ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2019
on the sacrifices which we soldiers do for our
country. There are many things which I can not
share to any civilians but yes I am and will be
always proud for my decision which I took in
1972 to join Indian Army and will remain
thankful always to family for supporting me. If
get a chance I would again join Indian Army
because "Once a Soldier Always a Soldier" and
because the feeling of dying for the country, is
something which very few are destined for.
I am retired as Lt Col but still a soldier at heart.
When I remember those days, I feel nostalgia.
not only about the war fare and discipline but
because of the Army I met my love of life, my
wife Poonam who was also in to army.
You know what sometimes I feel
'DIL SE' that, had I not joined Indian Army then
what my life would have been, I just can't
imagine the answer...
can only say I was a born soldier always geared
up for the sports and adventures since
childhood, because of my army background,
and the grooming which I got since my early
ages have still kept my soldier alive inside me
and I think it will remain forever not only in this
life but may be next and next too.
I always used to get goose-bumps when I used
to see a soldier marching and a motorcycle
riding. And this was the only two things which
later became my work and passion.
Being a sport lover I used to play football, but
during my army days I had paid price for that as
well. Due to my knee injuries during football and
the worst injury was when I fell skiing downhill
during patrolling in High Altitude Warfare
School. But I refused to go to hospital and
recovered by treatment by the establishment
doctor. But in 1985 I had a severe attack of
arthritis during a route march. I was asked to be
downgraded medically but somehow convinced
the doctor not to, because I wanted to
accompany my battalion to field area.
But As we say destiny wanted something else, so
after few years again I got second arthritis attack
in the jungles of Mizoram, and I had to be
assisted out of the jungle, evacuated to Military
Hospital Silchar, Base Hospital, Guwahati and
then further to Command Hospital in Kolkata.
BIKERS CLUB | MAGAZINE | PAGE 54
was finally downgraded medically. Active service was
ruled out. Never could walk normally to this day. I was
diagnosed with Osteoarthritis.
WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that often
affects the knee. In the first stage, symptoms are mild,
but by the fourth, a person may need surgery.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee affects the bones, the
cartilage, and the synovium in the knee joint.
Cartilage is a slippery tissue that provides a smooth
surface for joint motion and acts as a cushion between
the bones.
Synovium is soft, and it lines the joints. It produces fluid,
called synovial fluid, for lubrication, and it supplies
nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage.
As these function break down, they no longer protect
the bones of the knee joint, and bone damage occurs.
OA of the knee can cause pain and stiffness. The
symptoms worsen over time. ----- X -----