in service they listened to their political boses and they were scared to offer their professional views. Same clowns now can't even contradict the anchor and always try to take his side even when that anchor is still wet behind the ears and do not know even the T of tactics and S of strategy!

Time and again it appears that every army officer suffer an imaginary obligation that he must offer his views which must sound very profound and the most correct solution and that's why you will find a grounded pilot, an ordinance officer and naval officer from admin wing to comment about the strategies which he wants Army Chief must follow!

How hollow??

Webinar : Leadership Laboratory Kindness & Forgiveness

Speakers - Capt Murali Saundar, Strategic  Risk Consultant and  Prof (Dr.) A.R. Chaudhri,  Director , Kurukshetra University in power packed, candid discussion on the leadership requisites. The Speakers analysed the very essential traits of successful leaders - the kindness and the forgiveness. These elements are very difficult to acquire, cultivate and practice and these oftentimes are the Leadership Challenges. The webinar was easy going smooth conversation between the speakers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BogbKWmG8A

The Daily Observer: 20th June 2020

04:15

😎THE DAILY OBSERVER - 17😎

Nothing like an elevating song to start the day.The Daily Observer is consistent in its policy of helping the readers start of their day on a "neele gagan ke tale " note.But then, what if the sky seems to be overcast with dark clouds.That is when the right kind of music, helps one focus on the silver lining.

Cheema and Kang chose to leave the group yesterday.As Nirbhye says, it should be our endeavor to get not only them, but all other batchmates back into the fold.

Yesterday was an eventful one on this site, full of action. After the early morning banter about the latest edition of the TDO, the day began in earnest with Sanjay Mishra remarking that Nirbhye would face flak for his comments on the "Mahaballipuram to Galwan" video. But nothing like that happened.We actually had Murali cautioning everyone to exercise restraint while commenting.The Sino-Indian standoff continued to hold sway. Bhupi posted a video on Col Babu, who has now become a well revered household name. For those who want a quick upgrade and backround info on the subject, there are videos posted by Nirbhye and Ganesh Athley which serve as a good guide.The same had also been posted earlier by others incl VK Duggal but point is, they do their job.

Excellent humor posted by Naithani in the form of "Company Rollcall. Our resident astrologer, Pandit Shivshankar pronounced the significance of the eclipse due tomorrow and Mercury in retrograde. Prophetic words they proved to be - we saw two members leave, probably due to wrong interpretation of some messages. Murali never ceases to surprise with his encyclopedic knowledge- from Mercury in retrograde to Amrita Shergill- our man always has the last word. Is there anything he does not know about? Talking of Amrita, there is a real treasure of wisdom to be found in her last will and testament, posted by Shiv Shankar. Brother Gurvi, for once found veg food for the veg, when he went through the video the editor had marked for his remarks. His reply in the form of a letter to the editor is worth going through, i wonder how many read it. He mentions that the Adjt's ragda was unable to straighten the dog's tail but only resulted in his own (Adjt's) hand being cast in plaster.

Never saw our learned counsel of Supreme Court fame give such an elaborate and witty statement. Sawant burst into song with his enchanting Smule partner.Shiv threw in a song for good measure. Katoch belted out another sentimental oldie in exemplary fashion, pining for his Chambe-wali .Not to be left far behind and feeling inspired by all this, Arun Parasar came up with the first of his new serial - The Old Monk Tales. It is a must read. Shiv Shankar's - "kahin door jab din dhal jaye......" evoked a strange response- "TANDOORI" from RK Mishra.Any other singer would have given up singing for life at such a remark.But our positive wellness Guru managed to undo the auto-correct devil and decipher the real message for - Tansen. See what I mean? Any other fellow would have left in a huff. We should check our attitude and observe without tinted glasses or muffled ears.

SBT was so moved by the departures from the group that he expressed himself in poetry form which even Alfred appreciated after using Google to translate. 

वो मेरे वजूद का हिस्सा थे,

जो यादों से निकल जाते हैं,

कतरा कतरा संभाला जिनको!

मुठ्ठी से फिसल जाते हैं!

पारे की सी फितरत है, 

कुछ मेरे दोस्तों की,

आंखों में समाते हैं तो, 

नजरों से निकल जाते हैं! 

दिल में समा रखो तो ,

बस ठीक है फिर तो,

फोटो हैं ये कुछ ऐसे, 

एलबम से निकल जाते हैं।

फिर कोई भी बुलाए न ,

महफ़िल में मेरी इनको!

जाएं तो चीर कलेजा, 

बेमुरब्बत निकल जाते हैं।

Alfred posted a very meaningful spiritual message in his post regarding "the visiting pastor" - must read.Interesting video by JP Singh on how to crack the Civil Services Exam, hope to see him more often here. Sawant's - ye nayan dare dare was much appreciated and Luthra broke into shayari mode. Ajay Deb contributed with -Fantastic 1,2 .......... 8 to show his appreciation. Sanjay Soi posted re Fake News.Vish dwelt on the subject of people leaving the group and Nirbhye added conciliatory notes. 

Wishing  everyone a happy Saturday with the song - Chhodo kal ki batein, kal ki baat purani.......ham hindustani.....