Page 32 - Memoirs of Sarasworthy Somasundaram

Bhishma

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Bhishma was a few weeks older to Talitha, he had a deep devotion to Daya which was so
touching.

It was just after the IPKF (Indian Military) had taken over Jaffna. The soldiers were on the
loose and discipline was lax, resulting in a lot of unrestrained atrocities and wanton assaults.
Perhaps the IPKF Authorities had turned a blind eye on this conduct, maybe even
encouraged it, in order to establish fear and thus ensure the military control over the civilian
population.

At the time, Daya was alone at Amaragiri. The family renting the eastern wing of the house
had moved in with friends. The house was away from the main road. A soldier had entered
via the boundary fence and Daya sensed he had walked up to the kitchen entrance.

In those days and since then, all dogs are mortally scared of the military. (Uduvil had always
been a very quiet village). But that morning Bhishma had followed Daya and stood by his
side, facing the intruder. He didn’t bark, but was probably shivering. The soldier raised his
gun, took aim and fired. As the shot rang out, Bhishma leaped in front of Daya and took the
shot.

The soldier was probably taken by surprise, he lowered his gun and walked off.

Bhishma didn’t die. The Bullet had gone through his thigh, leaving a clean wound. The
wound healed. He did have a limp for many months, but he survived.

Is it strange that now Daya never said a harsh word to Bhishma even when he deserved it?

10 Please see page 19. Bhishma was an Alsatian cross breed, an offspring of Meena.

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