Gobind is with us on his first Spring break of the First year of College education in UC Davis. Last evening he came to our room to ask for additional space for keeping his School work safe for future.
While inspecting his note book full of mathematical numbers written like pearls sewn in garlands, both grandma Harvinder and me were thrilled to see his works. My chest expanded as never before, how our little Gobind has grown up and has been developing intricate and complicated mathematical equations in series of homework notebooks.
I was convinced he is serious on his advanced education and is not wasting his precious time on unscrupulous activities in the Dorm.
So proud of you Gobind a bd I love you to the moon.
*Killer speech by Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe:*
_"Racism will never end as long as white cars are stil using black tyres. Racism will never end if people still use black to symbolise bad luck and white for peace. Racism will never end if people still wear white clothes to weddings and black clothes to funerals. Racism will never end as long as those who don't pay their bills are blacklisted not white listed. Even when playing snooker, you haven't won until you've sunk the black ball, and the white ball must remain on the table! But I don't care, as long as I'm still using white toilet paper to wipe my black ass, I'm happy."_
Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Arora (Punjabi: ā¨ā¨ā¨ੀā¨¤ ā¨¸ਿੰā¨ ā¨ ā¨°ੋāŠਾ; 13 February 1916 – 3 May 2005) was a Three-star General in the Indian Army. He was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Eastern Command during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He led the ground forces campaign in the Eastern front of the war, which led to an overwhelming defeat of the Pakistan Army and the creation of Bangladesh.
The Liberation of Bangladesh
Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora was a tireless advocate of peaceful coexistence between India and Pakistan. He knew the cost of war, having led Indian forces to their most brilliant victory in any of the three main Indo-Pakistan wars, in 1947-49, 1965 and 1971. In the last of these conflicts, Aurora directed the Indian invasion of East Pakistan that led to the creation of Bangladesh. The operation lasted just 13 days, and culminated in the public surrender of Pakistan's top commander in the east, Lieutenant General Amir "Tiger" Niazi. The picture that flashed around the world showed the glum Pakistani officer bowed over his signature. The turbaned figure beside him, showing not a scrap of elation, was Aurora.
Signing the Surrender Document
The Surrender of Pakistan Army
General Aurora had a mission in mind -- organizing the Mukti Bahini (the guerrilla force that fought against the Pakistan army in then East Pakistan) into a fighting unit. He instructed Major General Shabeg Singh to train Mukti Bahini, the Bangla resistance movement against the Pakistani occupation.
Major Gen. Shabeg Singh in Patka at the Surrender ceremony
Shabeg Singh risked his life and disguised himself as a Muktibahini leader and trained them on guerrilla warfare. Its unfortunate that corruption in Indian military leadership resulted in major General Shabeg Singh charged for using wood from his military bungalow for his daughter's wedding. Shabeg Singh was court marshaled on the order of General TPS Raina but the Supreme Court of India found him innocent of charges and reinstated his honor, only after he had died fighting his own Indian Army alongside Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Glum looking Pakistani General being escorted by General Aurora
On December 13, 1971 the United Nation Security Council was hotly debating the developments in then East Pakistan. The Americans came up with a proposal for a ceasefire and the Indian troop withdrawal. The Russians vetoed the proposal but they also told the Indian government that they would not exercise the right again. This created havoc at Army Headquarters. We had no time on our hands.
Gen. AAK Niazi greeting General Aurora
December 16, 1971 was a historic day. Lt. Gen Jacobs went to the airport to receive General Aurora. There was an entourage with him, which included his wife, and they drove straight to the racecourse where the surrender ceremony was organized. He was given a guard of honour by both Indian and Pakistani troops. There was a table with two chairs -- General Aurora sat on one side and General Niazi on the other.
The Surrender: Gen. Aurora and Gen Niazi
General Niazi signed the document without bothering to read it. He was in tears. The two men did not speak to each other. General Aurora signed the document on behalf of the Indian Army, accepting the surrender of 90,000 officers and men. The biggest surrender in history.
Bangladesh President Mujib with Gen. Aurora
Later that evening, after signing the surrender, Niazi handed over his revolver to Aurora and they shook hands. Soon after, Aurora was on the shoulders of the jubilant crowds chanting Joi Bangla (victory to Bengal). The crowds were becoming restless. They started shouting 'Joi Bangladesh' and 'Amar Sonar Bangla.' They rushed towards General Niazi to try and lynch him. We had a difficult time. Indian Army put General Niazi in a jeep and took him to a pre-arranged location where he was to be kept under detention.
Lt. General Jacobs who served in the Bangladesh war as junior to General Aurora, pays his respect, "General Aurora was a fine gentleman. A very fine soldier. I knew him from the time when he was at the staff college as an instructor. A physically tough and competent officer, he was liked by everybody. He had the great quality of being able to carry people with him. He was a thinker, a competent officer and someone very easy to work with"
A True Soldier
Much of the credit for the victory was given to the irrepressible Parsi army chief, General Sam Manekshaw, who was rewarded with a field marshal's baton. Indira Gandhi in her unique wisdom, chose to extend the term of General Sam Maneksaw by six months to ensure Lt. general Aurora retires before he could become the Chief of Indian Army. Aurora, an exemplar of the old school military manner, showed no sign of resentment, and Manekshaw, from the same tradition, paid him a short but eloquent posthumous tribute. "Jaggi did all the work and I got the baton," he said.
Gen. Aurora Recalling Cherished Memories
Lt-General (retd) Aurora choked up with emotion. "Governments may be ungrateful but the Indian public is very generous," he says. Even 25 years after the glorious victory in the Bangladesh war, the legend lives on. But the glory is tinged with bitterness. Bitterness over being slighted by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi; over Operation Blue Star; and over the November '84 riots.
He recalls an incident in New Delhi's insane traffic, it was a routine touch-and-go accident when an old couple's car hit a motorcyclist. A well-dressed Sikh stepped out to pacify the gathering crowd. "I am Jagjit Singh Aurora, and you may collect the repair charges from my house," he implored. " Woh Bangladesh wale? (Of Bangladesh fame?)" someone asked. Just a nod, and the crowd turned apologetic, berating the motorcyclist instead. Who turned repentant too.
My Personal Connection
General Aurora was my role model when I was a little kid. He was a close family member and related to my grandmother, Surjit Kaur. His sister was married to Arjan Singh Mama ji, the brother of my dad's Nani. My Bhoa later married his nephew and Mrs. Aurora performed the Anand Kaaraj ceremony herself.
Genral Aurora in Vimal Suitings Advertisement
He was suave, dashing and always approachable. In fact Vimal Suitings, the leading manufacturer of fabrics featured him in an advertisement as a debonair Sikh.
Saluting a War Hero
Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora breathed his last in May 3rd. 2005. His wife, Sardarni Bhagwant Kaur, died in 1997. He is survived by a son and a daughter.
General Aurora: War hero draped in national flag
After his military career was over, Aurora became a forceful advocate of the Sikh cause. He bitterly criticized the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, for authorizing Operation Bluestar, the bloody storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984.
He also participated in the Punjab group - a Delhi-based intellectual forum dedicated to the Punjab problem. But in the wake of Blue Star and the November '84 genocide, a deep sense of hurt pitted him against the Congress establishment." I did not lose my balance but was very upset," he says. After the riots, Aurora floated the Sikh Forum to seek justice for the riot victims. Two years later, he entered the upper house of the Indian parliament, the Rajya Sabha, as a member of the moderate Sikh party, Akali Dal. He served a six-year term, but never developed a taste for politics. "I was alone voice of dissent."
The Uniform of General Aurora at his Funeral
While many war veterans still take pride in displaying trophies of war, Aurora has already passed on the uniform he wore on the day of surrender to the Punjab Regiment, and Niazi's revolver to the Indian Military Academy. He had planned to bequeath Niazi's flag to his regiment. "My son is not interested in all these mementos" he says wryly. But the army certainly is. And the people too, who still remember Aurora - Bangladesh wale.
Both me and my wife Harvinder Kapoor are honored to get a wedding invite from a distinguished Army General and closest buddy of our Harkirat Veer Ji. He has told me so many stories about you since your Sherwoodian days to serving in the Army together to your post retirement forces me to feel that you are deeply acquainted to us. Thanks for being a friend more than a brother to our Harkirat Veer Ji.
We are privileged to join you and your family on the occasion of wedding of dear daughter Anandini on 15th April at Vasant Kunj Gurdwara Sahib.
We should be able to wrap up our commitments in Amritsar by 14th and rush to Delhi by late evening to join you and Mrs Umita Singh ji for grand ceremony on 15th and bestow Waheguru’s blessings on the newly weds.
******
Mehla 3
Third Mehl:
Dhan pir ehi na akhi = an bahan
ikthe home.
They are not said to be
husband and wife, who merely
sit together.
Ek jot du me mÃŧrti dhan pir
kahi - ai so me. 113Il
They alone are called husband
and wife, who have one light in
two bodies. ||3|l
******
Joining you along with your family for ensuing happy times and wishing you all the best for Anandini’s wedding.
We shall be glad to be of any help, you donot have to hesitate as asking Harkirat Veer Ji.
We plan to leave SFO on 4th while Shiv departs 9th.
About two years back I added another 1000 sq ft above the Garage for a separate suit for both of us with Steam, spa, Kitchenette and separate washer-drier with in included.
I included Baba Ji room and office for us both in this unit. This gives us exclusivity and still with kids. Being on the 2nd floor, there is a provision for an elevator.
Like uncle S Partap Singh, I am passionate about house construction. My Dad told me Chacha ji constructed most beautiful house in Aghapura and the Partition happened. He maintained Badbar Haveli very well. That’s why I was inspired.
He also trusted in me young Preet Mohan, and fully authorized me to get involved in negotiations for getting his long time tenant evicted. I was an important member of Jangpura Extension Welfare Association and knew the President Mr Sachdeva well. I requested President Mr Sachdeva to talk to the tenant whom he also knew him well as he also happened to be living in the same street.
Mr Sachdeva had discussions with Tenant who was made to convince for handover of the key back to the landlord. Chacha ji reluctantly gave me the key of small store for keeping left over goods of the tenant. Finally all was settled and we three Anandbir, me and Chacha ji, went to Mr Sachdeva house and collected the key as promised.
Chacha ji was thrilled and got a box of sweets and some quality rice as a gratitude and presented to Mr Sachdeva. Such were the old times when mediations were very effective and people approached the Courts only for dire conditions.
Chach ji had also brought two broad shouldered village man to remain as standby ruffians if something untoward happened.
Waheguru was on my side and the job accomplished. Anand Bir also accompanied him on that trip to Delhi.
He had more influential and experienced relatives but preferred to choose me for this job.
Charcha ji then gave that small store to a Chowkidar, recommended by aunt Nihal Kaur living next door, to take care of the property.
The house was sold for Rs 17 lacs in 1967/68, but the chowkidar had to be paid some handsome ‘Bakhshish’
