The Buck Stops Here: Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai and the Soul of Fazilka

In 2007, the Fazilka Heritage Festival stood at a crossroads. The inaugural event in the year 2006 had been a success, but uncertainty loomed over its continuation. It was September 2007, and with the festival traditionally celebrated in April, time was already slipping away.
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.

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