The Soldier-Engineer of Saligaon: A Conversation with Lt. Col. Milin Vasant Prabhu
In the heart of Goa’s military tradition lies the story of Lt. Col. Milin Vasant Prabhu. Hailing from a lineage of bravery in Saligaon—a family boasting Mahavir Chakras, Vir Chakras, and veterans of the Second World War—Colonel Prabhu represents a "culture" of service. In a detailed reflection on his career, he sheds light on the grueling realities of training, the technical prowess of the EME, and his vision for Goa’s maritime future.
The Forge of an Officer: Surviving the OTA
Training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) is not merely a course; it is a transformation. Colonel Prabhu recalls a regime where "rest days" involved a 10-mile run and 20-hour workdays.
- The Physical Toll: Cadets often lose 20–30 kg as they navigate obstacles and 60-kilometer route marches carrying 18 kg of equipment.
- Marrying the Weapon: He describes the psychological bond a soldier forms with their rifle. "You are sleeping with it, traveling with it... it becomes a part of the body."
The Corps of EME: From Bicycles to Missiles
As an officer in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), the Colonel emphasizes that military engineering is about being a "hands-on person."
- Scope: The EME handles everything from basic transport to complex aviation engines, tanks, and missiles.
- The Learning Curve: Technical officers undergo rigorous training at institutions like MCME Secunderabad and EME School Baroda, which he notes are world-class facilities attracting even IIT graduates and foreign trainees.
Combat and Hostile Terrains
Colonel Prabhu’s service spanned some of the most challenging environments:
- IPKF in Sri Lanka: Serving with the 55th Infantry Brigade Group, he witnessed the unwavering fighting spirit of Indian soldiers against the LTTE.
- Arunachal Pradesh (BRO): Managing an 800 km axis in the young, unstable Himalayas, he learned to navigate a terrain defined by landslides and earthquakes rather than human hostility.
Sailing and Social Impact
A passionate sailor, the Colonel’s legacy extends to the National Sailing School in Bhopal, which he helped establish in 2006.
"I picked up street kids, trained them, and put them into water... 25 of them won around 70 medals."
He believes Goa has "pristine waters" that remain tragically under-exploited. He has offered to train local Goan youth and fishermen's children for a nominal fee of one rupee, aiming to turn the state into a world-class sailing destination.
A Vision for the Goa Marina
Addressing the controversy surrounding the proposed Nauxim Marina, the Colonel advocates for high-value, low-impact tourism. He argues that a marina would provide hundreds of specialized jobs for locals, offering free training to prevent youth from having to seek employment in Singapore or Dubai. He dismisses "uninformed activism," stressing that the project is an environmentally friendly path to economic growth.
The "Agni Veer" Debate
Colonel Prabhu offers a candid, critical perspective on the Agnipath scheme. He argues that four years is insufficient for a technical soldier to master complex systems like missiles or specialized guns.
- Loss of Tradition: He fears the scheme erodes the "lifelong family" bond of a regiment and discourages traditional martial families from North India and Nepal.
- The Gorkha Factor: He warns that the cessation of Gorkha recruitment from Nepal—who are now being eyed by China—is a significant strategic loss.
A Call to Action for Goans
The Colonel’s message to his fellow Goans is one of ambition. He laments that while there are 50 vacancies for Goans every six months, they are rarely filled.
- His Advice: "Get out of the shell."
- The Reward: He promises that while the climb is steep, the view from the top—a life of respect, a decent pension, and the mental toughness to "think differently"—is worth every mile of the march.
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