Mohanlal’s second tryst with Territorial Army

It was much different from the make-believe roles he played as a soldier for the the silver screen. A soldier’s job is tough, and film star Lt Col(Hony) Mohanlal seemed to know it better than anyone else as he reached the 122 Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army (TA) based in Kannur for his second round of training.

As the celebrity soldier reached exactly at 9.50 am at the TA unit on Friday, he was received by Col S Bali, commanding officer of the battalion, Second-in-command Lt Col Edwin E Raj and Sub Major H Vijayan. It was in July 2009 that Mohanlal joined the TA as Lt Col(Hony).

After the initial formalities of his enrolment as soldier in Delhi, he was directed to function as an Army official attached to the 122 Infantry Battalion of TA. Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal obtained preliminary training in Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram last year. According to senior TA officials, the basic idea of offering enrolment to Lal was to attract the youths in the country to join the TA as it is a defence force designed to make use of the services of the civilians for the Army.

The TA provides an opportunity to all eligible youths to serve the nation. Lal’s refresher programme as an officer was limited to two days this time.

On Friday, the TA officials explained the latest training programmes including the use of weapons being offered to the soldiers. He was accorded a guard of honour of soldiers, and attended a Mandir parade.

Film director Major Ravi, who was instrumental in making the reel-hero a real soldier, was also present at the TA unit.

“I am proud of wearing the uniform of the Indian Army,” said Lal. “The 122 Infantry Battalion of the TA unit here has won several accolades, and I am also proud of being part of it.”

His scheduled programmes on Friday included a friendly football match at the Kotta Maidan. His refresher programme will conclude on Saturday afternoon.