Fear is always there, but we must conquer it: Cartoos Saab
| Date :28-Aug-2023 |
Staff Reporter
“Once a soldier, always a soldier.” Nagpurians were fortunate to experience this common belief in the sparkling eyes of Maj Gen Ian Cardozo (Retd) AVSM SM, who is also known as ‘Cartoos Saab’ in Indian Army, on Sunday, when this retired General shared his life stories with the people. Though the august gathering in Tamarind Hall of Chitnavis Centre gave ‘Cartoos Saab’ a standing ovation for his bravery, he felt very embarassed due of this ‘respect’ he got, because he believed that his contribution is not so great compared to many other soldiers of the Indian Army who performed more courageous acts of valour than him. This braveheart of India-Pakistan Liberation War of 1971, who amputated his own leg with the help of a Khukri during the war, believes that the courage of amputating his own leg came from the values and culture of his family. “Our Indian culture and family values teach us to struggle, fight, respect, lead and help for country. It is in our nature. And these values helped me to cut my leg at that moment, which was not a big thing for me,” said Maj Gen Cardozo.
The highly decorated retired General was invited by Centre for Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Studies, Nagpur along with his wife Priscilla Cardozo to share his views and life story that he mentioned in his own book ‘Cartoos Saab - A Soldier’s Story of Resilience in Adversity’. The jam-packed hall gave ‘Cartoos Saab’ a rousing welcome and he also humbly accepted the gesture of Nagpurians by answering different questions asked by them. “Do what you love, love what you do. Yes, fear is always there, but it is our job to conquer it by never giving up,” said the 86-year-old retired officer. He himself proved this statement years ago when he became the first war-disabled officer of the Indian Army to command a battalion and a brigade. When asked about his name ‘Cartoos Saab’ among his Jawans, he said, “My jawans from Gorkha Regiment found it difficult to pronounce my name because of their accent, they would fondly call me ‘Cartoos Saab’. For the unversed, Cartoos in Hindi means cartridge.”
After winning the 1971 war, the story of Maj Gen Cardozo’s (then Major) bravery stunned the entire nation. He proved that a soldier could do anything. He was then awarded with the Sena Medal. Despite his amputation, Cardozo maintained his physical fitness. But due to disability, the senior officers asked him to serve as a soldier on desk due to his condition. But, he denied that new responsibility and showed his interest to lead a brigade. Initially, his senior officials refused his request. Therefore, he decided to prepare himself like a normal soldier. As a result, Maj Gen Cardozo succeeded in fitness tests with his wooden leg and became the first war-disabled officer of the Indian Army.
Replying a question on less popularity of Armed Forces as compared to other professions, the retired General said, “All mothers of this country should come forward to encourage their children to contribute for their country. They should imbibe culture of joining armed forces among their children. Mothers are now allowing their kids to become a soldier which is a good thing.” At the outset, Dr Pragati Waghmare compered the event. Abhinandan Palaspure, Secretary, CLJKS welcomed Maj Gen Cardozo and his wife Priscilla Cardozo. Meera Khadakkar, President, CLJKS honoured the retired General with a memento and shawl. Sagar Mitkari proposed a vote of thanks.