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Ranks and Rosaries narrates the compelling journey of Brigadier James, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army. Born into modest circumstances, his life and military career exemplified dedication, resilience and leadership.
He led the Electronics and Mechanical Engineering units in Uttarakhand, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim and served as Officer Commanding at the Siachen Brigade Workshop. As a Colonel, he commanded a Battalion in Punjab. As a Brigadier, he was the Commandant and MD of a Base Workshop in Allahabad and later headed the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Kerala.
Alongside his esteemed career, his radiant wife, Mary, was the constant glow in his life. Their bond, spanning 45 years of blissful marriage, was a testament to love and partnership.
Post-retirement, the Brigadier ventured into politics, community service, mentorship and globetrotting. However, a stark diagnosis of liver cancer amid the COVID-19 pandemic tested his resolve. During this challenging period, his unwavering faith emerged as the beacon, with the Rosary symbolising hope and strength. As the world grappled with the pandemic, his home transformed into a sanctuary of intense prayers, bridging him with divinity. The unexpected appearance of a Paradise Flycatcher in his backyard stood as nature's testament to his recovery and spiritual triumph.
Ranks and Rosaries demonstrate the power of faith during adversity, highlighting the marriage of military leadership with spiritual resilience. The Brigadier continues to inspire mentoring young aspirants at the Berchmans Defence Academy, Changanacherry, Kerala.
Brigadier OA James (Retd)
Brigadier OA James hails from Ottathengal House, Puzhavathu, Changanacherry. His illustrious military journey commenced in 1971 at the esteemed Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.
His military service spanned diverse locations, from cities like Delhi and Bhopal to challenging high-altitude terrains in Kashmir and borders adjoining Pakistan and China. He got special training in Sweden and Norway on electronic equipment. He was Head of the Department of Communication Engineering at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, Secunderabad. He also played a crucial role in the Officer selection at the Services Selection Board, Bhopal.
As a Colonel, he led a Battalion in Punjab. Later, as a Brigadier, he was Commandant and Managing Director at 508 Army Base Workshop in Allahabad with nine hundred civilians and three hundred combatants.
He made significant contributions as head of the NCC organisation in Kerala and Lakshadweep. He retired from military service in 2008.
Outside his professional life, Brigadier James cherishes his family time. His wife, Mary James, is the family’s cornerstone. Their children now live in the U.S.A. This biography offers a glimpse into Brigadier James’ life, marked by service, leadership, dedication, resilience, faith and devotion. For readers around the globe, especially those grappling with life-altering challenges like cancer, Brigadier James’s enduring faith stands as a testament to the human spirit and perseverance.
