The submarine arm of the Indian Navy celebrated its 33rd anniversary in Mumbai. Vice Admiral Madhvendra Singh, FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command presided over the ceremony.

The glorious chapter of the submarine arm was etched onto the portals of the Indian Navy in Riga, USSR, on December 8, 1967, when INS Kalvari, India’s first submarine unfurled the national flag on her staff. This historic moment catapulated the Indian Navy into the underwater arena of stealth, silence and lethal prowess.

Prowling the Indian maritime frontiers, deep within the oceans, the submarines and their men grew from strength to strength. The force occupies a vital role in safeguarding the 7000 km coastline and vast exclusive economic zone. The force also protects maritime interests in the region.

The Indian Navy is equipped with three distinctive classes of submarine, each with its characteristic mission profiles. Armed with some of the finest torpedoes, missiles and sensors, these steel-dolphins often spend months underwater, without even a glimpse of the outside world, watching and waiting to strike terror in the heart of the enemy.

This silent service has provided service to the nation in many complex situations without, being heard or seen due to the very nature of its operations.

The Army Service Corps celebrated its 240th anniversary recently. The Army Service Corps is the life line of the Indian Army and runs the massive logistics network required to support the Army. This Corps provides, distributes and manages all major requirements including rations, fuel oils, mechanical and animal transport to all the Army units in the country.

The ASC has contributed immensely in all the battles and in other operational requirements during its 240 years of history. From a modest beginning during the days of the East India Company, the Corps has steadily extended the scope of its activities.

The ASC in Maharashtra and Gujarat Area is headed by Brig DS Mundae, the Deputy Director of Supplies and Transport. As part of the ASC Day celebrations, a Sainik Sammelan was held at S & T Complex, Colaba. A function was also organised at the Army Officers Institute at Colaba in which all serving and retired ASC officers in and around Mumbai participated.

—Cdr R Madhusoodanan

The Eighteen Kumaon organised a cycle rally from Gwalior to Majkhali (Ranikhet) and back covering a distance of more than 1000 kms. The rally undertaken by 10 members of the "Live Dangerously" team was led by Nb Sub Badri Singh. The rally was sponsored by the manufacturers of cycles-the Atlas company.

The rally was flagged off by Brig Parvinder Singh, Commander 72 Infantry Brigade in the presence of Col V K Bahuguna, Commanding Officer 18 Kumaon, the Director of Atlas company and JCOs.

The rally traversed Agra, Kashganj, Bareilly, Kathgodam, Ratighat and finally Majkhali (Ranikhet). Brig Prabhat Kumar Saxena, Commandant, Kumaon Regimental Centre hosted a reception party for the team and later saw them off on their journey back to the battalion.

A Sainik Sammelan was the highlight of the day-long programme of celebration. Addressing all ranks, Col Vimal Kumar Malhotra called upon them to work hard to uphold the traditions of their Corps.

Mandir service, sports competitions, a prize distribution ceremony and a social evening formed part of the programme. Families of troops and ex-servicemen participated in the celebrations.

The CMP is responsible for good order and discipline and to prevent breach of rules and orders by military personnel. The CMP traces its origin to the days of world war II. In July 1939, the first ever Indian section was authorised and the 4 Indian Division Provost Unit was established. Having proved its worth in North Africa and Burma, the government formally sanctioned the formation of Corps of Military Police (India) on July 7, 1942.

On October 18, 1947, the letter "I" was dropped and it was redesignated as the Corps of Military Police. The CMP personnel are guided by their motto—Seva tatha sahayata.

- Dhirendra Ojha