Military life,.......The tale of my only pair of Kurta Pajama.....
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It so happened during 1991 soon after my training at INS Chilka as a young sailor of 18 yrs of age I joined INS Hamla, Marve Malad, Bombay then for further training. One day few of us were detailed to represent our base for last rites of a civilian employee of naval base. We under trainee were told to be present at the main gate of our base to proceed for the cremation ground in service vehicle....I too was detailed for the occassion. I had a pair of Kurta Pajama with me and it was never used since 02 Jul 90 the day I joined Navy..Keeping in mind the sad occassion I decided to put on this kurta pajama and proceed for the said occassion... So I duly having doned my kurta pajama and walked towards the guard room...When the distance between me and guardroom was left around 100 mtrs to be covered I heard some commands in very angry tone. I hurried my steps thinking that I might have been late to report at Guard room..As soon as I presented myself infront of duty Master Chief Petty Officer he asked me in full of anger, what have you put on ?? I was failed to understand the reason of his anger and question too.....Taking my silence to be the understanding the grave offence I have committed he further commanded GO AND CHANGE THIS B...dy kurta pajama and come in Shirt and Trousers.....Dont you know Kurta Pajama is not allowed to be put on in Navy....I went back to my barrack at the double and changed into Full sleeves shirt and trousers, with shining black shoes, shirt duly tucked inside to proceed for the cremation ground...My senior was more than happy..Since then I never dared to put on kurta pajama even after hanging my naval uniform.....
