New Delhi: My association with my alma mater – the Rashtriya Indian Military College, can never be ever complete without talking about Padre aka Commodore N Anil Jose Joseph. On the chilly night of 19 January 1979, when I tucked myself into the blanket on the first day of the boarding school, one saw a cadet in an oversized coat smiling at us. “I am Anil Joseph and I am your cadet guardian,” he had said assuring to a home sick fresher.
Joseph was three terms senior to us in the school and in the Ranjit Section. He was junior dormitory head cadet in our first term and our (senior) dormitory commander in his final term. His doses of moral lectures aside, all the four years that we were together, Joseph inspired us with his angelic ways – never aggressive, let alone abusive; always supportive; never untidy and always ready for inspection of his immaculately maintained cupboard.
He had a short figure, lightly built, a typical underdog who would overcome competition with his sheer determination. I never excelled in either boxing ring or athletics track but Joseph Sir would single me out as his boxing and running partner for the practise sessions. He probably, like a true cadet guardian, was always doing his bit to encourage his junior to emulate some of his ways. Later in life too, he has remained a sounding board.
Whenever in doubt, I have written to Josy sir, and he has responded with his advice and not without the usual dose of moral lecture starting with a very affectionate salutation of -- Kiddo. I have been credited with the success of the Camphor series books but, in this venture, there is a lot of quiet contribution made by Josy sir.
As he hangs spurs on 31st October 2021, after serving the Indian Navy with dedication and grace, I can only say that the high tides are waiting for him to start a new voyage. Knowing him for the past four decades I can only say that wherever he would go, he would serve the place and people well. I was fortunate to find a mentor in him, early in my life.
(The writer is a veteran commentator, author and Adjunct Professor at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, GGSIPU, Delhi)