Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Glamour and Style Unplugged


Faujis work hard and party hard with the perfect doses of glamour, style and decorum. In a peace posting, parties and social dos form an intrinsic part of an army life. Army is a close knit family and these functions help make the bonds stronger. They serve as a great platform to know each other and socialize. Friendships are formed quickly. While some of the parties are formal and are set in the Officers' Mess, where the ambience is dignified and formal, others are informal get-togethers at each others' houses. Hosting and attending formal parties, informal get-togethers and impromptu festivities are an inherent part of a fauji life, especially during a peace posting, away from the pressures of a field posting and separated family life. And Faujis surely know how to party in style. There is shimmering cutlery, lip smacking cuisine, a lively band, chic and neat waiters, exclusive drinks, a joke here and a tittle-tattle there, all set in an ideal ambience.
Each party has its own appeal there are impromptu parties where the lady of the house receives guests at the middle of the night, (bachelors, who insist on having dinner!). There are formal parties like dinning in and dinning outs, regimental guest’s dinner, raising day dinners which are organized with such meticulousness, grandiosity and finery that they would give even five-star banquets a run for their money. Then we have theme parties like Husband’s night, Hippy Night, Halloween Night where the whole idea is to have interaction notwithstanding the fun and the glamour part. The company is great and so is the atmosphere and food. What more does one need to enjoy? In Army, co-operative effort and courtesy are of paramount importance hence these parties work as a unifying and driving force amongst the services. They are a deeply binding anchor and tradition in the peripatetic Army life. Its raison d'ĂȘtre, however, goes much deeper than its surface appearance of being one of the most frivolous, though certainly attractive facets of social life in the Army.
Children also learn the finer nuances of socializing from a very young age. By the time they are 4-5 years old they look forward to the tambola evenings, club functions, social evenings and of course the dance parties. For them its time for unlimited supply of soft drinks, juices and chips with their own exclusive group. Ask any retired officer and his family what they miss the most in their post-Army life they reply in unison, "Parties and Parties, ofcourse.” Civilian friends often quip, what is the difference? Well, I would say a LOT! Although, receptions, dinners, dances, teas, etc are held essentially in the same manner as in the civilian communities but the cordiality, unity and community interest of service officers and their families and above all punctuality are the most striking features. Long live the celebrations!!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Always read about the great army life, but could never had the oppnty to experience it myself. This is a nice blog, different from the regular stuff....

Anonymous said...

Nice and true.

Anonymous said...

Your article is well written which highlights the goods and the bads of a life in defence forces.

Anonymous said...

This is coming from an interesting perspective obviously something which is close to your heart. I found it quite different and well written. A good insight into what is behind those uniforms. Your site is has a nice contrast to it. I see you have only just started this blog but please keep it going as best you can. It has much potential.

Jo said...

Yup, that's very true. u r trying to give more hidden information about the Army, soldier and there tuff life.
Keep going on....

Anonymous said...

Great site, content is very interesting !! Good start !.

Anonymous said...

I think it is a nice site with different perspective on the military life.....I served for 20 yrs in the military and understand where it is coming from! Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

I do salute to all army and their family, good luck guys and god bless you all !!

Anonymous said...

Your story is rich with detail. I could truely feel some of the energy you placed into your writing, your life. Very vivid descriptions, particularly about setting up home, then having to leave again..

Anonymous said...

this is a great site.thank you for saluting the soldiers...

Anonymous said...

Interesting blog, I enjoyed reading, great work..love and light