The picture of late Major J Suresh Suri on the front page of The Indian Express took me back a decade. I went back to the evening when I reported at the National Defence Academy (NDA),Khadakwasla. After assigning me Charlie Squadron,the officer asked a skinny cadet to accompany me to the squadron. During the little walk from the cadet mess to the squadron,the cadet briefed me about the academy and services. I was given a room next to him and he became my mentor in NDA referred to as overstudy in academy terms. That was my first meeting with Major Suri. As the days passed by,he established himself as the perfect mentor. When he would talk about the academy curriculum and practices,he would be the senior who must be listened to and followed. If not,he would make sure that you didnt dare defy him next time. But when he would be off the training sessions,he would be the friend who guides you through thick and thin. He was the perfect picture of an officer who would not tolerate any deviations from the official diktat but still be popular amongst his subordinates. I remember an incident during a cross-country practice run in the NDA. Due to an injury I could not keep pace with the group and was left far behind. Suddenly,I saw him running towards me,he ran alongside,motivating me to complete the run,playing the part of my senior cadet to the hilt. I kept cursing him throughout! But as soon as we finished the run,he took me to the military hospital and got me admitted,back to being the friend. He always came across as a braveheart,a self-disciplined person with a sense of honour,integrity,camaraderie and pride. A year with him taught me a lot about life both in general and specifically in the NDA. Then I was out of the NDA because of medical complications and we lost touch. Today,after reading the news about his martyrdom in the encounter with militants in J&K,I can once again feel him around. His indomitable spirit and much-admired smile plays on my mind. I am sure he would have displayed the same character while combating the militants. He laid down his life for the country which is every officers dream. May his soul rest in peace. The author is Assistant Brand Manager,The Indian Express
