"Their joy knew no bounds "-Hindu News dated 05.9.2008
Udhagamandalam: A walk down memory lane. That is what it was for a group of former Indian Air Force personnel who met at Kalhatty, near here, after a long gap of 29 years. It had been made possible thanks to the efforts of a member of the group D.F.Danraj who has been spearheading Mahalir Thittam activities in the Nilgiris as its Project Officer. With an urge to see and speak to those who had been with him in the force turning into an obsession, he launched a search for them a few months ago. With his efforts bearing fruit, a re-union was organised at Kalhatty on Thursday.Amid a great deal joy, the participants, some of whom were in their late 40s and others in their early 50s told The Hindu that they never thought they would meet each other again.Pointing out that on September 4, 1979, 25 boys from various parts of Tamil Nadu had embarked on a career in the IAF as technicians and underwent training together in Bangalore for six months,
Mr. Danraj said that they became part of the Electronic Steam Batch Number 11. After putting in service ranging between seven and 20 years, they had opted for voluntary retirement and drifted into different walks of life.When the spadework for the re-union was being made it came to be known that all were alive and doing well either in State or central government service or in business. Among the places they were located were Jammu and Kashmir, Bangalore, Chitoor and Tirunelveli. It also turned out that one of them was a Badaga who belonged to Balacola in the Nilgiris. Due to various factors only 18 could participate in the re-union. Pointing out that their stint in the IAF had stood them in good stead, they opined that defence service, at least for a short period, should be made compulsory for all. It would do the nation, a world of good. “If an opportunity comes our way we will serve the nation again,” they chorused. They said that henceforth there would be annual re-unions on September 4 along with their family members in different places. Hopefully, all the 25 would be present.
A website would be opened. Hereafter, the members would not only help one another in various ways but also extend collectively a helping hand to the needy and the underprivileged. URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/05/stories/2008090550510200.htm
© Copyright 2000 - 2008 The Hindu
Mr. Danraj said that they became part of the Electronic Steam Batch Number 11. After putting in service ranging between seven and 20 years, they had opted for voluntary retirement and drifted into different walks of life.When the spadework for the re-union was being made it came to be known that all were alive and doing well either in State or central government service or in business. Among the places they were located were Jammu and Kashmir, Bangalore, Chitoor and Tirunelveli. It also turned out that one of them was a Badaga who belonged to Balacola in the Nilgiris. Due to various factors only 18 could participate in the re-union. Pointing out that their stint in the IAF had stood them in good stead, they opined that defence service, at least for a short period, should be made compulsory for all. It would do the nation, a world of good. “If an opportunity comes our way we will serve the nation again,” they chorused. They said that henceforth there would be annual re-unions on September 4 along with their family members in different places. Hopefully, all the 25 would be present.
A website would be opened. Hereafter, the members would not only help one another in various ways but also extend collectively a helping hand to the needy and the underprivileged. URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/05/stories/2008090550510200.htm
© Copyright 2000 - 2008 The Hindu