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Branwyn Crystal
A critical Study by Branwyn
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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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1.
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 daughters-
Ganiv, 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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4.
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 multi-
dimension.
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
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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 self-
evaluation, 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
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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 self-
concern.
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
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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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5.
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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6.
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
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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
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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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7.
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
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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!‖
Branwyn Crystal – A Critical Study Project by Branwyn
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