In 5 mins, Governor''s ADC : The Tribune India

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In 5 mins, Governor''s ADC

IT was October 1980, I was a young artillery Captain posted in Ladakh. After my tenure in the high-altitude area, I was posted to Nasik. After about a week, a signal came from the Army Headquarters (AHQ), directing me to report in ceremonial attire to Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad, for an interview for the post of ADC to the Governor.

In 5 mins, Governor''s ADC


Col Dilbag Dabas (Retd)

IT was October 1980, I was a young artillery Captain posted in Ladakh. After my tenure in the high-altitude area, I was posted to Nasik. After about a week, a signal came from the Army Headquarters (AHQ), directing me to report in ceremonial attire to Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad, for an interview for the post of ADC to the Governor. I was neither on the panel for ADC deputation nor had I volunteered for it, and hence was not obliged to go for the interview. But I decided to seek advice from my seniors. 

'You will remain cut-off from the defence fraternity for long', 'you will forget gunnery', 'there is too much protocol there', 'after that high-flying lifestyle, you will find it difficult to adjust to regimental life'….most of them advised. Only the Brigade Commander told me to listen to my heart and take a decision. I knew where my heart was. I sounded my wife, who told me to believe in myself and go. 'Generally smart, handsome young officers are selected as ADC'. She shot back, 'If you hadn't been handsome, I wouldn't have married you! Just go.' 

While serving in a high-altitude area, we are not expected to be in our ceremonial attire. My Sam Browne, peak cap and medals were in my village and there was not enough time to collect them and reach Hyderabad in time. A friend posted in an artillery regiment based at Secunderabad, with matching physique, came to help. I reached Secunderabad, borrowed his attire, dressed up and reported to Raj Bhavan.

The interview started. The first six took 10-15 minutes each in the Governor's chamber. I was the seventh. Governor KC Abraham - an old Gandhian in his mid-eighties, wearing a spotless white kurta, white mundu (Kerala dhoti) and sporting a white angavastram - asked: 'Captain Dabas, in the past nine years you have dealt with and led disciplined soldiers. Here, in Raj Bhavan, and also outside, the civilians you deal with may not have the same degree of honesty and discipline. How will you handle it?' 'Sir, as long as I remain honest and disciplined to my job, I foresee no problem in performing my administrative and ceremonial duties.' The Governor smiled, the conversation was over. 

My interview took about five minutes. The candidates gave me a sympathetic look. The outgoing ADC even consoled me: 'Cheer up, Dabas, there is always a next time.' Later, we had tea with the Governor, and went our separate ways. Within four days, I was back to Ladakh.

There was no word from the AHQ for almost two weeks. I prepared myself for Nasik. While being dined out, a signal was received from the AHQ - 'Capt DS Dabas, ADC designate to the Governor of Andhra Pradesh to report to Raj Bhavan Hyderabad by 21 Nov 1980 FN'. 

During handing/taking over, the outgoing ADC quipped: 'Just five minutes with the old man and you are here! Any Kerala connection, or did you pull strings?' 'I have no Kerala connection, I am a Jat from Rohtak, and yes I pulled, but not strings, I pulled my confidence.' 

He shook my hand and wished me luck. 

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