Siachen 1987---- Battle for the Frozen Frontier
| Meeting Date | 11 Apr 2024 |
| Meeting Time | 07:00:00 |
| Location | Poona Club |
| Meeting Type | Regular |
| Meeting Topic | Siachen 1987---- Battle for the Frozen Frontier |
| Meeting Agenda | 7 pm - Fellowship 7.30- Meeting called to order National Anthem Greetings Secretary's report Important Announcements Guest Speaker |
| Chief Guest | , Lt. Gen. Ramesh Kulkarni |
| Club Members Present | 37 |
| Minutes of Meeting | The speaker for the evening, Lt. Gen. Ramesh Kulkarni transported the members of RCPD to the highest battlefield in the world and gave a rare insight into the life of the Indian soldier guarding the northern most frontiers of the country. He brought alive his command of an Infantry division and gave a view of the two of the combat operations through the eyes, not just of a committed army commander, but a human being leading his troops from the front. The narrative has been captured by his daughter Ms. Anjali Karpe, who has co- authored the book 'Siachen,1987: Battle for the Frozen Frontier' which gives a blow-by-blow account of the important combat operations in the region. The passion of Lt. Gen. Kulkarni was palpable in the hall as he described the conditions in which the troops live in inhospitable conditions, battling not just the enemy, but the weather and tough terrains. A beautiful presentation and maps of the area highlighted what he spoke about. The conversational style between the father and daughter brought to the forefront the involvement and sacrifices made by the family as well. Drawing a parallel to leaders in the corporate world, Lt. Gen. Kulkarni spoke not just of achieving a target (or in this case capturing a post), but being responsible for lives (often very young) and living with the decision he has made. This sentiment has been eloquently expressed in Preface of the book, “It is also about the courage to take a call knowing that every decision can spell life or death for the men who trust you and are ready to follow your directions.” Recipient of many gallantry awards including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Lt. Gen. Kulkarni did not speak of his achievements and awards but those conferred on his officers and men. His pride was evident! He spoke of comradery between officers and their troops and between the services (the Indian Army and the Indian Airforce) and he also spoke of respect for the enemy soldier. A true patriot indeed! |
