Recently, at the Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal, 53 cadets in flying branch and 50 cadets in ground duty branches were commissioned as Flying Officers, after successful completion of their training. Three Naval Officers and one Coast Guard Officer were awarded wings on completion of flying training. One officer from Uganda Air Force, two IAF officers in logistics branch and one officer in administrative branch also successfully completed their training and were presented certificates. A breath-taking fly-past by IAF aircraft and an aerobatic display by Surya Kiran team of IAF were the hallmark of the parade.

Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) reviewed the parade at the Air Force Academy. He awarded President's Commission to all the graduating cadets and wings to the cadets of flying branch. CAS also addressed passing-out cadets and personnel present on the parade. Earlier on arrival, he was received by Air Vice Marshal VK Verma, Commandant AFA.

Flying Officer Pranav Raj was awarded President's Plaque and Chief of Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in 171 Pilot Course. Flg Offr Deepak Choudhary was awarded President's Plaque for standing first amongst 111 ground duty branches while Flg Offr Asish Mishra was given President's Trophy for standing first in 94 Navigation Course.

Academy Cadet Capt Pranav Raj commanded the parade. Flight Cadet HV Pandey led the Nishan Toli carrying President's Colours presented to the Air Force Academy by the then President of India in 1975. A large number of retired and serving defence officers, civilian dignitaries, parents of passing-out cadets, school- children, other ranks and their families witnessed the parade.

A traditional fly-past by nine Deepak aircraft, six Iskara aircraft, three Chetak helicopters, one AN-32, two Dornier aircraft and 12 Kiran aircraft during the parade were the added attraction of the parade.

Air Force Station, Manauri is conducting a Civilian Storekeepers’ (CSK) Course for a select group of civilians, both ladies and gents, from Indian Air Force. The 12-week
long course was inaugurated by
Air Commodore SK Sinha, the Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Manauri. The main aim of this course is to provide logistics orientation to the civilian storekeepers in order to utilise their services for improvement in logistics operations and provisioning of spares in the Indian Air Force.

Air Cmde SK Sinha was received at the venue of the course by the Chief Logistics Officer of the Depot, Wing Commander RS Sherawat. Speaking on the occasion, Air Comde SK Sinha stressed upon the role of logistics and its importance in achieving the overall goal of Air Force. He highlighted the necessity of correct provisioning of spares in order to meet the futuristic commitments of IAF and ensure optimal management.

Later, Wg Cdr Sherawat highlighted the nitty-gritty of logistics. He urged the participants to practise the concept of logistics with utmost sincerity as only this could ensure an optimal utilisation of resources.

Recently, the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) celebrated its 40th Raising Day. Dr Kinzang Dorji, the Prime Minister of Bhutan was the guest of honour for the celebrations. A number of civil and military dignitaries including Mr KS Jasrotia, Ambassador of India to Bhutan, graced the occasion.

It was four decades ago that
Col BN Upadhyay and his team of dedicated professionals ventured into the Haa Valley as per the desire of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (the third king of Bhutan) and established IMTRAT. These forty years have seen IMTRAT grow into an efficient and mature training institution, the most visible manifestation of India-Bhutan friendship.

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at Maj Shaitan Singh Circle at Paota, Jodhpur to pay homage to late Maj Shaitan Singh on the occasion of his martyrdom day.

Maj Shaitan Singh of the erstwhile 13 Kumaon laid down his life on November 18, 1962 during the battle of Rezangla against the Chinese onslaught. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his valour and supreme sacrifice in the face of the enemy. He hailed from village Banasar, now known as Shaitan Singh Nagar of Jodhpur.

Lt Gen R Subramanyam, Desert Corps Commander, Maj Gen Balbir Singh, Chief of Staff, Desert Corps, Mr Khet Singh Rathore, Law Minister of Rajasthan, Air Cmde CS Gill, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Jodhpur, Brig KD Malhotra, Station Commander, Jodhpur Garrison,
Mr Narpat Singh, son of late Major Shaitan Singh, Mr Khem Raj Choudhary, Divisional Commissioner Jodhpur, Mr Rajat Mishra, District Collector Jodhpur, Mr Pukhraj Sirvi, IG Police (Border) and Lt Col DPS Rathore, Secretary Soldier Board, Jodhpur laid wreaths on the statue of Maj Shaitan Singh. The colourful ceremonial guards from Kumaon Regiment gave salami shastra and shok shastra as an honour to the martyr. Army buglers played the Last Post and the Rouse.

The 13 Punjab (Jind) celebrated its 231st Raising Day at Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad. The celebration started with homage to the martyrs at the battalion war memorial. A wreath was laid by the Colonel of the Regiment,
Lt Gen Mohinder Singh. Bugler sounded the Last Post on the occasion.

Raised by Raja Gajpat Singh, 13 Punjab (Jind) is one of the oldest Infantry battalions of the Indian Army. It has the singular honour of being awarded two battle honours since World War-II, namely Battle of Bucet Punjang and Battle of Dograi.

Addressing a special sainik sammelan on the occasion, Lt Gen Mohinder Singh complimented all ranks for the high standard of professional acumen and sporting spirit displayed during the training year. He exhorted all ranks to rededicate themselves to safeguard the sovereignty, unity, integrity and honour of the country.

The main attraction of the celebrations was a display of the oldest and glorious mementoes and trophies. The young officers of the battalion took great pride in explaining the history behind each and every trophy displayed.

Four hundred special children belonging to six schools of Mumbai were taken out for harbour cruise on ferry craft Madhur and Manjula from Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The children had an opportunity to see the Naval ships from very close proximity. The children enjoyed the cruise.

A seminar on "Indian Navy - Industry Partnership" was held at Hotel Taj Residency in Visakhapatnam. It was organised jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Indian Navy with an objective to further strengthen the collaboration in the ongoing drive of indigenisation of equipment and machinery onboard the Naval ships and submarines. Over 80 industries from various parts of the country took part in the seminar.

The one-day seminar focussed on various onboard systems and their associated equipment, which could be manufactured indigenously in consonance with the contemporary technology in warship production. The Indian Navy is looking forward to harness the indigenous industrial capabilities to achieve self-reliance in building and maintenance of warships. The seminar also provided a forum for a closer interaction between Navy and industry, both big and small.

Vice Admiral Raman Puri, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command who was the chief guest on the occasion, gave the key- note address. Rear Admiral SK Ramsay, Assistant Controller of Logistics, Naval Headquarters and Mr Atul Kirloskar, Chairman, CII National Committee on Defence and CMD of M/s Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited
also spoke on the occasion. Senior officers from all commands of the
Navy and eminent persons from the Confederation of the Indian Industry took part in the seminar.

The 27 Recce and Observation Flight has been awarded the coveted Chief of the Army Staff Flight Safety Trophy for its outstanding professionalism and the best overall performance during the year 2001-2002. The trophy was received by Lt Col Jaswinder Singh, Commanding Officer, 27 R & O Flight. The Flight provided extensive aviation support to the formations deployed for counter-insurgency operations and saved a number of precious lives by carrying out timely casualty evacuations. During this period, 27 R & O Flight flew a total of 1252.35 hours without a single accident/incident, and carried out 34 casualty evacuations.

The Armed Forces Transfusion Centre (AFTC) will be celebrating its golden jubilee in March this year. To mark the beginning of the golden jubilee celebrations, a function was organised that was inaugurated by
Lt Gen RK Jetley, DGAFMS and Senior Colonel Commandant of AMC.

A souvenir in Hindi Rakt Adhan was released by Air Marshal S K Dham, DGMS (Air) on the occasion. In addition to it, blood donor motivation material was released by
Lt Gen JR Bhardwaj, Additional DGAFMS and Maj Gen A Chakarvati, Additional DGAFMS (E&S). This was followed by tree plantation during which more than one thousand trees were planted inside the unit campus and in the neighbouring areas by the members of AFTC.

Aquino Squadron has been adjudged the overall champion squadron for the autumn term 2002. It received the Commandant’s Banner from Air Vice Marshal VK Verma, Commandant, Air Force Academy at the end of the inter-squadron drill competition. Barar Squadron was declared second while Chitnis and Katre were placed at third and fourth position respectively.

At the beginning of the term, various activities are held on competitive basis amongst the four squadrons at the Air Force Academy, which include cross-country, drill competition, field craft training camp, quiz, declamation contest and variety entertainment programme. These activities culminate into presentation of Commandant's Banner to the overall champion squadron.

Squadron Cadet Capt Neeta Thakur of Aquino Squadron received the Banner.

Inter-Departmental Quality Circles Convention was held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. As many as 32 Quality Circle teams in the engineering category and 63 in the service category presented case studies highlighting innovative techniques and fixtures developed for improving quality of work performed by various centres of the yard. Prizes were awarded to meritorious case studies. Posters, poems and slogan competitions were also conducted during the convention.

The Naval Dockyard, Visakha- patnam has a very vibrant and active Quality Circle movement with as many as 291 Quality Circles. The Quality Circle teams from this Naval Dockyard won numerous prizes at various conventions.

Vice Admiral Raman Puri, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command gave away prizes to the winners of the competitions.

Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, Chief of the Air Staff, visited HQ South Western Air Command, Gandhinagar. He was accompanied by his wife
Mrs Harveen Krishnaswamy, President Air Force Wives Welfare Association. The Air Chief was received by Air Marshal M McMahon, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command and his wife Mrs Linda McMahon, President, AFWWA (Regional).

The Air Chief also visited Air Force Station, Bhuj to review the reconstruction work after the devastating earthquake. He laid a wreath and paid tributes to IAF personnel and their families who lost their lives as a result of the earthquake. The Air Chief also inaugurated the newly constructed married accommodations. Mrs Harveen Krishnaswamy laid the foundation stone at the new AFWWA Complex and inaugurated AFWWA Project, Shrishti.

Later, the Air Chief was presented a guard of honour at HQ SWAC, Gandhinagar. He also inaugurated the annual Commanders' Conference. The annual conference gave an opportunity to the Station/Unit Commanders to exchange views on operations, maintenance and administrative matters in the light of the recently concluded operation Parakram.

The College of Defence Management (CDM) was established in December 1970. Over the years, the college has obtained a distinguished status as a centre of excellence in defence management training, research and consultancy.

The 33rd Raising Day was celebrated by the college at the new sprawling premises at Sainikpuri, Secunderabad. Addressing the college faculty and staff, Air Vice Marshal HPS Sidhu, Commandant stated that from a modest beginning CDM had blossomed into its present stature which has been recognised by all leading management institutes in India and abroad. He emphasised the importance of role being played by the CDM in achieving synergy amongst the three Services.

Distinguished services rendered by the CDM staff during the year were highlighted by the Commandant by awarding merit certificates to deserving combatants and civilian staff. Children of CDM staff who excelled in academic studies were also given cash prizes and merit certificates. Other functions held on the Raising Day included family welfare meet, badakhana with troops and a social evening at the college.

The 19 Field Ordnance Depot, Banar, Jodhpur has been adjudged the best among all ordnance depots of the country. An award was presented by Lt Gen TJS Gill, Director General, Ordnance Service. Col AK Vyas, Commandant, FAD, received the award. Expressing happiness on the occasion, the Commandant said that this was possible due to the dedication and devotion of one and all especially of civilian employees who worked untiringly during the large-scale deployment of troops for operation Parakram.

Maj Gen Triyugi Rai, Additional Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, visited the Armed Forces Medical Stores Depot (AFMSD) in Lucknow Cantonment. During the visit, Maj Gen Rai evinced keen interest in management of medical stores. Bri GLN Swamy, the Commandant, conducted him round the depot.

Consequent to formation of Central Command in 1963, the responsibility of supply of medical stores and equipment to units rests with this depot. The depot will be celebrating its diamond jubilee in March this year.

A two-day knowledge intensive seminar-cum-workshop on information technology was held at the Naval Auditorium, Samudrika at Naval Base, Visakhapatnam. The seminar witnessed a series of presentations by eminent scientists from government
R & D organisations, reputed professionals from industries and experienced Naval officers. The presentations highlighted the current and future trends in information technologies in the areas of information security, enterprise resource planning, applications, cyber warfare, web enabled services, open source architecture and software acquisition and development process standards.

Rear Admiral V Balachandran, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command who inaugurated the seminar, in his keynote address, underlined the importance of integrating information technology and its security considerations for ensuring effective implementation in diversified applications. Indian Navy, he said, has made a considerable headway in the field of computer applications and dedicated communication networks for operations, planning, material management, maintenance, training and hospital administration.

An exhibition showcasing the latest IT products by a large number of firms along with in-house systems development undertaken by the ENC units also marked the occasion.

A Healthy Baby Contest was organised by the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) and Station Health Organisation (Navy) at Community Hall, New Navy Nagar, Mumbai. Mrs Uma Pasricha, President, NWWA Western Region was the chief guest on occasion.

The contest was for sailors' children. Janvi, daughter of GP Soni was declared the Queen Baby for the year 2002. The aim of the contest was to generate awareness of better baby care in terms of nutrition and immunisation.

A painting competition was organised for children of Naval personnel. The competition is held every year with an aim to foster espirit-de-corps.

Over 100 children of various age- groups participated in the competition which was categorised into four groups. During the competition, the young children of class I to V painted their sheets with their vivid imagination coming to life. The older children had to paint on themes like environment, national development, wildlife, noise pollution and unity in diversity.

The 14th Annual Sports Day of the Army School, Chandimandir was held at Raina Stadium. Maj Gen BS Pawar, Head of Artillery Branch, HQ Western Command and Chairman School Managing Committee was the chief guest at the function. In his address, Maj Gen Pawar appreciated the performance of the school students and encouraged them to achieve higher goals in various fields.

Highlighting the achievements of the school, the annual report was presented by the Principal, Lt Col NR Baberwal (Retd). Mrs Manpreet Pawar gave away prizes to outstanding students. Inter-House Sports Trophy was bagged by Pratap House and CCA Trophy went to Gandhi House.

The Annual Sports Day began with an impressive march-past led by the NCC contingent. The grand finale included an enthralling colourful bhangra presented by senior boys and girls.

The Maintenance Command (MC), IAF hockey team which won the Air Force Hockey Championship for the consecutive second year, was felicitated by Air Cmde SB Prasher, Air Officer Commanding, No 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) at the AF Station, Chandigarh.

The MC team defeated Western
Air Command by 3 goals to nil in the final match played at Jammu.
Sergeant Balbir Singh (MC) with 8 goals was the highest scorer in the championship.

IAF Hockey Championship-2002 was organised at 23 Wing, Air Force at Jammu. In all, 7 teams namely, Air Headquarters, Western Air Command, Eastern Air Command, Southern Air Command, Southwest Air Command, Maintenance Command and Training Command participated in the tournament which was played on league basis.

An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Gen JJ Singh was commissioned into 9 Maratha Light Infantry on August 2, 1964. A graduate of National Defence College and Defence Services Staff College, the General has held many staff and instructional appointments including Defence Attache in Algeria and command of a Mountain Brigade in counter-insurgency operations in J & K, an Infantry Division in Kashmir Valley and Additional Director General, Military Operations at the Army Headquarters during operation Vijay. Prior to his new appointment, Gen JJ Singh commanded a Strike Corps in the Western Sector.

An alumnus of NDA, Gen Takhar was commissioned into 17 Horse of the Armoured Corps on December 25, 1965. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Gen Takhar also attended National Defence College, Delhi. The General has held many staff and instructional appointments including command of 17 Horse, an Armoured Brigade, an Armoured Division and a corps in the Western Sector. Lt Gen Takhar has also held appointments as Instructor, DSSC and Additional Director General, Military Operations at the Army Headquarters.

Lt Gen BS Takhar was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal last year. Prior to his new appointment, Gen Takhar commanded a corps in the Western Sector.