Contrary to popular belief, a disabled soldier who is declared a battle casualty is not necessarily invalided out of service. The Indian Army has a policy that a soldier disabled in battle can be retained in service provided he is reasonably capable of performing sedentary duties. His unit can provide him with a sheltered appointment. Once Artificial Limb Centre gives him his mobility equipment, the brave soldier can go back to his unit and do simple duties like running the URC or STD booth or library or cook- house. ALC, thus, gives the "Brave Hearts" confidence by making them self-reliant to stay back in uniform with his comrades-in-arms.

Post Kargil, both state and central governments have announced numerous schemes and rehabilitation packages so that the brave soldiers can use monetary and other grants to rebuild their lives even after leaving the service. Detailed information is avialable at ALC-Reception. Tel : 020-6306190.

The staff at ALC have designed and modified a bathroom-cum-toilet to help the physically challenged individuals to utilise it in a better way. The bathroom boasts of a number of facilities like holding rails to prevent patients from falling, automatic hand drier, water dispenser and foot operated water jets. First of its kind, this facility gives the patients opportunity to attend to nature’s calls with ease and comfort. Another thoughtful gesture for the soldiers!

Air Force Station, Tambaram turned out another batch of 39 Flying Instructors at the end of 24-week rigorous training culminating in the 114th Qualified Flying Instructors Course graduation ceremony. Of them, 32 were from IAF, three from Army and four from Navy.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal SP Tyagi, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South-Western Air Command reminded the graduating instructors of a long teaching career ahead at flying schools and units. He also presented awards to the meritorious instructors.

Majithia Trophy for overall performance was awarded to Sqn Ldr V Jindal of IAF. He also bagged the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for standing first in flying fixed wing aircraft. Flt Lt SK Tiwari won the trophy in the rotary wing category. Dilbagh Trophy for instructional techniques was bagged by Sqn Ldr S Kazmi. Commodore Commandant Trophy
for aerobatics was won by Sqn Ldr N Singhal.

The annual Mini Commanders' Conference of Maintenance Command was held at Headquarters Maintenance Command. The conference was inaugurated by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Maintenance Command, Air Marshal D C Nigam.

In his inaugural address, Air Marshal Nigam appreciated the efforts put in by the units to meet the laid down targets and underlined the thrust areas of the command. He advised the Commanders to prepare developmental plans for their respective units for next 15 years for modernisation of the existing facilities. Air Marshal Nigam also suggested some measures for better inventory management and reduction of transit time in supply of spares. On this occasion, he called upon the Commanders to ensure effective provisioning of services to operational units to reach the desired levels of satisfaction.

The conference was attended by Commaders of the smaller field units under Maintenance Command and Staff Officers of Headquarters Maintenance Command. The conference provided a platform for resolving functional problems.

In recognition of the commendable performance in their respective field, trophies were presented to some of Commanders by the AOC-in-C Air Marshal DC Nigam. The Best Movement Control Unit Trophy was awarded to 33 Movement Control Unit, the trophy for Best Mini Equipment Depot to 42 Equipment Depot, the trophy for Best Mini Technical Unit to AFLE (Koraput) and the trophy for Best Unit for Support Functions to Maintenance Command Communication Flight.

—Sqn Ldr RK Dhingra

Bengal Engineers Group (BEG), Roorkee with 238.45 points won the overall team championship while Madras Engineers Group (MEG), Bangalore secured 235.85 points to be placed second and Bombay Engineers Group (BEG), Khadki with 233.35 points stood third.

The Pune Sub-Area Commander, Brig SN Pavri was the chief guest and gave away the prizes. ASPT Commandant, Brig Birnath Rawal presided the function. The Maharashtra Mandal gymnast girls also displayed their skills.