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 Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh with the President of Sri Lanka, Ms Chandrika Bandarnaike Kumaratung in New Delhi |
 Prime Minster of New Zealand, Ms Helen Clark inspecting guard of honour in New Delhi |
 INS Tarangini entering Kochi Port on completion of 'Lokayan', a circumnavigation voyage |
(Estd. 1909) |
| 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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Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee and Chief of the Army Staff, Gen NC Vij in a forward area
Terrorism continues to be India’s primary and most immediate security concern. This has been stated in the Annual Report of the Ministry of Defence for the year 2003-2004 released in New Delhi on November 5.
The Report says, Pakistan has been the source of infiltration, cross-border terrorism, military adventurism, nuclear and missile posturing and threats. India’s strategic location at the centre of the arc of extremist activism and terrorism, amplified by a history of Pakistan’s use of it to wage a low-intensity proxy war against India, the prospect of terrorists getting access to weapons of mass destruction and the wanton disregard they have for the lives of others and themselves, require that India be particularly on guard against the phenomenon.
The Defence Ministry feels that the principal threat to peace and stability in the region remains the combination of fundamentalism and terrorism nurtured in madarsas and training camps in the area and the adventurism of a section of the Pakistan military motivated by its obsessive and compulsive hostility towards India. The Report says that unlike the non-state nature of most domestic and local manifestations of terrorism and the international terrorism of Al Qaeda or the Jemmah Islamiyah, the terrorism faced by India is typically cross-border and State-sponsored
According to Defence Ministry, diplomacy remains India’s chosen means of dealing with these challenges, but effective diplomacy has to be backed by credible military power. India’s strategic and security interest requires a mix of land-based, maritime and air capabilities and a minimum credible deterrent to thwart the threat of use of nuclear weapons against it, the Report says
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Referring to India’s security pre-occupations which are determined by the dynamics of the global and regional strategic and security environment, the Report says, India’s location at the centre of an arc of terrorism between North Africa and South East Asia, its close proximity to a key source of nuclear proliferation and the continuing acts of terrorism from across her western border require it to maintain a high level of vigilance and defence preparedness. According to the Annual Report of the Ministry of Defence, the nature of new threats has also reinforced the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and underline the role that India could play in the global response against such forces. Few countries in the world face the range of security challenges, concern and threats that India faces today, says the Report
The Defence Ministry report says India has faced a series of low intensity conflicts such as a proxy war fanned by radical Jehadi outfits and supported by state institutions; insurgencies, in many cases tolerated, aided or abetted by sources from outside India, and spillovers of conflicts in neighbouring states. At the other end, it inhabits an environment in which two of its neighbours have nuclear weapons and missiles and its immediate neighbourhood has been a source of nuclear proliferation, the Report adds.
Expressing concern over the activities of the superpowers close to our coastlines, the Report says the seas surrounding India have been a theatre of super power rivalry in the past and continue to be a region of heightened activity from and by extra-regional navies on account of global security concerns
Dealing with the situation in the Indian sub-continent, the Report says despite close and good relations with most of its other immediate neighbours, lesser security problems continue to complicate relationships. Bangladesh has not been responsive to India’s concern regarding the presence and activities of Indian insurgent groups from the North-East and the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on Bangladesh soil, large-scale illegal immigration and border crimes. In Nepal, the growing influence and grip of the Maoists, particularly in the Terai areas, is a cause of serious concern. The Report says that Bhutan displayed courage and good-neighbourliness in acting against military camps and bases of operations of Indian insurgent groups within its territory in the interest of mutual security. About Myanmar, the Report says that despite periodic coordination of efforts, Indian insurgent groups from the North-East continue to operate from camps in Myanmar.
India and China have stepped up efforts to build mutual trust and confidence. Both sides have been trying to address differences over the boundary issue and are agreed that the two countries would work together to maintain peace and tranquility in their border areas.
At the same time, China’s military assistance to Pakistan, build-up in the Tibet Autonomous Region, its nuclear and missile arsenal and its continental and maritime aspirations, require observations
The Report has underlined four key elements fundamental to India’s security planning. They are: (a) The Indian Armed Forces have to be prepared for the full spectrum of security challenges from terrorism and low-intensity conflict to conventional war and the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons and missiles; (b) India, not being a member of any military alliance or strategic grouping, requires a certain independent deterrent capability; (c) Due to an externally inspired low-intensity proxy war, India’s Armed Forces are involved in internal security functions–more than other armed forces–requiring a corresponding force structure and orientation; and (d) India’s interest and responsibilities in the North Indian Ocean, including security of her EEZ and island territories and shipping in the region, highlight the need for a blue water naval capability commensurate with its responsibilities
The Defence Ministry Report says India remains fully committed to maintaining peace with its neighbours and stability in the region through a combination of defence-preparedness, unilateral restraint, confidence building and bilateral interactions. According to the Report, in the area of defence preparedness, India has reformed its higher defence management and streamlined procurement procedures. Its force postures remain defensive in orientation while its nuclear policy is characterised by a commitment to no-first-use, moratorium on nuclear testing, minimum credible nuclear deterrence and the rejection of an arms race or concepts and postures from the Cold War era
-PIB (DW)
India and China conducting joint naval exercises? Something unthinkable is happening in the waters around the sun-continent. Major trading nations are coming together to combat high seas terrorism and nowhere is this cooperation more visible than in the Indian Ocean. For a country that viewed with suspicion any foreign vessels entering the ocean named after it, India is today engaging almost every major power through joint exercises in and around the Indian Ocean.
Both the Indian Navy and the Cost Guard have been thinking big, blue and brown. Joint naval exercises are being conducted with the US, Russia, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Britain, France, Iran, Oman and many others and there’s more to come. Perhaps South Korea and South Africa will come next. Israel may not be far off nor could Myanmar
The senior service is policing virtually the entire Indian Ocean, exercising with half a dozen navies while the Coast Guard is planning to set up 13 more stations thus virtually sealing the maritime border. The setting up of the Andaman and Nicobar command of the Indian Navy could be viewed from this angle that besides making its presence felt in the blue waters it has to extend its help to Cost Guard in checking the growth of high seas terrorism.
With India likely to get 50,000 to 90,000 square kilometres of the continental shelf for economic exploitation, there is a growing realisation that the country’s future economic and military strength could be in the sea. At present, the territorial waters are up to just 12 nautical miles and exclusive economic zone up to 200. With new acquisitions like the stealth ship INS Talwar, the Navy is gearing up for a bigger role. As remarked by Commodore Uday C Bhaskar, (acting) Director, IDSA, “terrorists could use containers on ships to transport weapons and dangerous materials, or could use the containers themselves as weapons of mass destruction to trigger more attacks. Hence, Coast Guard too needs to be better-equipped and prepared to deal with such attacks.
Now the important question is how far the Indian Navy is equipped to perform such a heavy multi-dimensional role? As we know, the force level of our Navy is quickly dwindling and that is why the Navy is fast making up for what former Naval Chief, Admiral Madhavendra Singh calls “the lost decade” of 1985-1995 when it bought next to nothing from abroad or India’s own shipyards. “One pays for this two decades later, so we have to order more now and extend the life of the ships in service,” the former chief had said after receiving the Russian-built stealth ship INS Talwar in Mumbai in August last year. “Even if you give orders to all the shipyards, they can’t deliver all that we want. So we have to get a few from abroad.
With ships like Talwar having a cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles, with the three supply ships (Aditya, Jyoti and Shakti) allowing the fleets to operate away from shore for more than three months anywhere in the Indian Ocean, and with HDW submarines having 45 to 50 days endurance, the Indian Navy is already in blue waters
In fact, with a little more hardware and manpower, the Navy believes it can tackle both China and Pakistan at the same time, a claim which neither of the other two services can make. However, the fact remains that the threats are also growing. Apart from Chinese activity on the Myanmar front, Pakistan is offering berthing facilities to Chinese warships at the new Gwadar port west of Karachi. The Coast Guard has had a taste of success in handling the Alondra Rainbow piracy in November 1999 by arresting the pirates and the hijacked ship
“It was war in the ocean that guided the thinking process in maritime security,” says Inspector-General Prabhakaran Paleri, Deputy Director General, Coast Guard. “The concept is changing. There are other conflict situations too. A stealth attack by a terrorist group on a harbour, hijack, fights between fishermen–all these are security situations where armed intervention may be called for”, he adds. Hence, the challenge for Indian Navy is to maximise options and to engage with everyone in the littoral on our own terms. Island territories too are now perceived as much more sensitive than before
In this context, let us have a look at our recently released Naval Doctrine to have an idea about the future threat perceptions and the policies and orientations of Navy to counter those threats effectively. The Naval Doctrine, released in June 2004, advocates the induction of nuclear submarines into the Indian Navy capable of launching nuclear-powered missiles from undersea. The new Naval Doctrine is not a policy declaration but is conceptual in nature. It is an exposition of power projection beyond the Indian shores as an instrument of state policy in times of peace and conflict. The objective is to help India pursue an independent foreign policy and exude the confidence of a nation aware of its role in the global strategic hierarchy.
Since the 1990s, there has been a huge increase of warships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Singapore has already acquired a submarine. Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar are also negotiating to induct them. The IOR, stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Malacca Straits, constitutes a legitimate area of interest for India. The Navy must play a more proactive role to control the strategically located IOR and protect the sea-lanes of communication from emerging threats
The Chinese naval doctrine flows out of its military doctrine, based on the principle of active defence. The Chinese Navy is the only Asian navy with a SLBM capability that can travel underwater without being detected. Rapidly moving from being a coastal navy to an intimidating ocean-going force, it seeks to operate much beyond its coastal areas and establish itself as a hegemonic power in Asia |
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Actually what could be of immediate concern to India is the PLA Navy’s plans to configure its force into two carrier groups. China’s formidable naval capability is also growing with its acquisition of decommissioned carriers from Australia and Russia to study their construction details and operate its own carrier by 2015
Naval analysts have expressed concern over the flow of military technology and hardware into Islamabad. Pakistan has in the recent times signed $1 billion dollar deal with France for three Agosta-90B submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion technology and undersea-launched missile firing capability. Such a capability would enable Pakistan to carry out attacks on warships while remaining underwater. A Chinese built deep-sea port at Gwadar in Pakistan also raises security concerns. Moreover, with Washington conferring Major Non-NATO Ally Status on Islamabad, a quantum increase in Pakistan’s naval forces seems likely.
Therefore, India must develop a submarine-based nuclear deterrence capability to protect its security interests and remain a dominant regional power in Asia. The Naval Doctrine envisages nuclear deterrence against regional states and deters extra-regional powers from jeopardising our security interests by raising the cost of intervention. It also aims to provide second-strike nuclear capability. India’s adherence to a no-first-use policy is also linked to the survivability of its nuclear deterrent.
(The writer is an acclaimed journalist)
EXCLUSIVE
Thank you, Admiral Arun Prakash for granting this special audience for the Navy Day issue of Sainik Samachar. What do you think are the main challenges before the Indian Navy and how do you view our preparedness vis-a-vis capabilities in our neighbourhood, both existing and emerging?
With all its diverse problems, the Indian Navy performs several daunting tasks in addition to guarding the maritime interests of the country. On the occasion of the Navy Day, which falls on December 4, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash had an exclusive interaction with our Editor-in-Chief, Mohan Chandak on wide-ranging issues. |
Our biggest challenge today is to make sure that nation’s maritime interests are safeguarded, especially in the current environment which is very dynamic, challenging and continuously changing. So the Navy has to keep anticipating before they occur and make sure that we play our due role in safeguarding the nation’s security especially with respect to maritime interests. It is the major task before us and we have to keep thinking.
What about preparedness...
We are very well prepared. We are very fortunate to have a well trained and very potent force. Our men are highly motivated, our officers are highly competent. We have some of the most modern equipment compared to any Navy in the world today. So, we are very confident that we can meet any opposition today
You have advocated ‘indigenous solutions’ to Indian maritime challenges. What steps have been taken after you took over as the Naval Chief?
This process is an ongoing process and we have realised that dependence on foreign sources has no future for us. Therefore, it is on the cards that we must learn to be self-reliant and, therefore, there is a strong move to create indigenous resoures. After I took over, I decided that this would be one of my key result areas and, therefore, I have set in motion a chain of events by which I hope that within Naval HQ we will have an organisation which will focus entirely on indigenisation process so that we can reach a level of self-reliance within four to five years or within a foreseeable period. It is not an easy task but it has to be started
Before becoming the Naval Chief, you had said that the Navy has fallen behind its plans. Stressing the need for more of ‘blue water’ capability than ‘brown water’, you recently mentioned about a plan for acquiring more aircraft carriers in the next ten years. Please elaborate about the position now and in the immediate future in the light of reports that Indian Navy is desperate for new ships
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I have set in motion a chain of events by which I hope that within Naval HQ we will have an organisation which will focus entirely on indigenisation process so that we can reach a level of self-reliance within four to five years or within a foreseeable period. |
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The reports are slightly exaggerated. We are not desperate for new ships; let me put that record straight here. Right now we have adequate force level and, as I said, we are well-equipped. And I don’t see any crisis emerging in the next few years. However, navies take a long time to build up. Therefore, you have to think well in advance, you have to think ten-fifteen years ahead. And for that you have to have an assurance of regular funding availability. That is one of the problem areas that we do not get an assurance. I have submitted to the government that this is one of the essentials for a long-term planning. Navy is very equipment oriented, very equipment-intensive. Therefore, a long term assurance of funds is very necessary. That is problem number one
Problem number two is that our decision-making process is a little slow. Therefore, it takes time, takes many years for important decisions to be taken. Once again, I have made this known to Defence Minister. He is very sympathetic and I am sure that our procedures would improve. Our decision-making will become faster. So, once these two hurdles are removed, our planning process will become more streamlined
Your third question was about aircraft carrier. The government has already, in principle, accepted that we need to have two aircraft carriers-one on the eastern sea-board and the other on the western sea-board. I think we will have these two by the year 2011 or 2012. One aircraft carrier has been purchased in Russia, a former Russian Navy carrier, which is under modernisation. The work on that is going on quite well and we hope to receive the delivery by 2008. The second aircraft carrier has been ordered on the Cochin shipyard. Work is about to start in a few weeks time and I am very hopeful that in six to seven years, an indigenously built aircraft carrier will be delivered to the Indian Navy. Once that happens by the year 2011 or so, we will have two aircraft carriers with us. And then if funding is available and the government approves, we will build one more, a third aircraft carrier within India. Then we will have three, out of which at any given time we will have two aircraft carriers in operation at all times |
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In an interview with Sainik Samachar after assuming office, you had expressed grave concern over manpower shortage. What steps are being taken to overcome this?
Manpower shortage we do have in Navy both on uniformed side and on the civilian side. Both are equally acute, we are feeling the pinch because operational capability is affected by the manpower shortage. I have brought this problem to the attention of Defence Minister, Minister of State for Personnel and Finance Minister. They all have been very sympathetic. I am very hopeful that some concession will be made to the Navy to overcome the ban which has been placed on manpower creation by the Central Government. And once that happens, I hope that manpower situation will improve in, say, three to four years
What about the budgetary constraints?
Frankly speaking, the budget government has given us last year, which was 16.5 per cent, is at this moment quite adequate. The problem is that we should be in a position to spend all we get. As just mentioned to you, there is a gap between the life of the budget and the period for decision-making in our system. Once these two match, we can spend our full budget
What is the status of the Air Defence System project of the Navy?
The status is that full planning for the design work is completed. It took a long time, yes, I must admit that. It took a long time because we wanted to make sure that the design, the final design, was exactly what the Indian Navy needed. That it could operate on all the aircraft that we are likely to get in the next ten to fifteen years. When the decision on the aircraft was taken, which is MIG-29 and the light combat aircraft to be built in Bangalore, the design of the ship could be chosen. That took slightly longer time and I think people got slightly impatient with that. But now all that is over. The design is chosen, work is about to start. It is now only a question of working hard and getting the ship.
Dhanush, the Naval version of the Prithvi series of missiles which can carry nuclear warheads, has been test-fired successfully. What is the significance and when are they and the supersonic cruise missiles, Brahmos, joining the Navy?
The significance of Dhanush is that it gives us the capability to put a ballistic missile out at sea. Once a ship sails out at sea, its position is very uncertain. So our adversary is never sure of where this ship and where this missile is. In comparison to the missiles which are on land, their position is known, by and large. Even if they are mobile, their position is within a certain area. But the missile which is out at sea on a ship could be anywhere in an area of 10,000 square kilometres. So, that is the significance of the Dhanush which gives us the capability to strike from the sea
The Brahmos missile, which is a joint Indo-Russian venture, is undergoing certain tests. First it was tested from a shore. Recently it has been tested from one of our ships, and within a matter of few months it will be operational. And then we will start fitting it on our warships. All the warships, which are going to be built in future, will carry Brahmos supersonic missiles
There is a controversy about acquiring of Russian nuclear submarine. What is exact position, sir, and what are the options on the anvil?
I am afraid, I am not in a position to discuss this issue
What is the status of the French ‘Scorpene’ submarine deal?
The Scorpene submarine deal was negotiated two years ago and the contract has received the approval of all the authorities concerned that is Navy, Ministry of Defence, etc. However, due to certain reasons, including the recent elections, there was a delay in the project. We have reminded the government that further delay will lead to cost escalation as well as cause a decline at force levels. The government has taken cognizance of my submissions and the whole project is under very close examination. I have been assured that it will come to fruition soon
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The government has already, in principle, accepted that we need to have two aircraft carriers-one on the eastern sea-board and the other on the western sea-board. I think we will have these two by the year 2011 or 2012. |
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How is the Indian Navy prepared to meet terrorist threats, both on western and eastern sectors?
The first step in meeting the threat is to know what is hapening. Therefore, our intelligence network, Naval intelligence, is very active; we keep our eyes open. We carry out reconnaissance at sea in the sea areas both by air, by ships and by UAV. Therefore, we are fairly certain that should any threat emanate from high seas we will receive adequate warning. Once we receive the warning, it is a question of intercepting them, finding out who they are, what they are up to. Once we know, we are adequately capable; we have ships of all types. We can take care of any terrorist threats, both on the western side, on the southern side and, if required, on the eastern side
Joint naval exercises with the US, Britain and France have become annual affairs. Recently, Indian Navy had similar ventures with Japan, China and Russia and is planning one with Singapore next year. Please elaborate on the significance and benefits for the Indian Navy?
There are many benefits of having exercises with other navies. First of all, it allows mutual understanding to be established between two navies. We see their operating procedures, they see our operating procedures. If the situation should arise that we have to operate together, may be under United Nations Charter or in some humanitarian operations and if we have exercised once or twice with each other, then working together under operational conditions is much easier. That is the first benefit. Secondly, it exposes our men and our officers professionally to different ways of doing things, to tactics, to weapons, to other technological advancements which other navies have made. So, it provides exposure, professional exposure, to our officers and men which are of great benefit. And thirdly, it encourages friendship, cooperation amongst the regional navies and amongst extra-regional navies. All these are very helpful in promoting international understanding. We consider ourselves as ambassadors on the high seas. All these exercises are part of that confidence-building process.
What were the salient achievements during 2004 and which one would you consider as the most significant one?
Well, we don’t really look at year-to-year achievements. Navy’s progress is an ongoing process and we have long term plans. But events of significance in 2004 were that the last of the three Talwar class frigates, which are very powerful and modern ships, joined us. Third ship joined us in June this year. Then there are two other very notable achievements by our officers and sailors. One was circumnavigation of the world by the naval sail training ship, INS Tarangini. We are very proud of that achievement. She sailed right around the world in thirteen-fourteen months, she met friends everywhere she went and she impressed all the navies with the capabilities of the Indian Navy. Then a historic event was the ascent of the Mt. Everest by an all-Navy team. The expedition was flagged off in an unusual manner from a submarine which was 40 metre underwater. The team climbed all the way up Mt. Everest, and that also from the Northern side which lies in China. Thus, it has a number of ‘firsts’. It was the first all-Navy expedition, the first one which took off from underwater to the highest point on the earth’s surface. There were lot of climbers and officers and sailors, there were many young people who had no previous climbing experience. We are very pleased with this adventure and achievement.
Then, in the year 2004, we had a number of significant exercises. We had a very big exercise with the French navy called Varuna in which the French aircraft carrier, which is a nuclear aircraft carrier, and a nuclear submarine took part
Where do you see Indian Navy in the next ten to fifteen years? Please elaborate with details of your time-line for the Indian Navy to be recognised as world power?
First of all, a Navy is only an instrument of a nation’s aspirations, a nation’s quest for attaining a position in the world. I don’t think India, at this point of time, is thinking of becoming a world power. That is I think a little unrealistic. We are certainly a regional power. We have our own place in the world. We may become economic power certainly. We may even get seat in the Security Council. But I don’t think it is realistic for us to aspire that the Indian Navy will become a world power. It is not necessary. Our aspirations extend only to the Indian Ocean Region. As long as Indian Navy is a force for peace and tranquility, we are quite content with that. We have no aspirations nor do we have the means, the financial standing, to become a world power
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A Navy is only an instrument of a nation’s aspirations, a nation’s quest for attaining a position in the world. |
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You hail from Jammu & Kashmir and have specialisation in aviation. Tell us more about yourself as a person, your hobbies and how you spend your spare time?
During my spare time, I do a lot of reading. Whenever I find time, I read as much as I can. I am also very fond of outdoor sports, so in the morning I play either tennis or squash or go for a swim. These are some of my hobbies. If I get a chance, I like to do some horse riding. But problem these days is of finding time to do anything
Thank you Admiral Arun Prakash, and best wishes for the Navy Day from the readers and staff of Sainik Samachar
Thank you very much Mr. Chandak, it was a pleasure interacting with you. And let me compliment your magazine for a very fine get-up and quality and prompt coverage of all the events. I think you and your staff need to be complimented.
pix: GD Mehra
Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of Naval Staff addressing the Naval Senior Officers’ conference
Underlining the government’s commitment to Navy’s modernisation plans, Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee said that he was conscious of the importance of a long-term funding for the sustained growth of the Navy. Stressing the need for a strong and vibrant maritime force, Mr Mukherjee quoted the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru onboard the erstwhile cruiser INS Mysore in March 1958, “History bears testimony to the fact that whichever power controls the Indian Ocean has in the first instance India’s sea borne trade at its mercy and, in the second, India’s independence itself.” The Defence Minister was addressing the Naval Senior Officers’ Conference in New Delhi.
The Minister stated, “Our location on top of the Indian Ocean between the sea routes from the Cape of Good Hope and the Mediterranean Sea to the Malacca Straits gives us a vantage point and responsibility to safeguard the security of our energy supplies and shipping in the Indian Ocean Region. While addressing the maritime security issues, we have to keep in mind that 97 per cent of India’s trade is conducted through the different sea routes. This underscores the need for a strong and viable Navy to protect our maritime interests”. The Minister lauded Navy’s role in safeguarding the maritime interests of the country and said that it could be effectively utilised for enhancing international co-operation, and also for providing a competitive edge to economic activities
Earlier, Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of Naval Staff welcomed the Defence Minister at the Naval Headquarters Conference Hall and made a brief presentation on the current status and future plans of the Navy. Speaking to the mediapersons, the Naval Chief said that the proposal of the acquisition of Scorpene submarines is being closely examined at the highest level in the government and a decision in this regard could be expected in the near future
The five-day conference held discussions on various operational, technical and administrative issues. There was also a substantive exchange of ideas with other two Services. One of the prominent issues that figured for discussion during the conference was the need to bolster the force levels of the Navy, particularly, submarines which are on the verge of being phased out. The submarine arm of the Navy calls for new inductions in the near future. The other major discussions centred around the forthcoming operationalisation of the Karwar Naval Base, induction of the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov and networking of the naval units. The Naval Chief also exhorted the senior officers to ensure that the resources allocated to Navy were utilised in the most effective manner and that the Navy was prepared to meet any eventuality at short notice.
Senior Officers’ Conference is the highest decision making forum of the Indian Navy that reviews all activities during the previous year, identifies core areas requiring attention and prepares the road map for the future. In addition to the Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters, the Commanders-in-Chief of the three Naval Commands, Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff and Director General, Coast Guard attend this annual fixture.
-PIB (DW)
The prosperity of any nation is also linked with the optimal exploitation of its maritime assets. This, in turn, is interwoven with technological independence which dictates the ability to utilise assets for nation building and national security. With a coastline extending over 7,500 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone of about 2 million square km, India has a platter full of unlimited opportunities to savour from.
The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) was set up in 1953 as an arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation with an aim to gather scientific data from underwater. For several years, the scientists toiled with a lengthy charter of scientific targets with ships requisitioned from the Navy or Shipping Corporation of India. However, the absence of a dedicated marine research platform severely hampered their efforts. Hence, an indigenous Marine Acoustic Research Ship (MARS) was conceptualised in the 1980s by Dr VK Aatre, who recently retired as Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Director General, DRDO. The order for building the ship was evantually placed with GRSE, Kolkata, in 1988. Fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, MARS was commissioned on July 30, 1994 as INS Sagardhwani
At the outset, the ship was primarily employed for collecting data and studying propagation of sound underwater. The ship undertook a series of missions to understand the behaviour of sound around the peninsula, enabling NPOL to build a database of the noise propagation pattern. With the passage of time, Sagardhwani changed her role from merely being an acoustic research ship to a multifarious tasking ship. She was also tasked to track the monsoon clouds, photograph the seabed and collect samples from the sea bottom.
Having completed a decade of its collection of scientific data this year, this versatile ship has so far undertaken nearly 80 scientific missions, covering areas from Lakshadweep Islands on the West to Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the Eastern edges of the country’s maritime boundaries. The data collected by the ship has been utilised by the scientific community to understand the behaviour of the ever-evasive sonic rays. In 1999, she played a key role in Bobmex (Bay of Bengal Monsoon Exercise) which required the ship to study the monsoon patterns on the East Coast. Sagardhwani has also successfully deployed acoustic buoys in shallow as well as deep seas, a feat widely recognised at the world level.
With each successful mission, the unique ship has evolved into a valuable asset for the scientific community and the nation. The variegated tasking as well as departure of the ship from its primary role has, however, frequently precipitated the need for procuring more such specialised ships, particularly, for dedicated weapons and sensor trials. Such a development would lighten the load on MARS and permit her to devote herself exclusively to missions which require the ship to cover a vast area in future years. Successful completion of this project would be a landmark achievement in marine research
-Lt N Sudeep
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Fort Kochi, which has captivated the imagination of people through the ages, is indeed a melting pot of various cultures that have been lured by the scent of the exotic spices. The synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the breath-taking cathedrals and basilicas of this port are visible symbols of the potpouri that is Kochi. It is at this idyllic spot that the alma mater of gunners, INS Dronacharya is situated.
The thrust at Dronacharya has always been on improving the quality of training as well as quality of life for all personnel. Here, training lays a great emphasis on an overall development of officers and men. Accordingly, the curriculum includes professional research, seminars, practical training, discussions, outdoor training, jungle camps, industrial visits and computer education. Dronacharya, in addition to Navy personnel, trains personnel from Coast Guard, Army and NCC and men from friendly foreign navies. The guiding principle remains the same: “Prepare the men for the ultimate test, the conflict.”
Dronacharya boasts of state-of-the-art infrastructure to cater to the needs of the inmates. A high-tech children park is one of the best in and around Fort Kochi area.
-Cdr M Nambiar
Established in 1943, Shipwright School, Visakhapatnam, provides technical training to officers and men of the Indian Navy. The school was set up, primarily, for training Shipwright Artificers who are specialist sailors with expertise in welding, ship painting, lagging and first-line maintenance of deck machinery fitted on ships. The school also conducts training in damage control of ships in various loading conditions and operations. It also caters to first-line maintenance of fresh water and sanitary systems on ships.
Since the merger of the Constructors Training Office with the Shipwright School in 1986, a six-month training programme for permanent and short service Naval Architect Officers and Special Duty Shipwright Officers in basic naval architecture and shipbuilding was added to the school’s curriculam. The school also conducts a large number of short courses for officers and sailors manning invaluable ships at sea.
Established in 1943, Shipwright School, Visakhapatnam, provides technical training to officers and men of the Indian Navy. The school was set up, primarily, for training Shipwright Artificers who are specialist sailors with expertise in welding, ship painting, lagging and first-line maintenance of deck machinery fitted on ships. The school also conducts training in damage control of ships in various loading conditions and operations. It also caters to first-line maintenance of fresh water and sanitary systems on ships. |
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Since the merger of the Constructors Training Office with the Shipwright School in 1986, a six-month training programme for permanent and short service Naval Architect Officers and Special Duty Shipwright Officers in basic naval architecture and shipbuilding was added to the school’s curriculam. The school also conducts a large number of short courses for officers and sailors manning invaluable ships at sea.
Training in damage control and fire fighting is another facet of training at the school. The ship also conducts regular exercises for personnel in the Eastern Naval Command.
There are two types of entries for Shipwright Artificers: 10+2 entry and Direct Entry Diploma Holder (DEDH) entry. While the 10+2 entry sailors spend two-and-half years at the school and pass out with a diploma in marine engineering, the DEDH entry sailors spend one-and-half years at the school and pass out with an advanced diploma in marine engineering.
-Cdr M Nambiar
from Kochi
INS Angre, the shore logistic support establishment of the Western Naval Command, is a giant organisation like the famous ship Titanic with the exception that it will never go into sea. If the Western Fleet is the sword arm of the Western Naval Command, Angre is the administrative and logistic support arm. Historically, Angre was known as Castle Barracks. The Castle Barracks has a chequered history. A history of the erstwhile Bombay is incomplete without the Barracks. In the 16th century AD, Bombay was one of archipelagoes of seven marshy islands which was leased by the King of Portugal to his compatriot Garcia de Orta, a famous botanist-physician in 1548. He built a wooden Manor House, where the sick quarters (MI Room) exist today. In early times, the area around the Manor House consisted of a sea-front wall and four guns mounted on it and it became known as Castle Barracks. The Britishers became the masters of the island when the Portuguese gave it in the form of dowry to King Charles-II for the marriage of Catherina of Barganza, Portugal. The Manor House became, officially, the seat of power of British Empire when Humphrey Cook signed the Instrument of Possession in 1665. |
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Humphrey Cook fortified the area around the Manor House with ramparts and the walls. The walls were 20 ft high and the ramparts 42 feet wide to defend the island against marauding sea pirates attacking British ships and boats at anchorage. The island came into the possession of the East India Company in 1668. The company shifted its headquarters from Surat to Castle Barracks in 1686 and its flag from the flag-staff which now flies the flag of the Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
Earlier in 1830, the naval ensign known as the Company Jack was hoisted on the Castle for the first time when Bombay Marine was re-designated as the Indian Navy. It was hauled down in April 1863 when the government decided to abolish the Indian Navy.
The Castle Barracks temporarily lost its glory with the shifting of political power from the hands of East India Company to the British Empire after the first War of Independence in 1857 and the Empire locating their headquarters at Calcutta.
The white ensign was hoisted again in the Castle Barracks on the flag-staff in January 1941 when the re-constructed buildings were taken into use for the Royal Indian Navy and declared open by Vice Admiral Herbert Fitzherbert, Flag Officer Commanding, Royal Indian Navy.
In 1940, the Castle was commissioned as HMIS Dalhousie and renamed as INS Dalhousie on January 26, 1950, the day India became a republic. The establishment was renamed INS Angre on September 15, 1951 in the honour of great Maratha Admiral, Kanhoji Angre.
Even after more than four centuries, the Castle Barracks retains some of the original structures and relics. The three ramparts and the fort walls, the four bastions called tank bastions (present Base Sick Quarters), cavalier bastions (present Command Meteorological Office), flag-staff bastion (present office of Commodore, Naval Barracks) and Barb Tree bastions (present Court Martial Room), massive wooden gates at two entrances and a ten-feet Portugese sundial remind the visitors of the rich history of the establishment.
Of late, a large number of measures have been initiated to bring the Castle Barracks back to its primitive glory. The massive wooden door facing Naval Dockyard has regained its original look. A project with the help of specialists is under way to conserve this historical site.
The Western Command of the Indian Navy organised A Day at Sea for Defence Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee off Mumbai on November 16 to apprise him of formidable capabilities of the Western Fleet in the Arabian Sea. Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of Naval Staff accompanied him along with mediapersons.
Defence Minister witnessed the prowess of Indian Navy on board INS Mysore, 60 nautical miles south west off Mumbai in the Arabian Sea. The programme began with a demonstration of Navy's close range anti-aircraft gunfire from INS Mysore. The guns have an extremely high rate of fire-almost 6000 rounds per minute and are utilised for bringing down enemy missiles. It was was followed by a demonstration of underway replenishment from INS Aditya. The ship replenishes fuel, water and armament spare parts to the needy ship while at sea. Next came the demonstration of the submarine. The submarine Sindhushastra took part in this demonstration at a close distance from the board ship. The Minister also witnessed a missile attackdemonstration by the ships of 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron. The 1241RE class of missile fire boat demonstrated its capability with a surface to surface missile having a range of 130 km. To mark the occasion, Marine Commandos, considered to be the most elite of all Special Forces, displayed water para jump and slithering from a Seaking helicopter. This was followed by firing of anti-submarine warfare rockets from INS Tabar. These rockets have the capability to neutralise the most potent maritime threat that faces Navy. The programme headed towards a grand close with a stream-past by 11 ships and two submarines. INS Delhi, Trishul, Tabar, Betwa, Brahamhaputra, Himgiri, Udayagiri, Tarangini, Vindhyagiri, Suvarna and Aditya along with submarines Sindhushastra and Shankul took part in the steam-past. While talking to mediapersons on the occasion, the Minister expressed satisfaction over the preparedness of the Western Fleet and said such demonstrations are required from time to time. To keep Indian Navy at par with advanced navies of the world, alocation of budget would not be a hindrance, Mr Mukherjee assured.
-Mana Mohan Padhy
on board INS Mysore off Mumbai
India and the US have nurtured strategic relationship over the years. Malabar series of exercises was a case in point. The exercise started off at elementary level of communication checks and basic manoeuvres. Today it has reached a stage where the two navies are in a position to exercise in a multi-dimensional and multi-threat scenario with the presence of major combatants which include destroyers and frigates with integral helicopters, both nuclear and diesel submaraines, carrier-borne fighter aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft. Malabar-2004 was conducted off Goa in two phases. The US ships, Cowpens and Gary and submarine Alexandria and Indian ships, Brahmaputra and Mysore and submarine Shankul along with Aditya oil tanker rendezvoused off South of Cape Comorin. The conduct of the exercise planned to be within the framework of low intensity maritime operation focusing on anti-terrorism. |
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The exercise focussed on advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW), sea control missions, fleet air defence, surface firings, maritime interdiction operations and (visit board search and seizure) operations. In order to streamline interoperability and derive maximum training value from such exercises, the two navies evolved standard operating procedures (SOPs) which were tested during the exercise.
-Cdr AK Lambhate
pix: HS Bobde
Amitabh Bachan on board a ship for the shoot
The moment Amitabh Bachchan, attired in a Colonel’s uniform, came on board, director Anil Sharma shouted ‘action’. Hundreds of soldiers in ‘olive green’ followed Bachchan. And the film crew grooved into their assigned roles. The shooting of Ab Tumhare Hawaale Watan Sathiyon, a film focussing on blue waters was taking its course.
The contribution of Indian Navy towards protection of maritime interests need not be reiterated. However, Bollywood never made any films glorifying the contribution of Navy. It made Haqueeqat, Border, Hindustan ki Kasam, Hero, LOC and Lakshaya which centred around Army only. On the other hand, Hollywood made hundreds of films based on navy including 100 Million and Pearl Harbour.
The sinking of INS Khukri and the brave conduct of Captain Mullah, his officers and sailors in this mishap left an indelible mark in the history of the Indian Navy. Capt Mullah was honoured with Maha Vir Chakra posthumously. Only sixty, out of a nearly two hundred crew on board survived this mishap. Based on this incident, the story of Ab Tumhare Hawaale Watan Sathiyon was written. However, the story was modified and linked up with the sinking of Pakistan’s Ghazi to make it more interesting.
We got permission to shoot at Visakhapatnam. It was amazing the way the Naval officers, sailors and civilian staff came forward to help for the smooth conduct of the shoot. The task was quite tough, different and, at times, very taxing. It was difficult to make people understand the outrageous demands to shoot without having meal breaks and till late at night. We were given five ships. We sailed about 200 kms outside the harbour. Quite a few film crew turned sea-sick and the whole lot had bumps on their heads as going up and down the ladders was found tough. The narrow space and small inside corridors proved to be most difficult for carrying cameras and lights. The ships’ crew was quite amused to see the motley film crew who appeared most ill-disciplined. Officers on board had the cynical smirk to deal with the “Bollywood invaders”.
For the next four days, we shot from four in the morning till late into the night. Naval personnel then gave the ovation saying, “You are as tough as us”. We all from Bollywood marvelled at the discipline, spirit and physical fitness of the personnel. We shot extensively, including the scenes of being hit by a torpedo, sinking of a submarine and abandoning of ship by the crew.
Next, we shot at INS Vikrant in Mumbai. Here we shot with Bobby Deol who donned the role of the gallant captain who sank with the frigate.
We still had to shoot the scenes where after being hit by the torpedo, the sea-water gushes in and damage control is put in action. For this, we went to INS Shivaji at Lonevala. Here we discovered that Navy is equipped with a Damage Control Simulator which is the first computerised model in the world, something to be really proud of. The simulator can show the flooding of the ship, damage control and fire fighting. It can also oscillate whenever water level increases.
We salute the Navy for providing assistance to shoot the film. The wonderful co-operation, affection and love made Amitabh Bachchan say at Visakhapatnam, “We always knew that defence services are the backbone of the country and, because of them, we sleep soundly in our homes”.
-Brig (Retd) Sudhir Arora
AIR WAVES FOR ARMED FORCES Tune to Sainiko Ke Liye on Delhi ‘B’, All India Radio between 1815 hrs and 1855 hrs every day on the frequencies: MW450.5 Metre Band (666 KHz) and SW61.73 Metre Band (107.1 MHz). Armed Forces personnel and their families who are willing to participate in various programmes produced by Broadcasting Section of Directorate, Public Relations, Ministry of Defence may contact Broadcasting Officer, Room No. 25, L-II Block, New Delhi-110001, telephone number 23093764. Recorded audio cassettes of entertainment programmes and band tunes prepared by Armed Forces Centres/units can also be sent to this address. In Store December 3: Message from Chief of Naval Staff December 6: An interview with DG Resettlement |
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INS Eksila is the premier establishment of Indian Navy undertaking medium repairs of marine gas turbines. This unique establishment, manned primarily by sailors, undertakes overhaul of gas turbines (GT) and gas turbine generators (GTG) of ships. Eksila is a self-reliant production unit equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and facilities. The infrastructure is being augmented to cater for overhaul of M-15 and M-36 GT aggregates of Veer class and Delhi class ships respectively.
The establishment has accelerated the production output by refinement of the existing procedures and use of modern technology. The endeavour is to continually improve the productivity.
-Cdr LN Prasad
INS Balshil
The Southern Naval Command added to its inventory tug boat Balshil which was formally inducted at a simple ceremony at the Naval Base, Kochi.
This 25-ton tug was built in Chennai by M/s Tebma Shipyard and delivered to the Indian Navy ahead of schedule. The 28-metre long tug is capable of doing speeds upto 12 knots. Manned by a crew of twelve, Balshil enhances the capability of the yard in berthing bigger ships of the Indian Navy.
Rear Admiral Ronnie Tay being greeted by Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh
The Western Naval Command (WNC) played host to Rear Admiral Ronnie Tay, Chief of Navy, Singapore. The visit was a part of growing bilateral and naval co-operation between the two nations.
Admiral Tay, accompanied by his wife Mrs Leah Tay, was the guest of honour at a reception hosted by Vice Admiral Madanjit Singh, FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command. The Admiral inspected a guard of honour at INS Angre.
Admiral Tay, during his two-day visit, discussed with senior officers issues of naval warfare, training and cooperation. Later, he visited the naval museum onboard INS Vikrant. This was followed by a visit onboard one of the Western Fleet’s frontline warships, INS Trishul.
Capt Sanjay Bhutani giving away the prize
Shipwright School conducted Eastern Naval Command Cross-country Championship. Six teams took part in the race. The event was organised in two categories.
Cdr Jaison Manathara, Officer-in-Charge, Shipwright School, flagged off the race. Eastern Fleet (B) team emerged winners while Local Ashore team was runner-up in the championship. Capt Sanjay Bhutani, Command Administration and Personnel Officer gave away the prizes.
Bring NPR Pillai reviewing the parade
The passing-out parade of Associate NCC Officers was conducted at Seamanship School, Naval Base, Kochi. Five senior division and twentythree junior division NCC officers were commissioned at the parade.
Brig NPR Pillai, DDG NCC Directorate (Kerala & Lakshadweep) took the salute at the parade. Capt TK Ashokan, Group Commander, NCC Group HQ Ernakulam, senior naval officers from Southern Naval Command and other officers from NCC units were present on the occasion.
Sub Lt Yathish Kumar was adjudged the ‘Best overall NCC Officer’ in the senior division while Third Officer Sharad D Gunagi was declared ‘Best overall NCC Officer’ in junior division.
A police guard presenting Arms to Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakashat Iringal
Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of Naval Staff, visited Calicut University to inaugurate the first University Chair in the country for Maritime Studies. The Chair, funded by Indian Navy, has been set up to promote research and awareness in maritime studies.
Prior to arriving at the Calicut University, the Admiral paid a short visit to Kunhali Marikkar Memorial at Iringal near Payyoli. The District Collector, Ms Rachana Shah received the Naval Chief at the helipad. At the Memorial, the Admiral was presented Arms by the Police.
Vice Admiral Raman Puri reviewing the parade
A passing-out parade of the 68th Naval Academy Cadets Course was held at the Naval Base INS Mandovi, Goa. Altogether, 114 trainees passed out from the Academy. Vice Admiral Raman Puri, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Committee reviewed the parade. He presented the President’s Gold Medal, Chief of Naval Staff’s Silver and Bronze Medals to the cadets. Trophies and prizes to the trainees who excelled in various spheres of training were presented on the occasion.
Lt Rahul Mehta receiving the trophy
Five officers of 60th Observer Course were awarded ‘Wings’ by Rear Admiral RF Contractor, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command at an impressive passing-out parade held at the Naval Base, Kochi. These officers were trained at Observer School, Kochi.
During the 45-week course, the officers were trained in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), tactics employed in air warfare and exploitation of ESM systems. They were also given basic training in air navigation.
Lt P Latesh Rao was awarded the Uttar Pradesh Trophy for the best allround trainee while Lt Rahul Mehta received the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for standing first in training.
HS Yadav (right) enroute the expedition
HS Yadav, Petty Officer of INS Kulish, a ship based at Visakhapatnam undertook a solo cycle expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The sailor, whilst on his annual leave at his home town Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh, decided to undetake the expedition covering nearly 3500 km within 18 days with an intention to renew his spirit of adventure. He started from Kathua district of Kashmir and Kanyakumari. On an average, he covered nearly 200 km daily.
Air Vice Marshal JK De presenting the championship trophy to Indian Navy team
Indian Navy won the Inter-Services Handball Championship. The finals were held at the MEG & Centre in Bangalore in whcih Navy defeated Army Green team by 29-26 goals.
Rashid Khan and AK Chauhan scored nine and six goals respectively for the Indian Navy while Amit Rana and Harpreet Singh scored six goals each for the Army Green team.
Air Vice Marshal JK De, Commandant, Command Hospital, Air Force, Bangalore was the chief guest and presented the trophies and medals to the winners.
Four teams namely, Army Red, Army Green, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force participated in the three-day championship. Army Red team stood third followed by Air Force.
inputs: Cdr M Nambiar, Lt Command Abhinav Barve,
Cdr LN Prasad and MN Shankar
His Majesty King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia arrived in New Delhi
on November 27. The President, the Prime Minister, the Vice-President
and Ministers of the Government of India received His Majesty
on his arrival at the Palam airport. From left to right:
Dr Rajendra Prasad, His Majesty the King of
Saudi Arabia, Sri Jawaharlal Nehru
and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Sainik Samachar is a multi-lingual publication, the pilot edition of which is prepared in English language. Our highly esteemed contributors are requested to:
Editor-in-Chief
ATTENTION READERS Continuing its tradition of improvements based on the feedback from its esteemed readers, Sainik Samachar is soon starting a column carrying letters to the editor from the 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 the 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 |
Gen NC Vij, Chief of the Army Staff being received by Maj Gen Mandhata Singh
Gen NC Vij, Chief of the Army Staff visited the formations of Nagrota Corps. He was received by Maj Gen Mandhata Singh, officiating GOC, Nagrota Corps at Jammu.
The Army Chief immediately left for Rajouri and Maniyarwala where he was received and briefed by GOC, Romeo Force, Maj Gen GD Bakshi. Gen Vij complimented troops on the recent successes achieved in eliminating some of the top leaders of the major terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Tayabba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.
Gen Vij later went to Jadawali Gali where he was briefed by Commander, 14 Sector, Rashtriya Rifles. He held detailed discussion with the Field Commanders regarding the ongoing counter-terrorist operation, south of Pir Panjal ranges.
-Lt Col RK Chhibber
from Jammu
Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor laying the wreath at the war memorial of Trishakti Corps
Trishakti Corps, a frontline fighting arm of the Indian Army, celebrated its raising day at Sukhna Cantonment in Siliguri. The corps was raised in 1960 at Shillong by Lt Gen Umrao Singh and had subsequently moved to Sukna in June 1966.
Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor, GOC, Trishakti Corps laid a wreath at the War Memorial at Sukna. The raising day celebrations included a display of weapons and a blood donation camp. Lt Gen JS Varma, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, was the chief guest on the occasion. The celebrations were attended by senior civil dignitaries and official guests from the local administration and security forces.
-Maj SK Gautam
from Guwahati
Air Marshal VA Patkar reviewing the passing-out parade
Altogether, 187 recruits passed out from the Jadunath Parade Ground of the Brigade of the Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee at a colourful and impressive parade.
The parade was reviewed by Air Marshal VA Patkar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, IAF, Nagpur. The Air Marshal, complimenting the excellent standard of drill and turn-out, exhorted the young soldiers to translate their motto – Pahla Hamesha Pahla (First, Always First) into a reality.
Air Marshal Patkar gave away prizes to 11 recruits who excelled during their nine-month training at Guards Regimental Centre.
-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur
A view of attestation parade at Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre
An attestation parade for 506 recruits of Course 103 and 104 was held at the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, Delhi Cantt. The parade was reviewed by Maj Gen N B Singh. Medals for outstanding performance in training and sports were awarded to recruits by the chief guest. The General Officer complimented the recruits for their high standard of turn-out and drill. Maj Gen Singh also motivated the young soldiers to live up to the high traditions of the regiment.
input : Lt Col Jiten Vadhera
Brig GJ Singh addressing the sainik sammelan in Chandigarh on TA Day
The Territorial Army Group Headquarters, Western Command celebrated the anniversary of Territorial Army in Chandigarh. Various events including special sainik sammelan, sports, welfare measures, blood donation camp and barakhana for troops were organised to mark the occasion.
Addressing the TA officers and other ranks at the sainik sammelan, Brig GJ Singh, Group Commander congratulated them for their outstanding performance in various fields. He said that the role of TA units has been lauded not only for the security-related task in the Kashmir Valley but also for preservation of ecology in Bhatti Mines area in Delhi where TA personnel have planted 1.25 lakh trees. A blood donation camp was also organised in association with the Western Command Hospital.
Brig Singh also gave away prizes to the units as well as individual achievers in various fields.
-DS Rawat
from Chandigarh
Brig JC Pant receiving the National Safety Award from Mr Sis Ram Ola
Controllerate of Quality Assurance (CQAL), Bangalore has been awarded National Safety Award-2003 for the lowest average frequency rate. It has also been adjudged the best DGQA Establishment for the year 2003-2004 for its sustained outstanding performance and professional competence displayed at all levels. The awards were presented to Brig JC Pant, Controller, CQAL by Mr Sis Ram Ola, Union Minister for Labour and Employment at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi at a glittering function.
-MN Shankar
from Bangalore
A quarterly Control Workshop and Works Conference was organised at the Headquarters, Project Dantak at Simtokha. This was the first quality control workshop organised at the project level.
Inaugurating the conference Brig SN Shah, Chief Engineer, Project Dantak said that quality consciousness is the need of the hour to check wrong practice at the initial stage. He added that to ensure quality it is imperative to be aware of the correct way of execution.
The Quarterly Works Conference was attended by all Staff Officers of Project Dantak, Commanders of Task Forces based at Phuentsholing, Guwahati, Gangtok, Officers Commanding, road construction companies based at Chapcha, Bondey, Samdrup Jongkhar, Darugiri, Kalimpong and Chungthang.
input : Lt Col AK Pandey
Lt Gen JJ Singh felicitating Maj RS Rathore
Maj RS Rathore, Olympic silver medallist, has been felicitated by Lt Gen JJ Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command at Chandimandir military station. The Army commander praised him on his achievements and said that the entire nation was proud of him. A demonstration of Skeet shooting and a precision shooting display was also organised on the occasion.
A shooting competition was earlier conducted at all stations of Western Command to scout for talent. Twelve firers including six girls were selected, who would be given intense training in indoor shooting ranges. Lt Gen JJ Singh also inaugurated a new indoor shooting range at Chandimandir which has been named after Major Rathore.
-PIB (DW)
Lt Gen PK Grover inaugurating the CME programme
A one-day continuing medical education (CME) programme on futurology of diagnostics and therapeutics was organised by Western Command Hospital in Chandimandir Cantonment.
Inaugurating the programme, Lt Gen PK Grover, Chief of Staff, HQ Western Command said it was necessary that the specialists should update others on the recent advances. Emphasising that no machine or technology would ever replace the human touch, he said that it was for the medical fraternity to ponder over the grooming of a humane doctor.
About 150 delegates including doctors from Army hospitals and Government Medical College, Chandigarh, specialists from Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh and postgraduate students of the Command Hospital attended the programme.
-DS Rawat
from Chandigarh
Lt Gen JJ Singh launching the PRC website
Lt Gen JJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command launched the website of the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), Mohali from the Command HQ in Chandimandir Cantonment. Apart from general information about the Centre and its management, the website (www.prcmohali.org) gives details of products being manufactured by the inmates of the Centre.
More than 25 years in service, PRC is a welfare organisation functioning under HQ Western Command for the welfare of the hundred per cent disabled soldiers.
The paraplegic soldiers have been provided with indoor and outdoor games facilities to keep them physically fit and mentally robust. These soldiers and their family members are given vocational training in various trades so as to make them self-reliant. The products like various hosiery items and candles made by the Cente are in great demand especially with Army Public Schools, AWWA outlets and customers in corporate sector.
-DS Rawat
from Chandigarh
A view of the AWWA meet
The bi-annual Army Wives Welfare Association Meet was held recently in Delhi. The meeting was presided over by Mrs Rita Vij, President, AWWA and attended by all the Regional Presidents.
Inaugurating the meet, Mrs Rita Vij called upon all to imbibe ethos and motto of Caring and Sharing. She added that care and support to war widows would be the prime focus. She laid emphasis on vocational training, education for children and ladies and self-reliance.
She stressed the need to review the standard and quality of education being imparted by AWWA aided schools specially for physically challenged and “special children”. She also underscored the need for educating Army families in the concerted drive to eradicate polio.
-PIB (DW)
Students at Air Force Station, Jammu
Under the programme of operation Sadbhavna, 30 children of Lower High School, Gagrot and Middle School, Sial of Naushera district visited Air Force Station, Jammu.
During their visit to Air Force Station, children were made acquainted with helicopters and their operations. They were also introduced to basic operation of Air Force Base. In the tour captioned Vadi Se Gulshan Tak, Jammu was the only air base visited by these children. The visit has been very motivating for young children.
-Lt Col RK Chhibber
from Jammu
Brig JS Bajwa with the students from Assam
A group of 15 students from Kokrajhar district of Assam arrived in Bangalore on an excursion to South India organised by the Indian Army. The team met Brig JS Bajwa, Commander, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area. The children also met the Governor of Karnataka, Mr TN Chaturvedi. During their three-day tour to Karnataka, they visited various historical places in the state.
The objective of the excursion was to show the students of Assam, the difference in life in a normal state and a militancy-affected state, to widen their perception.
Army is committed to ameliorate the problems faced by the people and, therefore, emphasis has been laid on civic action to give a healing touch to the insurgency-affected population.
-MN Shankar
from Bangalore
An eye camp was organised at Air Force Station, Manauri for serving personnel, families and their dependents. The camp was inaugurated by Air Cmde SK Sinha, Air Officer Commanding 24ED, Manauri.
A team of eye specialists led by Dr Ramesh Chandra, Superintendent, BS Mehta Eye Hospital, Allahabad carried out check-up of patients and necessary medicines and medical advice were provided to patients. About 130 persons including families of AF personnel availed the benefits of the camp.
-Sqn Ldr SM Sharma
from Allahabad
A view of the programme during Family Health Week
The Family Health Week was observed at Jammu Military Station. The week saw health check-up including general examination, vaccination and screening for anaemia.
A Healthy Baby competition was also held at Tiger Auditorium. The children were divided into three groups. Ladies above 35 years were also screened for cancer. The function at Tiger Auditorium was graced by Maj Gen Vinay Sharma, General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division and Mrs Rupa Sharma, President AWWA, Tiger Division who distributed the prizes.
-Lt Col RK Chhibber
from Jammu
Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad presenting gifts to the children of Army Goodwill School and Women Empowerment Cell at Tyakshi
Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad, President AWWA, Northern Command visited Ladakh region. During her visit, she reviewed AWWA and operation Sadbhavana activities being carried out in the Division Sector, especially at Karu, Tangtse and Partappur. She congratulated the ladies of the Division for improving the living condition of Ladakhi people.
-Lt Col RK Sen
from Udhampur
Lt Gen VK Dhir flagging off EME cycle expedition
Corps of Electronic & Mechanical Engineering (CME) cycle expedition from Delhi to Secunderabad was flagged off by Lt Gen VK Dhir, Director General of EME at Delhi Cantt. The 18-member expedition was led by Maj Sandeep Kapila. The expedition was flagged in at Secunderabad. The team spread the message of national integration, peace and harmony enroute.
-PIB (DW)
Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia took over the charge of Director General, Flight Safety and Inspection at Air Headquarters in New Delhi.
Air Marshal Ahluwalia was commissioned in IAF in 1968. He is a graduate of National Defence College and Defence Services Staff College. A qualified Instructor, Air Marshal Ahluwalia has flown various types of fighter and trainer aircraft with a flying experience of more than 4500 hours to his credit. Air Marshal Ahluwalia has commanded Mirage 2000 Squadron and its Base, Air Force Station, Gwalior.
Air Marshal Ahluwalia has been decorated with Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
-PIB (DW)
Air Marshal AK Nagalia has taken over the charge of Air Officer-in-Charge, Personnel of IAF at Air Headquarters, New Delhi.
Air Marshal Nagalia was commissioned in IAF in June 1968 in the fighter stream. He has flown 4500 hours on various types of fighter aircraft. He is also a qualified flying instructor who has done an instructional tenure in Iraq. He is a graduate of National Defence College and attended the staff course at Royal Air Force Staff College, United Kingdom.
Air Marshal Nagalia has been awarded Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal (gallantry) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
-PIB (DW)
Air Marshal SY Savur inspecting the guard of honourpresented
by southern Air Command personnel
Air Marshal Sharad Yeshwant Savur took over the charge of Southern Air Command. He was presented a ceremonial guard of honour by Air Force personnel on his arrival at Southern Air Command Headquarters. Later, he was introduced to senior officers of the command.
Air Marshal Savur is the fifteenth Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Air Command. A recipient of Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Air Marshal SY Savur was commissioned into the Flying (Pilot) branch of the Indian Air Force in October 1966. He has flown almost all the transport aircraft and achieved exceptional grading in all of them.
Air Marshal SY Savur is an alumnus of National Defence College. He has commanded three important stations of the Indian Air Force. He has served in various staff appointments at Air Headquarters as well as at Eastern Air Command. Prior to this appointment, he was Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command.
-P Rajendran
from Thiruvananthapuram
Air Marshal PK Mehra
Air Marshal PK Mehra took over as the new Senior Air Staff Officer of the operational Central Air Command, Indian Air Force. Prior to this appointment, he was Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air Headquarters. Born on April 29, 1947, he passed out from National Defence Academy and got commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force in 1968.
Air Marshal Mehra is one of the highly qualified and experienced officers. He took part in 1971 Indo-Pak war. From 1981 to 1983, he was deputed to Singapore as Flying Instructor where he flew over 770 hours on Strike Master aircraft. He has commanded an operational squadron and two operational bases. He has flown nearly all types of aircraft currently present in the Indian Air Force inventory. He has more than 5000 hours of flying experience to his credit.
-Sqn Ldr SM Sharma
from Allahabad
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