“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

Remembering “Daddy” – Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (06.3.1932 - 22.9.2008)

Remembrance – Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (06.3.1932 - 22.9.2008) 

Today is the 6^th of March.

The 6^th of March was the birthday of my late father-in-law Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi who we affectionately called “Daddy”. 

How time flies...!!! 

He passed away to his heavenly abode in the early hours of 22^nd of September 2008.

Ten and a Half years have passed since the inimitable Pratap Dattatraya Joshi left for his heavenly abode. 

Lest we forget him – on this day – the 6^th of March 2019 – which would have been his 87^th birthday – 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 22^nd 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 he 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 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 his pet dog 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 – a Master Mariner – 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  (06.3.1932 - 22.9.2008) – RIP.

May His Soul Rest in Peace.

VIKRAM KARVE

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

Remembering “Daddy” on his 10th death anniversary

Remembrance – Brigadier Pratap Dattatraya Joshi (6.3.1932 - 22.9.2008)

Today is the 22nd of September 2018 – the 10^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.

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

Lest we forget him – on this day – his 10^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 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

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
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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