I was recommissioned in Territorial Army (TA)in 1983, it was with 107 Infantry Battalion, The unit was located at Lebong, Darjeeling, West Bengal. I was the parade commander of TA Day, 9th October 1983, at this location, the only parade ground which is used for training for TA, Race Course, helipad Football ground.
The weather was full of fog and cloudy. As a parade commander, I could not see the VIP at the saluting base. I could hear the sound of arrival at the said base. I ordered 'Salemi Sacha' I could see the VIP when I went to report him.
The 'Aajkal' the Bengali daily newspaper from Kolkata carried a story on TA on 9th October 1983, it was difficult to get a copy of the same. I had to go to Darjeeling Railway Station where I could get a copy of that issue.
I got a chance to see the ground protection of Farraka Bridge, on river Ganga of Murshidabad and Malda districts of West Bengal. The Central Industrial Force (CISF) were deployed for the same.
I had the opportunity to see and take part of 'Durga Puja' at the unit location, It started with 'Full path" and culminated with 'Dussera' The meat and drink was the main item of celebration.
We had a camp at Bangdubi, near Sukhna, West Bengal. The area is full of elephants. The campsite was very close to the area where PWs of 1971 operation were kept. We had to keep the fire on at all sides to prevent any attack by the elephants.
The Territorial Army Institute's ( now Territorial Army Officers Institute) pavilion and National Cadet Corps's pavilion are at Kolkata maidan. In the '60s and 70's the Brigade parade ground was very active on Sunday morning, the TA Personnel and NCC Cadets had training activities there.
The public buses were full of these personnel during their training time.
The Sunday parade for TA personnel is no more at this time. People are joining the TA as a lively hood. It was not in the past. TA Day is observed on 9th October, There was a regular TA Day parade at Brigade Parade ground. It was an ambition to command a contingent for this parade for young TA Officer.
Territorial Army affiliations with Indian Army
