The Call.

The Call

 

By Brig. Karan Singh Rathore (Retd).

In 1982, I was selected by General Hanut Singhji to be his ADC. It shaped up as a cherished and privileged association with the General. In this short narrative, walking down the memory lane, I share one instructive anecdotal incident.

I had reported as ADC to Maj Gen Hanut Singhji in October 1982 at HQ 17 Mountain Division, Gangtok, Sikkim. While I looked forward to serving under the great legend, there was also a sense of trepidation as to how would I measure up. 
Service under General Hanut Singhji was a great learning experience. An incident comes to my mind.

Lt Gen (then Maj Gen) Hanut Singhji, Sikkim 1983

An affray happened in Gangtok between some civilians and military personnel. Division HQ staff   were looking into the matter.

At around 7 PM in the evening, I get a call from the ADC to the Corps Commander that the Corps Commander would like to speak with the divisional commander, immediately. I informed him that the General was presently occupied however, the call would be put through moment he was free. General Hanut Singhji had given strict instructions that he was not to be disturbed after office hours, divisional staff would handle routine matters.

Well sure enough my phone rang after a short while and the exchange informed that the Corps Commander would like to speak with me.

"Son do you know who I am" the gruff voice spoke.

"Yes sir, you are the Corps Commander."

"Put me through to your GOC immediately", he said.

"Sir presently the GOC is busy, I will have the call put through the moment he is free."
"Haven't you heard me", I could sense the anger.

"Yes sir, but sir the General is busy at the moment" I repeated.

By this time I was at my wits end, as to have I mishandled the situation. I immediately informed Harbans (the sahayak) that I need an audience with the General the moment he gets up from dhyan.

At around 8pm General Saheb would have his porridge and milk. I was ushered in into a pristine bed room, predominantly appointed in white, the General was seated cross-legged on a white foam mattress, his porridge served on a low table in front of him. He was slowly stirring the porridge as I walked in. He continued stirring.

"Sir the Corps Commander rang up, wanted to speak with you, he was a little upset for not being able to speak with you."

The General continued to stir his porridge with the greatest deliberation. There was no change in his demeanor.

"Sir may I have the call put through."

"No Karan, I will talk to him tomorrow".

The next day, I presume the two Generals spoke. That was where the matter ended. It was not my place to delve further.

The brief incident, serves to illustrate the great strength of character and moral qualities of General Hanut Singhji. It well brings out how he would ensure that trivial matters were dealt by appropriate people. He was unflappable, cool, resilient and fearless.

Armies need role models. Officers and men require role models. They serve as a lighthouse that guides us, as we strive to navigate in this muddled unclear world. 
Indian Army in general and The Poona Horse in particular were privileged to have had General Hanut Singhji amongst us. We would be well advised to study his life and teachings, it will help us emerge better warriors.

It was a privilege to have served under the General.