Nostalgia of Marching Tune Auld Lang Syne

"Auld Lang Syne" is a famous Scottish song, usually sung and its tune played to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. But is also usually played and sung at the goodbyes like graduations or even funerals, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. Its eloquent verses are really heart moving and bring back the nostalgia of past associations and times spent together, specially under similar environment. 

Auld Lang Syne in English simply means "old long since" or, more idiomatically, "long long ago". In fact Auld Lang Syne is remembrance of the days gone by. the days gone by, or simply the old times. While this rather unusual Scottish word is popular in the civilians on gathering and reunions of old pals, it has since assumed a wider usage in the military and the military bands more often than not play it on farewell parties, or bid farewell to fallen friends and specially on military parades, when a contingent is departing after a spell of training or even leaving for combat.

Why I am sharing this song today, I will tell a little later in the post. But if you are not acquainted with this song, read the poetry below: 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o'kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.

And there's a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught,

For auld lang syne

Auld Lang Syne evokes an undeniable sentimentality, a disorienting nostalgia, an instantaneous affection for the people around you at that exact moment; loved ones and strangers alike.” it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and reflection on the past, particularly related to cherished memories, lost loved ones, and the passage of time, making it a deeply sentimental song

Herein under is an emotionally charged video of acquaintance never to be forgotten with a tinge of nostalgia with the song Auld Lang Syne playing beautifully synchronized with the scenic expressions:

Coming to why am I sharing this video today. The associations of men in uniform are something that one can never forgot throughout one's life for comradeship is the company and friendship of others with common aims. Men train together and then leave to fight on diverse frontiers, sometimes never to see each other again as treacheries of battlefields consume many of them who departed amid laughter and hearty handshakes and embraces. And this song befittingly fits on military departures in every sphere.

Military academies around the world are one such places where boys in their teens join the rigours of the military life, completely different to the lives they have lived before. Here they undergo strict military training, whether it is raining or snowing, whether it is mud filled trenches or freezing cold winds piercing through one's body when standing on a sentry duty while all his comrades take a nap for an eventful day ahead. They still laugh and cherish the memory of each day that passes by.

And then a day comes when they finally prepare for their graduation ceremony, smartly dressed in the military tunics and marching into the drill squares. After the routine rituals, awards of medals and the coveted sword of honour, the passing out cadets from ranks in the middle of the drill square and slowly move out of the drill square on the tune of Auld Lang Syne beautifully played by the military brass band.

I too once marched on this tune, some forty two years ago, and the heart wrenching tune of Auld Lang Syne made me both sad and happy: sad for leaving such a prestigious institution which transformed us from raw college boys to military men and officers and for leaving the comrades to meet later on battlefield or in training camps, and happy for finally being successfully and proudly joining the armed forces of the country. The nostalgia of marching on Auld Lang Syne remains fresh for as long as a man in uniform lives or later as a veteran. This feeling can only be felt, cannot be explained.

Now herein under watch the passing out cadets of Pakistan Military Academy, located in Kabul near the city of Abbottabad. Listen to the tune on which passing out cadets leave the drill square on the beautiful tune of Auld Lang Syne. For decades the tune is being played during passing out parades held twice a year:

It was a similar day when I too was among my comrades slowly leaving the academy with a tinge of nostalgia that still remains afresh even till day. Some of my comrades have fallen in these forty years, and one's heart laments on their loss for we have once been together, laughing, enjoying and caring each other when undergoing training at the military academy.

I do not know who out of my batch mate remains to be the last one alive, but I am very sure if he ever listens to Auld Lang Syne, he will have tears rolling down his cheeks for there will be no one to share the memories of the days we shared together.

To those listening to this and maybe feeling the void that I feel for those that I Love and lost I pray that every coming day brings to you only health, happiness, and Love.

Photos (self) | Resource Reference: Wikipedia If you like Jaho Jalal, please follow us on Facebook

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Interior of lone surviving German U Boat 995 Type VII of WW-II

U-Boats were hellish small submarines of the WW-II which caused panic in the Allied navies during the WW-II. We no longer use the word U-Boat for the submarines of today, but the lone surviving U-Boat of WW-II of German Navy still stands majestically on the shores of Baltic Sea on the German seaport of Laboe, near the Laboe Naval Memorial, reminding us the days of its glorious past.

In October 2014, I went to Laboe, while visiting my son studying in the nearby city of Kiel, and was awe stricken to see a vessel that was once much dreaded and feared. Although I had a chance to go around it as can be seen in the photo above/below, but could not go inside as it was already five in the evening and the boat visiting hours was closed.

Day before yesterday, my sons visited Laboe on a bright sunny day and strolled on the sands along the seashore and finally to the U-Boat. I was watching them moving to the boat, thanks to the 4G and social media networks that allow us to view each other live everyday. And I requested them to take a few snaps from the inside of the U Boat to complete my earlier post: Laboe, Germany – home to the lone surviving U-Boat 995 Type VII

Now, herein under are the exclusive photos of the inside of the U Boat. The photos show the good order in the boat is kept as if ready to sail with its deadly torpedoes. One of the most difficult thing in Germany is that there are no English translations and it is only by using the online German-English translators of one's smartphone one can understand the displayed information. I have tried to translate the display boards for my readers who do not understand German (like me).

A close up of some mechanical parts

 Machine room: The two E - engines fed by batteries with 375 hp brought the submerged boat to max 7.6 kn

The only usable toilet on board ; to use in submerged condition only up to 25 m water depth (Translation of the above notice board)

 The radio room

 

 A selfie with numerous gadgets of the boat in the background

 Once deadly torpedoes that scared the Allied navies now resting in eternal peace

 Front torpedo room (could not translate the rest as being blurred)

 

Crew living and sleeping space bow compartment, so says the board above

I tried to translate the remaining - but since I did not have the German alphabet keyboard, the translation was a bit jerky and I tried to correct it to the best of my English: "Could 27 or more men live, eat and sleep here ? Yes ! The torpedoes were withdrawn daily to be serviced. On and beneath the floor plates were six reserve torpedoes - on them survived the submariners.

 

A much needed rest after the visit

So this is it - my earlier post stands completed today. But hopefully once day when I visit Germany to meet my sons, I will try to go to Laboe once more and 'in time' to see the interior of this historic vessel myself. 

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28 May 1998 - the day Pakistan became a Nuclear Power

28 May 1998 - a day in the history of Pakistan when Pakistan successfully conducted five nuclear tests in the hills of Ras Koh at Chagi, Balochistan and became became world’s 7th and Islamic world’s 1st atomic power. The underground tests at Ras Koh mountain range shook the entire mountains and dust could be seen flying as the nuclear might roared from below.

The nuclear programme of Pakistan was set into motion when India tested its first nuclear test at Pokhran in 1974 - a clear act of intimidation for Pakistan. Pakistan has since its independence in 1947 been threatened by India which had never reconciled with the division of the united India after the departure of the British. Both countries have gone to war thrice over the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir - an area of Muslim majority tacitly occupied by India with the British assistance and coercing the ruler of Kashmir to cede the state with India.

Later in 1970-71, India launched a major operation in the Eastern wing of Pakistan, which was detached from the mainland Western Pakistan by some 1,000 miles. This geographical isolation and many mistakes committed by rulers of the government of Pakistan, allowed India to give vent to a separatist movement which finally culminated into the creation of Bangladesh in December 1971.

And as as if this was not enough - the Indian intimidation oif the remaining portion of Pakistan continued and the first Indian nuclear test in 1974 was a step towards this direction. But Pakistan refused to be overawed and initiated its own nuclear programme, which had been able to make a breakthrough and was ready to carryout out its own nuclear tests as early as 1981-82 as joint venture of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and Dr A Q Khan Research Laboratories. But the tests were pended for an appropriate and opportune time.

And the time came in May 1998 when India again carried out a number of nuclear tests to show its muscles and nuclear stamina to Pakistan. Perhaps this was the time Pakistan waited. Despite immense pressure form the United States, Pakistan pressed the button on 28 May 1998 to successfully conduct its own nuclear tests - five in number that showed state of indigenous development capability of its scientists in the nuclear field.

Pakistan post issued a commemorative stamp on the first anniversary of the nuclear tests on 28 May 1998, depicting the roar of the nuclear test from far under the mountains of Ras Koh.

Many object to the wisdom of the Pakistan nuclear programme - even the USA had promised an immense economic package to Pakistan if Pakistan had opted not to respond to the Indian tests earlier that month. But living next to a neighbour which had never reconciled witht he creation of Pakistan and a country maintaining a large army when its has no threat otherwise from any other country of the region answers the question. Although Pakistan and India cannot afford a nuclear war, but mere possession of the arsenal is a good enough deterrent to keep India at bay.

Video courtesy: ePakNews

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J-20 Mighty Dragon: China's 5th generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft

New pictures of the China's J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter have surfaced and are making their way across military blogs. J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’ fifth-generation single-seat air dominance multi-role fighter jet has been developed by the China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corp (CAC).

J20 Mighty Dragon: China's 5th Generation Stealth aircraft carries more fuel and weapons than US F-22 Raptor

The prototype is said to be using the Saturn AL-31 turbofan engine developed by the Russians for their SU-27 air superiority fighter.

F-22 Raptor of USA, falling in the same category may be more agile and made entirely in the U.S., but the Mighty Dragon:

Carries more fuel and weapons than Lockheed's fighter. 

J-20 uses F-22 Raptor style forward fuselage and DSI (Divertless Supersonic Intake) to reduce the Radar cross section (RCS) of the aircraft. 

J-20 will carry up to eight new generation PL-10 Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (WVRAAM ) and PL-12 (or PL-21 ramjet-powered)Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM).

J-20 fighter jet will carry upto 6 air to air missiels in its large belly weapon bay and another two WVRAAM can be carried in its lateral weapon bays.

The J-20's development is also moving along much faster than anyone had expected. Back in 2009, Gen. He Weirong, deputy commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force said in a TV interview that the J-20 wouldn't be operational until 2017-2019. That estimate will likely be revised if work continues at the current pace.

Read more/view slide show for more photos of J2- Mighty dragon Stealth Chinese aircraft: Business Insider

For more photos /specifications read Chinese Military Review

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JF-17 Thunder - Homing on the frontiers beyond

JF-17 Thunder, the Pakistan-China joint venture is one subject that attracts viewers to my earlier posts on this aircraft throughout the year. Therefore, I thought to add more to it as an update on my previous posts.

The JF-17 Thunder project after making headlines at the Farnborough air show earlier this year, has recently been at the centre of attraction for the prospective buyers at the 8th China International aviation and Aerospace Exhibition recently held in the China’s coastal city of Zhuhai. Some 35 countries participated in the exhibition. This was the first time that Pakistan also participated in the Exhibition with its proud possession of JF-17 Thunders, besides the K-8 Karakoram trainer aircraft (also a joint production of China and Pakistan).

Beside many attractions, the air show also provided its participants a rare opportunity to see China’s J-10 aircraft, followed by awesome aerobatic display of the three JF-17 Thunders by the Pakistani pilots. The Sherdils of Pakistan displayed hair raising aerobatics with their ten K-8 trainer aircraft, which really spellbound the spectators.

The participants of the exhibition are reported to have taken keen interest in the JF-17 Thunder, which provides a low price tagged solution to the challenges in the air with its par excellence avionics, reduced maintenance and operational costs as compared to other aircraft of the same class and category. South African and French companies have already shown interest in updating the JF-17’s avionics and weapons package.

It may be added here that Pakistan Air Force has already officially inducted its first JF-17 squadron on 18th February 2010 and is in the process of adding yet another squadron soon. This light weight multirole all-weather combat aircraft has seven external hard points that can carry 8,000 pounds of ordnance. Internal armament comprises one 23 mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel cannon mounted under the port side air intake, which can be replaced with a 30 mm GSh-30-2 twin-barrel cannon.

Related Link:

Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder at Farnborough Air Show 2010

JF-17 Thunder – the first squadron enters Pakistan Air Force

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The Marching Tune of PMA – A Tune to Die For

Military bands all over the world play tunes of national motivational songs to boost the morale of their armed forces. The soldiers, the famous foot sloggers, no matter how tired or fatigued, demoralized or defeated, stand to their feet with new vigour and strength when even a lone bag pipers starts to play a motivational tune. Soldiers would die fighting as long as the tune is there in the air. War movies are replete with the scenes of drummers beating the drums and the bag pipers blowing their pipes to arouse the spirits of their comrades to fight and charge like lions.

Like all other armies, Pakistan Army too has the traditions of military band and almost all infantry battalions have their own band, mostly pipe bands. But the charm, strength and the motivation that a brass induces has no parallel. And when the brass band plays the tune “Allah-o-Akbar” (God is great), even the dead soldiers get out of their graves and start marching beside their comrades. While the lyrics of the original song (Ae Mard-i-Mujahid Jaag Zara Ab Waqat-i-Shahadat Ha Aya, Allah-o-Akbar’ – meaning Oh soldier, gather your strength as the time of martyrdom has come – God is great), sung by Inyat Hussain Bhatti during the 1965 war, are by themselves highly motivational, the combined effect of the drums, bugles, clarinets, symbols and the tubas make it so forceful that one can feel the beat getting to ones heart. Even a non military person when hears this tune, would be carried away with the tune and find himself marching like a soldier.

And when it comes to playing at the Pakistan military Academy, the scenario is altogether different. The parade of some 400 plus cadets of the same age, build and height, coupled with same devotion, spirit and desire to defend the motherland presents something which is worth watching. I have been the participant of such parades and believe me when the tune played, it sent electrified signals through my body and when we started marching on the tune, it looked as if our heals would dig water of the metalled surface of the drill square.

Recently, I visited PMA (PMA Revisited) after decades along with my family as a friend of my son was getting commission. And when the parade marched in on the tune of “Allah-o-Akbar”, I was electrified and if allowed, I would have joined the parade and marched along the young lads as I could feel the same vigour in me as it was decades ago when I marched in along with my passing out course long ago. Many of my readers may not understand my emotional attachment to this tune, but if one listens to the actual song and then dream oneself marching into the battle, one would then understand how a man in uniform feels when the time comes.

Watch a glimpse of passing out parade at Pakistan Militarily Academy: 

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PMA Revisited

This month on 17^th April 2010, a friend of my youngest son was having his passing out parade at the prestigious Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul (Abbottabad) and he requested me to make arrangements to witness the parade. So I asked an old staff officer of mine, Major Jamal, to arrange passes for us. And we were there on the morning of the 17^th April and joined a long snail paced convoy of cars on from Abbottabad to Kakul. The weather was cloudy and the sun was playing hide and seek with the dark black clouds. But when we reached the venue, the sun had succeeded in warding off the clouds and had taken its usual position to lit up each and every corner of the PMA’s drill square, which was decorated with buntings and colourful chairs corresponding to the colour of the enclosure.

Then the parade started marching in and it took me back to some three decades when I was also part of the marching columns and was part of the senior division getting commission. Seeing the parade from outside was very fascinating, but being a part of it was altogether different, specially for the ones getting commission in the Pakistan Army. The rituals and the sequence was the same and I could see myself among the Tariq Company contingent. When the sword of honour was presented, I recalled how Tariq Khan from our course marched smartly forward to receive it. The march off of the senior division from the drill square and slowing disappearing from the steps of the battalion mess was very touchy and I wished to trace back my steps, and that I did.

After the parade was over, we were asked to “cross” the drill square, and “climb up” the stairs to have refreshments inside the battalion mess. And that is when I stepped on the cemented drill square of PMA, exactly 33 years and one day over and it made me shiver both with awe, happiness and remembrance of some of the course mates, who were with us on that fateful day but are no more today. 

We had marched on the drill square hundreds of times together, had some sweet and bitter memories of the place. And then reached the steps rising up to the battalion mess. I tried to slow march a few steps as I did on my passing out date, and felt happy that whatever I desired and promised to my country, I had fulfilled with pride, honour and dignity.

A 'veteran' poses in front of Khalid Company - some 33 years after leaving this building

The battalion mess was over crowded with guests and cadets but for me it was the same place where we dined day and night during our two years stay at the academy. It was the same place where I earned my medal during my convocation and made my parents feel proud and happy. Outside the mess on the other side stood Khalid and Tariq Companies’ blocs where I spent a year each and finally passing out as part of the Tariq Seniors.

Someday in one’s life, one must revisit places where he has been brought up, lived and grown or places which form part of nostalgia. PMA was no doubt one of the days that brings back that nostalgia and I really felt happy to have come back here and followed the steps that I took so proudly decades ago.

Photos Above:

(Left to Right – Top Line) Empty Drill Square (after the parade), The Battalion Mess

(Left to Right – Bottom Line) Khalid Company Bloc (my first term company), my son Wahaab with his friend Omar

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Aye Watan Kay Sajeelay Jawano (O’ Brave men of my Country)

I first listened to this great motivational national song during September 1965 when Pakistan and India went to war. This was sung by the late melody queen Noor Jahan and became an instant hit and reverberated through each street and corner during the 17 days long war and thereafter. Everyone sang along this song whenever it was aired on the radio, and so did I. This along with many other national songs was an immense source of motivation for the soldiers fighting on the borders and reflected the aspirations of the people of Pakistan as they stood united behind their men of steel.

Today, we are yet again faced with a war – a war that has enemy from within (though most certainly backed and supported from the forces outside our territorial borders). Once again our men of steel are fighting a war – a war much more bloodier and difficult as compared to the previous wars. A war in which it is very difficult to differentiate between a friend and a foe. All look alike – but the valiant soldiers fight on – shedding their blood to rid the menace of terror from the country so that people sleep in peace.

The war is also taking a toll of innocent people who die every day in bomb blasts that rip apart the silence of our cities and daily life. While I write, I listen to yet another blast in Peshawar, leaving 90 dead, mostly women and children.

I salute all these “Sajeelay Jawans, men, women and children” who die for no fault of theirs but that of others who we do not know. I only want to tell the departed ones that we would remain united till our last to fight out the militants – the hired assassins and mercenaries.

Once again today, I sing the song aloud - Aye Watan Kay Sajeelay Jawano – and am sure everyone would join me.
pakistan 

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