Having dedicated the prime years of his life to the service of his country, Lieutenant Colonel Sadat Naseem Abbasi(Retd) eventually decided to bid adieu to his distinguished military career.
Retirement did not mean that Abbasi would abandon the culture and values instilled in him by his birth country. It simply marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he moved to New Zealand with his family.
We spoke to him about his life in the Indian Army and his feelings on celebrating Independence Day away from India.
Lt Col. Abbasi (Retd) grew up in Pune, a major army base, and attended the prestigious Fergusson College. He says he was drawn to army life from a young age.
“Pune is a major army base and there was always a charm for the army life. And when two of my closest friends were preparing for army career, I also enrolled and got selected.”
He joined the OTA, Chennai in 1995, was commissioned into the prestigious Maratha Regiment in 1996 and later served most of his career with the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment which he describes as the youngest regiment of the Indian Army, he still remembers first assignment as “My first assignment was in Kupwara, where I was fortunate to train with some great mentors. I also learned a lot from my juniors. I remember I had a very experienced Subedar (warrant officer) in my unit who taught me a great deal about basic tactics. But the most important lessons were of man management.”
Lt Col Abbasi(Retd) considers leading a company of 131 soldiers into operations for 16 months and returning without losing a single life to be his most significant accomplishment in the army.
“This gives me immense satisfaction–that we didn’t lose a single life in some of the toughest missions. The credit doesn’t just belong to me, but to everyone involved.”
Talking about what Independence Day meant for him as an army officer, he says, “The Indian Armed Forces are more visible on Republic Day celebrations than Independence Day. However, Independence Day reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices our ancestors made to achieve our independence. As a soldier, it fills you with a deep sense of responsibility to defend this hard-earned freedom.”
He also takes a moment to mention the sacrifices of families when a soldier is at the field. “On Independence Day we must recognize the efforts, sacrifice and commitment of our wives and families who do it all with a smile so that we can do our duties without looking behind”.
After serving the Indian Army for 20 years, Lt Col Abbasi(Retd) decided to move to New Zealand attracted by the natural beauty, transparency and quality of life it offers. So does he miss the army life? “If I could, I will go back to that life in a heartbeat and be with the boys. Always and every time. “The army taught me loyalty, sincerity and integrity, which are essential qualities for success in any country or profession. And as they say, once you’re a soldier, you’re always a soldier. It’s a part of you that never leaves.”
However there is always a time to move on and family is the priority now.
Have the feelings for India changed now that he calls New Zealand home? “Although, having spent many years here, I still feel a strong connection to India and my culture. That is a permanent part of us all,” he says.
“New Zealand is home and I sing and hold Aotearoa anthem in high regard, however hearing the Indian anthem still gives me goosebumps and evokes a completely different emotion. I can still smell the soil of my ancestral home in India,” he adds.
He says, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, “It’s a smell that’s been a part of me since I was a child, and it always will remain with me”.
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