Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The Buck Stops Here: Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai and the Soul of Fazilka
We, me and Late Dr Bhupinder Singh, turned to Vikram, a progressive farmer, seeking his perspective. His response was immediate: "Let's do it." Adding to this momentum, Capt. M.S. Bedi, an ex-army officer and philanthropist from Fazilka, joined in with enthusiasm, declaring, "Yaar, karte hain." With the combined support of these two individuals, the path forward became clearer.
However, organizing an event of this magnitude was no small feat. Handling logistics for over 20,000 attendees required significant mobilization and support. It was at this juncture that the Indian Army's involvement became pivotal.
Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, then the Commanding Officer of his unit stationed in Fazilka, embraced the idea wholeheartedly, recognizing the potential of civil-armed force collaboration. His support was steadfast, and his leadership instrumental in bringing the festival to fruition.
With Lt. Gen. Ghai's guidance, we initiated the festival with a cycle rally to spread awareness, leading into a three-day celebration at the Old Ram Press premises. His commitment extended beyond his official capacity; his family became integral to the event. Mrs. Ghai took charge of the exhibitions and handicrafts, leveraging her role as the head of the Armed Wives Welfare Association. She even arranged for a special chef from Rajasthan to bring authentic Rajasthani cuisine to the festival. This infusion of culture and dedication transformed the festival overnight, setting a precedent for future events. The festival culminated in a resounding success, with all thanks to the Indian Army and the leader Lt. General Rajiv Ghai.
After the festival's conclusion, Vikram and I visited Lt. Gen. Ghai's office to express our gratitude. There, a simple yet profound sign caught our attention: "The Buck Stops Here." This phrase resonated deeply with me, encapsulating a philosophy of accountability and leadership. When I later established my first independent office as a traffic advisor, it was Lt. Gen. Ghai's idea to place the same sign on my door—a constant reminder of responsibility.
Fast forward to April of this year, we celebrated the 17th edition of the Fazilka Heritage Festival. What began as a tentative endeavor has now become an enduring tradition, a testament to the resilience and unity of our community.
Recently, during a conference, Lt. Gen. Ghai referenced a famous cricketing adage: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. If Lillee don't get you, Thommo must." This metaphor, highlighting a relentless defense, mirrors his approach to leadership. When residents of Fazilka saw him on national television, they recognized the same zeal, leadership, and untiring commitment that had once galvanized our festival. Now serving as the Director General of Military Operations, Lt. Gen. Ghai's influence remains deeply embedded in our city's cultural fabric.
The Indian Army has continued this legacy of support. Last year, Brigadier Maneesh Jain added new dimensions to the festival, reinforcing the army's role as a steadfast pillar of our community. In Fazilka, where political or administrative challenges often arise, the army's consistent support has ensured our collective success.
Reflecting on Lt. Gen. Ghai's statement, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. If Lillee don't get you, Thommo must," it's evident that the network of patriotic civilians he helped cultivate stands as a formidable defense. This community, united and resilient, ensures that any adversary would find themselves ensnared in a web of solid solidarity.
In Fazilka, the buck indeed stops here.
#LtGeneralRajivGhai #IndianArmy #SmartFauji
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Rai Sikhs of Fazilka: Guardians of the Frontier
Dr Navdeep Asija
In the border district of Fazilka, the Rai Sikh community traces its roots to the 1947 Partition. Originally from West Punjab (places like Okara, Pakpattan and Sahiwal), they migrated en masse into India. Settled on lands left by departing families, they transformed this frontier into thriving farms. Today, Rai Sikhs dominate over 200 villages in the Fazilka-Ferozepur belt, making up nearly 40% of the region's population. Their Punjabi dialect retains echoes of Shahmukhi (the script of their old home) even as they write in Gurmukhi, and they carry on rich rural traditions – from weaving charpoy beds to hand-crafting sturdy village furniture – that reflect a proud agrarian heritage.
Living on the frontline, the Rai Sikhs have repeatedly proven their mettle in India's wars. In 1971, Pakistani forces overran 28 border villages, but could not break the spirit of this community. Villagers evacuated their families yet some stayed to watch over the land; when they returned, their fields were sown with landmines, making farming near-impossible. Undaunted, they helped clear the danger and nursed the land back to fertility. Local elders still vividly recall the thunder of 1965 and 1971, the hurried evacuations and nights spent under shellfire. "War leads only to destruction," they say, but also note with quiet pride that Punjabis like them "never fear the battlefield…we stand with the nation". Many from this community have served in the Army and Border Security Force, a tradition carried on by the youth. "Now, children are eager to study. Many of our boys are in the Army… Times are changing," says Veer Singh, a village leader. Even the women and elders pitch in: during conflicts, they form civilian defense groups, care for evacuated livestock, and support the troops. One such resident boldly declared, "We are ready to support our soldiers as the first line of defense", echoing a sentiment that has turned these villagers into an unofficial extension of the armed forces.
The cultural identity of Fazilka's Rai Sikhs is a unique blend of courage and heritage. They pray in gurdwaras that were built with their own hands and celebrate festivals with an exuberance undimmed by hardship. Their language and lore bridge India and Pakistan, and their crafts and customs continue as reminders of a history that spans both sides of the border. Administrators and Army officers alike have acknowledged the Rai Sikhs' contributions – from helping thwart infiltrators to swiftly rebuilding communities after floods. After the 1971 war, it was the villagers of Asafwala who gathered the fallen soldiers and built the Shaheedon ki Samadhi memorial to honor 226 slain heroes, enshrining the mortal remains of 82 "saviours of Fazilka". When a massive flood in 1988 destroyed this monument, the community raised it again brick by brick, a testament to their devotion and resilience.
Legacy: Over the decades, the Rai Sikh community of Fazilka has become a living bulwark on India's western border. Through partition and war, through floods and uncertainty, they have stood steadfast – a Great Wall of Fazilka and Punjab in spirit if not in stone. Their frontline villages, often surrounded by Pakistan on three sides and the Sutlej River on the fourth, are more than just border settlements; they are symbols of indomitable courage. With every generation, new stories are added to the Rai Sikhs' saga – of sons and daughters guarding the nation in uniform, of farmers who refuse to abandon their fields, and of elders who pass on the flame of resilience. This community's history and character have left an indelible mark on Fazilka, where the Rai Sikhs continue to embody a legacy of valour, cultural richness, and unwavering loyalty to their land and country.
In the border district of Fazilka, the Rai Sikh community traces its roots to the 1947 Partition. Originally from West Punjab (places like Okara, Pakpattan and Sahiwal), they migrated en masse into India. Settled on lands left by departing families, they transformed this frontier into thriving farms. Today, Rai Sikhs dominate over 200 villages in the Fazilka-Ferozepur belt, making up nearly 40% of the region's population. Their Punjabi dialect retains echoes of Shahmukhi (the script of their old home) even as they write in Gurmukhi, and they carry on rich rural traditions – from weaving charpoy beds to hand-crafting sturdy village furniture – that reflect a proud agrarian heritage.
Living on the frontline, the Rai Sikhs have repeatedly proven their mettle in India's wars. In 1971, Pakistani forces overran 28 border villages, but could not break the spirit of this community. Villagers evacuated their families yet some stayed to watch over the land; when they returned, their fields were sown with landmines, making farming near-impossible. Undaunted, they helped clear the danger and nursed the land back to fertility. Local elders still vividly recall the thunder of 1965 and 1971, the hurried evacuations and nights spent under shellfire. "War leads only to destruction," they say, but also note with quiet pride that Punjabis like them "never fear the battlefield…we stand with the nation". Many from this community have served in the Army and Border Security Force, a tradition carried on by the youth. "Now, children are eager to study. Many of our boys are in the Army… Times are changing," says Veer Singh, a village leader. Even the women and elders pitch in: during conflicts, they form civilian defense groups, care for evacuated livestock, and support the troops. One such resident boldly declared, "We are ready to support our soldiers as the first line of defense", echoing a sentiment that has turned these villagers into an unofficial extension of the armed forces.
The cultural identity of Fazilka's Rai Sikhs is a unique blend of courage and heritage. They pray in gurdwaras that were built with their own hands and celebrate festivals with an exuberance undimmed by hardship. Their language and lore bridge India and Pakistan, and their crafts and customs continue as reminders of a history that spans both sides of the border. Administrators and Army officers alike have acknowledged the Rai Sikhs' contributions – from helping thwart infiltrators to swiftly rebuilding communities after floods. After the 1971 war, it was the villagers of Asafwala who gathered the fallen soldiers and built the Shaheedon ki Samadhi memorial to honor 226 slain heroes, enshrining the mortal remains of 82 "saviours of Fazilka". When a massive flood in 1988 destroyed this monument, the community raised it again brick by brick, a testament to their devotion and resilience.
Legacy: Over the decades, the Rai Sikh community of Fazilka has become a living bulwark on India's western border. Through partition and war, through floods and uncertainty, they have stood steadfast – a Great Wall of Fazilka and Punjab in spirit if not in stone. Their frontline villages, often surrounded by Pakistan on three sides and the Sutlej River on the fourth, are more than just border settlements; they are symbols of indomitable courage. With every generation, new stories are added to the Rai Sikhs' saga – of sons and daughters guarding the nation in uniform, of farmers who refuse to abandon their fields, and of elders who pass on the flame of resilience. This community's history and character have left an indelible mark on Fazilka, where the Rai Sikhs continue to embody a legacy of valour, cultural richness, and unwavering loyalty to their land and country.
11th May 2025
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