As the clock approaches midnight, heralding another birthday, my thoughts drift back to my birth—a moment that even took my mother by surprise. Born at 8:40 AM in the enchanting city of Srinagar, Kashmir, my life was already marked by unpredictability and adventure.
My birth city, a place I revisited 42 years later with my parents, seemed vastly different from the one I had entered decades earlier. It marked the start of an intriguing journey—a life characterized by constant change, adaptation, and growth, a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in facing uncertainty.
Soon after my birth, our family moved to Karachi. As a young child, I remember the cosmopolitan lifestyle we enjoyed in Co Muree, mingling effortlessly with Pakistan’s elite. My early childhood memories are vivid with images of evening strolls, where we would occasionally cross paths with prominent figures like the flamboyant General Ayub Khan and the charismatic Bhuttos. The relationships fostered during those times, even with intelligence officers who accompanied us, were marked by camaraderie and mutual respect.
Despite the backdrop of the turbulent Indo-Pak War of 1965, our lives in Co Muree remained surprisingly peaceful. Later, when our family moved to Islamabad, the complexities of war became clearer—the human costs, both emotional and financial, deeply felt but often unspoken.
Our next adventure took us abroad when my father was posted to Ankara, Turkey. We traveled on the MV Asia, passing through iconic ports from Karachi to Cairo, crossing the historic Suez Canal, and continuing to Venice. From there, a train journey on the famous Orient Express carried us through snow-covered landscapes into Istanbul and finally to Ankara. In Turkey, life took a new turn as my brother and I enrolled at the British Embassy Study Group School. Within weeks, our language shifted from Hindustani to English, complete with an unmistakable British accent. This linguistic change marked the start of my multicultural education, a journey enriched by diverse cultural experiences.
However, this comfort zone was short-lived, as we soon moved to Tezpur, Assam, where we faced another adaptation challenge—studying English through Hindi at Rashtriya Bhasa Vidyalaya. This period was delightful, marked by extensive travels across India’s stunning northeast, a region that later welcomed me again during my service with the Indian Army.
My teenage years took place in Kathmandu, Nepal, where I formed friendships, especially with Rummy Pandit and his welcoming family. The Pandits treated me like their own son, showing warmth that went beyond mere hospitality. Those were carefree days filled with sports like tennis, cricket, and badminton. My adolescent adventures included my first tries with cigarettes and local khukri rum, supervised discreetly by indulgent elders who also introduced us to whisky and Rothmans cigarettes. Despite these youthful distractions and the attraction of local romance, my focus on life goals and ambitions stayed firm.
Schooling continued to lay a strong foundation, preparing me for life beyond academics. My dedication eventually helped me pass the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam, leading to my start in the Indian Army in October 1982 at the Officers Training School. The intense training, both official and unofficial, molded us into resilient young officers dedicated to the traditions and responsibilities of military service.
My Army tenure covered diverse terrains and cultures—from Punjab and Haryana to Sri Lanka, and from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to Nagaland, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Each posting deepened my understanding of India’s diversity, challenging my adaptability, resilience, and dedication to service.
Some of the most lasting memories come from training with my men in the deserts—where winter mornings bit through our uniforms and summer afternoons scorched the earth beneath our boots. In the heart of Bundelkhand, amidst dust and grit, tank warfare training demanded physical endurance, tactical sharpness, and mental tenacity that only those in uniform truly understand. The camaraderie formed during those long hours sharing stories, maintaining machines in silence, and manoeuvring steel giants across unforgiving terrain left an indelible mark.
Equally intense were the operational postings in Nagaland, Manipur, and Kashmir. These regions, known for their complex socio-political realities, tested not only our soldiering skills but also our empathy, patience, and understanding of local dynamics. Patrolling through dense jungles, navigating insurgency, and maintaining peace in volatile environments were daily challenges. Yet, in retrospect, these years provided profound lessons in leadership, humility, and cultural awareness. What once were tense and unpredictable days are now cherished memories—moments that define both the soldier and the human being I have become.
Eventually, life presented a crossroads, leading me to retire early from military service and start a new chapter in the corporate world. Here, I sharpened my entrepreneurial skills, managing major brand portfolios, and later became an independent business consultant. Even now, well into my sixties, I stay deeply committed to initiatives like Make in India, promoting the country’s self-reliance through tireless efforts despite bureaucratic hurdles and complex collaborations.
Personal milestones have been poignant markers in this journey. The passing of my beloved parents, in 2010 and 2024, respectively, marked profound transitions. Our children, now married and settled abroad in North America, have charted remarkable paths, leaving my wife and me to embrace the quiet joys of life as empty nesters. My wife, an educationist of considerable acclaim, continues to passionately dedicate herself to shaping India’s future generations.
Amidst life’s ongoing rhythm, my connections with former classmates, academy coursemates, and fellow officers remain vibrant and meaningful. These bonds have endured the test of time, providing a lasting sense of camaraderie and belonging. Each interaction brings warmth, laughter, and a shared nostalgia for days gone by.
Looking back, each chapter of life has shaped me deeply—every move, friendship, and challenge. Birthdays, therefore, are not just milestones of age but reminders of the rich tapestry of experiences that define who I am today. They provide moments for reflection, gratitude, and anticipation of ongoing growth.
To everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey—family, friends, mentors, colleagues—I sincerely thank you. Your presence and contributions have been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful. As I celebrate another birthday, I look ahead with optimism and excitement for the new adventures and meaningful connections still to come.