The bride 15 12 66

‘BAHURANI’ by ‘COLLS’ and ‘MANZIL’ by Prof MOHAN SINGH

‘BAHURANI’ by ‘COLLS’ and ‘MANZIL’ by MOHAN SINGH

‘Colls’ (Col SK Kohli, XV Course, Easy Sqn, EME)

NDA, January 1958. Colls was four courses senior to me and we were in the same Squadron. In our second term, he was our Sergeant Major, and so our relations should have been highly officious. But I do not know what happened during our very first meeting that I was drawn towards him. He took me to his cabin, gave me some advice. He also told me that I was free to walk into his room whenever I was in difficulty. I made full use of this offer. He became my mentor and treated him like an elder brother.

Nine years later this bond was inflexibly cemented. I got married on 15 Dec 1966, and was not able to fix up accommodation, before leaving Secunderabad. When the train steamed into the Railway Station, on the morning of 19 Dec, I had no idea of where we would stay.

Lo and behold! Colls was there with is charming wife, Veena ji to receive us! He insisted that we spend the first few days with them, until the ‘Bahurani’ selected a house for herself. I must add here that Veenaji was expecting, and they got their first child, Sonu, in Feb 1967.

Colls is a compulsive poet. He can compose a verse at the drop of a hat. And he remembered our wedding date. It gives me great pleasure to share his words with you. Please note, that he lives in Canada, and comes to India only for a few months each year. However, Internet has diminished distances.

‘Bahurani’

By Colls

FOR MY CARD FOR YOU TWO

LET DISTANCE LEND BEAUTY

TO THE SCENE

50TH ANNIVERSARY

*

MADE FOR EACH OTHER

Grace of God

for those

who Bow

in LOVE

 

We all know

Surjit and SurrInder

as our young brother

and

Bahurani

since ages,1957 onwards…>>

now 

Grand parents 

May Wahe Guru

Bless them

Colls

15 Dec 2016

*

Fifty Years of Marital Bliss

Due to some administrative reasons, we preponed the little function, and I find it appropriate it to share a few pictures with my friends. Here they are.

ma 

Surinder is fond of flowers…and we were inundated with bouquets.

 

 

familyWith our sons, their wives and our grand-daughter, Tripti

 

 

family2

Two nieces, Gunni and Savi joined us in this picture

 

 

divjot surjit family 

We are joined by our two Advocates, Divjyot and Suniti. They have done us proud…

 

 cake

The traditional cake arrived at the end. It was chosen by Jasdev and Sarmeet. Jasdev is,the life and soul of a party. He is, forever wanting to ‘change’ things!  Bhupi Oberoi and Cuckoo are looking on

*

Part II. Down Memory Lane.

It is only natural to recall the story from its very beginning. I was twenty –five and Surinder was not yet twenty when we tied the knot. Two pictures should be enough to depict the scene.

marriage 

Traditional ‘acceptance’ of the soul mate…

 

 

marrigae day

Smiles all around, except the bride, who must look coy and bashful!

 

 

‘Rah Bani Khud Manzil…’

Half way to the ‘golden jubilee’, we held a function in Secunerabad, in 1991. The card which we sent to our friends is placed below.

invite

It was a memorable event. Our older son, Divjyot rode on a motor-bike all the way from Bangalore to Secunderabad

 

Moon and the Honeymoon

We had no leave for a honeymoon. It was postponed to April. But we keep looking out for moon wherever we are. During our party, we had a lovely moon, and Ashwani captured it beautifully.

moon 

Notice that it was not a full moon. And so it was still ‘growing’

 

 

A poem by Prof Mohan Singh

I was reminded of a brief poem by my favourite poet, Mohan Singh. Its English translation is given below:

Manzil

Translated from aPunjabi poem written by Prof Mohan Singh

The moon smiles, as it grows towards fullness;

Then it cries (and come late) as its size shrinks.

 

A flower in full bloom is in danger of being plucked;

But the un-blossomed floret is not touched by the picker.

 

Anything that is complete is afraid that it will diminish;

The ‘part-full’ piece has no such fear.

 

I say, “O Lord, may the voyage of my love;

Never reach its destination!”

(In the Punjabi version, the last line is, “Rabba merit pyar di manzil, kade na hove poori”!) And that is my prayer to the Lord!

Prof Mohan Singh has been my icon amongst writers, and I had a rare opportunity to meet him in person. He was an amazing poet. For those who may like to know more about him and what I learnt from him may click on the following link. (This piece may be useful for writers and those who aspire to write.  

 http://amolak.in/web/five-golden-rules-by-prof-mohan-singh/

The Tailpiece

This piece should logically end with a picture of how Satya Kumar Kohli (Colls) looked when he was elevated from ‘Under Officer’ to an officer. Here it is:

Colls Kohli

Acknowledgements

Ashwani took the pictures of the function, and helps me in posting them on the blog. I can never repay the debt of gratitude. And then, there is Joseph Thomas, who taught me English, and is forever willing to help me in ‘polishing’ my drafts.

 

  1. colls says:

    aaj phir sey
    aankhon mein anssoon
    aaaaa gaye
    waqt guzar gaya
    par hum kisseee koe bhe naheen bhool paye
    (forgot)
    aaj phir sey NDA YAAD AAGAYA
    AGAR agla janam phir milla
    phir sey NDA kay liye
    daodeye ga yeh NDA ka
    Easy SQN
    ka chootta sa nanha munna
    CSM ghora
    OK Chora
    16MAY 2020

    CORONA KOE MUT RONA
    KABHEE BHEE

  2. colls says:

    Kya mein khwabh dekh raha hoon
    iss GUFTA GU
    KO PADTY PADTEY

    I recall the days passed since yesterday
    almost over six decades away

    Surjit Dear brother
    in my memory you shall stay
    even when I pass away
    Will you remember me
    all my friends
    only a simple man
    Colls
    I am
    Fare thee well
    Corona is playing hell

    but they say we all will do well

    NDA’s Blessings
    Time alone can tell

    TIME GOD BLESS
    Colls
    24 Apr 2020
    Noida
    9818574698 sms only
    TOTALLY DEAF

  3. colls says:

    Nostalgic
    by your courtesy…
    and
    kindness
    Deat Surjit ji,

    ”yad rakhna iss nacheez koe
    aaj hain
    kal patta hai kisskoe?”

    LOVE all with whom
    I have served
    and
    fifty plus more years
    down the lane
    they all still recall

    What memory
    after all I thought
    I had bagged all

    Time is a moving/flowing
    River
    that’s why I wrote my thesis

    ”TIME IS GOD”

    Do you recall
    Love all
    Colls
    Presently in India/NOIDA
    Same place and phone/cell messages only since DEAF

  4. colls says:

    ‘BAHURANI’ by ‘COLLS’ and ‘MANZIL’ by Prof MOHAN SINGH

    GUFTA GU BY SURJIT COLLS AND Prof MOHAN SINGH 19 Dec 2016

    The whole purpose of mine
    has been achieved one to celebrate your ANNIVERSARY second…
    Surjit ji is
    ARMY’S KHUSHWANT SINGh JI
    and
    He is a PILLAR FRIEND Asoka Pillar of Steel QUTUBH MINAR DELHI INDIA
    known to me since 1958

    What are friends for he… is more than a brother.
    Through him
    the honour he dares to give to compare
    ‘’a na chheeeez with the greatest Professor Mohan Singh ji…

    ‘’mein tooe sirf dhool hee hoe sakta hoon
    unkeee
    Shukriiya phir bhee…”

    For those who still remember this small fry here I am….
    collskohli@yahoo.co.in
    Cell 9818574698 only messages DEAF
    Canada mostly
    Noida in between breaks
    Will be back to India soonly
    Regards all
    Colls
    20 Dec 2016

    Sir,
    Is he, same Col Kohli who has written book TIME IS GOD
    Col Jassal

    Yes Sir
    Thanks for remembering me.

    I have also composed my 50year’s love of LIFE AND ROMANCE
    ‘’RIVER OF ROMANCE’’ BY COLLS …. AN UNSUNG SOLDIER
    AVAILABLE WITH ME,MY SIL AND AMAZON IN REPRINT PRESENTLY …
    ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO FOR LIFE TO CANCER SOCIETY… DONATED ONE LAKH

    Also wrote OPERATION LIBERATION BIRTH OF BANGLA DESH
    BOTH THE BOOKS HAVE THE FOREWORD BY OUR MOST BELOVED
    LATE Lt Gen S K SINHA PVSM

    Ata Hasnain says:
    December 18, 2016 at 7:39 PM
    Dear Sir,
    Gestures such as that by Col Kohli are what make the Army.
    THANK YOU SIR

    Maj Gen KP Deswal says:
    December 15, 2016 at 6:40 PM
    Hi Surjit, A belated Happy Golden Anniversary. Wonderful to learn that you have completed 50 years of a happy and blissful life.
    We keep on meeting Colls whenever he visits Noida from Canada. I have a close association with him from our Degree Course days. He has not changed at all.
    Warm Regards. Deswals

    THANKS KP I am indebted to you as always. Remember your first task assigned to me of selecting your lovely spouse when in CME…Bhool gaye kya?

    Greh Bhushan says:
    December 18, 2016 at 7:52 PM
    Dear Gen Surjit Sir,
    The link could not be opened. kindly resend.
    May I request you to kindly give me the e-mail/mobile number of KOLLS, my good old friend, would like to get in touch with him.
    Warm Regards,
    Col. Dr. G B Sethi

    MY PROFOUND BOW SIR, FOR REMEMBERING THIS ‘’’NAAAA CHEESE…’’

    Raj Kadyan says:
    December 18, 2016 at 7:40 PM
    Dear General,
    Wishing you both a very happy wedding anniversary. May you enjoy a long, healthy and happy life of blissful togetherness. Years inevitably take a toll on all of us physically, but your spirit remains forever young.
    We would love to be around to wish you a 75th wedding anniversary too!

    I remember SK Kohli from NDA, our CSM in the Autumn term 1958. I even remember his cabin – top floor in the wing diagonally opposite to the tea room wing. But never met him since NDA days. My regards to him.
    With best regards,
    Anita & Raj Kadyan

    What a surprise Sir,
    I always remember you…
    Had served along with ‘’’Bala’’ in Dimapur …1985-87
    Remarkable memory you have …I have been so endowed by Divine
    That’s all I have
    Colls
    Canada
    20Dec 2016

    • Surjit Singh says:

      Vow!
      What a lovely response from friends…
      You deserve every word sent in by your well wishers, and more.
      SS

      • colls says:

        Nostalgic
        by your courtesy…
        and
        kindness
        Deat Surjit ji,

        ”yad rakhna iss nacheez koe
        aaj hain
        kal patta hai kisskoe?”

        LOVE all with whom
        I have served
        and
        fifty plus more years
        down the lane
        they all still recall

        What memory
        after all I thought
        I had bagged all

        Time is a moving/flowing
        River
        that’s why I wrote my thesis

        ”TIME IS GOD”

        Do you recall
        Love all
        Colls
        Presently in India/NOIDA
        Same place and phone/cell messages only since DEAF

  5. Pawandeep Singh says:

    Nice advice for budding writers

  6. Yuvraj K Mehta says:

    DEAR SURTogetheRINDER JI.

    BELATED , THEY MAYBE…

    BUT
    WITH INTEREST(unbound love)

    HAPPY GOLDEN JUBILEEE
    WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

    WISH U MANY MORE YEAR’S OF ..
    Joy
    Happiness
    Great health
    Loving Togetherness

    LOVE
    Kiran & Yuvraj

    • Surjit Singh says:

      YK
      Yuvi and Kiran make a smashing couple, with a lot of achievements.
      When is your Golden Jubilee? Wish you all the best in advance.
      SS

  7. Anupinder Kaur says:

    Beautiful trip down the memory lane chacha.

  8. greh bhushan says:

    Dear Gen Surjit Sir,
    The link could not be opened. kindly resend.
    May I request you to kindly give me the e-mail/mobile number of KOLLS, my good old friend, would like to get in touch with him.

    Warm Regards,

    Col. Dr. G B Sethi

  9. Harikumar Krishnannair says:

    A beutiful journey down memory lane. We wish you both many happy returns of the day.
    Thank you sir for sharing.
    Rgds
    Harikumar

  10. R K Gaur says:

    Enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you for sharing.

  11. Mahavir S Jagdev says:

    CHATO DI BERI

    IS PART OF A SERIES OF POEMS WRITTEN BY PROF. MOHAN SINGH IN HIS BOOK TITLED “SAWAY PATTAR” ….. DEDICATED TO “PYARI BASANTI”

    PUBLISHER -
    LAHORE BOOK SHOP
    2, LAJPAT RAI MARKET
    NEAR SOCIETY CINEMA

    • Surjit Singh says:

      MJ,
      I remember the whole poem by heart. But my favourite is ‘Ambi da boota’
      And I also like ‘Anarkali’
      We have a copy of Save Pattar. And my first published piece came in ‘Panj Darya’ which was edited by Mohan Singh ji.
      Happy New Year.
      Surjit

  12. Harbhajan Singh says:

    Dear Surjit Ji,

    Our heartiest felicitations on the very happy occasion. May God bless you both and lovely family.

    Thank you very much for sending very interesting write ups. I enjoy reading them.

    Wishing you very happy New year.

    Sincerely,

    Harbhajan Singh

    • Surjit Singh says:

      Bhai Sahib,
      Your blessings mean a lot to us. May the Lord grant you a long life, so that we receive more such messages.
      Happy New Year, Sir
      Surjit

  13. zal kabraji says:

    General—congrats—-this is quite some feat because in today’s times its rare to hang in so long !!!!!!
    God bless you & the lady wife.
    Regards,
    Zal Kabraji.

  14. Maj Gen Mohandas says:

    Happy Wedding Anniversary General Surjit Sir.
    Wish you and the good lady many more years of companionship and joyful moments together.
    Was fortunate to share the day with you both 25 years ago….seems like yesterday. The lights and fairyland like venue in Hastings. Not to forget the graciousness of yourself and your lovely lady. It was a wonderful evening.
    Warm regards
    Gen Mohandas

    • Surjit Singh says:

      Mohandas,
      Thanks for reminding us about that fabulous evening in 1991. I have misplaced the pictures taken on that occasion, but distinctly remember your presence.
      We invite you to contribute for our blog.
      Where is Poonam ji? And where are the children?
      Happy New Year
      Surjit

  15. CS Institute says:

    Heartiest greetings on this grand occasion.wish you both continued bliss of this union for all time to come .
    Guddo Madan

  16. Jetinder Mayor says:

    Our heartiest congratulations and blessings on your golden anniversary. God bless We had spent some time togetther in 509. We always remember you and Surinder

  17. Bhupiner Oberoi says:

    A very nice remembrance of the great wedding.GOD bless you with togetherness for years to come.

  18. ABS Sidhu says:

    Hi Surjit ,

    Thanks for sharing happy memories
    of your life .
    With warm regards and best wishes .

    ABS Sidhu

  19. Rashmi Oberoi says:

    Happy Golden Anniversary dearest Aunty and Uncle…
    Cheers to many many more.

  20. col manmohan singh Jassal says:

    Sir,
    Is he same Col Kohli who has written book TIME IS GOD
    col jassal

  21. Ramani k says:

    Dear Gen Surjit,

    Another sensistive blog. I only hope people under your command picked up this aspect of life. We require this kind of outlook in our army life. One can be strict, disciplinarian , stern . But compassion, sensitivity , kindness shopuld be there. These can go toghether.The BAHURANI in the marriage photo looked every inch a MAHARANI, GRACIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL.

    Thank you very much

    best regards sir

    ramani k

  22. YOGISH CHANDER MEHRA says:

    Sir,
    I first met u in a transit camp at perhaps Siliguri while i was on my Insp duties to that area inspecting mostly Police units. Never served together but meeting off & on in EME get togethers.
    Appreciate the art of sharing ur life, way of living post retirement & remembering someone from past in these leisurely moments.
    Regds,
    Yogi Mehra

  23. Rakesh Sachdeva says:

    Very nice Sir.
    Love the way you write!
    With every good wish and regard for Mrs Surjit and You.
    Col Rakesh Sachdeva (Retd)
    SIGS
    Pune

  24. Raj Kadyan says:

    Dear General,

    Wishing you both a very happy wedding anniversary. May you enjoy a long, healthy and happy life of blissful togetherness. Years inevitably take a toll on all of us physically, but your spirit remains forever young.

    We would love to be around to wish you a 75th wedding anniversary too!

    I remember SK Kohli from NDA, our CSM in the Autumn term 1958. I even remember his cabin – top floor in the wing diagonally opposite to the tea room wing. But never met him since NDA days. My regards to him.

    With best regards,

    ​Anita & Raj Kadyan

    • Surjit Singh says:

      Raj,
      Thanks.
      Yes. He was our CSM in your first term.
      Thanks for the good wishes. We wish you and Anita ji a long and healthy life.
      SS

  25. Ata Hasnain says:

    Dear Sir,

    Gestures such as that by Col Kohli are what make the Army. In 1948 my father brought my mother after a hectic experience of going to Pakistan, marrying her and bringing her back safely to India. He was then posted to Mhow and stayed six months with his best friend, then Maj (later Lt Col) Iqbal Shorey of the Punjab Regiment. The families never forgot each other. His son Col Anil Shorey was my good friend until he tragically passed away a few years ago.

    Our congratulations on the Fiftieth. Many Happy Returns of the Day. Havea great day in the company of all whom you love.
    Warm regards
    Ata Hasnain

    • Surjit Singh says:

      Ata,
      Kind words. And they come easily to you.
      Erudite is a word which describes your multi-faceted personality.
      Happy New Year
      SS

  26. Dhiraj says:

    Dear General & Madam,

    Wonderful and nostalgic piece!

    Belated Wishes from us on your Golden Anniversary. Wishing you both many many more years of good health, love and togetherness.

    Truly a pleasure to see the photographs of young Divjyot and Jasdev and their families. Our love and blessings to them.

    Fondly …. Dhiraj & Hina

  27. Yoginder says:

    Very touching, nostalgic and poetic walk down memory lane. Where else such camaraderie but the military! Be ever blessed Surjit and Surrinder.

  28. Mahavir Jagdev says:

    Wishin you a very happy golden jubilee anniversary.

  29. Maj Gen KP Deswal says:

    Hi Surjit, A belated Happy Golden Anniversary. Wonderful to learn that you have completed 50 years of a happy and blissful life.
    We keep on meeting Colls whenever he visits Noida from Canada. I have a close association with him from our Degree Course days. He has not changed at all.
    Warm Regards. Deswals

  30. Maj Gen KP Deswal says:

    A belated Happy Golden Jubilee Anniversary . We keep on meeting Colls whenever he drops in from Canada to Noida. Mind you he has not changed much. We were closely associated during our Degree Course. Profound regards. Deswals

  31. Srikanth Joshi says:

    Sir Happy Golden-jubilee marriage anniversary. Wish you and Maa’m a very long togetherness. You both are happiness, love, affection, laughter and patience personifed. We wish you health, peace and happiness always.
    Srikanth and Gayatri.

  32. RASHMI OBEROI says:

    ~ Happy Golden Anniversary Aunty and Uncle… Happiness, good health and joy in the coming years as well. Beautiful article.

  33. Bosco says:

    Wish you a Very Happy belated 50th marriage Anniversary and many more to come. Thank you for your blogs and postings, they bring happy and joyful memories to light. We celebrated our 40th Wedding Anniversary on 9th Dec 16, along with our two sons, daughter-in-law and almost three year old grandson.
    Wg Cdr G N Bhaskar (Retd.).

  34. Dave Sood says:

    A great milestone that very few achieve in their lifetime. You both are blessed and ar bound together for next seven generations.

    Your memory amazes me and your eye for details make any story interesting.

    God bless you both.

    Dave Sood

  35. Sultan S Malik says:

    TO

    MADAM AND GEN SURJIT

    Happy golden jublee marriage anny.

    NOSTALGIC

    SSM

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