To meet the requirement of defence pensioners, a website (http//pcdapension.nic.in) developed by the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Allahabad was formally inaugurated by Financial Advisor (Defence Services), Mr PR Sivasubramaniam. The website can be accessed through internet facility available at home or a PCO (having internet facility) or through a cyber cafe'. The website gives information on pensions of commissioned officers, persons below officers rank and defence civilians. It gives rule position, model calculation on all types of pensions, gratuity, commutation and family pension. It also gives solution to some of the common problems faced by pensioners such as dearness relief, medical allowance, change of pension disbursing agency, lifetime arrear etc. The website also contains ‘forms to be downloaded’ to be printed and sent to the concerned office. The forms include format for certificate for employment, application for change of pension disbursing agency, application for restoration of commuted value of pension, application for revision of pension, application for withdrawal of pension through public sector banks etc. The pensioner can lodge a complaint on line for faster redressal of his grievances.

Mr Sivasubramaniam, in his inaugural address, highlighted the availability of information on latest government orders on pension. Adalats should be made available on the website for redressal of grievances of the pensioners, he added. Earlier, Mr VK Mishra, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) explained the main features of the website. Mr N Gopalan, Chief Controller of Defence Accounts also spoke on the occasion. This is the fourth website of the Defence Accounts. They have other websites at their Headquarters in New Delhi, CDA (Navy) Mumbai and CDA (Officers) Pune.

A seminar on ‘Media and Human Rights’ was conducted at Tiger Auditorium, Jammu by 16 Corps. Prominent amongst the speakers were Lt Gen PS Joshi, Army Commander Central Command, Maj Gen R Khare, GOC CIF (R) and Mr I Rama Mohan Rao, Advisor, Prasar Bharati. An interactive session was held in which representatives of print and electronic media and panelists replied to questions from the audience on the correct projection of the Army activities by the media.

The aim of the seminar was to generate greater understanding of the media and project Army’s commitment to human rights. The seminar was inaugurated by Mr GC Saxena, the Governor of J&K. The keynote address of the seminar was delivered by Dr Farooq Abdullah, the Chief Minister of J&K. Lt Gen SS Grewal, Adjutant General, Justice JS Verma, Chairman NHRC and Mr Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Express delivered lectures on topics related to human rights with a special reference to CI operations in J&K. Apart from the Army, officers from the AF, BSF, CRPF, RAW, IB and JK Police and mediapersons took part in the deliberations.

Lt Gen DB Singh, the Commandant of Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) inaugurated the new Cadets Training Wing (CTW) at the college.

The Cadets Training Wing has been created to give Bachelor of Technology degree to the Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) who join Army under the newly introduced 10+2 technical entry scheme. This scheme offers a regular commission in the technical arms and services of the Indian Army to the students who have passed their 10+2 examination with a minimum of 70 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics. The first two batches are at present under training at the MCEME with a total strength of 39 Gentlemen Cadets.

In addition to providing an engineering degree, the Cadets Training Wing is designed to ensure an all-round development of the GCs. Regular physical training, drill, games and extra-curricular and adventure activities are an integral part of the curriculum. The training at MCEME is aimed at making the cadets technically proficient, mentally agile and physically fit so that the cadets pass out as true soldiers in mind, body, thought and action.

In his inaugural address, Lt Gen DB Singh stressed the importance of character building for young men who would be the future leaders. He complimented all officers and men for setting up excellent facilities for the Cadets Training Wing and was hopeful that the facilities and training environment would further improve.

The Commandant of the Institute of Military Law (IML) Kamptee, Col PS Rathore called on the young judicial Army officers to uphold judicial ethics and fairness in the justice delivery system of the Army. Pragmatic, forthright, sound and impartial legal advice is of paramount importance, he said.

Col Rathore was addressing the valedictory session of No 11 Judge Advocate Basic Course at IML. The 15-week course included lessons on Army and civil laws, conduct of courts martial and other practical aspects of ‘law in action’ including human rights and aid to civil authorities.

Later, Col Rathore gave away the trophy for the Best Young Officer and General Gorthi Medal to Capt Loveleen Bedi for standing first in merit. Lt Ravindra Singh bagged the Commandant’s Medal for securing the second position.

Lt Gen SK Jain, Director General of EME and Colonel Commandant visited the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, Trimulgherry, Secunderabad. On his arrival, he was received by Lt Gen DB Singh, Commandant MCEME and introduced the senior faculty members and officers to the visiting General.

Maj Gen VK Dhir, Deputy Commandant of the MCEME explained various training and research activities to the DGEME. Lt Gen SK Jain also visited the Electronics and Mechanical Engineering Wing and inspected the ongoing training programmes and repairing of technical equipment at the faculty. Brig Ravindra Sharma, Dean, FEME explained various technical training activities of FEME and research designs, tools and computer operations.

The ‘‘Career Options in the Armed Forces’’ pavilion was put up by the Headquarters Recruiting Zone, Chennai during a two-day seminar on "Mapping the Future". This was organised by the Tamil Nadu government to create awareness about the educational and employment opportunities for the youth. The pavilion drew a good response. About 3,500 youth visited the pavilion. Officers manning the pavilion distributed brochures on career opportunities available in the Armed Forces. They also answered querries from a large number of visitors.

At the seminar, the Deputy Director General, Headquarters Recruiting Zone, Chennai, Brig PT Monappa informed about the career opportunities and pay and perks in the Armed Forces.

With a view to promote the use of Hindi in official work in various establishments, Headquarters Southern Naval Command introduced two shields - Dakshin Nausena Kaman Rajbhasha Rolling Shield and Dakshin Nausena Kaman Raj Bhasha Runners-Up Shield. These are awarded to the best and second best unit respectively. In order to decide the winner and runners-up, every year establishments/units of the Southern Naval Command are asked to furnish periodic data regarding the quantum of work done by them in Hindi. The performance of various units are adjudged by a committee and the best unit is selected for the Rolling Shield.

For the year 1999-2000 data from 12 units were received and scrutinised. INS Dronacharya emerged as winner and INS Mandovi as runners-up. Prizes were awarded to the winners by Vice Admiral Harinder Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command during the Quarterly Command Meeting.

Maj Gen Daljeet Singh, General Officer Commanding of the Kockerel Division, inaugurated the Suvidha Complex at one of its Brigades in Lucknow.

The Suvidha Complex comprises an IT training centre for jawans and families, a tailoring house for those families of troops and a wet canteen.

On the occasion, a family welfare meet of the ladies of the Kockerel Brigade AWWA was also organised at Surya Sainik Institute (SSI). This also included a cultural programme. Mrs Mohini Daljeet Singh, the President of the AWWA of Kockerel Division said that the AWWA always works for the welfare of the ladies of serving and retired Army personnel.

The Yudhe Nipunam Family of Red Eagle Division celebrated its silver jubilee. The unit was initially raised as a Mountain Regiment with 75/24 Pack Howitzer guns as its first colours under the leadership of Lt Col VK Kapur, who was the first Commanding Officer of the unit. He later retired as a Brigadier. He and his wife joined the Regiment in its silver jubilee celebrations alongwith other retired soldiers and officers. During the entire celebrations of memories were revived.

The regiment has had the distinction of serving on all the frontiers of the nation. It has sent three observation post parties to Siachen Glacier under operation Meghdoot. Capt Sahil Sharma of this regiment attained martyrdom by laying down his life for the country while directing artillery fire against the enemy. For his singular act of valour and unprecedented courage, he was awarded Vir Chakra (posthumously). The regiment also has the distinction of being awarded two Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Cards and two GOC-in-C Commendation Cards. Col SK Samantray addressed the regiment’s special sainik sammelan.

A group of fortynine school children and five teachers from J&K visited Naval establishments and ships at Southern Naval Command, Kochi. On arrival, a warm reception was given to them in traditional way. During stay they were taken to various schools/units/establishments and were briefed on the role of these units in the training of officers and sailors in the Indian Navy. INS Sharda took them on a one-day sailing. They also visited historical places. They visited Kovalam, Suseendram and Kanyakumari. This visit gave them an exposure which they had never experienced in J&K. Their visit culminated with a camp fire where COS lighted the fire.

A week-long photo exhibition on Kargil war was organised under the aegis of the DAVP, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Kohima.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Mr Neiselie Kenguruse, father of Capt Kenguruse, recalled the sacrifices made by Indian Army in protecting the integrity of India since 1947. Capt Kenguruse laid down his life during a pitched battle in Kargil in July 1999. The exhibition was dedicated to the loving memory of the great sons of Nagaland who sacrificed their lives while defending the nation. Brig S Gautham was the chief guest on the occasion.

Brig P Rajagopal, Commander, Andhra Sub Area inaugurated the Canteen Stores Department annual mela at the CSD Depot, Secunderabad. The mela and after-sales service camp was organised by the CSD Depot, Secunderabad. The main objective of the mela was to create a better awareness about the CSD items and to provide a satisfactory after-sales service.

Earlier, on arrival, Brig P Rajagopal was welcomed by Mr Ram Babu, Regional Manager (South) and Mr N Chandra Shekar, Area Manager, CSD Depot, Secunderabad. Brig P Rajagopal also visited the stalls.

Col RN Bala Gopal, Colonel ‘Q’ Andhra Sub Area and other serving and retired personnel were present on the occasion.

Somewhere in the Northern Sector, an Air Defence Regiment (Samba) celebrated its 30th Battle Honour Day. The celebrations started with the wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial in memory of the war heroes who laid down their lives for the honour of the unit and nation. This was followed by a flag hoisting at the Quarter Guard by Col Suraj Prakash Yadav, Commanding Officer.

The Commanding Officer subsequently addressed a special sainik sammelan. While addressing all ranks on this occasion, Col SP Yadav exhorted all ranks to excel in all spheres to meet the challenges ahead with grit and determination. The badakhana and Officers Mess function added colour to the occasion. It was attended by a large gathering which included war heroes, ex-servicemen and retired senior officers of the unit.

The Samba Day brings back the reminiscence of operation Cactus Lily during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Then under the able command of Lt Col DS Sukarchakia, this Air Defence Regiment was tasked to protect the vulnerable area and vulnerable points in a corps zone. The regiment was providing air defence protection to three Artillery Regiment gun areas against enemy air-attack in general area Samba. On December 3, 1971, thirteen MiG 19 and four F-86 Sabre jets of the Pakistan Air Force attacked the gun area relentlessly. The valiant Air Defence gunners repulsed the attack effectively. No damage to the gun areas could be brought about by the enemy.

On the same day, L/Hav Bal Bahadur who was the gunner number one of ‘C’ troop gun detachment, directed the fire of the L-70 gun and destroyed a MiG-19 aircraft. Gnr Bhadreshwar Pathak with complete disregard to his personal safety kept loading the gun and was fatally injured during the air raid. Later, he succumbed to his injuries and made the supreme sacrifice of his life for the honour of the nation. For this act of bravery and valour, L/Hav Bal Bahadur and Gnr Bhadreshwar Pathak were awarded Vir Chakra. During the entire 1971 operations, the regiment shot down five MiG 19 and six F-86 Sabre jets. For its commendable performance, this Air Defence Regiment was bestowed with the battle honour ‘‘Samba VA/VP.’’

The regiment thus carved its name in the annals of Air Defence Artillery and has the rare distinction of being awarded two Vir Chakra, three Sena Medals, eight Mentions-in-Despatches, five COAS Commendation Cards and four GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.

The 237th Army Medical Corps Day was celebrated at Military Hospital, Secunderabad. On the occasion, pagal gymkhana and other sports activities were held on the premises of the hospital.

Brig HC Sharma, Commandant, Military Hospital in his sainik sammelan address emphasised the need of patient care and dedication towards medical profession by all ranks of the hospital. He called upon the AMC officers to educate patients on the new technology.

A badakhana was organised for all ranks of the Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps, Military Nursing Service, civilian staff and ex-servicemen on the occasion.

The Central Command of the Army won the thirtieth Central Army Rifles Association (ARA) championship conducted by the Infantry School, Mhow. The Central Command won this championship for the third time in a row by a huge margin of 193 points.

A total of nine teams representing five Commands of the Army, Indian Navy, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army and BSF participated in the meet. The Central Command secured first position by securing 3238 points out of 4728 points. BSF came second and Territorial Army secured the third position. The championship had six matches and all weapons like rifle, light machine-gun carbine and pistol were used in the matches. Out of nine trophies, the Central Command bagged seven, thus establishing a supremacy in the event. Medals were presented to the winners by Lt Gen VK Kapoor, Commandant, College of Combat. Lt Gen (Retd) Sher Amir Singh, Lt Gen (Retd) VK Madan and Lt Gen DB Shekatkar, Commandant, Infantry School Mhow were also present on the occasion.

The 88th Carnatic Infantry Memorial Gold Cup with the ARA Banner was presented to the Central Command team by Lt Gen DB Shekatkar.

Playing with a handicap of –16, Lt Col BR Kapoor lifted the AOC-in-C Invitational Golf Cup. Though tied with Reena Singh (handicap of –18) for the winners spot with a stableford score of 33, Lt Col Kapoor was declared the winner as he had a better score on the last nine holes.

The annual tournament was played at the Anurakshan Kaman Sports Complex, Nagpur. A record number of golfers vied for honours on the tricky and difficult but well-maintained greens.

Ashok Daga walked away with the Best Gross prize with a score of 84. He also won the consolation prize for a maximum number of 7 pars scored.

In the category of Best Nett, there was another tie between Gp Capt UB Patil and Sqn Ldr Anil Handa. They both had a nett score of –78 and shared the honours as the deadlock could not be broken since they had an identical back nine score.

Bharat Seth, the lone lefthander in the fray, won in the Against Bogie category with a score of minus one. In the veteran’s category, SK Dave walked away with the stableford prize with a score of 31.

Air Marshal SS Gupta, AOC-in-C Maintenance Command IAF gave away the trophy to Lt Col Kapoor while Mrs Kusum Gupta gave away the prizes to other winners.