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The Garhwalis: The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Officers’ Handbook
Reviewed by Kanwalpreet Garhwal, "a treasure chest of myth and legend", a part of India where nature is reflected in her many rivers, peaks, rivulets, flora and fauna. The people are hard-working, superstitions and believe in leading a simple life. Their life is influenced by their surroundings which are rugged yet unspoilt. The Garhwal Regiment comprises soldiers from this background. Thus, the officers who command them have to be well-versed with their men’s thinking, ethics and behaviour. This book, commissioned by the Commandant, The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre, aims to familiarise newly-commissioned officers with the traditions of the regiment. Each regiment has its own ethos that is to be respected and has to be passed from one generation of officers to the next.
The description of the fairs and festivals that are unique to the region is interesting. The officers have to know the importance of these festivals because they have to be celebrated by the troops and the latter’s sentiments are attached to such events. The officers have to be considerate in planning their men’s leave so that the soldier knows that his officers understand him. The book also highlights the various citations, commendations earned/won by the regiment, a moment of pride that goes into record for the younger officers to emulate. Lansdowne, a scenic spot is the regimental centre which has developed into a cantonment and has also resulted in the prosperity of the surrounding area. The centre has received the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar for the year 2005 for its outstanding contribution in preservation of environment at Lansdowne. The book arms the officers with the knowledge required about the centre so that they can discharge their duties with confidence. We learn about the pomp and pageantry machinery pace, regimental bands, the regimental flags also about the second generation of officers who are joining their fathers’ battalions. The writer also advises the young officers on their personal aspects i.e. inculcating a saving habit, driving service vehicles and personal conduct in the unit. The Mess and social etiquette connected with it are to be read with care. The Officers’ Mess is a home of all officers of the unit and it is a bonding place the officers and their families meet. So it is a sacred home. For a layman who is not acquainted with these aspects of Army life, it is an interesting read. The appendices include the various band tunes, Garhwali tunes, bugle calls, the seating plan in the Regimental Guests Nights as also the Old Regimental March Pasts. The author has compiled this handbook on the request of the regiment being a ‘dedicated Garhwali’ as Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh, Colonel of the Garhwal Rifles and Garhwal Scouts writes in his Foreword. The book is a labour of love of the author for his regiment. The book has photographs
of the regiment’s illustrious sons, pictures depicting the beauty of
Lansdowne and also of the different assaults by the battalions in
various wars. Such books fulfil the need to inculcate a spirit of pride
in the younger officers. An interesting read which is well-researched.
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Brig
AIS Dhillon, who has compiled this book, does so in a systematic manner.
He writes about the topography of Garhwal along with a brief history of
the region. He goes into detail about the castes, religion and customs
of the people for this is a part and parcel of a soldier’s life, since
he may be away from home, but carries these with him whenever he is
posted in a peace station or in field.