New Army Chief, Congress President and wife of Prime Minister : 'At Home', Army Day

Receipients of National Bravery Awards 2005

Mobile Satelite Terminal for disaster management and out of area contingencies displayed during Republic Day Parade 2005

Editor-in-Chief Mohan Chandak Editor Prasanna Kumar Pattanayak Assistant Editors Shahid Anwar Suprasanthi Devi Sub-Editors Sudipta Biswas Sanjeev K Sharma Senior Artist Daulat Ram Assistance Sekhar Babu Madduri Our Correspondents: DELHI: BS Menon, Col SK Sakhuja, Sqn Ldr Mahesh Upasani, Cdr Vinay Garg; ALLAHABAD: Sqn Ldr SM Sharma; BANGALORE: Wg Cdr VM Raghunath; CHANDIGARH: DS Rawat; CHENNAI: V Sankaran; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr TK Singha; GUWAHATI: Maj SK Gautam; IMPHAL: Maj SD Goswami; JALANDHAR: Naresh Vijay Vij; JAMMU: Lt Col RK Chhibber; JODHPUR: Lt Col RK Palta; KOCHI: Cdr M Nambiar; KOHIMA: Maj MK Pal; KOLKATA: Wg Cdr SN Mukherjee; LUCKNOW: Maj Dhirendra Ojha; MUMBAI: Cdr AK Lambhate; NAGPUR: Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley; PUNE: VK Abdulla; SECUNDERABAD: PJ Sudhakar; SHILLONG: Sqn Ldr Binoy Chongtham; SRINAGAR: Lt Col VK Batra; TEZPUR: Maj Jaideep Ghose; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: P. Rajendran; UDHAMPUR: Lt Col RK Sen; VISAKHAPATNAM: Cdr LN Prasad. Office L-1, Block, Church Road, New Delhi-110001 Telephones : 23094668, 23092768 E-in-C: e-2078 Visit us at: http://www.mod.nic.in/samachar.htm Published by : Umakant Mishra, Addl PIO Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi - 110011 Subscription Rates Inland (Ordinary): One Year Rs 100.00, Overseas (Surface Mail): Rs 450.00 Concessional (per year): Rs 20.00 (Applicable for dependants of service personnel & ex-Servicemen.) Please send your subscriptions to Business Manager. Money Order, IPO or Bank Draft should be drawn in favour of Editor-in-Chief, Sainik Samachar. ♦♦♦ All old subscribers must write their subscription no. while corresponding with Sainik Samachar. ♦♦♦ For advertisement contact: Laxman Jatav, Business Manager (Right to accept or reject advertisement is reserved) (on front cover) Republic Day Celebrations at Rajpath, New Delhi pix: PIB

In this Issue Arms and the Men Republic Day Celebrations Cadet Crafting →Full List of Gallantry Awards Winners →Strong Signals →The Steel Nerves for the Modern age Warfare →Relief Realm Regulars →Photo Essay →From the File →Armed Foces Panorama The Steel Nerves for the Modern age Warfare The Indian Coast Guard: A Perspective

Robust Republic on Rajpath

The 56th Republic Day parade which unfolded on the majestic Rajpath of the nation’s capital showcased vignettes of India’s military might and its rich cultural diversity. A grand colourful 90-minute parade not only showed the country’s “prized possessions” in the field of defence, but also offered glimpses of nation’s progress and achievements in different fields.

The celebrations in the capital began at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh leading the nation in paying floral tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country. Dr Singh then received the President and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and the chief guest, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan at the saluting base on Rajpath. With the unfurling of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem amid a 21 gun-salute, the parade led by the General Officer, Commanding Delhi Area, Maj Gen Thomas Mathew began with an advanced light helicoptor and three Mi-17 helicoptors showering flower petals on the large gathering.

The first to appear were India’s highly decorated serving and ex-servicemen followed by Army columns that included the mechanised division of the state-of-the-art T-90 tanks, “air borne gunners” with para load, the indigenously designed surface to surface ‘Prithivi’ missiles and the Agni-I and II missiles. These were followed by ‘Tunguska’, an air defence weapon system, ‘Hyderma’ de-mining vehicle, the Army’s latest acquisition for clearing landmines and the mobile satellite terminal for communication in war zones, which instilled a sense of pride in the hearts of spectators.

Then followed the smartly dressed marching contingents, which included majestically attired soldiers of Punjab, Jat, Sikh, Dogra, Bihar and Gurkha regiments. They were all accompanied by their bands which belted out the marching tunes, lifting the spirit of the spectators.

The Navy’s impressive tableau portraying its first expedition to Mt Everest and the circumnavigation of INS Tarangini around the globe drew thunderous applause. The Air Force unveiled its acquision “Searcher-II”, an un-manned aerial vehicle recently imported from Israel, to provide greater battlefield transparency by feeding information about the areas, it flies over. Its attack helicopter, Mi-25, the supersonic cruise missile ‘Brahmos’, recently developed by the DRDO, along with the integrated electronics warfare system “Samyukta” were also displayed.

Behind mounted columns, caparisoned elephants carried 19 “Bravehearts’, the winners of the National Bravery Awards for children, who were welcomed with loud cheer. Then came the dance and folk performances by hundreds of school-children.

The parade ended with an impressive fly-past that began with five choppers in arrow-head formation, a mixed formation of five ‘Big Boy’ transport aircraft, a formation of IL-78 tanker and two Sukhoi-30 MKIs fuelling mid air and with five Jaguars breezing past in arrow-head formation. However, the best for the finish was a Sukhoi-30 aircraft which performed the exciting “Vertical Charlie” manoeuvre in front of a spell-bound gathering. As it disappeared into the distant skies, thousands of colourful balloons carrying the ‘Tri-colour’ were released, signifying freedom in its most glorious form.

This year’s parade saw 22 tableaux which showcased past glory and futuristic achievements made by the nation in the military and economic sectors. Eight less than last year’s count of 30 floats, these picturesque tableaux, representing 15 states, four Union Territories and three Central Departments, really enthralled the spectators by presenting an ‘India in Miniature’.

Leading the tableaux was Rajasthan which projected Chittorgarh Fort and the folk dance of the Garsia people, while Meghalaya tableau showcased the dance festival of Jayantias. Going back in time were the floats of Andhra Pradesh depicting the Kakatiya dynasty, Gujarat with the Lakulish Temple and Chattisgarh with ‘Rudra Shiva’. Similarly, Karnataka’s tableau showing Mahamastakabhishek of Lord Gommatheshwaran and Uttaranchal’s Himalayan Mahakumbha of Nanda Devi Raj also helped in igniting the spiritual mood.

Environment and its protection was another important theme in this year’s pageantry. If Madhya Pradesh presented the relationship between human beings and forests, the Central Public Works Deptartment used floral power to tell the crocodile-and-monkey story. J&K projected water life while Union Ministry of Environment and Forest depicted the success of Project Tiger. The MP tableau clearly won over the children in the audience with many of them cheering their young hero, Mowgli and his forest friends. The tableau of Union Law and Justice Ministry, depicting the famous INA Trial of 1945, received a standing ovation from the gathering.

-D Mohanty
from Rajpath, New Delhi

Army Day - 2005
Arms and the Men

Olympian Lt Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also took part in the parade. Hydrema demining vehicle, Sarvatra bridge equipment, Mat Ground Surface CL-70 on Tatra vehicle, mobile satellite terminal for disaster management, 105 mm light field gun mounted on ALS vehicle and zu-23 mm gun mounted on Tatra vehicle were the new equipment that were on display this year. T-90 tanks, MBT Arjun , Agni Missiles-I and II, Tunguska and full width mine plough formed part of mechanised columns. A fly-past by indigenously developed advance light helicopters, Dhruv, was the highlight of the parade.

Lt Gen JJ Singh, the then GOC-in-C, Western Command and present Chief of the Army Staff was also present on the occasion. The parade was led by Maj Gen Thomas Mathew, GOC, Delhi Area. The grand finale to the parade was a motorcycle display by ASC Tornadoes from Army Service Corps Centre, Bangalore.

-PIB (DW)

Republic Day Celebrations at Rajpath

REPUBLIC DAY GALLANTRY AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, awarded 401 Armed Forces personnel and others with gallantry and distinguished service awards on the eve of 56th Republic Day. The list is:

KIRTI CHAKRA

IC-61381 CAPT SAJJAN SINGH MALIK, 10 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS)

17717 WG CDR SUDHIR KUMAR SHARMA, FLYING (PILOT)

SHAURYA CHAKRA

IC-46327 MAJ MAHARAJ KRISHEN BHAT, ARTY, 45 RR

IC-59140 MAJ SAMRAT MAITI, 1 NAGA (POSTHUMOUS)

IC-58799 CAPT RAJENDRA SINGH KADWASARA, ARTY, 41 RR

JC-3300020 SUB KEHAR SINGH, 33 ASSAM RIF (POSTHUMOUS)

2688156 L/NK PAPPU RAM, GDRS, 29 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

VISHNU SINGH SHEKHAWAT, CONSTABLE, 52 BN, BSF (POSTHUMOUS)

AMARDEEP SINGH, PUNJAB

CHHOTE LAL, HEAD CONST, 93 BN, CRPF

BAR TO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)

IC-50573 MAJ ANIL GORSHI, PARA, 31 RR (CDO)

IC-54116 MAJ PATHIYERI SUNIL KUMAR, MECH INF, 28 ASSAM RIF

SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)

IC-38287 COL BAL KRISHAN YADAV, SIKH LI, 2 RR

IC-42797 COL ANUBIR SINGH CHAHAL, 16 MLI

IC-42017 LT COL JASWINDER SINGH, ARMY AVN, 27 R&O FLT

IC-43820 LT COL GOGI REDDY SRINIVASA REDDY, JAK RIF, 28 RR

IC-48640 MAJ INDERJEET SINGH, 16 JAT

IC-49313 MAJ AMIT SHARMA, ARMD, 27 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

IC-49896 MAJ AMIY KUMAR TRIPATHI, SIKH, 6 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

IC-50206 MAJ JASWINDER SINGH, GARH RIF, 36 RR

IC-50984 MAJ PUNI CHAND KAUSHAL, ARTY, 11 ASSAM RIF

IC-51252 MAJ ASHUTOSH KUMAR SINGH, 19 RAJPUT

IC-51847 MAJ MAGIMAIRAJ PETER CELESTINE, 13 SIKH LI

IC-53749 MAJ ZAMEER AHMED KHAN, JAT, 19 ASSAM RIF

IC-55852 MAJ KSHETRIMAYUM SANTA SINGH, ARTY, 6 ASSAM RIF

IC-56856 MAJ OMEESH SINGH RATHORE, ASC, 16 RR

IC-57614 MAJ PRADEEP KUMAR SHARMA, 18 JAK RIF (POSTHUMOUS)

IC-57652 MAJ AJAY PRATAP HAMIR, RAJPUT, 23 RR

IC-58591 MAJ HARMANJEET LIDDER, 10 PARA (SF)

IC-58844 MAJ SIDDHARTHA DHANKAR, MADRAS, 38 RR

IC-60259 MAJ SAKET SUMAN, 3 SIKH

IC-61114 MAJ GURPREET SINGH, 11 RAJ RIF

SS-38192 MAJ GIRISH KUMAR VT, 19 RAJPUT

21252 SQN LDR AJIT RAMANATHAN, IAF, 153 HELICOPTER UNIT

IC-56113 CAPT ASHISH CHATURVEDI, ARMD, 28 RR

IC-58559 CAPT ANIL KUMAR SINGH RATHORE, ASC, 13 RR

IC-59066 CAPT MOHIT SHARMA, 1 PARA (SF)

IC-59340 CAPT ANAND SINGH CHAUHAN, SIKH LI, 49 RR

IC-61655 CAPT MANOJ GURUNG, 3 RAJPUT

IC-61795 CAPT AMIT TRIPATHI, 7 GARH RIF

SS-38304 CAPT RAMESH KUMAR RANWA, ARTY, 29 RR

SS-38422 CAPT SIDDHARTH MUKERJI, GDRS, 39 RR

SS-39090 CAPT DANIEL KHOLI, 5/8 GR

IC-62510 LT ROMEL BISWAS, 3 RAJPUT

IRLA-65849 DY COMDT SWRAN DEV, BSF, HQ 8 SECTOR RR

JC-469124 SUB RAJENDER SINGH SHEKHAWAT, 11 RAJ RIF

JC-548619 SUB RAMENDRA SINHA, 8 ASSAM

JC-412856 NB SUB KHEM RAJ, 1 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS)

JC-508892 NB SUB BHAJAN SINGH, SIKH LI, 19 RR

2591392 HAV BUNENI VENKATESWARLU, MADRAS, 8 RR

2593724 HAV ANIL KUMAR VISWAMBHARAM, MADRAS, 8 RR

2988784 HAV BHERU SINGH, 9 RAJPUT

2991097 HAV NABAB SINGH BUNDELA, 19 RAJPUT

3177315 HAV VIJAY SINGH, 21 JAT

3181773 HAV RAJPAL SINGH, 16 JAT

4062857 HAV SOBAN SINGH, 3 GARH RIF

4467936 HAV SARDOOL SINGH, 13 SIKH LI

13617004 HAV JAGMOHAN SINGH, 10 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS)

13617045 HAV SATPAL SINGH, PARA, 31 RR (CDO)

13747689 HAV MAST RAM, JAK RIF, 28 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

13749494 HAV TARA CHAND, 4 JAK RIF (POSTHUMOUS)

2481067 NK RAJ KUMAR, 13 PUNJAB (POSTHUMOUS)

2686317 NK KRISHAN KUMAR, GDRS, 12 RR

2888451 NK JAI SINGH, RAJ RIF, 18 RR

3184272 NK MAHAVEER PRASAD, 16 JAT

4069013 NK OM PRAKASH, 11 GARH RIF

4073455 NK RAJENDRA SINGH, 16 GARH RIF

4562865 NK VIHIRE PRAKASH CHAMPATRAO, MAHAR, 1 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

13756812 NK PIAR SINGH, 17 JAK RIF (POSTHUMOUS)

13758741 NK YOGRAJ SINGH, 1 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS)

14428258 NK JAI KUMAR, ARTY, 7 RR

15124214 NK SURJIT SINGH, ARTY, 193 FD REGT (POSTHUMOUS)

2891481 L/NK DAVINDER SINGH, 11 RAJ RIF

3396899 L/NK HARBHAJAN SINGH, SIKH, 16 RR

4186568 L/NK KUNDAN SINGH RATHORE, KUMAON, 13 RR

4569139 L/NK LAKHBIR SINGH, 10 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS)

5754107 L/NK RAM KUMAR THAPA, 5/8 GR

14413414 L/NK RAM BINAY SHARMA, AD ARTY, 10 RR

15131291 L/NK ANANDHAN SUBRAMANY, ARTY, 41 RR

2482656 SEP PADAMJIT, 25 PUNJAB

2490740 SEP LAKHVINDER SINGH, PUNJAB, 22 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

2491400 SEP ASHWANI KUMAR, PUNJAB, 22 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

2795780 SEP ANIL PATIL, MLI, 27 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

3400162 SEP RANJIT SINGH, SIKH, 16 RR

3401994 SEP RANDHEER SINGH, SIKH, 16 RR

3404786 SEP SHAM SINGH, SIKH, 6 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

4000709 SEP JAI PRAKASH, DOGRA, 11 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

4189680 SEP PRAKASH SINGH, 9 KUMAON (POSTHUMOUS)

4365338 SEP NGAWANG TENZING, 15 ASSAM (POSTHUMOUS)

4366844 SEP DOLO JELISOW, ASSAM, 35 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

4367883 SEP H LALHMINGLIANA, ASSAM, 42 RR

4368784 SEP SONAM RINCHIN, 15 ASSAM (POSTHUMOUS)

4575520 SEP SANJAY SARKAR, 12 MAHAR (POSTHUMOUS)

115189 RFN MD ABDUL SATAR, 11 ASSAM RIF

124390 RFN KHUNDRAKPAM CHANDRA KUMAR SINGH, 12 ASSAM RIF

143938 RFN CHINGHIAMANG, 14 ASSAM RIF

194044 RFN K R CHAN, 19 ASSAM RIF

193434 RFN GINKHO LAL VAIPHEI, 19 ASSAM RIF

2200853 RFN KJ THOMAS, 22 ASSAM RIF

3301003 RFN LAL GOULEN KHOLHOU, 33 ASSAM RIF

5047859 RFN AMIT THAPA, 3/1 GR (POSTHUMOUS)

9101796 RFN MOHD JAVID, PARA, 31 RR (CDO)

9102888 RFN FAROOQ AHMED BABA, JAK LI, 9 RR (POSTHUMOUS)

9103462 RFN KULDEEP KUMAR, 13 JAK LI

13761812 RFN PARSHOTAM KUMAR, JAK RIF, 3 RR

13762260 RFN SANJEEV KUMAR, JAK RIF, 28 RR

15337016 SPR NIRANJAN KUMAR SINGH, ENGRS, 3 RR

3193311 PTR RAJU SINGH, 10 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS)

13621943 PTR CHATAR SINGH, 21 PARA (SF)

13624136 PTR LEITANTHEM SUDAM SINGH, 21 PARA (SF)

2696373 GDR DADWAL SANJEEV JASHWANT SINGH, GDRS, 39 RR

2697208 GDR NATTHU RAM, 12 GDRS

NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)

03313-B CDR SATYABRATA DAM

41686-R LT CDR ABISHEK KANKAN

75792-B SURGN LT VIKING BHANOO

05007-B LT SUMEET PABBY

130041-Z RAVINDER KUMAR, SEA I CD-III

153418-B RAKESH KUMAR, POMA

122944-W VIKAS KUMAR, POMA

VAYU SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)

19570 WG CDR SHASHI KANT MISHRA, FLYING (PILOT)

19893 SQN LDR AK UPDHYAY, FLYING (PILOT)

19896 SQN LDR MANU CHAUDHARY, FLYING (PILOT)

20459 SQN LDR KK VENUGOPAL, FLYING (PILOT)

22345 SQN LDR RANDHIR SINGH, FLYING (PILOT)

PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

IC-15792 LT GEN MATHEW MAMMEN, ENGRS

IC-15931 LT GEN JAGDISH CHANDER, ASC

IC-16100 LT GEN CHARANJIT SINGH CHIMA, AD ARTY

IC-16139 LT GEN SATISH BHALCHANDRA SATPUTE, INF (RETD)

IC-16250 LT GEN RAGHUBIR SINGH SHAHRAWAT, AOC (RETD)

IC-16268 LT GEN R SUBRAMANYAM, ENGRS

IC-16567 LT GEN VIRINDER KUMAR DHIR, EME

IC-16582 LT GEN DAVINDER KUMAR, SIGS

IC-16620 LT GEN KRISHNAMURTHY NAGARAJ, INF

IC-16632 LT GEN AVTAR SINGH, INF

IC-16782 LT GEN RANA SUDHIR KUMAR KAPUR, ENGRS

IC-16818 LT GEN PADAM PAL SINGH BHANDARI, ARMD

IC-16907 LT GEN MOHINDER PURI, INF

IC-17252 LT GEN PRAMOD KUMAR GROVER, ENGRS

IC-17576 LT GEN AMRIK SINGH BAHIA, INF

IC-17699 LT GEN ASHOK KAPUR, INF

MR-02600 LT GEN JANAK RAJ BHARDWAJ, AMC

DR-10206 LT GEN RAMESH CHANDER DHIR, ADC

IC-28531 MAJ GEN TEJ KRISHEN KAUL, INF

00727-A VICE ADML SUREESH MEHTA

00790-W VICE ADML VENKAT BHARATHAN

75111-F SURGN VICE ADML VIJAY KUMAR SINGH

9002 AIR MARSHAL SUNIL KUMAR MALIK, FLYING (PILOT)

9716 AIR MARSHAL SATISH KUMAR JAIN, FLYING (PILOT)

9734 AIR MARSHAL SUBHASH BHOJWANI, FLYING (PILOT)

10440 AIR MARSHAL AJIT BHAVNANI, FLYING (PILOT)

11780 AIR MARSHAL HARENDRAJIT SINGH GARKAL, ADMN

26480 AIR MARSHAL PARIMAL KUMAR SARKAR, MED (RETD)

UTTAM YUDDH SEVA MEDAL

IC-16109 LT GEN HARI PRASAD, INF

IC-16838 LT GEN MOHINDER SINGH, INF

IC-17244 LT GEN NIRBHAY SHARMA, INF

BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

IC-17206 LT GEN ANUP SINGH JAMWAL, ARTY

ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

IC-17214 LT GEN MANIKATH GOVINDAN GIRISH, EME

IC-17327 LT GEN GURDITAR SINGH, ARMD, HQ 2 CORPS

IC-17565 LT GEN ADITYA SINGH, ARMD, HQ 21 CORPS

IC-17644 LT GEN DALJEET SINGH, ARMD

IC-19002 LT GEN OM PRAKASH NANDRAJOG, INF, HQ WC

IC-19234 LT GEN SURENDRA KUMAR SAHNI, ASC

IC-19440 MAJ GEN (NOW LT GEN) SUDHIR SHARMA, INF

IC-19834 MAJ GEN (NOW LT GEN) PANAG HARCHARANJIT SINGH, INF

MR-02745 LT GEN AJIT KUMAR BAKSHI, AMC

IC-19058 MAJ GEN VIJAY PANDURANG PAWAR, ENGRS, HQ NC (RETD)

IC-19550 MAJ GEN RANDHIR KUMAR MEHTA, INF

IC-19845 MAJ GEN DILIP NEMAJIRAO DESAI, ARMD

IC-19848 MAJ GEN THOMAS MATHEW, INF, HQ DELHI AREA

IC-19868 MAJ GEN SARABJIT SINGH DHILLON, INF, HQ IMTRAT

IC-19873 MAJ GEN PUTTAMMADAM RAJAH GANGADHARAN, INF

IC-19891 MAJ GEN SIVASANKARA PILLAI SREE KUMAR, SIGS, HQ NC

IC-23039 MAJ GEN PARAMJIT SINGH, INF, HQ ATNKK & G AREA

IC-23274 MAJ GEN RAJESHWAR SINGH, INF, CIF (U)

IC-23688 MAJ GEN KIRON KISHORE KOHLI, ARTY, HQ 21 MTN DIV

IC-23978 MAJ GEN NILENDRA KUMAR, JAG

IC-24006 MAJ GEN PRAKASH CHAND KATOCH, INF, 8 MTN DIV

IC-24065 MAJ GEN KUNAL MUKHERJEE, ENGRS

IC-24465 MAJ GEN ASHOK KUMAR SAINI, SIGS

IC-24975 MAJ GEN SATISH KUMAR SAHIJPAL, ENGRS, HQ NC

IC-26306 MAJ GEN KUPPANDA PONNAPPA NANJAPPA, INF (RETD)

IC-28733 MAJ GEN RAJENDRA SINGH MEHTA, ARMD, HQ 19 INF DIV

MR-03158 MAJ GEN LUXHMI PRAKASH SADHOTRA, AMC, AH (R&R)

IC-23671 BRIG BASANT KUMAR PONWAR, MARATHA LI

IC-33557 BRIG RASHEED ENAYATHULLAH, DOGRA

MR-02962 BRIG GOPALAPILLAI RAJAGOPAL, AMC, AH (R&R)

IC-49871 MAJ RAJYAVARDHAN SINGH RATHORE, GDRS, INF SCHOOL MHOW

01168-B REAR ADML SUNIL K DAMLE

01131-W REAR ADML IK SALUJA

01224-F REAR ADML RF CONTRACTOR

40388-R REAR ADML ANIL KUMAR HANDA

40313-W REAR ADML NASIB SINGH NAIN

50316-B REAR ADML V. BALACHANDRAN

11581 AIR MARSHAL PRAMOD KUMAR MEHRA, FLYING (PILOT)

12155 AVM AJ SINGH WALIA, ADMN

12308 AVM JAI KRISHAN GUPTA, MEDICAL

12490 AIR CMDE SUSHIL KUMAR JHA, LOGISTICS

12872 AIR CMDE YASH KUMAR, AERONAUTICAL ENG (MECH)

13149 AVM GURDIP SINGH KOCHAR, FLYING (PILOT)

13174 AIR CMDE RS SANDHU, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (MECH)

13246 AIR CMDE BC NANJAPA, FLYING (PILOT)

13302 AIR CMDE KAMAL SINGH, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (ELECTRONICS)

13382 AIR CMDE AK GOGOI, FLYING (PILOT)

13393 AIR CMDE KUZHIKOMBIL JOSEPH MATHEWS, FLYING (PILOT)

16206 GP CAPT BALAKRISHNAN SURESH, FLYING (PILOT)

YUDH SEVA MEDAL

IC-27645 BRIG RAMESHWAR ROY, JAK RIF, HQ 17 INF BDE

IC-30029 BRIG CHANDRA MAN RAI, MLI, HQ 8 SECT RR

IC-30098 BRIG JATINDER SINGH KATARIA, RAJ RIF, HQ 68 MTN BDE

IC-40324 COL RAKESH KUMAR SINGH, PARA, 31 RR (CDO)

IC-40825 COL JAGDISH CHAND RANGRA, 6 MAHAR

IC-40933 COL M VINAYA CHANDRAN, 8 ASSAM

IC-41087 COL SHASHI SHEKHAR PRASAD, 7 SIKH

IC-41528 COL HARINDER SINGH, MLI, 41 RR

IC-41582 COL LAIPHRAKPAM IBOTOMBI SINGH, 13 JAK LI

IC-41969 COL KARIPINENI JAHWAR BABU, 21 GDRS

IC-42885 COL SANJAY THAKUR, 9 PARA (SF)

IC-42851 LT COL PRADIPTA NARAYAN MOHAPATRA, 14 SIKH LI

15220, GP CAPT KS GILL, FLYING (PILOT)

17713 WG CDR SUNIL KUMAR, FLYING (PILOT)

18495 WG CDR BIBHUTI KUMAR, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (MECH)

BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

IC-23744 MAJ GEN VIKRAM MADAN, INF

IC-23817 BRIG PARVINDER SINGH, PUNJAB, HQ SC

IC-27214 BRIG CHHETRA BAHADUR THAPA, 11 GR

IC-35494 COL SUBRATA SAHA, ASSAM

IC-40695 COL JAGDEEP SINGH VIRK, 61 CAVALARY

VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL

IC-17285 MAJ GEN GOVIND BALLABH TRIPATHI, SIGS (RETD)

IC-19578 MAJ GEN RANDHIR SINGH BALYAN, ARTY

IC-23034 MAJ GEN SURINDAR BIR SINGH BAINS, ENGRS

IC-23068 MAJ GEN SHRIVILASAM NARAYANAN RAJAN, ASC, HQ WC

IC-23375 MAJ GEN KAPILESWAR PRASAD DHAL SAMANTA, ARTY

IC-24706 BRIG (NOW MAJ GEN) KAMMULA RAMACHANDRA RAO, ARTY

IC-24718 BRIG (NOW MAJ GEN) PREM KRISHAN GOEL, ARTY, HQ 15 CORPS

IC-25482 BRIG (NOW MAJ GEN) ANAND KUMAR KAPUR, AOC

IC-27206 BRIG (NOW MAJ GEN) SATYENDRA PRASAD SINHA, AOC

IC-23287 BRIG ASHWANI KUMAR BHANOT, ARTY (RETD)

IC-23986 BRIG BAKSHI PRABHJIT SINGH LAMBA, ARTY

IC-24232 BRIG ASHOK KUMAR JAITLY, ARTY (RETD)

IC-25441 BRIG GOVIND SINGH RATHORE, ASC

IC-24591 BRIG VINOD KUMAR NEGI, ENGRS

IC-24829 BRIG RAJEEVA RAJ NAUTIYAL, ARTY

IC-25427 BRIG SUBIR KUMAR DEB, ARTY

IC-25442 BRIG SWATANTARTA NAND HANDA, 3 GR

IC-25538 BRIG RABINDRAN KRISHNA SWAMY, MAHAR, HQ NC

IC-25822 BRIG PRABIR KUMAR CHAKRAVORTY, ARTY

IC-25985 BRIG JAGPAL SINGH THIND, ARTY, HQ 36 INF BDE

IC-27409 BRIG KANWAR PRATAP SINGH RANA, JAK RIF, HQ 2 SECT RR

IC-27488 BRIG ANIL KUMAR WASON, ENGRS, HQ 16 CORPS

IC-27827 BRIG VINAY KUMAR BATURA, 4 GR, HQ 59 MTN BDE

IC-27899 BRIG POGULA GANESHAM, EME

IC-27956 BRIG GURSIMRAN SINGH MALHI, ARMD, HQ 44 MTN BDE

IC-27972 BRIG GYAN BHUSHAN, MAHAR, HQ 11 MTN BDE

IC-30021 BRIG GURUNG OM PRASAD, MAHAR, HQ 1 SECT RR

IC-30051 BRIG RAJINDER SINGH, BIHAR, HQ 104 INF BDE

IC-30351 BRIG DALBIR SINGH, 5 GR, HQ 53 INF BDE

IC-30485 BRIG UMONG SETHI, SIKH, HQ 163 INF BDE

IC-30619 BRIG SRINIVASACHARI REGHUNATHAN, 1 SIG GP

IC-31567 BRIG VIKRAM SINGH, ENGRS, HQ 15 CORPS

IC-32016 BRIG GURINDER JIT SINGH, SIKH, TA GP HQ WC

IC-32844 BRIG RAM PRATAP, AD ARTY

IC-32968 BRIG SUSHIL KUMAR DUBEY, EME (RETD)

IC-33058 BRIG TRIVENI PRASAD SHUKLA, RAJPUT, HQ 12 SECT RR

MR-03814 BRIG SHIV KUMAR SHARMA, AMC, MH PUNE

DR-10281 BRIG KURUVADI RAVISHANKAR, ADC, CMDC HQ WC

TC-31472 BRIG YASHPAL SINGH MOHAN, APS

IC-31633 COL ARUN KUMAR SAHNI, ARTY, HQ CIF (K)

IC-34374 COL SURESH KUMAR PILLAI, SIGS

IC-34664 COL SHRI PAL, ENGRS

IC-37369 COL ASHOK KUMAR GANGULY, 18 JAK RIF

IC-37895 COL HARISH JOSHI, SIKH, 6 RR

IC-37913 COL MARK CYRUS ASHLEY AARON PILLAY, 5 GR, 28 ASSAM RIF

IC-39071 COL GAGAN PATHANIA, 12 JAK RIF

IC-39321 COL ANIL KUMAR SHUKLA, RAJ RIF

IC-39924 COL GURCHARAN SINGH, GUARDS, HQ NC

IC-40305 COL RAGHU RAM AKELLA, 5 ENGR REGT

IC-40360 COL ASIT BHAILALBHAI MISTRY, 12 MLI

IC-41649 COL BALWINDER SINGH, GUARDS, 21 RR

MR-03047 COL PANIKULAM JOHN VINCENT, AMC, 92 BH

MR-03906 COL RANGARAJU RANGARAO, AMC, AH (R&R)

MR-03940 GP CAPT KESHAVA MURTHY SURYANARAYANA, AMC, AH (R&R)

IC-37805 LT COL VIJAY SINGH, DOGRA, HMI

IC-43179 LT COL MENON PARAPIL RAVINDRAN, SIGS

IC-44070 LT COL SP MALIK, AOC, 18 DIV ORD UNIT

IC-45544 LT COL ASHOK KINI HOSDURG, GUARDS

IC-47148 LT COL ANJAN KUMAR DUTTA, ASC

MR-04520 LT COL SHIV KUMAR DHINGRA, AMC, 403 FD AMB

MR-04586 LT COL JAIVIR SINGH, AMC, CH HQ WC

MR-04920 LT COL SUNIL KANT, AMC, BH DELHI CANTT

MR-05098 LT COL HARISH CHANDRA TALAN, AMC, BH DELHI CANTT

MR-05257 LT COL AJAY KUMAR CHOUDHARY, AMC

MR-06317 MAJ CHANDER MOHAN SINGH, AMC, 150 GH

V-00434 MAJ SUDHEER KUMAR Y, RVC, 44 MVH (PBG)

SS-38920 CAPT SHAILENDRA SINGH NEGI, 7/11 GR

JC-756602 SUB RAJESH CHOUDHARY, EME, MC EME

JC-307381 NB SUB IGNACE TIRKEY, ENGRS, MEG & CENTRE

JC-623561 NB SUB TARUNDEEP RAI, 5/8 GR

15571410 HAV MAJHI SAWAIYAN, ENGRS, BEG & CENTRE, KIRKEE

40405-B CMDE P ANANTHARAMAN

50346-Y CMDE DHARMBIR SINGH

40515-B CMDE V SEQUEIRA

40527-F CMDE K TIKKU

50414-A CMDE RAJ BIR SINGH BHADANA

50519-R CMDE R BHATNAGAR

60258-Z CMDE J CHAUDHARY

40654-W CMDE ASHOK MEHROTRA

50564-T CMDE LALIT MOHAN KHANNA

01737-Y CMDE KP RAMACHANDRAN

01699-K CMDE GV BABU

01730-F CMDE CG SILAR KHAN

01787-K CMDE JALANDAR KUMAR

03055-T CDR NEVIL MALAO

149387-T B SINGH CHARAN, MCPO II CD I

203612-F HARDEEP SINGH RANDHAWA, MCELP I

13010 AVM AJIT PRASAD TYAGI, MET

13410 GP CAPT VIJAY KUMAR KAPUR, LOGISTICS

13901 GP CAPT PANKAJ TYAGI, MET

14400 GP CAPT PC GROVER, ADMN/LEGAL

14713 GP CAPT R SITARAMAN, ADMN

14768 GP CAPT M R SINGH, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (MECH)

14929 GP CAPT RAJESH KAUL, ADMN

15071 GP CAPT VM KHANNA, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (MECH)

15105 GP CAPT SUBHASH CHANDRA LUTHRA, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (ELECTRONICS)

15327 GP CAPT AS BHONSLE, FLYING (NAVITAGOR)

15684 GP CAPT JS WALIA, FLYING (PILOT)

15804 GP CAPT YT VASUDEO, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (ELECTRONICS)

15881 GP CAPT C HARIKUMAR, FLYING (PILOT)

15945 GP CAPT SN MURTI, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (ELECTRONICS)

15970 GP CAPT PRAVEEN KUMAR, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (MECH)

16611 GP CAPT VS BHARTI, FLYING (PILOT)

16789 GP CAPT AS BUTOLA, FLYING (PILOT)

16970 GP CAPT PRAVEEN BHATT, FLYING (PILOT)

15810 WG CDR MS SHANKAR, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (ELECTRONICS)

15907 GP CAPT MAN MOHAN UPADHYAYA, ADMN/FIGHTER CONTROLLER

16462 WG CDR KU REDDY, ACCOUNTS

16781 GP CAPT TEJINDER PAL SINGH, FLYING (PILOT)

17130 WG CDR MK GULERIA, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (MECH)

17156 WG CDR NS JAMWAL, FLYING (PILOT)

17654 WG CDR AMIT TYAGI, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (MECH)

20674 SQN LDR KN SANTOSH, AERONAUTICAL ENGG (ELECTRONICS)

635940 WARRANT OFFICER AK SINGH, RADAR FITTER

689695 SGT BIRENDRA KUMAR, ELECTRICAL FITTER

BAR TO SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)

IC-41741 COL SANTOSH KUMAR KURUP, MLI, 17 RR

SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)

V-292 MAJ GEN BIRHAM PAL SINGH PANWAR, RVC

IC-25107 BRIG MOHINDER KUMAR IDNANI, GUARDS

IC-25836 BRIG HARINDER PAL SINGH KLAIR, GUARDS, HQ EC

IC-30353 BRIG SYED ATA HASNAIN, VSM*, GARH RIF, HQ 12 INF BDE

IC-31324 BRIG KOTHENETH SURENDRANATH, ARMD

IC-32482 BRIG JASPAUL SINGH, INT

IC-33015 BRIG EPPEN JACOB KOCHEKKAN, 5 GR, HQ 9 SECT AR

IC-35471 COL BIPIN RAWAT, 11 GR

IC-36741 COL VIJAY KUMAR, DOGRA

IC-37962 COL AMARJIT SINGH, 33 ASSAM RIF

IC-38298 COL JASVINDER SINGH CHOPRA, ARTY

IC-39666 COL HARISH CHANDRA PATHAK, 15 JAK RIF

IC-40007 COL YENDURU VENKATA KRISHANA MOHAN, 7/11 GR

IC-41230 COL SUNIL DUTT MEHTA, JAT, 45 RR

IC-41323 COL SANJAY SAH, GARH RIF, 36 RR

IC-41478 COL TINAIKAR SHAILESH SADASHIV, 10 PARA (SF)

IC-41613 COL SANJAY KUMAR ACHARYA, SIKH LI, 19 RR

IC-41755 COL RAJNISH SHARMA, RAJPUT, 23 RR

IC-41858 COL CODANDA POOVAIAH CARIAPPA, RAJ RIF, 9 RR

IC-42475 COL SAVNEET SINGH, 7 GARH RIF

IC-43245 COL NS RAJA SUBRAMANI, 16 GARH RIF

MR-03694 COL TAPAN SINHA, AMC, AH (R&R)

MR-04223 COL CHANDER MOHAN, AMC, AH (R&R)

MR-04310 COL GURVINDER SINGH CHOPRA, AMC, AH (R&R)

IC-43352 LT COL JOSHI NARAIN DUTT GANESH DUTT, 739 INT AND FS UNIT

IC-43671 LT COL CHHIKARA RISHI KUMAR, JAK RIF, 1 BN LADAKH SCOUTS

IC-45310 LT COL VIJENDER KUMAR RATHORE, 237 INT & FS UNIT

IC-48057 LT COL BRIJESH DATTA, SIGS, 61 WEU

MR-04722 LT COL ANIL DHALL, AMC, AH (R&R)

MR-04915 LT COL TARUN KAUL, AMC, BH DELHI CANTT

MR-03957 WG CDR RAKESH CHANDOLA, AMC, AH (R&R)

IC-46681 MAJ ANOOP SINGH GILL, ARMY AVN, 21 R&O FLT

IC-47842 MAJ ANIL KUMAR, 110 ENGR REGT

IC-52041 MAJ SURENDER PAWAN KUMAR, ARMY AVN, 21 R&O FLT

IC-52687 MAJ PRAVIR KUMAR PAL, EME, SDD

IC-58797 MAJ ROHIT UNIYAL, ARTY, 96 FD REGT

IC-54456 CAPT VINAY SADASIVAN, MAHAR, HAWS

4076760 L/NK BALWANT SINGH, 6 GARH RIF

NAO SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)

02374-W CMDE NAND KUMAR JHA

50572-K CMDE VELUSWAMY KARUNANITHI

40665-W CMDE KN VAIDYANATHAN

50711-A CAPT BALDEV RAJ TANEJA

02881-Y CDR G PRAKASAN

03003-Z CDR MUKUL ASTHANA

02714-T CDR (TS) AJAY RANJAN SAHAY

02577-F CDR RAKESH KUMAR MEHTA

VAYU SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)

16040 GP CAPT SPR KRISHNAN NAIR

16088 GP CAPT SHOUVIK ROY, FLYING (PILOT)

16555 GP CAPT SUNIL JAYANT NANODKAR, FLYING (PILOT)

16423 WG CDR HEMANT NARAYAN BHAGWAT, ADM/PARA JUMP INSTRUCTOR

17135 WG CDR NAYANI HARISH, FLYING (PILOT)

17318 WG CDR SREEKUMAR PRABHAKARAN, FLYING (PILOT)

17338 WG CDR S HARI KRISHNAN NAIR, FLYING (PILOT)

17710 WG CDR SANDESH PRABHAKAR WAGLE, FLYING (PILOT)

18071 WG CDR UMESH RAKHRA, FLYING (PILOT)

18073 WG CDR SANJAY ANAND KUNTE, FLYING (PILOT)

18256 WG CDR KISHORE KUMAR KHERA, FLYING (PILOT)

18562 WG CDR MOHAN GUPTA, FLYING (PILOT)

18565 WG CDR RAVI KHANNA, FLYING (PILOT) (POSTHUMOUS)

668479 JWO SURENDRA KUMAR MOHANTY, FIGHT GUNNER

MENTIONED–IN-DESPATCHES OPERATION HIFAZAT

IC-41223 COL RAVINDRA SINGH RAWAT, 4/4 GR

IC-47111 MAJ MAHENDRA KUMAR JOSHI, 19 GARH RIF

IC-53854 MAJ SATYENDRA TRIPATHI, GR, 7 ASSAM RIF

SS-37700 MAJ CHANDRA PAL SINGH KHATI, 4/4 GR

172687 HAV GAJENDRA NATH DEKA, 17 ASSAM RIF

OPERATION RAKSHAK

18785 WING CDR ASHUTOSH LAL, IAF, AEB

JC-438614 SUB VENKIDACHALAM S, 28 MADRAS

2983096 HAV SHYAM PAL SINGH, 17 RAJPUT

4174854 HAV BHUPENDRA SINGH, 6 KUMAON

13617717 HAV RAM EKBAL PRASAD SAH, 5 PARA

13757625 L/NK BALVINDER SINGH, 10 JAK RIF

OPERATION PRAKARAM

IC-49635 MAJ KAMAL KISHOR, 25 PUNJAB

IC-60419 MAJ PRAMOD SINGH CHAUHAN, 12 GARH RIF

IC-61077 CAPT AMIT HOODA, ARTY, 32 FD REGT

SS-38600 CAPT SACHIN BALI, 12 MLI

SC-00300 CAPT SAJEEV N, 13 JAK LI

IC-61937 LT DIWAKAR KAPOOR, ARTY, 320 FD REGT

IC-62281 LT CHETAN MANHAS, AOC, 13 JAK LI

IC-62763 LT PRAVEEN SHARMA, INT, 13 JAK LI

JC-177992 SUB MAJ JAGDISH SINGH, 3 SIKH

JC-612312 SUB RAM LAXMAN THAPA, 4 GR, 15 RR

JC-449385 NB SUB KARNAIL SINGH RANA, GDRS, 29 RR

JC-529225 NB SUB BHAGAT SINGH, GARH RIF, 36 RR

3387242 HAV SUKHWINDER SINGH, 5 SIKH

4067147 HAV GOPAL CHANDRA, 7 GARH RIF

4359259 HAV PAULEMTHANG, 8 ASSAM

4552051 HAV BAISAKHU, 4 MAHAR

3183320 L/HAV MUKESH KUMAR, 21 JAT

4194734 SEP ANAND BALLABH DUBEY, KUMAON, 50 RR

4076120 RFN BIRENDRA SINGH, 12 GARH RIF

4082645 RFN DINESH PRASAD, 7 GARH RIF

9104693 RFN MOHD AKRAM, 13 JAK LI

9107619 RFN BHARAT BHUSHAN, 13 JAK LI

13625091 PTR MAHESH KUMAR, 10 PARA (SF)

OPERATION RHINO

IC-50469 MAJ ANIL RAMAN, 5/8 GR

IC-56940 MAJ LOKESH KANDPAL, 5/8 GR

RC-987 MAJ ARVIND KUMAR THAPA, 5/8 GR

IC-60244 CAPT VIVEK REHNI, ASC, 17 PUNJAB

JC-539045 NB SUB HARI KRISHAN PANDEY, 8 KUMAON

2889380 NK RAJ KUMAR, 7 RAJ RIF

4364634 SEP V ZODINTHARA, 10 ASSAM

5755779 RFN YAM BAHADUR GURUNG, 5/8 GR

INDIAN AVIATION CONTINGENT, UN OPERATION, CONGO (AIR FORCE)

19223 SQN LDR DC PANDEY, ADMN/AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

19243 SQN LDR SUSHANT DUTTA, LOGISTICS

20995 SQN LDR MANISH SINGH, FLYING (PILOT)

657360 WARRANT OFFICER OM PAL TOMAR, AIR FRAME FITTER

679448 SGT PM JANGID, AIR FIELD SAFETY OPERATOR

728234 SGT RR MISHRA, FLIGHT ENGR

820921 NON COMBATANT (ENROLLED) RN MAITY, SAFAIWALA

NCC Republic Day Camp 2005
Cadet Crafting

Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh thanked the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for contributing thirteen lakh rupees to Prime Minister Relief Fund for Tsunami affected people of the country. The Prime Minister was addressing the NCC cadets who took part in the Republic Day Camp held in New Delhi. Lt Gen MC Bhandari, Director General NCC, while speaking to mediapersons said that NCC has always been playing an active role in times of national calamities.

Every year a month-long NCC camp is being conducted at Garrison Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment on the eve of Republic Day. Cadets from 16 Directorates from all over the country look forward to participate in this camp. This year, the camp was visited by Vice President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Chief Minister of Delhi, Chiefs of all the three Services and many other dignitaries. Eighteen hundred cadets from all over the country and foreign cadets from eight countries participated in different activities and competitions to prove there excellence at the camp.

During her visit to the camp, Mrs Shiela Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi was impressed by the discipline, unity and patriotism exhibited by the NCC cadets. “India’s future is in safe hand”, she said while addressing them. A rolling trophy which is a replica of new aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, the rechristened aircraft carrier Gorshkov , introduced by Naval Chief Admiral Arun Prakash, will be given every year to senior division cadets of Navy wing of NCC. Similar trophies were also introduced by Army and Air force. Gallantry awards to brave NCC cadets were presented by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee. Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister said that NCC would be further expanded and made attractive for the children so that maximum number of students could be trained by the NCC.

At present, NCC training is imparted in 1350 colleges located all over the country. The training includes camp training, gliding and microlite flying, sea training, mountaineering expeditions, rallies, trekking, para sailing, sailing, white-water rafting, desert camel safari and visits to foreign countries. Courses are also conducted to prepare students for SSB screening.

NCC is the largest youth organisation of the world. It carved a niche for itself in shaping the youngsters of the country into good citizens. Recently, President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, in his address on the NCC Day said that NCC training should be made compulsory for all eligible students.

-Sunil Tripathi
from New Delhi
pix: Fulchand

Strong Signals

Signals being the information carriers, right from the beginning of the warfare, forms the nervous system of an army. On the occasion of anniversary of the Corps of Signals, Lt Gen Davinder Kumar, Signal Officer-in-Chief speaks about the vision and vigour of this node of communication revolution in a frank interaction with our Editor-in-Chief, Mohan Chandak

Editor-in-Chief in talk with
Lt Gen Davinder Kumar

Sainik Samachar : General, you are a specialist in network designing and implementation, please elaborate in simple terms the concept of Network-Centric Warfare in Indian and global context.

SO-in-C: Network-Centric Warfare is just a name given to what we have been following right through history. Today, there is no concept of borders. Battle space and response time have both changed. The famous saying, “The commanders always want to see what lies on the other side of the hill” still holds good. The battle today is remote and weapons cause damage at great distances. Another major factor is simultaneity of operations which was never there before. Today the frontline, the central hinterland, and the rear are being addressed at the same time by different means. If the commander has to fight a battle with such a large area of interest, there is no option but to go network-centric. That, in essence, is the concept. It is possible through networks and communications. It results in a quicker decision cycle with centralised decision-making and decentralised execution. Concentrating force, when required, and then again dispersing so as not to present a viable target is also another outcome.

SS: General, the new technology is compressing the time-frame that is available for decision-making. What is the role of Signals in giving more time for the Generals to take decisions?

SO-in-C: The marriage between computers and communications, what is today called convergence, and, of course, the media assist us in our task. There are two major revolutions taking place worldwide today. One is ICT i.e. information, communication and technology while the other is ICE or information, communication and entertainment. Let us say, you have sensors deployed or you have men in front feeding information to the commanders upwards. Passing this information is the first task we do as Signallers. Secondly, the information must get analysed and after processing, when a decision is taken and the orders are to be passed, again the Signals comes into the scene since the orders are passed electronically. The challenge is not only to pass the information but also to pass it when the chips are down.

We also have to fight the effects of anti-technology. Electronic warfare, cyber warfare, the cryptographic and information security are all working against a signaller. We are not only information providers but are also the information warriors. Because, in any warfare of tomorrow, we will be the first to be attacked. It will be the command and control centres which will always get addressed first and moreover we are not going to see who is going to hit us remotely by accurate missile systems, laser guided weapons or radiation seeking missiles which look for electronic radiations. Since we are the information warriors, we have to bring an attitudinal change in our training and organisation.

SS: You mentioned about anti-technologies. What steps have Signals taken to counter this?

SO-in-C: We are very conscious of this facet. When our networks are designed, they are made so that even if a part is damaged, the whole continues to function. The network acts as one whole entity even if some part of it is being interfered with. No network can be interfered with totally. So I may have physical destruction of a node, it makes no difference because I have catered for it. I may have electronic disabling of a node which again I have taken care of by what is called an overlay network which may be satellite-based. We, therefore, follow a multilayered approach. Once I have a multilayered network, I then use very high-end and strong cryptographic algorithms and systems to ensure that our transmission is not heard. So it is against the eavesdropping of the enemy that we take all these measures. In fact, that is precisely the reason why we are different from others.

SS: Corps of Signals is completing one year under your stewardship. What are the major achievements in the last one year?

SO-in-C: My responsibilities are very vast. I am responsible to the Chief of Army Staff for communications not only to the Army, but also operational communications for the Air Force, to some extent for the Navy, Assam Rifles, Rashtriya Rifles, Border Roads, DRDO and all across. I have laid down a vision for ourselves which is “to attain and maintain informatic ascendancy by developing infostructure to cater for Network Centric Warfare in a digitalised battle field of tomorrow”. Our aim is to make the Indian Army network enabled by 2007, so that it can become network centric by 2012. In that time-line, today we have laid one of the biggest satellite networks in the country, called the Dhruva constellation, which was inaugurated by the Chief the other day. We are now working on the logistic network that we are going to bring in a big way. Once you link on to a node you have communication across the world. We are doing a lot of things in cyber security, in information warfare, in satellite communication, in the backbone networks, in strategic networks and in the access networks. Today, we have optical fibre cable running almost upto the brigades and in some places upto the battalions. We are laying a very big infrastructure on the ground. These are a few things that, I could say, are the achievements of my team and I want to submit that we are almost there.

SS: You keep using the word ‘info-structure’. What do you mean by it?

SO-in-C: Infostructure is a terminology which is used for information infrastructure which is the very essence and basic foundation of Network-Centric Warfare. Unless you have a very robust communication - information infrastructure, which is called infostructure, on the ground you are not fit for the network-centric operations in a digitalised battlefield of tomorrow, or even of today. Which means I must have the means of communication to address from Delhi right upto the picket in front; that is my network. It encompasses every thing- logistics, operations, strategic communications and other resources that we need. It also encompasses integration with civilian networks. I will have to have a very solid network with railways, for instance, to ensure that our formations move, with the National Airport Authority and things like that. So Network-Centric Warfare, in a sense actually, is a national level communication/IT infrastructure coming together to give you that winning edge, as they say, to fight the warfare of tomorrow.

SS: What are the other problems you face? Do you have sufficient trained manpower and sufficient funds to implement the vision?

SO-in-C: I have no problems with training or with availability of manpower. We are the best. All my officers are qualified graduate engineers and about 20 per cent officers are post-graduates and a few are PhD also and few are multi-post-graduates. I also have no issue on training. My biggest challenge is how to remain current and I want to give to our army is what I call appropriate and affordable technology. So we go to the market, pick up the appropriate technology which gels with our organisation, which gels with our operational concepts, which gels with our way of training. The biggest challenge that I would like to submit is that I think we need to modify the procedures which we come across. In the field of electronics-own development of system is not cost- effective because of very small volume. So the world over, the armies are now going in for the COTS equipment i.e. commercially off-the-shelf equipment. The equipment available in open market is taken and adapted, ruggedised for dust proofing, for temperature, for operations and things like that before putting into operation. Of course, we develop our own cryptographic systems, we never import cryptographic systems. How I integrate my systems, how I make them secure, how I make them robust is what is the part of indigenisation that I must do and must have the capability to do. But to take five years or six years for a project to be sanctioned, that is a serious limitation. I have no other issues or problems. Money is forthcoming.

SS: What contribution the Corps of Signals is making to counter the menace of terrorism?

SO-in-C: It is a very interesting question and I have written about it a lot. Terrorists are the people who are really exploiting Network-Centric Warfare. They use networks like Internet or satellite phones or mobile communication across the borders and are networked physically also. That is why they are an ideal example of Network-Centric Warfare. To counter this, we form a grid, a counter-terrorist or a counter-infiltration grid. We have designed a new battlefield management system called ‘Sathi’. It is a pocket-size system, designed by a Signal officer, Col Menon. It is a unique system which networks personnel involved in counter-terrorism. There are only three countries in the world that have this system today — America, Israel and India. Besides, Signals provides officers and communication support to Rashtriya Rifles and Assam Rifles. Thus, we are very much in counter- terrorist and counter-insurgency operations.

SS: You contribute to various national and international organisations and seminars. How do you find time for all this?

SO-in-C: I think these are basically two things. First, it is a will to excel and, secondly, the national pride. When one goes outside and presents papers and talks to the people, you must tell them that India is a force to reckon with and that is my motivation which makes me work harder, to go and talk. I am now selected by a world body to talk on Network-Centric Warfare in England. I am the first Indian who is giving an opening keynote address. Eleven countries have voted for me to give the opening keynote address in a five-day international seminar being held in London. And, I think, that is a tremendous honour for the Army and the nation.

SS: You are also known as a keen golfer, voracious reader and a squash player. Tell us more about yourself as a person.

SO-in-C: I stopped playing squash for the past few years but I am a voracious reader. At present, nano-technology and bio-technology interest me. These are futuristic things that I want India to take on. I have written a lot on disaster management. Besides, like all other people of my generation, I believe in inter-faith society, inter-faith tolerance. I am also writing a book which is going to bring about the unification of science and God.

Signals :
The Steel Nerves for the Modern age Warfare

With the passage of time, the complexities of fighting increased to unmanageable proportions for smaller groups. As the size of armies or the fighting arms of the state increased in size and spread over much larger space, they could not be effectively controlled by old means of communication. Simultaneously, the developments in other fields like better arms and information technology led to a revolution in the modern-day warfare. Accuracy of the modern weaponry is evident in the fact that about ten rounds were fired per target in the Gulf War as against thousands of rounds in the World Wars. Over a period of time, the Corps of Signals evolved in response to these developments in different spheres.

It has been historically proved that those who do not keep pace with the changes in technology would perish. One of the reasons for the downfall of powerful kingdoms in ancient India to the invading Moghuls was lack of proper communication among the armies. Due to his better fighting tactics and communication skills against the Muslim rulers, great Maratha warrior Shivaji succeeded in setting up an empire despite all odds. Again Indian rulers were defeated by the Britishers due to improved technology and better modes of communication.

The Corps of Signals provides full scale communications and electronic warfare support for Army and operational connectivity for Navy and Air Force. Functioning as nerves of a human body, this Corps does the job of sensing and collecting different types of battle-related informaiton to pass them on to the generals who act as the brain. Once the information is processed and action decided, again these very people take the commands to the executing arms for action.

In modern time, the communication could no more be only linear, top-to-bottom or reverse as in earlier times. Now, communication channels also need to be lateral as well. Secondly, speed has to be so fast that it must be in real-time or near real-time. To meet these requirements, the Corps of Signals has utilised improvements in different facets of science, especially in the spheres of communication and information technology. It has come a long way from the Amateur Radio Emergency Network (AREN) and Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) systems to state-of-the-art communication networks using microwaves, satellites and optical fibres. ASCON Phase III, presently under way, would be a unified broadband network, capable of simultaneously transmitting voice, video and data.

Improved surveillance systems making use of high resolution optical imagery, acoustic sensors, infra-red sensors, electro-optical devices, night vision equipment and battlefield surveillance radars have resulted in better information gathering. Networking of all the input and output sources through a robust and highly secure communication network has resulted in the Information driven concept of Network-Centric Warfare. Acting as a force multiplier, the Network-Centric Warfare is a product of convergence of computers and communication.

Establishment of proper networks helps the decision makers to get precise information of friendly forces, enemy forces, their disposition and movement. The Corps of Signals is implementing a new project of Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) for secure exchange of formal correspondence directly from one user to another without intermediate manual handling or intervention.

The concept of information assurance includes operations that protect and defend information and information systems by ensuring their availability, integrity, authenticity, confidentiality and non-repudiation. A secure information system provides confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Another area that the Corps of Signals has to tackle is the remoteness of a different units due to vast border and coastline of India. A strategic alliance was worked out with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for laying of optical fibre cable from Srinagar to Karu via Kargil and Leh. Major part of the work is complete and the Leh-Karu section has been commissioned. This optical fibre route will be a big step towards building communication infrastructure in remote areas of Jammu & Kashmir both for BSNL and Army.

To meet the operational and logistic communication requirements of Northern Command, a VSAT network was commissioned in the year 2000. This state- of-the-art secure satellite network located at an altitude of 18,631 feet and this was entered in the Limca Book of Records as the world’s highest VSAT terminal. Another network, the Dhruv Satellite Constellation, was inaugurated by Gen NC Vij in November last year.

In a record time of one month, the Corps of Signals provided internet facilities on VSAT terminal to the remotely located Tenga and Dahung garrisons in Arunachal Pradesh.

Similarly, to overcome the adversities of nature, 5 Mountain Division Signal Regiment undertook a unique project to lay Jelly Filled Cable (JFC) on the icy peaks of Himalayas at a height of 16000 ft. As it was humanly impossible to pull and lay JFC to these remote posts, the unparalleled feat of helidropping of JFC was planned. This feat had never been tried anywhere in the world and it was the sheer professionalism of IAF in the skies and untiring and persistent efforts of Army on ground which made this project a reality. A total of 61 km JFC was heli-dropped in the Tawang sub-sector to ensure an uninterrupted and reliable communication to forward posts.

The corps is not only providing the essential communication links during war time but also comes forward for helping the society during natural disasters and calamities. In the strategic islands of Andaman and Nicobar, the Signallers were the first people to restore a communication link between the Car Nicobar Island and Port Blair by 1430 hrs on December 26, last year, within a few hours of strike by the killer Tsunami waves. This was the first and only link which was the lifeline to commence relief operations. The detachment at Car Nicobar also facilitated as an air traffic control for the Air Force. By early next morning, communication link was established with airfield at Campbell bay at Great Nicobar Island. One INMARSAT terminal was also fielded on December 27, to provide continuous communication support. Personnel of Signals took over and revived the Brichgunj civil exchange. They also took active part in the flood-relief operations in various parts of the country and provided vital communication links during the annual Amaranath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir.

This development of technology and anti-technology is an unending one and the Signals have been trying to keep pace with the future that is rushing into the present. In new-age warfares, communication systems would definitely be one of the most important decisive factors for victory.

-Mohan Chandak

Corps of Signals : In Pictures

Hav KC ramu who secured first position in national marathon at Thiruvananthapuram in September 2004	Nb Sub Gurvinder Singh who won silver medal in plus-105 kg weight cat at the 7th Army Weightlifting Championship
A Cycle expedition conducted in November-December, 2004 to cover a distance of over 1115 km from Nagrota to Wagah	L/Nk VK Saji who bagged gold medal at Army Inter-Command Championship 2004-05 held in Hyderabad
Lt Kavita Rajput who won bronze medal in sking at the 4th National Winter Games held at Gulmarg in February 2004 and became the first lady officer from the Armed Forces to win a medal at the national Winter Games	Signallers restoring the civil communication between Joshimath and Badrinath which was completely disrupted due to a landslide

Relief Realm

In Andaman & Nicobar region, four ICG ships were deployed off various islands with medicines, drinking water and relief materials. ICG Dornier and Chetak helicopters relentlessly carried out sorties in areas where severe damage was reported. An ICG ship evacuated 15 police personnel from Interview islands. ICG Dornier evacuated 14 personnel from Car Nicobar and all rescued were brought to Port Blair.

The ICG picked up relief and rescue operations on the third day. One Chetak helicopter was launched to rescue the stranded people at Vivekananda Memorial. ICG ship Durgabhai Deshmukh proceeded to carry out relief mission at Quilon in Kerala. At the same time, two Dorniers and two helicopters were engaged in search and rescue operations off Chennai. A total of 25 survivors and 36 bodies were recovered from the coast as well as from the sea. Meanwhile, in the most affected region of Andaman & Nicobar islands, the ICG deployed three ships to southern part of the islands to assess the situation as well as to carry out rescue and relief operation. A Dornier sortie was launched to Maldives. ICG Dornier commenced air-dropping of relief material at Maldives.

Search and rescue operation all along the Eastern Coast continued recovering four dead bodies. The number of ships deployed in the Eastern Coast was nine along with four aircraft. In Andaman & Nicobar Islands, ICG ships and aircraft started reaching remote islands such as Chowra, Havelock and Cinque. In the process, 35 persons including foreign nationals were rescued and taken to safe areas. In the Western Coasts, the activity picked up the momentum and the ICG deployed its advanced vessel, Sagar, for search and rescue around Kerala Coast as well as Lakshwadeep Islands. In the same vein, distribution of food and clothing materials as well as establishing medical camps were started by the ICG and thousands of stranded people were provided medical relief.

All the inhabited islands in the Nicobar group were surveyed by ICG ships and aircraft and about 700 persons were evacuated from these islands. Approximately sixty per cent of the operation force level of the ICG got deployed in all the three regions. The ICG deployed one ship along with an integral helicopter each to Sri Lanka and Maldives with tonnes of relief material and medicines. ICG ship Samar was deployed for Sri Lanka. So far, it has made a number of visits carrying relief material from Kochi to Sri Lanka and back.

The Indian Coast Guard :
A Perspective

The year gone by also saw the fructifying of efforts for the strengthening of the fleet strength of Coast Guard. Considering the requirements projected by the service, approval of the Government for procurement of three pollution control vessels, five fast patrol vessels and one advanced offshore patrol vessel (AOPV) was accorded in February. Approval in principle for acquisition of six inshore patrol vessels (IPVs), six advanced offshore patrol vessels (AOPVs) and nine interceptor boats (IBs) were accorded in the month of November.

The 9/11 strike in the United States changed the world’s perception towards security, including maritime security. Consequently, the new security measures in the form of International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, popularly known as ISPS code, has been brought into force with effect from July 1, 2004. Under this Code, all major ports and 200 Indian registered ships have been declared ISPS complaint. Coast Guard has an important role to play in the rightful implementation of the ISPS code and it has shouldered its responsibility in the right earnest.

Coast Guard, established as the lead intelligence agency in 2003, made a strong impact during the year gone by. A lot of innovative and ingenious measures have been initiated to give a new dimension to the intelligence role. In terms of protecting maritime interest during the year 2004, twenty foreign fishing vessels were apprehended and 145 foreign fishermen were apprehended for poaching with the catch worth Rs 7.62 lakh. Contraband seized were worth Rs 3 crore.

The goodwill gestures were apparent with 1111 lives saved at sea, 162 Indian fishermen repatriated from Sri Lanka to India and 18 Sri Lankans from India to Sri Lanka. But the statistics do not tell the full story as the Coast Guard’s job is to monitor every fathomable activity out at sea 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

input: Comdt Vineet Sharma

Principal Information Officer, Dr (Mrs) S Mahawal presenting a video camera to lt Col VK Batra, Public Relatios Officer, Ministry of Defence based at Sri Nagar for use in forward areas

Armed Forces
Panorama

Reunion of Brigade of Guards

-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur

Combined PoP

Air Cmde MS Ahluwalia, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force station, Tambaram reviewed the parade. The combined parade was commanded by Aircraftsman VK Mishra. The spectators were thrilled with the fly-past by three Kiran aircraft, a display of honour guard and a newly introduced arms drill by 21 newly passed-out trainees.

input: Sqn Ldr SI Muthu

Twenty Army
Officers Pass out

The chief guest, Mr CS Chadha presented the parchments to the officers of the passing-out course. He also presented the Signal Officers-in-Chief Trophy and a gold medal for standing first in the over-all merit order to Lt Amit Kumar Singh. Lt SP Choudhary was awarded the Commandant’s Silver Medal for standing second in the overall order of merit. Lt Amit Atul was awarded the Commandant’s Bronze Medal for standing third. The Best Project award was presented to the syndicate comprising Lts Amit Kumar Singh, Abhishek Singh Maurya, Amit R Joshi and Rahul Juyal.

Lt Gen MG Datar, Commandant, MCTE bid farewell to the officers while Brig SPS Grewal delivered the vote of thanks.

input: Maj Manju Kumari

Army Commanders’
Conference

-Maj Dhirendra Ojha
from Lucknow

Valedictory Function
at BFTS

A combined valedictory function was held at Basic Flying Training School (BFTS), Air Force station, Bamrauli on the occasion of the passing-out of 41Indian Army, Navy and Coast Guard officers of the 175th Pilot Course. Air Marshal PK Mehra, Senior Air Staff Officer, Central Air Command was the chief guest on the occasion. On his arrival, he was received by Wg Cdr S Shrinivas, Commanding Officer, BFTS.

-Sqn Ldr SM Sharma

Raising Day of MLI
Records

Brig CD Sawant, Commandant and Officer-in-Charge, Records addressed the gathering on the raising day. A cultural programme was also held on the ocassion.

input: Lt Col SP Singh

Flag Day Observed

-Maj Dhirendra Ojha
from Lucknow

Navy Queen

-Cdr AK Lambhate
from Mumbai

AIDS Detection
Centre

A state-of-the-art laboratory to deal with cases of HIV and AIDS was inaugurated by Lt Gen JR Bhardwaj, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services at the Immuno-Deficiency Centre of Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. The first advanced research laboratory of its kind, it would deal with all types of investigations for patients who are HIV positive. These include tests for monitoring the condition and detecting different types of infections. It also has modern facilities like CD4 CD8 counts, viral load assays and tests for detection of opportunistic infections.

The equipment available here include an ELISA reader and washer, an automated blood counter, a FACS counter and a thermocycler. This is a joint venture of DGAFMS, Base Hospitaland National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).

-PIB (DW)

Optimist
Championship

CME Commandant’s Trophy for standing first in the championship was awarded to Master Sooraj of SCCSA. Master Xerxes Bamboat of the Royal Bombay Yachting Club (RBYC) bagged the runner-up trophy. Ashwani Rane of SCCSA came third with 22 points.

In girls’ category, Sea Cadets Corps Trophy for finishing first in the championship was awarded to Ashwani Rane of SCCSA while the trophy for the runner-up was bagged by Snehal Desai, also of SCCSA.

Affectionately called Opti, Optimist is a class of sailing boat that is sailed by children below 16 years of age. There are more than two lakh Opti boats in the world and India has also a large fleet of these boats.

-VK Abdulla
from Pune

Veterinary Camp

A clinical laboratory was also set up by 2 Field Veterinary Laboratory to examine various samples for the diagnosis of diseases.

-Lt Col RK Sen
from Udhampur

AWWA Conference

The cells shall have a three-way thrust: care of the needs of the students entering university, help to those aspiring to enter premiere schools, and information on distance education, correspondence courses and open universities.

-Maj Dhirendra Ojha
from Lucknow

Cancer Screening
Camp

-Lt Col RK Palta
from Jodhpur

Housing Complex
for Armymen

Brig Deepak J Thosre, Chief Engineer, Chennai Zone in his report said that it was a fast-track project and it had many ‘firsts’ to its credit like usage of M 30 design mix concrete, provision of cuddapah stone on kitchen tops and shelves, slim design ferro cement shelves and Orissa type water closet.

-V Sankaran
from Chennai

Financial Assistance
to Old Age Home

Maj Gen Paramjit Singh, General Officer Commanding, ATNKK and G Area during his visit to Nimmathi, an old-age home run by War Widows Association, presented a cheque for Rs 33,000 as a financial assistance. Mrs Susheela Rajendran, President of the Association, received the cheque. Mrs Mona Prakash Singh, President, Army Wives Welfare Association distributed gifts and interacted with the residing war widows and ex-servicemen.

Nimmathi started with the help of the state Ex-servicemen Welfare Department and Helpage India.

Maj Gen Paramjit Singh presenting cheque to Mrs Susheela Rajendran

-V Sankaran
from Chennai

Basketball
Championship

-Sqn Ldr Sanjeev Sharma
from New Delhi

Appointments

Gen Pattabhiraman has held various staff, command and instructional appointments during his illustrious career spanning over 38 years. These include Instructor in the IMA and Army War College, GSO 1 in Military Operations Directorate and Commander of an Infantry Division and the Vajra Corps. He also served as Defence Attache of India in Ankara (Turkey).

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inputs: DS Rawat,
Sqn Ldr Sanjeev Sharma and
Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley