The year 1972 – I was promoted and posted in the rank of Major in Delhi Cantonment to command a field repair workshop to support an Independent Artillery Brigade equipped with three regiments of medium guns . It so happened that I was overweight marginally by military health standards and my second in command – a captain was at least 10 kg heavier than me .
The Director General of our Technical Corps at the Army HQ was retiring and was on a farewell visit to the technical units under his jurisdiction in Delhi Cantonment . He happened to be also a paratrooper and was very particular about physical fitness .
I received the General at the entrance . He gave me only one look and commented ” Major , I think you are the right choice to look after the serviceability of medium artillery guns – your physical size is an asset only in that respect !! .”
Walking around the technical area , he met my shop floor manager [ my second in command ] . The General with all his sense of humour commented ” With this officer in your facility , I will recommend the Army assign some heavy artillery guns also under your maintenance charge !! .