Lessons I learned from my Army career

As a young cadet at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, I had little idea that one of the most enduring lessons of leadership would be taught to me not in a classroom, but on the Academy’s sun-scorched drill square. It was the run-up to our Passing Out Parade in March 1984,a time of immense pride, pressure, and preparation. The entire course was undergoing rigorous training and numerous rehearsals to perfect our drill. One such day was the Adjutant’s Rehearsal , overseen by Maj Dutta , a firm yet fair officer known for his high standards. Mounted on his horse, he watched us with a hawk’s eye as we went through the drill movements. Despite our best efforts, Maj Dutta was clearly unimpressed. His booming voice echoed across the ground as he admonished us for poor coordination and less-than-perfect turnout. We were made to do front rolls on the hard parade ground , a punishment we accepted without a word, though our morale had taken a hit. The very next day was the Command...

  A Bullet Over the Gorge: Innovation, Duty, and Brotherhood in North Sikkim By Col Guljit Singh Chadha (Retd) A few days ago, I happened to visit the Panjab University campus in Chandigarh, a place where academia meets memories, and where time seems to walk a little slower. As I strolled through its tree-lined lanes, soaking in the familiar charm, a distinct sound caught my ear. The unmistakable deep thump of a Royal Enfield. A young student passed me slowly on his “Geri route,” steady and proud astride his Bullet. As he rode by, he offered a polite nod and a smile, nothing dramatic, just a moment shared between strangers. But in that fleeting second, something inside me stirred. That sound, that image, it didn’t just echo down the university lane… it echoed back nearly three decades, to the frozen, silent stretches of North Sikkim in the mid-1990s. It transported me to a moment when that same thump wasn’t about style or swagger, it was about survival, solidarity, and se...

  By Col Guljit Singh Chadha, Veteran Former OC, 214 Field Workshop, North Sikkim, Former Registrar Panjab University Nestled in the rugged terrain of Sikkim lies not just a strategic military zone but also a region steeped in mystery, faith, and folklore. During my tenure in the Eastern Himalayas as Officer Commanding of 214 Field Workshop and Divisional Troops Workshop at Gangtok from 1997 to 1999, I heard a poignant anecdote that predated my posting—one that continues to echo through the mountains and among the troops stationed there. The General’s Final Visit In 1993, Lt Gen Jameel Mahmood, then the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command, embarked on an official visit to the Sikkim sector. Tradition held that all visiting senior officers paid obeisance at the revered Baba Harbhajan Singh Shrine near Nathula Pass—a soldier saint believed to still serve the Indian Army after death. But time was pressing. The General reportedly declined the customary...

  Lessons I Learned from My Army Career My journey in the Army has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The rigorous training, the camaraderie, the discipline, and the challenges have shaped my personality and taught me invaluable life lessons. These lessons are not just confined to the battlefield but are equally applicable to everyday life and leadership in any profession. Here are the key takeaways from my Army career: 1. Team Spirit: Strength Lies in Unity From day one in the Army, I learned that no mission can be accomplished alone. Success is only possible through teamwork, coordination, and trust in one another. The Army instilled in us the concept of  Esprit de Corps —a deep sense of unity and devotion to our team. A good leader knows how to utilize each individual's strengths effectively. For example, a smaller-built soldier may be better suited for maneuvering through tight spaces, while a taller and stronger individual may be ideal for carryin...