The Army Nursery School, Udhampur celebrated its annual day at the Indira Hall of the school. Mrs Suniti Nanavatty, President, AWWA (Northern Command) was the chief guest on the occasion. Mrs Sally Singh, Principal, welcomed the guests and presented the annual report. A number of entertainment programmes marked the occasion.

The colourful function culminated with a Bhangra which transported the audience to the plains of Punjab. An atmosphere of enchantment prevailed. The programme was ably anchored with a befitting commentary on each item involving the audience throughout the show.

The chief guest, Mrs Suniti Nanavatty felicitated the participants and presented gifts to them. In her address, she lauded the efforts of the students and stressed the need for the allround development of the children. Over 1300 guests enjoyed the colourful variety entertainment programmes presented by 165 students of Army Nursery School.

Air Cmde VK Verma was commissioned in Indian Air Force in June, 1968 as a fighter pilot. He has flown 3500 hours on fighter planes. He has rich experience in flying
Mig-21 and Mig-23 aircraft. He is a graduate of DSSC and NDC.

Air Cmde VK Verma commanded Mig-23 Fighter Squadron in Rajasthan and a front-line Fighter Base in Punjab. His staff appointments included appointments in Air Branch at command and Flight Safety at Air Headquarters. His last staff appointment was Director of Electronic Warfare at Air Headquarters. For his distinguished service, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1983. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal during his command of the Fighter Base. A keen basketball player in his young days, he is fond of playing golf.

A conference of the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) departmental officers in the Western zone was organised at the Western Command headquarters in Chandimandir Cantonment. Coinciding with the anniversary of the JAG department, the conference was held to deliberate upon important legal matters.

Inaugurating the conference, Chief of Staff, Western Command, Lt Gen HS Kanwar emphasised the need of having speedy disposal of legal cases in the Army. He said that discipline was the bed-rock of the Army and military laws were intended not only to administer justice but also to ensure the maintenance of discipline.

Lt Gen Kanwar called upon the JAG officers to rededicate themselves to dispensation of justice in the Army keeping in view the requirements of command functions, while guarding against vested interests, the legal advisers must help commanders with sound legal advice which should be pragmatic and impartial, he added.

In his welcome address, Deputy Judge Advocate General, Western Command, Brig PS Hooda said the JAG’s Department has been assisting the Commanders at all levels in fair and quick dispensation of justice.

The JAG Department plays a crucial role by rendering fair and objective advice to the Commanders at all levels. Being one of the oldest organs of the Indian Army, with its origin dating back to the 18th century this department comprises a select band of legally qualified officers.

The officers and staff of the department are always guided by their superb motto: "Justice alone is the supreme duty".

Vice Admiral John Colin De Silva took over as Vice Chief of Naval Staff. Vice Admiral De Silva was commissioned in the Navy on January 1, 1965. He is a gunnery specialist from UK and had undergone Naval Warfare Course in USA during 1984-85. During his career spanning 36 years, he had held many important appointments both ashore and afloat.

Among the important assignments held by him are Director Naval Intelligence, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Chief of Personnel, Naval Headquarters and Director General, Coast Guard

The Army Service Corps (ASC) celebrated 241st anniversary with traditional gaiety, pomp and show throughout the Northern Sector. The occasion was marked with special sainik sammelan, barakhana for the troops, pagal gymkhana, re-dedication ceremonies and a variety of cultural and social programmes. The ASC has come a long way with more than two centuries of rich heritage behind it.

Lt Gen RK Nanavatty, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command greeted the Corps on this occasion and hoped that it would maintain the high traditions of valour and dedication in future too.

Maj Gen Rattan Kaul, Major General ASC at the headquarters of the Northern Command said, "We are the chosen ones who work silently, be it peace or war, to sustain a large number of troops deployed all along the border and in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations".

On this occasion, tributes were paid to the martyrs who left behind them a glorious record of achievements and sacrifices

Prizes were given away by Lt Gen Ravi Chadha, COS, Central Command who was the chief guest on the occasion

Inspector General P Paleri took over as the new Deputy Director General of the Coast Guard in New Delhi. Earlier, he was the Western Regional Commander of the Coast Guard.

Inspector General P Paleri joined the Indian Navy in 1969 and was inducted into the Coast Guard on permanent absorption in 1981. He is a specialist in navigation and has been in various appointments afloat and ashore.

The Inspector General specialised in marine safety. He is also a graduate of the National Defence University, Washington DC. He is the first recipient of the Tatrakshak Medal for his outstanding service