It remains essential to pay homage to the sacrifices and unwavering commitment of our veterans who have dutifully served in the armed forces. Two veterans from Espacia, Group Captain Shailesh Mithal (T38-301) and Colonel Arvind Varma(T36-1002), shared their experiences and perspectives.
Group Captain Mithal joined IAF as an Aeronautical Engineer in 1989 and superannuated in 2021. His family comprises his wife Supriya, his son (an architect) & his daughter (MBA student). They moved to Espacia in 2023.
Colonel Varma is a fifth-generation Army Officer. “I joined NDA in 1983 just after my class XII.” His family comprises his wife and two daughters. Coming from a military family, donning the uniform was the only thought in his mind.
As a youngster, reading about soldiers’ valour excited Group Captain Mithal. “When I saw them in their olive uniforms and heard stories from their service lives, I got fascinated.” But he was the only son of his parents.
“Consequently, my application never found its way to the post office.” But Group Captain Mithal manifested his desire & towards the end of his Engineering course, he took the plunge & applied. “I consider myself blessed to have achieved my passion to serve my country.”
Group Captain Mithal shares how service life was never run-of-the-mill kind of work. “We dealt with unforeseen situations daily.” He has handled water supply restoration, tracing missing individuals & even marriage counselling!
For Colonel Varma, the armed forces’ life is one of integrity.“It has imbibed rich values in me as well as discipline.” He asserts that it’s these values that have made him adaptable & strong. “I can take on any challenge life throws at me!”
Group Captain Mithal echoes this feeling. “My life may have come a full circle but once a soldier, always a soldier!” He states that being disciplined; straightforward & upright are natural to him.
Reflecting on his transition from a student to an army officer & back to a civilian, Colonel Varma shares that the transition has been smooth because he’s prepared himself for it at every stage. “I now have the aim & the time to mentor young people to be good citizens.”
Group Captain Mithal signs off with a message for all Indians. “Self-discipline will take India to great heights!” Colonel Varma narrows this down into practical terms. “Please drive in an orderly manner. Please don’t call/ text while driving. Whatever you do, you’re teaching your children the same. & they’ ll think this is the norm!”
Let us honour our veterans’ sacrifices. Their narratives and insights serve as a reminder of the devotion, steadfastness, and love for the nation that we should all aspire to embody. Jai Hind!
