As we started getting nearer Uri, one could feel the altitude.
We had more than 130 Jawans from both Uri and Uri-2 in the morning session on very first day. All the Officers, including the Commandant, Deputy Commandant, Assistant Commandant and Reserve Inspector were present there. Everyone participated whole-heartedly throught all of the IAM sessions.
On the evening of the first day, we conducted the IAM session for another batch of around 120 people, from both Uri and Uri-2. We had to split the Jawans into 2 batches, so that it would have a minimum impact on their working and duty hours. Some of the Jawans who were doing the night duty, stayed up all the night, took a little nap in the day and had then come for the evening session.
Somehow, our IAM team was sick next day. We were told that it could also be because of high altitude and less oxygen level, in addition to the cold. Usually even Jawans take about a week to get acclimatized to the climate there. We decided, not to deviate from our schedule, because that would severely impact our further travel dates and commitments. CISF Officials took good care of us by providing enough blankets, medicine etc.
On the second day, in both morning and evening sessions, we had a lot of fun – laughter and dancing. It was a treat to see the Jawans with a big smile on their face and opening up without any reservations. The interesting thing is that even the Senior Officers, including the Commandant Himself, and other officers as well, were dancing away in joy. For some time, even we forgot that we were sick and it was possible only due to Amma’s grace towards the these Jawans.
At the end of the second day sessions, many Jawans expressed their interest in coming to Amritapuri and get a hug from Amma. Everyone was moved and astonished by the simplicity of Amma and the measure of Charitable and Welfare activities, in which Mata Amritanandamayi Math is involved. Then we also discussed their personal issues and health related problems, with the Jawans. Thereafter, we met with officers and discussed various ways in which the stress level of the Jawans could be reduced.
On the 3rd day, our team was was still feverish and nauseatic. But somehow we pulled along with Amma’s grace. That day we did the remaining part of ToT session for Trainers. At the concluding ceremony, all the Officers, including the Commandant and the chief guest, GM HEP Uri, Mr. S.K. Jain were also present. The GM expressed his keen desire to come and meet Amma. He said that regularly watches Amma on Aastha TV.
This was followed by awarding of certificates to IAM Trainers by the GM, who congratulated all the Jawans individually and encouraged them to practice IAM daily so that they could be excellent Trainers.
The Commandant expressed great happiness over the fact that Mata Amritanandamayi Math is willingly imparting training to Jawans, who can then as a Trainer, train other Jawans, thereby benifitting maximum people. He also said that, this shows how Compassionate, kind and concerned Amma is about Jawans.
Next day i.e. on 30th June, we felt better. The sickness was almost over, so we decided to move on the same day so that we could get in time at HMT Srinagar and PGCI Wagoora, for the next IAM sessions.
While we were in Uri, 8 kms. from there on the border, Army and militants at Indo-Pak border were engaged in battle for last few days. We were told that on the first night of our stay there, 8 soldiers had sacrificed their lives, while also killing 4 of the militants. It is quite heart-breaking to think of the loss that not just their families but also India as a country will suffer from. But at the same time, we feel proud of those brave soldiers who have really lived for the country. Their bodies may be burnt or buried, but they will stay alive in our memories. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat Mata!
– IAM Team(Amit and Mohan)
