The Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes inaugurated an exhibition of Khadi Products in Chennai. Dhurries, bed-sheets, towels, boots, paper, etc. all hand-made, were on display. The exhibition was organised by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Chennai, as a part of its marketing programme. Coinciding with the exhibition, a Khadi workers meeting was also arranged in which the Defence Minister spoke. In his address on ‘Production and Marketing problems faced by Khadi at village industries instructions’, Mr Fernandes emphasised the need to take utmost care in maintaining the quality of the product and strict adherence to the delivery schedules while supplying items to defence services.

The Chief of Army Staff, Gen VP Malik accompanied by Dr (Mrs) Ranjana Malik visited forward troops at Tingrie Post (13,000 ft above MSL) in Machhal sector of 28 Infantry Division. Gen VP Malik exhorted the troops to maintain vigil along the Line of Control and to thwart any nefarious designs of the adversary. He also shared a cup of tea with the troops and assured them that all possible amenities will be provided to them to facilitate their living in the hazardous environment.

The next of kin (NOKs) of the martyrs and disabled soldiers of the Punjab Regiment from the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir since January 1, 1962 to August 19, 1993 were honoured by the Punjab Regiment at Fazilka Cantt. Maj Gen Mohinder Singh, General Officer Commanding of the Division, presided over the ceremony as the chief guest. During the presentation of the packages, the chief guest awarded cheques of Rs 1 lakh each to the disabled soldiers and Rs 50,000 each to the NOK of the martyrs. The financial grant has been allotted from the Army Central Welfare Fund for the beneficiaries.

Five hundred and fourteen Airmen Trainees were formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on completion of eighteen months of vigorous training. The Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station, Jalahalli, Air Cmde R Somanath reviewed the passing out parade at three training institutes located at Air Force Station Jalahalli.

AC Praveen K was adjudged as the best all rounder in radar fitter trade, LAC Gautam in radio fitter while LAC Gupta L was best all rounder in plant maintenance fitter trade.

- Maj BN Gurumurthy

A medical camp was organised by the Indian Ex-Services League (Punjab and Chandigarh) at Chamkaur Sahib. The spokesman of the League, Lt Col Angad Singh (retd) said that the camp was organised on the basis of self-help. The patients suffering from various ailments were examined by the doctors during the health camp.

To create awareness, talks on various health related problems were arranged. The general topics such as importance of cleanliness, diarrhoea, malaria, typhoid, cholera AIDS and worm infestation were explained.

325 patients were examined. Free blood and urine tests were also carried out. Free medicines were distributed to all patients. Representatives of DPDO Ropar were present to carry out the annual verification of the pensioners. Representatives of Zila Sainik Bhalai Office, Ropar, were also present to answer various queries.

The deeds of valour were recalled at a special Sainik Sammelan organised on the occasion of 34th raising day celebrations of the 16th battalion of the Kumaon Regiment somewhere in the Central Sector.

Addressing all ranks, Col Ajay Yadav, CO, reminded them of achievements of their battalion and called upon them to uphold the high traditions of the regiment.

Lt Col Amolak Singh Grewal (Retd), who had raised the battalion 34 years ago, was the chief guest. Speaking at the Sammelan, he commended the men of the battalion for their dedication and professional competence.

Prizes were distributed by Lt Col Grewal to winners of various competitions conducted during the past one year. The Commanding Officer’s Banner for overall best performance was received by Capt Govind Singh for "C" Company.

The JAK Clinic was inaugurated on the premises of the 13 JAK Rifles somewhere in the Central Sector recently. The clinic was inaugurated by Mrs Jitinder Jit Kaur, wife of the Commanding Officer, Col Jasbir Singh.

The doctor of the battalion, Capt Rajesh W Adhau is the force behind it. He initiated the case for converting the medical inspection (MI) room into a clinic for providing better facilities to the troops of the battalion and their families. The Commanding Officer fully supported the case and a new structure was provided on the battalion premises by the MES.

The JAK Clinic has facilities like, blood sugar testing kit, nebuliser for asthma patients, a latest BP measuring instrument and a blood testing kit.

The Indian Military Academy organised a Marathon Run in honour of the Kargil heroes. The run was flagged off by Maj Gen VS Karnik, Deputy Commandant, IMA. Approximately 1200 Gentleman Cadets and more than 150 officers participated in the event.

Three routes covering distances of 12.5 km, 8 km and 5 km were selected for senior GCs, junior GCs and officers in the age group of 30 to 40 years respectively. In the senior group, the gold medal was won by ACA CS Mankotia, silver medal by SUO DK Singh and bronze by Cpl Sandeep Kalra. The gold, silver and bronze medals in the junior group were won by GC R Khare, GC Om Prakash and GC Chogyal respectively. Among young officers the gold medal was won by Capt Mohit Seth and silver by Maj SS Shethe. In the 5 km run, gold medal was won by Capt Mohanan Pillai and silver medal by Maj KP Singh. Maj Gen Karnik gave away the prizes to the winners.

To reinforce the existing bonds of friendship between the Army and civil population, a two-day medical camp was organised at Billawar by the Gurj Formation.

This camp had provided facilities like specialists’ advices on ophthalmology, gynaecology, pediatrics, dental hygiene, immunisation, ECG and X-ray. An exclusive "Ex-servicemen Assistance Counter" also formed part of the medical camp to provide specialised attention and assistance to the soldiers of the yesteryears. Sports events for adults and children were also organised. Tea, refreshments and hot meals on both days were provided to all patients and visitors. Maj Gen PK Chhibber, GOC of the Gurj Formation also visited the camp. A total of 3658 patients were provided medical aid.

In a solemn ceremony, 84 war widows, next of kin of martyrs and disabled soldiers were honoured at the DSC Centre, Kannur. Certificate of badges, cash awards and Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Certificates were presented by Col NK Narayan, Commandant DSC Centre. Two next of kin of martyrs were given cash awards of Rs 50,000 while 82 others were given certificates of honour.

Prominent among the recipients were Mrs Madhavi, 82, mother of Sep Rajan. She lost her son in the Indo-Pak conflict in 1971, when he was only 23 years of age. Tears rolled down her cheeks when she recollected the event.

Mrs VK Lakshmi, widow of K Balan, lost him when he was just 25 years. He left behind three daughters under five. With three girls to look after, Laxmi decided to fight back. As a result, all daughters are now employed and settled in life.

Lt Gen Ravindra Mohan Chadha has assumed the appointment of the Chief of Staff Headquarters Central Command in Lucknow.

An alumnus of DSSC Wellington, Lt Gen Ravindra Mohan Chadha got commissioned in the Bengal Sappers of Corps of Engineer on December 11, 1962. During his service spanning over three decades, Lt Gen Chadha commanded the Parachute Field Company in 1971 Indo-Pak war. Lt Col Chadha also commanded an Engineer Regiment and a Mountain Brigade. He was General Officer Commanding of a division in J&K sector.

A graduate in civil engineering, Lt Gen Chadha is also post graduate in science and business administration and holds a diploma in foreign trade. Lt Gen Chadha was awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished services. Prior to joining as Chief of Staff, Central Command, the General Officer was holding the appointment of ADG (Manpower Policy) in AG’s branch, Army Headquarters, New Delhi.

In its effort to provide yet another venture for the welfare of the troops and their families, the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) of Allahabad Sub Area opened a retail outlet at the Sub Area CSD complex in New Cantt, Allahabad.

This AWWA shop was inaugurated by Mrs Geeta Mehra, President AWWA of Allahabad Sub Area. The function was attended by Brig PN Mehra, Commander Allahabad Sub Area and a large number of Officers, JCOs, jawans and their families. This AWWA shop will make available a wide range of readymade garments catering to a varied taste. Speaking on the occasion, Brig PN Mehra stressed that such ventures have multiple benefits keeping in view the larger interest of the troops.

L/Nk Gurmail Singh of 3 Punjab was one of the first casualties of Operation Vijay in Kargil. He left behind a 22 year old wife with a toddler in arms. The widow, Jasbir Kaur was adopted by 63 Cavalry that had the honour to cremate this brave soldier on May 17 last year. Mrs Jasbir Kaur was staying in a joint family with the late Grumail’s parents at Gharama Kalan in Patiala district.

The huge monetary compensations and the possibility of the widow being independent spurred the family to ensure the money package remain with them. The youngest brother of Gurmail, Mr Avtar Singh was made agree to remarry the widow in front of a village panchayat. The situation at Gharama Kalan made the couple move in with Dr (retd) Amarjit Singh, the girl’s father. In the mean time, a quick follow-up and documentation was done by the Regiment and the compensation packages started materialising.

All attempts for a family reconciliation failed. The parents of the late Lance Naik moved the court in an attempt to grab a large slice of the compensation. Constant liaison and documentation enabled the civil administration to provide the widow a house in the PUDA colony at Patiala and got her a job as senior assistant to the Tehsildar of Dera Bassi. Jasbir Kaur is today a financially secure person in a government job, living in house of her own with a career to pursue. Due care has also been taken to get all the entitled benefits to Guramail’s parents.

Thus, the Army has taken all necessary steps to ensure a speedy and early rehabilitation of the widow of L/Nk Gurmail Singh.

The prestigious ISO-9002 certificate was awarded to 508 Army Base Workshop. The function was attended by Director General of EME, several senior serving Army officers and all the Commandants of Army Base Workshop. The certificate for ISO-9002 was presented by the Chief Executive of NQA-QSR, Mr SM Bhola to Brig BS Dadwal, the Commandant and Managing Director of 508 Army Base Workshop, Allahabad. The ISO-9002 certificate has been awarded to 508 Army Base Workshop for efficient overhauling of engines. A team of officers and men worked tirelessly for almost a year to achieve this distinction. With the implementation of this quality management system there is now a perceptible change both in the quality and quantity of engines being overhauled.

The Jawans’ Institute was inaugurated at Pangode Military Centre by Brig DP Singh, Station, Commander, Pangode Military Centre. The institute has been opened as part of a host of welfare activities undertaken during the year 1999-2000.

The institute has an array of entertainment facilities for the troops and their families like a children’s park, tennis and basketball courts, basketball practice area and an assortment of refreshment stalls. Senior military officers and jawans attended the function

A full-fledged physiotherapy centre and a dental care centre were inaugurated by Mrs Balwinder Kaur Basra, President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional) at Southern Air Command Headquarters.

These centres were set-up utilising the welfare funds generated by the Air Force Wives Welfare Association and Command Welfare Fund of Southern Air Command. The physiotherapy centre has been equipped with all the modern gadgets and equipment. They include rowing machine, quadriceps exercise table, treadmill, tummy vibrator, nautical wheel, electronic tractions, electronic pulse massager, short wave disc therapy, pulley apparatus, static cycle, illuminated vision chart, wax bath, IR rays and weighing scale.

The dental centre has got a dental chair and other related equipment. The inaugural function was followed by a lecture-cum-demonstration on ‘oral health and the role of physiotherapy’. Senior Air officers, personnel and their families participated.

Maj Gen PN Awasthi has taken over as Additional Director General of Army Dental Corps. He was commissioned in Army Dental Corps in January 1963. During his long chequered career he was Corps Dental Advisor of a Strike Corps, Senior Advisor Oral and Maxillo Surgery, Commandant Armed Forces Dental Clinic, New Delhi and Professor and Head Dental Department Armed Forces Medical College Pune.

He is a recipient of a Vishisht Seva Medal, Chief of the Army Staff’s Commendation and Certificate of Merit from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

The 214 Rocket Regiment (GRAD), raised at Talbahat on June 1, 1984, celebrated its sixteenth raising day somewhere in the Western Sector. The regiment has provided aid to civil authorities and participated in counter insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Three personnel of the unit have been awarded Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards and one with General Officer Commanding-in-Chief’s Commendation Card. The regiment has launched several welfare schemes like training in computer and typing for jawans and their families. The raising day celebrations included a special prayer at the Regiment Mandir and Gurudwara, a colourful ceremonial guard, a special Sainik S1ammelan and a variety entertainment programme followed by the traditional barakhana. A number of serving and retired soldiers of the unit attended the celebrations.

A scintillating IMA horse show and polo were held at the Somnath Stadium of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The prowess of riders and horses were witnessed by packed stands of the stadium.

The events encompassed show jumping, tent pegging, trick riding displays and riding dare devilry — all performed by the GCs. Show jumping competition was won by GC Rohit Dagar while the tent pegging competition was won by GC Ravi Rathore.

The polo match was won by the passing-out course. The prizes were given away by Lt Gen Yuvraj Mehta, Commandant, IMA. He was the chief guest on the occasion.

Mr RR Pillai has assumed the office of new Director General of Defence Estates. Mr Pillai, an officer of the 1964 batch of Indian Defence Estates Service, was earlier the Senior Additional Director General of Defence Estates. During his 36 years of distinguished services, he has held several important positions in the cadre as well as in the Ministry of Defence.

The 202 Bomb Disposal Company celebrated its 44th raising day somewhere in the Western Sector. Raised in 1957 by Capt RR Rane, the unit has participated in various operations. It has been called for duty many times during peace in aid of civil administration for neutralising various un-exploded bombs, improvised explosive devices and forVIP security checks.

The unit has the distinction of winning one Kirti Chakra, two Shaurya Chakra, four Sena Medal, four Mention-in-Despatches, ten Chief of Army’s Commendation Cards and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards. A special Sainik Sammelan and barakhana were organised on the occasion. The barakhana which included a cultural programme was attended by JCOs/ORs, their families and ex-servicemen.