Saturday, November 24, 2012

EIGHTH BIENNIAL REUNION - 33 ADSR



The DOT ARENERS held their 8th Biennial Reunion at Hisar on 23/24 November 2012. Out of 12 ex-COs, no less than 9 were present. The only ones who were missing were RM Shukla, RK Sharma and Cariappa. Of course, there were a large number of other officers, who had served in the unit during the last 30 years. Some were accompanied by their better halves. 

Most of us reached around mid day on 23rd. After a quick lunch, some of us played a bit of golf. In the evening, there was a dinner in the Signals Officers Mess. Apart from the customary Scotch which the ex-COs had contributed, we had some champagne -  after all, it was the 30th anniversary of our raising  There was also a Reunion cake; in fact there were two. The second one was cut after midnight, since it happened to be the birthday of the unit's First Lady, Mrs Kang. 

Next morning, we had the customary group photo in front of the RHQ. We were saddened to find the comn ICV released to the unit as a war trophy missing - it had been taken away to form part of the Division's museum and archives. After going round the unit and the comn vehicles that had been laid out, we met the JCOs and OR over a cup of tea. Some people stayed for lunch while a few rushed off earlier - some had to catch a flight or a train at Delhi, or other commitments. 

I have been going to Hisar every two years for the last two decades or more. It warms the cockles of  one's heart to see how the unit whose birth one witnessed and nursed during its infancy has grown into a such a fine outfit. All credit to the COs  and officers, JCOs and OR who have carried forward the legacy of the founding fathers. The change in the environment is even more striking. From a dusty camp under tents it is now totally green with wide roads, gardens well designed buildings. 

Some photos are being separately.