Shared from the 1/6/2019 The Times Of India - Pune eEdition
At Table of Remembrance, a place setting for one
You are not forgotten, reads a plaque with five officers' names
FOR ONE OF THEIR OWN: The National Defence Academy has set a table at the cadets' mess for soldiers, who are declared as 'missing in action' by the government. It is the academy's pride
It's a cool morning and a staffer at the cadets' mess of the National Defence Academy (NDA) is busy cleaning the blackish wooden table kept right at its entrance.
At first glance, it appears to be a perfectly set for dinner with fine cutlery, candles, an inverted glass and a rose neatly placed. But, a closer look, shows a plaque hanging above the table.
"In times of war, there is high possibility that soldiers may not ever make it home. While it is traumatic for both the families and their peers, it is also damaging when the whereabouts and conditions of these soldiers remain unknown. Such soldiers are considered as MIA," explains Rear Admiral SK Grewal, deputy commandant of NDA.
Among the NDA alumni who never returned are Captain GR Singh (34 Course) from 5 Assam, Captain Kamal Bakshi (29 Course) from 5 Sikh, Major Jaskiran Singh Malik (23 Course) from 8 Rajasthan Rifles, Flying Officer Sudhir Tyagi (28 Course) from Indian Air Force and Flight Lieutenant Nagaswamy Shankar (26 Course) from the IAF. They have been respectfully listed as missing in action.
A chair leans against the table, on which is placed a touching poem framed for posterity. It reads, This table set for one is small.
Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his oppressors.
Remember! The Single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms, who keep the faith awaiting their return.
Remember! The Red Ribbon tied so prominently around the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands, who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.
Remember!"
It goes on, "The Candle, the candle is unlit — Symbolising the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. The slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. There is Salt upon the bread plate — symbolic of the families' tears as they wait. The glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us this night. The chair — the chair is empty. They are not here."
The academy's mess is considered as the symbol of solidarity and brotherhood among cadets.
"We not only clean the table and the chair but also replace salt, lemon and a rose every single day, to keep it fresh for MIA," says the staffer, who was assigned the task six months ago. "This job is special, as it is a matter of pride to do it for the MIAs," the staffer added.
The position of the table holds significance, says Air Marshal TS Randhawa, former commandant of the academy who served between December 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008 and was instrumental in starting the tradition at the NDA.
"Once our MIA officers return to their ala mater, they should not find difficulties in searching for their table at the mess. Secondly, all the other cadets must remember them while leaving the place," explains Randhawa, who got positive feedback from veterans and his batch mates.
The objective, he said, was to give a message to the cadets that the armed forces never forget their supreme sacrifices and dedication.
"Many forget the sacrifices made by our soldiers. It is our duty to remember and honour them, time and again, in all possible ways," Randhawa added.
Cadets from the 135th course who recently graduated from the academy, said they will never forget the officers' sacrifices in their military career.
A cadet from 135th course said, "When I first visited the mess, I was perplexed by the table. But after I learned why it was there, I have been overcome with respect. I will never forget their supreme sacrifice for the country."
Another cadet from Hunter Squadron, said Captain Kamal Bakshi from the 5 Sikh regiment, will always remain his inspiration.
"His sacrifice will always inspire me throughout my military career. Whenever I shall visit the academy, I will first pay respect to the MIA at the mess," he said.
The academy has also allotted a dedicated space for MIA at their Hut of Remembrance, which enshrines and commemorates the sacrifices made by the academy's alumni, who died fighting in the wars and conflicts.
As soon as the government declares them dead, their names are written on the plaques, which are at present covered by tapes at the Hut of Remembrance
Admiral Grewal |
DY COMMANDANT
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