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General Jagjit Singh Aurora, the Hero of Bangla Desh.

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Courage in Battle:
Its Correlation With Gurbani
Part I
Janam Da Firangee, Sikhi Mai Mangee

FATEHPAL SINGH TARNEY

 

 

 






I have titled this column 'Part I' because it is a work in progress – purely an exploratory essay. I am attempting to connect Sikh military prowess with Sikh scripture.

I had the pleasure of teaching for many years with a wonderful colleague, a teacher of English. Once, at a teacher workshop, she said something that stuck with me for the over thirty years since that professional meeting: “How do I know what I think, until I see what I have written?” Thus, we all should write in order to clarify our thoughts on any and all issues. Writing does not necessarily mean a magnum opus, but simply random notes that can sharpen our thoughts on any topic that interests us.

I have written previously that beyond the obvious components of courage and effectiveness in battle, such as love of country, intellect, training, and physical fitness, the inspiration of Gurbani is essential for the Sikh soldier.

The influence of Gurbani becomes more apparent when one appreciates the importance of composure and tranquility in battle. I can also state, without hesitation, from my own Vietnam War experience, that a sense of humor often contributes to courage and success on the battlefield. This may seem counter-intuitive – contrary to common sense.

I have written elsewhere of a combat incident in Vietnam where my unit manning an outpost was being overrun by the Vietcong and regular North Vietnamese troops. There happened to be, back in America, a cartoon commercial for a breakfast cereal called “Crispy Critters” in the shape of various animals from Africa. When the cereal box was opened, these animals stampeded out of it toward the TV screen. Our radio operator in calling for artillery support and other reinforcements, pleaded into his headset something like: “Mayday, mayday, we need help - they're on us like Crispy Critters!”

Every Marine within hearing distance, despite taking enemy fire, began to laugh, which elevated our morale and our resistance. I am convinced, fifty years later, that despite the gunfire and grenade detonations, the enemy heard our laughter. As our spirits were uplifted, theirs had the opposite effect.

This leads me to the superb work on the concept of chardi kalaa by my beloved brother in Britain, Sardar Sohan Singh ji. Sikh history contains many examples of such relentless optimism even under the most difficult of circumstances. Always remaining calm, in control, cheerful, and never accepting defeat, all are together the central features of chardi kalaa.

gurmukẖ kaḏey na āvai hār - The Gurmukh is never defeated. [GGS:942]

The poetry of that paragon of the Renaissance Man, Mohammad Iqbal from back in the days of the British Raj always comes to mind when I think of our Sikh concept of chardi kalaa. Muhammad Iqbal was a poet, philosopher, politician, and lawyer, considered to be the spiritual inspiration for the eventual creation of Muslim Pakistan.

He once wrote, “O Eagle, do not be afraid of the swift and hostile winds, because they are there to make you fly even higher.”

My initial “introductions” to modern Sikh military action came in a curious way. I entered the American armed forces in 1965 when India was at war with Pakistan. Just before I left for basic training, I saw film coverage on television of Sikh soldiers doing battle and was impressed. Of course, the turbans and beards stood out as well. Then in 1971, upon my return from the Vietnam War, once again India was at war with Pakistan, which culminated in the creation of the independent country of Bangladesh out of what was East Pakistan.

Coverage on American TV was extensive and here again Sikh troops were focused on. General Jagjit Singh Aurora gave press conferences about the progress of that war and I was so impressed with his intellect and demeanor. In other words, I left for military service with images of Sikh soldiers and returned with the same.


To be continued ...

September 15, 2016
 

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Its Correlation With Gurbani
Part I
Janam Da Firangee, Sikhi Mai Mangee"









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