Beyond the call of Duty.

                 A duty is a commitment or expectation to perform some action in general or if certain circumstances arise. A duty may arise from a system of ethics or morality, especially in an honor culture. Many duties are created by law, sometimes including a codified punishment or liability for non-performance. 

                 We all know that Colonel Ganesan was selected as India's 5 th wintering station Commander and was entrusted with the safety,welfare and honour of the winter team.It was a 15 member team who were to stay at Antarctica during 1987-89.

                   wintering at Antarctica has got multiple physical,mental,and psychological problems.It is a heroic struggle between man and the extreme environment.The US hand book on survival at Antarctica says about wintering at Antarctica like this;

      Dakshin gangotri at extreme left,provitions at different stack on right..        

One of the most disorienting parts of living at the pole is that the sun neither rises nor sets. If a full day is the time between two sunrises, a full day in the South Pole lasts approximately 8,760 hours (24 hours multiplied by 365). This is because, at the pole, the sun rises just once a year and sets many months later. During the summer there are 24 hours of sunlight, and, during the winter, 24 hours of darkness.

There are significant health concerns that result from extended periods without sunlight. The most notable health effect is depression. Those with seasonal affective disorder might be particularly vulnerable. As a result, according to Peter West, who manages Antarctica-related media for the National Science Foundation, there is an intensive screening process for prospective workers. The tests for physical and mental fitness are much like those given to astronauts. The best way to avoid emergencies, West says, is to reduce risk.

                 

The sun movement is horizontal and never rises more than 30 degree to the ground.

                       Under these circumstances the Colonel   came to Antarctica with detailed work sheet about the year long wintering activities.A war experienced (1965 in Sialkot sector,1971 in Bangladesh ) colonel came to Antarctica like an Army unit going for War.No doubt that the  wintering is a heroic struggle between man and the extreme environment.

                   The worst effect of wintering is depression. As idle mind is a devils workshop,the best way to avoid depression is to keep busy in doing something.Colonel was well known for his creative activities.So there was no idleness at Dashingangotri during 5 th wintering.

                       

      Members were always  buzy even during Blizzard.Ganesan made them to come out and play Kabadi.

                     When a Russian & East German team came on their routine visit to their base which was close to Dakshingangotri Ganesan invited them for a friendly "Indo-Russian Football match "Un fortunetely no photo or video except "Times of India "news report. 

                    The times of india,Bangalore edition dated 20 Sep 1990 ,says,

           "As the tri colour and the red flag with the crescent and the hammer flap in the gusty wind and 22 -odd purka clad figures struggle with a ball ,there is little mistaking that an indo-soviet football match is on.
                     So what is the big deal ?Nothing,except that the temperature is -32.8 (minus thirty two point eight degrees ) .The land scape is stark, ,total devoid of any features.Limitless ice abounds and a white out condition prevails.The land is Antarctica.

                  Although it is only a video clipping ,your whole being goes numb watching it.This is only a miniscule portion of the   myriad-pattened  kaleidoscope that life on the Antarctica  conducted by Colonel P Ganesan,leader of India's 5 th winter team.  

          So,it is needless to say  Colonel Ganesan kept on moving up and down,doing some thing digging something cutting some thing.There was nothing in Dakkshin gangotri which the 5 th winter team did not do.White bed sheets were cut and puja dress was made for the complte team.

   

                 

                     During one such creative activity while digging at some place  the team came across Hydrozen gas cylinders lying burried..My God.!

                            In Antarctica if you do not mark everything then it will be impossible to locate as the blizzard will burry in no time and it will be extemely difficult to locate again..Look at the condition of our fuel barrels dumped by the helicopter and ranaway unceremoniously during their return by 7th Expedition.

               

               So we decided to dig up and take back to india the empty gas cylinders.The Metereological Department might have written off those cylinders and were perhaps worried that Colone Ganesan was opening a Pandora box

              
                     Never the less.! 5 th winter team dug up 120 empty cylinders and brought them.What was the reaction of IMD? ........??????????.

                                Keep Colonel Ganesan far far far away.

                    Mera Bharath Mahan.!!!!