Chennai: As a teenager, ST Narayanan roamed around the streets of Thiruvaiyaru, without knowing the intensity of the Independence struggle that was prevalent at that time.
Having matured and come up big in life, he is a retired IAF officer mind you, he understood what freedom is and what it can offer. Speaking to News Today the 88-year-old veteran talks about India, how it was back then and now.
August 1947
Talking about protests that were organised during the freedom struggle, he said, “Communication used to be the biggest problem. Unlike these days, we did not have technology to pass information. So, we used to have secret codes and pass it from one person to another, without the knowledge of the policemen and then gather for our meeting.”
“During the 1942 Quit India Movement, I was a small boy, I took part in the movements along with my school friends. But I did not know the intensity and importance of the movement,” he said.
“Being the young fellow that I was, during the time of Independence, I used to listen to a lot of freedom speeches that were delivered in schools and at public places. We were all so excited, when we got the Independence,” he smiles.
“On the day of Independence, prominent newspapers were filled with so many articles about the same. Also, as soon as India was declared as an independent nation, It was a very emotional moment for all the citizens and Nehru’s speech on All India Radio was a significant part of that day,” he said with pride.
Asked how it felt back then, Narayanan said he does not have words to describe that feeling. “Since I was studying at that time, me and my school friends prepared laddoos to distribute them and share our happiness,” he said, cheekily adding that even girls joined them in the process. “It was uncommon those days!,” he exclaimed.
IAF dream
“In the early 1940s, war films will be screened in theatres before a movie starts. That is what inspired me to join the Indian Air Force,” said Narayanan.
“As soon as I completed my SSLC, I applied for the Air Force, but I was a young boy back then and I was rejected. But I didn’t feel bad. After that, I moved to Bombay where I got a decent job, with good salary.”
He applied for a post in the Air Force once again, after his friend pointed out an advertisement in a newspaper. The proud Narayanan says, “The recruiting officer was so impressed of my performance and I was asked to join IAF in Madras, immediately.” He continued, “Luckily, I knew English and that helped me talk to people from other parts of the country and I was able to learn a lot quicker.”
War scenes
“My family and I moved to various parts of the country during my training period. In 1971, when the first war between India and Pakistan broke, I was in charge of maintaining the aeroplanes. I had to check if they were in perfect condition to go into battle.”
“I have got chances to fly with many VIPs, including Rajaji, Rajendra Prasad and among others,” said the excited octogenarian.
He added, “In 1987 a war was expected between India and Pakistan so we were all immediately called to Delhi to be ready for the worst that could happen. We were very well prepared and so were the aeroplanes. But luckily, there was no war.”
The retired IAF personnel has opinions even on the recent Kashmir bifurcation issue. He says, “In my opinion, it is a very brave and a correct decision. Sixty years of peace talks has fetched us no benefits. To maintain the sovereignty and the peace of the nation, no decision better than this can be taken.”