Thank You Shuklaji

Those were the days when galley duties were dreaded. The whole day- and night we were on our toes. There was not a moment's rest. But all that is now history thanks to Shuklaji. Earlier, the galley duty used to include maintaining a night long vigil in the station and the generator complex to ensure smooth running of the life support systems and to prevent any untoward happening, like a fire. This was done in 2 shifts. The first galley person was on the 7 PM to 2 AM shift and the second one was on the 2 AM to 7 AM shift. The second shift was the more difficult one. It entailed the loss of next day due to sleep.

A way out was suggested by our leader- 2 people would volunteer for the night duty, one each for each shift. These 2 people would be excused from the shramdaans, galley duties, party arrangements and all other day to day routine activities of the station. Their only duty in the station would be night duties apart from their professional job. So Ramesh, the communication room in charge and Shuklaji, the scientist from Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment volunteered. Ramesh was put on the 7 PM to 2 AM shift and Shuklaji volunteered for the 2 AM to 7 AM shift. These 2 did duty from February till August, which corresponded with the winter period including the darkest period, the polar nights. They used to go out to the generator complex every one hour even during the blinding blizzards and ferocious cyclones, keeping an eagle's eye on the functioning of the generators, clearing the snow and informing the concerned person in case any malfunction was suspected. Their night long vigils ensured that the rest of us slept peacefully. The galley duties ceased to be a pain thanks to these 2 people. They did a marvellous job.

Now, Shuklaji has chosen to opt out of the night duty from 14 Aug as he wants to experience the other activities of the station as well. Ramesh still continues. He has handed over the charge to Chaubey, a vehicle mechanic. A thanks-giving party was organised to felicitate Shuklaji for the remarkable service he has done to the team during the toughest winter period. A toast was raised and Shuklaji was given small gifts by various expedition members. According to Shuklaji, the assignment was not at all difficult since his job in India takes him to the most inhospitable terrain in The Himalayas including the Siachen Glacier, where he has to endure worse conditions with rudimentary facilities. He then went on to tell his tales from those icy heights. All listened with rapt attention.

We welcomed him into the galley duty roster, something he looks forward to with the same zeal the night duties. We all thank Shuklaji for this tremendous service to us.