Gin And Lime, Whiskey or Wine - A review [Branwyn Crystal]

Branwyn Crystal

A critical Study by Branwyn 1

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Contents 1. Colonel Mahip Singh Chadha – A General Intro 2. Significance of the Title 3. Plot Structure 4. Elements of Love 5. Treatment of Nature 6. Co-ordination of Generations 7. GIN AND LIME, WHISKEY OR WINE – A warm Read

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Colonel Mahip Singh Chadha – A General Intro Colonel Mahip Chadha is a retired army officer residing in New Delhi, India. A graduate of the Indian Military Academy, Col. Chadha served in the Indian Army for nearly 34 years.

During this time, he served in the Third Gorkha Rifles—his inspiration for the novels.

Colonel Mahip Chadha was commissioned on 25 Dec1966 into The Second Battalion, The Third Gorkha Rifles; one of the Indian Army‘s finest battalions, which returned to India, after the country attained Independence, winning many laurels. It is known as Second Third or affectionately as the VC Paltan because it won the first two Victoria Crosses in WW I. It is ironic that Pakistan chose one of its Commanding officers, Sir Douglas Gracey, hero of the Admin Box in the Burma Campaign, to be its first Commander in Chief!

The Colonel has two younger brothers—Dr Jaideep Chadha, is a practicing physician from Chandigarh and is an MD and Heart Specialist who loves to write and play golf! Navjot, the youngest of the three, who retired

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from Asian Paints-- is shepherding his family; as the children are blossoming into their own.

Colonel Chadha was married to Kiran, who passed away tragically in April, 2010. They have two daughtersGaniv, the elder, is married to Inderjit and has one son Jaskirat; while Jyotan lives in Australia with her husband Daljit and has two sons- Jaskaran and Jaskabir.

Mahip Chadha lives with his mother in law Mrs. Gurdip Sethi who actually encouraged him to write!

Colonel Chadha has published ―GRIT GUTS AND GALLANTRY –The Officers and Gentlemen Of the Indian Army‖, through Rupa Publications in India. This is a motivational book and serves to act as a much needed career counseling requirement, for students of classes 9 to 12, so that they can consider the Armed Forces of India as a viable career. It also assists children in the National Cadet Corps to understand the Army better. Other Ranks seeking a commission will also benefit from it!

Humor and a rigid adherence to the prevailing rules and regulations, is a unique phenomenon followed to the letter in the Indian Army; which follows the perfect example of secularism and unity in diversity. It is this principle which endears officers of any outfit to link themselves with the traditions of their troops throughout their lives --during their service and in retirement.

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Colonel Mahip Chadha transports the reader to a world where the Commanding Officer is a veritable God, who holds the lives of 800 men in his hands - whom he loves like his own children, punishes them when they err like a parent and mourns with them when they suffer!

Many troops of the West would find it difficult to adapt to our condition of service! There are no air conditioned barracks or offices in the desert or the jungles and mountainous terrain. Neither are there any heating arrangements for the troops in high altitude --just a kerosene burner to be used in a barrel like apparatus called a bukhari! Choppers are still rare and used only for senior commanders or emergent details!

There are regions where the highest rainfall has been recorded--leeches, scorpions snakes and others like the dim dam flies which penetrate mosquito nets are our companions!

Heat dust, cold, rain, riverine terrain and the moist jungles of the Eastern regions are our hazards--but the soldiers of the INDIAN ARMY adapt and become adept in consonance with the challenges of nature!

SOLJER SOLJER combines compelling fiction with the actualities of life in the Indian Armed Forces, centering on the tale of a father and son who serve in the Sixth Battalion The Third Gorkha Rifles at different periods-a rare honour for a soldier‘s family in the Indian Army! There are events that threaten to separate them forever. This book offers an exclusive look at the inner 7

workings of an Gorkha Battalion- an infantry unit of the Indian Armed Forces- SOLJER SOLJER dives into the traditions, customs and truths of the Army life. Colonel Chadha transports the reader into a world where officers are veritable gods, living conditions are extreme and brotherhood conquers all.

Colonel Chadha spent nearly 34 years in the Indian Army, much of time with the Second and Third Battalions of the Third Gorkha Rifles. Weaving in memorable characters and events from his past, the author highlights both the joys and hardships of military life. ―A common Indian citizen has little or no idea of the Indian Armed Forces‖,- says Colonel Chadha. ―It‘s important that I give readers an inside look at what it‘s truly like to be a soldier in the Indian infantry, the brotherhood and sacrifice involved.‖ This is another book penned by Colonel Chadha “SOLJER SOLJER” Chronology: Year of Birth – 1946 Passed H.Sc – 1960 Joined Indian Army – 1961 Married Mrs. Kiran – 1970 Birth of Ganiv – 1972 8

Birth of Jyotan – 1974 Retired – 2000 Death of Mrs. Kiran – 2010 First Book ‗GRIT, GUTS & GALLANTRY – The Officers and Gentlemen of Indian Army‖ – 2011 Second Book ‗SOLJER SOLJER‘ published – 2011 [Re-published in India in 2013] Third Book ‗GIN and LIME, WHISKEY or WINE‘ published – 2013 Gin And Lime, Whiskey or Wine Ask any kid what ―Men in Olive Green‖ do and nine on ten, you would get a reply that – ―They fight for our country.‖ Such has been the image of soldiers in our society. We know them as the fighters, the defenders, the heroes.They are also extremely disciplined and respectful!

But there is also an unseen side of these soldiers which we seldom think about. That side which is more humane and closely knit to worldly affairs... That side which we ignore purposefully…because we do not realise that they have families too!

These perspectives come for younger soldiers who take charge in the front, but did anybody ever think about older defense personnel affectionately referred to as veterans and Old Fogies? The retired ones who spent 9

their entire youth in Olive Green and after retirement, face civilian society with which they are not that much familiar!

GIN and LIME WHISKEY or WINE? by Colonel Mahip Chadha is one such book which gives us an insight into the lives of those old folks who get shifted from defense to civilian life. The feelings of these folks depicted in ‗GIN and LIME‘ unravel such perspectives which develop an affectionate cord in the readers‘ heart.

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2.

Significance of the Title The significance of a title is decided by its capability of catching the readers‘ attention. ―GIN AND LIME, WHISKEY OR WINE?‖ serves the purpose in a true sense.

The title has been picked from the last sentence of the book and the purpose of the title is achieved in totality-many wonder what the story is about!

However, the book does not promote drinking in any single way or indicate any drinking session. There are only two incidents in the book where the characters are shown having drinks together in a stylish manner. And that happens during the re-union of friends and acquaintances.

On the other hand, the mystifying impact of the title cannot be denied. The title creates a curiosity among the readers – as if a propelling invitation for a drink is being extended while flipping through the pages.

The title used by Col. Mahip Chadha is a new experiment in fiction genre. Generally, titles are given as 11

a sneak peek of the book, but as one goes deep through the book, it is unleashed that the book deals with rather serious social and political issues than talking about alcohol beverages.

This is quite a welcome experiment by Col. Chadha.

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3.

Plot Structure What makes ―GIN AND LIME…‖unique in treatment is its strong plot structure. Colonel Chadha intriguingly draws attention to each and every concern a retired soldier has – be it the conduct of the new generation or the condition of the country. Going through the book actually catalyzes the nerves to send a thrilling sensation directly through the spine.

The book serves the purpose of an eye-opener.

Several incidents described in the book symbolize one or the other aspect of life in our country. These key-notes raise the crucial social and political issues which a normal bloke willingly chooses to blink at. Some very particular issues signify the response to the wake-up call this book seems to be conveying.

All the characters of the book are intertwined and fulfill a purpose which they are assigned by the author.

It is also a character sketching skill of Col. Mahip Chadha which could be taken in accord with the famous poem ―All the world‘s a stage‖ written by Shakespeare.

The book ―GIN AND LIME, WHISKEY OR WINE…‖ is a stage where the characters come to play their role 13

and fulfill the purpose they are assigned and leave an important message behind.

The key-notes should not be kept without a special elucidation.

Some of them being – a) In Disasters, Get Army – In Pays and Perks, Forget Army Brigadier Kumaraswamy wakes up in the morning and eyes out an article which leaves his heart full of grief! But why? ―It was about Major Sandeep Unnikrishan, the Malyali Army Commando Officer who sacrificed his life to save Mumbai from the terrorist attacks. His bravery will remain unsurpassed.

The Kerala Govt., headed by Shri VS Achyutanandan awarded Rs. 3 lakhs to the family of Maj. Sandeep Unnikrishnan.

The same government, headed by the same Chief Minister, donated Rs. 5 lakhs to the recent Malappuram Liquor Tragedy! What a joke? What were the options for an enthusiastic youngster?

Join the army and die for the Nation…

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Die by consuming illicit liquor?? – obviously the second one because you were compensated more if you died drinking hooch! What a collection of warped minds we were!‖ b) Why this Gen-Y? Another big fine day, Brig. Kumaraswamy leaves for ECHS. On the way, he encounters two young chaps in an alto. The boy looks at him and swears in a very lewd way. The girl gulps down a beer bottle and laughs hysterically.

The Brigadier thinks – Thank God my kids are married.

But what about the next generation?

He shudders.

And so do we… c) Change required in Nuptial Arrangements??

When Deepa‘s mother almost forces her to marry, her words become loud. But in the loudness of her words, Col. Chadha whiplashes the rotten systems of nuptial union. As Deepa‘s words go – ―Both of us will be on our best behavior and we will really never know each other till we are married and then we will get to know the gory details – many of my friends found out that they were not meant for each other – after the fourth 15

or fifth date. Some of these guys are actually addicted to booze, others are chain smokers. Some have an umbilical cord attached to their mothers – long enough to reach the USA! Others are in a financial mess while some have this total fear of their fathers and cannot talk to them. In fact some are drugees as well! This is not written on their faces!‖ The chapter ―ROLL OF THE DRUMS‖ is the real gem of the book. The drum somewhat symbolizes that wake-up call for the people of the nation that if you don‘t wake up today, there won‘t be any tomorrow.

Here are some of the issues which Colonel Chadha directly puts up preparing the concerned for confrontation.

“Even though we cannot match the Chinese and Japanese bullet trains, we have so many fresh cases of corruption singing forth, that it is difficult to keep up with them and then to keep track of the old ones seems completely impossible! Especially since the previous cases seem to be of puny sums compared to the latest scandals which show frauds of mega bucks!” – pg.105 “Why is that so many rapes happen in Delhi?

Not because the Delhiites are not disciplined – it is because we have no punishment which could act as a real deterrent for these rapists – who can rape an eighty year old woman or an year old infant with same impunity and get away on some sick and silly argument forwarded by an equally sick lawyer that his client went temporarily insane. If Singapore has a law that provides 16

death penalty for a drug peddler or consumer – you think someone will take a chance with drugs? If the Supreme Court were to award a death sentence for rapists – then all these nonsense will stop!”- pg. 108 Later Major Kumar says – “How can you have political figures who have three or four hundred cops to guard these so called LEADERS? A leader is essentially one who is loved by the masses – not one who has o be protected by those who brought him to power. Then what is the rapport between the public and their leader?

Pensioners returned their medals but Madame President didn’t reach out to them because the Babus told her not to bother! She was preoccupied with visits abroad collecting gifts and looking for a nest to rest in after retirement.

What a Commander in chief!” – pg.108 “How the Babus create unsympathetic gestures in Soldiers’ Pay has been told about – “How can this country hope to act outside the borders of India if her honour is usurped by the Babus, politicians and Corporate? Why has the media not hounded the government on OROP[One Rank One Pension]?

Imagine a father and a son who retired in the same rank living under the same roof after retirement – but the son gets twice his father’s pension! To top it up – the Babus gang up and prevent the Army, Navy and Air Force Chief from having their representatives on the panel of the Sixth Pay Commission! The bigger news breaking

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observation is that the three Chiefs accept this nonsense, instead of resigning!”- pg. 110 Col. Chadha whiplashes the Babus in chapter ―BARRACUDA BABUS‖ – “There was no love for the country, its fight with its enemies or even for that matter, for that famous word called loyalty or for a sister word called treason. They were simply trying to make money any which way they could! And the stakes were high! Why a Babu should not be tried in the highest tribunal for procuring at profit redundant or obsolete weaponry for the country’s fighting forces; resulting in loss of territory, loss of precious life and loss of prestige for a country and her valiant armed forces?”

Col. Chadha being a soldier himself puts forth his views not only about the nation and the society for whom the soldier fights but also introduces that face of the soldiers which is willingly ignored – “God and Soldier, all men adore, in the time of danger and not before.

When the danger is passed and all things righted, God is forgotten, and the Soldier slighted.”

- Pg. 159

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Elements of Love As said in the apt byline itself, the book is all about veterans, humour and true love. Elements of Love are in abundance in the story. One thing to be noted in this context is the different aspects of love. The book is surely full of love but this love comes in multidimension.

Patriotism – Love for Country The book being a semi-fictional account of the lives of the defense folks, is full of patriotism. It happens ‗over the drinks‘ that the old folks re-live those brave moments.

There are many scenes across the book when the old folks share their part of the story of those courageous and daring moments during their service. Though these stories come as ‗fun filled friends sharing‘, one cannot deny that we need guts to face such situations.

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Patriotism, if delivered via a lecture, would go beyond the heads but the way ―GIN AND LIME…‖ talks about it, it leaves an impression on the readers.

The role of ‗Men in Olive Green‘ was well justified in the recent Uttarakhand Disaster. But when a remark of their sacrifice came, a former General rightly gestured – ―Soldiers sacrifice their lives only because of their love for the nation.‖ And ―GIN AND LIME…‖ is that token of love.

The chapter ―Roll of the Drums‖ is all about the condition of the country. The whole chapter pictures a canvas of how our soldiers are worried for our country.

They laugh over the funny politics. But simultaneously they show profound concern for the common man for whom they fight on the border.

Soldiers are said to be living an isolated life, but this book clearly connects their cord with our nation and that too emotionally…

Love for Society

Various anecdotes throughout the book describe the retired defense personnel‘s keen interest and love for society. It is true that life in defense doesn‘t give them enough scope to socialise. They spend a major active part of their life in ‗Left Right Left‘. But after retirement 20

they do get some time to take a sneak peek at sociali activities. Regular visits to public parks, malls, encounter with random people is what they cherish. ―GIN AND LIME…‖ gives a beautiful reading experience by summing up all these things.

Love for Oneself Retirement is that phase of life when people get the time to collect themselves. It is the phase of selfevaluation, self-introspection, self-introduction…. It is the phase of self-estimation. Retirement is one of the most important phases of life. ‗GIN AND LIME…‖ talks about those retired people who seemed to have lost themselves in course of time. The retired defense personnel choose to sit by the bench in the park and let the fresh air brush their aged old skin, which eventually turns out to be a golden confrontation with ageing. They take care of themselves; they take part in social activities. Moments are spent on grooming oneself. No opportunity is ignored which could create a positive image on others. All these sum up to be a part of love for oneself. And this is what ―GIN AND LIME…‖ talks about. The company of the other retired mates infuses a blossoming happiness in them. They become aware of themselves and decide to infuse positivity back in their lives.At no stage is decorum of the services slighted!

Love for Life As the black hair turns silver, even human beings get tired of giving them a glorified brown colour. But at 21

times, these silver chains themselves give the owner a decent look which spontaneously commands respect from the person standing in front. ―GIN AND LIME…‖ is a realization of this command of self-respect and selfconcern.

It happens when Admiral Kharbanda develops a secret affection for Mrs. C. It happens when Major Suresh Kumar starts to believe that life is beyond mourning. It happens when Brigadier Jitendra Nath alias Jitu plays a major role in the bonding of Deepa and Chintu.

And on the other note, it also happens that Mahipal dorms his positively active receiving cord for the honest inclination of Ms. Leela and the Admiral!

Contemporary movie ―Listen Amaya‖ talks about the loneliness of senior loners. Our society still doesn‘t accept a young love pair if their bonding even slightly alters its comfort. Then, thinking about the bonding of an aged pair who unite for emotional equivalency, seems far beyond consideration. Those who suffer look towards the next generation for a change. Still, till date hypocrisy has been winning over normal human requirements.

Colonel Chadha has been very eloquent on this matter in the book. Spending quite good time with the loner senior gave him enough insight to understand the missing cords. Admiral Arvind Kharbanda never lets his feeling known to anybody but readers do connect with him as soon as his plight is discovered. And so is with Major Suresh Kumar who still refuses to believe that his wife 22

Sheila has gone forever. Mrs. Suri plays such a vital role whole throughout the lives of other characters that her lively presence is felt by the readers.

All these people are old in age and have come together to fill the space in each others‘ lives. As it is perfectly said that only the wearer knows where the shoes pinches. These folks, going through the same situations understand each other quite better.

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Treatment of Nature The plot of ―GIN AND LIME…‖ is set on the urban of New Delhi. New Delhi is a metro where life moves in the fast lane leaving little scope for having interaction with nature. Still Colonel Mahip Chadha manages to steal some moments to describe the glorious glaciers of Ladakh, the beautiful natural barriers of Indo-Pak borders and the exotic but dangerous locations where only a soldier could dare to go.

In the book, we also come across another aspect of nature though in very little form. Nature acts as a companion of soldiers. Be it the snowy air in the Ladakh or the greeneries of the Joggers Park, nature acts as an individual at times,which who develops a background for people‘s emotions. Though Colonel Chadha prefers to keep mum throughout the book, nature is eloquent in some scenes especially those in the joggers park. The silence of the greeneries makes one with the loneliness of the defense folks. It seems that a cordial but secret relation is being maintained by nature and the characters but Colonel Chadha prefers to leave it as a secret intuition most probably to be unraveled by the readers.

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Co-ordination of Generations One thing which makes the book unique in every sense is its relationship with the bonding with the characters. In today‘s world when most of the people mourn over the generation gap, loose relationship bonding and several other things, ―GIN AND LIME…‖ gives true accounts of closely knit relations and Colonel Mahip Chadha truly deserves applause for it!

It has been a habit of the world that bad things are cruelly exposed, glamourised and indirectly imposed in people‘s minds. But good deeds fail to even make headway in people‘s conversation. So is the matter with generation gap. But with a profound thanks to Colonel Chadha, ―GIN AND LIME…‖ stands as a healthy symbol of relationships among generations. All the characters of this semi-fiction are wonderfully attached to each other and so are the different generations who are very fond of each other.

But the best thing about this bonding is the relationship among grandparents and grandchildren.

Without quoting two examples from the book, it would remain incomplete. The first one is about Admiral Arvind Kharbanda and his grandson Monty. Monty loves a girl very much but keeps it a secret until his 25

grandfather Admiral Kharbanda catches him red-handed.

Monty admits his love for the girl and asks for his permission to marry her. When the Admiral gives his consent, he then asks his ‗Nanu‘ or grandpa to persuade his parents for the acceptance of their relationship. In this whole note, Monty admits that his grandfather is actually more like a friend and he prefers discussing issues with him to his Dad. The Admiral even cracks jokes with him.

Another gem from the book is the episode of Deepa and her Big Daddy Jitu. Deepa is being persuaded by her mother to marry a son of her acquaintances. Deepa doesn‘t know the guy properly and has her own set of valid reasons to avoid that guy. She speaks out her problem to nobody else but Jitu. She has full trust on her Big Daddy and despite the big age difference, her belief stands on true grounds that her Big Daddy understands her feelings better than anybody else. Later, Jitu also explains her situation to her mother. That is how, both co-ordinate their trust on each other. Later, Deepa is introduced to Chintu who also comes to know her via Jitu by accident. Not for a single moment,does the age difference or the generation gap element enter the scene.

This fact alone makes the book a commendable read.

But the best example of ―The co-ordination of generations‖ comes in the union of Arvind and Kusum.

The way their love is welcomed by their children and the way different aspects of this marriage gets discussed and the problems get sorted out, truly shine as the mastered skill of experience of the author. Here, Col. Chadha 26

strikes the right cord and voices the ignored necessities of seniors.

An author serves the true purpose of being an author if he foresees the necessities of the changing scenario.

On this ground, Col. Chadha stands one step ahead as not only he foresees the necessities but also executes his skills by bringing upfront the unheard voices.

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GIN AND LIME, WHISKEY OR WINE – A Warm Read A major reader base of young India is a fan of fiction books. But once in a time, there comes a book which has been penned with a caliber of changing the thoughts and canvassing the unseen and unspoken shades of emotions. ―gin AND LIME…‖ is one such book.

The book is surely a great reading experience. Its being written in Indian English also adds a comfortable note for the general readers.

Lieutenant General G S Negi says – ―The most important issues confronting the older generation are health and also wealth. Those with pensions are fortunate, but those without pensions must create a mandatory cache of funds to survive on as age plays havoc with our bodies. Today, Old Timers refuse to die because of better medicines, research, and understanding of the basic facts that smoking and drinking harm one‘s organs – damaging them severely; leading to expensive treatment and hospitalization! Loneliness sets in after the loss of one‘s spouse and weakens the desire to live. The 28

old folks who have their wit intact forge friendship in groups, joke, and laugh and take care of each other fighting dementia and Alzheimer. This is a book which will make you laugh and cry with the Oldies as they pass merrily through their Twilight Zone!‖

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Branwyn Crystal – A Critical Study Project by Branwyn

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