India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate: A Look Back at Sunil Gavaskar’s 1965 War Story
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a boiling point, with the Indian government recently instructing all zones to perform nationwide mock drills to prepare citizens for wartime conflicts. The drills, which were last reported in 1971, aim to educate people on survival practices and air warning systems. In light of these developments, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has shared his experiences during India’s wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971.
According to a report by News24 Online, Gavaskar discussed the national circumstances during India’s wars with Pakistan with Sports Tak YouTube viewers. The cricket legend recalled the 1965 war, which occurred when he was just 15-16 years old. "I remember a lot about 1965. I was 15-16 years old and when the war was going on, the Indian people were told to cover the windows after lighting lamps in the evening. Cover them with black cloth so that the light does not show outside. People whose houses were facing the sea were told that the less light they use, the better it will be. Use torches and lamps only. Then the siren would keep going on. Then it was not known whether it was a mock drill or something else. But I remember that black cloth was covered on the windows and ventilation," Gavaskar said.
Nationwide Precautions During Wartime
Gavaskar’s family, like many others, took precautions to ensure their safety during the war. He revealed that his family reduced food consumption, as the Prime Minister at the time, Lal Bahadur Shastri, had requested people to eat just once a day due to the challenging situation in the country. "My father said that we will eat less food. Now we will not have both roti and rice in one meal. Either there will be roti or rice. But the government did not force us to do this. We did this on our own," Gavaskar recalled.
During the 1965 war, Indians did not experience widespread fear, thanks to the limited access to news updates. All India Radio was the primary source of information, and there were very few television sets at the time. The nation came together, with citizens taking collective precautions to ensure their safety.
India’s History of War Preparations
The current mock drills, which began on May 7, aim to prepare citizens for potential wartime conflicts. This is not the first time India has conducted such drills. The last recorded instance was in 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The Indian government has been taking steps to strengthen its defence capabilities, amidst rising tensions with Pakistan.
As reported by News24 Online, Gavaskar’s account of the 1965 war provides a unique perspective on India’s past experiences during times of conflict. The cricket legend’s recollections serve as a reminder of the nation’s resilience and ability to come together during challenging times.
Conclusion
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have sparked concerns about a potential war scenario. As the Indian government takes steps to prepare citizens for wartime conflicts, accounts from the past provide valuable insights into the nation’s experiences during times of crisis. Sunil Gavaskar’s story, as reported by News24 Online, serves as a testament to the nation’s ability to adapt and come together during difficult times.
The article was written by Chetan Phore and published on May 06, 2025, at 21:19.
