Glorious retreat

Dhruv Ashiana in Dalhousie, Army’s first rest, recreation and refit centre for its men deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, has been a success. Vijay Mohan reports

The retreat offers a number of treks.

Children are very much a part of the vacation

Lodged with care

In high spirits

Taking life at an easy trot. — Photos by Yash Pal

NESTLED in the cool climes atop the outer slopes of the mighty Dhauladhars at Dalhousie, the Army’s Rest and Refit Centre is a unique institution meant for giving a much-needed break to soldiers deployed in counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Operating on the lines of a resort, where soldiers can bring their families and enjoy just about every kind of recreational facility on the house, the R&R Centre aims to provide troops deployed in high-risk areas a respite from the stressful routine.

The idea to set up the centre was mooted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lieut-Gen Hari Prashad, while the project was executed by Brig Ashok singh, Commander of the 323 Mountain Brigade. More than 7,000 persons, including family members of soldiers, have stayed at the centre since it came into being on April 4, last year.

Recently re-christened as Dhruv Ashiana, the centre — whose concept has been borrowed from the US military — is the only institute of its kind in the country. After seeing its success and popularity amongst troops, the Army is considering setting up another such centre near Srinagar.

"The centre is meant to provide a break to soldiers and fulfil their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs through good living, wholesome food, quality leisure, social interaction and stress-free environment," Capt Pragya Verma, the centre’s Officer in Charge said. "The centre aims to offer a feel-good ambience, physical and mental rest so that the vacationers return to their units with a better self-esteem, invigorated and in high morale," he added.

Officers and soldiers come to stay in the centre in batches for a period of eight days. The stay is worked out by Headquarters Northern Command and the accommodation is allotted to those in various formations deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Those who have performed well in the line of duty are selected for an eight-day trip. The schedule is worked out much in advance so that soldiers get ample time to plan the "holiday" and make arrangements for their families to join them.

Interestingly, the time spent at the centre is not counted as leave but as being on duty. Transport to reach the centre from Jammu and Kashmir, both for personnel and their family members, is made available by the Army. If family members are residing away from Jammu and Kashmir, their travel expenses are borne by the Army.

The centre can accommodate 204 persons at a time. This includes six married officers, two single officers, five single JCOs, six married JCOs, 88 single personnel of other ranks and 16 married personnel of other ranks.

The centre has two modern multi-gyms, cinema halls, a cyber cafe, two cafeterias, two libraries, two video kiosks, a shopping complex, a music room as well as facilities for indoor and outdoor sports, including air rifle shooting and horse riding. Visitors can attend yoga classes in the morning. Art of Living classes, under the guidance of an instructor, are held every day.

There is a schedule drawn up for the duration of the stay, which includes a welcome party, picnics and excursions to nearby places, movie shows, campfire and a lucky draw on the last day.

"Though there is a schedule, everything is optional for the visitors," Captain Verma said. "If someone wants to just sleep for eight days, he is welcome to do so. If he wants to go out exploring on his own, he can do so too," he added.

The centre is now being managed by a detachment of 9 Bihar. The Battalion, commanded by Col D.S. Lohamaror, is deployed in the Poonch sector, where it has not only distinguished itself in counter-terrorist operations, but has also earned public goodwill by organising medical camps and welfare activities for the locals.

Funds for the centre are provided by Headquarters Northern Command and other formations under its jurisdiction. Grants have also come in from visiting VIPs. During his visit in November, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieut-Gen S.K. Sinha (Retd), presented Rs 2 lakh to the centre, while the General Officer Commanding, Nagrota Corps, Lieut-Gen Sudhir Sharma, gave Rs 2.5 lakh. Other notable visitors to the centre include former Army Chief, Gen N.C. Vij, and GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lieut-Gen Hari Prashad.

As far as the access to the facilities is concerned, no distinction is made between officers, JCOs and other ranks, though they are accommodated separately. The lodging for jawans is just as luxurious as those for officers, complete with wall-to-wall carpeting, comfortable beds, mink blankets, room heaters and provision for running hot-water.

A bar with comfortable sofas has been set up for other ranks, which is something of a novelty for them. Their dining room is furnished with wrought-iron furniture with cushioned seats, smoked-glass table-tops, a large TV and melamine crockery. In fact, attendants are available at the press of a call-bell to wait upon jawans and cater to their requirements. Meals can be served in their rooms, if they so desire.

"What we are providing here is equivalent to three-star facilities in civilian resorts," Captain Verma said. "A stay like this in Dalhousie could cost at least Rs 20,000 for eight days," he added. All service, except liquor, is on the house.

Dalhousie was selected for setting up the centre because of its scenic splendour. It is adjoining Jammu and Kashmir and a division that has moved from there to an operational area left an almost brand new accommodation. All that was required was a bit of refurbishing and furnishing.

Situated at an altitude of about 2000 metres amidst dense forests of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrons, with the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Dhauladhars in the backdrop and the Ravi silently making its way down the valleys, Dalhousie is picturesque and calm — quite different from the hustle and bustle associated with other hill stations in the country now. About 10 km away is the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary, home to the ghoral and the Himalayan Black Bear.

For those interested in trekking, excursions are organised to Khajjiar, dubbed as India’s Switzerland. Stressed-out soldiers can relax or roam about in the glade with a lake in the centre and thick deodars on the surrounding slopes. Another attraction is a 12^th-century temple, which is dedicated to Khajjing and contains life-size wooden images of the Pandavas. There are also a number of palaces and temples which can be visited in Chamba, on the right bank of the Ravi. Deluxe buses are made available to the troops for these trips, while officers are provided light vehicles.

To provide a relaxed atmosphere, the Army has added a "civilian" touch to the centre by doing away with items and colour schemes which are typically fauji. Suites, for example, have been named after beaches, rivers and hill stations rather than just being numbered or being named after personalities or places associated with the military, as is often noticed in messes.

Needless to say, the centre has been a hit with the troops, officers and men alike. A look into the visitor’s book showed that every occupant left the centre singing praises of their enjoyable and comfortable stay.

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