 Army Air Race at Mhow |
 General Henri bentegeat, the French Chief of Defence Staff with Admiral Arun Prakash, at South Block, New Delhi |
 Lt Gen JBS Yadava, Deputy Chief of Army Staff with Chief of Army Staff Gen JJ Singh. The Deputy Army Chief laid down his office on February 28 last. |
 Combating White Terror |
Initially published as AFUJI AKHBAR. |
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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Gen JJ Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, immediately after taking over his new appointment visited Nagrota Corps, the largest corps of the Indian Army. The Army Chief was received by Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma, GOC, Nagrota Corps and other senior commanders of the corps. The General met Governor of J&K, Lt Gen SK Sinha (Retd) and Chief Minister, Mr Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. During his visit, the Chief of the Army Staff addressed all ranks at Trikuta Officers Institute and expressed his broad vision for the Indian Army operating in counter-insurgency areas. He stressed the importance of Army bearing a “humane face” while dealing firmly with the terrorists. He emphasised that no harm should be caused to the local public even at the cost of missing out a terrorist. He recalled his association with the residents of Baramulla when he was Commander 79 infantry Brigade. This association continued when they came and met him at Srinagar to congratulate him on taking over as Army Chief. He asked the troops to establish such lasting friendship with the people of Kashmir. |
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Mrs Anupama Singh, President, AWWA took part in a special ladies meet where a brief profile of AWWA activities in 16 Corps Zone was discussed. Later, Mrs Anupama Singh interacted with children from remote areas going on an educational tour to Chandigarh and Shimla under operation Sadbhavana.
Before departure, the Army Chief addressed the mediapersons at Jammu airport and said, “I will be ruthless towards those who pick up arms agains the State. But we will deal with the local people with empathy and care.”
input: Col DK Badola
Defence in Budget
-Jagdish N Singh
The allocation for defence for the year 2005-06 is well in tune with the policy of the government to give this core sector its due. The defence expenditure pegged at Rs 83,000 crore for the year amounts to an increase of Rs 6,000 crore or 7.79 per cent over the current year (2004-05). The revised estimate for the new fiscal has been kept at the level of Rs 77,000 crore, the same as in the budgetary estimate (BE) of the current one. The provision for revenue expenditure in the forthcoming fiscal is Rs 48,624.86 crore. The allocation for capital is Rs 34,375.14 crore which includes Rs 2,541.86 crore for research and development and Rs 1,364 crore for married accommodation project. |
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The proposed increase in defence expenditure should take care of the normal growth in pay and allowances, inflation and other specific requirements. The bulk of the capital outlay goes to meet the requirements for the ongoing acquisition projects. The allocation for capital will be providing over Rs 7,000 crore for new projects for modernisation of the forces.
India has to make up for what has been known as the lost decade of defence modernisation. In 2002-03 alone, it surrendered Rs 9,000 crore (Rs 90 billion). In view of this, last year the Budget had Rs 33,483 crore earmarked for capital purchases. But that was hardly sufficient for the whole purpose. The government decided to buy Mirage jets as well as Hawk trainer fighters. For the Navy, India had decided to go in for the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov along with its MiG-29 fighters. Payments had to be made to honour contracts for airborne warning and control system (AWACS). The previous Government had signed these contracts but made no allocation for the same. Besides, New Delhi has had plans to purchase submarines, more multi-role fighter aircraft, multiple-rocket launchers, plane-based radar systems, light helicopters and artillery guns and many other sophisticated equipment for the three Services. The multi-role fighters and submarines alone are estimated to cost over Rs 20,000 crore. In other words, the last year’s capital outlay left little for any fresh defence acquisition. No wonder, immediately after the Budget was presented last year, Defence Minister indicated that the amount earmarked for capital purchases might not be enough for other necessary fresh contracts and he might have to seek additional funds from the Union Finance Ministry. The proposed capital expenditure has to be assessed in this context.
It is, however, expected that the new allocation would enable the Services to move forward in the direction of their fresh acquisitions. Pertinently, in the new budget the revised estimate (RE) of the defence expenditure (DE) is the same as the budgeted estimate (BE). It means that the amount allocated at the beginning of the current fiscal has been fully spent. One can hope the trend to use the capital outlay would continue. The capital outlay for research and development has been increased from Rs 1,657.78 crore in the current fiscal to Rs 2,541.86 crore in the new one. This should help the DRDO in giving a momentum to some of its ongoing programmes. India has already started deploying its short range 700 kms Agni-I and intermediate range 2,000 kms plus Agni II surface-to-surface missiles. The DRDO is all set to carry forward the process of missile research and development programme so crucial for the country’s doctrine of ‘credible nuclear deterrence’ and triad. There has ,of late, been an increasing interface between the designer engineers and user agencies so as to determine what exactly is needed by the Services.
The DRDO is developing a contemporary weapon locating radar for the Army. It is speeding up the manufacture of the main battle tank (MBT) Arjun to ensure its supply to the Army by due date. It has also been working on several naval projects. There are some analysts who argue that there is no fair increase in capital allocation this year. According to them, the provision for Defence Services Estimates in the Budget Estimates-2004-05 was Rs 77,000 crore. This had Rs 43,517.15 crore for Revenue Expenditure and Rs 33,482.85 crore for Capital Expenditure. The allocation of Rs 77,000 crore was an increase of 17.92 per cent over the provision of Rs 65,300 crore made in Budget Estimates of 2003-04. The capital outlay of the DE in 2004-05 increased by an almost 100 per cent from Rs 16,863 crore to Rs 33,483 crore. In contrast, in the fiscal year 2005-06, the capital outlay has increased marginally by 2.66 per cent from Rs 33,483 crore to Rs 34,375 crore.
India needs an adequate long-term defence planning and a continuous process of defence modernisation indeed. Given the current inflation rate, hike in oil prices, salaries and allowances of the forces and fall in the rupee value in the international market, there is hardly any increase in the defence budget. Besides, what matters most is the kind of economic growth (GDP) a state has. The defence allocation of a fraction of GDP in advanced nations can do what a huge allocation in the developing ones cannot. India’s defence expenditure for 2004-05 is just about 2.5 per cent of its GDP. Just compare this with what big powers’ budget. Nearer home, China’s defence expenditure is six per cent.
It is heartening indeed to note that the current dispensation at the Centre is totally committed to defence preparedness. Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has promised on several occasions that he would not let our defence suffer on account of any financial constraints. He sees the inevitable linkage between defence and development in the contemporary world. The Minister is of the firm conviction that unless the State is secure, for which military spending is simply indispensable, development in other sectors will not be possible. In his Katari Memorial Lecture delivered in November last year rightly he observed, “India is ranked 10th among 30 nations in terms of its National Security Index… in relation to other indicators, the Defence expenditure is among the lowest in relative terms… With its long land borders and coastline and extensive maritime zones, India is obliged to spend an appropriate amount on defence to protect its territorial integrity and vital interests, especially considering that it is not a member of any military alliance. It encounters threats across the entire spectrum of conflict from macro to micro with few parallels elsewhere in the world. These range from those posed by cross-border support to low-intensity conflict and terrorism, involving both the conventional and non-conventional means.”
Rightly in tune with India’s traditional policy of fostering international peace and development on the basis of the principles of multilateralism and the equality of sovereign nations, New Delhi has done well once again to have initiated several measures aimed at reaching out to major capitals of the world with a message of the need to establish a just global order and discard whatever aberrations have crept in the post- Cold War landscape. She is seriously engaging its neighbours in constructive dialogue for the same peace and development in the whole region. However, India has to remain conscious of its unique strategic imperatives. She cannot afford to be looking back in its new determination to acquire an edge in harmony with the revolution in military affairs.
IAF joins the United Nations Environmental Programme to find an alternative to Halon that is being used worldwide as a fire- fighting agent. R Chidambaranathan elaborates on the concerns voiced in the workshop on “Alternatives to Halon Gas in the Aviation Sector” held at the HQ, Western Air Command, in Delhi on March 9. |
One of the most destructive of all forces of nature is fire, which has the capability to not only take human lives but also destroy nature. Various fire extinguishing agents have been in use to combat its fury. Of all the agents, Halon was, until its demise, the most widely used and most effective gaseous fire and explosion-suppressing agent ever developed. Halon is known as a clean agent, electrically non conductive, extinguishing hidden fire of complex geometry and safe to human exposure at the concentration that is needed to suppress fire and explosions. It was specially used for the applications where fire suppression takes place in milliseconds without any toxic effect. It has been put to use in dousing the fire in aircraft engines, cabins/cockpits, machinery room in ships and crew / engine compartments in armoured fighting vehicles in the Army. For its unique combination of properties, armed forces the world over use three types of Halons i.e. Halon 1211, Halon 2402 and Halon 1301. |
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Despite its advantages in firefighting, Halon does have some disadvantages. Recent studies have shown that Halon is especially destructive to ozone, a layer in the atmosphere that is responsible for filtering all harmful radiations emitted by the sun and stars. This ozone layer is a thin band of the atmosphere in which solar ultraviolet light reacts with oxygen molecules to create ozone gas. The gas represents less than one millionth of the total atmospheric volume. Without this minor component of the atmosphere, humans would be afflicted with more instances of skin cancer and blindness, and crops would wither as the radiation break down organic molecules. Indeed, without ozone, life itself would probably be impossible on Earth.
The three types of ultraviolet light emitted by the sun are absorbed by this layer. This ozone production takes place over equatorial regions at an altitude of 30 kilometres. Ozone is transported by atmospheric currents in the stratosphere, which travel upward from the troposphere where they are generated by ocean and land mass temperature contrasts and topographic variations. The fresh supply of ozone forms continually in the stratosphere producing a delicate chemical balance in which a layer of less than 4.5 trillion kilograms of ozone blankets the planet.
This balance is threatened by chemicals called chloroflorocarbon, or CFCs. These substances, used in air conditioners, refrigerators and industrial processes, rise to the stratosphere. There they decompose and release chlorine atoms which cause ozone to breakdown. The difference is that each chlorine atom destroys as many as 100,000 ozone molecules, faster than nature can replenish them. As a result, the ozone layer is thinning, forming a hole that lets damaging ultraviolet radiation reach Earth. The ozone layers hovers between 15 and 50 kilometres above Earth. At certain times of the year, ozone is particularly vulnerable to chlorine’s harmful effects. During those periods, as much as 60 per cent of the ozone layer is destroyed at some places, leaving a hole that can be as large as the United States.
An agreement reached by the signatory nations in Montreal, Canada on September 16,1987 (amended twice since signing),set a goal to initially control and further eliminate global emissions of ozone depleting chemical compounds. The timescale set for the cessation of production of these chemicals was effectively the end of 1993 in the developed world and 2010 in developing countries. This agreement is called Montreal Protocol. Following the footsteps of Montreal Protocol, the Kyoto Protocol as agreed on December 10, 1997 committed the parties to specific reductions in the release of Global Warming gases. The most significant for the fire protection industry were Carbon Dioxide and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Hydrofluorocarbons and Perfluorocarbons are ozone depleting gases and, therefore, not covered by Montreal Protocol but they are greenhouse gases along with carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and sulphur hexafluoride. Under these protocols, it will be compulsory to safely dispose of any halon recovered. Only owners and users of halon with “critical uses” may be able to claim exemption if, broadly speaking, the application is within the aircraft industry, military/armed forces, petrochemical industry and some marine applications. Under the Montreal Protocol, Halon 1301, Halon 1211 and Halon 2402 production in developed countries ceased by December 31, 1993. Other regulations paved way to phase out the use of Halon.
In India, Armed Forces is the major user of Halon and it is used for vital firefighting purposes in critical engines and other applications. India has successfully established a Halon Bank and is addressing its critical uses in an effective manner. Indian Air Force has given a highest priority to properly manage this gas and gradually adopt alternatives for critical uses in various weapon systems. Indian Air Force along with United Nations Environmental Protection’s Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP- DTIE) has been making efforts to create an awareness programme for the benefit of important users in military and civil aviation sectors and other key national stakeholders.
Inaugurating the workshop on “Alternatives to Halon Gas in the Aviation Sector”, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, Chief of Air Staff stressed the need for setting up of Halon management system and adopting environmental -friendly technologies for next generation aircraft and ground based fire fighting equipment as use of Halon cannot be replaced overnight. He also urged the military aviation industry to develop its own Halon phase-out strategy. Panelists of the workshop included Mr Tom Morehouse and Mr Rajendra Shende from UNEP. They presented an overview of Military ODS phase- out Programme and UNEP- DTIE role in Halon phase- out in military. Senior officers of various units of Western Air Command participated in the brainstorming session followed by clarifications in terms of recycling of Halon. Air Marshal AK Singh AOC-in C, Western Air Command, coordinated the workshop.
Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of Naval Staff, formally handed over INS Tarmugli, a 46-metre and 260-ton patrol craft to Col LF Payet, Chief of Staff, Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF). The patrol craft was commissioned into the Seychelles Coast Guard as SCG ship Topaz in the presence of the President of Seychelles, Mr James Alix Michel. The ship arrived in Port Victoria, Seychelles, on February 14 for induction. The fast attack craft has a top speed of 27 knots and has the endurance to reach the far-flung islands of the Republic of Seychelles. She is capable of undertaking a vast variety of functions that include Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, anti-smuggling and search and rescue. At a glittering ceremony held at the Seychelles Coast Guard Base in Port Victoria, the ship’s crew sounded the Indian national anthem in preparation for the hauling down of the Tricolour and the Indian naval ensign for the last time. This was followed by the captain of the ship handing over the ensign to Admiral Arun Prakash. Later, the ship changed hands and the Seychelles national flag was hoisted to the rendering of the country’s national anthem by the Indian Navy band, especially positioned in Seychelles for the ceremony. |
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Bilateral cooperation between the defence forces of the two countries is over three decades old. Indian Naval ships participated in the celebration of the Independence of Seychelles in 1976. A large number of Seychelles defence forces personnel are being trained with the Indian Army and Navy in diverse fields. In addition to training, the Indian Navy has been conducting joint EEZ patrols to assist the Government of Seychelles in surveillance of its nearly 1.5 million sq km EEZ, setting up repair facilities for ships of the Coast Guard and undertaking hydrographic surveys of the critical navigable areas of the country.
Admiral Arun Prakash, during his four-day visit, called on the President of Seychelles, Mr James Alix Michel, Vice President, Mr Joseph Belmont, Foreign Minister, Mr Patrick Pillay and the Head of Seychelles Defence Forces, Col LF Payet. The Admiral assured the President of the continued support of the Indian defence forces in developing forces to meet the challenges before Seychelles.
-PIB (DW)
Anyone who has read Hitler’s Mein Kampf will begin to understand the implied principle vested in military music. Military bands, at times erroneously termed Brass Bands, work their semantics either by playing marching tunes or those scored for presentation at band-stands. In both cases, the design is structured around an image and that a military one. It has correctly been observed that the Colonel Bogey March represents what constitutes marching music. To illustrate the other, the orchestral piece Light Cavalry does well.
A suitable March has to contain, as the first essential, a ‘melody’. The word itself suggests that it should be soothing and not raucous. Anyone who has attempted such a composition will tell you that a melody cannot possibly be made to last the entire length of a planned march and, so, has to be repeated. The composers came up with the idea of a counter-point, which some refer to as counter-melody, and it is in this that the Bogey March beats all others hands down. Anyone watching a marching group at the time the counter-medlody draws to a close and the melody itself returns, will observe a very noticeable increased swing to the arms, a banging down of the heels and upward thrust of the chest. Harmony is the most difficult task for a composer because a very fine balance is necessary between the competing musical instruments. One cannot have trumpets, french horns and tubas blaring out when saxaphones and clarionettes are trying to make a point. So while one leads the other hums an accompaniment as it were, and vice versa. What can really be a nigger-in-the-pie to a good marching tune would be the percussion instrument, the big drum too loud that is required to pace both the melody and the marching step. |
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The image of a Colonel Bogey–the name itself being suggestive–in the composer’s mind illustrated the power of music. It pertains to the British Indian Army days when colonels attained that rank after not less than 30 years of service in India and stood elevated to the command of a station or major commissariat assignment. Subjected over all those years to the heat of India’s sun, his tan further emphasised as a result of much at-all-hours imbibing, the Colonel would be a sight to watch. The full title of the tune being ‘Colonel Bogey On Parade’ one has to conjure up the vision of him stepping out from the saluting base towards the place from where he begins his inspection of the troops, his returning of salutes, all the while chin up and chest out.
Even a non-soldier will invariably be caught up by a good marching tune, which is not the case with an orchestral piece. One has to know the setting and be conversant with the contribution to the theme of each category of instrument. Also, here, the Trimpani or Kettle Drum replaces the big bass drum. All parades have a sequence which begins with the Calling-of-Markers, on to whom the sub-units ‘Fall In’ in ranks under subordinate officers. In sequence, the parade is then Handed Over or passed on from one dignitary to the next in order of seniority and is finally ready under the Parade Commander to receive the Reviewing Officer.
The orchestral piece, Light Cavalry, represents this practice in music. The theme is easy to catch in the mind’s eye, provided one is listening markers to ‘fall-in’ to ‘dress up’ to ‘steady’ to the sequence of higher officers’ arrivals–the Adjutant getting a bit of special attention since parades and discipline is within his portfolio. The Second-in-Command arrives, to act as Parade Commander, and finally awesome boom-boom noise denotes the Regimental Commander’s arrival. The Review follows–a staid affair considering that cavalry units possess all the necessary bull to form a good impression. Hopefully, by now, the readers understand that we are talking of a horsed cavalry unit so that when the music goes tarunt-tarunt-tarunt he or she can visualise the ‘canter’. When the music goes tharump-tharump-tharump and works up to thhrrump-thhrrump-thhrrump one can visualise the ‘charge’.
But it’s not over, the best is yet to come when the music says “officers fall-in” and sub-unit commanders march as smartly as shaky legs can carry them to the presence where they hear. “This is the worst etc etc”, “I don’t know why I shouldn’t post the lot of you to etc etc” “I’ll ‘this-that-and-all-the-rest-of-it’ if etc etc” and finally “I want to see you do that Charge again and mind what I say, or else”. The music says it beautifully and then one hears the second ‘canter’ and ‘charge’ which this time goes thhhrrrumpp-thhhrrrumph-thhhrrrumph and now the listener can cheer.
When one hears Keneth Alford’s ‘Bogey’ or ‘On the Quarter Deck’ or Souza’s ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ one must remember that these composers got to learn music at their parents’ knees and later went on to advanced studies in music after graduation and even post-graduation. Souza, in fact, was the one who reinterpreted brass band music in the mode of military music for marching purposes. Others turned their interests to orchestral military music. Now we have a long list of military band Indian marches and it is to the great credit of the composers that, limited to a background of simple folk-lore music and the ear to pick up instrumental music, they elected to enrol as bandsmen whereafter Army Courses have enlivened their interest and application.
-Brig DE Hayde
A unique reunion of the No 20 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was held at Navy House when officers of the squadron who served together during the 1971 war got together to revive some glorious memories. The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash, who was on deputation to the Indian Air Force and formed part of the squadron during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, hosted the get-together. |
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The squadron performed exceedingly well during the war under the leadership of the Commanding Officer (then Wing Commander) Air Vice Marshal CV Parker (Retd). It won two Mahavir Chakra and five Vir Chakra and many gallantry awards. Admiral Arun Prakash was one of the officers awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry in air action over West Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir.
A look at the squadron’s wartime diary sheds light on the saga of rare courage and cool professionalism displayed by the personnel during this war. The furious onslaught launched by the squadron included attacks on a range of enemy airfields, radar units and economic targets in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), West Punjab and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). The squadron was credited with destroying 14 Pakistani aircraft, both on ground and in air, apart from severely damaging enemy infrastructure at eight airfields. The Attock Refinery was also set ablaze by aircraft from this squadron. The squadron lost two brave pilots, Sqn Ldr Mistry and Flg Offr Murlidharan during the war.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi and the present Commanding Officer of No 20 Squadron, Wg Cdr Ajay Rathore were present at the reunion. The get-together was preceded by a visit of the CNS to his old squadron at Pune where, at the invitation of the Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, he was provided an experience sortie in a SU-30 MKI, which currently equips the squadron.
-PIB (DW)
On Sea SynergyThe Indian Naval ships Brahmaputra, a guided missile frigate and Vinash, a missile corvette were on overseas deployment to UAE and Oman. The deployment aimed to demonstrate India’s technological and industrial advancements, enhance co-operation with the host navies, promote defence industry and spread goodwill. During the deployment, the ships participated in the seventh International Defence Exhibition and Conference-2005 in Abu Dhabi. The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the country’s indigenous ship-building capability and the ability to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements in the field of military hardware and systems. The ships also visited Muscat, Oman and participated in a joint exercise codenamed Thamer al Tayyib with the Royal Navy of Oman. Indian Navy lays great stress on professional interaction with foreign navies and regularly conducts joing exercises. A joint exercise with the Royal Navy of Oman was first carried out in 1993. Subsequent exercises in 1995, 1998 and 2002 have helped improve mutual understanding and enhance inter-operability. -PIB (DW) |
Lt Gen MM Lakhera (Retd), Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry while inaugurating the national seminar-cum-exhibition on “Use of Simulators in Defence Forces” at the MCEME Auditorium, Secunderabad said, “Since the equipment is becoming more and more sophisticated, the man behind the machine needs higher operational skills and, therefore, there is a need for simulators.” It was in the year 1927 that 24 year-old Edwin Link built a flight simulator. This simulator was ready by 1929 and comprised a generic cockpit mounted on a pneumatic motion platform that was driven by leather bellows powered by electric motor. The defence forces today, as part of their modernisation, have realised the potential of the simulators in obtaining a real life and cost effective training. |
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Simulator networking is created through the linking of simulators through Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs) or satellite links. Linking a number of simulations or simulators through networking and interacting within a series of models to create a synthetic environment in the same virtual battle space, gives the opportunity to digitise a virtual battlefield for the defence forces.
Simulator Development Division (SDD) has been the nodal agency for design and development of training simulators for the Army. Established in 1991, under the aegis of Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering, this institution has made rapid strides in the field of simulators and helped in accelerating the pace of induction of simulators in the Army by designing and developing cost effective simulators engineered to suit service requirements.
-PIB (DW)
pix: Maj K Ramesh
Know Your Army
The recently concluded Know Your Army exhibition at Nagpur showcased the might of the Indian Army presenting an array of weaponary systems and equipment besides weapons captured from various terrorist outfits. The four-day exhibition was organised to generate awareness by providing an opportunity to the people of this historic city to know various facets of the Army and strengthen the confidence of the local population in the Army. The exhibition, held at Kasturchand Park, had many attractions to enthuse the spectators. It presented sky diving, paratrooping and a display by ‘Dare Devils’. Combat vehicles like T-72, infantry combat vehicle BMP-II and an array of artillery and infantry weapons were on display. In addition, latest combat equipment including combat bridging, radars, communication assault water manship and mountaineering equipment were also shown at the exhibition. Stalls focussing on career guidance were also put up. Theme stalls and pavilions at the venue left an indelible mark on the spectators. |
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Maj Gen TK Kaul, GOC, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area and Brig Jatinder Singh, Station Commander, Kamptee also visited the exhibition. The exhibition was thrown open to public after the formal inaugural ceremony wherein Mr Anil Deshmukh, Minister of State for Public Works Department, Maharashtra was the chief guest.
The exhibition attracted public in a large number. On an average, one lakh people visited the exhibition everyday.
-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
Lt Gen KS Jamwal, GOC, Desert Corps unveiled the bust of late Brig Udai Singh at Phalodi Phanta in Jodhpur district in Rajasthan at an impressive ceremony. The ceremony was attended by a large number of serving officers and ex-servicemen of the area. |
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Late Brig Udai Singh distinguished himself in the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars. In the 1971 Indo-Pak war, as the Commander of Partapur Sector, he was instrumental in the capture of a series of formidable enemy posts in the area from Chalunka to Turtuk in the Kargil sector, with heavy attrition to the enemy. For his outstanding leadership, courage and conspicuous gallantry in the face of enemy, he was awarded Maha vir Chakra.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen KS Jamwal asked the men-in-uniform to emulate the gallant Brigadier.
-Lt Col RK Palta
Form - IVI Prof UK Mishra declare that I am the Printer and Publisher of the magazine entitled Sainik Samachar printed at NOIDA and published at Delhi/New Delhi and the particulars in respect of the said magazine given hereunder are true to the best of my knowledge and belief:
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Always living upto the motto, Sarvatra meaning ‘everywhere’, a sapper rises to the occasion whenever people around him are in distress. The Red Shield Division Engineers deployed in Manipur are in the forefront implementing people-friendly projects with the aim of wining hearts and minds of the local public. Keeping in view the deteriorating situation in Chandel, Bishanpur and Churachandpur districts, the state government requested Army’s deployment in these areas. In addition to their operational tasks, the sappers took a lead in improving water supply in these areas. They laid six bore-wells including two with submersible pumps and reactivated 23 hand pumps. Laying of 16 borewells more in the interiors of Chandel, Bishanpur and Churachandpur districts is under way now. |
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Improvement in motorable tracks in the remote regions, construction of grounds and playfields for sports and cultural activities, leveling of ground for construction of churches and schools, restoration of electric supply by regular liaison with civil electricity department, coaching classes for candidates to take part in recruitment rallies, raising of cottage industries and establishment of computer centres have also been taken up by sappers.
-Lt Col SD Goswami
AIR WAVES FOR ARMED FORCESTune to Sainiko Ke Liye on Delhi ‘B’, All India Radio between 1815 hrs and 1855 hrs every day on the frequencies : MW 450.5 Metre Band (666 KHz and SW 61.73 Metre Band (107.1 MHz). Armed Forces personnel and their families who are willing to participate in various programmes produced by Broadcasting section of DPR may contact Broadcasting Officer, Room No.25, L-II Block, New Delhi - 110011, telephone number 23093764. Recorded audio casettes of entertainment programmes and band tunes prepared by various Armed Forces centres / units may also be sent on this address. In Store* on April 7 : Message of ADG, AOC and a variety entertainment programme by AOC personnel on the eve of AOC Raising Day. * on April 9 : Interaction with Air Force Heroes (41 Squadron who survived Tsunami in Car Nicobar islands. |
A seminar on indigenisation was held at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. It was inaugurated by Vice Admiral OP Bansal, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. The seminar was held to improve the interaction between the Indian industry and the Indian Navy. This year the seminar focussed on “Operation Readiness through Indigenisation.” Inaugurating the seminar, Vice Admiral OP Bansal said that reliance on spares from abroad delays the progress of refit of ships and submarines and, hence, it is necessary to locate and develop indigenous sources for spares in Navy. Vice Admiral Raman Puri, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff who also took part in the seminar, stated that to safeguard country’s interests indigenous development of weapons, support systems and sub-systems need to be given due emphasis. He further said that the time has now come for Indian industries to step in. With globalisation, the competition has become acute and meeting own defence requirements would help in strengthening domestic industries, he added. He called for formulating new procedures for procuring indigenised items so that the Indian industry would be able to make a foray into defence production at the earliest. |
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Vice Admiral P Jaitly, Chief of Material, Naval Headquarters in his key-note address, stressed the need for giving momentum to indigenisation in Indian Navy.
An exhibition of various items that can be mutually used by Navy and industry and also items suitable for indigenisation was inaugurated by Vice Admiral OP Bansal to mark the occasion.
-Cdr LN Prasad
Attention ReadersTo strengthen the tradition of improvements based on the feedback from our esteemed readers, please send your reactions to any of our editions in the form of short and pithy comments in English and address them to the Editor-in-Chief at the earliest. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your pen and share your views with the vast majority of our readers. What is more, a suitable reward also awaits the contribution that is selected as the “Letter of the Fortnight”. Editor-in-Chief |
Army Chief Presents Colours to 3 EME Centre
Gen JJ Singh, Chief of the Army Staff presented Colours to 3 EME Centre of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers at a ceremonial parade held at Bairagarh near Bhopal. The colourful parade was led by Brig Vilas Devgirikar. Capt Gaurav Pandey had the honour of receiving the Colours from the Army Chief. Lt Gen VK Dhir, Director General, EME presided over the functions held on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Gen JJ Singh had a word of praise for the high standards of the ceremonial parade. He complimented all ranks for their smart turn-out and excellent drill. The Chief also praised the qualitative engineering support beingt provided by EME to Indian Army. He lauded the efforts of the corps equipping the men in 'olive green' with the state-of-the-art equipment. Recalling his association with EME, the Army Chief informed the august audience that his father Lt Col JS Marwah (Retd) served in EME.
The 3 EME Centre was raised at Bhopal on November 26, 1962 alongwith No 2 and 4 EME Centre at Allahabad and Kamptee respectively to meet the requirement of the Army. Late Col Kartar Singh was the first Commandant of this Centre. He assumed the command of February 15, 1963.
The Centre is responsible to impart basic military and technical training to the recruits enrolled in the Corps of EME. For the first time, the Centre received Colours on October 15, 1980 from Gen OP Malhotra, the then Chief of the Army Staff.
The three-day celebrations included a barakhana for troops, ceremonial parade, a social evening and an EME carnival. Army Chief also released a First Day cover brought out on the occasion by the Army Postal Service. Mrs Anupana Singh, President, AWWA met the students of War Widows Hostel of the EME Centre.
Among those present on the occasion included Lt Gen BS Thankar, GOC-in-C, Southern Command, Lt Gen VK Chopra, Master General of Ordance, Lt Gen Hs Panag, GOC, 21 Corps and a number of serving and retired officers of the Corps of EME.
text :Lt Col BMR Mehta
pix : Fulchand
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Chief of the Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh visited Rangapahar in Nagaland to meet the troops deployed in the region. The Army Chief began his career as a Second Lieutenant in the picturesque surroundings of Nagaland and Manipur. Reminiscing his early years as a newly Commissioned Officer, the General said, “The states of North-East have etched many indelible memories in the canvas of my mind. I remember the warmth and frankness of the people and their positive attitude towards life. I have imbibed many of these qualities which left an ever lasting and indelible impression on my mind.” |
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Gen JJ Singh was given a traditional Naga welcome on his arrival at Dimapur. He discussed the security situation with the senior officials. While addressing troops in a sainik sammelan at Rangapahar, he spelt out his doctrine for combating terrorism, have to be humane in our approach to the common man, and, simultaneously deal with terrorists severely.”
While expressing gratitude to the local people for their warm reception extended to him and his wife Mrs Anupama Singh, the General said, “The winds of change are sweeping across the world, where globalisation and cohesion are the fundamentals of progress. I am sure that this wonderful region will shine spreading its warmth across the length and breadth of the country.”
The Base Nursery School, Guwahati celebrated its annual day with great fervour and enthusiasm. Brig VP Munjal, Commandant, 1 Advance Base Workshop was the chief guest on the occasion. The students of the school presented a colourful cultural programme which included classical dance and skit. The programme was highly appreciated by the audience. Mrs Shefali Munjal, Chairperson of the school gave away prizes to the students who excelled in academic and co-curricular activities. |
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The performance of National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Manipur has been praiseworthy. No 1 Manipur Air Squadron NCC, based at Imphal, has the distinction of seven of its cadets taking part in Republic Day parade out of twelve positions allotted to North-East region.
Cadet Warrant Officer K Brijit Kumar was adjudged the best cadet of the NE Directorate. CWO Brijit was felicitated by the Governor of Assam, Lt Gen Ajay Singh (Retd) who presented him a cash award of Rs 5000.
Timely action by the alert fire crew of the Indian Air Force at HQ Eastern Air Command averted a disaster. A fire took place in a village near Upper-Shillong. The villagers of the area informed the fire crew at HQ Eastern Air Command. On receiving information, the crew alongwith security staff rushed to the site of the incident and put down the fire. The instant action of the men-in-blue has not only prevented the fire from spreading to the nearby huts but also saved the lives and properties of many villagers.
On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Meghalaya, a three-day exhibition was organised by the state government at the state Central Library premises in Shillong. The exhibition was inaugurated by the State Governor, Mr MM Jacob. Altogether, 43 stalls were put up by different Government departments, public sectors, NGOs, para-military Forces and the Armed Forces. HQ Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force also had a publicity stall at the exhibition. The IAF stall showcased the model of different types of aircraft in the IAF inventory. In addition, films on ‘A career in the Air Force’ were screened at the exhibition. The publicity stall of the Air Force aimed at attracting the prospective youth of the region to join the IAF. A large number of people thronged the exhibition venue and visited the IAF stall. |
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Altogether, 447 Gorkha recruits were inducted as soldiers at an attestation parade held at the Harish Parade Ground of 58 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) in Happy Valley, Shillong. Brig WJB Sturgeon, Commandant 58 GTC took the general salute and reviewed the parade.
Of the total recruits, 347 belonged to 5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) and 8 Gorkha Rifles and the remaining 100 recruits belonged to Assam Rifles. The recruits took the oath to defend the country with all their might and sacrifice their lives at the altar of the nation when called for. The highlight of the parade was the solemn march of the recruits to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.
Brig Sturgeon gave away the Best Recruit trophy to Amrit Prasad Gurung of 5 GR (FF) and Khamba Singh Rana and Lakpa Dukpa of 8 GR. The Best Recruit trophy for Asam Rifles was given to Santosh Rawat. He also presented prizes for best recruits in drill, physical fitness, firing, sports and education on the occasion.
Later, addressing the newly attested soldiers, the reviewing officer lauded the smart turn-out and high standard of drill. He congratulated the recruits on their successful completion of a 42-week training.
Army School, Tezpur which won Millennum Trophy for Academic Excellence-2000-2001 and Special Award for Academic Excellence-2002-2003 has not slept on its past laurels. It has put another vibrant feather in its cap by winning Special Award for Academic Excellence–Small Category 2003-2004. The award was presented to the Principal of the school, Mrs Usha Bali by Adjutant General, Lt Gen Mohinder Singh at a felicitation ceremony held at Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi. |
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The Governor of Assam, Lt Gen Ajay Singh released a book, Of Guts and Glory, authored by Lt Col Kaushik Sircar on the occasion of Tezpur Festival. The book has been published by Mc Graw Hill Publications. The book highlights the acts of valour of the 21Param Vir Chakra awardees. The battles fought by the Indian Army have also been profiled in the book. |
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The students of Army School, Tezpur conducted a “Model Youth Parliament”. Mrs Kanta Jamwal, President, AWWA, was the chief guest on the occasion. Many other distinguished guests also graced the occasion. Mrs Kanta Jamwal lauded the performance of the children. She was fully engrossed in the entire conduct and was full of praise for all the participants. Later, she gave away prizes to the participants. |
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Air Marshal Avinash Deodatta Joshi, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, was on a two-day inspection visit to Air Force station, Tezpur. The Air Marshal was accompanied by Mrs Geetanjali A Joshi, President, AFWWA (Regional). This was the Air Marshal’s first visit to this frontline fighter base. On their arrival, Air Marshal and Mrs Joshi were received by Air Cmde Abhay Gupta and Mrs Abhilasha Gupta, President, AFWWA (Local). The Air Marshal inspected an impressive guard of honour on the occasion. |
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The Governor of Assam, Lt Gen Ajay Singh (Retd) visited Tezpur on the occasion of Tezpur Festival. Lt Gen AS Jamwal, GOC, Gajraj Corps received the Governor at Tezpur on his arrival. The four-day festival was celebrated with pomp and show. Thousands of people enjoyed the occasion. During the celebrations, different programmes like cycle race, flower show, quize test and seminar were organised. A vintage car Rally was also held on the occasion which was flagged off by the Governor. Military Pipe band display was also held which attracted public in a large number. |
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inputs: Lt Col MK Pal, Lt Col SK
Gautam, Lt Col SD Goswami,
Sqn Ldr Binoy Chongtham
and Elias Rapsang
It was in the year 2003 when Col Rajeev Chaudhry, Commanding Officer, 62 Engineer Regiment decided to introduce martial arts in the Regiment’s sports curriculum. The commitment of the regiment did not put any obstacle and trainees attended the course with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. As a result, they won various district, zonal and national level championships and bagged four Gold, six Silver and five Bronze Medals. They have also been awarded ten Green and one Blue belts. Their skills were applauded by Maj Gen Mandhata Singh, COS, 16 Corps, during a display of martial arts in the regiment. |
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Not to be left behind, the children of Gyan Aur Shan family joined their elders and did the regiment proud with some stupendous performances. Today, the number of children undergoing training stands at 50. These youngsters have bagged a rich haul of 23 medals in various levels of championships. Miss Chandni Thakur, one amongst them, has shown grit of determination and dedication in winning Gold Medal at National Junior Karate Championship and Bronze Medal at Karate Open International Championship held at Kathmandu in Nepal. Approximately 2000 children from 31 countries including USA, UK, Germany and China took part in this championship. All the four children from J&K state who were part of a 46-strong Indian contingent were from 62 Engineer Regiment.
The course, which was started as an experiment, has now become an integral part of the curriculum. The day is not far off when the spark kindled at this regiment would enlighten others in this field.
-Lt Col RK Chhibber
from Jammu
Chess ChampsThe second All India Defence Accounts Chess Championship was held at DARC Hall, Controller of Defence Accounts office complex in Chennai. Mr VK Mishra, Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts and Vice Chairman of the Defence Accounts Sports Control Board (DASCB) inaugurated the championship. Altogether, 34 players including eight women took part.
V Sankaran |
CorrigendumThe caption of the photograph on page 12 in the issue dated February 16-28, 2005 mentions IG, Assam Rifles (South) as “Maj BS Ghotra”. It should be read as “Maj Gen BS Ghotra”. The error is regretted. Editor-in-Chief |
The 14th Battalion of the Mahar Regiment comprising troops of mixed class composition of the North Indian states celebrated their thirtyeight raising day in Gandhi Nagar. The battalion, which forms part of the Gandhinagar-based brigade under Golden Katar Infantry Division, was awarded Chief of Army Staff’s commendation card for its outstanding performance last year. So far, the battalion has in its kitty one Shaurya Chakra, nine Sena Medals, 10 Chief of the Army Staff’s commendation cards and eight Army Commander’s commendation cards. in just 37 years since its raising, the battalion has served with distinction in Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan. It is now deployed in Gujarat. |
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-Wg Cdr TK Singha
Fr L to R Ground: Spr Muniswamy, Spr Muniswamy |
Fee Concession to Defence PersonnelPadmashree Dr Vithalrao Vikhe Patil Foundation, Ahmednagar offers the following concession in tuition fees to the wards of war widows, ex-servicemen, officers, JCOs and other ranks of the Armed Forces in its Engineering College, MBA College and ITI. • War-widows 50% All colleges are recognised by AICTE, New Delhi and are affiliated to University of Pune. Hostel facilities for boys and girls are available in the campus. For selection, candidates are required to appear for CET conducted by the Government of Maharashtra. The CET for engineering course will be held on May 27, 2005. For details contact |
The eighth biennial conference of Defence Security Corps (DSC) was held at DSC Centre, Cannanore in Kerala. Lt Gen PPS Bhandari, Deupty Chief of the Army Staff and Colonel Commandant of DSC, Brig SK Mutreja, Deputy Director of DSC, Army Headquarters and representatives from the three Services attended the conference. The two-day conference discussed raising of new DSC platoons, grouping of platoons into companies and other departmental matters. Presiding over the conference, Lt Gen PPS Bhandari called upon the officers of the DSC to strive hard to meet the challenges of security environment in the country. “The importance of DSC is recognised by all concerned and credit for the same goes to troops”, he said. The Deputy Army Chief congratulated the DSC personnel on their excellent track record. |
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Earlier, Lt Gen Bhandari placed a wreath at the war memorial at Gaurav Sthal in the premises of DSC Centre and paid homage to the war heroes who laid down their lives for the sake of the nation. He also addressed a special sainik sammelan in which he stressed the importance of integrity and devotion to duty among the DSC personnel. The sainik sammelan was attended by a large number of officers and other ranks of DSC and their family members. As part of the conference, the finals of Inter Command Volleyball Championship and a barakhana for the troops were held. The General Officer visited various sections of DSC Centre and Records and held discussions with Col Ashok Galoth, Commandant, DSC Centre on the occasion.
-MN Shankar
| From the File March 25, 1956 | |
| • Admiral the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, first Sea Lord of British Admiralty, accompanied by Countess Mountbatten of Burma, arrived in New Delhi on March 14 on a visit to this country at the invitation of the Government of India. The Prime Minister, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, and the Vice-President, Dr S Radhakrishnan, received the distinguished visitors at the Palam airport.
• The first Indo-Pakistan Athletic Meet organised by the Amateur Athletie Federation of India was a great success judged both by the performances of the athletes and the fund of goodwill it created between the two countries. The results of the meet were better summed up by Prime Minister Nehru who said : “Our standards are not yet near the world standards. But we have noticed improvement in the first meet and I have no doubt that given the chance, we could come upto world standards.” |
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One hundred ninetyone recruits passed out from the Brigade of Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee at a colourful and impressive passing-out parade. The parade was reviewed by Maj Gen TK Kaul, GOC, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area. Awards were presented to outstanding Guardsmen for firing, academics and drill. The coveted Field Marshal KM Cariappa Trophy for the best overall performance was awarded to Guardsman Pradeep Kumar Yadav. |
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-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur
Lamp Lighting ceremony for the 48th batch of probationer nurses of School of Nursing, Central Command Hospital, Lucknow was solemnised at Saraswati Auditorium in Lucknow cantonment. Maj Gen M Kesavan, Deputy Director, Medical Services, HQ Central Command was the chief guest on the occasions while Maj Gen Sujan Singh, Commandant, Command Hospital felicitated the meritorious students. |
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-Dhirendra Ojha
from Lucknow
An update on renal sciences was conducted by Nephrology Department of Army Hospital (Research & Referral) Delhi Cantt.
Col PP Varma, the Organising Secretary of the Update informed that over one lakh people in India develop terminal kidney failure every year. Only five per cent of these can afford dialysis/transplant. Hence, prevention is the key issue. A public awareness and interactive programme was also organised to mark the occasion.
-PIB (DW)
Lt Gen MC Bhandari, Director General, NCC met Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi at Vayu Bhavan, New Delhi to discuss various aspects of NCC activities. The discussion included state of Air Force officers and men posted in NCC and a plan to introduce motorised glider in place of Ardha glider which were introduced in the NCC in 1985-86. Solo flying of glider and microlight by NCC cadets has been approved by the Chief of Air Staff. Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi, has been holding the coveted appointment of Commodore-in-Chief of NCC. |
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input: Lt Col RS Chhettri
A two-day workshop on ‘Safety and Conservation of LPG’, under the aegis of Headquarters Lucknow Sub-Area, was organised at Supply Depot and Army Vocational Training Centre (AVTC) in Lucknow Cantonment. The workshop was presided by Mrs Promilla Bhosle, President, Army Wives Welfare Association, HQ Lucknow Sub Area. Mr Harsh Mohan, Chief Area Manager, Indane, delivered a lecture on precautionary measures. Over 200 Army families attended the workshop. A quiz programme was also conducted during the workshop. |
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-Dhirendra Ojha
from Lucknow
A multi-discipline Desert Safari which commenced at Sam village, Jaisalmer was flagged-in by Brig PM Mathew at Gandhinagar. The team comprising a JCO and 10 Other Ranks was led by Capt Sandeep Yadav of 14 Mahar. The safari covered a distance of 800 kms through Rajasthan and Gujarat on camels and bicycles over a period of 14 days. The aim of the safari was to inculcate a spirit of adventure and boost the image of Indian Army in border areas. The team interacted with civilians, ex-servicemen and war-widows enroute. |
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-Wg Cdr TK Singha
Gajraj Corps has created an ecological lake Gajraj Pokhuri, in its premises. It was inaugurated by Lt Gen AS Jamwal, GOC, 4 Corps. The lake would prevent water logging in the area during monsoons. It also has a 500-meter walking/jogging track running around it.
input: Maj GS Uppal
Western Naval Command provided an opportunity for the families of Naval personnel to savour the thrill of the high seas. A total of 31 frontline ships and one submarine of the Command from the Western Fleet, Flotilla and 22 killer Squadron played host to Naval families and set sail into the Arabian Sea. On the occassion, Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command welcomed Mr Mohammed Fazal, the Governor of Maharashtra onboard INS Mysore to witness demonstrations at sea. The fast attack crafts, the ships of the Missile Vessel Squadron and the minesweepers provided some impressive steam-pasts while Kamov, Seaking and Chetak helicopters showcased their utility at sea. |
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input: Lt Cdr Abinav Barve
Air Force Station, Agra has been earmarked for provision of married accommodation in Phase I. Air Marshal Raghu Rajan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command inaugurated the project by laying the foundation stone. A total of 444 quarters have been sanctioned. Mrs Kamala Rajan, President, AFWWA (Regional) Air Cmde RC Baruah AOC, 4 Wing and Mrs Anu Baruah, President AFWWA (Local) were also present on the occasion. |
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input: Wg Cdr KC Taneja
Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad, President, AWWA, Northern Command presented a Maruti van to the ‘Old Age’ Home run by an NGO “Jagriti” at Udhampur. The Home has eleven inmates including nine men and two ladies. The Army in Udhampur has adopted the Home as part of its human resource development projects. In the first phase of restoration, the Army has refurbished eight out of the 15 rooms available with installation of geysers and other amenities. |
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While speaking on the occasion, Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad reiterated the resolve of the Army to help the people of J&K in view of the special bond that exists between the Jawan and the “Awaam”. She said that all possible assistance would be provided to the inmates of the Home including medical attention.
- Col RK Sen
from Udhampur
A Technology Fair was organised by Tiger Division at Satwari. The fair showcased latest state-of-the-art equipment in the fields of communication, surveillance and electronic warfare. A large number of national and multi-national firms participated in the fair.
Amongst the latest equipment on display were a wide range of electronic exchanges, LAN extenders, routers, switches and other networking products and accessories, end-to-end digital communication solutions, mobile base stations, cellular equipment and systems, telephone interceptors and bugs, cellular jammers, VOIP products, CCTV surveillance systems, biometric access control devices, perimeter access control equipment and a host of other sophisticated products. Some of the notable firms which took part in the fair were Cisco, Nortell Network, Motorola, Bharat Electronics, ITI, Accord Communications, Alcatel Business Systems, Tropicana Communications, Shoghi Communications and AE Telelink Systems Ltd. |
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The fair was attended by a large number of senior officers, JCOs and Other Ranks of Army and Air Force along with the personnel of BSNL.
-Lt Col RK Chhibber
Oil Conservation Fortnight for Army was organised by HQ ATNK & K Area with the help of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and IOC. The event was inaugurated by Mrs Mona Prakash Singh, President AWWA, ATNK & K Area. House-wives of all ranks were given tips on LPG safety and fuel conservation by experts from Indane and PCRA. A quiz competition was also organised. There was a separate programme for school-children of Kendriya Vidyalaya Island Grounds and ATNK & K Area Nursery School where children actively participated in drawing competition. |
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input: Col TC Uniyal
In a formal function, a cheque for Rs 1,28,590, collected by the students of Army School, Jammu was handed over to Mrs Sunita Santoshi, State Manager Helpage India by the Patron of Army School, Jammu Cantt, Maj Gen Vinay Sharma, GOC, Tiger Division. Mrs Sunita Santoshi assured that the donation would be utilised for different age care projects like mobile medicare units and medical consultancy. Maj Gen Vinay Sharma appreciated the efforts made by the students and said that it was with these drives that children would inculcate human values like sensitivity and compassion towards the old and ailing in the society. |
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-Lt Col RK Chhibber
from Jammu
The Base Victualling Yard of Navy celebrated its golden jubilee rencently. It was established in 1955 to procure and supply ration and clothing to Naval ships and establishments based at Visakhapatnam.
The yard, which was started from a small three-room office, has grown into a major organisation meeting all the victualling and clothing requirements of Naval ships and establishments of Eastern Naval Command.
-Cdr LN Prasad
from Visakhapatnam
The Eastern Fleet Whaler Boat Regatta was conducted in the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral OP Bansal, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command was the chief guest and gave away prizes to the winners. Seventeen teams competed in four categories. The Whaler Boat Regatta, an annual event, is a keenly contested race in which each boat is pulled by five men. In Navy, more than any other event, the pulling regatta is an opportunity for the personnel to prove their stamina and teamwork. This year, INS Rana, the frontline destroyer of Eastern Fleet, won the coveted “Cock Trophy”. INS Rana has been winning the trophy for the past three years in a row. |
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-Cdr LN Prasad
from Visakhapatnam
Servo Cup Golf Championship was conducted at Mauribagh Army Golf Course (MAGC) in Lucknow Cantonment. Played between Indian Oil Company (IOC) and MAGC members, the championship was conducted in two categories over 18 holes, as a stroke play event. Brig PS Shahi was declared the winner in category-I and S Tilak in category-II. Lt Col SS Roy stood first in Longest Drive and Col MJ Shamshi (Retired) in Closer to Pin. On the occasion, Mr AKM Sinha, General Manager IOC (UP), presented a memento to Lt Gen Ram Subramanyam, GOC-in-C, Central Command. |
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-PIB (DW)
Trouncing 5 Gorkha Rifles by 7-1 goals in the final match, 11 Gorkha Rifles annexed the championship title of GG Bewoor Inter-Regiment Football tournament at the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre (11 GRRC) in Lucknow Cantonment. Seven teams participated in the tournament. At the conclusion of tournament Lt Gen JBS Yadava, Deputy Chief of Army Staff and President of Gorkha Brigade Club distributed prizes. |
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-Dhirendra Ojha
from Lucknow
Lt Gen Deepak Summanwar has taken over as Director General, Military Intelligence. He was commissioned into 17th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles in June 1968.
The General Officer has seen active operations in 1971 Indo-Pak war. He commanded an Infantry Brigade in Rajasthan and a Mountain Brigade on the Line of Control in J&K from where his brigade took part in operations in Kargil in 1999. He commanded a division in Kargil during operation Parakram. He has been awarded with Vishisht Seva Medal and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.
Gen Summanwar has held a number of instructional and staff appointments including those of an instructor at the National Defence Academy, Brigade Major in a counter-insurgency area, Colonel General Staff in HQ Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, Director, Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters and Additional Director General at the Perspective Planning Directorate.
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Lt Gen KS Rao has taken over as Director General, Border Roads.
Commissioned into Madras Sapper in 1967, he has held various staff, instructional and command appointments in his long illustrious career. He has been Commanding Officer of an Engineer Regiment, Commander of an Engineer Brigade and Chief Engineer Project, Beacon. A sportsman and a sailor of repute, he led the historic voyage around the world in yacht Trishna during 1985-87, for which he was awarded Arjuna Award.
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Lt Col Ajai Kumar took over the reigns of 414 Army Service Corps Battalion Marketing (Territorial Army), Kamptee.
Lt Col Ajai Kumar is the alumnus of the Officers Training Academy, Chennai and was commissioned in the year 1982. He has held various command, staff and instructional appointments during his service.
inputs : PIB (DW) and
Sq Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur
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