ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2019
No work for him was small and each
individual was to be given due respect. It
did not matter to which family or class he
was born in.
He clearly remembers a lesson in sacrifice
taught to him by his father. As a student of
class nine he took part in 1500 meters race
with the Jawans during the Ordinance
Depot, Chheoki. He stood third in the race.
As a young lad he says he was over excited
for about standing on the victory stand in
front of the whole military station. As he was
about to go to the victory stand his father
called him and told him to forego his place
and let the Jawan who stood fourth take his
place. You have proved yourself on ground
let the Jawan have the privilege of standing
on the podium. He did feel bad for some
time but his father taught him a lesson to
sacrifice for his lifetime. It was a unique
lesson learnt and helps him even today in
life. It made him more popular and earn
double praises than he would have got
standing on the victory stand.
LIFESTYLE - PERSONAL &
PROFESSIONAL
PERSONAL: Lt Col Sohan Roy (Retd) was
always fascinated with the army uniform
since childhood. The army discipline was
what he always admired the most. Has been
loving and caring for the family and liked
helping his mother in household work.
During school days when there were football
and boxing tournaments, he would cycle
both ways to school and back as the army
school, bus would not wait till late evening.
That also helped in building stamina for it
was cycling 12 kms one way. For marathon
practice he would get off the school bus
across the river Yamuna bridge in Prayagraj
and run back home via a longer route. Had
become school prefect in class nine and
continued to be one till passing out from
school.
After school he went to Kolkata for
graduation as Remove English movement
was on the Uttar Pradesh. Having studied in
covent schools in southern and western
India, his fluency in Hindi was not to the
levels of graduation studies. Moving out
BIKERS CLUB | MAGAZINE | PAGE 11
was the best option.
Joined St. Xavier's College in Kolkata and
stayed in the hostel. It was the first time he
was away from home. He had become
Secretary of the union and worked closely
with college authorities and students.
Marxist movement was at it's peak. There
was political turmoil in the state. But the
college administration ran by Belgian priests
was so very good that there was nothing to
complain to the college authorities.
He remembers leading a student delegation
to the Raj Bhavan pledging support to Mr.
Dharma Vira, ICS (Retd.), Governor of West
Bengal. Years later in the army he was
placed as Liaison Officer to the same
Governor who came for an official visit as
Chairman, National Police Service
Commission to Kumaon Regimental Center,
Ranikhet. He says he mentioned to him
about his leading the delegation. The
Chairman remarked that it was the only
delegation that came in his support.
In 1976 he bought his first bike, a Yezdi in
Pune. He married a Punjabi girl, Poonam
who was also in the army. It was love at first
sight. Were married in Delhi as per Hindu
rites. he went with his wife sitting as pillion
for their honeymoon to Kasauli and Shimla.
Later he taught his wife to ride a
motorcycle. Soon blessed with daughter
Trisha and Son Saurabh. His mother stayed
with him looking after the young children for
Poonam who was working. It was a big
sacrifice. His son is married to a
Maharashtrian girl Rakhi and has a 6 years
old son Kabir. Kabir is the lifeline of the
family today. Settled in Pune post retirement
of his and his wife who retired too as a Lt
Col after 36 years of service. Both lead a
leisure life. He is living his passion of
biking.
PROFESSIONAL: Having joined the army
from college and did not feel much difficulty
in physical activities. On completion of
training was commissioned in the 15th
Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment
(INDORE). A very old battalion raised in the