” LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY” ( ARMY MEMOIR)

DrLakshman Jha Parimal
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So far, I had 10 postings in various military hospitals. First time,
In 1984, I was posted to 321 Field Ambulances! This field ambulance was a technical support hospital in the 21 Mountain Division. I had this 321 Field Ambulance in Changsari, a small village between Guwahati and Rangia! My unit was on the side of the highway between the small hills of Assam! I contributed till 1987 and then Bareilly. I retired in 2002 after serving in Jammu, Calcutta, and the last Jalandhar Military Hospital. From the very beginning, I had the opportunity to lead! However, the Field Ambulance taught me a lesson in administrative and technical leadership. One day, our 2/IC Lt Col S.K. Bhand called his office and gave the order, —
“Jha! Within a short notice, you must go to Hattigarh to take over the charge of ADS (Advanced Dressing Station). The ADS in charge must go on leave for two months. You will have to relieve him. Have you any problem?”
“Not at all, sir!” I replied promptly.
“Take all further instructions from Sub/Maj N/A S.K. Singh. …You may go now.”
I saluted him, turned right, and marched out from his chamber.
I met with S/JCO he briefed me on everything.
“We have a Mountain Brigade in Hattigarh and our responsibility is to provide medical support in peace and war times. Hattigarh is a tea estate as well as a castle of Elephants. On the way to Tezpur from Guwahati there is a small Railway Station Tangla. Hattigarh is 31 km from Tangla. You can go by Army Vehicle 3 ton or you can wait for your ambulance which brings patients to Railway Station.” He explained to me.
I was quite new to this location. But nothing is impossible in the dictionary of a soldier. The map reading subject is in our syllabus. So, it was not hard for me reach to the destination. I took my movement order, no dues certificate, railway free warrant, and LRC (Last Ration Certificate) from the company office. The Red Horn Bus of 21 Mountain Division is provided for JCO, Jawan, and their families to take them to Rangia Station. Though Changsari is a full field location, there were a few temporary married accommodations near sister unit 421 Field Ambulance.
Rangia Jn was crowded with military personnel. Most of the westbound travelers were traveling for their leave. On this route, people were leaving for Bihar, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh etc. But the Eastern way was heading towards Tezpur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Misa Mari the Transit Camp of the Army. Most of the soldiers were going on their duty.
I had to go towards the East. Tangla was only 39 km from Rangia. I boarded in the Military compartment and reached Tangla. Hattigarh was 31 km from Tangla. I was lucky to get an Ambulance Vehicle for Hattigarh.
There were only ten people in ADS. Capt (Dr) Murari was officer in charge. Being a senior I took over the charge of ADS. Capt Murari had given me the extra responsibility to provide medical facilities to the civilians of Ghaghra Village. Hattigarh is a TEA STATE and there was no medical facility given by the Assam Government.
It was from here that the responsibility of leadership started! Started getting experience in administrative and professional activities. I stayed there for two months only but that staying taught me a lot.
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DrLakshman Jha Parimal
Sound Health Clinic
S. P. College Road
Dumka
Jharkhand
04.11.2024