Ep 21: An army special from defence campuses across the country

<p>In the light of the loss of 20 Indian soldiers killed in action in the Galwan Valley, Highway On My Podcast decided to dedicate this episode to our men and women who survive extreme conditions for our safety and well-being.&nbsp;</p><br><p>So, Rocky, Mayur, Abhinandan and Prashant take you to various defence campuses across the country, which they had the fortune to visit during their 24-episode stint of <em>Jai Hind</em>. They travel from the freezing cold of -25° Celsius locations to excruciatingly hot terrains where army personnel train in 49° Celsius heat.</p><br><p>The conversation begins with the group discussing their reactions to the Galwan Valley deaths. Rocky corrects Abhinandan when he uses the term “martyred”, explaining that he prefers the army terminology of “KIA”, or “killed in action”. Prashant remembers how cold, dark and harsh it gets in Galwan, and says, “I can’t imagine what they went through.”</p><br><p>Skipping his usual cheeky approach to life, Rocky, who lost his father in action during the 1971 war, passionately speaks about the futility of war. He describes the loss of reality that looms over talking heads calling for war from television studios, and the sheer respect he has for the forces. At any point of time, an army man is ready to fight for his country. But, he adds, “If you need to go to war, have a very good reason for it.”</p><br><p>On a visit to the Eastern Air Command in Shillong, the group reminisces about a funny story involving Rocky’s broken leg, made worse by Abhinandan’s miscalculated bravado. While talking about shooting somewhere in the desert, Prashant describes the minimalism of the <em>fauji</em> lifestyle and why army men stand apart from a crowd. Speaking of the desert, Abhinandan remembers being around one of the world’s only mounted cavalry, and also how a platoon erected a kitchen and a dining area in the middle of the desert in no time.</p><br><p>Another memorable experience was a formal dinner with the para commandos, made special by the tradition and disci