Category Archives: Writing

Sacred Stones, Spaces, and Stories: Ashtavinayaka Part 7

Posted on by
Reply
Source

Perched high on the rugged hills of Junnar in Pune district, the Girijatmaj Temple at Lenyadri is a remarkable confluence of natural beauty, ancient history, and deep spiritual resonance. Unique among the eight Ashtavinayak shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Girijatmaj is the only temple set atop a mountain and carved into a single monolithic rock within a complex of ancient Buddhist caves. Here, Ganesha is worshipped as the “son of Girija”, another name for Goddess Parvati, and the temple is a living testament to the power of maternal devotion, the endurance of faith, and the seamless blending of India’s Buddhist and Hindu heritages.

Lenyadri, also known as Ganesh Lena or Ganesh Pahar, is located about 95 km from Pune and 5 km from Junnar. The temple sits at the heart of a cluster of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves, which date back to the 1st–3rd centuries AD and are scattered along a cliff face. The caves overlook the Kukadi River valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding green hills, especially after the monsoon when the landscape is lush and vibrant. To reach the temple, pilgrims and visitors must climb 307–315 stone steps, flanked by playful monkeys and mountain streams. The ascent is both a physical and spiritual journey, with the panoramic vistas and the cool mountain air preparing the mind for the sanctity that awaits at the summit.

The story of Girijatmaj is rooted in the deep yearning of Goddess Parvati for a child. According to the Ganesh Purana, after taking the form of Parvati, having previously been Sati, the goddess desired to have Ganesha as her son. She chose the caves of Lenyadri, then known as Jirnapur or Lekhan Parbat, as her place of penance. For twelve years, Parvati performed intense austerities and prayers inside these caves, seeking the blessing of motherhood.

Source

Pleased by her unwavering devotion, Lord Ganesha granted her wish. On the auspicious day of Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturthi, or Ganesh Chaturthi, Parvati scraped the dirt from her body, mixed it with oil and ointment, and fashioned an idol of Ganesha. As she worshipped this idol, it miraculously came to life, and Ganesha declared that he had incarnated as her son, as desired. Shiva later named the child Ganesh, meaning “one who keeps the three qualities: Satva, Raja, and Tama, under control.” Ganesha spent his childhood at Lenyadri, and for fifteen years, the caves were his playground and home.

The caves of Lenyadri are also the backdrop for several of Ganesha’s legendary childhood adventures. According to the Ganesh Purana, the demon king Sindhu, forewarned that his death would come at the hands of Ganesha, sent a series of demons—Krur, Balasur, Vyomasur, Kshemma, and Kushal—to kill the young deity. Ganesha, even as a child, vanquished all his adversaries and performed many playful miracles, or balleelas, in and around the caves. These stories are cherished by devotees and add to the temple’s aura of divine protection and joy.

The Lenyadri caves were originally carved as Buddhist viharas and chaityas, monastic dwellings and prayer halls, during the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Of the approximately 30 caves, most served as monastic quarters, while a few were chapels. Cave 7, which now houses the Girijatmaj Temple, was originally a vihara, a communal hall for monks.

Over centuries, as Buddhism waned and Hinduism reasserted itself in the region, the caves were adapted for Hindu worship. The transformation of Cave 7 into a Ganesha shrine is a striking example of India’s syncretic religious history, where sacred spaces evolve and retain their spiritual significance across faiths.

Source

The entire temple is hewn from a single rock, with no separate structural additions. This gives the temple its cool, serene ambience, regardless of the weather outside. The main hall, the sabha-mandapa, is a spacious, unpillared chamber measuring 53 feet long, 51 feet wide, and 7 feet high. It contains 20 cells of varying sizes, originally used by Buddhist monks. The central entrance is flanked by two windows, and a pillared veranda leads into the hall. The sanctum is not a separate structure but a niche in the back wall of the cave. The image of Ganesha is not a free-standing idol but a relief carved directly into the stone wall. The idol faces east, with its trunk turned to the left, and only one eye is visible. The icon is covered in indoor, or vermilion, in keeping with the tradition of Ashtavinayak temples. During the day, sunlight streams into the sanctum, bathing the idol in a celestial glow and enhancing the temple’s mystical atmosphere. The temple lacks a separate shikhara, or spire; gopuram, or gateway; or ornate carvings typical of Hindu temples, emphasising its monastic origins and simplicity.

The temple opens early in the morning and closes at sunset. Devotees offer flowers, durva grass, and modaks to the deity. The idol, being part of the rock, is not adorned with clothes or ornaments but is anointed with sindoor and sometimes oil. Ritual bathing, abhishek and aarti, and the waving of lamps are performed daily. Devotees can sponsor abhishek or aarti as a special offering. Circumambulation, or pradakshina, of the temple is performed within the main hall, as the structure is carved into the mountain. The most important festival is Ganesh Chaturthi, or Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturthi, when thousands of pilgrims climb the steps to offer prayers. Special aartis, abhisheks, and communal feasting mark the occasion. Other festivals like Maghi Ganesh Jayanti, which is Ganesha’s birthday, and Sankashti Chaturthi, a monthly festival, are also celebrated with great devotion.

Many devotees undertake the climb of 307–315 steps barefoot as an act of penance or to fulfil vows, believing that the effort itself invokes Ganesha’s blessings. The temple’s monastic origins and serene setting make it a favoured spot for meditation and quiet contemplation. The absence of loud music or elaborate rituals preserves the cave’s tranquil atmosphere.

The name “Girijatmaj” combines “Girija,” another name for Parvati, the daughter of the mountain, and “Atmaj,” or son, emphasising Ganesha’s identity as the beloved child of Parvati. The temple thus celebrates the bond between mother and son, and by extension, the nurturing, protective aspect of the divine.

Girijatmaj is the only Ashtavinayak temple located on a mountain, symbolising the spiritual ascent a devotee must undertake to reach the divine. The physical climb is a metaphor for the inner journey of discipline, faith, and perseverance. The temple’s setting within a Buddhist vihara highlights the fluidity of India’s religious traditions. The peaceful coexistence of Buddhist and Hindu elements is a powerful reminder of the region’s pluralistic heritage.

Girijatmaj is traditionally the sixth temple visited on the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage, though the order can vary. Its unique location and the legend of Ganesha’s birth make it a highlight of the yatra. Pilgrims often combine their visit with a trek through the other caves, exploring the rich tapestry of Buddhist art and architecture that surrounds the temple.

The Girijatmaj Temple at Lenyadri is a living symbol of faith, perseverance, and the enduring bond between mother and child. Its legends speak of penance rewarded, demons vanquished, and the joy of divine play. Its architecture, carved from living rock, stands as a testament to the artistry and spiritual vision of ancient India.

Poem: The Music of Silence

Posted on by
Reply
Source

Silence is not merely the absence of sound; it is a language of its own, speaking in whispers that words cannot capture. It holds the weight of anticipation before a storm, the quiet understanding between two souls, and the hush of dawn before the world awakens. Silence can be peaceful, comforting, or deafening in its intensity, revealing emotions that need no voice. Today’s poem explores the unspoken symphony of quiet moments, where meaning lingers in stillness.

The Music of Silence

There is music in the hush of dawn,
In golden light on dewdrop lawns.
A melody soft, yet bright and clear,
A silent tune the heart can hear.

The pages turn, the world stands still,
A whispered pause, a breath to fill.
Between each note, a space, a rest,
Where silence hums its song the best.

A lover’s glance, a knowing smile,
No words are needed to reconcile.
A lull between the waves so wide,
Where longing sways like a shifting tide.

Before the storm, the air holds tight,
A quiet drumbeat laced with might.
The thunder waits, the earth holds fast,
A hush before the skies are cast.

Silence sings in ways unknown,
In echoes deep and undertones.
Not emptiness, but something more,
A song of all that came before.

So listen close, embrace the sound,
Where quiet truths are softly found.
For in the hush, the still, the space,
Silence hums with quiet grace.

UN Days: World Soil Day

Posted on by
Reply
Source

World Soil Day, celebrated annually on December 5th, is a global observance that highlights the critical importance of healthy soils and promotes sustainable soil management practices. World Soil Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 2014 as part of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) framework. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the crucial role soils play in our ecosystems, agriculture, and overall environmental health. The 2025 edition of World Soil Day is particularly special as it marks the tenth anniversary of this global celebration.

Soil is often referred to as the “skin of the Earth” and is a fundamental component of our planet’s ecosystems. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in various aspects of life on Earth.

One of the most critical functions of soil is its role in agriculture. Healthy, nutrient-rich soil is essential for crop production and, by extension, global food security. Farmers rely on the quality of their soil to produce sufficient amounts of food to feed the world’s growing population. As such, maintaining soil health is integral to sustaining the global food system.

Soil plays a significant role in the global carbon cycle and has the potential to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration. As plants die and decompose, a portion of their stored carbon is transferred to the soil. Under the right conditions, this carbon can be stored in the soil for extended periods, effectively removing it from the atmosphere and reducing its contribution to climate change.

Healthy soils are crucial for maintaining water quality and regulating water cycles. Soil acts as a natural filter, removing excess nutrients and pollutants from water as it percolates through the soil profile. This process is essential for maintaining clean water sources and supporting aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, soil’s ability to store and release water is vital for plant growth and helps mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods. When soil health is compromised, its capacity to regulate water is diminished, leading to increased risks of erosion and water-related disasters.

Source

Soil is home to an incredibly diverse array of organisms, from microscopic bacteria and fungi to larger creatures like earthworms and insects. This soil biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and supporting above-ground biodiversity. Soil organisms play essential roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil structure maintenance.

Despite their importance, soils worldwide are under threat from various factors, including intensive agriculture, deforestation, urbanisation, and climate change. These pressures have led to widespread soil degradation, erosion, and loss of soil organic matter. Soil degradation is a global issue that affects both agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. It occurs when soil loses its capacity to provide ecosystem services due to human activities or natural processes. Common forms of soil degradation include erosion, compaction, salinisation, and loss of organic matter.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key indicator of soil health. It consists of decomposed plant and animal materials and is crucial for maintaining soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Unfortunately, intensive agricultural practices and land-use changes have led to significant declines in SOM in many regions. Soil erosion is a natural process that can be accelerated by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and poor agricultural practices. It leads to the loss of topsoil, which is the most fertile layer of soil and is essential for plant growth. Erosion not only reduces agricultural productivity but also contributes to water pollution and sedimentation in rivers and lakes.

Source

To address these challenges and ensure the long-term health of our soils, sustainable soil management (SSM) practices are essential. SSM aims to enhance soil health while maintaining or improving ecosystem services provided by soils.

Conservation agriculture is a farming system that emphasises minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation. This approach helps to reduce erosion, improve soil structure, and increase soil organic matter content. By minimising tillage, farmers can preserve soil structure and reduce the loss of soil moisture and organic matter. Cover crops are plants grown primarily to protect and improve soil health rather than for harvest. They help prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and add organic matter to the soil when incorporated. Cover crops can also help improve soil structure and increase biodiversity.

Adding organic matter to soil through compost, manure, or crop residues is a fundamental practice in sustainable soil management. Organic matter improves soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, and provides nutrients for plants and soil organisms. Proper nutrient management involves applying the right amount of nutrients at the right time to meet crop needs while minimising environmental impacts. This includes practices such as soil testing, precision fertilizer application, and the use of organic fertilizers. Efficient water management is crucial for soil health and agricultural productivity. Practices such as drip irrigation, mulching, and rainwater harvesting can help conserve water and prevent soil erosion.

Source

The theme of World Soil Day 2025, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” emphasises the importance of data-driven approaches to soil conservation.

Measuring soil health involves assessing various physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Key indicators include soil organic matter content, pH levels, nutrient availability, soil structure and texture, water-holding capacity, and the presence and diversity of soil organisms. These measurements provide a baseline for understanding soil conditions and tracking changes over time. Regular monitoring of soil health indicators allows farmers and land managers to detect changes in soil quality and respond accordingly. This can involve periodic soil testing, visual assessments of soil structure, and tracking crop yields and health.

Effective soil management requires integrating the data gathered from measuring and monitoring efforts with sustainable practices. This might involve adjusting fertilizer applications based on soil test results, implementing erosion control measures in areas identified as high-risk, rotating crops to maintain soil health and break pest cycles, and adapting irrigation practices to improve water use efficiency.

Advancements in technology are playing an increasingly important role in soil management and conservation efforts. Satellite imagery and drone technology allow for large-scale monitoring of soil conditions, including moisture levels, vegetation cover, and even some aspects of soil composition. This data can help identify areas at risk of erosion or degradation and guide conservation efforts.

Source

Precision agriculture uses GPS technology, sensors, and data analytics to optimize farm management practices. This approach allows farmers to apply inputs like water and fertilizer more efficiently, reducing waste and minimising environmental impacts. In-situ soil sensors can provide real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. This information helps farmers make more informed decisions about irrigation and fertilization, leading to more efficient resource use.

Big data analytics and artificial intelligence are being used to process and interpret vast amounts of soil data. These tools can help predict soil health trends, optimise crop rotations, and even forecast potential soil-related risks like erosion or nutrient depletion.

Recognising the global importance of soil health, several international initiatives have been launched to promote soil conservation and sustainable management. The Global Soil Partnership, established by the FAO in 2012, aims to improve global governance of soil resources. It works to promote sustainable soil management, increase awareness about soils, and support the development of soil information systems.

Source

Launched at the COP21 in Paris, the 4 per 1000 Initiative aims to increase global soil organic matter stocks by 0.4% per year. This initiative recognises the potential of soils to mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration while improving soil fertility and agricultural production.

Several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) directly or indirectly relate to soil health. For example, SDG 15 (Life on Land) includes targets for combating desertification and restoring degraded land and soil.

As we look to the future, several key areas will be crucial for advancing soil conservation efforts. As climate change continues to impact agricultural systems, adopting climate-smart practices that enhance soil health while increasing resilience to climate variability will be essential. Regenerative agriculture goes beyond sustainability to focus on actively improving soil health and ecosystem function. This approach emphasises practices that increase biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services, and capture carbon in soil and plants. With increasing urbanisation, managing and protecting urban soils will become increasingly important. This includes preserving green spaces, promoting urban agriculture, and managing stormwater to prevent soil erosion and contamination. Recognising the crucial role of soil organisms in ecosystem health, efforts to conserve and promote soil biodiversity will likely gain more attention in the coming years.

World Soil Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of soil health for our planet’s future. Soils are not just the foundation of our agricultural systems; they are integral to the health of our ecosystems, the quality of our water, and our ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As we face growing challenges from population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable soil management has never been more pressing. By embracing the principles of measuring, monitoring, and managing our soils, we can work towards a future where healthy soils continue to support thriving ecosystems and sustainable food systems.

Sacred Stones, Spaces, and Stories: Ashtavinayaka Part 6

Posted on by
Reply
Source

One of Maharashtra’s celebrated Ashtavinayak temples, the Chintamani Temple is located on the banks of the Mula-Mutha River, just 25 km from Pune, in Theur. Revered as the abode of Chintamani Ganesha, the wish-fulfilling form of the elephant-headed deity, this temple is a magnet for pilgrims seeking peace of mind, the removal of worries, and the fulfilment of heartfelt desires.

Theur is a serene village located at the confluence of the Mula, Mutha, and Bhima rivers, a site long regarded as spiritually potent. Its name is said to derive from the Sanskrit “Sthavar,” meaning “stable,” a reflection of the temple’s legendary power to bring stability to restless minds. The temple’s peaceful setting, surrounded by lush fields and the gentle flow of water, provides an ideal environment for devotion and meditation, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees each year.

The Chintamani Temple is steeped in legends that illuminate the compassionate and wish-fulfilling nature of Lord Ganesha. According to the Mudgala Purana, King Abhijeet and Queen Gunavati, after years of penance, were blessed with a son named Gana, also called Guna or Ganasura. Gana grew into a powerful but arrogant and greedy prince. On a royal visit to the hermitage of Sage Kapila, Gana was served a magical feast, conjured by the sage’s wish-fulfilling jewel, the Chintamani.

Source

Overcome by desire, Gana demanded the jewel, but Kapila refused. In a fit of rage, Gana seized the gem by force and left. The heartbroken sage prayed to Lord Ganesha for help. Responding to his devotee’s plea, Ganesha appeared, some accounts say in a dream, others in person, and, with the help of his power, Siddhi, created the thousand-armed warrior Laksha to defeat Gana’s army. Ganesha himself beheaded the arrogant prince and returned the jewel to Kapila.

Yet, the sage, now enlightened, realised that the presence of the Lord was more precious than any jewel. He requested Ganesha to stay at Theur, and the deity agreed, taking the name Chintamani, “the remover of worries” and “the wish-fulfiller”.

Another legend tells of Lord Brahma, the creator, who was plagued by anxiety and an unsettled mind. Seeking peace, Brahma meditated on Ganesha at Theur and found his worries dispelled. The name “Theur” thus signifies a place of stability, where even gods find solace.

A lesser-known myth recounts that Lord Indra prayed to Ganesha under a Kadamba tree at Theur to be freed from the curse of Sage Gautama. This gave rise to the name Kadambanagari for the region, further highlighting its spiritual significance.

While the exact date of the temple’s founding is lost to history, Theur has been a Ganapatya, or Ganesha-worshipping centre, since antiquity. The present structure was restored in the 16th–17th centuries by Cintāmaṇī Maharaja Deva and his descendants and later enhanced by the Maratha Peshwas, especially Madhavrao I, in the 18th century.

Source

The temple is closely associated with the Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi, who frequently visited Theur on his journeys between Chinchwad and Morgaon. According to tradition, Morya Gosavi performed a 42-day penance at Theur, fasting and meditating, until Ganesha appeared to him in the form of a tiger and granted him spiritual powers, or siddhi. His descendants continued to serve as the temple’s custodians, and the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust now manages the site.

The Chintamani Temple became a spiritual hub for the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire, who considered Ganesha their family deity, their kuladaivat. Madhavrao I, in particular, was a devoted patron; he renovated the temple, built the wooden sabha-mandapa, or assembly hall, and installed a large European bell captured from the Portuguese at Vasai Fort. Madhavrao spent his final days at the temple, performing a continuous abhisheka, or ritual bathing of milk, in hopes of regaining his health. His wife, Ramabai, also a devout follower, performed sati after his death, and their memory is honoured annually at the temple.

The Chintamani Temple is one of the largest Ashtavinayak shrines, showcasing a harmonious blend of architectural styles. Facing north, the main entrance opens into a spacious courtyard. The Sabha Mandapam, a wooden assembly hall constructed by Madhavrao I, features intricately carved pillars and a black stone water fountain. The Garbhagriha, the sanctum sanctorum, houses the swayambhu, or self-manifested idol, of Chintamani Ganesha, oriented eastward. The idol is cross-legged, coated in sindur, vermilion, with jewel-studded eyes and a trunk turned to the left. The temple complex is home to a sacred Kadamba tree, under which Ganesha is believed to have defeated Gana. Behind the temple stands the Peshwa Wada, once the residence of Madhavrao I, now serving as the administrative hub. The complex includes smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Hanuman. A European bell, a war trophy from the Portuguese, still hangs in the temple, a symbol of Maratha valour and piety.

Source

The Chintamani Temple maintains a vibrant schedule of daily worship. The temple opens at 6 am, with devotees flocking for early morning darshan. Ritual bathing of the idol, or abhisheka, with milk, water, and flowers is performed, especially on auspicious days. Morning and evening aartis are conducted with great devotion, accompanied by the ringing of bells and the chanting of hymns. Naivedya, in the form of offerings of modaks, sweet dumplings, and other delicacies, are made to the deity and later distributed as prasad to devotees.

The temple is renowned as a centre for meditation, with devotees seeking relief from mental worries and anxieties. Pilgrims perform pradakshina, or circumambulation of the temple, often while reciting Ganesha mantras. Devotees offer prayers and tie threads around the sacred Kadamba tree, seeking the removal of obstacles and the fulfilment of wishes.

Ganesh Chaturthi, in August or September, is the most celebrated festival at Theur. Over ten days, the temple is adorned with decorations, and thousands of devotees gather for special rituals, processions, and communal feasting. The air is filled with devotional music and the sound of drums, creating an atmosphere of joy and spiritual fervour.

Maghi Chaturthi, celebrated in January or February, is another major festival. The festivities begin on the fourth day, or Chaturthi, and continue until the eighth day or Ashtami, featuring special abhishekas, aartis, and processions.

Source

Unique to Theur is the Rama-Madhav Punyotsav, held on the eighth day of the Kartik month, so in October or November, commemorating the death anniversaries of Madhavrao I and his wife Ramabai. Devotees gather to honour their memory with prayers and rituals, reflecting the temple’s deep historical ties to the Maratha dynasty.

Theur is traditionally the fifth stop on the Ashtavinayak circuit, though many pilgrims visit it second due to its proximity to Pune and Morgaon. Its association with wish-fulfilment and peace of mind makes it a particularly popular destination for those seeking relief from life’s anxieties.

The Chintamani Temple is not only a place of worship but also a centre of community life. Festivals, daily rituals, and charitable activities bring together people from all walks of life, fostering a spirit of unity and shared devotion. In the tranquil embrace of Theur, amidst the echoes of ancient myths and the blessings of the wish-fulfilling Lord, devotees discover that true chintamani, the real jewel, is the serenity and stability that faith brings to the restless heart.

A Parent’s Guide to National Service: What My Son’s Journey Taught Me

Posted on by
Reply
Source

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a parent with a son about to enlist, or you’re someone who just wants to understand what National Service really looks like behind the uniforms, the acronyms and the countless rumours floating around online. When my son enlisted, I searched desperately for honest, grounded stories. I wanted to know what he might feel, how he might cope, and what camp life really looked like. Most of what I found was either too dramatic or too vague to be helpful.

So now that he’s completed his two years and had a largely positive, growth-filled experience, I wanted to put together the article I wish someone had written for me. To write this, I sat down with BB and asked him everything. What helped, what scared him, what changed him and what he wishes every parent knew. His answers shaped this entire piece.

Pre Enlistment
In the days leading up to enlistment, he told me he felt both nervous and excited. Not exactly a surprise, but hearing it in his own words reminded me that at 18 or 19, or even 20, big emotions show up quietly. He said he didn’t have strong expectations about NS, which is probably the healthiest way to enter something everyone has an opinion about.

His main worries were simple but real: Would he adapt? Would the physical demands overwhelm him? Would he cope?

I remember worrying about the same things, except with the added layer of parental imagination. The truth is, adapting to NS is almost universal; boys who start out unsure usually settle in within days. And while the physical training is demanding, the system is designed to condition them, not break them. He didn’t have a list of items he regretted packing or wished he knew beforehand, a reminder that sometimes parents over-prepare while the boys just take things as they come.

Enlistment Day
Every parent I’ve spoken to remembers enlistment day like a blur. The neat queues, the happy-sad families, the brisk announcements. My son doesn’t remember much of the briefing, except that when we said goodbye, he felt a small sadness knowing he wouldn’t see us for about two weeks. Those first hours shocked him in a good way. He said he didn’t expect to connect so quickly with the guys around him. Within a few hours, he had discovered how much they all had in common. It’s funny, they go in strangers, but almost instantly they form their own tribe.

Basic Military Training
I thought he would talk endlessly about the physical strain, the field camp, the discipline, the new routines. But what stood out most was how tiring the constant physical training became, especially around the halfway mark.

What surprised him? How easily he adapted to the daily schedule. The structure, the routine, the predictability, iit all became normal quickly. What helped him cope, he said, was the reminder that BMT was only a small part of NS. This perspective made the tough moments manageable. As a parent, this was something I wish someone had told me, most boys don’t crumble under pressure; they adjust faster than we expect.

His commanders also played a huge role. He described them as encouraging, present, and willing to spend time with the recruits after hours, even when they didn’t have to. Often, the people make or break BMT, and he was lucky to be surrounded by leaders who cared.

If he had to choose three words to describe BMT, he picked: Fun. Exhausting. Interesting. Honestly, I don’t think anyone can summarise it better.

Vocation
When he first received his posting as an Armour Technician, he admitted he felt a bit apprehensive. He had read online that the experience could be tough. The internet isn’t always kind, and NS forums are a special beast of their own.

But once training began, everything shifted. The pace was slower, the trainers were patient, and safety was emphasised even more strongly. And the environment felt more focused and hands-on.

He enjoyed the practical work, even when it was physically demanding. Working inside and around armoured vehicles isn’t the glamorous part of the army, but it’s the backbone. He described days spent using a wide variety of tools, coordinating tasks with his team and making sure maintenance was done properly, not just quickly. What surprised him most was how tiring it could be to work inside vehicles for long periods. It’s cramped, it’s warm, and it requires focus. But he liked being part of something technical and tangible.

The regulars he worked with left a strong impression on him. Not because they were strict, but because they were hardworking, committed and often stayed back to meet deadlines even when the NSF guys could book out. He saw responsibility up close, not as an idea, but as a lived example.

Growth You Don’t Notice Until You Do
One of my favourite parts of our conversation was when he told me that NS made him more confident working with others. He described moments on the train home, looking at younger boys in school uniforms and quietly realising how much he had changed. He had become more independent, more assertive, more willing to take responsibility. Parents often hear these words thrown around, but there’s something different when it comes from your own child. You realise NS didn’t just take time, it gave something back.

Routine, Mental Health and the Quiet Rhythm of NS Life
I thought he might talk about burnout or emotional fatigue, but his description sounded surprisingly balanced. The long days were manageable because there were breaks. The monotony was broken by conversations with friends. When he felt overwhelmed, rest helped more than anything: rest after work, rest on weekends, rest during book-outs.

He said the thing he missed most was the freedom to be with family and friends. That tug between camp life and home life is something every NSF feels. And yes, weekend book-outs were “quite important”, which is teenage understatement for “absolutely essential for sanity.”

The Social Side
He described the workshop culture as relaxed but responsible. A soft balance between humour and deadlines. He felt supported by peers and sergeants alike, and he never felt left out, something many parents quietly worry about.

On boring or long days, they passed the time talking about random things or just resting together in the office. It reminded me that joy in NS is simple: conversation, shared struggles, inside jokes and the comfort of knowing someone else understands exactly what you’re going through.

Safety, Workload and What Parents Really Want to Know
Like most parents, I worried about safety. He reassured me that open reporting was taken seriously. If something looked unsafe, they said it, and people listened. He also won a couple of awards for safety, which he was quite proud of.

Some maintenance work could get stressful, especially tasks involving heavy tools like sledgehammers, but that stress came from the nature of the job, not from negligence or pressure.

He also said something every parent needs to hear: The workload is far less than people imagine. Preventive maintenance keeps things running smoothly, and the Hollywood image of “army life = nonstop chaos” is largely inaccurate.

His biggest takeaway? NS isn’t just being a foot soldier. There are countless roles, each with depth, skill and purpose.

Operation Wallaby
Operation Wallaby was one of the highlights of his NS journey. It’s the kind of overseas exercise most boys talk about for years. He described it as a final test of everything they’d learned, tiring, hectic and packed with more vehicles than usual, but manageable with good time management.

It was also the longest period he’d ever spent away from home. That distance, that independence, that daily grind in a foreign setting, it shapes them in ways small daily routines never can.

The Bigger Picture
When I asked him what NS ultimately gave him, he said it gave him stability and a chance to mature. The experience was worth two years, and he would redo his vocational training in a heartbeat because it was fun and informative.

For a teenager enlisting soon, he had simple advice: “Go with the flow and make your own fun”. Straightforward, but spot-on.

For parents, his message was even more comforting: “Your children are extremely well taken care of, and they’ll come out more mature”. That is exactly the reassurance I had wished for two years ago.

Operationally Ready NSMan
The day he completed his service, he felt both relieved and a little sad. No one tells you that ORD can feel bittersweet, yes, it’s freedom, but it’s also the end of a shared chapter with people who saw you at your best, worst and sweatiest.

Post-ORD life feels lighter. No more 8–10 hour camp days. No more last-minute tasks. But he secretly misses the interactions with his fellow NSFs. What doesn’t he miss? BMT. One round was enough.

He believes NS will help him in future group work and professional settings. He’s more assertive now and more comfortable collaborating, skills that matter everywhere.

So, What Should Parents Take Away From This?
If you’re preparing to send your son off to NS, here’s what I wish someone had told me:

  1. They adapt faster than you expect. Even the quietest, gentlest boys find their footing.
  2. The commanders truly care. BB’s experience was filled with supportive leaders who treated him with respect.
  3. Camp life isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Most days are structured, calm and manageable.
  4. They grow in ways you only notice later. Independence and confidence don’t appear overnight; they build slowly and steadily.
  5. Weekends matter. A lot. Not just for rest, but for emotional grounding.
  6. They come out stronger, steadier and more self-aware. And they often surprise themselves.

Closing Thoughts
National Service is a shared journey, not just for the boys, but for families too. As parents, we’ll worry, we’ll search for answers, and we’ll imagine the worst. But more often than not, our sons will come out of NS kinder, more disciplined and more capable than when they went in. My son’s experience wasn’t dramatic or traumatic. It was steady, meaningful, human and ultimately positive. And that’s exactly the kind of story I want other parents to find when they start Googling late at night, wondering what lies ahead.