Genesis

This book is a small collection of poems, composed by Late Col Surya Panda between 1979-1993, titled 'GENESIS'. Each poem is a jewel with his 'magnum opus'- Ode to the Ganges'. Deeply philosophical with sombre musings, meditations and reflections on life, love, loss, war, peace, death and Nature. Some of them are almost prophetic, like a preview or trailer of his own demise years later. With a sense of 'Déjà vu' and epiphanic. Mature beyond his years when written. An optimist and fighter to the core, Surya succumbed finally to aggressive 'Malignant Melanoma' in the early hours of 9th January, 2021 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. But, not without a fierce and determined fight until his last breath. This brave son of the nation was draped in the tri-colours of the Indian national flag, given a spectacular 21-gun salute and cremated with full military honours by the Indian Army. He departed in style just the way he had always wanted to. Befitting a valiant soldier! Amongst his many achievements, Surya was instrumental in safely bringing down a 'sick' Army helicopter from the high-altitude Siachen glacier down to the base camp. He was also one of the selected few officers to have visited Israel to master Drone technology in 2006 and actively involved in the adventurous and sports activities of the Indian Army. One of the chosen two to have participated in the VIth International Hot air Balloon contest in 1990. This is my labour of love and commitment. A sister's humble and heartfelt ode to her valiant soldier brother. I feel as emotional as proud to present this work to all the readers, who knew and never knew Surya. The unsung poet, warrior, soldier and multi-faceted man. Dedicated to a noble and rare soul who lived his life and faced his death with heroic courage and a smile. To keep alive his legacy and spirit.