A captain wins the day over Saragarhi valour

By K. Natwar Singh

ON May 17, an unusual function was held at the Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. The occasion was the release of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s book on the battle of ‘Saragarhi and the Defence of the Sikh Samana Forts”. The author is a multifaceted individual — an ex-maharaja, soldier, politician, the best historian on military matters, perhaps the only one.

He gave a comprehensive talk on the battle, with maps and photographs. Some were recently obtained from Pakistan. The battle took place in 1897-1898 in an inhospitable terrain. Years earlier Lt. Winston Churchill had fought at Malakand, not too far from Saragarhi. He wrote a book about it, his first. I have mixed feelings about Churchill. He was undoubtedly a great man, but also an imperial racist. 

The book covers the period from Maharaja Ranjit Singh till 1897-8 and a detailed account of the several Anglo-Afghan wars in the 19th century. One recognizes the names of Dost Mohammad, Shah Suja, Hari Singh Nalwa, and of course, the “Great Game”, in which the Russian and British played military and diplomatic chess. The Afghans are fine soldiers, but wild and blood-thirsty. They are at peace with themselves only when at war with each other.

The cover ‘Photograph’ is that of the valiant Havaldar Ishar Singh, about whom Amarinder Singh writes: “Being a soldier, I have always wondered at the situation as to how, as a young officer, I would have handled the situation in Saragarhi. I have come to the conclusion that no junior commander could have fought a more gallant and perfect action than Havaldar Ishar Singh and his garrison of a platoon minus at Saragarhi…”

The research is awesome. I read of the valour of the Sikh Regiment with much admiration. It is a book worth reading. I have little knowledge of military matters, never possessed a gun let alone fired one. 

Next followed a discussion between the irrepressible Suhel Seth, Amarinder Singh and Khushwant Singh about his authorised biography of Amarinder Singh. It was a lively discussion. Suhel Seth almost stole the show. But not once did Amarinder Singh let Seth get away with it. Khushwant Singh (the other K.S died some years ago in his 98th year) was low key and modest. He writes well and with restraint. It is entirely possible while writing a book about the virile Patialas to go overboard. Khushwant Singh has resisted that temptation. 

It is an excelled biography worth reading and relishing.

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PRESIDENT Trump, breaks the diplomatic China every morning. When a President is laughed at and made fun of, he is in deep trouble. He has made no effort to learn the forms and norms that a US President must respect and follow. Only after a few months in office, the talk of an impeachment has started in the corridors of Capitol Hill. This has never happened in American history.

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INDIA taking the Jadav case to the International Court of Justice at The Hague has been justified. This is for the present, good news indeed. More so is the postponing of the execution of Shri Jadav. Within Pakistan there is egg on many faces and discomfiture. Pakistan rejecting the ICJ’s verdict will internationally do it no good.

We must not, however, gloat. This is the first battle. The execution has been postponed till the final decision in August. Now, Pakistan cannot deny consular access to Shri Kulbushan Jadav.

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ANOTHER glamorous celebration was held on May 14 at the massive Indira Gandhi Sports Centre. The 90th anniversary of the Essel group was observed with restraint. The President and the Prime Minister were present. Many extinguished volcanoes like me were also to be seen. The Prime Minister as usual stole the show by his oratorical skills. The President made a lacklustre speech. Another fine performance was that of Subhas Chandra, the leading light of his colossal worldwide business empire. His voice was resonant. His father, now in his late eighties, wore his traditional Harkauri attire, white turban, jawahar jacket, kurta and dhoti. He spoke from the heart and won many hearts. The Essel Empire is now worth billions and is expanding.

The other day a friend asked me to name just one regret that befell me. I replied, “Not being 6’ tall!”