Chapter- 12: Antarctic Communication

Chapter- 12
Antarctic Communication
12.1 Introduction
This Chapter contains some of the important messages sent to India from Antarctica and received from India in Antarctica by the author during his participation in the 17th Soviet Antarctic Expedition from 1971 to 1973 and also some other miscellaneous Antarctic messages. Such messages were sent and received through his Institute (PRL) via Radio Moscow by wireless as there is no postal service between Antarctica and the outside world, and satellite communication is the only way of establishing contact with this world from Antarctica. These messages are, therefore, reproduced as such in the form of letters, and it would thus give some real feeling about the life in Antarctica.
12.2 Message from Professor P.D. Bhavsar sent from Moscow, USSR proposing my name for participation in the 17th Soviet Antarctic Expedition, 1971-1973

PROFESSOR PISHROTY RESEARCH AM N
XF 0930 BR 5106 MOSCOW 23 OCS 86

Hydrometeorological Service of the USSR very much likes if we can send someone to the Antarctic. If IMD (India Meteorological Department) definitely backed out, my suggestion send Mr. Sehra if he is willing. He will have to fly to Perth (Australia) on 27th December 1971 by flight AI 412. Soviet team (50) propose to join this flight in Singapore. Stay in Antarctica will be one to one and a half years. Please telegraphically reply either yes or no to above suggestion before 1st December 1971 to Dr. Alexandrov. Regards. Bhavsar. No. 100-707.
Copy to :-
Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra
(Research Scholar)
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
Ahmedabad-380009, India.
12.3 Acceptence of Invitation for participation in the 17th Soviet Antarctic Expedition, 1971-1973

24th November 1971
Prof. P.R. Pisharoty
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
Ahmedabad-9, India.
Respected Sir,
Kindly refer to Prof. P.D. Bhavsar’s telegram dated 23-11-1971 from Moscow for which my reply is Yes. I accept, with pleasure, his suggestion of including me as an Indian Partcipant in the 17th Soviet Antarctic Expedition, 1971-1973. I am prepared to be with the Soviet team in Antarctica for the full duration of the expedition from 1971 to 1973.
I have no difficulty in flying to Perth, Australia on 27th December 1971 by flight No. AI42 as suggested by Prof. P.D. Bhavsar in his telegram. However, I would appreciate if you could kindly make it possible to furnish me all the necessary details of the Expedition including the warm clothing (special woollen dress) to be worn while in Antarctica. Also I would be obliged if you would kindly let me know all that with which I must be equipped before I start.
Thanking you,
yours Obediently

Parmjit Singh sehra
Research scholar
12.4 Message from Professor P.R. Pisharoty, PRL, Ahmedabad, India to Dr. Alexandrov Hydrometeorological Service (HMS), Moscow, USSR
Dr. Alexandrov
Hydromet Service (HMS)
Moscow
USSR
Glad to inform you that Mr. Sehra will join your Antarctic Expedition. He will leave Bombay afternoon 27th December 1971 by flight A-12 arriving that night Singapore where he will join Soviet Party and fly to perth, Australia. Believe you will take care of him from Perth and provide him with necessary warm clothing, etc. Kindly acknowledge and signal change of your programme, if any.

Regards
Pisharoty- Research
SP/MR
25.11.1971
Sd/-
Physical Research Laboratory
Ahmedabad-380009, India.
12.5 Massage from Prof. P.R. Pisharoty, PRL, Ahmedabad, India about joining the Antarctic Expedition
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELEGRAM : RESEARCH NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHEMDABAD-9 77076. 79271
PROF P.R. PISHAROTY (INDIA) 79272. 77642
1.4.27/PS/71 January 1, 1972
Mr. Mohinder Singh Sehra
G-80
P & T Colony
Jalandhar city, Punjab, India.
Dear Mr. Mohinder Singh Sehra :
I am happy to inform you that Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra has joined the Soviet Antarctic Expedition Group at Perth, Australia which is sailing on December 29, 1971 for Antarctica. A Message to this effect has been received from Perth from Dr. Ananjev, Group Leader of the 17th Soviet Antarctic Expedition, 1971-1973.
I wish to congratulate the proud father of this adventurous and intelligent son who is apparently the first Indian ever to go to the Antarctic continent on a Scientific Expedition and winter over the South Pole.
With kind regards
Yours sincerely
Sd/-
P. R. Pisharoty

12.6 Message from PRL to my father about reaching the Antarctic continent
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELGRAM : “RESEARCH” NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHMEDABAD-9 77076, 79271,
(INDIA) 79272, 77642
1.4.27/72 January 24, 1972
Mr. Mohinder Singh Sehra
G-80
P&T Colony
Jalandhar City, Punjab, India.
Dear Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra :
I introduce myself as one of the colleagues of your son Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra at PRL. As directed by Professor P.R. Pisharoty, I write this to inform you that we have been receiving messages regarding Mr. Parmjit Singh’s movements from place to place.
On December 28, 1971, he had sent a message asking for a camera and films. Necessary arrangements have been made. He reached the Antartic zone on 10th January 1972 and should have flown to Molodezhanaya (the place of work which is another 2000 km away from the Antartic zone) by now.
He has been provided with warm clothing in the ship and is confident of withstanding the extreme cold climate. The Antarctic continent is having its summer now and the Sun can be seen right through the day for 24 hours.
I presume this letter contains everything that you would like to know about.
With kind regards,
Sd/-
Yours sincerely,
S. Raghunathan
Electronics Engineer

12.7 Message about the receipt of a letter from Antarctica
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELGRAM : “RESEARCH” NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHMEDABAD-9 77076, 79271,
(INDIA) 79272, 77642
PROF. P.R. PISHAROTY
1.4.27/72 February 21 , 1972
Mr. Mohinder Singh Sehra
G-80, P&T Colony
Jalandhar city, Punjab, India.
Dear Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra :
Enclosed herewith is copy of a letter received from Shri Parmjit Singh Sehra. for your kind information. Obviously he is doing well.
With kind regards
Yours Sincerely
Sd/-
P.R. Pisharoty
Encl : a.a.
P.S. : An Authority Letter received from Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra is enclosed. You may kindly put your specimen signature and send it back to me.
12.8 Message from my father to PRL about family’s general welfare
All India Wireless Licence Inspectors Association
PUNJAB CIRCLE
Ref. No....3.... Dated : 7th March 1972.
Mohinder Singh Sehra,
G-80, P & T Colony,
Jalandhar City, Punjab, India
Prof. P.R. Pisharoty,
Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
Ahmedabad-380009, India.
Dear Prof. P.R. Pisharoty,
I am enclosing an authority letter from my son Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra after doing the needful as desired. No doubt he is doing well but the life in Antarctic continent will be very risky. May it be risky and let him bring fame for the country which I expect from him in the scientific field for the development of the country. Please keep me in touch with him fortnightly as desired by him and convey him that the marriage of his sister Rani has been fixed for 23rd March 1972. All family members are in good health. His mother is doing well. The Ayrveduc medicine written by him was prepared thrice of half kg Ghee each time and kept in use for one month but she didn’t get any relief from the rheumatic pains. The prednisolone tablets are regularly in use with which she is doing well and there is nothing to worry. Big room of our village house has been partitioned and veranda has been converted into a room. Manjit Singh, his elder brother, doing M.Sc. (Botany) at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidya/Nagar, Anand, Gujarat is doing good progress in his studies. The examinations of Rana (younger brother) will commence on 29th March 1972.
All the decisions taken in favour of my son may please be intimated to me at all levels. Also please inform him about the death of our great scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai about which he is not knowing, although it occurred on the 3rd day of his departure. I was much shocked by that news, Let me know who has taken his position in the PRL.
My son Pum might have reached at his work place Molodezhnaya in Antarctica by the 1st week of this month. Please confirm his safe arrival there accordingly. Also please do acknowledge the receipt of the enclosed authorty letter promptly.
Hoping for an early reply,
With best regards,
Yours sincerely
Sd/-
MOHINDER SINGH SEHRA
(Postmaster, Head Post Office,
P&T Department,
Jalandhar city, Punjab, India.)
Enclosures :
1 Authority Letter

12.9 Message About my Antarctic work and family news
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELGRAM : “RESEARCH” NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHMEDABAD-9 77076, 79271,
(INDIA) 79272, 77642
March 28, 1972
Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra
G-80, P & T Colony
Jalandhar City, Punjab, India.
Dear Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra :
We are in receipt of your letter dated March 7, 1972 along with your specimen signature. Thanks. We received a cable from your son Shri Parmjit Singh Sehra on the 14th of March 1972 that he had reached the Molodezhnaya station in Antarctica and that he was enjoying his stay there.
We received another cable on the 24th of March 1972 that there is nothing to worry, that meteorological rockets were successfully fired on all Wednesdays, that including himself there are ten rocket sounding personnel daily working from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. and that he observed aurora australis (night glow) on the 23rd evening during this month. He has also asked for family welfare and domestic news.
I am issuing the following cable to him :
“Delighted to receive your message and learn about your work and welfare. Your sister’s marrriage was celebrated on the 23rd March 1972. Your mother is doing well. Best wishes. Pisharoty”
The Laboratory has agreed to insure him against risks, and to grant him a daily allowance for his stay and work in the Antarctic continent. The exact amount of allowance has not yet been settled. We will let you know when it is settled.
I am sure that Parmjit will be happy at the Antarctic station, will work hard, and will bring credit to you and his institute PRL.
With best wishes,
Yours sincerely
Sd/-
P.R. Pisharoty
Copy to : Shri Manjit Singh
Department of Botany
Sardar Patel University
Vallabh Vidya Nagar
Anand, Gujarat, India.
12.10 Message about the setting of the Antarctic winter
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELGRAM : “RESEARCH” NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHMEDABAD-9 77076, 79271,
(INDIA) 79272, 77642
1.4.27 10th April 1972
Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra
G-80, P & T Colony
Jalandhar city, Punjab, India.
Dear Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra,
Received the following message from Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra from Antarctica :.
XF 1430 BR 5208 MOLODEZHNAYA ANTARCTICA, MOSCOW RADIO USSR 6 OCS 85
Thanks for your radiogram. Autumn ending and long and chilly winter soon setting. Presently temperature varying minus 20 to minus 30 degree’s centigrade and winds 20 to 30 metres per second. Medical report satisfactory. Photo-camera provided. Believe besides meeting my food expenses etcetera PRL would also pay fifteen to twenty dollars daily risk allowance as per Soviet Antarctic Expedition Rules. If necessary please contact Prof. Vikram Sarabhai regarding this issue and wire confirmation for official use through Radio Moscow. Your Respectfully, Parmjit Singh Sehra.
LN 60 BR 5208 Professor Pisharoty Research 20 30 PRL etc.”
Yours sincerely
sd/-
P.R. Pisharoty


12.11 Message from PRL to my parents for direct contact in Antarctica
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELGRAM : “RESEARCH” NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHMEDABAD-9 77076, 79271,
(INDIA) 79272, 77642
1.4.27/72 May 26, 1972
Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra
Postmaster, Head Post Office
Phillaur
District Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
Dear Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra :
I am in receipt of your letter dated 24.5.1972. We have written two letters to you on March 28 and April 10, 1972 ( copies enclosed). Subsequent to that your son Shri Manjit Singh came here and copies of all the correspondence were given to him. Your letter did not mention about your son coming here and meeting me. This is rather surprising. I am soory that you have been kept anxious.
As far as I know your son is reasonably well. I was away in New York since 1st April and returned only recetly. For any direct correspondence you may like to have with your son, you can send cables addressed to him as :
PARMJIT SINGH SEHRA
MOLODEZHNAYA, ANTARCTICA
VIA MOSCOURADIO ( Moscow Radio)
OR
Care Dr. Alexandrov
Hydromet Service
Moscow
with a request to transmit your message to
Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra, Molodezhnaya, Antarctica
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
sd/-
P.R. Pisharoty
12.12 Message about Uncle’s Death
CABLEGRAM –LT
Dr. Alexandrov
Hydromet Service
Moscow
(USSR)
Request trasmit following message to Mr. Parmjit Singh Sehra at Molodeznaya Station in Antarctica :
Message Begins
Following message received from your father: Mother doing well. Elected as our Village Panch. Uncle Ishar Singh (Contractor) expired in a road accident on 29th June 1972. Request message regarding your welfare.
Message ends –
Best Wishes
Pisharoty - Reseacrh
10.7.1972
Project SP/MR
Physical Reserach Laboratory
Ahmedabad- 380009 India.
12.13 Message about mother’s illness
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELGRAM : “RESEARCH” NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHMEDABAD-9 77076, 79271,
(INDIA) 79272, 77642
1.4.27/72 July 10, 1972
Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra
Postmaster, Head Post Office
Phillaur

District Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
Dear Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra:
I am in receipt of your letter dated 6th July 1972. I have conveyed your message to Shri Parmjit Singh Sehra through a cablegram, copy enclosed. I have also requested therein to report to us regularly about his progress. We shall forward these to you as soon as we received the same.
I am sorry to know that Mrs. Mohinder Singh Sehra is not keeping well. Best wishes for her speedy recovery.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely
Sd/-
P.R. Pisharoty
Encl: a.a.
12.14 Message about the Antarctic Mid-Winter Night
PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
TELGRAM : “RESEARCH” NAVRANGPURA TELEPHONES
TELEX : 012-261 AHMEDABAD-9 77076, 79271,
(INDIA) 79272, 77642
1.4.27/72 August 1, 1972
Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra
Postmaster, Head Post Office
Phillaur
District Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
Dear Shri Mohinder Singh Sehra :
Given below are the two telegrams received from Shri Parmjit Singh Sehra.
1. “Reference your radiogram dated 24th July 1972 Doctor Alexandrov conveyed to the Expedition Leader your message clarifying finances. Also received home news. Believe eighteen months sanctioned allowance amounting to 5785 dollars plus incidentals of 1955 dollars over full period excludes official correspondence expenses. Please also confirm if this sactioned allowance is to be fully paid to the USSR or I will also get something from this amount. Aforesaid understood expostfacto. Confirm allowance figures. Henceforth communications through indian Embassy (Indembassy), Moscow for security, cetainty, promptness and for possibly being less expensive.
Radio telegraphic letter follows: PRL been entrusted make payment due to above retrospectively. Feeling sound. Enjoying life. Work running smoothly . Shocked learning sudden untimely death of uncle Ishar Singh. Convey grieved family heartfelt condolences. Wire family welfare. Convey regards everyone. Parmjit Singh Sehra.”
2) “Singnal acknowledgement my open letter dated 20th May 1972 and its publication and voxpopuli. Contact me through Indembassy, Moscow. These days here good weather. Temperature around minus thirty degrees Centigrade. Generally serene frosty atmosphere with frequent gales. Occasionally homicidal snow stroms. Long, cold and dark Antarctic mid-winter night over. Sunrise circa Indian noon time. Night prevails nineteen hours. Azure (blue unclouded sky) scarce. August month peak winter. Interalia (among other things), station food provisions under emergency but violent stormy weather and freezing cold environments plentiful. Shall appreciate receiving important news from home. Sincere regards. Parmjit Singh Sehra”.
With kind regards
Yours sincerely
Sd/-
K.P. G. Nair
Secretary to Prof. P.R. Pisharoty.