Colonel Pani hails from Sathuvachary, Vellore.
He was born in 1923. He studied in Vellore Venkateswara High school. He joined the English Army even before pursuing his college studies. He participated in various wars – 2nd World War, India-Pakistan War, and India-China War. He led the troops to victory on many occasions and brought glory to the country.
Col. Pani is now 93 years old and keeps excellent health and amazingly fit!
He shared his personal experience:
I was born and brought up in Vellore. I had 5 siblings. I was the last born. Including my grandfather and father, 8 generations of my family have served the Army.
I decided to join college as soon as completing my school. However, there was announcement about requirement in Army. So, I applied at the age of 15. I joined as Lieutenant.
I participated in the 2nd World War between 1939 & 1945. I had gone to Sri Lanka, Japan, Burma and Singapore. Our troop returned to India on 3rd August, 1947.
I came on leave during this period. After independence, I got married in 1953. My wife is Ms. Saroja. We have a son Ravichandran and a daughter Suseela.
As another War came, I got the call to participate. I participate in 1962 War against China and 1971 War against Pakistan.
During the India-Pakistan War, we had gone up to 33 km inside the border between the 2 countries. We saw the engine driver and guard escaping and running away on seeing the Indian Army in a place called Fatehpur.
I removed the 2 signal lights (Red, Green,a nd Amber) from the train and still keeping it as a memoir of victory.
Security activities
I participated in the final rites of Mahatma Gandhi as a part of security. I have also done duty as the security for India’s 1stPresident, Mr. Rajendra Prasad.
I have also worked in 17 workshops of a team of 100 scientists and 1200 employees. I have manufactures guns, etc. I have kept a model of a machine which can shoot through several km distance.
During the year 1968, 5000 police tried to quell the protesting crowd of 6000 on 6th March. They could not succeed. We received the order to disperse the crowd. I led the team of 200 and with shooting, we dispersed the crowd.
I worked as 2nd Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel and retired in 1973.
After retirement, based on the request from Vellore Uris College Principal, I agreed to work in the Subject of ‘Defence’ for 15 years as honorary teacher without any remunerations.
In our times, there were not many robberies or murders – today, they have become everyday occurrences.
The main activity of the students is to go to school or college and study. However, in today’s times, the students indulge in strikes and riots. Students must not take Law in their hands.
Currently, there are protests against sales of alcoholic liquors. The public should give some period of time for the government to cooperate in this regard. The government has to consider the revenue, rules and regulations before taking action.
Every individual has rights. However, they have to do their duty and be lawful. They should be good citizens.
In my younger days, I participated in National Hockey championship between 1947 & 1958 and then won the National Squash Championship between 1958 & 1973.
The main reason for my extraordinary fitness even at the age of 93 is that I am a strict vegetarian. I do not smoke or drink. I drink coffee just once a day. I take daily walking exercise. This is why my eyes, ears, hands and legs are in proper condition!
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