Khaki is also a colour

Kamal Baruah

(kamal.baruah@yahoo.com)

Long years ago, we completed the POP, or Passing Out Parade, with fun-filled days at the Training Academy that are always missed. Jab-(when) we met for the first time at Jalahalli. It was the most spectacular end-of-term event, and we did it with pride. A masterly display of drill movements, coordinated with the accompanying band, ingrains long-lasting memories of the Pipe and Drum, Buglers, and Trumpet playing popular tunes like “Saare Jahan Se Achcha” However, the command of Konkani Warrant Officer Wagh (trainees named him Tiger) was slurred and indistinct at the corner of the massive ground till we marched out into the saluting dais.

The flashback of all those reminiscences, engulfed by a flood of nostalgia spanning over years, happened so fast. Touch the sky with glory—the motto of the IAF really meant a lot. Discipline is still one of the most critical aspects of a successful military that began from day one. While we saw senior trainees in navy blue shorts, khaki canvas, and white sleeveless vests with military steel mugs queuing for evening tea, that turned out to be a huge disappointment for us.

Soon I realized, the spirit of Air Force Blue got dampened by the dull brownish-yellow colour of the military uniform at the parade. We didn’t expect IAF to fall for that Khaki colour trick at the outset. The very next day, the kit bag was issued with a long list of inventory on arrival, starting with essential clothing, bedding, utensils, and combat camouflage gear for a battle field. Trainees had, however, found all items a pair of military jargon. Trainees in Khakis may be dispiriting rather than inspiring, but blue winter wear somehow sufficed to our expectations.

Our hairlines need to be tapered. That awful troop’s haircut was the first step towards being an air warrior. The skills and bravery may speak later, but armed force personnel can be assured that they have a complete wardrobe for a living. We bunked together in the dormitory. Only Sunday was allowed for a bookout. We would climb up the boundary wall to bunk out into the MG Road or Brigade Road. What comes to mind with South India is the taste of curry leaves and coriander, which makes it absolutely delicious with soft idlis, coconut chutneys, and sambar. Southern foods are spicy, tangy, and have hot-sour flavours.

There are tales of extraordinary solidarity among the military. I had enjoyed every bit of my combatant years and adopted the difficulties, come what may. Donning the Khaki uniform carries a lot of excitement, which is further enhanced by the ab-initio trainee’s insignia on the collar. It’s a strong cotton fabric of a dull brownish yellow, used especially in training. They’re really worn for heavy duty. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. It’s in fact made for tough guys; toughness helps them evade bullets and injuries. We would dress head to toe from dawn to dusk. Those two pairs made our heydays complete. So Khaki has clout, and many times, we saw civilians cower in fear of our Khaki attire while we rowed and explored the Majestic Bus Stand in Bangalore.

It is nevertheless worth the effort to prepare for the second trimester prior to midterm leave, remembering the hectic military schedule. Our energy was blatant. In addition to improving skills like communication procedures and shooting, discipline and pride are reinforced through drill and parade. To add to that, the training usually produced a good crop of funnies and was simply unforgettable. In the meantime, we had another task for a mass PT display on the eve of Air Force Day; we’re really thrilled when it arrived. So we had a tight roster since morning until compulsory light off at night ten. There is a saying that goes, A soldier is never off duty. We had chit-chat at the supper bar with one full camping mug.

And the final D-Day had arrived after months of toil and determination. The cheerful atmosphere had given way to a festive mood. There was music from military bands filling the air, adding a nationalistic vibe. For the first time, we felt a sense of patriotism that put pressure and excitement on us. On October 8, the IAF celebrates its 91 years of glorious service to the nation on the eve of Air Force Day. We were awestruck by the arrival of thousands of uniform personnel into the mini stadium to watch us. Alas! They were all in Khakis. But we were in an all-white PT kit.

Amid the glitz and glamour of the day, we did it to the tune of “desh pukare jab sab ko” (when the nation calls). With lots of waving flags moving to and fro with a swaying motion, we realised that “Khaki is also a colour, and we’re no different either”. The colours people see aren’t only determined by the wavelengths of light; they can also be affected by memories and perceptions. We filled our days with Khaki trivia and adventured into the combatant years through the different shades of the past. Now top brands introduce Khakis into their lines as Khaki gets a universal code of colour.

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