“Daddy” – Last Post

Remembrance – Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 - 22.9.2008)

Tomorrow is the 22nd of September 2019 – the 11^th death anniversary of my late father-in-law Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi who we affectionately called “Daddy”. 

How time flies...!!! 

He passed away in the early hours of 22 September 2008.

Eleven years have passed since the inimitable Pratap Dattatraya Joshi left for his heavenly abode. 

Lest we forget him – on this day – his 11^th death anniversary – let me sound the “Last Post” once again.

As a token of my remembrance – here is the obituary “LAST POST” that I wrote for him when he left us for his heavenly abode on the 22nd of September 2008.

LAST POST

Obituary

Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi  (6.3.1932 - 22.9.2008)

In the early hours of the 22^nd of September 2008, Pratap Dattatraya Joshi, breathed his last, and departed for his heavenly abode, at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.

Pratap Joshi was an epitome of simple living and high thinking. 

Born on the 6^th of March 1932, he imbibed sterling values from his father, DP Joshi, a Teacher and Scout, a legend in his lifetime.

Brigadier PD Joshi was a product of the prestigious First Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA – or 1^st JSW – as he liked to call it – then located in Dehradun).

Brigadier PD Joshi was certainly not the archetypal pompous hard-drinking handlebar-moustachioed high-falutin “Colonel Blimp” type of Army Officer.

He was not an elitist snob, but a simple honest patriotic professional who believed in grassroot soldiering. 

He was a simple, down-to-earth, Spartan, unassuming, dedicated, sincere, patriotic, scrupulously honest, erudite person possessing a golden heart filled with humility and compassion. 

Throughout his distinguished career spanning 37 years, and even thereafter, he spread happiness, benevolence and goodwill owing to his cheerful disposition, kind-hearted nature and inimitable sense of humour.

Forever young at heart – Pratap Joshi did not suffer from the Auld Lang Syne Complex. 

After retirement – unlike most retired “faujis” – he never lived in the past, languishing and brooding about the “good old days” – but he moved on with exceptional enthusiasm and childlike zeal to his new loves – music and social work.

Starting from the scratch – he studied classical music with sheer dedication, resolute grit and passionate zest for many years till he was bestowed with the prestigious music post-graduate degree of Sangeet Alankar. 

Then he taught music to one and all, free of cost – making special efforts to teach the needy and underprivileged.

Travelling extensively – and roughing it out in the heart of the mofussil – to rural and far flung regions – he made a significant social contribution to enhancing primary education in backward areas, as the Chief Trustee of the Natu Foundation Educational Trust. 

He eagerly contributed his expertise to Jnana Prabodhini and for improving the efficiency of Hospitals.

Pratap Joshi loved animals, especially dogs. 

He always had pet dogs, and showered his unconditional love on them and all the dogs that he came across in the neighbourhood, pet and stray. 

It was distressing to see Dolly desperately searching for him soon after he had gone away from us forever. 

We shall always remember the love with which he snuggled and cuddled Sherry, our pet dog – a “Doberman-X” girl – when she was a baby.

(Sadly – Sherry also passed away to her heavenly abode in December 2014)

Pratap Joshi had a genuine zest for living – and he enjoyed every moment of his life – indulging himself in his favourite foods, movies, travel, music etc

If he liked to do something – he did it – anything he liked – without caring for what others would think.

He laughed – and he made others laugh.

I first met Pratap Joshi in March 1982 – and he left such a lasting impression on me that I became his fan ever since. 

He was my father-in-law – more like a loving father who I could count on to stand by me, advise and inspire me, in happiness and in adversity – and I shall forever cherish every moment I shared with him. 

My son, a seafarer, was his favourite grandchild, the apple of his eye. 

It was a pity he could not be with his beloved grandfather during his last moments in September 2008 – as he was sailing on the high seas.  

Such are the tragedies and travesties of life, and death.

We will miss you dearly “Daddy”. 

You lived your life to its fullest and loved all of us from the bottom of your heart. 

We are sure you will shower us with your blessings from your heavenly abode. 

You were a noble and virtuous man who always did good to everyone you met and wherever you went. 

Pratap Dattatraya Joshi  (6.3.1932 - 22.9.2008) – RIP.

May His Soul Rest in Peace.

VIKRAM KARVE

Obituary First Posted on 22 September 2008 in this Blog at url link: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2008/09/pratap-joshi-rip-remembrance.html

Humor in Uniform : Do you want to be a “fauji” – or – do you want to appear to be a “fauji”...?

Do You Want to Join the Defence Services...? 

NB: 
1. The generic term “MILITARY” includes all the three Armed Forces – Army, Navy and Air Force
2. The generic word “Fauj” refers to all arms of the Military (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the term “Fauji” or “Soldier” refers to all military personnel in uniform of the Army, Navy and Air Force (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen)]

CAREER ADVICE – LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Story of a Boy who wanted to “Appear to be a Naval Officer”
A Spoof
By
VIKRAM KARVE

PROLOGUE

There is a difference between being a “fauji” and to appear to be a “fauji”.

I am sure the same holds true for civilian professions as well.

Here is the story of one such officer who wanted to “appear to be a Naval Officer” – rather than – “be a true Naval Officer”

STORY OF A BOY WHO WANTED TO “APPEAR TO BE A NAVAL OFFICER”

Long back – around 30 years ago – a young boy – accompanied by his parents came to see me at my home in Pune where I was spending my annual leave.

The boy – 15 years old – was studying in the 11^th Standard (Class).

He wanted to join the Navy.

His parents – who lived nearby – were from a business background.

I talked to the boy.

I talked to his parents.

Then – from what I had learnt the hard way from my own experience – I advised the boy not to join the Navy.

His parents were angry with me – and they said: “Why are you saying so? Is our son not fit to join the Navy? Our son is very good – look at his personality, his physical fitness, his intelligence, his smartness. Don’t you feel that our son has the aptitude to be selected for the Navy?”

“Of course – he has the APTITUDE...” I commented, “but – does he have the right ATTITUDE...?”

At first – the boy and his parents seemed confused at what I had said.

Then – the parents looked at me angrily – and it seemed that they were getting upset.

Before the parents could react – I said: 

“Well – I feel that your son does not have the appropriate attitude for the Navy...”

I saw that the furious parents now felt that I was demeaning their son.

They were in no mood to listen to any further explanations – so I kept quiet. 

Their ego was hurt.

I could see that now the boy was even more determined than ever to join the Navy just to prove me wrong – as if it were a prestige issue.

The boy cleared the UPSC Exam.

Then – he sailed through the SSB.

Of course – in the Services Selection Boards (SSBs) – they assess “aptitude” – but I wonder if they evaluate “attitude”.

In due course – the smart young boy joined the academy as a cadet for basic training.

I lost track of the boy as I was busy with my own Navy career. 

10 YEARS LATER

Ten years later – the same boy – looking smart in his spotless white uniform of a Navy Lieutenant – was sitting in my office in Mumbai.

He had come to ask me a favour.

He desperately wanted to get out of the Navy.

And – he was wondering – if I could help him out to get out of the Navy

“But why do you want to quit the Navy...?” I asked him with surprise, “You are just beginning your career in the Navy – and you have such a bright future ahead.”

“I just don’t like it over here – I just can’t tolerate my life being controlled all the time – the bloody rules, regulations – and all the bullshit – I can’t stand it anymore,” he complained bitterly.

“So – you don’t like the regimentation – the Navy way of life...?” I asked.

“Yes. I remember what you said 10 years ago when we had come over to your place in Pune. You said that I did not have the right attitude for the Navy. You were right. I should have listened to you...” he said, quite contrite.

Of course – then he went on to list many reasons why he wanted to quit – family pressures (his father was not keeping well and wanted him to look after their family business) – a matrimonial alliance (the girl did not want to marry a defence officer) – and so many other reasons. 

But – the crux of the issue was the Attitudinal Mismatch problem.

I frankly told him that it would be very difficult for him to leave the Navy since he was a permanent commission cadet entry officer.

I advised him that now that he had joined the Navy – it was best for him to continue serving in the Navy – as he had a bright career ahead.

But – I saw that the young Lieutenant sitting in front of me was in no mood to listen to my platitudinous advice.

He had not listened to my advice when I told him not to join the Navy.

Now – again – he did not listen to me when I told him to continue serving in the navy.

I politely told him that I could not help him out in this matter – and that it was best he continue in the Navy at least till he completed 20 years pensionable service. 

But – the young Lieutenant was adamant on quitting the navy. 

He kept submitting his resignation again and again – giving different pretexts each time – and – he made his own life miserable – and – he made everyone else’s life miserable too.

Later – I learnt that his perseverance to quit the Navy had paid off.

He had finally managed to get out of the Navy after a struggle of nearly 3 years – relentlessly pushing his papers – pulling strings – using connections – begging and pleading his case.

13 years of his productive life were wasted – both to him and to the Navy – and finally – he left the Navy with a feeling of bitterness.

MORAL OF THE STORY

During my long Navy career I have seen many such cases of officers who realised that they were misfits in the Navy – and – sadly – they wasted many frustrated years of their lives in misery trying to get out of the Navy.

I am sure you will find similar examples in other professions as well – but – in the civilian world – it is easy to quit your job – and change over to something else.

That is why – before you take up a career – especially a military career – make sure you have the right attitude suitable for that career – LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. 

EPILOGUE 

“MILITARY” CAREER IN A NUTSHELL

Many youngsters keep asking me about life and career prospects in the Armed Forces (Defence Services) – Army, Navy and Air Force.

So – here are the salient aspects of a Military Career in a Nutshell.

12 UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF A MILITARY CAREER IN THE DEFENCE FORCES
Tips from a Military Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE

(The generic term “MILITARY” includes all the three Armed Forces – Army, Navy and Air Force)

A career in the Defence Services or Armed Forces like the Army, Navy and Air Force is different from most other civilian careers. 

The unique attributes of a military career entail a distinctive “way of life” that makes a career in the Armed Forces totally different as compared to a career in the civilian world.

Many young persons join the defence services without fully understanding the unique aspects of a Military career and then they feel out of place, mismatched, frustrated and regretful.

During my long Naval career I have seen so many officers who realised that they were misfits in the navy and wasted many frustrated years of their lives in misery trying to get out of the navy.

Please do not let that happen to you.

Do join the Army, Navy and Air Force – but do so with due diligence – with your eyes open and with full awareness. 

It may prove foolhardy to join on a sudden impulse or in a wave of jingoism. 

You must be realistic about choosing your career – whether in the Defence Services or elsewhere – because your career is probably the most important part of your life.

If you have the right attitude and compatible mindset – then a Military career is very satisfying and fulfilling.

But if your attitude in not in sync with the military way of life – then you may get frustrated and your life may become miserable.

That is why – before you join the defence services – make sure you have the right attitude suitable for a career in the armed forces.

“MILITARY” LIFE IN A NUTSHELL

To put “Military” Life in a nutshell – here is a list of 12 Unique Attributes that characterize a Military Career in the Armed Forces (Army Navy or Air Force):

1. HOLISTIC ORIENTATION

2. LIFETIME EMPLOYMENT

3. REGIMENTATION 

4. TOUGH DANGEROUS CHALLENGING WORK

5. MODERATE COMPENSATION PACKAGE

6. MODEST CAREER PROSPECTS

7. NON-SPECIALISED CAREER PATH 

8. CONFORMIST ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE

9. RIGID RANK BASED HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE 

10. INFLEXIBLE HR POLICIES

11. UNSTABLE NOMADIC FAMILY LIFE

12. EARLY RETIREMENT AGE 

If you planning to join the Armed Forces you must ask yourself whether you have the right attitude and compatible mindset to match all these 12 military attributes.

I am sure you understand each of the 12 points mentioned above which are self-explanatory – but – nevertheless – I shall try and elaborate on each point later in my blog. 

In fact – I have already written articles/stories based on most of the above 12 attributes.

Also – it is always a good idea to talk to young officers of your age group to get a first-hand view of life in the respective Defence Service – as serving officers will be more updated and current in this matter.

Remember the Story of the Boy who wanted to “Appear to be a Naval Officer” – and – ask yourself: 

Do you want to be a “fauji” – or – do you want to appear to be a “fauji”...?

All the Best.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. These tips are based on my own experience and represent my personal views which may not be universal in nature and may not apply to you. You must make your own career decisions with due diligence. 

2. This story narrated in the blog post is a fictional spoof, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

3. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is an abridged extract from a series of career counselling articles written by me Vikram Karve 8 years ago in the year 2010 as a part of my career guidance lectures and I have Earlier Posted this article in my Academic and Creative Writing Blog more than 5 years ago in the year 2013 at urls:  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/career-guidance-tips-do-you-want-to.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/08/army-life-in-nutshell.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/career-guidance-tips-do-you-want-to_9.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/career-guidance-tips-do-you-want-to_4735.html and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/03/fauji-life-in-nutshell-12-attributes-of.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/05/a-military-career-in-navy-attitude.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/11/story-of-boy-who-wanted-to-appear-to-be.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/08/career-adivice-look-before-you-leap.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/military-career-in-nutshell.html etc

OLQ – “Officer Like Qualities”

OLQ – OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES
Military Jargon or Nebulous Gobbledygook?
Musings of a Military Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE 

OLQ – Military Jargon or Nebulous Gobbledygook...?

If you join the Defence Services – the Army, the Navy or Air Force – as an Officer – you will hear a term of Military Jargon being bandied about freely – OLQ – which is the acronym for OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES

OLQ is a most nebulous term.

In my long naval service – I asked many officers to precisely define OLQ.

Most gave generic answers – but no one was able to precisely define OLQ – or clearly specify what exactly constituted OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES

Everyone had his own subjective concept of OLQ.

To me – OLQ seems a bit of gobbledygook.

OLQ means OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES.

So – by its very definition – OLQ pertains only to OFFICERS.

This means that Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR) like Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are not supposed to have OLQ.

Maybe they are supposed to have SLQ (Soldier Like Qualities or Sailor Like Qualities) or ALQ (Airmen Like Qualities) et al

Does this mean that if you are an Officer – you automatically have OLQ.

Are some individuals born with OLQ.

Or is it vice versa – that you develop OLQ once you become an officer.

Some soldiers/sailors/airmen are promoted from the ranks to become officers.

Does this mean that till they were soldiers/sailors/airmen they did not have OLQ – and the moment they got promoted as officers – overnight they acquired OLQ?

It is all very confusing.

So – let us delve a bit deeper.

WHAT IS OLQ

What is OLQ...?

What are the “Officer Like Qualities” required in a Naval Officer...?

Do you want to know the answer to this question...?

It is simple.

Click the url link below and go to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page of the Indian Navy Recruitment Website:

Now – have a look at Question No. 3

What kind of “Officer like Qualities” are required for commission in the Navy?

Now click on the Question and read the answer provided:

The candidates who successfully pass the competitive examination conducted by the UPSC, are interviewed by the Services Selection Boards. Officer Like Qualities of a candidate are assessed during these interviews, which last for about 3 to 4 days. In broad terms, the ability of an individual to withstand physical and mental stress, leadership qualities, determination, fighting spirit, clarity of thought, expression, resolve and overall suitability is assessed during the course of the interview.

I am paraphrasing below the relevant extract of the above answer which defines OLQ or Officer Like Qualities:

In broad terms…Officer Like Qualities or OLQ…is the ability of an individual to withstand physical and mental stress, leadership qualities, determination, fighting spirit, clarity of thought, expression, resolve…

(Please note that even here – OLQ is not defined precisely – but the concept of OLQ is explained only in “broad terms”) 

Does OLQ focus more on PERSONALITY rather than CHARACTER...?

From the definition of OLQ given above – it appears that the focus is on “personality” rather than “character”.

It is surprising that core value-based inner qualities like truthfulness, trustworthiness, honesty, forthrightness and integrity are not considered “Officer Like Qualities”.

Is OLQ all about Personality...?

What about Character Traits like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity...?

Are these positive character traits not considered OLQ?

Are these not being assessed by Services Selection Boards?

If OLQ means having a good personality but excludes character traits – then:

Is it okay for an officer to have a good “personality” – but be morally corrupt...?

Is this the reason why so many scams, scandals and acts of moral turpitude are taking place in the defence services in which many senior officers have been alleged to be involved...? 

Should OLQ include “ETHICAL FITNESS”...?

Do you not feel that sound immaculate character attributes and unblemished ethical qualities are an essential part of OLQ...?

Are these moral qualities of character not more important than the personality traits mentioned in the definition of OLQ given in the Navy Recruitment Website...?

What is your view?

Please tell us.

Do you feel that Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity are not essential “Officer Like Qualities”...?

Do you think that an officer need not be truthful, trustworthy, honest and forthright under all circumstances?

Do you feel that concepts like “code of conduct” and “honour code” are outdated ideas of the past and have no relevance in the current environment?

Or are you of the view that – in today’s modern world – to succeed in the defence services – an officer needs to be “street smart” rather than straightforward?

Does OLQ mean “STREET SMARTNESS” ?

Does OLQ mean “street smartness” ?

“Street Smartness” is the shrewd ability of how to survive or succeed in any situation using any means.

“Street Smartness” requires you to “Morally Pliable” 

Or – to use an euphemism – to be “Street Smart” – you must have have “Tact”.

So – does OLQ boil down to outwardly having an “Officer-like personality” – and inwardly being “Street Smart”...?

Is this how we want our Army, Navy and Air Force officers to be...?

Do “Character Attributes” like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity have no place in OLQ...?

Do we want “tactful street-smart officers” who shine outside but are hollow inside...?

DO SERVICES SELECTION BOARDS (SSB) ASSESS “ETHICAL FITNESS” ?

If one goes by the answer given in the Navy Recruitment Website which lists the “Officer Like Qualities” which are assessed during the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview – it seems that officer candidates are not being assessed for “ethical fitness”.

When you select an Officer for the Defence Services:

You assess intellectual fitness (UPSC Examination – NDA/CDSE/Naval Academy).

You assess physical fitness (SSB).

You assess “psychological” fitness (SSB).

You assess medical fitness (Military Hospital).

But do you assess Ethical Fitness...?

Why does OLQ not include “Character Attributes” like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity?

Why is “Ethical Fitness” not being assessed by SSBs...?

Is “Ethical Fitness” not a part of OLQ...?

Do we want Military Officers who are “Ethically Unfit”...?

It all depends on the moot question:

What is OLQ ?

I hope some military veteran will enlighten us on this moot point.

What is the meaning of OLQ...?

Do “Officer Like Qualities” only comprise personality attributes and not character traits...? 

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

The above post is an updated version of my post WHAT IS OLQ - THE DEFINITION OF OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES posted by me on this blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/what-is-olq-definition-of-officer-like.html and revised/reposted at url: https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/MILITARY-OFFICER-LIKE-QUALITIES-OLQ and https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/OLQ-Officer-Like-Qualities-a-most-Nebulous-Term-Military-Jargon-or-Gobbledygook