Col OP Kalra

Friends. It is nostalgic to read such affectionate Shradhanjlis to dear Col OP Kalra, who left us so suddenly for his heavenly abode. OP was indeed a thorough gentleman, man of few words, so likeable, very able and highly professional. We worked together for over a year in Signals 9 in early 1980s and I carry very fond memories of him.

It is indeed very sad that his passing away was so untimely and he left us all so early in life. Our profound condolences to Mrs. Kalra and the Family. We share their grief. May God rest the departed soul in peace.

We started this Blog in Dec 2007 for friends and colleagues to be able to express their feelings when one or the other colleague and comrade in arms leaves this World. It is indeed satisfying that the Blog is bringing us together in such times of grief and sorrow, as passing away of Col OP Kalra.

Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd)

Col OP Kalra

About Col Kalra - where do I begin? He has to be one of the friendliest and nicest people I have ever met. I consider it my misfortune that I had not served with him or not really known him during my service tenure except a few meetings in 1996-97 when we were both stationed at Pune. It was later after both of us moved to Delhi post retirement and we were staying in the same Colony/neighbor hood that we became close friends – particularly my wife Raj and Mamta Kalra became thicker than even sisters. In the short time we knew each other - we shared our pasts, talked of our futures, and had a huge amount of fun. Words cannot begin to ease the pain so many of us are feeling. I just have to be happy that I was one of the lucky people to have known him, be grateful for all the wonderful memories I have of him................. there is a new star shining brightly in the sky tonight. I'll miss him.

Brig Rajender Kukreja (Retd)

Col OP Kalra was a great and pious soul. He was my CO at Ahmedabad and I have tremendous regard, respect and affection for him. He was especially supportive of me as I was facing so many problems at that juncture. May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family members

Col Navin Srivastava (Retd)

Col OP Kalra

My association with Col O P Kalra (TOMMY) goes back to 1955 when we joined King Georges School, Belgaum together in January of that Year. We went to NDA (26th Course)in 1961 & got commissioned in the Corps of Signals in 1965. We had always been in constant touch with each other both while in service as well as after we retired from the army. Col Kalra was always bubbling with energy and was source of inspiration to all.

I recall, he was always among the first three in the class at school. When Principal Mani and school authorities decided to give him a double promotion- he justified their decision and faith in him by topping the higher class too.

OP was one year older to me in age but many years younger in spirit. No wonder he was made Head Boy of Junior school- the Only Senior Boy in Junior school where young boys could look up to him as Role Model.

OP was always physically fit and could play all games. Who can forget his atheletism in the hockey field?

Col OP Kalra was a brilliant officer- technically and tactically sound. He commanded a Div Sig Regt, the EDP Centre and was a Battalion Commander at IMA- no mean feat for a SIGNALS officer. If he did not rise to higher heights- I can only say it is the army’s and the Corps’ loss which was encashed by IBM and Patni Computers.

Tommy was a gentleman and a true friend with infectious smile. One could count on him always and every time.

His loss will be felt by the entire KALRA Family and Near Dear ones (particularly Mamta Bhabhi; Tanu, Deepak & Saisha; Chirag (Novy) & Sherri). I do hope and pray to Almighty to give them and the family lot of strength to bear this irreparable loss.

“Hey Bhagwan aap Om Prakash Kalra ko apni sharan lena aur usko apne charno main jagah dena”

Lt Col VK Grover (Retd)

Col OP Kalra

Our dearest Tommy is no more. For the dam busters of Bravo Squadron, the void will never be filled. When we reported at Kharakvasla on 12thy July 1961, the dam had just been breached. Naturally, everyone, especially the dreaded second termers, was busy pitching tents for the homeless people whose villages had been inundated, and left us alone for a few days. We were perhaps the only ones who were happy with the dam being breached, and that is how the course got its name – dam busters.

Om Prakash Kalra was the most liked member of the course. He never said an unkind word to anyone, and was perhaps the only one who never had an argument, a rare feat in the NDA. His name first became Omi; then Omi the God, before finally becoming Tommy. If one ran short of toothpaste or shaving blades, Tommy’s cabin was the first port of call. In later years, if one wanted something done, Tommy was the one who could be counted on to deliver. Of course, all of us in the squadron were very close to him. With me, there was another reason for nearness - when we were commissioned and IC numbers were allotted, Tommy became my immediate senior.

I know that all of us have to go some day. But not everyone leaves an empty space. Tommy was like that. I know Mamta and the children will miss him forever. We will also miss him, for a long time. We pray for his soul and for his loved ones – may God give them the strength to bear the loss. Of course, we need not worry about Tommy’s whereabouts – we know where God resides.

VK Singh

I first came in contact with OP when he was doing his SODE and I was doing my CC course at Mhow. Even during that short association I could not escape being influenced by his brilliant intellect and affable nature. Later I had even closer association with him when we both did the sme EDPS course at Mhow. Brilliant as he was, his standing first on the course was no surprise to any of us. More than that he was extremely friendly and cooperative, and willingly shared his knowledge wih others. His passing away so early in life is a tragic loss for all the signals fraternity. May God grant peace to his soul and courage to his family members to bear his absence.

Col SK Paranjape

Though I have not known Col OP Kalra, being a veteran Signaller I pay my 'shradhanjali' to the departed soul. May his soul rest in peace. May God give his family and near and dears the courage to bear the loss.

Lt Col MG Kapoor
Advocate

I was really shocked to hear about the sad demise of Col O P Kalra from Col Ramtri. How can this happen to such an active and fit person.

It was only a year ago that He and I had a very good lunch at the Arun Vihar Club, Noida, and talked about old times and the IT industry in general.

I was fortunate to induct such a fine person, Col Kalra, into the IT industry as head of administration and also my consultant for every thing else that setting up of a new office needs when I was setting up the new IBM office at Gurgaon for IBM Global Services Exports (which has grown very very large now).

I will always remember Col Kalra as a thorough gentleman, very balanced, sincere, hard working, respecting, pleasant, well dressed colleague. He was very shy of asking anything for himself but took up every duty with great involvement. We will miss him and pray for peace for his soul.

- Dr Asha Goya

I knew Col OP Kalra for over 53 years. In his passing away I have lost a real friend. I have written a small "shradhanjali". You may like to give it a place in the blog. Regards

Virender
Lt Col VK Grover(Retd)

Lt Col KL Sethi

Dear Signallers,
Reference email from Dir Sigs Adm, Dte Gen of Signals.
I am sad to inform you about the demise of SL 1409L Lt Col KL Sethi, who left for his heavenly abode on 12 Sep 08.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
In Sorrow,
Brig CS Kamboj, VSM (Retd)

Col OP Kalra

Dear Signallers,

I am sad to inform you that one of our veteran members of "Report My Signal", Col OP Kalra, commissioned to Corps of Signals in June 1965, left for his heavenly abode early morning of 14 Sep 08. He breathed his last in Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. He was suffering with some stomach ailment. The cremation will take place at 4.00 PM on 14 Sep 08 at Lodhi Road Crematorium, New Delhi.

We offer our profound condolences to Mrs Mamta Kalra. We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.

In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj

Maj Dalip Singh

We regret to inform you about the passing away of one of our veterans, Maj Dalip Singh, Ciphers, on 9 Sep 2008 at Chandigarh. A devoted and dedicated Officer of the Corps of Signals who is no more with us.
We offer our profound condolences to the bereaved family members. May God bless his soul.