The Story of a Lost Box

By Colonel Rahul Sahni (Retd)

I was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1999, just as Operation Vijay unfolded in the heights of Kargil. My first posting was supposed to be in Suratgarh, Rajasthan, but a single telegram changed everything: “Report to Jammu Transit Camp.”

In those days, telegrams carried the weight of fate. I packed woolens instead of cotton, bid my parents goodbye, and boarded the train—unsure of where I was truly headed. At Jammu, I was told to join the next convoy to Srinagar, and from there, to Kargil. My first day in uniform was also my first step into war.

The journey through the mountains felt surreal. The beauty of the terrain contrasted sharply with the tension that hung in the air. Each stop brought stories of courage, sacrifice, and comradeship.

After reaching the forward area, I reported to my unit with a crisp salute—and then realized with horror that my personal box was missing. Somewhere between convoys, it had wandered off on its own adventure. By nightfall, I learned it had reached Leh—miles away. Three days later, it was rerouted to Srinagar!

What followed were five days of jokes, shared laughter, and borrowed essentials. My “lost box” became a legend among the officers, a small comic relief amid grim times. When it finally returned, scuffed and stickered from its journey, it felt like a fellow soldier coming home.

Reflection
Looking back, that episode taught me more than I expected. In the Army, you learn to adapt, to laugh in uncertainty, and to carry on regardless. We often think strength means stoicism—but sometimes, it’s the ability to find humor even in chaos. That’s what camaraderie truly means—standing together, laughing together, and moving forward no matter what gets lost along the way.

ABCEL Perspective
In Colonel Sahni’s story, humor becomes a thread of resilience. His “lost box” is more than an anecdote — it’s a symbol of camaraderie, adaptability, and grace under pressure. Veterans remind us that strength is not always stoic; it can also be lighthearted and humane. In a world that often glorifies individual success, their stories teach us the power of laughter and togetherness — even in chaos.