While in & out of service one has spent most of the years living & serving in the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. Apart from the captivating beauty of the hills, one aspect that always made an indelible impact was the extreme fragile nature of the hills. Being an inveterate angler, one naturally has … Read more
A timely intervention by the Border Security Force (BSF) helped save the famous Kalimath temple in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. Kalimath is one of the 108 ‘Shakti Peeths’ in India. Flooding in the River Kali had washed away a large portion of land, which posed a big threat to the shrine. A BSF team not only saved … Read more
The Histroical temple of Mahesu devta in Thena village Jaunsar, Kalsi Block, Dehradun district. Mahesu Devta is a prominent devta(God) worshipped in the Jaunsar region of Uttarakhand, India. With a rich cultural heritage, the Jaunsar-Bawar region has a unique blend of customs, traditions, and beliefs, and the worship of Mahesu Devta holds great significance in … Read more
Is it a insect or ……..Seen near riverbed in Himalayas…Photo by Ramesh Krishak- Bageshwar, Will some Entomologist tell us about the name and other description……… The inforamtion below was given by Prateek Panwar. Augosoma centaurus This beautiful beetle hails from tropical Africa and is is arguably the most handsome of the African rhinos. It was … Read more
With wheat harvested…..it time to remove the husk and stem from the wheat…done by .. the traditional system of trampling by bullocks in the hills…. For generations farmers in subsistence agricultural system have been doing this…. No wonder… the new educated generation will not like to live in the village and continue doing what their … Read more
The National Game of Manipuris Manipur, a state situated in northeastern India, holds immense cultural significance that sets it apart from other regions. This enchanting land is blessed with a rich tapestry of traditions, rituals, and art forms that have been passed down through generations. Let us delve into Manipur’s cultural heritage and explore its … Read more
Pratap Singh age as recored in his marticulation certificate show the date of birth as . 15 April 1918. now 97. (April 2014) His matriculation certificate of 1938, is of Punjab University-Lahore, now in Pakistan. He joined Army in 1938, as a soldier with Skinner’s horse (first Horse), part of Armoured corp. The training centre at that time was in Jhansi-MP. At that time the troops in Skinner’s horse were Jaats, Rajputs and Punjab Muslims. According to him the Punjab Muslims were replace by Sikhs after Partition of the sub-continent in 1947. At Jhansi training centre, the troops of 2 Lancer, 17 Poona Horse and 18 cavelry were also trained. As a soldier of the Skinner’s horse, he saw action in Middle East during Second World War for five continuous years since 1940. He was awarded Africa Star medal and Defence Star medal for his service in the war. After eight years in the army and without any break since his training days he took volunantry retirement but within few months again opted for the army but this time for opening in Defence Security Force and retired as a Subedar. The author had the pleasure to talk to him and know about some events of history.
Photos of young Pratap Singh and some recent photos are of his regimental reunion 2013 and family photos-Four Generations.
Young Soldier of Skinner’s horse 
Egypt 
Now in Bhiwani
Son, grand son, grand daughters and great grand sons
Daughter, grand son and great grand daughters
Regimental Reunion
With the present lot of officers at the reunion
The author with Pratap Singh
The wheat fields of Bhiwani-Haryana in April 2014
He leads a disciplined life in Bhiwani town, Haryana. His glowing face and alert mind at this age should inspire the present generation to lead a healthy and disciplined life.
By Devendra k Budakoti