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 Gen NC Vij, Army Chief with Major General D Kulk, Chief of Singapore Army at South Block. The latter was on a three-day visit to India |
 Lt Gen Ahmed bin Harith bin Nasser Al-Nabhani, Chief of Staff, Sultan's Armed Forces, Oman inspecting a guard of honour at South Block. He was on a six-day visit to New Delhi recently. |
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 Jawans of Armoured Corps in traditional uniform at Teen Murti, New Delhi |
| The journal of India's Armed Forces published every fortnight on behalf of Ministry of Defence. It is not necessarily an organ for the expression of the Government's defence policy. The published items represent the views of respective writers and correspondents |
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President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff, Gen NC Vij visited Northern Command recently. On his arrival, President was received by Lt Gen Hari Prasad, GOC-in-C, Northern Command. A briefing on the current situation soon followed at the Command Headquarters. |
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President Kalam has a special love for children. Therefore, he first visited Dhruva Auditorium for an interaction with the children of Army Public School, Udhampur. About 450 children of both branches of Army Public School were waiting eagerly to give a warm reception to Dr Kalam. The school band played enchanting melodies to mark the occasion. The President addressed the children. For the children this meeting with the President was like a dream come true. They craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the father of the Indian missile system. They were simply overjoyed to see him so close, to shake hand with him and talk to him in person. It was a very memorable day in their lives.
The next stop for Dr Kalam was the Command Hospital located at Udhampur. The Command Hospital is a 650-bed multi-specialty and tertiary hospital. This hospital is the lifeline for soldiers wounded during operations in Jammu and Kashmir. It has a distinguished record in providing trauma care to battle casualties and accident cases.
The President visited casualty ward, acute surgery ward and intensive care unit at the hospital. He interacted with a large number of wounded soldiers who were admitted in the hospital. He wished them a speedy recovery and presented them gifts. Their faces lit up with joy when the Supreme Commander himself held their hands warmly. Many of the wounded men had tears in their eyes. |
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Dr Kalam also visited Asha School for special children being run under the aegis of Army Wives Welfare Association. Established in 1994, the school has the task of preparing special children to face the challenges of the world and lead a life which is as close to normal as possible. The President was given a warm welcome by 54 children of Asha. They were well aware that a very special person had come to visit them and they clearly showed their excitement. Children challenged by mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other multiple handicaps presented a nine-minute entertainment programme for the President. He interacted with the children and gave them gifts. A unique parting gift by the President was a poem, entitled Courage, by Mustafa, an Iranian boy who has lost both his legs. The poem reads: I don’t have legs. My mind says : Don’t weep don’t weep. For I need not bow even in front of a king. Dr Abdul Kalam read the poem himself to inspire the children at Asha. |
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The Supreme Commander flew to Mendhar in Rajouri district for a visit to a brigade deployed on the Line of Control. The President was briefed by the Brigade Commander and was shown the LC fencing and the surveillance centre of the brigade. The LC fence has been constructed close to the forward localities. It presents a formidable obstacle to infiltration. When this electrified fencing is used in conjunction with the surveillance devices and underground sensors, it raises the level of impediment for infiltration and also assists in interception of such attempts. The fencing is expected to assist in countering and checking the movement of terrorists across the LC.
Dr Kalam took keen interest in the mechanism of the surveillance grid. He took particular interest in the employment of sophisticated electronic equipment like thermal imagers and battlefield surveillance radars. The President gave valuable advices on the technical aspects.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam later flew to Rajouri where he interacted with the jawans who are on constant vigil along the Line of Control in this sensitive area. The President addressed the jawans and interacted with them individually. This meeting with the Supreme Commander was undoubtedly the most unforgettable moment in the lives of the jawans. Their high morale and soaring spirits were clearly visible in their rousing war-cries and beaming faces. |
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-Lt Col RK Sen
Mr Pranab Mukherjee took over as the new Defence Minister at South Block. Speaking to media persons immediately after taking over, Mr Mukherjee said that his new appointment calls for tremendous responsibility. Citing his priorities, he said that he would endeavour to make the procurement process clean and transparent and he would also look into the problems being faced by ex-servicemen.
Born on December 11, 1935 in Kirnahar, Birbhum district of West Bengal, Mr Mukherjee has had a long and distinguished political career. Some of the major portfolios he has held in the Government of India were External Affairs, Finance, Commerce, Shipping and Transport, Industrial Development, Revenue, Banking, Steel and Mines. Mr Pranab Mukherjee was the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and was also on the Board of Governors of International Monetary Fund and World Bank. He had led Indian delegations to Singapore, Colombo, Marrakesh, Auckland, Copenhagen, Bandung and Ghana. |
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Prior to his election to the 14th Lok Sabha from Jangipur constituency in West Bengal, Mr Mukherjee was elected to the Rajya Sabha five times.
The new Defence Minister has been conferred the best Parliamentarian Award in 1997. He has been an accomplished teacher, journalist and author. Some of his books are Midterm Poll, Beyond Survival: Emerging Dimensions of Indian Economy, Off the Track, Saga of Struggle and Sacrifice and Challenges Before the Nation. Mr Mukherjee has travelled all over the world and takes keen interest in reading, gardening and music. He has two sons and one daughter. |
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-PIB (DW)
Mr BK Handique took over as the Minister of State for Defence at South Block. After assuming the charge, the Minister was briefed by Defence Secretary, Mr Ajay Prasad and other senior officials on the various policies and activities of the Ministry. Born on December 1, 1934 at Jorhat in Assam, Mr Handique has had long and distinguished political career. He was first elected as the Member of Assam Legislative Assembly in 1972. He was Member of Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1991 and re-elected in 1996, 1998 and 2004. As a member of the Lok Sabha, he was Member of the Consultative Committees attached to the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies and Industry. He was also Chairman of Railway Convention Committee to review the rate of dividend payable by the Railway undertakings to the general revenues. |
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Mr Handique visited various countries as member of official delegation including Germany, Netherlands, UK, Russia, Korea, Cyprus, Thailand, France and Bangladesh. He also represented India during the 48th Session of UNO in 1993. Mr Handique writes poetry and some of his poems have been published in the Anthology of American Poetry titled The Other Side of the Mirror. |
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-PIB (DW)
INS Darshak, a hydrographic survey ship of the Eastern Naval Command, proved its competence on a different front. It unearthed submerged wrecks of Tamil Nadu which have a great historical significance. The exploration was a part of the endeavours of the Naval Headquarters to obtain more authentic knowledge in maritime history. The project for exploring the submerged remains of the lost city of Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu was tasked to INS Darshak. |
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The naval ship, commanded by Capt P Jayapal, was deployed off Poompuhar, about 15 nautical miles north of Nagapattinam. The ship carried out an extensive hydrographic survey and diving operations in the area off Tharangambadi (formerly known as Tranquebar) coast. During the operations that lasted for nearly a month, the ship recovered a few prominent objects of archaelogical importance. A ‘U’ shaped structure, located three miles into the sea at a depth of 23 metres, was discovered during one of the dives. The structure was 85 metres in peripheral length and about two metres in height while the distance between the arms was about 13 metres. The structure was covered with marine growth and the centre was buried under silt. Local fishermen claimed that the structure was one of the six such structures submerged under water. |
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Darshak also recovered a shipwreck supposed to be of a Dutch ship sunk by the French during the end of 18th century. As a result of diving over the structure, three lead ingots, about one-metre long and weighing approximately 80 kg each, were recovered. They were marked with W. Blackett which was the name of a British company and the marking 1792 was presumably the date of their manufacture. Moreover, the ingots carried an inscription ‘Vior’ in a heart shape which was the emblem of the Dutch East India Company.
The naval divers carried out extensive diving at the site and identified a two-metre long cannon deeply embedded in the seabed which was fastened to a structure on the wreck. The ship’s diving team executed a daring manoeuvre on top of the wreck and hauled out the cannon from the seabed. This operation was a very difficult task compounded by adverse sea conditions. It was a test of the efficiency and skill of the staff as the ship was not equipped to carry out excavations of such nature. The cannon, which was covered with extensive marine growth, was 2.1 metres in length and weighed approximately 700 kg.
-Cdr S Dasika
Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) completes 300 years of hydrographic surveying in Indian waters while the Naval Hydrographic Organisation (NHO) Dehra Dun completes 50 years this month. To commemorate these events, the year-long golden jubilee celebrations commenced on June 1 last year. They culminate with a befitting ceremony at NHO, Dehra Dun on June 1, this year. As part of the celebrations, an international hydrographic seminar-cum-exhibition, HYDRO IND-2004, was held at World Trade Centre in Mumbai. Mr Mohammed Fazal, Governor of Maharashtra, was the chief guest. |
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| “Marine Surveys for National Security and Development” was chosen as the theme for the seminar to bring into focus the role played by the hydrographic surveying agencies in national development. The seminar aimed to bring together hydrographers, marine cartographers, marine researchers in the academic and research institutes, oceanographers, environmentalists and experts from fishing industry, offshore engineering and offshore oil industry surveying companies to share views and experiences in this field. |
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| In conjunction with the seminar, a state-of-the-art hydrographic exhibition was held at the venue where the leading hydrographic hardware and software firms from all over the world displayed the latest instruments, equipment, systems and softwares in the fields of marine surveys, marine cartography and offshore development. The exhibitors had the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the central and state governments, industry, port organisations, maritime institutions, academicians and littoral representatives. The seminar was attended by over 300 delegates including over 50 from foreign countries and members of the North India Ocean Hydrographic Commission. |
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-Cdr AK Lambhate
pix: HS Bobde
Aqua sailing has become A popular in the backwaters of Kerala, thanks to the pioneering efforts of Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force. In this new aero-sport, a person is made to fly on a parachute over water with the help of a speed boat. Kerala, with backwaters near all the important tourist centers, provides an ideal location for developing this aero-sport. |
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| A team from the Adventure Cell of Indian Air Force was in Thiruvananthapuram to introduce this sport to the state and also to train the IAF personnel and civilians.
The first-ever aqua sailing camp in the state was organised at Kapil. During the four-day camp, several participants from IAF demonstrated ‘aqua sailing launches’ in the backwaters of Kapil. On the valedictory day, Air Marshal Sunil Kumar Malik, AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command, demonstrated an aqua sail launch at Priyadarshini Boat Club, Kapil. Families and children of IAF personnel also took part in the camp. The camp was conducted by Wg Cdr KP Sharma, Commanding Officer, Southern Air Command (Unit) and Sqn Ldr Jai Shankar of Adventure Cell of IAF. |
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-P Rajendran
from Thiruvananthapuram
Brig Mihir Ranjan Dutt (Retd), one of the veterans of Indian Army, passed away recently at the age of 85. He died at his forest house at Dhalli Highlands, a suburb of Shimla. Brig Dutt, the elder brother of thespian late Utpal Dutt, was an alumnus of Defence Service Staff College. He was commissioned on January 11, 1942 into the 1st Punjab Regiment. He held various prestigious staff and instructional appointments including Chief Instructor in the Indian Military Academy, Instructor in Warminister School of Weaponry in the United Kingdom, Assistant Military Secretary in Army Headquarters and General Staff Officer in the Infantry School. He commanded three infantry battalions during his illustrious career in the Army. They were 6 Rajputana Rifles, 3 Sikh and 1 Dogra. Brig Dutt, a die-hard soldier won Military Cross as a Second Lieutenant during the World War-II |
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The funeral was attended by a large number of civilians and Army officers including Col GS Mann, Commanding Officer, 6 Rajputana Rifles. Wreaths were laid on behalf of Lt Gen JJ Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command, Lt Gen K Nagraj, GOC-in-C, Army Training Command and Brig LS Thakur, Commander, 95 Infantry Brigade.
Seventeen Engineer Regiment from 475 Engineer Brigade of Sudarshan Chakra Corps constucted a 168 metre-long bridge over Narmada River at Narsinghpur near Bhopal. The bridge was constructed on a request from civil authority to enable lakhs of devotees visit Sharda Temple across Narmada river during Makar Sankranti. The bridge was completed on January 14 last and approximately 50,000 devotees used the bridge daily during the festival period. |
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The 17 Engineer Regiment maintained the bridge during this period and operated a safety boat at the site. It rescued three devotees who were taking bath in the river from drowning. The bridge as well as the gallant rescue work of the Army men received appreciation from the local civil administration and the local public.
input: Maj Rajeev Dalal
CGS Sagar and CGS Vivek embarked on a goodwill mission to neighbouring South-East Asian countries—Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The ships which sailed from Port Blair entered Changi Naval Base in Singapore for technical halt. They were received by the Defence Attache, Capt HCS Bisht and the Commanding Officers of both the ships called on the Indian High Commissioner, Mr Alok Prasad. An interaction with officers of Coastal Command (COSCOM), Royal Singapore Navy (RSN) and Singapore Police was held at the fleet office of RSN. Presentations on the roles of Singapore maritime agencies and Indian Coast Guard were conducted on the occasion. The Indian High Commissioner visited CGS Sagar for a return call. |
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Later, the ships reached Bangkok Harbour after covering about three hours of pilotage waters across Chao Phraya river. The ships were received there by the Defence Attache, GP Capt Daljit Singh. Commander, Coast Guard Region (E) along with the Commanding Officers called on the Indian Ambassador, Mrs LK Ponappa and the Commandant of Naval Base, Bangkok. The officers also visited Grand Palace to sign the Royal Book of greetings, an honour extended to the Heads of States and the visiting warships. A visit to the orphanage Duang Pratheep was organised for the officers. As a goodwill gesture, gifts were presented to the inmates of orphanage. A reception was hosted onboard CGS Sagar which was attended by Royal Thai Naval (RTN) officers, Military Attaches of various countries, civilian dignitaries and prominent local Indians. |
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The presentations by the ships on subjects namely maritime SAR, ICG capabilities, pollution response and maritime law enforcement were conducted by both the countries. A number of civilians and school children visited the ships. The Indian ships were open to Thai Naval officers and personnel from Embassy. Demonstrations of pollution response equipment was held onboard Sagar. A joint exercise Sahyog-VII with Royal Thai Naval ship Taksin was also conducted. Various seamanship evolutions like station keeping by distance line, tactical manoeuvres including search and rescue operations and vertical replenishment were conducted during the exercise. |
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On the occasion, a football match was played between Thai and Indian officials at Bangkok Naval Base. The ships departed from Bangkok on April 3, at 1500 hrs and were seen off by the representatives of RTN from Bangkok Naval Base. From Bangkok, the Indian ships entered Port Klang (South Port), Malaysia where they were received by Defence Attache, Col Ahmed. On arrival, the Commanding Officers called on the Marine Police Commander, RMP Mr Bukit Aman. A reception was hosted onboard Sagar which was attended by the High Commissioner, Military Attaches of various countries, civilian dignitaries and prominent local Indians. Both sides exchanged views on professional matters. An interactive session followed. The Malaysian government intends to start Malaysian Coast Guard, latest by next year. A friendly football match was also played between Indian and Malaysian Coast Guard teams. A dinner was hosted for ships officers. The Chief of Police, Klang Town visited the ships for discussions on formation of Malaysian Coast Guard. |
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The ships departed from Port Klang with 23 personnel from Malaysian maritime law enforcement agencies embarking CGS Vivek. Search and rescue exercises and pollution response demonstration were conducted off Port Klang. The personnel were disembarked off Port Klang to a Malaysian Marine Police vessel. Later, the Indian ships returned to Port Blair.
-Dy Cmdt C Vivekananda
The 59th Rashtriya Rifles Battalion (Assam) was formally raised at Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong recently. This is the third RR battalion of Assam Regiment. Brig WJB Sturgeon, Commandant, 58 Gorkha Training Centre, unfurled the RR flag at a glittering ceremony held at Happy Valley, Shillong. Lt Col Suchindra Kumar has been deputed as the Commanding Officer of the battalion. The newly raised battalion comprises 24 officers, 38 JCOs and 1,141 other ranks posted from various battalions of the Assam Regiment. |
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Lt Gen JS Varma, GOC, Eastern Command, Kolkata came on a two-day visit to East Karbi Anglong, Nagaland and Manipur. During his visit, the Army Commander called on the Governor of Manipur, Mr Arvind Dave and the Chief Minister, Mr O Ibobi Singh to discuss security situation and counter-insurgency operations in the region. |
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Renowned dancer, Dr Mallika Sarabhai performed at Kalakhetra, Guwahati in aid of war widows. The programme was organised by Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), 101 Area. The programme commenced with the screening of a documentary film on the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces during peace and war. Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen RR Goswami, GOC, 101 Area highlighted the need of rehabilitating the war widows. Later, Governor of Assam, Lt Gen Ajai Singh (Retd) released an AWWA brochure. Dr Mallika Sarabhai mesmerised the audience for about two hours. The item concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms Bhararti Goswami, President AWWA, 101 Area. |
Army in Shillong organised a three-day garden and flower competition. The competition was conducted in three parts. The 58 Gorkha Training Centre, Shillong was adjudged the overall best major unit garden for the year 2004 and HQ 101 Area was declared the runners-up. The trophy for the best minor unit garden was bagged by Records 58 GTC while the best Appointment House Trophy was received by Flag Staff House. The first prize for independent bungalow was bagged by Col DBS Mian of 58 GTC and Lt Col Alok Kulshthra of HQ 101 Area won in the ground floor category. |
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Brig YV Sharma, Station Commander gave away the overall Station Garden Trophy to the Commandant, 58 GTC.
Air Vice Marshal JN Burma assumed the office of Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration of Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force. Air Vice Marshal Burma has held important appointments including of those Senior Air Traffic Controller, Chief GCA Controller and Chief Administrative Officer at various flying stations. He was Joint Director (operations) Air Traffic Services and Director of operations (Air Traffic Service) at Air HQs. |
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The Air Officer is a recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal and commendation by Chief of Air Staff.
Troops of 2 Mountain Division operating in the Tinsukia district conducted a detoxification camp. The camp was inaugurated by Brig Sanjiv Laumas, Commander, 181 Mountain Brigade, at Mahesh Bhawan in Tinsukia town. More than 100 liquor and drug addicts took part in the camp. The treatment team consisted of five doctors including a psychiatrist and eight nursing staff. |
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Dr David C Mulford, the United States Ambassador to India visited Gajraj Corps, Tezpur. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Jeannie Mulford and Mr George Neil Sibley, Consul General of the United States in Kolkata. Lt Gen AS Jamwal, GOC, Gajraj Corps and Mrs Kanta Jamwal, President, Gajraj AWWA received the Ambassador and his wife. |
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In his interactions with the GOC, Dr Mulford appreciated the way Indian troops succeeded in curbing terrorism and said that their techniques would be helpful in dealing with terrorism in other parts of the world also.
Troops of 2 Mountain Division conducted a medical camp at Kachijan Goan in Tinsukia district. Three Army doctors including a dentist and lady doctor and 10 nursing staff treated the villagers.
The facilities in the camp were availed by approximately 2,000 villagers from nearby areas. The medical team advised the villagers on various aspects of child care, hygiene and sanitation and precautions to be taken against malaria. Free medicines were distributed in the camp. A lecture was also organised for school- children and villagers to educate them about dental health. |
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Brig OPS Pathania, Commander 77 Mountain Brigade, Red Horns Division inaugurated a lower primary school at Jogibil in Sonitpur district. The school has been constructed by 2 Sikh Light Infantry under operation Samaritan and is dedicated to the memory of Sep Bhageerath Karwhasra of Army who lost his life fighting militants in the area on June 8, 2002. The 2 Sikh Light Infantry has been carrying out a large number of similar welfare activities in the area which include medical camps, sports tournaments, debates and lectures in colleges and construction of civic amenities in the villages in Sonitpur district. |
inputs: Maj Jaideep Ghose,
Maj SK Gautam,
Sqn Ldr Binoy Chongtham and Maj SD Goswami
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Mountain cycling
Army Adventure Challenge Cup-2004 Army Adventure Challenge Cup-2004 consisting of mountain cycling, hill running and white-water rafting was held at Raiwala. Twentyfive teams from all commands participated in this event. Out of them, five teams qualified for the finals. Lt Gen R Subramanyam, GOC-in-C, Central Command was the chief guest for the finals. |
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The Best Command Trophy was awarded to 6 Mountain Division of Central Command. Guardsman Davender Singh of 4 Guards and Hav Manjeet Singh of 20 Punjab won trophies in cycling and hill running respectively. The best white-water rafting trophy was bagged by EME Centre, Bhopal. In addition to the Army teams, Naval, Air Force and Para Millitary Forces teams also participated in this annual event. |
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Army Adventure Challenge Cup was instituted in 1998 and is organised annually by the Army Adventure Wing, Military Training Directorate, Army Headquarters.
–PIB (DW)
pix : Naresh Sharma and RL Sharma
The winners with their trophy
A two-day all-Assam ex-servicemen reunion and rally was held at Narangi, Guwahati. The rally was conducted by All Assam Ex-servicemen Association. It was attended by delegates from all districts of Assam and approximately 700 ex-servicemen, their dependents, widows and disabled soldiers. On the first day, the rally was addressed by Chief Minister of Assam, Mr Tarun Gogoi and Director Sainik Welfare, Assam, Col DK Chkrabarty (Retd). |
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| On the second day, the rally was addressed by the Governor of Assam, Lt Gen Ajai Singh (Retd), the State Minister of Sports, Capt Robin Bordoloi (Retd), Lt Gen AS Jamwal, GOC 4 Corps and Brig SC Uppal, Commander, 51 Sub Area. The Governor urged the ex-servicemen to hold the high values which they imbibe whilst serving in the Armed Forces. |
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| Lt Gen AS Jamwal highlighted the possible role of ex-servicemen in operation Sahayak. He assured assistance in the form of training to the dependents of the ex-servicemen for getting selected in the Armed Forces. Brig SC Uppal appreciated that the ex-servicemen voiced their problems at the rally very frankly to be heard by personalities who would do their best to address their grievances. He told the ex-servicemen to convey the benefits of ECHS to other ex-servicemen once they returned to their homes. |
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Lt Gen JR Mukherjee, Chief of Staff of HQ Eastern Command interacted with the ex-servicemen on various issues like rehabilitation, jobs, recruitment and education. He stressed that the talent and enthusiasm of ex-servicemen and their families should be used effectively in nation-building. Col BD Borgohain (Retd), President All Assam Ex-Servicemen Association highlighted the issues which needed attention of the government. Representatives from NABARD and State Bank of India and Director of Agriculture explained various schemes for ex-servicemen.
input : Maj SK Gautam
The 62 Engineer Regiment celebrated its 38th Raising Day with traditional elan and gaiety. The three-day celebrations commenced with Mandir-Gurudwara function followed by a Quarter guard inspection, JCO’s Club function and pagal gymkhana. The celebrations culminated with the Officers Mess function where GOC of the Corps was the chief guest. |
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Addressing the special sainik sammelan, Col Rajeev Chaudhry, CO of the regiment congratulated all the personnel for excelling in all activities. He also explained the regiment’s philosophy Ek Soch, Ek Bol, Ek Kadam on this solemn occasion. At the regimental badakhana, an enthralling show was put up by the jawans. The jazz band of the unit mesmerised the guests with their excellent performance. A movie on ‘Saga of Raising of Gyan Aur Shan’ highlighting the achievements of the corps since its raising in 1967 at Roorkee was screened. The regiment was awarded Theatre Honour in East Pakistan in 1971. |
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The regiment won Inter Regiment Cross country and volleyball championships at BEG & Centre, Roorkee last year. It has been helping other units to start ventures like vermiculture, water heating system, food warming systems and other modifications. At present, the regiment is located in Northern Command and has distinguished itself by becoming the first regiment in the corps zone to accomplish incident-free mine recovery. |
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Aseminar on ‘Army-Media Interaction’ was conducted at PCDA Auditorium, Lucknow Cantonment. The two-day seminar was organised by the Central Army Command which aimed at fostering healthy relationship between media and Army.
In the absence of Lt Gen Ram Subramanyam, GOC-in-C, Central Command, the inaugural address was read by Maj Gen MC Bhandari, MGGS, Headquarters Central Command. Dr Chandan Mitra, Editor, Pioneer explained knowledge, nationalism, information and transparency as principles for Army-media interaction. Brig RS Sujla, DDG, Planning Army Headquarters, while speaking on Army Media Policy and its approach to mass media said that Army has been trying to open up with the media through the establishment of Additional Director General of Public Information. Mr Atul Chandra of The Times of India spoke about the aspirations of mass media and said that media wants an increased interaction with Army. |
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Mr Navin Joshi of The Hindustan Times said perception of Indian languages media about Army is very positive and the large readership base wants to know more about the Army. Mr Ajay Shukla of NDTV spoke about ‘electronic media and its reach and infulence’. |
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Mr I Ramamohan Rao, Information Consultant of the Defence Ministry spoke about various attempts being made by both media and Armed Forces to forge a close working relationship. While interacting with the audience, Mr Rao clarified their queries on the subject.
Mr UK Sinha of the Institute of Defence Strategic Analysis spoke on ‘Information Warfare and Role of Media in achieving National Security Objectives’. Mr K Vikram Rao, a senior journalist, explained the role of media in generating awareness on human rights.
Brig UM Maindarkar presented statistics of various casualties in Kashmir, both of military and civilian, while explaining the role of media in sensitising the population along the borders. He also explained the facets of civic actions including construction of bridges and schools and adoption of villages by the Army.
Maj Gen BJ Gupta, Chairman of the panels, in his closing address expressed the confidence that such interactions would go a long way in establishing a close link between media and Army.
-B Sateesh Kumar
It was a proud moment when the ship’s colours were raised for the first time. The occasion was the commissioning of one of the country’s fastest, finest and the most modern warships in terms of construction and technology—T-84. An extra fast attack craft, T-84, was commissioned into Indian Navy on April 19 last at Chennai Port by Vice Admiral OP Bansal, FOC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command. Built by Goa Shipyard Ltd, T-84 is the fifth of its type for the Indian Navy and the second of its kind for the Eastern Naval Command. The ship is based on the design of Israeli Super Dvora Mk II.
This fast attack craft, the third to be built indigenously, was delivered to the Navy five-and-a-half months ahead of schedule. The ship joined the naval fleet in Chennai under the command of Naval Officer-in-charge, Tamil Nadu, Cmde T Hari.
T-84 is fitted with two 20-mm guns on both ends that can fire upto a range of 4 km with electro-optic detection system, capable of tracking and engaging water-borne saboteurs even in pitch dark conditions. Being only 25 metre-long and of light weight aluminum construction, the ship can attain a phenomenal speed of 48 knots. Besides, the vessel can also be fitted with an array of weaponry including surface-to-surface missiles. |
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Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Bansal said: “T-84 with its fast attack capabilities would play a vital role in undertaking quick reaction patrol along the coast. It is an ideal platform for conduct of special operations. Its high speed makes it the fastest surface ship in the Navy’s inventory. This would greatly facilitate its quick reaction capabilities”. |
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Admiral Sampath Pillai (Retd), CMD, Goa Shipyard Ltd said that two more vessels of this type were under construction and would be delivered to the Navy in the next 10 months. The ship has a complement of two officers and 12 sailors. At the helm is Lt Muthukrishnan with Lt Digvijay Singh Sodha as Executive Officer. The commisioning of T-84 is in continuation of the Navy’s policy for using high speed attack craft for counter-insurgency, anti-smuggling operations, surveillance, induction and de-induction of special forces and also for search and rescue operations.
-V Sankaran
The Territorial Army (Home and Hearth) has returned after training for deployment in Rajouri and Poonch. The Territorial Army (Home and Hearth) was raised in December 2003 from the local youth of Rajouri and Poonch districts to assist the Army in its fight against terrorism. This has been a novel idea as the sons-of-the-soil not only protect their villages from the terrorists but also look after and assist their parents and families. |
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The raw youth of the area have been put through three months of rigorous military training and they are back in Jammu and Kashmir to undergo some more training. Their return and deployment would be a boost to the economy and security of the region. Besides pay and allowances, these recruits and their families can also avail the facilities of CSD (Canteen Store Department) and free medical service. Many of these 700 young soldiers have had their first experience of train journey, visiting a state outside Jammu and Kashmir.
-Lt Col Bhanwar Rathore
Col RD Singh of Hodson’s Horse is an example to follow. As a regular blood donor, he has donated blood for 57 times of late and has been decorated as a star Blood Donor by Justice OP Verma, Governor of Punjab. He has also been felicitated by Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice President of India, as the distinguished alumnus of DAV College, Chandigarh. He was awarded a bronze medal by Blood Bank Society, Chandigarh in 1973 for his contribution towards voluntary blood donation movement. Col Singh has been Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade and has also commanded 48 Armoured Regiment. |
The 13th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment celebrated its 56th raising day at Lachung (North Sikkim). The battalion was raised at Jalandhar on April 6, 1948 by Lt Col Dilbag Singh. |
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The battalion has distinguished itself in all the major wars fought by the Indian Army against its adversaries after Independence and also contributed immensely towards fighting insurgency in Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir. It created history in 1971 by capturing a battalion-defended area of enemy at Siramani. The battalion has to its credit 98 gallantry awards, one battle honour “Siramani” and one theatre honour of East Pakistan, 1971. In the field of sports and games, it produced six national-level players and twelve service-level players. |
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The day-long celebrations began with a mandir parade. The Quarter Guard was inspected by Col AK Narula, Commanding Officer. A special sainik sammelan for all ranks of the battalion was held where the Commanding Officer exhorted all to excel in all fields and live upto the expectations of the regiment and the Army. |
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Troops in forward posts of high altitude area also participated in the celebrations. A special badakhana was organised for the troops and GREF workers at a height of 15,000 ft. A cricket match was also organised on the occasion.
input: Maj Rajeev Bakhshi
From the File |
 Illustrated Weekly Magazine of the Armed Forces of India June 26, 1955 |
The provision of medical cover to the members of the three-nation International Commissions for Supervision and Control in the three States of Indo-China is the responsibility of the Indian Army Medical Corps. An Assistant Director of Hygiene, Lieut Colonel MS Boparai, acts as the Medical Adviser to the three Commissions in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. |
The Indian Army Medical Corps located at Hanoi comprises a physician, a surgeon and an anaesthetist, and caters for the needs of all the personnel of the three Commissions. In addition, a staff officer on general duty is posted at Saigon to look after the Indian delegation.
A 20-bed hospital has been improvised in a portion of a building lent by the local authority in Hanoi and it also undertakes the treatment of outdoor patients from the Commission. The three-national fixed teams located at various points in Indo-China have a medical room with an attendant who renders first aid and other minor medical assistance to members of the fixed teams. Each mobile team is equipped with a first aid outfit. Besides medical care, the Indian Army Medical Corps is also required to ensure the adequacy of sanitary facilities to the International Commission and its fixed and mobile teams.
Between September 1954 and April 1955, the doctors of the Indian Army attended to 173 patients in the three countries of Indo-China. Of these 97 patients were from Vietnam, 55 from Laos and 21 from Cambodia. Five patients had to be repatriated to India as their cases called for hospitalisation and prolonged treatment; the corresponding number in Cambodia was seven. Indian doctors also successfully dealt with more than 30 cases of malaria, skin diseases, dysentry and infective hepatitis. The incidence of sickness among the members of the commissions has been computed at 22 per thousand.
The medical care of the members of the Commissions at the various headquarters, that is at Vientiane, Phonom Penh, Hanoi and Saigon, has been relatively simple. The fixed teams situated in remote areas have, however, presented serious problems for the doctors. Owing to the absence of speedy means of transport, it has not been always possible to evacuate serious cases to the headquarters as expeditiously as the doctors would have wished. In Cambodia, emergency cases both from the fixed and mobile teams are evacuated by road; in Vientiane the use of a plane is available occasionally, but more often evacuation has to be undertaken either by road or by rail. In Laos where surface communications are practically non-existent, all emergency cases from the fixed and mobile teams to Vientiane have, of necessity, to be flown.
Recently, at a fixed team in Laos, a jawan of the Indian Army suddenly developed trouble in his kidney. It was considered desirable that he be evacuated expeditiously to Vientiane for expert medical attention. With the bad weather conditions prevailing at that time, the use of a plane was ruled out altogether. The nursing orderly informed by wireless the Army Doctor at Vientiane of the symptoms developed by the patient. The doctor immediately radioed directions to the orderly for the treatment of the patient with the drugs that were available on the spot. Until evacuation by air became feasible, the nursing orderly kept the doctor at Vientiane informed hourly of the patient’s conditions and his response to the treatment. This doctoring over wireless proved very effective indeed and when the patient was finally flown to Vientiane, his condition was mercifully not as bad as it could have been.
Interesting human problems arise when doctors deal with their patients. The treatment of Canadian patients has been relatively easy because they speak the same language as the Indian doctors. It is when the doctors have to deal with the Poles that the language presents a minor difficulty. It must, however, be said to the credit of the doctors of the Indian Army that language has not stood in the way of the effective prosecution of their functions.
Considering the fact that the members and the staff of the Commission have to function under difficult conditions and in a not wholly congenial environment, the rate of sickness has been extremely low. This is no accident, however. The good health which the delegates and their staff enjoy is due really to the ceaseless vigil kept by men and officers of the Indian Army Medical Corps who take preventive and curative measures immediately as they become necessary.
Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, Chief of Air Staff presenting the Best Dissertation Trophy to Capt (Indian Navy) KJ Kumar
The valedictory function of 34th Long Defence Management Course (LDMC) was held at the College of Defence Management, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad. Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, Chief of Air Staff was the chief guest on the occasion. The course commenced with 90 selected officers in the rank of Colonel and equivalent from other two services and para military organisations. The highlight of the course was the participation of officers from Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. |
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Rear Admiral V Balachandran, Commandant of the College appreciated the hard work put in by the participants while the Air Chief in his valedictory address stressed the need for improving productivity, efficiency and optimisation of resources through modernisation of the Armed Forces.
Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy distributed degree parchments, trophies and prizes among the participants. Capt KJ Kumar was awarded Chief of the Army Staff Integration Trophy for the best all round performance. He also won the Commandant’s Trophy for best dissertation. Col ST Upasani was awarded the MMS Trophy for standing first and Capt Brijesh Jhang was awarded Commandant’s Trophy for the best case study.
-PJ Sudhakar
from Secundrabad
A spectacular attestation parade was held at 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre (11 GRRC) in Lucknow Cantonment.
Col Surendra Mehta, Training Battalion Commander, reviewed the parade as 38 recruits were inducted as full-fledged soldiers of 11 Gorkha Rifles. The colourful parade was commanded by Rect Vinod Kumar Rai.
Recruits who distinguished themselves during training were also awarded on the occasion. Rect Prem Chand was adjudged the best recruit. The medal for best in drill was bagged by Rect Vinod Kumar Rai and the medal for best in sports by Rect Raju Rai. Rect Sanjay Hang Subba was adjudged best in weapon training and firing.
-B Satheesh Kumar
from Lucknow
Air Marshal GD Pereira, Commander, Sri Lankan Air Force alongwith a high power delegation arrived at the Air Force station, Jodhpur. This was in the series of visits by friendly foreign country’s service chiefs to the various Defence establishments of the country. Air Cmde VK Yajurvedi, Air Officer Commanding Jodhpur, received Air Marshal Pereira. During the visit the Air Marshal held high-level discussions with senior officers and interacted with various units and their personnel. He witnessed a multiple composite static display of the combat elements of the base. Mrs (Dr) Ranjana Pereira, wife of the visiting dignitary, acquainted herself with various activities being carried out by Air Force Wives Welfare association (AFWWA). The dignitary attended a banquet hosted by Air Marshal AR Gandhi, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command. |
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-Maj Xavier M Thomas
from Jodhpur
The Chief of the Army Staff, Gen NC Vij, visited units deployed on Line of Control. He was accompanied by Lt Gen Hari Prasad, GoC-in-C, Northern Command and Lt Gen Ashok Kapur, GOC, 16 Corps. The Army Chief inspected the construction work of LC fence. He expressed his satisfaction over the timely construction of the stretch of fence in Poonch and Rajouri Sectors. The Army Chief was briefed on the situation along the Line of Control and conduct of counter-terrorist operations. |
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The Chief of the Army Staff inaugurated the Corps Battle School in Doda, established to train the newly inducted troops in counter- insurgency operations.
input: Col Manjit Singh
The 229th anniversary of the Army Ordinance Corps was celebrated at Central Ammunition Depot. With by over two centuries of experience in providing logistic support to field Army, the personnel of the Corps have been discharging their duties with utmost professionalism and dedication.
One month-long celebrations commenced with sports and games. The celebrations included pagal gymkhana and a grand mela. A wreath-laying ceremony was organised at the Shahid Smarak in memory of the martyrs. The celebrations concluded with badakhana for the troops, their families and ex-Servicemen.
-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur
The Defence Financial Management Course-2004 was conducted by the Regional Training Centre (RTC), Central Command in Lucknow Cantonment.
Inaugurated by Lt Gen Devraj Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Central Command, the five-day course was attended by 25 senior Army officers. Delivering the inaugural address, Lt Gen Devraj Singh stressed the need for Army officers to enhance their financial skills in order to deal with greater devolution of financial powers. Adding that such courses would pave the way for greater teamwork between the Army officers and personnel of the Defence Accounts Department, Lt Gen Singh underlined the extensive use of information technology for discharge of finance functions. |
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The inaugural ceremony, was attended by Joint Controllers of PCDA, Mr RK Choudhary and Mr JP Pandey, Deputy Director of RTC, Mr Sandeep Sarkar and Maj Gen Utpal Bhattacharyya, Chief Engineer.
A seminar on Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was organised at Command Hospital in Chamdimandir Cantonment recently. Besides senior officers from the Western Command HQ, the Command Hospital and ECHS central organisation, delegates from Military Hospitals in the Western Sector, ECHS polyclinics and Directors of ECHS from the regional centres participated in the seminar.
Inaugurating the seminar, Lt Gen PK Grover, Chief of staff, HQ Western Command emphasised the need to generate awareness about the ECHS among the implementing agencies as well as the ex-servicemen community.
In his keynote address, Maj Gen RT Awasthi said that though the beneficiaries would continue to be covered under the old scheme upto 2008, it was in their interest to become members of the ECHS as early as possible. Director, ECHS Central Organisation, Col G Ghose, made a detailed presentation on all operational aspects of the ECHS for the benefit of the delegates.
-DS Rawat
from Chandigarh
The Tri Service conference (South Eastern Theatre), is held annually in rotation amongst Eastern Naval Command, Southern Naval Command, Southern Air Command and Southern Command of the Army. This year it was hosted by the Andaman and Nicobar Command at Port Blair. The Commanders-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command and Southern Air Command attended the conference. Senior Officers from Southern Army Command, Southern Naval Command and Integrated Defence Headquarters also participated in the conference. |
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The conference began with the opening address by Lt Gen BS Thakur, Commander-in-Chief, A&N Command. Issues of operational and administrative nature were discussed at the seminar. |
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-PIB(DW)
Lt Gen JJ Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command visited Defence Services Officers Institute (DSOI), Chandigarh. He was accompanied by Mrs Anupama Singh, President AWWA (WC).
A large number of serving and retired officers were present on the occasion including Lt Gen PK Grover, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Western Command, Chandimandir.
-DS Rawat
from Chandigarh
A group of 59 students from remote areas of Punch district of Jammu and Kashmir recently visited Chandigarh and the surrounding places. The week-long tour under – Aao Apna Desh Dekhen programme was conducted by Army as per part of operation Sadbhavana with the objective to geneate on awareness about the country. |
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The students called on the Chief of Staff, HQ Western Command, Lt Gen PK Grover. While interacting with them he said that the students would get an opportunity to mingle with people and have fruitful exchange of views in this part of the country.
All the school-children were boys in the age group of 13 to 19 years and were studying in secondary schools of Punch district. Only nine boys had earlier visited Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana and Jammu while others ventured out of Punch for the first time.
-DS Rawat
from Chandigarh
Maj Gen TK Kaul, GOC Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat Area laid the foundation stone of the ambitious married accommodation project (MAP) at Kamptee in the presence of Army officials and their families. This also marked the launch of the ambitious MAP across the nation. The married accommodation project at Kamptee is the first in the series to take off at 364 stations in the country. |
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Brig Jatinder Singh, Station Commander, Kamptee Garrison, Brig Mahinder Singh, Chief Engineer, Hyderabad, Col Rajiv Sawhney, Commander Works Engineer (Army), Nagpur and other senior Army officers from Guards Regimental Centre, Officers Training Academy and Army Postal Service (APS) were present on the occasion.
Maj Gen Kaul said that the MAP would improve the living conditions of the Army rank and file. In Maharashtra alone, nearly 34,000 dwelling units would be constructed at all major stations. Nearly 2.6 lakh dwelling units will be constructed in four to six years at 364 stations.
Maj RBS Lamba, Project Manager, informed that in the first phase of the project, accommodation for 24 officers, 48 JCOs and 200 other ranks would be constructed under the management of the Station Commander and the MES, Kamptee/Nagpur.
-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur
GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen Hari Prasad inaugurated a Rest and Refit Centre at Dalhousie (HP). The aim of establishing this Centre is to provide mental and physical rest to a soldier to enable him carry out his duties with rejuvenated vigour. |
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The Centre comprises two complexes-the Ballon Complex and Ticca Lines. It can accommodate 167 personnel at one time including spouses and children. Accommodation has all the modern facilities including bank, health club, cyber video theatre, STD/PCO, laundry, CSD, MI room and yoga training classes. Facilities for indoor and outdoor games have also been provided.
A one-week stay is being organised in rotation for troops serving in the Jammu region. The itenerary includes picnics, visit to places of interest and games.
input: Col Manjit Singh
A medical camp was organised at Thasgam (Drass) 12 km from Line of Control as part of Sadbhavana activities. The camp was inaugurated by Numberdar Ghulam Mohammad. A total of 307 patients from Shamsha, Khyber, Jasgund, Samat and Thasgam attended the camp. The camp provided a number of specialist treatment in medicine, gynaecology, paediatrics and surgery. At the camp health cards were issued to the villagers and games for children were organised. The camp was visited by Maj Gen PC Katoch, GOC, 8 Mountain Division and Brig DK Jamwal, Commander, 56 Mountain Brigade. |
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input: Capt AAM Kasim
As a part of operation Sampark II, the Assam Rifles Cycle Rally was conducted. The rally aimed at inculcating a spirit of adventure amongst troops and strengthening the bond between Assam Rifles and local public of Nagaland. The rally spread a message of peace and harmony in Nagaland.
The route followed in the rally was Mokokchung - Wokha - Kohima - Dimapur covering a total distance of 211 kms in nine days. In this rally, 21 NCC cadets representing Mokokchung, Wokha, Kohima and Dimapur districts of Nagaland alongwith 11 Jawans of Assam Rifles from various units participated with great enthusiasm.
input: Capt Manish Sharma
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Vayu Sena Nagar celebrated its Annual Day with great zeal and enthusiasm. Air Vice Marshal AK Shyam, Senior Air and Administrative Staff Officer of Headquarters Maintenance Command, Indian Air Force was the chief guest. Mrs Alka Sreenivas, Principal Kendriya Vidyalaya presented annual report and highlighted the achievements of the Vidyalaya in various fields. Air Vice Marshal Shyam distributed prizes among winners on the occasion and said that Indian Air Force is an excellent career option for the students after class XII. |
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-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur
Lt Gen Hari Prasad, GOC-in-C, Northern Command flagged off the first phase of the mobile medical teams consisting of five ambulances at a ceremony organised at Badami Bagh, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mobile medical team is a project jointly undertaken by Army and the government of Jammu and Kashmir under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). The aim of the project is to provide medical facilities at the door-steps to the people living in the remote and inaccessible areas of Kashmir.
It is planned to launch a total of thirteen mobile medical teams in two phases. Army is providing free boarding and lodging facilities for staff at the local units and fifty per cent of the cost of medicines, running of the vehicles and their maintenance. Each team consists of a doctor, a medical assistant and a driver.
The mobile teams would function under the supervision of Army to ensure good quality medical care to the needy people.
input: Maj P Sehgal
Western Air Command Inter Area Aquatic Championship 2004-2005 which was inaugurated by Gp Capt SK Bhattacharya, Station Commander, Air Force station Jammu concluded at the station swimming pool. |
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| In the four-day long aquatic championship, competitions in 50 metres, 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres in free style, butterfly and stroke categories were held. A total of 40 swimmers from Jammu, Ambala, Nal, Bathinda, Halwara, Sarsawa, Hindon and Adampur areas participated in this championship. |
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The objective of the championship was to select Western Air Command aquatic team for the forthcoming Air Force Aquatic Championship. On the successful conclusion of the championship, Gp Capt SK Bhattacharya, Station Commander, Jammu emphasised character-building of personnel through sports activities. A march-past and swim-past marked the closing ceremony.
-Lt Col Bhanwar Rathore
from Jammu
The Combined team lifted the Inter-Battalion Football Championship of AMC Centre and School in Lucknow Cantonment.
The champion team defeated No. 2 Military Training Battalion 2-0 in the final match of the tournament. The first goal of the match was scored by Sep Satish Kumar in the first half and the other by L/Nk Vijay Singh in the second half. No. 1 Military Training Battalion came third and No. 2 Technical Training Battalion fourth followed by No. 1 Technical Training Battalion. In all five teams contested for the title. |
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Lt Gen B Sadananda, Commandant, AMC Centre and School, distributed prizes to the winners. Col BG Rao received the coveted championship trophy for the victorious Combined team.
-B Satheesh Kumar
from Lucknow
Gp Capt NK Tondon took over the command of Air Force station, Memaura, near Lucknow.
A recipient of Vayu Sena Medal, Gp Capt Tondon took salute at the parade held at the station helipad on the occasion. Wg Cdr BK Gairola commanded the parade. Besides officers and Airmen, their families were present to see the outgoing Station Commander off. Mrs Kaushalya Rathore, who happened to be the President Air Force Wives Welfare Association and Mrs Sunita Tondon, the new President AFWWA (local), were also present on the occasion. |
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-B Satheesh Kumar
from Lucknow
