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 A ten-member UK delegation led by Mr Kevin Tebbit, Permanent Under Secretary for Defence, recently visited New Delhi for the eighth meeting of the Indo-UK Defence Consultative Group. Picture shows the meeting in progress |
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 Mrs Anita Thamburaj, President AWWA HQ, II Infantry Division on a visit to Military Hospital, Bhuj. |
| 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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| (on front cover) A road by BRO through rock cut in Arunachal Pradesh. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The raising day of the Border Roads Organisation, esteemed high as one of the prestigious institutions of India, falls on May 7. KL Noatay presents a vivid account of the achievements of this asset of the nation in inaccessible highlands to mark the occasion.
Border Roads Organisation, popularly known as BRO, is a civil engineering institution responsible to provide civil (construction) engineering cover to the Armed Forces of India, during war and peace. The organisation is manned partly by civil engineers drawn from Corps of Engineers of the Army, but mainly by those recruited exclusively for BRO. The latter complement of manpower is called General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF). The organisation is under Ministry of Defence for specific deployment but placed under Ministry of Highways for general administration. The GREF troops, like soldiers of other Armed Forces, are governed by Army Act, 1950, though with a difference. The difference pertains to the method of the recruitment and the terms of salary, pension, leave, retirement benefits etc.
The requirement of raising BRO was felt during fifties when it was found that the lofty Himalayas was no longer effective as a natural protective wall. Pak-sponsored marauders had already played havoc in Jammu and Kashmir in 1948. The possibility of an aggression from Chinese side was also imminent. Positioning of Indian troops farthest in Himalayas had thus become obligatory but there were no means of communication for their deployment and maintenance in the mountainous tract. Setting up of a network of new roads was essential in the so far inaccessible highlands. The civil engineering element of State resources viz PWD could hardly tackle the massive task. It was at that juncture that the Indian Parliament decided to raise BRO/GREF under the stewardship of the Engineer-in-Chief of the Corps of Engineers. The auspicious event took place on May 7, 1960.
Initially, only two projects were raised, one at Srinagar in West and the other at Tezpur in the East. At that time the organisation was intended to be only a temporary outfit. As the time passed, requirement of roads in the mountainous terrain soared and the outfit delivered satisfactorily. The organisation went on expanding. Today, BRO has 13 projects, each commanded by a Brigadier of Engineers or a GREF Chief Engineer of a rank equivalent to Brigadier.
The organisation was assigned just about 700 km of new road-formation to be cut in sixties but today they have nearly 40,000 km of hills and plain roads in their charge. Most of the roads assigned to them are in remote Himalayan heights—from Saichen Glacier in the west to the Blue Mountain in Mizoram in the east. It is, therefore, no surprise that India Today in one of its special issues published on August 19, 2002, acclaimed BRO as the fifth most important asset of the nation.
BRO usually works in remote to very remote mountainous areas along the international border which are inhabited mostly by tribal people. All these tribes are very happy with BRO. There are two reasons for that. One, by cutting new roads in difficult to most difficult tribal areas, the BRO has brought about tremendous change in communications leading to marked improvement in economy and the living and working conditions of the tribals. Two, the expenditure incurred by BRO on various roads comes from the Government of India funds saving the limited State funds for execution of other developmental activities.
 Manali-Leh route which is kept open by BRO |
Take the case of Himachal Pradesh. In and around this state, the organisation has project Deepak. The project looks after some of the most sensitive roads like Hindustan-Tibet road from Wangtu to Shipikila; Manali-Serchu road and Dhami-Basantpur-Kingal road. The project has quite a few roads and strategic canals in Punjab, Haryana and Uttranchal also. The Himachal Government is now inclined to hand over Karcham-Chitkul road also to BRO. |
Project Deepak came into existence in May, 1962. It has given a very good account of itself. The BRO men are able to build roads on war-footing within a short notice. On the night of August 17, 1997, the Himalayan ranges forming upper catchment of river Satluj in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, had a cloud burst. The flow of the river was blocked near Wangtu. As a consequence, the valley had in no time turned into a lake — nearly 6.5 km long and 600 to 800 mtr wide. Some 5 km length of the road was either submerged in the lake so formed or completely washed away. Kinnaur district was completely cut off. The tribal area needed a lifeline road most for carting out cash crop of apples and other fresh and dry fruits and for stocking ration, oil, petroleum products and construction stores. There was an untold pressure on the civil administration to restore the communications. There being no other link to the Kinnaur valley, it was essential to build the alternative relief road as early as possible. BRO was given a target to cutting 3 km-long new formation from Tapri side to the point where a new high level suspension-cum-bailey bridge was proposed to be launched. Time allotted was just five months. The BRO troops, unmindful of the hardships, worked round-the-clock in three shifts and cut the new road in just about two-and-a-half months. Even prior in 1997 certain high altitude areas of Himachal Pradesh had been exposed to a number of calamities. BRO has all along been helping the civil administration in relief operations, especially in opening up of the paralysed communications by building new roads on highest priority.
The most recent assignment is the construction of Rohtang Tunnel. This work was inaugurated at Manali by the Prime Minister on May 23, 2002. BRO has been working on this prestigious project most expeditiously, with a well-set aim to finish it before the target date. There are several other examples of BRO coming to the aid of tribal folks in hours of dire emergencies in other parts of the country also.
The Indian Air Force Commanders Conference was held at Air Headquarters, New Delhi. The five-day long Commanders’ Conference commenced with the address of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy.
In his address, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy complemented all personnel on excellent work during last six months. He said, “IAF has focused its efforts towards operationalisation of newly inducted assets. As a professional force, we have had excellent interaction with foreign Air Forces at home and abroad. By working as a team and building trust and faith in the Service, we should be able to keep IAF flag flying high”. |
 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy addressing the conference |
The commanders conference is held biannually and is attended by the IAF’s top brass. During the conference, the operational challenges before the IAF were discussed. Discussions on personnel related matters, flight safety and maintenance were also held. The Chief of Army Staff, Gen NC Vij also addressed the conference. -PIB (DW) | |
 A road leading to the highest battlefield |
 Noadhing Bridge | ||
 Snow clearance on Manali-Serchu Road |  The National Highway-17B |
|  Drilling rock with modified systems of staging |
Gen Kevin P Byrnes, CG, TRADOC, USA alongwith a delegation consisting of five members visited the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, Delhi Cantt. After a briefing by Brig JG Konnur, Commandant, Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, the delegation visited the Integrated Indoor Training Complex, Drona Simulator Room and Company Lines. The visitors were highly appreciative of the well laid-out training facilities at the Centre and were impressed by the method of training. |
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input: Lt Col RL Hanagi
Mr Kailashpati Mishra looking through a binocular at fast attack craft while Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh looks on
The Western Fleet, the permier fleet of Indian Navy, conducted naval exercises off Mumbai Coast recently. The Governor of Gujarat, Mr Kailashpati Mishra, was the chief guest on the occasion.
The capabilities of the three-dimensional Navy were demonstrated in various operations. To begin the demonstration, slithering operations by Marine Commandos from Seaking 42C helicopter were undertaken off the Middle Ground. Chetak helicopter demonstrated the search rescue capability by winching up a man in distress from the sea. The Governor also witnessed simulated surface-to-surface missile launch by missile boat INS Vidyut. The submarine Sindhuvijay demonstrated the diving and surfacing procedure on completion of simulated missile launch. INS Subhadra and INS Mumbai demonstrated their ability to sustain themselves for long duration at sea by underway replenishment (UNREP). The Seaking 42B helicopters showed their versatility by lowering their sonar that is used to detect submarines underwater. The exercise terminated with a steam-past by fast attack craft as the ships entered Mumbai Harbour.
While interacting with the mediapersons, Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command said that the Western Fleet would continue to play a decisive role in the blue waters of Indian Ocean and beyond. Its activities include overseas deployments, presence missions and bilateral/multilateral exercises with foreign navies in the Indian Ocean as well as other parts of the world. Its ships have shown flag in Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, Muscat (Oman), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Singapore, Jakarta (Indonesia), Langkawi (Malaysia), Mauritius and Mozambique.
The Western Fleet boasts of about twentyfive ships including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, the indigenous 'Delhi class' guided missile destroyers, the 'Ranvir (Kashin) class' guided missile destroyer, the power-packed 'Talwar class' stealth frigates, the indigenous 'Himgiri (Leander) class' frigatges, fleet tanker and 'Sukanya class' offshore patrol vessels.
-Cdr AK Lambhate
Air Marshal JS Gujral took over the charge of Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air Force from Air Marshal Raghu Rajan at Air Headquarters, New Delhi. Commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force in December 1967, Air Marshal Gujral has over 4,000 hours of accident-free flying in a wide range of aircraft to his credit. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, he has also attended the Long Defence Management Course and Higher Command Course. Air Marshal Gujral has commanded various MiG squadrons and a premier fighter base in Eastern Air Command. Being a qualified flying instructor, Air Marshal Gujral has done instructional tenure abroad and was also the Chief Instructor at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. Air Marshal Gujral has been Defence Attache at the Indian embassy in C'zech Republic from 1994 to 1997. |
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-PIB (DW)
| International and Bangkok Asian Grand Prix gold medalist, Tarundeep Rai of Army Sports Institute (ASI) overcame the spirited opposition from defending champion, Satyadev Prasad of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), scoring a decisive three points. He is the new champion in the men’s event of the third national ranking Archery Circuit Tournament. |  Brig SN Pavri inaugurating the championship by shooting an arrow. Col Jagjit Singh, Commandant of the ASI and Mr Prasanth Mukerjee, senior President of the Archery Association of India are also seen in the picture |
| Termed as a medal prospect at the Athens Olympic Games, Rai posted a tally of 126 points to pip Satyadev at the post that could muster a tally of 125 points in the final analysis. The 19 year-old Rai of Gorkha Regiment was instrumental in helping India qualify for the Athens Olympics. In the women’s section, Sumangala Sharma from UP claimed the first position securing 62 points from three Olympic rounds. Lt Gen Satish Satpute, Chief of Staff, Southern Command, gave away the prizes. |  Tarundeep Rai receiving the award from Lt Gen Satish Satpute |
The three-day championship, inaugurated by Brig SN Pavri, Commander, Pune Sub Area, assumed importance as it was the basis of selection of the Indian team to take part in the first European Archery Grand Prix Championship in Italy. More than ninety archers, both men and women from all over the country, vied for honours in the championship. The competition was held on the 70-metre range only as per the Olympic rule. |  Sumangala Sharma receiving the award |
-VK Abdulla
from Pune
Plastic surgery has little to do with plastics, the synthetic substance so common today. The term ‘plastic’, derived from the Greek plastikos, means ‘to mould’ or ‘to shape’. Contrary to popular belief, plastic or reconstructive surgery is not merely cosmetic surgery but an important discipline that aims at correcting all sorts of physical deformities. Though a very old technique, plastic surgery has made great strides only after the First World War. A two-day national continuing medical education (CME) programme in plastic and reconstructive surgery on “Repair, Restore and Reconstruct” was inaugurated by Lt Gen R Rai, Director and Commandant of AFMC, Pune. The CME was organised by the Reconstructive Surgery Centre at the Command Hospital, Pune. Dr RL Thatte, former head of the department of plastic surgery, Lokmanya Tilak Hospital, Mumbai made the keynote address. The CME covered topics like burns, micro-vascular surgery, reconstruction after trauma, re-implantation, surgery of congenital abnormalities, hand injuries and aesthetic surgery. |
 Lt Gen R Rai inaugurating the CME programme |
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is the art and science of restoration of function and aesthetic appearance of the patient in order to improve his quality of life. It is concerned with every part of the body, from head to toe. Sushruta (600 BC), the famous surgeon of ancient India, who has perfected the technique of reconstruction of the nose is considered to be the father of plastic surgery. Later, the mutilation inflicted by wars gave an impetus to the reconsructive surgery. The reconstructive Surgery Centre is the oldest in the country. Although reconstructive surgical work was being carried out in the Command Hospital since second World War, a formal centre for reconstructive surgery was established only in 1962 with Maj BR Sukh as the first head of the department. Sir Harold Gillies, the father of modern plastic surgery who established the reconstructive surgery team during the second World War, visited the department and appreciated the quality of work. The centre performed excellent surgeries on the casualties of Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. -VK Abdulla |
 Dr PV Joshi, former Director of Leprosy Hospital, Kondwa, Pune being honoured by Maj Gen LP Sadhotra, Commandant, Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi during CME programme |
| Afour-member delegation led by Maj Gen Ng Yat Chung, Chief of Defence Force, Singapore visited New Delhi recently. Maj Gen Chung held discussions with the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee, Admiral Madhvendra Singh and other senior defence officials. The two sides discussed defence cooperation in training and joint exercises along with other matters of mutual interest. |  |
Earlier on his arrival at South Block, Maj Gen Chung was presented a ceremonial inter-service guard of honour. He also called on Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy and Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Shantonu Chowdhury. |
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-PIB (DW) | |
| The two-day Unified Commanders-in-Chief Conference held in New Delhi reviewed the emerging geopolitical strategic scenario and the capabilities required for the Indian Armed Forces to respond to the situation. Vice Admiral Raman Puri, Chief of integrated Staff to Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) said that jointness in all areas is the call of the situation. The conference was addressed by the three Service Chiefs also. |
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Accepting the recommendations of the Group of Ministers for the management of defence, the government has set up the Integrated Defence Staff which is headed by the Chief of Integrated Staff to Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. The CISC supervises the Integrated Defence Staff and is also responsible for the coordination of the long range plans, Five Year plans, annual budgetary proposals of the three services.
-PIB (DW)
Western Command Officers’ Firing Competition–2004 was conducted at Drona Shooting Club, Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, delhi Cantt under the aegis of HQ Delhi Area. A total of 14 teams, comprising officers from Infantry, Armoured, Artillery Divisions and independent Armoured/Mechanised Brigades of Western Command, participated. A total of 28 officers took part in the open category, seven in the veteran category and nine in the lady officers category. The competition was very closely contested. Out of 400 points, HQ Delhi Area team scored 237 points and bagged the coveted trophy while 24 Infantry Division was the runners-up with 229 points. Individual winners and runners-up in both air pistol and air rifles competition in open veterans and lady officers categories were also awarded. Lt Gen JJ Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command also took part in the competition and bagged the individual first prize in both air rifle and air pistol in the veterans’ category. |
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input: Lt Col RL Hanagi
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After a rigorous training for 42 weeks, 143 recruits of the 269th batch of the Assam Regiment were attested in a colourful attestation parade held at Parsons Parade Ground of Assam Regimental Centre (ARC), Shillong. Col JS Bawa, Commandant, ARC took the general salute and reviewed the parade. |
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In his address, Col Bawa lauded the young soldiers for the smart turnout and high standard of drill. He congratulated them for successfully completing the training. He gave away Capt Mohan Singh Trophy to Sep Lalhrim Puia for being the best recruit. |
44 Militants Surrender A group of 44 militants of ULFA surrendered arms to Lt Gen Anup S Jamwal, GOC, Gajraj Corps, at Tezpur. The militants surrendered an assortment of weapons, ammunition, explosives, detonators and incriminating documents. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Anup S Jamwal assured the militants that the Army would make all efforts to impart vocational training and help them establish themselves. | |
Gajraj Philex-2004 | |
 Mrs Kanta Jamwal at the Gajraj Philex exhibition |
The philatelic exhibition at the Gajraj corps was organised by Army Postal Service under the aegis of Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) of Gajraj Corps at Tezpur. The exhibition was hosted to provide philatelic education to school-children, defence personnel and their families. Mrs Kanta Jamwal, President, Gajraj AWWA inaugurated the exhibition at Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Tezpur. Lt Gen Anup S Jamwal, GOC, Gajraj Corps complimented the officers and men for their efforts. He appreciated the collection of special covers and stamps issued to depict the history, organisation and deeds of the three services. |
To commemorate 62 years of the glorious history of Gajraj Corps, a special First Day Cover and brochure was released by Lt Gen Jamwal. Other attractions of the exhibition were the series titled “Heroes of our Times” featuring Param Vir Chakra winners. First Day Cover had a “PVC postage stamp”.
A view of the medical camp
Army organised a two-day medical camp at Nongsawlia village of Cherapunjee, about 65 kms from Shillong. The camp was organised by 58 Gorkha Training Centre under the aegis of HQ 101 Area and assisted by the civil administration, Health Department and the Presbyterian Church of Nongsawlia. The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Mr DD Lapang inaugurated the camp. A large number of people thronged the camp for various consultations and treatments. Specialists for various ailments from Army and civil Health Department were available during the camp.
In his address, the Chief Minister lauded the Army authorities for organising the camp and thanked them for the assistance they provided to the people of the area. Maj Gen RR Goswami, GOC, 101 Area, said that the camp aimed at providing medical advice and treatment to the people of the area and also to promote peace and harmony in the state.
 Mrs Yasmin Madon addressing the AFWWA members |
The Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) of Eastern Air Command (EAC) celebrated the international Women’s Day at HQ EAC in Upper-Shillong, recently. AFWWA members delivered talks covering issues like birth of women as a blessing and position and role of a woman in the family and the society. Topics like legal rights of women and reservation for woman were also part of the speeches delivered on the occasion.
In her address, Mrs Yasmin Madon, President, AFWWA (Regional) apprised the ladies of their rights. She stressed the need of women to be stronger and knowledgeable. Apart from being able to play their role as a mother, wife and daughter with dignity and pride, they should also be self-dependent and self sufficient to extend help whenever and wherever possible, she added. |
 Dr Subhash Das presenting the iron removal unit to Brig Rajiv Datta |
In a simple ceremony at Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur, two hundred Iron Removal Units (IRUs) were handed over to Eastern Command. Brig Rajiv Datta, Chief Engineer, Gajraj Corps accepted the IRUs on behalf of the command. |
 A view of an IT class |
Sainik School, Imphal has been selected for the Computer Literacy Excellence Award. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh and a trophy. The award has been instituted by the Department of Information Technology to recognise the best institution in each state engaged in computer literacy programme. |
 Gp Capt JS Kler presenting trophy to the winning captain |
The Eastern Air Command Inter-Wing Cricket Championship for the year 2004-05 was played at Air Force station, Salua. Altogether, 15 cricket teams from various stations under the command participated in the 10-day championship. The 10 Wing, Air Force won the championship trophy for the year while 5 wing was declared the runners-up. Gp Capt JS Kler, Station Commander, Salua was the chief guest on the closing day. He gave away prizes to the winning teams. |
inputs: Sqn Ldr Binoy Chongtham,
Maj Jaideep Ghose
and Maj SD Goswami
 A view of the investiture ceremony |
Lt Gen JJ Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command, presented gallantry and distinguished services awards to officers, JCOs and jawans at a solemn and colourful investiture ceremony held at the Panther Auditorium, Amritsar. The awards presented included one Yudh Seva Medal, two Bars to Sena Medals, 35 Sena Medals and seven Vishisht Seva Medals. Out of these, four Sena Medals were awarded posthumously. Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman, GOC, Vajra Corps, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.The highlight of the event was a scintillating band concert by Jat Regimental Centre and 39 GTC. -Naresh V Vig |
 Maj Gen TK Kaul unveiling the plaque to mark the laying of the foundation stone while Brig MSV Kama Raju, Commandant, Military Hospital looks on |
Military Hospital at Kirkee, the third largest hospital in the Armed Forces with a bed strength of over 800, is fast on road to modernisation. The ultra-modern orthopaedics hospital with the largest spinal cord injury centre in the country will have a new hospital complex at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore within five years. Maj Gen TK Kaul, GOC, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area laid the foundation-stone of the new Service Block. The 55,000 sq ft structure will accommodate essential technical services like Quarter Master stores, medical stores, ultra-modern laundry and a kitchen. The Service Block forms a part of the first phase of the new hospital building project. |
The orthopaedic department of the hospital has been one of the busiest centres of the Armed Forces where more than 800 patients were treated during 1971 war, another 430 during IPKF operation and 80 patients underwent surgery following the earthquake at Bhuj. The first joint replacement surgery was done here as far back as in May 1982 and over 60 such operations are administered every year. -PIB (DW) | |
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The Navy's sail-ship, INS Tarangini returned to Kochi base of the Southern Naval Command after a 15 month-long voyage around the world. The President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam along with the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Madhvendra Singh welcomed the ship and its crew at an impressive ceremony at the South Jetty. Flag-bearers of those countries which the ship visited gave salute to the President on the occasion. |
INS Tarangini covered more than 33,000 nautical miles to visit 37 ports in 18 countries. Commanders Shoukasthali Sheikh, PK Garg and Mukul Asthana captained the ship in different phases of its voyage. The crew of 300 officers and 60 sailors kept on changing at different legs. This was the first attempt by the Indian Navy to circumnavigate the globe in a sail ship. The voyage served twin purpose of diplomacy through sea and training of cadets. The President described the journey as a "re-establishment of the tradition pioneered by Columbus".
Pix : Fulchand Kitadikar
and
Kamal Naiter
The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) was established at Uttarkashi, now in Uttaranchal, on November 14, 1965. Uttarkashi’s close proximity to the Gangotri region in Western Garhwal, having the best climbing and training potential, made it the home of NIM.
The institute is an autonomous body governed by an executive council. The Defence Minister is its president and the Chief Minister of Uttaranchal, the vice president. The Ministry of Defence and the Sports and Tourism Department of Uttaranchal share its budget.
The principal objective of the institute is to impart theoretical and practical training in mountaineering and rock climbing techniques to the trainees. It endeavours to create a popular interest in mountaineering and encourage and provide training in winter sports. In pursuance of these objectives, the institute conducts basic and advanced courses in mountaineering and adventure courses. Adventure courses are also conducted for the teachers to enable educational institutions organise adventure activities for their students.
The objective of the 28-day basic mountaineering course is to attract young men and women to mountaineering. The trainees are provided theoretical and practical training in mountaineering. The course is run separately for men and women in the age group of 17-35 years. Trainees who excel in the basic course are eligible for admission to the advanced course in mountaineering. The objective of this course is to train the participants to become members and leaders of mountaineering expeditions. Training is imparted to them in advanced techniques of mountain climbing including snow and ice-craft. The trainees normally attempt to scale a peak during the course. The advanced mountaineering courses for 28 days are held separately for men and women in the age group of 18-40 years.
The institute also organises 15-day adventure courses separately for boys and girls in the age group of 13-17 years. These courses are also conducted for men and women teachers separately. The course includes lessons in mountain trekking, rock climbing, survival, bush craft, map reading, rafting, canoeing and leadership. The method of instructions course of 20 days duration, conducted by NIM, aims at preparing the mountaineers with ‘A’ grading in the advanced course in mountaineering for becoming future instructors. In addition, the institute conducts search and rescue course for preparing trained personnel for search and rescue missions in the mountains. For this mixed course of 20 days’ duration, practical training is imparted by simulating situations close to real emergencies. Apart from conducting these regular courses, the institute also conducts liaison officers’ course and guide course. Special courses for organisations are also conducted. The courses are open to both Indian and foreign nationals.
The institute has a library with about 4,000 books on a wide range of subjects. Its museum brings to life the culture of the highlanders, exploits of explorers and the growth of NIM. The NIM souvenir shop has a wide range of items on sale. The institute has an inventory of mountaineering equipment for training. Its hostel can accommodate 100 trainees at a time. The institute brings out an annual publication titled Nehru Mountaineering Journal.
The achievements of the institute in the field of mountaineering have been immense. It has so far conducted over 175 basic mountaineering courses, more than 112 advanced mountaineering courses, 14 search and rescue courses, nine method of instructions courses, over 140 adventure courses and many special courses for the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, ONGC, schools, colleges and other organisations. The participants have been both Indians and foreigners.
The staff and alumni of NIM have led major Indian and joint international expeditions and scaled some of the highest and most challenging mountains of the world. Some prominent female mountaineers and NIM alumni like Bachendri Pal, Santosh Yadav, Suman Kutiyal and Savita Martolia have climbed Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. Similarly, Tattan Singh Chauhan, Instructor and Col MP Yadav, ex-Principal of NIM, have received the National Adventure Award in the field of mountaineering. Col Ashok Abbey, Principal of NIM, had led the successful Joint Indo-Nepal Army Expedition to Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse in 2003. Guided by its credo: Success Lies in Courage, the institute strives for excellence at all times.
-SD Sharma
 Mr Sunil Mathur, Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) delivering opening address at Pension Adalat |
The 62nd Defence Pension Adalat was held at Visakhapatnam. Dr SK Sharma, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Navy), Mumbai inaugurated the Adalat. The inaugural ceremony was attended by a large number of Navy, Army, Defence Account Officers and defence pensioners. |
In his key-note address, Dr SK Sharma brought out the salient aspects of the pension settlement procedures. He called upon the service and family pensioners to forward their grievances to the respective pension offices. He further added that e-governance through a dedicated website has been functioning to facilitate quick redressal and settlement.
Over 150 cases pertaining to the pension settlement were taken up during the session at Visakhapatnam. The authorities of the Adalat also made the clients aware of the latest orders of the government on pension matters and settled the cases within the framework of the existing rules.
The Tri-Service(East) Annual Conference-2004 was held at the Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command. Vice Admiral OP Bansal, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, hosted the conference which has a great significance in the regime of inter-service operations. Air Marshal MB Madon, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command and Lt Gen JS Varma, GOC-in-C, Eastern Army Command took part in the proceedings.
The deliberations of conference focussed on finetuning and strengthening the trilateral cooperation and coordination in various operational activities, exercises and training matters. Stress was laid on the real time exchange of information regarding intelligence and surveillance through Information Technology. The conference provided a platform for reviewing various operational and infra-structural facilities and their optimum utilisation for joint use.
| The annual fleet evening celebrations titled Fling-2004, highlighting the operational performance and standards achieved by the naval ships of the Eastern Fleet, were held at Dolphin Sports Ground, Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral OP Bansal, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, gave away proficiency trophies to the fleet ships. Rear Admiral Raman P Suthan, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet hosted the event. Senior officers of Navy, civilian dignitaries, a large number of officers and sailors and their family members took part in the celebrations. |  Vice Admiral OP Bansal (centre) with Air Marshal MB Madon (left) and Lt Gen JS Varma (right) during Tri-Service (East) Conference |
| In all, twentyone trophies were awarded to Eastern Fleet ships which excelled in various professional disciplines and tasks assigned for meeting operational readiness. The frontline ship, INS Ranjit commanded by Capt Bimal K Verma emerged the winner of the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet Trophy for its overall excellent performance. INS Rana, commanded by Capt Raghuveer M Purandare, was awarded the Most Spirited Ship Trophy. |  Vice Admiral OP Bansal giving away the Best Ship of Eastern Fleet Trophy to Capt Bimal K Verma (left) |
 The Eastern Naval Command team negotiating a high grade rapid during the expedition |
A contingent of fifteen officers and sailors of the Eastern Naval Command undertook white water rafting expedition on the river Alaknanda from Rudraprayag to Rishikesh and returned to Naval Base, Visakhapatnam. The team members were given a warm welcome on their arrival by Cdr RB Menon, officiating Commanding Officer of INS Virbahu, the premier submarine support establishment at Visakhapatnam. The naval team completed nearly 160 km of rafting in the downstream of the river in two inflatable rafts negotiating numerous high speed rapids. It traversed through the check-points at Srinagar, Devprayag, Kaudilaya and Shivpuri. |
Cdr RBS Menon complimented the team for successfully completing the expedition. INS Virbahu coordinated the event.
 Vice Admiral OP Bansal, Rear Admiral RP Suthan with the winners of the Eastern Fleet Pulling Regatta |
INS Rana, a frontline warship of Eastern Naval Command, won the prestigious Eastern Fleet Boat Pulling Regatta Trophy-2003-04 for the fifth time in six years. The regatta, one of the highly spirited seamanship competitions, involves destroyers, missile covettes, landing ship tanks and off-shore patrol vessels along with the fleet maintenance unit. It concluded at the Eastern Fleet Jetty, Visakhapatnam. Complimenting the crew of INS Rana, on the occasion, Vice Admiral OP Bansal, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command said that the cohesiveness and high morale coupled with the team spirit were instrumental in achieving the prime positions in the competition. He gave away the coveted Eastern Fleet Cock to INS Rana. In the final tally, INS Rana logged 26 points while INS Ranjit secured 20 points followed by INS Magar with 18 points. |
inputs: Cdr S Dasika
 Maj Gen NK Manchanda inaugurating the Health Week |
World Health Day was observed by the Tiger Division with traditional enthusiasm. To flag off the celebrations, an Inter-Brigade Health Quiz in Hindi for the families of personnel below officers rank was held at the Tiger Auditorium. Maj Gen NK Manchanda, Deputy Director, Medical Services, Northern Command accompanied by Maj Gen (Mrs) Anju Manchanda, Deputy Director, Medical Services, Central Command was the chief guest on the occasion. |
 Maj Gen (Mrs) Anju Manchanda giving away prizes to the winners of quiz competition  Quiz in progress |
Other activities to be part of the celebrations included visit of a mobile team, comprising Medical Officers and health staff, to all units and schools for health education, lectures by lady Medical Officers at Family Welfare Centres and lectures by RMOs for troops and families. A one-day group discussion for religious teachers at 136 SHO, a Healthy Baby show, poster competition and health exhibition at Tiger Auditorium also marked the occasion. |
-Lt Col Bhanwar Rathore
 A Rafale multi-role aircraft on board the aircraft carrier. |
 Captain of Charles de Gaulle briefing Vice Admiral Arun Prakash, Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Rear Admiral Sunil Damle, Flag Officer, Naval Aviation. INS Godavari can be seen in the background |
 A French fighter aircraft |
 A fighter aircraft getting ready for launch |
 Aircraft being ranged on the deck of Charles de Gaulle |
 Charles de Gaulle with a Dauphin helicopter in the foreground |
The Indo-French Naval Exercise codenamed Varuna-2004/1 was held off Goa. This was fifth of the series of annual exercises meant to enhance inter-operability and exchange of valuable experiences in the exploitation of state-of-the-art weapons, sensors and equipment. The French Navy fielded six ships including the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and a submarine. A series of advanced level exercises in all the three dimensions viz surface sub-surface and air were conducted between the two navies. Two ships each of Delhi and Godavari class, INS Brahmaputra, a Shisumar Class submarine and a fleet tanker represented the Indian Navy. In addition, integral and shore-based reconnaissance aircraft, carrier-borne fighters and helicopters from both sides participated.
-PIB (DW)
pix: Cdr Vinay Garg
| From the File |
| THE NEW CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF IS THE ELDEST SON OF Dr Shrinagesh Mallannah, ‘who was personal physician to the Nizam of Hyderabad,’ General Shrinagesh was born in 1903 at Kolhapur, went to a public school in England and entered Cambridge University in 1921. Commissioned in 1923, and after a brief association with the North Staffordshire Regiment, General Shrinagesh was posted to the 2/1 Madras Pioneers, with which he served mostly in Burma, until it was disbanded. In 1933, he joined 4/19th Hyderabad Regiment (now the fourth Kumaon Regiment) and was in Singapore where he served as Adjutant. |
Among the earliest batches of Indians to be nominated for Sandhurst, he won the Quetta Cup for the best man at arms entering the Indian Army for the year.
In December 1939, he went to Dehra Dun where he was Instructor at the Indian Military Academy. In December 1942, he commanded the 6/19th Hyderabad Regiment (now the sixth Kumaon Regiment) and fought in Assam and Burma with the Lushai Brigade. Later, in Burma, he officiated as Brigade Commander of the 64 Indian Infantry Brigade of the 19th Indian (Dagger) Division.
He was selected to go to Germany as Deputy Chief of the Indian Military Mission in November 1945. In that capacity, he also worked as Economic Adviser and Consul looking after the interests of Indian nationals in Germany and locating missing prisoners of war.
In September 1946, he returned to India and after a brief stay at Agra as Commandant of the Kumaon Regimental Centre, went to Japan to command the 268th Indian Infantry Brigade. On his return from Japan he was promoted Major-General and appointed the GOC of the Madras Area. He relinquished this post in 1948 to become Adjutant-General at the Army Headquarters.
Two years later he was promoted Lieut-General and appointed the overall commander of all troops in Jammu and Kashmir as a Commander. He held this command till the cease-fire and on January 15, 1949 was appointed the GOC-in-C of the Western Command, succeeding General K.M. Cariappa who took over as the first Indian C-in-C. Lieut-General S.M. Shrinagesh was later transferred to the Southern Command, as the GOC-in-C.
 Kenyan Air Force delegation being received by Air Cmde VK Yajurvedi |
Maj Gen, JW Karangi CBS Commander, Kenyan Air Force accompanied by his spouse Mrs Mary Karangi and his delegation visited Air Force station, Jodhpur. He was received by Air Cmde VK Yajurvedi, AOC, Jodhpur. During the visit, the General interacted with various units personnel and witnessed a static display of the combat elements of the base. The dignitary also attended a banquet hosted in his honour by the Air Marshal AR Gandhi, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command. |
-Maj Xavier M Thomas
from Jodhpur
The 56th Chief Signal Officers and Commandants Conference of the Corps of Signals was held at Military College of Telecommunications and Engineering (MCTE), Mhow. Lt Gen Davinder Kumar, Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant chaired the conference which was attended by the Chief Signal Officers of various commands, corps, Commandants Signals training establishments as well as the Colonel Commandants of the corps.
The focus of the conference was on operational aspects related to the provisioning of telecommunications support to the field Army and issues pertaining to information technology, its implementation and cyber security. In his inaugural address, Lt Gen Davinder Kumar highlighted various facets of the revolution in military affairs (RMA) and emphasised the need to assimilate and incorporate the effects of rapid changes in technology.
The conference concluded with microlight air show wherein the Aero Nodal Centre of MCTE, displayed several spectacular acrobatic feats in microlight aircraft.
input : Maj G Raghuram
A spectacular parade was held during graduation ceremony of the 129th batch of Fighter Controllers’ Course at Air Defence College, Memaura near Lucknow Cantonment. The parade was commanded by Wg Cdr VK Gairolla.
At the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal BN Gokhale, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (operations), Air Headquarters, gave away the Fighter Controller’s Wings to 27 officers who graduated. While congratulating the graduated officers, Air Vice Marshal BN Gokhale put a special emphasis on the importance of being updated with modern weapon system. Escorted by Gp Capt GS Rathore, Station Commander, Memaura he also went around the camp area and inspected the works in progress.
-B Satheesh Kumar
from Lucknow
Army Education Corps Training College and Centre, Pachmari, Madhya Pradesh, has been adjudged the best school for Library and Information Science for the year 2004. This prestigious award was given by Madhya Pradesh Library Association at a function held at AEC College and Centre, Pachmari. This is the first Army corps to bag this award which constitutes a certificate and a memento. AEC Training College and Centre was adjudged best in knowledge, skill, attitude and values. The punctuality and dutifulness of the staff and maintenance of the library was highly commended. The noted journalist and Director of Madhav Rao Sapre Smriti Samacharpatra Sangrahlay, Mr Vijay Dutt Shridhar gave away the prizes on the occasion. Prof BS Nigam, President, Madhya Pradesh Library Association, presided over the function. Col ARS Panwar, Deputy Commandant and Col Ranjit Singh, Chief Instructor at the centre received the award. Maj Prakash Narhari, Sub Narender Singh, Sub Rachpal Singh, Nb Sub SL Khot, Nb Sub GK Sarangi and Hav RS Negi were also felicitated on the occasion. |
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input : Sanjeev K Sharma
 Lt Gen Ram Subramanyam being received by Air Cmde UB Mathur at Bamrauli |
Lt Gen Ram Subramanyam, GOC-in-C, Central Command visited Allahabad alongwith his wife Mrs Meera Subramanyam. He visited various Army and Air Force formations at Allahabad. He was received by Air Cmde UB Mathur, SOA, Central Air Command at Air Force station, Bamrauli. He also visited Selection Centre (East) and Central Air Command, Bamrauli. This was the first ever visit of Lt Gen Ram Subramanyam to Allahabad after taking over the command of Central Command at Lucknow. |
-Sqn Ldr SM Sharma
from Allahabad
Twenty-nine personnel below officer rank (PBOR) were commissioned as Lieutenants in the non-technical branch of Army Medical Corps (AMC) at a colourful ceremony held at the AMC Auditorium in Lucknow Cantonment. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Lt Gen B Sadananda, Commandant, AMC Centre and School. Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Lt Gen Sadananda highlighted the officers’ dedicated efforts for achieving a milestone. These newly commissioned officers would now be put through a rigorous training programme at the Officers Training School (OTS). Before their postings to various medical units across the country, they would be equipped with knowledge necessary for management of all logistics duties, both in combat and peace. |
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-B Satheesh Kumar
from Lucknow
Lt Gen KS Jamwal has exhorted all ranks of Desert Corps to be alert towards their duty. He was addressing the officer and jawans of the corps after taking over as Commander. He also reminded the lessons learnt during the prolonged deployment on the borders in the previous year.
-Maj Xavier M Thomas
from Jodhpur
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A major bridge on Srinagar-Uri NH1A was inaugurated by Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Minister ofState for Defence, Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma, GOC 15 Crops, Maj Gen RS Mehta, GOC 19 Infantry Division and Col Harpal Singh, Commander, 760 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) were also present on the occasion. The bridge was constructed by 760 Border Roads Task Force in a very short span. The bridge would facilitate the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road. |
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input : SP Kolipey
To generate awareness about road safety, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Armed Froces Medical College (AFMC), Pune organised a number of activities. The activities included poster making competition among medical and nursing cadets, essay writing, debate competition, health exhibition and a motor-cycle rally by medical cadets. The exhibition was inaugurated by Maj Gen AP Singh, Commandant, Command Hospital, Pune while the motor-cycle rally was flagged off by Maj Gen Y Singh, Dean and Deputy Commandant, AFMC.
-VK Abdulla
from Pune
 Brig PS Bhatnagar presiding over the meeting of OLIC |
The quarterly meeting of the Official Language Implementation Committee (OLIC) of Headquarters Central Command was held recently. Brig PS Bhatnagar, Brigadier Education of the Command Headquarters, presided over the meeting which was attended by 15 representatives of various branches. Expressing satisfaction over the use of Hindi in exchange of letters, Brig Bhatnagar recommended an immediate use of Hindi software in computers. |
-B Satheesh Kumar
from Lucknow
 Air Marshal SK Malik donating blood at the camp |
Air Force Wives Welfare Association organised a day-long blood donation camp at Medicare Centre, Southern Air Command Headquarters, Akkulam. The camp, conducted with the co-operation of Sree Chitra Thirunal Medical Centre and All-Kerala Blood Donors Society, was inaugurated by Dr (Mrs) Rekha Malik, President, AFWWA. |
Air Marshal SK Malik, AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command, members of the AFWWA and senior Air Force officers donated blood. Altogether, 75 personnel donated blood at the camp and a good number of Air Froce personnel and AFWWA members registered their names as donors for future camps.
-P Rajendran
from Thiruvananthapuram
 Cultural Workshop in progress at Air Force station, Manauri |
Air Force Wives Welfare Association, Local (AFWWA-L), Manauri, in association with Abhivyakti Welfare and Cultural Society, launched a 15-day cultural workshop for the personnel and their families at Manauri. The workshop was inaugurated by Mrs Karuna Sinha, President, AFWWA(L) and conducted by Ms Kanchan Singh, President, Abhivyakti Welfare and Cultural Society. |
The aim of the workshop was to train participants in singing, dancing and playing musical instruments, folk and traditional both.
-Sqn Ldr SM Sharma
from Allahabad
 Vice Admiral AVR Narayana Rao (Retd) at the polyclinic |
A polyclinic under the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was inaugurated at the Naval Hospital, INHS Kalyani, at Visakhapatanam by Vice Admiral (Retd), AVR Narayana Rao (Retd), President of the local Navy Foundation. |
The clinic, first of its kind in the north-coastal Andhra Pradesh, aims at providing comprehensive medical care to thousands of ex-servicemen of the three wings of the Defence Services and their family members. The inauguration function was attended by many senior Naval officers.
Cmde SPR Reddy, CO, INS Circar, in his welcome address, brought out the salient aspects and facilities at the new polyclinic.
-Cdr S Dasika
from Visakhapatanam
 Mrs Farida Kapur inspecting blood test laboratory at Mela site |
A “Health Mela” was organised at Nagrota for all Army personnel and their family members. The main objective was providing health education among troops and families through interesting modalities like health exhibition, health quiz competition, Well Baby show and poster competition on the theme of “Prevention of Road Traffic Accidents”. |
The mela was organised by Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), 16 Corps and was inaugurated by Mrs Farida Kapur, President, AWWA 16 Corps. She also gave away prizes to the winners of various contests.
More than five thousand persons attended the mela. Almost five hundred ladies aged above thirtyfive years were screened for cancer of breast and cervix while more than two thousand ladies and children underwent general health check-up.
-Lt Col Bhanwar Rathore
from Jammu
 L/Nk Dhanvir Singh |
Corps of Military Police (CMP) judo team participated in the Karnataka State Olympic Games-2004 in Bangalore. The team notched top honours and bagged the coveted Judo Men’s, Winners Trophy. The team, comprising, ten Judokas, won 5 gold, 4 silver and one bronze medals. Those who won gold medals were Nk Ramdhani Yadav (below 73 kg), L/Nk Dhan Singh (below 81 kg), L/Nk Abhimanyu Prasad (above 100 kg), L/Nk Dhanvir Singh (below 90 kg) and L/Nk Bijender Singh (below 100 kg). Silver medalists included Hav Chavan Ashok T (below 73 kgs), L/Nk Mohit Ram (66 kg), L/Nk MP D Paswan (56 kg) and L/Nk Gajraj Goswami (below 100 kg). L/Nk Suresh Ram won the bronze medal in below 60 kg category. L/Nk Dhanvir Singh also won the bronze medal in Senior National Judo Championship held at Cuttack recently. |
-MN Shankar
from Bangalore
 A view of the volleyball match |
Indian and Myanmar armies have been conducting friendly volleyball, football and boxing matches since 2000 as part of a cultural exchange between the two countries. This year, a volleyball match was played in Kolkata where Indian Army defeated Myanmar Army by 3-0. |
Maj Gen Utpal Bhattacharya, Chief Engineer, Central Command presented mementos and gifts to both the teams.
input : Maj SP Pandey
 Lt Gen B Sadananda presenting Championship Trophy to Col AK Nayak |
No. 2 Technical Training Battalion defeating No. 1 Military Training Battalion, 3-2, in the final match lifted the Championship Trophy of inter-battalion hockey tournament of Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre and School in Lucknow Cantonment. This was the fourth year in succession that No. 2 TT Battalion won the trophy. |
In all, five teams participated in the ten-day tournament. While No. 2 MT Battalion came third, No. 1 TT Battalion was placed fourth. The Combined team came fifth.
Lt Gen B Sadananda, Commandant, AMC Centre and School distributed prizes. Col AK Nayak, CO, No. 2 TT Battalion, received the Championship Trophy for the winning team.
-B Satheesh Kumar
from Lucknow
Busan Asian Games bronze medallist, Nb Sub Jenil Krishnan of Corps of EME won gold medal in coxless pair event and bagged a silver medal in the coxless four open event in South Asian Federation Games held at Islamabad, Pakistan.
 Capt DVS Lakshmi Priya with other winners |
On the other hand, Capt DVS Lakshmi Priya of EME won one gold medal and one bronze medal in individual events at the 2nd Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Master Meet Shooting Championship held at the BSF’s Reoti Range, Indore. |
input : Col Anil Kapoor
Dafadar Sajjan Kumar of President’s Bodyguard broke the 32 year-old national record in open jumping puissance during Delhi Horse Show. The previous record was 190.5 cm which was bettered by Dafadar Sajjan Kumar on his favourite horse ‘Fariyad’. He cleared a staggering height of 195 cms.
The riders of the President’s Bodyguard, an elite unit of the Indian Army, participate in various equestrian events across the country. Dafadar Sajjan Kumar has also been selected to represent the country in Show Jumping and International Leg of Federations Equestre Internationale World Challenge to be held in Korea and Germany respectively.
-Lt Col BMR Mehta
 Air Marshal Raghu Rajan laying a wreath at the war memorial |
Air Marshal Raghu Rajan took over as the new Air Officer commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command of the Indian Air Force at Allahabad. Before taking over this appointment, he was holding the post of Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air Headquarters, New Delhi. |
Air Marshal Rajan was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force in 1964. The Air Marshal has the distinction of over 3000 flying hours to his credit on all types of fighter and transport aircraft including MiG-21, Hunter, Gnat, MiG-23, MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Avro aircraft. He also took part in both the Indo-Pak conflicts. He is a graduate of DSSC Wellington and NDC, New Delhi.
The Air Marshal has also commanded a MiG-21 Squadron and Air Force Station, Jodhpur. He has done two staff tenures at Air Headquarters as Joint Director of Personnel Officers and Director of Air Staff Inspection. The Air Marshal was awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal this year for his meritorious services.
After taking charge, Air Marshal Raghu Rajan laid a wreath at the War Memorial of HQ CAC, Bamrauli. Later, he inspected a guard of honour presented by officers and airmen of HQ CAC, IAF.
-Sqn Ldr SM Sharma
