“Death is all about fate” – A conversation with a man in uniform

Mani Padma of GingerChai in conversation with Dr Arup.

Mani Padma – Welcome to GC Dr Arup. So how long have you been with Assam Rifles? Could you please tell us where else you have been posted till now?

Dr. Arup – I joined Assam rifles in 2004. I was in Manipur for three years followed by Tezpur, Assam for a period of two years and then 1 year in Tuensang, Nagaland followed by posted finally as Deputy Commandant (SMO) in 40 Assam Rifles in Lunglei, Mizoram  . And at present I am temporarily deputed as a part of UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti along with CISF.

Mani Padma – So what exactly was the selection procedure for this mission?

Dr. Arup -I was selected by the board of officers of CISF, MHA as we had to work in conjunction with CISF for this mission.  Firstly I was selected by board of officers headed by Brig Administration, of headquarter DGAR or Directorate General Assam Rifles, a random selection on the basis of service profile. After which I had to undergo a selection test in CISF headquarter, New Delhi. The selection was made on the basis of viva voce, written and physical test that included firing both long and short range.

Mani Padma – that is really impressive, Dr Arup. So could you please tell us a little about this mission (as much is permissible)

Dr. Arup- Well, the mission an UN peacekeeping and stabilizing mission of Haiti, and is named MINUSTAH which is a French word. (on my interruption about what the word meant). It is basically a political stabilizing mission which was started in 2004 and presently 67 countries are part of it. MINUSTAH means Mission Des Nations Unies pour la Stabilisation en Haiti.

Mani Padma – And how many contingents are there from India?

Dr. Arup – Well, there are one from Assam Rifles and the other from CISF and BSF joined on 15 Dec 2010 here.

Mani Padma -So what basically is the nature of your duties in Haiti? How has been the experience till date.

Dr. Arup – To look after the contingent personnel and UN officials, civilians working with UN….and also medical aid to civil local people, over and above giving the medical cover to the personnel involved in special operations. The experience has been quite enriching as well as I have had some awesome experiences, but I am really sorry. As per protocol I cannot share the details of my experience here. But all in all I can just say that the experience has been amazing. Of course I have some photographs to give you a general idea of our duties there.

• Top left: paramedical staff is spraying chlorine as a part of anti-cholera measure in the entry point of our camp.
• Top right:  Dr.Arup performing a minor surgery in OT
• Bottom left: Treating a suspected case of cholera at UN clinic, MINUSTAH RHQ UN CLINIC,LES CAYES
• Bottom right: Examining a patient.

Mani Padma – Tell us Dr Arup, in today’s age of commercialization, when medicos are joining  major corporate houses , why and how did you join the Assam rifles, which is associated by the laymen with risks restrictions and danger?

Dr. Arup- Well, in my schooling days I was influenced by two warrior one Che Guevara and other one Netaji Subhas Bose ,especially after going through “Ami Subhas Balsi” & “Autobiography of Guevara’ . Since then it was in my mind that if I got the chance ,I will join the and serve as a combatant in forces to serve for my motherland and finally the opportunity knocks my door in Feb. 2004 though my parents did not agree with my decisions initially.
I have joined Assam rifles after selection by special selection board for medical officers constituted under ministry of home affairs, combined for all Para military forces in 2003.It was a direct interview taken by board of officers consisting of medical specialist of all the fields headed by DG  BSF as the chairman, followed by a medical fitness test

Mani Padma -What do you feel about the youngsters who shy away from joining the defense and paramilitary forces? What message do you have for them?

Dr. Arup – I think Assam Rifles or for that matter joining the security forces of our country is a matter of honour for ourselves. As for the risks and danger associated with it, it is as much risky as driving down to your place of work or flying a plane. Death is all about fate.  But being in security forces has for me the best part of life. I am proud of Assam Rifles which has provided me with the best in infrastructure and facilities. Some of the best sportsmen have also emerged from Assam rifles only.

Mani Padma – Dr Arup Do you miss your family and country now that you are in Haiti?

Dr. Arup – Of course I miss my family and my country but I will be home soon and they are very cooperative. I just want to make my family and my country proud of me.

Thank you Dr. Arup for the lovely conversation. I am sure many of the youngsters will be surely influenced by what you said today. Thank you again.

Well readers that was Dr Arup for you . What do you think of the series? Did you like it? We would love to have your feedback for better performance. Hoping to come back next with a new story.

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