aug 15.cdr

Issue No 6/73SC

Editorial Committee

Editor

Asst Editor

Sub Editors

Col PK Singh

Lt Col Salin Kumar Sasi

Cdr Ajay Kashov

Lt Col Gautam Arora

Lt Col Shishir Hirdekar

Mrs Divya S Prakash

Mrs Nancy Singh

Mrs Yati Siddharth Kumar

Mrs Meghna Agrawal

Mrs Afshan Minhaj

Cdr B Puneet

Cdr Hanumant Gupta

Maj Dhruv Raj Sirohi

Sqn Ldr Sachit Sood

Maj Kapil Varshney

Maj Sripada Sriram

Editorial Board

E-Mail : [email protected] /

[email protected]

Softcopy available on

College WAN at Knowledge

Portal and at

www.dssc.gov.in

HOOT SPEAK

The previous month began with an exodus during the

tutorial break which as usual got over in a jiffy and the owlets

returned into the quagmire of the Ex GIRISANGRAM. While

the owlets in OGs meandered their way through the

rhododendron forests towards their ever elusive objectives,

the owlets in Sky Blues, who were initially Sand Model shy

when the course had commenced, were seen confidently

routing the sand model armed with pointers staff a rare treat.

The owlets toiled the 14 hours long working days for nearly

two weeks, ably supported by the better halves managing the

daily chores and the kids who remain absolutely indifferent to

the situation. The OG owlets may not have reached their Ex

GIRISANGRAM terminal objectives but their next destination

in real life was nearly crystalised during their interaction with

the visiting Col MS.

The month also saw a series of guest lectures by

eminent personalities and the long awaited Student driven

Joint Seminars have also kick started with an enthusiastic

bang, marking a transition from tactical to strategic and

intellectual levels.

The SPA front saw a characteristic enthusiasm in Hunt

and the CNS Golf Cup which emerged as a tight contest. Navy

Cup without water would have made no sense, hence, the rain

Gods poured cats & dogs during the preceding night. The

undeterred organisers still pulled it through with aplomb. The

Ladies Meet was steered by the ladies of the C Division this

month and unfolded a colourful extravaganza.

While all this was on, the winters have quietly slipped

in forcing us to dig deeper into our closets and boxes looking

for the woolens and the quilts to replace the blankets. We

sincerely hope that the soaring vegetable prices see a

correction so that the Gajar Halwa can be relished with

impunity.

Wishing all the readers Happy Reading and Happy

Contributing.

CONTENTS

December 17 1

The HOOT

2 Month at Wellington

24 CNS Golf Cup 2017

3 The Artist

26 Pakasura Peak : The Third Hike

6 When Life Says “I’m Ok, You’re Ok”!

8 Beyond The Charter 28 Her Journey!

10 “Lord Y Me?” 29 Major PH Camara, Brazilian Army

12 ‘The Walk’ 32 Brand Crossword

14 Alluring Thunder World in Nilgiris

34 A Glimpse of Pondicherry

18 A Lucid Answer....

19 Eighth Market A Shopping Delight and 37 ‘Angad’ - 1993Much More!

22 GIRISANGRAM (ing) The ‘Delta’ Way!40 New Arrivals - Library

41 CCSS Programme

41 Tentative Schedule of Events

S&P TALES

WISE WORDS

POEM

EXPERIENCE IN WELLINGTON OWLETS SANS FRONTERS

TRAVEL DIARIES

THE EPISODICAL

BULLETIN BOARDS

Cdr B Puneet

Maj Kshitiz Arya

Miss Nirja Arora

Dr Meenakshi Ganesh

Lt Col Abhinav Navneet Mrs Namrata Parashar

Maj Thomas J Mani Mrs Meghna Agrawal

Mrs Shivali Sharma Mrs Pragati Katyal

Mrs Akanksha Pandey

Mrs Afshan Minhaj

Sqn Ldr Pankaj Abraham

Maj Sripada SriramMrs Neha Lohani Gupta

Maj Sripada Sriram

29

26

34

Our visitors this month

2 December 17

Posting In Posting Out

²Col Ritesh Katoch vCol RS Cheema

²Cdr RS Sawan vCapt Manish Kumar Sinha

We welcome the officers and their vGp Capt Rajiv Talwar

families to the DSSC fraternity and wish We wish the officers and their

them a satisfying and fruitful tenure. families happy hunting in their new

assignments.

CAMPUS NEWS

u Insp Commission from University of

Madras, visited the college from 13 - 14 Nov 17.

Pakistan Seminar as held on 22 - 23 Nov 17

Maj Kshitiz Arya

L.No.230

DSSC is a special and a unique experience for wonder if somebody dropped sleeping pills

every officer who has come to Wellington as in their tea this morning. Some officers, a

a student. Nothing in DSSC reminds us or little senior to us, who probably missed their

me atleast, of anything which I have seen or tactics leg in previous course (due to

done before. A few notable changes include a motorcycle accidents or perhaps, ill health),

training program in which classes extend up quietly stared at the sand model as if

to an hour and there is no time earmarked as intimidating it to write their appreciation

transit time, post lunch sessions which has later in the day. I sat there quietly at the last

made our beloved afternoon siesta a thing of row, struggling with my headache, still

past and evening lectures and panel trying to remember what happened after my

discussions which last till eternity. There is, eighth drink last night.

however, one thing which reminds me of my When I did YOs in 2008, the sand

YO days the Sand Model. It sends me back in model was still made of sand (I have seen

time - nine years back. I remember those plastic ones too, and they too are called 'Sand

days vividly, as if it was yesterday. The hall Model'). Sawdust and coloured chalk

was full of clatter… sound of chit chat, jokes, powder was added to improve upon the

laughter, giggle; even indiscriminate aesthetics. Big wooden planks used to hold

snoring made it look like a cuckoo's nest. At free flowing sand and carefully tied white

one corner, close to a window, a group of six cotton threads divided the sand model into

smokers shared an unfortunate cigarette equal squares. Some colourful crisscross

while at another, stood some anxious ribbons depicted roads or boundaries and

looking officers rehearsing yet again, their miniature drains of the width of a finger

well practiced 'Introduction to Sand Model'. represented rivers. Every morning when we

Two of them were even fighting for the came to the lecture hall, there rested a

wooden pointer! Some of us slept like a baby completely new sand model with a different

on those plastic chairs which were designed terrain.

for maximum discomfort. This made me I somehow found it very amusing

The Artist

Wise Words

The HOOT

December 17 3

that within a night, mountains would resite our defenses, locate reinforcements,

change to deserts and deserts to jungles. And place roadblocks and mortars, move our A

while we were all busy in settling down, and B vehicles and by the time the discussion

smoking, snoring and fighting our would end, we, if not destroy, would deface

headaches; a man, in his late forties, would the sand model. And he would come again

quietly walk in and start shaping the lifeless next day, carefully rework on his

sand model into some lively part of God's masterpiece and leave just before the

earth. Hardly five feet three inches tall, beginning of class.

dressed in a woolen check shirt and khaki While we learnt every day, improved upon

trousers, he would stoop over the sand our understanding of the battle field and got

model, breaking his petite frame into two aware about our mistakes and strengths, I

equal halves. Then, out of a satchel which realised that this unknown person to whom

hung on his left shoulder, he will take out we have been so indifferent, should be

chalk powder and sprinkle it all over the thanked. No matter how insignificant it may

sand, turning mountains brown, rivers blue look, but by converting the map into ground,

and jungles green. He would even put some he aided in the training of hundreds of

miniature plastic huts at random places and young officers in every course who became

there, come villages too! He would further able platoon and company commanders

add on to the beauty by planting small green later. So in our last discussion of the course, I

plastic trees on the sand bringing out a more waited for him. He came, stooped over the

realistic look. I would look in utter awe as he sand model and shaped the dead sand into a

balanced himself carefully between the beautiful landscape. This time he placed a

thread squares, looking at a map once in a few miniature artillery guns too. As he

while, ensuring that nothing gets disturbed picked up his satchel to leave, I called him,

in his master piece while he painted like “Bhaiyya!” He turned slowly, searching for

Picasso - Not even when he would get poked the source of the call. “May I know your

accidently by the pointer when some name?” I asked. It gets easy to start a

anxious officer got excited and lost control of conversation if you know the name of the

it while rehearsing. person whom you are about to thank you.

And then right a minute before the “SI sahib aa gaye.” he said with a little smirk

commencement of the class, he would leave, on his lips showing a half broken tooth.

leaving the sand model on our mercy. And in “What? I enquired about your name,

the course of discussion, we would site and dummy.” I wanted to say. Then I realised

Wise Words4 December 17

what he was talking about. I immediately of arches and the vintage of the building. I

turned around to see. “Darn! Who is the DS tried to remember all the moments with my

today? Did he get late, or has the SI arrived course mates who made this course

early today?” I decided to thank him quickly. memorable but all I could remember was a

As I turned back, he was already gone. “I short man in check shirt and khaki trousers,

cannot go now.” I was always good at bent on the sand model, balancing his satchel

prioritizing. So I sat down. “Later” I thought. and gently sprinkling colours on sand. I,

The next week was spent in partying. somehow, could not remember his face. It is

The course was over. I had worked hard for not uncommon for a common face to be

last six months and achieved a decent result, forgotten. It brought a little smile on my lips

so I made up for every moment that I had though; I thanked him quietly for all he had

spent with books. I had forgotten about the done for us. Discontented, I tried to adjust

sand model artist. On the last day of the myself on the seat seeking for some comfort

course as I boarded the taxi, I looked at YO as the taxi drove away leaving marks of worn

Wing British architecture, evident by series tires on the road.

Wise Words

The HOOT

December 17 5

When Life Says “I'm Ok, You're Ok”!

(Part I)

We always ponder over things like “Why did I Id functions as an irrational and

behave the way I did? How could my friend speak emotional part.

to me like that? Who is he/she to comment on me Ego functions as the rational part.

like this?” Have you ever realized why such Super Ego functions as the moral

thoughts cross our minds time and again? part of the mind, which is a

Let us try to explore how these thoughts manifestation of the values we

come to our minds and why. derive from our society and parental

Our mind is a complex creation, in that we figures.

get various emotions, feelings and Now we come to Dr. Berne's Transactional

thoughts which direct our behavior. We are Analysis, which at the basic level explains

social creatures and have to interact with how interactions take place among

fellow human beings on our day to day individuals.

life.This aspect, as the fundamental For Example, when two individuals

structure, Dr. Eric Berne developed meet, one person would start the

Transactional Analysis, which explains how conversation or acknowledge the presence

individuals interact with each other socially. of the other. This is Transactional Stimulus. If

Human beings are complex creatures. the other person responds to it, may be in

Different components in the brain interact to relation to the stimulus, it is Transactional

produce different emotions, attitudes and Response.

complex behaviors. This forms, what is This further lead Dr. Berne to study

known widely as our basic Personality. the ego states. The ego states are a consistent

Dr. Berne started his study from Sigmund pattern of feelings and experiences directly

Freud's basic components which structured related to the corresponding pattern of

our personality. They are Id, Ego and Super behavior. He brought out three ego states

Ego. which are Parent, Adult and Child. It should

Dr Meenakshi Ganesh

W/o Col Ganesh Nagarajan

L.No.25


be noted that though they are inspired by accompanied by external events. Like the

Freud's study, the three ego states of Berne parent, the recordings take place since child

are actually observable through an birth till the age of five. For example, when a

individual's behavior. But Freud's ego states child gets worried and exclaims “I got really

are unobservable and theoretical. scared when I saw the monster's face.”

It is interesting to note that the three Adult: This happens in a child when it starts

ego states are intertwined in an individual perceiving things differently from the parent

and manifest in situations faced by the and the child ego starts. The child starts to

individual. In a particular situation, one ego analyze the data assertively and responds in

state takes over the other two and that's how a rational way. It is otherwise known as the

the individual ends up behaving like a 'here and now' state or simply putting it as

parent, child or adult. Hold on! Don't get 'data processing computer' like state. It

carried away by the literal terms. Every always validates the data gathers from the

individual, irrespective of their age, stature, parent/child states.

maturity or social status, has the We could just conclude the three ego

combination of all the three ego states and states just by saying

one which is most powerful, takes over the Parent-Taught concept

others in any given situation. Adult- Learned concept

Let us now see what these three ego Child- Felt concept.....

states are. Part (II) in Jan Edition

Parent: It represents a massive collection of

recordings in the brain experienced in the

first five years of life. The events perceived

by the person as a child from individuals

who are not parents are also recorded in the

parent ego. For example, “Don't do this. This

is wrong” or “Eat with your mouth closed.”

Since these are recorded in a child's

brain, there is no scope to filter the

recordings. They are actually imposed on the

child.

Child: The recordings stored in a child's

brain are its emotions and feelings, which are

Wise Words

The HOOT

December 17 7

Lt Col Abhinav Navneet

L.No.64

The Armed Forces due to their pyramid lesson from Ex GIRISANGRAM!). How can

shaped hierarchy are organized in a manner an officer contribute, without stepping on

that every individual at every level has a set the boots of his seniors or his colleagues?

of well-defined 'Charter of Duties'. We as The Concept of Ops here would be 'To

Officers who have been born & brought up in create minimum ripples on the surface but

this system, have a clear cut and well develop such strong under currents below

ingrained idea/understanding of the above- that a Tsunami of change becomes

mentioned concept. Needless to say that all inevitable! Of course, the Concept of Ops

of us right from the beginning of our careers may undergo a change depending upon the

or as we say 'Ab Initio', learn to live within 'En pattern of ops' or the resistance offered at

our own self def ined charters or each phase of operations. The aim as in any

compartments. operation of war would be to conserve

With that as a background, the Combat Power and not fritter it away on

question I want to pose through this article of battles which need not be fought (Refer the

mine is -Should we, as officers remain Battle of Mago!).

confined to our Charter of Duties and in When I was a student here in the

doing so remain consciously oblivious to the DSSC-68 course, I was told that professional

inadequacies of the system around us OR at dissent is encouraged at the DSSC, provided

the cost of going beyond our charters make that it is backed up by sound logic and

an effective contribution towards the presented in an amenable manner. Now we

organization? all know that in War & Peace the 'Higher

Now let us examine the nuts & bolts Cdr's Intent' can't be ignored or modified,

of the premise on which this article is however as good Staff Officers and mid-level

based.What does 'Going beyond the charter' cdrs, we can always make recommendations

involve? Where and at what point lines need to our higher Cdrs and thereafter leave it to

to be drawn? How can we define the limits of their wisdom & experience to take a call.

exploitation which are seldom defined (A So, after having examined the Battle

Beyond The Charter


field environment and defining our Concept of the workspaces of colleagues in vicinity and

Ops, let us now focus on “Named areas of see how they are organized (This of course

Interest” (Ref ATN on IPB) where we all can will be over and above the meetings at tea

contribute. Since the article is meant for time in Chanakya!).

DSSC magazine my Area of Ops and Interest For ensuring overall growth and

would remain the circle with Trishakti as the betterment of the environment around us, it

centre and a radius of 5 kms all around. In is also imperative that anyone in the college

our day to day functioning at the DSSC as a can always suggest ways for improvement of

DS, SO or OIC, we may have found certain habitat or quality of some services. This is

grey areas which need to be addressed by the not just limited to officers but extends to

concerned department, or while shopping their spouses and grown up children too!

for groceries at the shopping complex found Each and everyone at DSSC can suggest

some lacunae. Now nothing stops us from ways & means to improve our habitat, bring

examining the problem holistically with the in more efficiency towards organization of a

larger picture in mind and even before we particular event and so on. Of course the

pick up the tele to inform the person Decisive operation will remain the sole

concerned, have a blueprint ready for prerogative of the wing or department

addressing the issue in its totality! And I am mandated to look into the matter and we can

sure the person who is required to attend to only give inputs which need to be acted

our problem will be more than happy that upon.

we have made his job easier. The aim of this article is to generate

Many a times we get so engrossed an idea of Collective Responsibility in the

working in our own offices and within our hearts and minds of every citizen of DSSC,

own charters that we start lacking creative Wellington. Let's all of us think, contribute,

ideas for the improvement of our own work share and leave this organization in a better

spaces. It is only a person who is seeing it shape than we inherited, for the generations

from the periphery can notice the gaps or can of officers, ladies and children who are yet to

suggest better ways to do the same thing. set foot on the holy soils we all so reverently

After all don't we have a system of external call the “Staff College”. And this my friends

audits in place in our armed forces. As a is only possible if we all think and dare to go

corollary, therefore, it is also imperative that “Beyond our Charters”. I now rest my case.

the we move out for a walk once in a while to

Wise Words

The HOOT

December 17 9

“Lord Y Me?”

Maj Thomas J Mani

L.No.361

Somewhere in the desolate white landscape Dzalung La. Poor bloke, the pressures of

called Thukar La. stocking & dumping were just too much for

Nov 17 him & his mules. The Col GS was running

It's been a month of harsh fighting helter skelter at Dzaji La requesting the COs

now since our overtly confident GOC to sidestep from Kye La to Pangi La as he had

remarked that Mago would fall in two some intelligence on some Yellow troop

weeks. The Yellow Land troops seem to have movement somewhere near Tse La. He had

better Rum than us to hold out longer than forecasted that the enemy was readjusting &

what was expected of those minions. The that the time was ripe to launch a Battalion

old man of my Battalion assures us that the infiltration just about 90 kilometers away &

worst is behind us and the glory is ours for not to mention the four daunting ridgelines

the taking. He says that the prospective in between. But hey, there is no obstacle for

Shaurya Chakra / Sena Medal on my chest the Infantry & we must do what the Siberian

would witness the ladies in Delhi swooning cranes do every winter albeit in four days

and drooling over me once I'm back. But then flat.

again, that is if and when I go back. I like CO 10 PARA. He has no clue

It all began when we were told to what is going on but has the ability to paint a

move to Bomdila from our set routine of surveillance grid to the enemy (read visiting

Road Opening Party duties in Assam. Oh senior officers) that would impress the cold

how I miss the momos of that Tapri outside war spies in their graves. Not surprisingly

my Company Operating Base. During the though, little is fed to us in terms of

Division's briefing which I chanced to intelligence apart from his adventures

attend, the Col Q was gushing with pride on during his jumps with the Russians & the

the serviceability of his fleet and his abilityto Americans. CO, SCOUTS is busy justifying

move the Division in a C-130 in two days flat; his concept of caches & hides to the Brigade

lock stock & barrel!! The last I recollect is Commanders. Not his fault though as he is a

witnessing him jumping ahead of the line of thoroughbred Ladakhi given command of

Mule GS rushing to commit hara-kiri at the Arunachal blokes. And oh Col GS (IW) is

Experience in Wellington10 December 17

o n wa r f o o t i n g , s p r e a d i n g m o r e plan to capture Mago in a couple of days, I

disinformation in his own side than the now lie in my tent wondering what next?

enemy side. Just yesterday he confessed over Not much clarity from the GOC too who was

a drink that his newspaper campaign was all talking about Tulung La & Lhasa instead of

that he knew. The Electronic Warfare Thimbu & Mago. Guess he is articulating his

equipment was well left to the Jawans to likely pattern of operations if & when he

figure out. becomes the Army Commander. The Air

Our Enemy Commander is very Force representative at the Division HQ was

charismatic too. He has raised what could be visibly perturbed when I met him at Kye La.

called the 'nayi-teli-masalchi' Quick In the middle of the briefing, he got up to

Reaction Force to beat back our attacks. He inquire whether the cable TV would be up &

seems pretty confident of their ability too as running by the evening as he didn't want to

we did see a band of rag tag fellows charging miss the soccer match. Now that is my role

up the wrong hill at Luguthang in what model. 'Sannu ki' will henceforth be my

s e e m e d t o b e l i k e a n a t t e m p t e d guiding beacon. Come to think of it, I should

counterattack on a rock. Readymade troops have joined the Navy. I could have done

are born from God knows where at his beck horse riding while making my Service

& call and are ready to fight for every inch of Qualitative Requirements (SQRs) over a hot

ground that we attempt to call ours. samosa & chai. But then again I could have

The most enigmatic personality is listened to my folks & joined Infosys. Y Me

the Commander of 92 Brigade. He attacked a Lord, Y Me!!

virgin hill & then decided to have a barbecue

there instead of pressing home

the attack on Pota. I wonder

what made him decide to hang

up his boots. Rumor has it that

he is busy spit locking his house

there & his buddy overheard

him speak to his missus telling

her that he had found the perfect

hill to build the retirement

house they were planning on.

After attending an

exhaustive briefing on how we

Experience in Wellington

The HOOT

December 17 11

‘The Walk’

Being an avid reader I have read too many of words. Now it has become my favoriteplace

authors. I got started with Ruskin Bond's for walks. Occasionally I meet some lone

Hidden Pool and he became my favourite wa n d e r e r l i k e m e t h e r e a n d t h e

author and still is. Anyone who has read his acknowledging smiles are all that defines

works will relate to me here, he is a nature our experience of that walk. Well the

lover and his stories describe nature in its scenario is just what I dreamed of and the

simplicity best.While reading his books I Serendipity of finding the exact moment or

used to drift away to his world.The ease with spot is just incredible.

“It's your road and yours alone. which he describes about dew in the

Others may walk with you, but no one can morning grass, sensuous delights of the day,

walk it for you.”silent blessings of the night, joys and sorrows

of the children and striving of ordinary folks The sky between the pine trees seem

is just heart touching. so fresh, new and blue. It reminds me

Well during one of the walks in the “…………for every time I see the sky

neighborhood with my pet I had the Deja-vu I am aware of belonging to the Universe than

sensation and then I realized that it was the to just one corner of the Earth.”

perfect experience just out of Ruskin Bond's How mysterious is our life in

book. There is a stretch of road between two Defence that knowing that we have no

blocks which is totally secluded and flanked permanent home during services, we still

by pine trees on both the sides. Road itself is look up to sky and try to find ourselves.

not the tar road but what could be best The stay here in Wellington is

described as kachha road. When breeze enforcing another point of view of mine that

blows the rustling of pine leaves sounds like there is no escape, once you have lived in

divine music. The stretch is not more than mountains you belong to them.Well, who

200-300 meters before the civilization begins knows maybe the future will find us settled

again but the experience of it is beyond deep in the mountains out of the hustle

Mrs Shivali Sharma

W/o Wg Cdr Sidharth Sharma

L.No.738


bustle of city life, and then “The Walks” w i l l “Let no man take your dream away.

continue. It will sustain you to the end.”

“ I am never lost in the mountains, it With this I would finally like to

is where I found myself.” conclude with another saying

Well all is maybe and might be as we “I only went out for a walk and

dream and should keep on dreaming as finally concluded to stay out till sundown,

dreams pave the path to the reality. for going Out, I found, was really going In.”


The HOOT

December 17 13

Pics of the Month

When all means fail, we still find a wayWhen all means fail, we still find a way Who studies more, the students or DS...Who studies more, the students or DS...

I also need a tea breakI also need a tea break Practicing for BPETPracticing for BPET

Perfect Nilgiri tea Perfect Nilgiri tea ‘Darpan' oil painting by Maj Nikhil Kulkarni‘Darpan' oil painting by Maj Nikhil Kulkarni

Alluring Thunder World in Nilgiris

Mrs Akanksha Pandey

W/o Cdr PK Pandey

L.No.669

A reluctant turn in order to check out the 550 per adult including the Snow world. Kids

only amusement place whose posters are below four years of age enjoy a free entry.

strewn all across Nilgiris especially in and The Snow world alone can be enjoyed at Rs250

around Ooty turned out to be a pleasant per person.

surprise.In fact I have ensured to take all my Attractions

guests here from there-on. You can easily Third Eye: The place boasts of India's largest

spend about 2-3 hrs here. It's a break from vintage camera museum and rightly so. The

regular tourist places especially, if you have collection is quite interesting and some of the

small kids. cameraswill take you back the memory lane.

Thunder world: Located on the main road Don't be surprised if you find your family's

on the way towards Ooty Lake,the place has f irst ever camera right here! The

many elements which are quite interesting highlightwill be of course the world's largest

and amusing. At the same time that not alone camera which is quite a treat.

kids of all age groups but even us, as adults The Mirror Illusion: Camera museum leads

can enjoy. Apart from the 9 main attractions, to Mirror Illusion area. Nothing fancy but a

this place has a Food court, Musical rides for small walkway in which mirrors and

small kids, Dinosaur ride, Roll on ride and a lighting createsan illusion of depth and

Fish spa too. A small park with slides, few height.

paid rides for kids below 7 are also exciting The Big Foot: This is the Dinosaur Park. You

options. Bang Bang electric cars can be will find replicas of dinosaurrelicsand

enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Clean working models of variety of dinosaurs from

restrooms and ample parking space has also T-Rex to Stegosaurus spread out in a park

been catered for. setup. More so like a Jurassic Park in the

V a r i o u s

a t t r a c t i o n s a r e

i n d i v i d u a l l y

priced but all can

be enjoyed with a

combo ticket of Rs


backyard! The sensors installed near the you enter, you will be pleasantly surprised

dinosaurs help the dinosaurs move their with amazing quality of art forms created.

head and tails which creates a cool impact for You can click pictures by stepping on the

kids. Big foot leads to a small area which markings made and see the fun.

harbours models of famous Indian Snow World: This is operational only during

monuments.These can be used as a teaching the winter months. Boots,jackets and gloves

moment for your young ones. are provided for all but for kids no separate

5D theatre: This is where you get your 3D footwear is provided, so make sure your kids

glasses and sit on to enjoy a dramatic roller are wearing boots or sports shoes. As a

coaster ride which is accentuated by mother, I would suggest to carry an extra

frequent bouts of fresh air and bubbles along pair of clothes including socks as some snow

with moving chairs in consonance with the will eventually enter the shoes and while

video being shown. playing, the bottom wear will become wet.

Haunted House: As the name suggests it's a Various hair dryers are provided outside to

place where you will hear scary sounds and give instant relief to your cold hands and feet

have zombies and skeletons coming at you in as you come out.

the dark. Caution: Avoid if with kid saged 3 A small snow dance floor with

or less. Bollywood music welcomes you. You can

Rain Forest: This is on the similar lines as the choose to slide down small snow slide for

haunted house but instead of scary creatures two or enjoy a carrousel ride on tubes or

you will have animals and reptiles coming at simply just enjoy playing with snow.

you in a dark forest setting. Locker facility is available here for

Vortex Ring: In this setting you are to cross a you to keep your belongings. If the cold takes

small bridge through a rotating lit dome. the better of you, a break can be taken; come

After a while you will start feeling as if you out for some time and then go back in.

are on a roll. Mind illusion! Overall you will have quality family

Trick Eye 3DArt Museum: A must visit and fun time here. It is surely worth a visit at least

my favourite part of the whole park. Based once whilst your tenure here.

on the lines of “Art in Paradise Museum” in

Chiang Mai ,

Thailand and

m a n y m o r e

s imi lar ones

a r o u n d t h e

world, this one

surely is no

lesser. Moment


The HOOT

December 17 15

National Day Cake CuttingNational Day Cake Cutting On the Way to Tea Factory During HikeOn the Way to Tea Factory During Hike

Hunters at Raliah DamHunters at Raliah Dam Book presentation by Air Cmde Nitin Sathe to the Comdt

Book presentation by Air Cmde Nitin Sathe to the Comdt

The Proud CNS Golf Cup WinnersThe Proud CNS Golf Cup Winners

16 December 17

The Three Little Musketeers of CNS Golf CupThe Three Little Musketeers of CNS Golf Cup Ladies Awaiting Their Turn in ‘Chip & Put’ Ladies Awaiting Their Turn in ‘Chip & Put’

Across the Globe : ‘C’ div Ladies MeetAcross the Globe : ‘C’ div Ladies Meet The Charlie’s AngelsThe Charlie’s Angels

Tutorial Break at PondicherryTutorial Break at Pondicherry Why should Boys have all the Fun !Why should Boys have all the Fun !

Rest, Recoup & RejuvenateRest, Recoup & Rejuvenate Owlets Enjoying at the Beach ShoreOwlets Enjoying at the Beach Shore

December 17 17

The HOOT

As soon as the first Divisional Discussion of As staff officers, you should

rdthe 73 staff course began, a student officer understand that 'the cuckoo is a harbinger of

innocently asked a genuine question as to spring.' You should have a palpable sense of

what is manoeuvre warfare! Here is the reply right or wrong, and hence should

he got……. vehemently strive to be lucid and not

I like the alacrity that you have verbose. You should succinctly intertwine

exhibited. Let me begin with an anecdote. An the various perspectives and cull out a

ugly start is not necessarily a harbinger of pragmatic, and not a dogmatic solution. In

worse things to come. You are a military other words, don't be parochial and

prodigy, and hence ubiquitous. Don't think ostentatious. Please understand, ab initio,

you are bereaved of knowledge in DSSC, 'manoeuvre warfare is not attrition warfare!'

which is an abode of learning, providing you For further understanding, I would

the most conducive environment to hone urge all of you to read 'The maneuver

your skills. It would be a cliché to think so. Warfare Reckoner', written by me, which

You are all future military commanders. We will help formulate and harness your

are not here to delude you with a deluge of thoughts further.

I hope I have answered your information. Instead, we would make an

question!endeavor to assist you to mull over your

previous understanding of the subject. You

should then juxtapose the various courses of

action and understand their ramifications,

thereby elucidating the Commander's

Intent.

A Lucid Answer………

Sqn Ldr Pankaj Abraham

L.No.726

18 December 17

On the second Sunday of every month the home, but finding parking spots for car

sleepy, laid back and oft haunted area of could be cumbersome. Car-pooling with

Wellington station wakes up to the hustle friends who have similar shopping

and bustle of the '8th market'. The vendors preferences is the ideal way to get there.

thstart setting up their merchandise since early The legacy of 8 market or 'aath ka

morning and by 0730 hrs, this hustling place haat' dates back to 1903. The market has been this flooded by shopping enthusiast from all held ever-since on the 8 day of every month

walks of life - low to high income, locals to (hence the peculiar name) to coincide with

tourist, Indians and Foreigners, window- the pay-day of the Cordite Factory workers

shoppers to shopaholics, consummate at Aruvankadu. With the advent of

bargainers as well as beginners and even computerisation in the national banking

those who are forced volunteered by the system, the salaried employees of cordite

spouse piety (my better half would fall in this factory started getting their pay checks

last category). directly to their accounts. Thus, the need of

For all those who haven't paid their

obeisance to this Mecca of shopping at

Wellington, let me help you find the 'North'.

Th is market mushrooms l ike the

mythological Phoenix, at the Wellington

ground. The Wellington ground straddles

the meandering road connecting Wellington

Railway station and NH181. For those who

don't deal with maps, simply get down the

winding road on the right hand, just after

MRC Gas Agency, this road takes you to the

Wellington Railway station. Two wheelers

could take you closest to the Wellington

ground on the shopping day and cars can

help you carry large quantities of stuff back

Eighth Market

A Shopping Delight and Much More!

Mrs Neha Lohani Gupta

W/o Cdr Hanumant Gupta

L.No.611


The HOOT

December 17 19

conducting this market on eighth of every shopaholics. However, the market pulls

month was forfeited. Keeping the maximum crowd from 8am to 4pm.

convenience of both vendors and The shopping range, caters to a wide

shopaholics, in mind, the market date has variety of linen, tapestry and clothing. The

been shifted to second Sunday but the name linens are though the best in quality. One

'the eighth market' clings on and keeps the could easily find heaps of curtains, table

legacy alive. Even the Wellington grounds mats, runners, aprons, towels, bed spreads,

was not the original venue of this market, a cushion covers, pillows and it takes a lot to

few years ago this shopping fiesta instead turn away from them for the quality and cost

adorned a ground near Cordite Factory that is on offer. The elegant linen, could

itself. Shift of destination has only enhanced easily give major home textile brands like

the convenience for the DSSC shopaholics by Fab India, Portico and Spaces a run for their

getting the market closer to us - Thank God money.

for the little mercies! Hosiery and knitwear clothes make

This market has outlived more than way to the market from Tirupur, which is the

a century, thanks to the oxygen of symbiotic largest exporter of these products in India. If

existence of the demand(consumers) and one has the patience to invest in selection, a

supply(the vendors). Much like stock variety of export quality sportswear and

markets, the eighth market is a tailor-made winterwear could be farmed out as well.

destination that not just suits the Apart from these, many traders from Erode

requirement of locals but also helps the also converge with cotton sarees, carpets and

nearby cloth manufacturing town of Karur, other handloom fabrics.

Tirupur and Erode to get rid of their export Undoubtedly then, the market is one place to

surplus. The market begins at 6 in the revamp the entire household just in case you

morning and winds up by 7 in the evening. want to metamorphose your house from one

'Early bird gets the prey'- is a popular myth colour or theme to another. Even for the

about this market that keep the late risers newlyweds it is an ideal place to start

away from this market. My findings have shopping for their new home. The market

been quite the opposite and I have been a also has all kinds of clothes for tiny toddlers

religious visitor on each shopping day since to those who remain young at heart for a

arrival at Wellington. Actually, there is no lifetime. The products mostly cost between

such best time to go to the market as various Rs.50 to Rs.300 in linen, whereas quilts and

vendors have mastered the art of displaying blankets have a range from Rs. 500 to

their products staggered through-out the Rs.2000. So, ladies and gentlemen, go out,

day. At any time, there is immense range of indulge in dalliance with shopping, splurge

products and can serve any number of as much as you want and yet the cost of


products would not let you burn a hole offers some steamy South Indian idli-

through your pockets. sambhar- dosa, aromatic biryanis and hot

coffee-tea with lip-smacking snacks. The Besides shopping, eighth market is

food is uniquely and economically also a delightful sight for those who enjoy

packaged, to allow shoppers to progress their cuppa of Indian Culture. One would

their errands unhindered. In my case it has find men and women of all ages, cast and

also been an enabler in helping me get-rid of creed, shop with passion at this market

Maid-less Sundays Blues Syndrome (MSBS).without any cultural and class divide, like a

mini-India of sorts, perhaps even an So ladies and gentlemen, for all those

inspiration for many literary geniuses. For who haven't yet made it, don't let your crest

DSSC fraternity it is also a mini social for the fall, cause there is a plenty of memories to be

like-minded, who take shopping as a leisure created and products to be shopped. For the

and recreation activity. Student officers at DSSC, there are still four

such markets to go. So next eighth market, In order to channelize the energy of

just pick up your essentials shopping bags, its customers in shopping, the market even

cash, spouses and children and join the gang! caters for yummy-licious food to satiate your

Happy shopping!hunger pangs. For the foodies, the market


The HOOT

December 17 21

GIRISANGRAM (ing) The 'Delta' Way!

It would amount to 'falsifying of facts' if we abandon. While all this was Greek and Latin

were to say that there was no premonition of to the Air Warriors in the beginning, they

the impending doom as the student officers quickly adapted to the law of the land and

packed their light bags for a quick getaway High Value Targets were bombed into

rdfor the 3 tutorial break. There were more smithereens at time and place of choosing,

than adequate direct and indirect indicators and at will. Things were getting a lot messier!

as to the importance of Ex GIRISANGRAM. The Assistant Director tried to steer the

The usual 'Mother of all exercises' wisdom discussion into the realm of meaningfulness

was also thrown in for good measure. To cut but the ever building momentum refused to

a long story short, the die was cast, the pause.

characters (Exercise Appointments!) were By Day two the officers had warmed

suited up and the clarion call was sounded. up sufficiently to push their weight around

The first day of the exercise began and plan bolder campaigns. The Blue Land

amid a slew of whites, yellows and blues which Information warfare planned a 'Civic Unrest'

were difficult to bite, harder to chew and in Yellow Land, plans for which were

well nigh impossible to digest! The brave supposedly 'Top Secret'. The Psychological

warriors ploughed on to make viable and Warfare of both the forces was being played

workable plans aided by subtle hints by the out in the Coffee rooms where the TVs blared

DS. A veil of secrecy drew over the opposing incessantly depicting opposing points of

forces as the men in combats and those in view and newspapers and journals

Angolas steadfastly avoided each other's substantiated these media operations.

company especially during the coffee The GOsC and the Brigade

breaks. Commanders struggled to stick to a common

Day one of the war game began on a plan as each one gave out a different version.

sombre note, laced with by pregnant pauses, The top of the skull flew up to the ceiling and

and no one knew how to respond. The plans the eyes shot out of their sockets during one

for Pota, Dzalung La and Meling were of those zealous minutes when an

casually tossed into the air with gay enthusiastic Brigade Commander was


Maj Sripada Sriram

L.No.554

22 December 17

rattling out his offensive plans for 'Muse La'. staff. Surprise was completely achieved in

GOC, 7 Mountain Division got up to differ the operations when a Col Q went to sleep

on the plan but his protests failed to put a with a confirmed plan of attack and

break on the proceedings. He then went on to discovered only during his briefing that the

publicly 'Sack' the rogue Commander, plans had been changed overnight! A term

announcing to the shocked amusement of that was oft repeated was 'Staff Checks'. You

all, “He is sacked, he is sacked.” Before the could move mountains and work magic if all

Assistant Director could restore some you did correctly was to submit the staff

normalcy, the cheeky Brigade Commander checks to the 'Control' on time.

reminded the GOC that he couldn't possibly The last day was eventful as it should

sack him as he was part of the Holding have been. Both the warring factions were

Division and GOC, 9 Mountain Division was taken aback by the swift progress of ops as

more than happy with his performance. The Blue Land was very nearly poised to strike

moment of sacking had passed! Mago the jewel of the Yellow Land crown.

Amidst this heavy fog of war, the An Artillery Commander stumped all by

Yellow Land found a magical replenishment dragging his numerous guns to the slopes of

source in the high altitude terrain. Despite Muse La. He literally followed the adage of

losing their platoons and companies to the 'Where a goat can go a Man can go and where

attacking Blue Land, they kept producing a man can go, a Gun can go too'. Meanwhile

more and more platoons to keep guarding Brahmos and Smerch were being collected to

their locations. No one could quite fathom as hit enemy bunkers and to specifically target

to the exact quantum of their forces. the enemy Regiment Commander.

Meanwhile, the Blue Land Special Forces The grim saga of courage, valour and

which were inserted behind enemy lines in extreme bravery ended in a stalemate with

last century finally stumbled on to some Blue Land and Yellow Land at the verge of

credible intelligence and passed it through. history! All in all, it was an excellently

The mystery and fact thereof on how they conducted war game in an amicable and easy

survived for such duration without link up atmosphere where it wasn't difficult to air

was out of the purview of the exercise. views without fear of being mocked or

A topic that was dear to all was scoffed at. The student officers went home

'Operational Logistics'. The vehicles, the with plenty to ponder over and prepare for

mules and the supplies had succeeded in the next one. Bring it on…..Cheerio!

ruining the happiness index of the logistics


The HOOT

December 17 23

All Golf addicts of DSSC had been eagerly drafted in the four balls which included 10

looking forward to one of the most keenly ladies and three juniors. In addition, many

contested golf tournaments in the S&PA ladies also displayed their putting skills in

calendar the CNS Cup. So much was the the Ladies Putting competition.

adrenaline rush to play and win this coveted The tournament was played over

cup, that golfers could be seen mastering three sessions on 18 (Sat) and 19 Nov (Sun).

their swing all around the college in the Whilst all preparations were will in place by

build-up to the final round. The grapevine is Friday evening, the weather gods seem to

also abuzz that Op-Art was effectively put to challenge the golfer's spirit by pounding

use as regards the factor of 'time' available to heavily and making the first session look

students to sharpen their skills!!! feasible with nothing less thana 'divine

For the first time technology was intervention'. Lord Varuna (lord of the seas),

used to the hilt to ensure a paperless once gain came to the Naval Wing's rescue,

publicity and registration. In true golfing albeit on terra firma and blessed us with a fair

spirit , maximum participation was weather window over the next two days.

encouraged and a total of 109 golfers were The first session itself set the bar high

with Mr Ramneek Singh

playing a gross of 78 (9 over). As

the scores were being displayed

for all to see, the golfers for the

next sessions had the 'score to

beat' available to them. The next

two sessions witnessed an

action-packed round leading to

an unprecedented final session

of play. As the final few cards

CNS Golf Cup 2017 (18 & 19 Nov 17)

Cdr B Puneet

L.No.604

S & P Tales24 December 17

started coming in, the scoring team was left eventually resolved through a count-back

with an uphill task of checking and double- method. Eventually, Ms Anagha Venkatesh

checking each score to get the positions right, won the prestigious CNS Golf Cup 2017 and

just in time for the prize distribution Wg Cdr Gaurav Chaturvedi emerged as the

ceremony. Runner up. Col Ajay Dabas was declared the

The prize distribution ceremony was winner of Gold division with Brig Pawan

conducted with a 'Naval touch' highlighting Bajaj as the runner up. In the Silver division,

the deep linkages which the men-in-whites Lt Col Abhinav Navneet was the winner and

world-over share with the game. Lt Gen Maj Arjun Ganapathi was the runner up. Mrs

Amrik Singh, SM, Commandant DSSC and Monisha Bajaj was the winner in the Ladies

President WGC graciously awarded the Open category with Mrs Mamta Dadhwal

prizes. finishing a close second. Mrs Arifa Sameer

In a never-seen-before contest, there won the Ladies Putting competition. The

was a three-way tie at the top with Brig junior category also saw our budding golfers

Pawan Bajaj, Wg Cdr Gaurav Chaturvedi displaying their skills with Master Arjun

and Ms Anagha Venkatesh all scoring the Dabas emerging as the Winner.

same gross score of 77. The tie was

S & P Tales

The HOOT

December 17 25

Pakasura Peak : The Third Hike

Miss Nirja Arora

D/o Lt Col Gautam Arora

L.No.423

The last two hikes to Raliah Dam and Toda were at the start point. After grabbing a juice

Village were prodigious and had witnessed and chips from the counter, we started the

a record breaking registration too. So, how hike. The hike was 6 kms one way. Initially,

the third hike could be left. Yes, the third hike the incline was tough but after some time, it

too had a registration of over 500 despite the was easy to climb. We stopped in between

exam of the officers at the doorstep. I came to and clicked photos too. When I was feeling

know about the attendance from my father tired my mom motivatedme by reminding

who was in the organizing team. about the Samosas and cold drinks waiting

I was worried initially whether we at the refreshment point.

would go or not but the day my exams It was cloudy by the time we reached

thfinished in APS on 26 Oct, my dad told me the refreshment point but there was no sign

that we are surely going to go for the hike. So of rain. During the fifteen minute break we

thon 28 we assembled for the third hike, to enjoyed the snacks, cold drinks and juices.

Pakasura Peak. Initially weather was partly When we started walking, the route looked

cloudy and we all were carrying the simple but after some time, it became

umbrellas since during Toda Hike, it had steeper. It was little bit slippery, wet and had

rained a lot. Everyone was excited after the patches of moss in between. We were

briefing of the DS I/C, who

explained the forthcoming

fun of tea estate trail and the

visit to the tea factory. We

boarded buses at the DSSC

Memorial and headed to the

hike start point at Non Such

Tea Plantation.

After half an hour, we

S & P Tales26 December 17

walking very slowly and I held the hand of Tea Factory. Many other uncles and aunties

my father or mother till the end. In between, followed us. It was fun to see the process of

two three times I slipped but it was fun. We processing tea from tea leaves. As we were

spotted two bisons in between and after an tired by then we decided to move for lunch

hours walk, we reached the top of the cloudy which was organized in the Tea estate. I was

peak. On a clear day, Metupallayam city is hungry and really enjoyed my food along

visible from the peak but I could not see with music.

anything due to thick cloud cover. En route I After having lunch, the buses

enjoyed the toffees distributed by uncles dropped us back to the memorial. The hike

from the hike organizing team. After resting was very unforgettable as it gave unique

for some time at the peak, we started our experience of tea factory & lunch in the tea

journey back and reached the start point estates. This hike made me feel like a walk

after an hour or so. through heaven. I am looking forward for

In spite of directly going for lunchme my next hike.

and my mother decided to visit the nearby

S & P Tales

Solution for last month Crossward

The HOOT

December 17 27

Her Journey!

Mrs Namrata Parashar

W/o Cdr. Manoj Parashar

L.No.670

All aboard calls the captain,As the mighty lady loosens her ropes,She embarks on a momentous journey,

Towards a nation, where await her a billion hopes.

Her dare-devil boys toil day and night,When rough seas and winds challenge her might.

They pledge She will always stand tall and bright,The flame of her grace,they shall forever keep alight.

As She glides through the Suez Canal imperiously,

Chills go down the spine of her enemy.On her sails rest the expectations of a gentry,

On her hull, the pride of a country.

Heavens rejoice as her captain sights the shore,Jubilation, triumph and celebrations galore.

The names of her men will go down the history,Their gallantry sung through folklore.

She was, She is and She will,

Strike sure, strike far and strike to kill!

thINS Vikramaditya, India's largest aircraft carrier, had the 4 anniversary of its commissioning on th16 November, 2017. This poem is an ode to this mighty ship and to the spirit of its crew that sailed

all the way from Russia, through the most treacherous seas, to bring this pride of the country on

home shores.

28 December 17

Owlets Sans Frontiers

Please tell us something about yourself and Officers, and for two years the Brazilian

your family. Army Staff Course. I also participated in

Maj Camara: I was born on some exchange programme with Argentine

26 August 1975, in the city Army, in Buenos Aires/Argentina and with

of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I Spanish Army, in Zaragoza / Spain, and now

am the eldest son and I have I am here…enjoying the Salubrious……

a s i s t e r. I s p e n t m y How much did you know about India

childhood and adolescence before reaching Wellington.

in Rio de Janeiro. As a kid, I decided that I Maj Camara: Indian culture is very popular

wanted to be an Officer in Brazilian Armed in Brazil, the Taj Mahal, and the cities of

Forces, although I have never had military Mumbai, New Delhi and Goa are very famous

person in my family. In 1994, after an open in my country. A few years ago, the Brazilian

annual contest to a nationwide public, I television produced the soap opera Caminho

joined in the Preparatory School of Army das Índias (Way to India), it showed Indian

Cadets (EsPCEx), located in Campinas / São customs and traditions. Beyond that, several

Paulo, this was the first time of my military times the Brazilian channels show us

life. In 1995 I met my wife, Alessandra, and Brazilian actors(esses) coming here to talk

we started dating, when, finally, in 1999, me about your culture or to practice Yoga.

and Alessandra got married. In 2002 our

daughter was born, Amanda, in the Resende

city, she is our only daughter and she is

student and a typical teenager…

Please throw some light on your military

career.

Maj Camara: I am Artillery man and in all

my military career. I have spent 7 years as an

instructor in the Artillery Course of the

Agulhas Negras Military Academy, it was a

hard mission! I

Military Sniper, Airmobile Operations,

Parachute, Advanced Intelligence Course for

attended several courses in

Brazilian Army throughout my career:

Major P H Camara, Brazilian Army

Friends from Foreign Countries

The HOOT

December 17 29

During my career I have also studied about here, but I had no idea what I was going to

India because of BRICS, G4 and other find.

important organizations that both take a What is the perception about this course in

place. Brazil and what were your first thoughts?

You must have experienced India to a fair Maj Camara: I'm the second Brazilian

extent now. How has your experience been? Officer to come here. Earlier the officer came

What has been the most unique experience two years ago (71 Staff Course), but he is

of your stay in India thus far? currently posted as an instructor in the

Maj Camara: Wonderful, amazing…The Jungle Operations Course (Amazon

opportunity to visit new places, make new Rainforest) and it was very difficult to talk to

friends, know more about other cultures, it him being always in exercises and

doesn`t have price. So far, for us it was to operations, so I came here without knowing

know the Taj Mahal. much.

What are your hobbies and have been able What are your plans for TUT Break/Mid

to pursue them at DSSC? What do you do Term break. Is anyone from your family

for recreation? planning to visit you here and what have

Maj Camara: During free time, my family you planned for them.

and I like to watch good movies, eat in good Maj Camara: Every opportunity that I have I

restaurants, travel, to get to know new like to travel, I have gone to Goa, Kerala,

places, and make friends. As a Brazilian, I New Delhi, Agra, and during the Forward

like to play soccer, but my favorite sport is Arear Tour, I could visit Mumbai, Jaisalmer

tennis, however, to be in India is a good and Jodhpur. My wife and daughter joined

opportunity to learn about other sports, not me for a short period earlier in the course but

so common in Brazil, like golf or cricket. had to return due to my parents health

stNow, I can manage to do it, but not in the 1 conditions and daughter's school.

ndand 2 tutorial. What would you be doing now if you were

How do you find the professional not at DSSC, Wellington?

environment here at DSSC. What Maj Camara: All students of my class of the

expectations did you have from the course Staff Course at Brazil are now abroad

and how has it matched up? attending Staff courses of Staff Colleges in

Maj Camara: For me it has been excellent, all different countries. If I was not here, I would

the officers are very friendly and always have been in another country attending the

willing to help. I was very excited to come Staff Course.

Friends from Foreign Countries 30 December 17

How different is a defence personnel`s life, Rapid fire:

socially and professionally in our two uDSSC New experience

countries? uStudent officers Friends

Maj Camara: I do not notice much uRules DSSC Different

difference. During the free time we like to uWGC Enjoy

enjoy, to have fun, to practice sports and uLectures Knowledge

when we are at work we love what we do and uOTW Study

we like to be professionals. uWeekends Refresh

Which Indian dish do you like the most? uIndian Food Tasty

Maj Camara: In general, I like sweets, mainly

the Gulab Jamum and Barfi.

What has been most difficult aspect of your

stay in India yet?

Maj Camara: My wife and daughter were

here at the beginning and now they are in

Brazil, and this period without them has

been worse, but I'll meet them in the mid-

term break and latter they would come back

again to India to stay here for some more

time.

Interviewd By

Mrs Meghna Agrawal

W/o Maj Kapil Varshney

L.No.328

Friends from Foreign Countries

SPOT THE SPOT

Answer for last month

Road Leading to Army Public School,

Wellington

The HOOT

December 17 31

Can you guess, where is this located in DSSC?

Brand Crossword

Mrs Pragati Katyal

W/o Ldr Yashu Aggarwal

L.No.651

Brands are everywhere! try to solve it and see how many you

From the tooth-brush in the morning, to the remember.

mosquito repellent at night, we use over 2000 Clues

different products on a daily basis. All of ACROSS

these products are marketed under various 1. The state owned airlines, our LTC carrier

brand names; for which we also watch and (3,5)

enjoy advertisements on TV. 4. One of the largest Indian Multinationals,

The following crossword contains a few another word for Bye (4)

brands that we come across in our daily lives, 5. This auto giant recently launched the

32 December 17

“Compass” (4) gives defence discount (6)

7. This sports apparel brand gets its name 3. The biggest telecom operator in the

from the Greek Goddess of victory (4) country (6)

8. A brand of dishwash soap (3) 4. The DTH provider on campus; Isko laga

10. Indian e-commerce giant based in daala to life jhinga lala (4,3)

Bangalore that acquired Myntra (8) 6. The spices brand named after the tallest

12. The footwear brand we grew up mountain peak in the world (7)

wearing, known for their “99” pricing (4) 9. An Indian chain of espresso bars, taken

15. The state owned telecom operator (4) over by Lavazza (7)

16. An FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer 11. This rice brand name shares its name

Goods) brand endorsed by Baba Ramdev with a war memorial in New Delhi (5,4)

(9) 13. SUVs such as Scorpio & XUV500 come

17. This jewellery brand from Titan means from this Indian auto giant (8)

love for one's body (7) 14. Indian mobile phone company named

18. The home appliances brand we grew up after molten volcanic rock (4)

with- fans, sewing machines etc. (4) 19. A leather goods manufacturer based in

21. The name of a leading foreign Pondicherry (8)

university, and a style of shoes that officers 20. The search engine for info on the

wear (6) internet (6)

23. A cookware brand. Jo biwi se kare pyaar 22. The auto giant behind the iconic

wo ___ se kaise kare inkaar? (8) Mustang and Fiesta, Ecosport, Endeavour

26. The four wheeler brand with a JV with in India (4)

Suzuki. Manufacturescars such as 800, Alto, 23. A brand of biscuits from this company

Swift (6) is loved by kids and elders alike (5)

27. A tyre brand (6) 24. The luggage brand we've been using

28. The online “apni dukaan”, which since childhood (3)

entices customers with the Great Indian 25. A marketplace for used goods. ____ pe

Festival Sale (6) bech de (3)

DOWN

1. The consumer electronics company that

shares its name with a fruit. Hint: “i”-

gadgets (5)

nd2. 2 colour of the rainbow, this airline

The HOOT

December 17 33

A Glimpse of Pondicherry

Mrs Afshan Minhaj

W/o Maj Minhaj Ahmad

L.No.528

The beauty of our nation lies in its diversity. Pondicherry is approximately 430

March from east to west or from north to the kms from DSSC. The journey is an extremely

end of the peninsular India towards the enjoyable ride of about 8 hours. The roads

south, the range of flora fauna, geographical are in great shape, most of the route a four

contours, provincial dialects, varied lane highway. You will encounter quite a

cultures, its diverse colors, all these are going number of toll counters but the good news is

to flabbergast you. that all these counters have a 'Fastag' lane to

It's a great injustice not only to this speed up your journey. The route is replete

awe inspiring place but also to yourself if in with eating joints. The Adyar Ananda chain

spite of being here in the south you don't of sweets has as many as 5-8 branches on this

touch sites of great beauty. In the third tut route. At about 200kms from here, a little

break, which also marks the end of the first before Salem, is a small complex on this

half of this course, my visit to Pondicherry route, which has a few shops and eating

was an affair of complete pleasure. A visit to joints along with “The Polar Bear” which is

Pondicherry is highly recommended if you an amazing Ice- Cream parlor. Please do

enjoy beaches. make sure that you have an ice cream there.

You can plan your s tay in

Pondicherry according to your choices and

priorities. We stayed at Shenbaga hotel

which is a decent 4 star hotel. Its location is

good as all the places of importance that you

would want to visit are near by. The hotel

provides a buffet breakfast in the stay, so you

can kick start your day comfortably. There

are also the kind of hotels like “Le Pondy”

Travel Diaries34 December 17

and “Ocean Spray” that provide private should try the “Le Pondy” resort. It has both

beaches and the gates of these hotels open Ala carte and buffet options. The buffet costs

directly into a clean private beach. But off around 800/- plus taxes. The resort is exotic

course you will have to pay a handsome with its private beach and bar in the pool.

amount to avail the services of such a hotel. The food is great, staff hospitable. The

Equally true is the fact that the beaches of aesthetics of the resort shall win you heart.

these hotels are extremely clean and are not

over crowded.

Pondicherry is a Union Territory of

India and seems to have a lot of French

influence owing to the fact that it remained

colonized by the French until 1954. The place

is replete with cafes and bakeries and a lot of

these are owned up by the French nationals,

so the ambience and the taste of these are a The Paradise beach is one of the best

little different from the others, not to forget beaches here. You could take a two way ferry

that the prices at these bakeries and cafes are ride to this beach. For all those adventurous

sky high.couples out there, a lot of sports activities are

You could try “The Baker Street” at organized at this beach ranging from water

Bussystreet. Owned by a French it has some zorbing, banana boat and boat rides to fish

mouth-watering sorbets and quiches, you pedicure. Rock beach, Serenity beach and

shall not regret a visit to this place. The Virgin beach are a few other beaches where

“Zuka Cake and Dessert” shop has a wide you could head for a long peaceful

variety of chocolates. It's a small place but it sunbathed day. The level of cleanliness and

does offer umpteen numbers of cakes, the kind of crowd varies on all these beaches.

pastries and chocolate options. You could The Serenity beach is lined with a number of

also pay a visit to “The Indian Kaffe small scale hotels and home stays. This beach

Express”. The café is on parking lane of the is known because it has a surf school.

Seaside Promenade walk, so if you feel a little “The Seaside Promenade”is another

drained after your salty walk by the sea great attraction of Pondicherry. The French

please do refresh yourself in this café.influence seems the strongest here. The walk

For a proper yummilicious meal you

Travel Diaries

The HOOT

December 17 35

is lined by Govt offices on the one end and ashram is a good destination. Most of the

eating joints and hotels on the other end. The tourist crowd of Pondicherry that comes

Police Headquarters, the Secretariat etc face from abroad is of the elderly lot who

the sea and are constructed in a very colonial meditate at the ashram.

fashion. The French war memorial, the

statue of Gandhi and Domus church are all

on this walkway and can be seen when you

take a leisurely saunter here. A lot of

churches built in a French pattern can be seen

here, a visit to them is a very soothing

experience.

In addition to the above destinations

you could also visit, The Basilica of the

Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate

Conception Cathedral. The Puducherry

museum and the old Lighthouse could also

find a place in your to-visit list. The

Matrimandir that is situated in a large open

space called “Peace” is called the soul of the

city. It does not belong to any religion or sect,

it is an edifice of spiritual significance for the

practitioners of integral yoga.

A three day trip to Pondicherry

excluding the travel time should give you Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the

enough scope to explore it. Being in such spiritual community here. The ashram is a

proximity to this beautiful place, a visit to it tree shaded courtyard with “Samadhi” at the

is highly recommended.center holding the physical remains of Sri

Aurobindo and the mother. If meditating in a

serene environment is what you look

forward to after the busy life here, the

Travel Diaries36 December 17

I could see that intense firefight was ensuing The radio crackled again. This time

on the adjoining hill. Shells were falling all passing on a note of congratulations &

around us lighting up the surroundings. asking me to immediately report back to the

Bodies were strewn across the landscape HQ. My shoulder was hurting & I hobbled

which was glistening red under the moonlit my way down to the HQ. I was stunned to

night, thanks to the bloodbath that had just see Anjali there. Standing there in all

taken place. The last of the enemy soldiers resplendence, emitting a rare radiance with

were either dead or had fled back across the her smile. Close behind her was Anuj.

Line of Control but I could sense that our Strangely happy & pride plastered all over

men were exhausted & fatigued. As I stood his face, he came over & patted me.

there surveying the victory & contemplating “Absolutely thrilled of your achievement.

on the next course, the radio crackled to life. Proud to be your brother.” Mother was

“Angad, gather up the men & reach the standing in a corner, silent as always. Out of

adjoining hill. They need more men to the shadows, I saw a figure emerge. Father.

intensify our attack. The enemy has sent He was brimming with tears & he rushed

fresh troops”. I abandoned my reverie & and embraced me in a warm hug, sobbing

gathered men while thinking of the new uncontrollably. “I'm proud of you. Always

plan. have been. I don't say it aloud but I really am.

I love you.”We followed a rear approach to the

hill & achieved complete surprise over the I gazed at him, startled beyond

enemy. A period of utter chaos & confusion belief. How could this happen? I looked all

followed in which I experienced a sudden around me at smiling & crying faces.

jolt & searing pain in my left shoulder. I Everyone was family. Suddenly I heard a

checked to realize that a bullet had found its 'Whoosh' sound followed by flash, blast &

mark. Blood spurted out from the wound. absolute silence. I got up, glanced around to

My buddy pulled me down & tied a cloth see father's burnt body scattered all around. I

around it in quick time. There was no time to wanted to cry out aloud but I was tongue-

think. We had to speed up. I shouted out the tied. I felt dizzy.

Regimental war cry & we rushed at the I woke up with a start, my body

bunkers. Within minutes it was all over. soaked in sweat. It took me a while to orient

Someone hoisted the tricolour on one of the myself. It was absolutely dark & I could hear

bunkers & cries of 'Hindustan Zindabad' a couple of frogs croaking incessantly very

filled the night air. near to the bed. It seemed to be raining

Maj Sripada Sriram

L.No.554

Episode 5

'Angad' - 1993

The Episodical

The HOOT

December 17 37

relentlessly & there was no electricity. It was “I know. Pulling your leg. You are

a dream! I got up & fumbled around for a good at draping sarees you know. My day

candle. The flickering light cast on the clock was made when yesterday you were trying

revealed that it was 4 AM. I tried getting back to sell that purple saree to that newly

to my sleep but it eluded me. As dawn broke married couple. Saree suits you.” He

through, I readied up for college. I was smirked at me.

spending a week alone at home as parents I almost threw the teacup at him. The

were attending to a family event of a close thought that I would have to pay for the

relative. Weird dream though. I was broken cup arrested my hand just in time.

perplexed as to the setting & theme of this “You know what? Think about yourself. I

dream of mine. What rubbish really. will move on to greener pastures eventually.

Cycling in rain with a raincoat But you are stuck with sarees for the rest of

posing serious practical problems was your life.” I let out a hearty laugh while

painful. I reached the college later than my watching his face fall dramatically.

usual time and hit the cafeteria straight away His father had a saree business and

for our customary cup of tea. Victor was Victor was in his apprenticeship period rd thalready devouring his 3 or 4 cup when I while I was making a quick buck by joining

ordered mine. “We are seeing too much of part-time. We spent three hours every day

each other these days. Isn't it? I'm fed up with after college. I was using that to fund myself

you.” Victor declared lazily. & to contribute to the home too. Father was

“Stop coming to the shop then. That repeatedly abstaining from going on his

way you only see me in the college.” I replied official duty and we were falling short on

after a welcome sip. finances every month. Whatever little salary

he was bringing home was going to paying “What? I should stop coming to my

the numerous debt collectors towards their own shop so that you can keep your part-

monthly interest. Everything was shrouded time job for which my father pays you and

in mystery and any attempts to talk to him you keep your home ticking…” Victor

over the issue was almost always futile.stopped to pause for breath, “what nonsense

is this, especially considering that my father “How's Anuj doing?” Victor asked

hired you on my recommendation.” He me offhand as we walked towards our

finished finally. classrooms. “He's doing fine. Wrote to me

after he went back after his term break. I looked at him over the rim of my rdApparently, he is in his 3 term which he cup. “Relax. I was kidding. You are already

claims is the most challenging term of NDA. aware that I am grateful to you for the job.

Enjoying I suppose.” I gave him my piece of Don't push your luck too far by reminding

mind. Anuj had gotten into the habit of me every single day. The money is really

regaling all my friends with the tales of handy in covering my own needs and some

NDA. As if anyone cared.of those pertaining to the household. I can't

afford losing out on this.” I laid it out for him “Amazing that he really went on to

in a matter of fact tone. achieve what he aimed for. I was really

The Episodical38 December 17

skeptical after he flunked his interview the packed for the day and proceeded home.

first & the second time. I guess it really takes “When are your parents returning?” Victor rda lot to clear in a 3 attempt.” Victor pitched asked me. I told him that they would have

in. been back by now & bid him goodbye.

I changed the topic. “I had a strange I reached home to find that both of

dream early this morning.” I went on to them had come back. No one bothered to ask

describe the dream in detail. Victor absorbed me anything even as I went about my usual

each detail of my dream & asked me, “Do routine. In a short while, I observed a couple

you know what Sigmund Freud says about of the debt collectors come home & have a

dreams?”. heated conversation with father. I surmised

that he must have delayed the monthly Now, who the hell was this Freud

interests. Same old story, I thought to myself. character? I wondered aloud. “When did he

Should I speak to him? I pondered over it but tell you his theory of this whatever? I asked

didn't pursue a futile thought. When had he him.

ever listened to what I had to say? I however Victor scoffed at me. “Sigmund

observed a look of resignation on his face Freud was a German. In his 'Interpretation of

that was out of the ordinary & to my Dreams,' he says that dreams are a direct

surprise, he skipped his usual two drinks for reflection of one's innermost desires that one

the night and took to the bed. Strange, I told covets but doesn't quite achieve.”

myself and drifted into a most welcome To hell with Freud. Whatever I

dreamless sleep. I wanted no more dreams.dreamt had nothing to do with my

The stray dogs of our street innermost desires. I said the same to Victor in

collectively succeeded in waking me up on no uncertain terms. He brushed me off.

the morrow. I opened a reluctant eye to see “How do you know your innermost desires?

Sunlightseeping through the partially closed Only our subconscious mind knows them.

window. I cajoled myself to get up and get So, relax.” Victor insisted. I let go of his

dressed. As I stepped into the outer room seemingly utopian views.

and looked in, I froze. This couldn't be We ended our conversation upon

happening. Father was hanging from the fan. entering the classrooms. My mental faculties

His towel tied around his swollen neck. I were at a tether at the end of the day's classes.

slumped down without taking my eyes off While I was moving out of the college I came

this surreal scene. I looked around to see across Prof Banerjee. “Angad, you are doing

mother whimpering in a corner of the room, well in all the subjects. I have high hopes for

silently shivering & getting rocked by her your prospects after college. You can come to

sobbing. me for any guidance.” My moods lifted at his

The debts had taken their victim. A words of encouragement.

chapter had closed unceremoniously. I went I proceeded to Victor's shop after

out, leaned on the gate and I cried. college. After the three hours of working, I

The Episodical

The HOOT

December 17 39

List of New Books - College Library

8. War Armed Force, & The People :

1. Mindware : Tools For Smart State Formation & Transformation,

Thinking. Opello Walter C.

Nisbett Richard. Rowman & Littlefield, New York, 2016.

Allen Lane, Great Britain, 2015. 355/OPE 38384

153.6/NIS 38375

9. Drones : What Everyone Needs To

2. India Connected : Mapping The Impact Know,

Of New Media. Kreps Sarah E.

Narayan Sunetra Sen. Oxford Uni Press, Uk, 2016.

Sage Publication, New Delhi, 2016. 358.45/KRE 38385

301.243/NAR 38399

10. Power, Law, & Maritime Order In The

3. Armed Conflict, Peace Audit & Early : : South China Sea,

Warning 2014; Stability & Instability, Thuy Tran Truong.

Chandran Suba D & Chari Pr. Lexington Books, New York, 2015.

Sage Publication, New Delhi, 2015. 359.0951/THU 38388

320.125/CHA 38393

11. Indian Ocean & Maritime Security :

4. Fighting Isis : How One Ordinary Brit Competition, Cooperation & Threat,

Went To War, Patel Bimal N.

Locks Tim. Routledge, London, 2017.

Sidgwick & Jackson, London, 2016. 359.37/PAT 38386

323.222/LOC 38380

12. Pakistan : Courting The Abyss,

5. Isis : State Of Terror, Devasher Tilak.

Stern Jessica. Harper Collins Pus, Noida, 2016.

William Collins, London, 2015. 954.07/DEV 38379

323.222/STE 38382

13. Tamil Separatist War In Sri Lanka,

6. Making Pakistani Human Bombs, Wickremesekera Channa.

Iqbal Khuram. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group,

Lexington Books, New York, 2016. London, 2016.

323.29547/IQB 38383 954.89/WIC 38387

7. India China &Sub-Regional 14. Political Islam & The Arab Uprising :

Connectivities In South Asia, Islamist Politics In Changing Times,

Chandran Suba D. Siddiqui Fazzur Rahman.

Sage Publication, New Delhi, 2015. Sage Publication, New Delhi, 2017.

327.54051/CHA 38394 956.05/SID 38400

40 December 17

The HOOT

Tentative Schedule of Events for the Month December 2017

CCSS Programme for the Month of December 2017

December 17 41

Date Events

02-20 Dec 17 Tennis (DSSC Open)

04 Dec 17 Navy Day Cake Cutting

16 Dec 17 Sailing – 3

16-17 Dec 17 Golf (Comdt’s Salver)

31 Dec 17 New Year Eve Dance at WGC

Date Topic Speaker Time Venue

01 Dec 17 Group

Presentation

Group C 0930 Hr to

1130 Hr

Sardar

Patel

08 Dec 17 Alternative

Medical Sciences –

Yoga & Reiki in

Daily Life

Mrs Bindiya

Murgai

0930 Hr to

1130 Hr

Sardar

Patel

15 Dec 17 Will be intimated

later

Will be intimated

later

0930 Hr to

1130 Hr

Sardar

Patel

22 Dec 17

Will be intimated

later

Will be intimated

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