CLOSE COMBAT-VI: Mastering Malkhamb, Lezim must for Maratha soldiers

The last 2 photos show recruits performing Lezim, while the remaining all above
are from mesmerising Malkhamb moments. Photos: Shakeel Ahmed

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Belgaum: The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) has the unique distinction of giving mandatory training for their recruits in Malkhamb, a tradtional form of sports, popular in the Belgaum and Maharashtra region. (Wikipedia says that the name has originated from the word 'malla' which means a gymnast or a man of strength and 'khamb' meaning a pole.) Every recruit who gets enrolled with MLIRC is put through rigorous sessions to master Malkhamb, a treat to watch, when performed individually or as a group.
According to Subedar Major Shivaji Mulik, the Malkhamb instructor with MLIRC, the young recruits find it difficult initially to get used to the highly-flexible moves needed on the pole. “Recruits from this region are normally well-versed with Malkhamb, but those coming from other parts of India find it tough. It takes two weeks normally for a beginner to get the balance right,” Mulik said.
For MLIRC, introducing Malkhamb into their curriculum is a way of giving the recruit an opportunity to learn popular sports form of the region. "It brings in freshness and fun. Passing the Malkhamb test is mandatory for every recruit. He has to reach the top of the pole using three grips. This exercise makes the recruits mentally and physically very agile,” says Mulik.
Along with Malkhamb, MLIRC also trains the would-be-soldiers in Lezim, a folk dance form of the region. “Both Lezim and Malkhamb are traditions from Shivaji Maharaj's time. Lezim is an entertainment programme performed during Ganhesha and other festivals. The Maratha Regiment draws inspiration from Shivaji's courageous deeds and hence we want to pass on the tradition to every recruit who joins us,” says Hawildar Dileep Patil, Lezim instructor.
For the recruits from Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur, passing the Malkhamb test is said to be an easy task. “Those from Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu struggle with Malkhamb. It is tough, but it is possible. It's all about applying the right kind of force at the right time. It's also about balance. If you have the will, you can twist your body the way you want. You can make it listen,” says Havildar Dadasahib Sutar, Drill Master, MLIRC.
After learning Malkhamb, the recruits are said to have shown improvements in their running skills. “It helps to strengthen the leg muscles. Once you master the art, it is an addiction,” says Sutar. The MLIRC recruits have performed Malkhamb during various military functions across the country. They are also said to be in great demand during all joint training sessions with the foreign armies.

(Series concluded)

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

CLOSE COMBAT-5 | Spraying soothing bullets to keep the soldiers in good spirits

Religious Teachers Subedar Shri Krishna Pathak (left) and Havildar Abdul Rasheed (right), currently posted at the MLIRC.

Photos: Altaf Hussain | Special arrangement with MLIRC

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

PART-V

Belgaum: Inside the training facilities of the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) -- amidst the firing, strategy and counter-strike operation sessions – there are two men in uniform on a different mission. They wage a battle of a different kind, capturing the minds and hearts of the recruits and soldiers. Armed with time-tested soothing weapons, such as moral values, love, counselling and prayers, these men are among the most-sought-after souls at this military camp.
On the rolls of the Indian Army, Subedar Shri Krishna Pathak (45) and Havildar Abdul Rasheed (38) are the Religious Teachers (RTs) – spreading the essence of the Bhagavat Gita and the Holy Quran.  They too are posted out after completing their tenure with a particular regiment or a unit. 
The RTs, popularly known as the Panditji and Moulavi Saab across the MLIRC lines, have undertaken combat training at the time of joining the Army. “I have can handle pistols and light machine guns (LMGs). If the situation warrants I am ready to get on to the battle gears. But, my main job here is to motivate the soldiers and they always open their hearts to me,” says Subedar Pathak, hailing from Samastipur in Bihar.
He says the RTs act as a bridge between the officers and the soldiers. “There are many issues that are haunting a solider like any other human being. It could be related to stress, homesickness, land-related issues back home, concerns following high-altitude appointments and health of family members. I listen to the problems and in most cases a solution is found,” says the Subedar, who has served in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and in Kargil.
While both RTs use Bhagavat Gita and the Holy Quran extensively, it is the love and affection they give to the soldiers which give the healing touch. “It’s not possible in the Army to get leaves as and when you want. At the same time, it is not difficult to get, if you plan it properly. They come to me with their leave-related worries. But, my job is to ensure that a recruit or a soldier is always at peace with himself,” says Havildar Rasheed, hailing from Hyderabad.
During the FDR (final dress rehearsal) at the centre on Thursday (March 28), ahead of an all-important Attestation Passing Out Parade to be held on Saturday (March 30) at the Talekar Drill Square inside the camp, both RTs were in their full military attire and honours. Holding Bhagavat Gita and the Holy Quran, they were escorted to the centre of the square, while the recruits (ready to become soldiers), held their hands forwards taking the pledge.

(To be continued)

Copyright@The New Indian Express