Colonel Tornado-7.
Readers may be aware that Pavadai Ganesan, a civil Engineer by profession was in P W D of Tamilnadu Govt as Junior Engineer in 1961 under Hon Chief Minister K.Kamaraj.Ganesan a very active young sportsman did not like life in PWD.Corruption was not only in public but also in Govt officials and rules were framed to entertain corruption.This is "Fence is eating the products " (வேலியே பயிரை மேயும் விந்தையான சூழ்நிலை ). Ganesan threw his salary into the flowing river "Vettar " and resigned his job.The Nation was under Emergency after the brutal chineese attack in Oct -Nov 1962.Army was beeing expanded many folds.Govt of India had issued notification that one year service in Army will be counted as two years in civil service and encouraged state and central Govt employees to serve in the Army as Emergency service Commissioned Officers.
Ganesan's senior officer without forwarding the resignation letter,reminded him of the above situation and motivated him to join the Army.Ganesan was very much interested in Tamil litratures and warfare of great kings like Ashoka,Tamil chera,chozha,Pandias etc.Athiyamaan's "Battle of thagadoor " is a classic example of patriotism and display of soldierly qualities.The destiny opend the "Heavens door" and dragged Ganesan into it.
Ganesan was commissioned on 03 May 1964 with Atheletics blazer into the "Corps of Engineers" of the Army.The role of '"Officership in the Army" was unknown to Ganesan.But his honesty and integrity had guarded him.The 1965 war had strengthened his interest in soldiering.But unfortunetely he was posted out to Military Engineering Sevices in 1968 as "Asst Garrission Engineer".It was a project for Eastern Air Command.One of the project was running into Crores.Inspite of hectic efforts Ganesan's posting could not be cancelled.So Ganesan joined in Megalaya.
The first step Ganesan took was to have a joint inspection with the contractor to assess the actual situation of the project.It was a one crore contract and contactor had been paid 32 lakhs sofar.The joint inspection revealed that only 28 lakh worth work had boon done including materials at site,In a running cotract little over payment is not a crime.But Ganesan being new to the work,clearly told that this over payment will not be carried forward.If the contarctor produces 6 lakh worth works,he will get only 2 lakh payment after adjusting the over payment.
"It appeared an Earthquake errupted in Megalaaya "
Capt (at that time ) Ganesan stayeyd for two years there and not a single payment was made to the contractor.The Executive Engineer,Superintending Engineer,Chief Engineer were all in the station and they were all tearing Ganesan into pieces for progress.Ganesan stood like a rock that it is contract work and I am to supervise and check quality of the work.
During this struggle,the National Emergency was lifted and those officers who were on lien with state Govt were given option either to continue or revert back to parent Department.Ganesan wanted to continue.but then he has to undergo another Services Selection Board.The situation under which Ganesan was working can any one expect that he will be selected to continue.?In addition to performance at S S B,confidential report on the officer also will be taken into account towards the selection for permanent commission.
"Miracles" does takes place.Ganesan was selected by S S B Allahabad.(Earlier it was S S B Bangalore ).But the authorities were taking revenge in different form against Ganesan.His mother was in death bed and he was refused leave citting progress of work.Ganesan did not beg.He took it along and in the evening went to mess and had one or two pegs of whisky.Holding the glass in hand he was thinking about his mother,Blood pressure shoot up and the grip tightened.suddenly the glass broke to pieces and blood started oozing out from wrist.Nothing serious.after little bandage ,he had food and then went to sleep.
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It might have been about 3.00 am.Ganesan was in deep sleep.but the door slowly opened and a lady was walking slowly.On hearing some disturbance Ganesan opened his eyes.He just could not believe that his mother was slowly walking towards him.He fully opened his eyes and shocked.Ma ! Ma ! How could you come over here ?Ganesan stretched his hands to hold his mother's hand.Suddenly he realised that he was sitting on the bed with stretched hand.Oh ! My God ....It was a dream.But visit of his mother was real.She assured her protection to Ganesan.
With a disturbed mind Ganesan went to his office which was under top security zone of Air force.Then he rangup to his HQ to find out any news.The Head clark stated that another telegramme had come for me. Ganesan requested him to open and read.The head clark expressed regret that Ganesan's mother had expired.
The Executive engineer felt guilty for refusing leave to Ganesan and litrally begged him to go immediately.
Ganesan did fly from Megalaaya to chennai and then by road to Sannanallur.But unfortunetely Ganesan was handed over only Ashes of his Mother.His mother had expired on 25 Feb 1970.In 1971 war Ganesan had gone to Eastern Sector.There he got few Pakistani bullets.In one of the bullet he extracted the lead,filled with his mothers ash and made a golden chain.The chain is always with him.
The name "Tornado " somehow attached to him .But Ganesan is simple and straight forward.
What do you feel about this ?
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