ZP in 2012: New faces, new equations; published on Dec 29, 2012
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Tawang War Memorial, published on December 30, 2012
India tends to forget Chinese aggression of 1962. In fact, many feel that this particular war did not offer anything to be remembered. Time magazine had famously mentioned in one of its articles that India lacked everything except courage in 1962. At least, for this reason -- of Indian soldiers showing courage against the superiorly-equipped enemy in the most adverse conditions -- every Indian should remember 1962 war and draw inspiration from heroic deeds. Tawang, a small town closer to the border in Arunachal Pradesh, has preserved memories of these brave soldiers in the form of a war memorial. The Hitavada Chief Reporter Kartik Lokhande travelled all the way to Tawang and felt that the impressive war memorial erected there is a monument of inspiring courageous acts of Indian soldiers. Tawang War Memorial: A temple of inspiration “How can men die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers and the temples of his Gods?” Thus reads a plaque installed at ...
Kamal Haasan in Nagpur
One of my favourite actors, writer-director-producer-creative personality, all blended into one, Kamal Haasan was in Nagpur on Saturday (December 23, 2012) to promote his film 'Vishwaroop'. From stuntman-acts in 'Giraftaar' to record-breaking multiple roles in 'Dashavatar', from silent-yet-lyrical movie 'Pushpak' to don movie 'Velu Nayakan', from soul-shaking 'Mahanadi' to history-exploring 'Hey Ram', from youthful love-story 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' to passionate-patriotic 'Hindusthani', in every movie Kamal Haasan has proven consistently that he is the best when it comes to showcasing versatility. Smile on his face is charming and he 'still' looks young (his daughter Shruti has taken to acting career). Swiftness in his dance is still lyrical. Creativity continues to be hallmark of his work. All the best Kamal for upcoming film!
Concluding episode of articles on 1962 war, published on Dec 23, 2012
Rezang La: Death does not matter while defending motherland While the Indian soldiers were trying to halt the advancing Chinese forces in West Kameng Division, the soldiers in Ladakh also were engaging the Chinese with all their might irrespective of inclement weather, inhospitable terrain, and an unusual altitude. In Ladakh sector also, Indian soldiers fought heroic battles. Still, the most fierce and inspiring battle was fought at Rezang La, an important feature at an altitude of 18,000 feet. The battle fought on November 18, 1962 highlighted unparalleled courage of Indian soldiers and also revealed where the Indian side lacked in defence preparedness in equipment and clothing. The Chinese soldiers from the mountains of Sinkiang had been operating for years in the frozen, wind-swept plains and plateaus of Tibet. They were equipped with 7.62 SLRs and other modern weapons. Pitted against them were Indian soldiers -- the Ahirs from Haryana, born and bred in the plains...
With Dr Prakash Amte
I had the privilege of meeting Dr Prakash Amte, whom we fondly call Prakash Dada. Since I also belong to Chandrapur district, from where Dr Prakash and Dr Vikas' father and veteran social worker late Baba Amte started work in the form of Anandvan, I am attached emotionally to Amte family and its noble work. I hold Prakash Dada in high esteem, for his unparalleled work in remote and tribal dominated area. He started work in the area when there was no proper road, electricity, or telephone lines. Today, he has transformed the place Hemalkasa in remote Bhamragarh tehsil of Gadchiroli district. He is so simple yet impressive, so sober yet tough in determination, that one gets immediately acquainted with him. Thank you, Prakash Dada... (pic by Satish Raut)
Towards banks of Godavari
Going to the banks of river Godavari. After going for two-three kms, my friend Satish Raut (Chief Photographer, The Hitavada, Nagpur) and myself reached the banks of Godavari with villagers from Asaralli in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra and later did a fantastic story on how Godavari was changing course and how the change in course of the river was leading to farmers losing precious agricultural land. (Photo courtesy: Satish Raut)
Reportage published on December 16, 2012
The war begins After completion of its build-up to the level of its satisfaction, the Chinese side zeroed in on October 20 as the date of unleashing war on India. However, prior to that, the Chinese probed Indian defences at Tsangle, Bridge V and such areas between October 15 and 17. As the official history mentions, “By October 19, there were unmistakable signs that an attack was imminent.” Meanwhile, the Chinese had infiltrated through gaps in Indian positions to occupy hilltops behind Indian defences. They infiltrated towards Tsangdhar, took positions round Tsangle post, and almost encircled Khinzemane post. Once they were prepared, the Chinese unleashed massive attack simultaneously in Namka Chu sector, other divisions in NEFA and Ladakh. Except for Tsangle, nowhere else were Indian troops on north of Namka Chu river. However, the Chinese goal was to reach Tawang. The Chinese had access to three routes to Tawang namely Shao-Bum La-Milaktong La-Tawang, Le (in Tibet...
