Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh, the new Director General, Coast Guard with the outgoing Director General, Vice Admiral Sureesh Mehta
Lt Gen RS Shahrawat, Director General of Ordnance Services and Senior Colonel Commandant of Army Ordnance Corps being introduced to Ordnance Branch officers by Maj Gen DDS Sandhu during the former's visit to Western Command headquarters, Chandimandir
Mrs Tarana Majid Moaab being crowned AWWA Queen by Mrs Neelu Kaul, President (Local), AWWA at a contest held in Colaba, Mumbai on the occasion of AWWA Day

Tracing descent from FAUJI AKHBAR established January 2, 1909
Vol. 51 • No. 18 • 16-30 September 2004 • 25 Bhadrapada - 8 Asvina 1926 (Saka)

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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IN THIS ISSUE


MBT Arjun: Adding Armour Forte






Mutual Manoeuvres






Island Inputs






Armed Forces Panorama
(on front cover) Chief of Australian Defence Forces, General Peter Cosgrove with Defence Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee during his visit to India         (pic: GD Mehra)

MBT Arjun: Adding Armour Forte

It was a red-letter day in the annals of Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi (HVF) when the first batch of indigenously designed and built Main Battle Tank Arjun rolled out exactly seven months after T-90 S Bhisma tank was dedicated to the nation. A sense of pride was writ large on the faces of scientists and technologists of Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) who designed and developed the tank. It was also a great occasion for the engineers and workers of the HVF. Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, gracing the occasion as the chief guest handed over the keys and documents of the tanks to the Chief of the Army Staff, Gen NC Vij at a grand ceremony.


Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee unveiling the plaque

The Defence Minister congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) on their achievement. He said that with the roll out of Arjun, the country demonstrated its capability again in science and technology for defence preparedness. The nation owes a responsibility to provide soldiers with the best of equipments and weapons. The Defence Ministry would support any programme which would equip them better, assured Mr Mukherjee while addressing the scientists, engineers, managers and workmen as well as Army officers.

The event marked the beginning of a new era for indigenous design, development and production of hardware for the Armed Forces. The Minister of State for Defence, Mr BK Handique described it as a significant step forward in quest of building a self-reliant and self-sufficient India in defence preparedness.


Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee lighting the traditional lamp. Mr BK Handique, Minister of State for Defence, Gen NC Vij,COAS and Mr PK Mishra, Chairman, OFB, are also seen in the picture

Chief of Army Staff, Gen NC Vij said that the rolling out of Arjun marked a big step towards reducing Army’s dependence on imports. However, he remarked that the new tank had to prove its worthiness in the subsequent trials. The General also called for expediting the process of production and said that he would be happy if the HVF rolled out 50 tanks every year.


Mr Pranab Mukherjee handing over the keys of Arjun to Gen NC Vij

Mr PK Mishra, Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board and Director General of Ordnance Factories said that Arjun is comparable with the best battle tanks available elsewhere in the world.


Dignitaries at the inaugural ceremony

Arjun has high degree of mobility, superior firepower and excellent protection. With its many good features, the tank is sure to be the mainstay of the Indian Army. Ten more tanks of the type are under various stages of production and will be delivered to the Army by March next year.


MBT Arjun tanks being rolled out from Heavy Vehicles Factory

Dr VK Aatre, the then Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister, Mr M Natarajan, Chief Controller of R&D (Armament & Combat Engineering) and Mr BS Bhatia, Senior General Manager, HVF also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Shekhar Dutt, Secretary, Department of Defence Production and Dr D Hanumanna, Director, CVRDE were among the dignitaries who witnessed the historic rolling out of Arjun.

-V Sankaran

Independence Day Gallantry Awards

On the occasion of Independence Day-2004, President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has approved 243 Gallantry Awards which included (three Kirti Chakra, 33 Shaurya Chakra, three Bars to Sena Medal (gallantry), 200 Sena Medals (gallantry) and four Vayu Sena Medals (gallantry) to Armed Forces personnel. The list of gallantry award winners is as follows:

KIRTI CHAKRA

IC-62214 Lt Kanavdeep Singh, 10 Sikh (Posthumous)
IC-62671 Lt Dheerendra Singh Atri, ASC, 3 Rajput (Posthumous)
Mr Narindra Nath Dhar Dubey, Border Security Force

SHAURYA CHAKRA

SS-37068 Maj Sanjay Singh Tanwar, 16 Punjab
SS-37780 Maj Aditya Chauhan, 6 Mahar
SS-38315 Maj Lalit Prakash, 3 Rajput (Posthumous)
IC-60708 Capt Vivek Mishra, 16 Garhwal Rifles
IC-60945 Capt Perikalamkattil Abraham Mathew, 3 Sikh
JC-448779 Sub Prit Pal Singh, 4 Grenadiers
JC-488513 Sub Jai Singh, Jat/45 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
JC-488932 Sub Khilona Singh, 14 Jat (Posthumous)
JC-548602 Sub Moshat Lamkang, 8 Assam (Posthumous)
JC-428838 Nb Sub Ajit Singh, Punjab/37 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
JC-429470 Nb Sub Babu Ram, 25 Punjab
56575 Hav Ramakant Singh, 5 Assam Rifles (Posthumous)
13688382 Hav Virendra Singh, Guards/21 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
15307458 Hav S Samy Kannan, 4 Corps Int & Fs Coy (Posthumous)
3181886 Nk Munna Lal Mundel, 9 Jat
3183694 NK Anil Kumar, 16 Jat (Posthumous)
2885672 Ln NK Deshpal Singh, Rajputana Rifles/9 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
3401087 Sep Jasbir Singh, 7 Sikh
4571437 Sep Kiran Kumar, 6 Mahar (Posthumous)
2896094 Rfn Lakshman Singh, Rajputana Rifles/9 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
5349939 Rfn Hasta Bahadur Gurung, 4/4 Gorkha Rifles (Posthumous)
2694122 Gdr Arjan Singh, 12 Grenadiers (Posthumous)
153215590 Sapper G Prakash, Engineers/44 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
13622724 Paratropper Chetan Kumar Rana, Para/31 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
15140924 Gnr Bobichen Koyikalam Alex, Artillery/19 Rashtriya Rifles
Code No. 2780 CP Labour Shiring Dorjee, Border Road Organisation
Constable Balbir Singh, Border Security Force (Posthumous)
Mr Vivek Saxena, Border Security Force (Posthumous)
Mr Dilip Agrawal, Indore, Madhya Pradesh (Posthumous)
Mr Farooq Ahmed, J & K Police (Posthumous)
Mr Abdul Rashid, J & K Police (Posthumous)
Mr K Sudarshan Reddy, Border Security Force (Posthumous)
Miss Udita Karmakar, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

BAR TO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)

IC-47833 Maj Sukhminder Singh, Artillery/45 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-56055 Capt Rajeshwar Singh Bazad, Rajput/23 Rashtriya Rifles
9094166 Ln Hav Fazal Hussain, 5 Jammu and Kashmir Light infantry

SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)

IC-43875 Lt Col Vijay Mehta, 11 Jat
IC-46501 Maj Sujan Singh Kular, Jat/45 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-46926 Maj Virender Singh, 12 Grenadiers
IC-49541 Maj Arjun Segan, 10 Para (Special Forces)
IC-50000 Maj Sanjay Prakash Sinha, 7 Rajputana Rifles
IC-50035 Maj Alok Mathur, Engineers/85 Road Construction Company (Posthumous)
IC-50145 Maj Rajinder Singh, 28 Madras
IC-50781 Maj Rajesh Seth, 4 Jat
IC-50961 Maj Amit Kabthiya, 16 Garhwal Rifles
IC-51313 Maj Jagddep Singh Mann, Artillery/2/3 Det Ec Lu
IC-51520 Maj Hrishikesh Bhalchandra Gramopadhye, 11 Maratha Light Infantry
IC-51745 Maj Ajit Singh Yadav, Artillery/52 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-52728 Maj Vikash Slathia, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles/3 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-52966 Maj Mandeep Singh, 16 Garhwal Rifles
IC-53143 Maj Navneet Vats, 3 Gorkha Rifles/32 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
IC-53657 Maj Neelesh Anand Pagulwar, 8 Assam
IC-54058 Maj Jitender Singh Rathore, Armoured Corps/28 Assam Rifles
IC-54425 Maj Nikhil Ganapathy, Armoured Corps/35 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-54495 Maj Kundan Sharma, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles/28 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-54913 Maj Fazaluddin Jelal, Engineers/1 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-55261 Maj Sunil Raina, 12 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles
IC-55458 Maj Krishan Singh Badhwar, Rajput/23 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-55561 Maj Pankaj Kant Khanduri, Jat/5 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-55807 Maj Shabbarul Hasan, Arty/14 Field Regiment
IC-56002 Maj Jaishankar Chaudhari, 8 Assam
IC-56031 Maj Ajay Singh, Armoured/3 Ladakh Scouts
IC-57133 Maj Pawan Pal Singh, Mahar/51 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-57774 Maj Sarjeet Yadav, AD Arty/17 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-58856 Maj Chandar Dev Singh Sambyal, 12 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
IC-59098 Maj Aditya Singh, 7 Rajputana Rifles
IC-60247 Maj Sameer B Gujar, 19 Garhwal Rifles
IC-60283 Maj Amit Dogra, 5 Para
IC-60597 Maj Sachin Jain, 18 Maratha Light Infantry
SS-37136 Maj Zosangliana Hualngo, 5/3 Gorkha Rifles
RC-1123 Maj Piar Singh Attri, 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
IC-54116 Capt Pathiyeri Sunil Kumar, Mech Infantry/28 Assam Rifles
IC-55938 Capt B Shyam Vijaya Simha, Army Service Corps/31 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-56817 Capt Jitesh Bhutani, Armoured/31 Composite Intelligence Unit (Posthumous)
IC-59382 Capt Mridul Sharma, Air Defence Artillery/51 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
IC-59659 Capt Harish Raman, Artillary/13 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-59696 Capt Amit Ashok Kumar Verma, Artillery/15 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-61151 Capt Arindam Ghosh, 7 Rajputana Rifles
IC-61772 Capt Harsh Kumar Jha, 10 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles
IC-61904 Capt Vijay Singh Rawat, Army Service Corps/11 Raj Rif
SS-38072 Capt Sanjeev Bajpai, Maratha Light Infantry/17 Rashtriya Rifles
SS-38074 Capt Ajay Singh Rana, Artillery/60 Field Regiment (Posthumous)
SS-38437 Capt Prasad Santosh Krishna, Artillery/22 Assam Rifles
SS-38678 Capt Pradeep Sharma, Engineers/19 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-60224 Lt Sachin Wakankar, Artillery/22 Special Forces
IC-60659 Lt Deepak Singh Patwal, 12 Grenadiers
IC-61069 Lt Mushtaq Ahmed Khan 19 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles
IC-61418 Lt Mupparty Sanjeev, 21 Jat Regiment
IC-61490 Lt Prashant Shantappa Appaji, Signals/45 Rashtriya Rifles
IC-61515 Lt Inder Pal Singh, 19 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
IC-61903 Lt Shashank Tripathi, 237 Engineer Regiment
IC-62201 Lt Rakesh Madaan, Army Ordinance Corps/2 Jat
IC-62246 Lt Vishesh Arora, 15 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
IC-62675 Lt Joginder Singh, 4 Grenadiers
IC-62719 Lt Ankur Vashishtha, 7 Sikh Regiment
IC-62721 Lt Srikant Ramachandran, 14 Jat
IC-62871 Lt Pankaj Kumar Arora, 18 Maratha Light Infantry (Posthumous)
SS-39488 Lt Pawanmeet Brar, 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
SS-39543 Lt Nithin Hariram, 9 Jat Regiment
SS-39789 Lt Ravinder Saini, 11 Sikh Regiment
JC-185490 Sub Anurag Chandra Singh, Grenadiers/29 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-212626 Sub Gurbachan Singh, 3 Sikh Regiment
JC-260278 Sub Suresh Kumar Yadav, Artillery/30 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-418265 Sub Ramesh Kumar, Mech Inf/16 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-428754 Sub Dhyan Singh, 13 Punjab (Posthumous)
JC-458629 Sub Shankar Ganapati Devkate, Maratha Light Infantry/41 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-468534 Sub Dharampal Singh, 7 Rajputana Rifles
JC-488149 Sub Bhura Ram, Jat/5 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-488829 Sub Albel Singh, 21 Jat Regiment
JC-568596 Sub Khem Singh, Mahar/1 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-579027 Sub Daulat Ram, 8 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
JC-592599 Sub Ali Mohammad, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry/51 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-623247 Sub Ram Bahadur Roka, 5/8 Gorkha Rifles
JC-260848 Nb Sub Sultan Singh Rathore, Artilery/45 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-261937 Nb Sub Dharam Singh, Artillery/17 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
JC-449270 Nb Sub Akbal Ahmed Khan, Grenadiers/29 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-459193 Nb Sub Shaik Akbar, 11 Maratha Light Infantry (Posthumous)
JC-479180 Nb Sub Prabhu Singh, 3 Rajput (Posthumous)
JC-479183 Nb Sub Bharat Singh Gurjar 3 Rajput
JC-529342 Nb Sub Diwan Singh, 12 Garhwal Rifles (Posthumous)
JC-568962 Nb Sub Dharamvir, 6 Mahar Regiment (Posthumous)
JC-569230 Nb Sub Satyapal, 6 Mahar Regiment
JC-578636 Nb Sub Gopal Singh Saini, 12 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles
JC-579139 Nb Sub Pukar Lama, 19 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
JC-592818 Nb Sub Ramesh Chander, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry/8 Rashtriya Rifles
JC-602459 Nb Sub Girman Rana, 1 Gorkha Rifles/15 Rashtriya Rifles
2481183 Hav Bhupinder Singh, 9 Para (Special Forces)
2785147 Hav Ramappa Mirji, 18 Maratha Light Infantry (Posthumous)
2879822 Hav Sumer Singh, 11 Rajputana Rifles
3179371 Hav Harpal Singh, 9 Jat
3990159 Hav Pratap Singh, 21 Rajputana Rifles
4061578 Hav Shishupal Singh, 16 Garhwal Rifles
4065809 Hav Dabal Singh, 16 Garhwal Rifles
4069249 Hav Trilok Singh, Garhwal Rifles/36 Rashtriya Rifles
4358576 Hav Ramdhan Boro, 6 Assam (Posthumous)
5846960 Hav Kesh Bahadur Chhetri 2/9 Gorkha Rifles
9087364 Hav Manzoor Ahmed, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry/23 Rashtriya Rifles
13615174 Hav Badri Prasad, 10 Para (Special Forces)
13617884 Hav Vinod Janardhanan, Madras/8 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
13747720 Hav Jaswant Singh, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles/28 Rashtriya Rifles
13748070 Hav Vinod Kumar, 15 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
13748908 Hav Rashpal Singh, 15 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
13749857 Hav Sunil Dutt, 19 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
14701203 Hav Gopal Singh, 8 Kumaon
3181604 Ln Hav Babu Ram, 2 Jat Regiment (Posthumous)
3184298 Ln Hav Bharat Singh, 21 Jat
7242115 Ln Dafadar Swapan Bera, RVC/33 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
2890033 Nk Naresh Singh, 7 Rajputana Rifles
2891596 Nk Ram Lakhan Singh, 20 Rajputana Rifles (Posthumous)
3185329 Nk Hardit Singh, 8 Jat Regiment
3993033 Nk Sudesh Kumar, 9 Para (Special Force) (Posthumous)
4071156 Nk Mahipal Singh, 16 Garhwal Rifles
4071251 Nk Ragubir Singh Bartwal, 7 Garhwal Rifles (Posthumous)
4072135 Nk Atol Singh Panwar, 16 Garhwal Rifles
4183862 Nk Nandan Singh Mehra, 21 Kumaon (Posthumous)
5247235 Nk Tika Ram Sinjali Thapa, 5/3 Gorkha Rifles
5752722 Nk Raju Gurung, 5/8 Gorkha Rifles
13619048 Nk Jogendra Singh, 5 Para (Posthumous)
13751467 Nk Bishan Lal
Jammu and Kashmir Rifles/28 Rashtriya Rifles
13753453 Nk Darbar Singh
Jammu & Kashmir Rifles/52 Rashtriya Rifles
13755631 Nk Gurbachan Singh, 10 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
13755679 Nk Amrik Singh, 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
15763964 Nk Pintu Ghosh, Air Defence Artillery/23 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
15768443 Nk Amarnath Chaturvedi, Air Def Artillery/15 Rashtriya Rifles
2484468 Ln Nk Kuldip Singh, Punjab/22 Rashtriya Rifles
2485458 Ln Nk Randhir Singh, 24 Punjab
2689993 Ln Nk Dunger Singh, Grenadiers/12 Rashtriya Rifles
2891839 Ln Nk Chandra Bhan Singh, Rajputana Rifles/9 Rashtriya Rifles
2994892 Ln Nk Ganpat Singh Rathore, 3 Rajput (Posthumous)
3187823 Ln Nk Yagya Datt, 21 Jat
3188780 Ln Nk Jagdish Prasad Dhinwa, 14 Jat (Posthumous)
3398382 Ln Nk Nirpal Singh, 5 Sikh
4073603 Ln Nk Gabar Singh, 10 Para (Special Force)
4567755 Ln Nk Jeet Singh, Mahar/1 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
9097172 Ln Nk Ram Lal, 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Posthumous)
13756412 Ln Nk Ravi Kumar, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles/31 Rashtriya Rifles
13759437 Ln Nk Manohar Lal, 8 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (Posthumous)
14403608 Ln Nk Sushil Kumar, Artillery/60 Field Regiment (Posthumous)
15373301 Ln Nk Atanu Maity, Signals/44 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
15764578 Ln Nk Satya Prakash Singh, Air Defence Artillery/23 Rashtriya Rifles
15772259 Ln Nk Ajay Kumar, Air Defence Artillery/25 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
2492263 Sep Balwinder Singh, 16 Punjab
2494250 Sep Jaswant Singh, 25 Punjab
2795407 Sep Kallappa Bhadrasetti, Maratha Light Infantry/41 Rashtriya Rifles
2799112 Sep Siddappajil, 18 Maratha Light Infantry
2994600 Sep Shoket Hussain, Rajput/10 Rashtriya Rifles
2997232 Sep Sanjeev Kumar, 3 Rajput Regiment (Posthumous)
3005715 Sep Pradeep Kumar, 3 Rajput (Posthumous)
3187717 Sep Rakesh Kumar, 2 Jat (Posthumous)
3190749 Sep Anil Kumar, Jat/34 Rashtriya Rifles
3192978 Sep Pravin Kumar, 9 Jat
3398332 Sep Surjit Singh, Sikh/6 Rashtriya Rifles
3398722 Sep Ranjit Singh, Sikh/16 Rashtriya Rifles
3401837 Sep Roop Singh, Sikh/16 Rashtriya Rifles
3402475 Sep Ranjit Singh, Sikh/6 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
3995704 Sep Desh Raj Dogra/11 Rashtriya Rifles
3998284 Sep Gulshan Mehta, Dogra/11 Rashtriya Rifles
4000643 Sep Dawinder Singh, Dogra/11 Rashtriya Rifles
4195178 Sep Harish Chandra Kapri, 3 Kumaon (Posthumous)
4365533 Sep Athisii Daikho Mao, 6 Assam
4366827 Sep Moalong Ao, 8 Assam
4368275 Sep Letzathang, 10 Assam
4477559 Sep Rampal Singh, Sikh Light Infantry/19 Rashtriya Rifles
4569833 Sep Rajinder Mahar/1 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
4571219 Sep Lakhwinder Singh, 14 Mahar (Posthumous)
4572860 Sep Praveen Kumar, 6 Mahar Regiment (Posthumous)
4572926 Sep Ramesh Kumar, 6 Mahar Regiment (Posthumous)
9927096 Sep Tashi Namgail, 3 Ladakh Scouts
14925910 Sep Jai Sing Boro Mech Inf/50 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
13762652 Rfn Suraj Parkash, 15 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
2201027 Rfn Arjun Bahadur Chhetri, 22 Assam Rifles
2894421 Rfn Brajesh Singh, Rajputana Rifles/43 Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
2895178 Rfn Manoj Kumar, Rajputana Rifles/18 Rashtriya Rifles
5755420 Rfn Nirmal Thapa, 5/8 Gorkha Rifles
9098967 Rfn Bashir Ahmed Lone, 12 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Posthumous)
9099251 Rfn Jaspal Singh, 13 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (Posthumous)
9107357 Rfn Swarn Singh, 11 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
9423465 Rfn Mohan Thapa, 3/11 Gorkha Rifles
13757057 Rfn Ranjit Singh, 15 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
13759740 Rfn Subash Chand, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles/3 Rashtriya Rifles
13759937 Rfn Pardeep Singh Jammu & Kashmir Rifles/31 Rashtriya Rifles
13762168 Rfn Sanjay Kumar, 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
13762526 Rfn Anil Kumar, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles/28 Rashtriya Rifles
1494948 Sapper Gurmail Singh, Engineers/36 Rashtriya Rifles
1584995 Sapper Vijay Santosh Patil, Engineers/47 Rashtriya Rifles
15564198 Sapper, Rajinder Singh, 113 Engineers Regiment
13623703 Paratrooper Pradeep Kumar, Para/31 Rashtriya Rifles
13623883 Paratrooper Nahar Singh, 10 Para (Special Force) (Posthumous)
13624159 Paratrooper Sudesh, 10 Para (Special Force)
14427896 Gnr Balappa Mared Sankappa, Artillery/17 Rashtriya Rifles
14428971 Gnr J Madhavan, Artillery/28 Rashtriya Rifles
14429897 Gnr Gurtar Singh, Arty/28 Rashtriya Rifles
15138674 Gnr Abnesh Kumar Sharma, Artillery/36 Rashtriya Rifles
15138970 Gnr Ramneek Kumar Artillery/17 Rashtriya Rifles
15152795 Gnr Vinay Kumar Dwivedi, Artillery/281 Field Regiment
15397836 Signalman Rajeev R Nair, Signals/10 Rashtriya Rifles

VAYU SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)

Wg Cdr Mukesh Rawat (17453), Flying (Pilot)
Sqn Ldr Rakshale Sanjeev Kumar (19037) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
Flt Lt Navin Maranatha Nayar (24035) Flying (Pilot)
Flt Lt Mayanglambam Manimohon Singh (24229), Flying (Pilot)

-PIB (DW)

Honorary Commission in the Air Force

On the occasion of Independence Day, Honorary Commissions of Flight Lieutenants and Flying Officers have been granted to the following Honorary Flying Officers, Master Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers :-

To Be Honorary Flight Lieutenants

MASTER WARRANT OFFICERS

(Honorary Flying Officers)

Sahoo Dayanidhi, Chand Trilok, Singh Sheo Kumar, Battu Mehar Singh, Dash Prahallad Chandra, Tiwari Ashwani Kumar, Saini Rajinder Singh, Dey Babul Kumar, Pillai Narayana Kurup Gopala, Ram Paras, Barik Raghab, Tanwar Roop Singh, Talukdar Dhiraj Kanti Roy, Sharma Mohinder Mohan, Rawat Ram Nath, Lal Madan,Sreekumar Sukumaran, Singh Sardar, Chaudhary Tulsi Ram, Singh Gopal, Kumar Rajinder, Singh Amarjit, Nesamani D, Bori Arabinda, Sidhu Gurmeet Singh, Singh Baban, Radhakrishna Yalamanchili, Sharma Abhi Ram, Nautiyal Ansuya Prasad, Baghele Brahma Singh, Rattan Ram, Singh Ram, Singh Ram Krishna, Singh Bhagirathi, Ghose Santi Rangan, Datta Dilip Kumar, Singh Joginder, Singh Randhir, Verma Govind Ram, Dubey Lalji, Pilly Ranganathan Mani Kuttan, Mudgal Banwari Lal, Gurumurthy S, Kumar Shailendra, Ramachandran Nambiar T, Niwas Shri, Bansal Ram Kumar, Lal Madan, Chhetri Krishna Prasad, Singh Darshan, Gilbert Andrews A, Pathania Kumar Singh, Gaur Chandra Kant, Panesar Chattar Singh, Sivaraman Meprathu Pappu.

WARRANT OFFICERS
(HONORARY FLYING OFFICERS)

Singh Baljeet

To be Honorary Flying Officer

MASTER WARRANT OFFICERS

Varghese Poozhikunnel John, Singh Joginder, Senger Gulab Singh, Singh Ram Niwas, Ratti Ram, Singh Basu Dev, Singh Karnail, Banerjee Amal Kumar, Singh Gurdial, Donkal Amar Singh, Ismail K Mohamed, Singh Ram Prasad, Singh Tripurari, Mishra Ambuja Lochan, Ghosh Brindabon Chandra, Tyagi Lal Chand, Dhariwal Malwinder Singh, Roy Bibek Chandra, Singh Deodip, Singh Lallan, Baveja Om Prakash, Prasad Ramji, Nair Unnikrishnan PS, Singh Bacha Lal, Shukla Premnarain, Bhakta Rajendra, Singh Surinder, Rajput Aditya Kumar Singh, Chellappan Sasidharan, Jadhav Balkrishna Ganapati, Nair Sasi Dharan, Thethi Pargat Singh, Sodhi Ram Pal, Prasad Narain, Augustin Sebastian, Dutta Biswa Ranjan, Singh Narinder, Roy Babul Ranjan, Singh Sham Sher, Prasad Prem Chand, Mishra Ram Bachan, Autar Krishna, Ram Chanan, Pandey Awadhesh Kumar, Mahata Nabin Chandra, Singh Awadhesh, Verma Kundan Lal, Khan Hasib Ahmad, Sokhi Hardial Singh, Gundu Ramprasad, George Mathew Kalayil, Dwivedi Rama Shanker, Yadav Ram Autar, Arora Radhey Shyam, Tewathia Azad Singh, Rai Ramraksha, Pillai Karunakaran, Saha Pabitra Kumar, Pal Manoranjan, Pandey Ved Vyas, Chngmai Nokul Chandra, Bedi Tarsem Lal, Sen Polash Kumar, Sharma Prabhu Nath, Singh Upendra Nath, Sharma Ram Avtar, Singh Sewa, Verma Surinder Kumar, Chawla Krishan Kumar, Shri Ram, Saini Gurdip Singh, Sanker N. Bal Dev, Prasad Govind, Saini Shive Pal, Gupta Joginder Pal, Yadav Mukhdeo Prasad, Singh Tiv Raj, Prasad Manbodh, Radhakrishnan A K, Dubey Musafir, Singh Jagat Narain, Pillai Gangadharan Govindan, Singh Shyam Kant, Gupta Ranjit Kumar, Nigam Lal Ji, Jha Ramanand, Rawat Sudama, Singh Sheo Mangal, Pandey Ram Grihi, Lal Chhagan, Ram Sant, Singh Mahipal, Kumar Rajinder, Ravindran Kakkadavath, Chander Jagdish, Swamy Karapadiar Narayanan, Chaturvedi Jay Prakash Naraian,Nanu Sadasivan, Minhas Rattan Singh, Nath Mati Lal, Singh Gurmit, Mathew NA,Gopinandhan Chakknath Tharnattate, Mishra Vijay Shankar, Jaiswal Shambhu Sharan, Pahru Shiv Ram, Samyal Dhrub Singh, Malhotra Ranjit Rai, Dutta Chanden, Chand Daya, Muthusamy M, Pasha Mustafa Kamal, Thakur Bochan, Marshal Sujit Kumar, Singh Ram Niwas, Raj Deo, Arumugam P, Prasad Madan Lal Mahadeo, Nath Radhakrishnan, Swamy Pola Venkata, Sharma Sardari Lal, Malik Madan Lal, Chhotaraya Antarayami, Dass Ashim Kumar, Sinha Ashok Kumar, Prasad Shyam Sunder, Singh Sucha, Sinha Radha Madhav, Singh Jaswant, Madan Gopal Jagat Ram, Sharma Jaipal, Paul Benoy Krishna, Pandey Satya Narayan, Luma Ramasra, Chakraborty Ashirbad, Augustine Anthony, Badiger Krishnappa S, Mahra Hayat Singh, Singh Ram Chandra, Ram Jeet, Lal Kundan, Pandey Brahma Sahay, Shukla Ram Kanchan, Singh Jagjit, Kumar Ram, Verma Ishwar Dayal, Singh Amrik, Kumar Vinod, Prasad Baidya Nath, Om Prakash, Gautama Vipen Kumar, Sharma Vinod Kumar, Trivedi Vishnu Dayal, AS Padmanabha Pillai Thondalil Chellappan Pillai, Singh Dhiraj, Kuruvilakkunnel Karunakaran Narayanan, Trilokia Ram Rattan, Shukla Prakash Narain, Lal Arun Prasad, Rai Janardan, Kunwar Mahendra Pal Singh, Jaggi Govinder Pal Singh, Singh Bhagwati, Gupta Kailash Chand, Sai Baba Vajhala, Pandey Bhim, Dhanushkodi S, Rishi Vijay Kumar, Unnikrishnan C, Chakrabarty Sudhir Ranjan, Gurmail Singh Rangi, Shahi Balister Prasad, Singh Pati Raj, Simak Jugraj Singh, Das Satyendra Nath, Singh Yogendra, Gorhe Baban Balu, Aujla Hari Singh, Verma Shyam Lal, Yadaw Triloki Nath, Chandel Balbir Singh, Pandey Sudhaker Nath, Pandey Ved Prakash, Tiwari Nand Lal, Jangla Ujagar Singh, Rawat Bhim Singh, Dhiman Prem Chand, Choudhary Aditya Narayan, Thakur Tulsi, Singh Rajendra Prasad, Sharma Lila Dhar.

WARRANT OFFICERS

Mohanty Ramesh Chandra, Mathew Samuel Puthuparampil, Salathia Sampuran Singh, Trehan Subhash Chander, Prabhakaran Ratheesan, Ansari Abdul Sattar, Singh Gurdial, Sutradhar Ajit Kumar, Pal Ram Autar, Chauhan Shambhoo Singh, Mohapatro Nobin Chondro, Chand Shakti, Bhawal Nitaikanti, Singh Swaran, Padmanabhan Nechully, Singh Awtar, Pandey Yamuna, Dhiman Chamaru Ram, Singh Surinder, Shaw Panna Lal, Sayyapa Raju Kodanda Rama Krishnam Raju, Nirban Ratan Singh, Bajpai Ram Kishore, Gaur Sajjan Singh, Kushwaha Ram Badan Singh, Carlose Harris, Singh Lalan Prasad, Senger Ramswaroop Singh, Lal Krishan, Singh Daya Shankar.

-PIB (DW)

Civil Military Liaison Conference

Mutual Manoeuvres

A strict and continuous vigil is required not only to safeguard national borders but also to protect the country from anti-national elements. This was stated by Mr Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, while inaugurating the civil-military liaison conference at the Western Command Headquarters in Chandimandir cantonment.

The Chief Minister said that whenever pressure of the security forces mounted on miscreants in Jammu and Kashmir there was a spill-over into the border district of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh. Keeping this phenomenon in view and taking note of the improved communication link with remote areas of Pangi from J&K side, one needs to remain even more vigilant. He emphasised to sternly deal with not only the external threats but also the internal dangers from fundamentalism, illegal immigration and trans-border terrorism.


Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mr Virbhadra Singh and Lt Gen JJ Singh at the conference

Mr Virbhadra Singh said that since Himachal Pradesh has the largest contribution towards the number of soldiers as compared to its population, the state government stands committed to the welfare of serving and retired soldiers and the families of martyrs who laid down their lives in the service of the motherland. Highlighting the recent welfare measures taken by his government, Mr Singh said that the state government would provide job to one dependent of soldiers killed in any operation or counter-insurgency operation. A housing scheme has also been launched to provide residential accomodation to war widows and disabled soldiers on subsidised rates, he added.

Referring to the large number of sacrifices made by soldiers belonging to the state, the Chief Minister said that 52 and 194 soldiers laid down their lives in operations Vijay and Rakshak respectively. A number of gallantry awards including two Param Vir ChakraAshok Chakra and five Vir Chakra have been awarded to soldiers of the state.

The Chief Minister thanked Lt Gen JJ Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command for conducting the conference which provided an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest. He assured that his government would provide all possible assistance to the Armed Forces.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Lt Gen JJ Singh lauded the role of the Chief Minister in allocation of land free of cost at Hamirpur for the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic.

Referring to the Western Command’s efforts for rejuvenating ecological system at military stations in Himachal Pradesh, the Army Commander said that many initiatives were being taken for afforestation, wasteland development, biodiversity, wildlife conservation, waste management, use of renewable sources of energy and environmental awareness. He said that he would welcome any idea or project for the ecological development which the state government and Army could jointly undertake for mutual benefit.

The one-day conference saw a free and fruitful exchange of views. Officials of the state government and Western Command also participated in the conference.

-DS Rawat

Laser Laurels

Army has been doing a commendable work in the field of water sports especially in sailing. The recently held Laser National Championship-2004 at Secunderabad bears testimony to that. Inaugurating the Laser National Championship-2004 at Secunderabad Sailing Club in Hyderabad, Mrs Renuka Choudhary, Union Minister for Tourism said that the championship reflects the spirit of competition and highest levels of sportsmanship. Hyderabad is always hospitable for sports particularly sailing. The Minister has suggested the Army to explore sailing opportunities in Paleru Reservoir in Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh.

Capt NS Johal of Army Yachting Node (AYN) has clinched the championship trophy. The Laser Class Association of India’s President’s Trophy was awarded to Capt NS Johal who also received the Kelly Subbanand Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of Rs 10,000. Craftsman BK Rout of Army Yachting Node has won the National Championship Trophy in Laser Radial Class. Capt Meenu Dahiya of Army Yachting Node has secured the first position in women’s category. Lt Gen VC Jain, President of Laser Class Association of India presented the trophies to the winners at a ceremony held at Secunderabad Sailing Club, Hyderabad.


Lt Gen VC Jain presenting the trophy to Capt Meenu Dahiya

Capt NS Johal and Sub Rajesh Choudhary of Army Yachting Node and Arjun Pradipak of Secunderabad Sailing club have won the first, second and third positions respectively in the Laser Standard Class. Craftsmen BK Rout of Army Yachting Node, Dharmendra Singh of CESC and Dinesh Boorugu of Secunderabad Sailing Club have secured the first, second and third places respectively in Laser Radial Class.


Mrs Renuka Chowdhary looking at a laser class Boat after inaugurating the championship

Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen Ranjendra Singh, Vice President of Laser Class Association of India said that 56 sailors including four women participated in the championship.

The Laser Class Association of India organised this prestigious championship and EME Sailing Club and Secunderabad Sailing Club were co-hosts of this event. The championship was held for the 19th time at Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad.

-PJ Sudhakar

Island Inputs

Many aspiring youths from inacceassible areas of Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands find it difficult to attend recruitment rallies organised at main land due to sparse communication and transportation facilities. With a view to reach out to the aspirants, recruitment rallies are held at least once in a year at Andaman and Nicobar Islands by RO(HQ), Chennai.


Physical fitness test in progress

Preparations for the recruitment rally at the islands start four months in advance so that civil administration can provide the necessary assistance. The civil administration provides Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose stadium at Port Blair alongwith security and other administrative support. Andaman and Nicobar Command provides assistance in terms of accommodation, messing, manpower and transportation. Generally, the rallies are conducted in December, January and February as tourists throng the islands during this period. Publicity about the recruitment rally is given atleast two months in advance through civil administration, local newspapers and Andaman Nicobar Command since it takes time to reach the aspirants in remote areas.


Candidates participating in a run at the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Stadium

A number of aspirants travel from far-flung areas to participate in the rally which is conducted in four days. On the first day there is a document check and physical test. On the second and third day medical tests are conducted and on fourth day, final screening for medically fit candidates is conducted by the recruiting team. By evening result is declared to the candidates.

After declaration of results, selected candidates are given 10 days time to go back to their homes for collection of their personnel luggage and other documents required for enrollment. They are enrolled at Port Blair and later called to Chennai to finally leave for their respective centres.

(inputs: input : Lt Col RS Bhaduria

Naval Chief at Western Sea Board

Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of the Naval Staff was on a two-day visit to Mumbai for the first time after taking over as the Navy Chief.

On this occasion, an impressive ceremonial parade was held in honour of Admiral Arun Prakash at Naval Air Station, Kunjali-II. The Admiral also inspected a guard of honour presented by sailors of Western Naval Command.

Addressing the parade, the Chief of the Naval Staff emphasised the need for developing skills based on good seamanship and airmanship. Admiral Prakash said that terrorism, smuggling and piracy are three major hazards at sea during peacetime and the command should be ready to face threats posed by such activities.


Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of the Naval Staff with the officers at Naval Air Station, Kunjali-II

Recalling the crucial role played by the Western Naval Command during 1971 War, Admiral Arun Prakash said that a large number of ships, submarines and aircraft have been inducted in last 30 years, especially on the western sea board. He hoped that the command would accept any task assigned to it.

-Cdr AK Lambhate

Leading Ladakhi Women in IT

Under operation Sadbhavana Army desired to improve the inadequate education and employment opportunities for women of Ladakh region. In this respect, it established a computer training centre at Leh to impart basic computer education to local women. The response to the centre has been overwhelming. Around 150 women have joined the centre to become computer savvy. The centre is being managed by 14 Corps Engineering Signal Regiment.


Ladakhi women at the computer training centre

The trainees are charged nominal fee by the centre and are also provided with free lunch.

input: Capt N Saush

Guardsmen Pass-Out

Passing-out parade of the course-51 of the Guards Regimental Centre was held at Jadunath Parade Ground of the Centre. Col KC Murthy, officiating Commandant, Brigade of the Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee reviewed the parade in which 260 recruits were formally inducted as battle-ready soldiers into this highly decorated regiment.

Col KC Murthy presented the coveted Field Marshal KM Cariappa Trophy to allround best recruit to Guardsman Suresh Kumar Gupta. He also presented medals for outstanding performance in firing and drill. In his address, the Colonel extolled the recruits to live upto the motto Pahla Hamesha Pahla and glorious traditions of the regiment.


Col KC Murthy presenting medals and trophies to the outstanding Guardsmen

The recruits who have undergone training for approximately one year at the GRC, participated in an impressive and colourful parade. The regimental colours and National Flag were paraded on this occasion. The religious teacher carried the holy scriptures of all the religions before the recruits who took the oath of allegiance and selfless service to the nation.


GRC recruits at the parade

The parade was witnessed by all ranks of the centre including the families of the recruits who passed out.

-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley

North-East File
CII Meet at Guwahati

To generate awareness among small and medium-scale industries about the supply of various equipments to military and North-east based paramilitary forces the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised a Buyer-seller Meet at Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati.

The military and paramilitary units in the North-east have a large requirement of a variety of items ranging from food and other perishable items to spares and components for maintaining various equipments. Most of these items can be manufactured by small-scale units in the North-east. However, most of the items used by these defence units are currently procured from outside the region.


Minister of State for Defence, Mr BK Handique and Army officials at the exhibition

The CII’s aim behind organising the meet was to bring defence and paramilitary forces and small sector units on a common platform so that they could develop a long-term business relationship between them.

Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Bharat Electronic Limited, Border Roads Organisation, Directorate General of Quality Assurance, Ministry of Defence, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Ordance Factory Board showcased their requirements at the exhibition organised on the occasion.

Medical Camp at Kaithelmanbi

Fourteen Assam Rifles under 59 Mountain Brigade conducted a medical camp for the flood-affected people of Keithelmanbi region in Manipur. The camp was inaugurated by Brig RK Sharma, Commander, 59 Mountain Brigade. Medicines were distributed free of cost at the camp. A large number of local residents took part in the camp and availed the facilities. The civil administration distributed rations to the needy at the camp.


Medical camp in progress

Sainik School Excels

Sainik School, Imphal won the second Computer Literacy Award-2003 for excellence in computer education. Wg Cdr MS Bhandari, Principal of the school received the award from President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in a solemn function held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

The award carries a cash prize of 1.5 lakh rupees and a trophy. The award is instituted by Department of Information Technology, Government of India to encourage schools imparting computer education.


President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam presenting the award to Wg Cdr MS Bhandari

PIO, Government of India Visits Guwahati

Dr Shakuntala Mahawal, Principal Information Officer (PIO), Government of India, visited Guwahati. During her visit, Dr Mahawal interacted with heads of the media units of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. She also visited Public Relations Office, Ministry of Defence.


Dr Shakuntala Mahawal with mediapersons at Guwahati

A Goodwill Gesture

Commandant, 13 Assam Rifles inaugurated a rice mill at Liwa Khullen village in Chandel district of Manipur. The rice mill was presented to the Women Society of Liwa Khullen as part of Assam Rifles civic action project. The society thanked 13 Assam Rifles for the goodwill gesture. On the occasion, the Commandant emphasised the role of women in community development.


A view of the inauguration of rice mill

Medical Camp by 15 Assam Rifles

A medical camp was conducted by 15 Assam Rifles at Koide Bisho Village in Senapati district of Manipur under the aegis of 59 Mountain Brigade. Two medical officers and nursing staff took part in the camp. Altogether, 439 patients from remote areas availed the facilities at the camp.

Brig RK Sharma, Commander, 59 Mountain Brigade visited the location and interacted with the local residents. The villagers thanked the Security Forces for conducting the camp.

Bailey Bridge Constructed

The 106 Engineer Regiment constructed a bailey bridge near Dabalipara on Barpetta-Hauli Road in Assam.

Barpetta-Hauli Road was badly damaged due to heavy rains. Under the leadership of Commanding Officer, Col Sanjay Sharma, 106 Engineer Regiment constructed the bridge in a record time. The State Irrigation Minister, Mr Ismail Hussain inaugurated the bridge.


Bailey bridge on Barpetta-Hauli Road

Wrestling Championship


Eastern Command Wrestling Championship finals in progress

The Eastern Command Inter-Formation Wrestling Championship-2004-05 was held at Umroi Cantonment near Shillong. The tournament was conducted in “Greco-Roman” and free style categories. Altogether, seven teams comprising 98 wrestlers from different formations under Eastern Command took part in the championship.

The 5 Mountain Division team emerged as overall champion with 52 points while 17 Mountain Division was declared runners-up with 27 points.

Brig RH Vardhan, Brigade Commander of Umroi Cantonment was the chief guest on the final day. Addressing the closing ceremony, Brig Vardhan said that Services have been supporting outstanding sportsmen in various discipline. Later, he presented medals and championship trophy to the winners.

inputs : Maj SK Gautam
Maj SD Goswami
Sqn Ldr Binoy Chongtham
and GS Uppal

PoP at Tambaram

It was a red letter day in the lives of 700 persons in sky-blue shirts and dark blue trousers at the IAF airfield at Tambaram, Chennai. These men-in-blue passed out from the Administrative Training Institute of the Air Force after successfully completing their 36-week training in non-technical trades. Of them, five passed out with distinction to directly become Leading Aircraftmen.

Air Marshal HS Garkal, Principal Staff Officer to Chief of the Air Staff reviewed the parade at a colourful ceremony and presented trophies to meritorious airmen. The parade was commanded by Aircraftsman S Yohenba of Air Force Police. Leading Aircraftman Selvam belonging to Clerk General Duties was awarded the best all-rounder trophy. The parade was followed by exciting mass drill, gymnastics, sky diving and fly-past.

Addressing the newly inducted air warriors, Air Marshal Garkal complimented the trainees for their performance during the training. The Air Marshal pointed out that the career prospects in the Indian Air Force had substantially improved in the recent past and ample opportunities were available to grow in service to the extent possible based on merit, self-resolve and commitment.

Air Cmde SK Karmakar, AOC and Wg Cdr D Prajapati, Chief Instructor, Administrative Training Institute were present on the occasion. School-children and family members of defence personnel also witnessed the parade.
Air Marshal HS Garkal reviewing the parade


A gymnastics show by the trainees


Sky diving


Airmen crossing the fire ring
Air Marshal HS Garkal presenting the best all-rounder trophy to Leading Aircraftman Selvam

-V Sankaran

Operation Ujala : Lighting Up Lives

Marwah Valley in Kishtwar sub-division of Doda district is surrounded by pristine snow -capped mountains. It is a remote area on the banks of Marwah river and is accessible only by foot. An arduous trek of 70 km along the river is required to reach Kishtwar.


Maj Gen PC Bhardwaj at the vocational training centre

To bring an all-round development in this region, Army launched operation Ujala. The PMO allocated Rs 2 crore for the operation from National Development Fund. Shradhanjali Complex is one of the major projects completed at a cost of Rs 19.76 lakh under this operation. The complex houses a vocational training centre, general stores, a vegetable shop and a medical shop and health centre.


Army officials at the health centre

Army’s initiatives received overwhelming response from the local residents. They also took part in the construction work of the complex.
The operation has helped a great deal in winning the hearts and minds of the local public.
Maj Gen PC Bhardwaj, GOC of a formation, inaugurated the Shradhanjali Complex recently. A large number of senior Army, police and civil officials were present on the occasion.


Local residents at the inauguration of Shradhanjali Complex

-Lt Col Bhanwar Rathore

Living Amidst Snow

Life in the Army, they say, lands you up in the most unique environs. It sure did for me, as I went up to live among the North-eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh as part of my field tenure. Having already mentally geared ourselves up, my party was in high spirits as we commenced the journey to our post. As we started the trek along the narrow, meandering mountain path, a shepherd dog joined us. It was a good omen as it guided us through a path that obviated the chance of falling into a glacial crevasse. One had to carefully pick one’s way through, as the ice field kept moving and the tracks got obliterated by freshly fallen snow. At that time, we were among the Easternmost extension of the Himalayas, the impenetrable mountain barrier that extends for 1,250 miles with few breeches.

Enroute we noticed the hard mountain people living along the terraced slopes, in houses built of rocks and walled with mud, practising shifting agriculture and grazing their Yak. We observed a herd of Yak, unobtrusively grazing in the valley greens.

On the way, at intervals we noticed prayer stones with words Om Mani Peme Hum inscribed on them. At other places we found stone walls of ‘Chortens’—ubiquitous shrines that serve as guardians of the mountain people. It invoked intense religious feeling, even for the nonchallant passer-by as if God himself had carved them.


Journey begins on way to camp-I

Now the slopes gave way to the rocky climb that was almost incredibly steep. Beyond us, with breathtaking steepness were the great giants. The ranges, a seemingly impenetrable fortress against the world that lay beyond—the mysterious land of China. At 16000 ft, we saw the last traces of vegetation along the path as we moved up. The alpine pastures of pine trees with red ivy and the stunted forests fascinated us.

How time flew, I didn’t realise, because the long, dry and biting cold winter had passed and summer was in. Though not much respite from the cold, it was better in the sense that the southerly winds prevail and after the moisture condenses, the great clouds burst to emit downpours indicating the monsoon which hits the top by mid May here. Also if it is hot, one just has to open the door of the FRP hut and you have nature’s air-conditioner working for you!

We too retired early, after warming up with a stiff drink. Mind you, its recommended, because high-altitude living is not for the weak-hearted, though one mustn’t get addicted to the stuff. Besides this, we took all other precautions like applying vaseline and cold cream to the exposed parts and wearing snow goggles before venturing out. Also remember to cover your head, throat and feet always and everytime and wear a light jacket over a woollen sweater while walking amidst snow.

We had survived! We had conquered the great heights and had lived long among a world of snow and ice without being affected or demoralised. Proof of our achievement was the fact that not a single member of our party needed medicines or doctor’s help during our entire stay at high-altitude. Probably our steel-like determination or the fact that we had learnt to live with our rocky and towering giants as friends helped.

-Maj Bhasher Gupta

AFHQ Day

Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Day is celebrated every year on August 1. This year, a cultural programme was staged by the AFHQ employees to mark the occasion.

Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, in his message on the occasion, lauded the role being played by the AFHQ employees during war and peace along with men-in-uniform.

The cultural programme held at Mavalankar Auditorium, New Delhi, was inaugurated by Mr PK Rastogi, Joint Secretary (Trg) & CAO by lighting the ceremonial lamp. In his address, Mr Rastogi highlighted the good work done by the AFHQ employees in professional, cultural and sports fields. He presented cash awards and blazers to the outstanding sportsmen. Dr GS tiwari, Director(T), read out the annual report for the year 2003-04.


Mr PK Rastogi lighting the traditional lamp on the occasion of AFHQ Day

input: P Sarath

NCC Cadets in UK

Adelegation comprising one officer and twelve cadets of National Cadet Corps visited United Kingdom under the Youth Exchange Programme. The delegation went to UK on an invitation of the cadets and Headquarters Land Command for a duration of 16 days.

Indo-UK Youth Exchange Programme started in 1971 with an aim to help cadets understand international relations. It acts as the ‘third tier of diplomacy’ by supplementing the efforts of diplomats and leaders in building bonds of friendship with other nations.


Lt Gen MC Bhandari, Director General, NCC with the cadets who visited the UK

During their visit, NCC cadets participated in the Army, Sea and Air Cadet Corps camps of the United Kingdom. They also visited various educational and training institutes, Palace of Westminister, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussards Museum and Royal Observatory. They also witnessed field activities.

input: Lt Col RS Chhettri

Defence in Parliament

Bullet-proof Jackets for Army

Based on the immediate requirement as projected by Army, one lakh bullet-proof jackets are under procurement. At present, 1.26 lakh bullet-proof jackets are available with Army. In the last three years, 28,500 bullet-proof jackets have been made available to the Army. Another contract for 26,774 bullet-proof jackets has been signed in April, last.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr PK Maheshwari in Rajya Sabha.

Development of 7.62 MM Assault Rifle

The Small Arms Factory, Kanpur developed a 7.62 mm assault rifle as a substitute for AK-47 rifle for supply to the Armed Forces, central Para Military Forces and state police organisations. Certain shortcomings have been pointed out during trial evaluation of this weapon by the Border Security Force. Further the Ministry of Home Affairs has advised the Ordnance Factory Board to develop a 5.56 assault rifle.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Defence, Mr Bijoy Krishna Handique in a written reply to Mr Rama Muni Reddy Sirigireddy and Mr K Rama Mohana Rao in Rajya Sabha.

Ground Combat Missions

Women officers are not being assigned jobs on ground combat missions in the Indian Army, as they are not eligible for induction into infantry, Armoured Corps and Mechanised Infantry.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mrs NP Durga in Rajya Sabha.

Armymen in Pakistani Jails

It is estimated that 17 Army officers, two Junior Commissioned Officers and 19 Other Ranks (ORs) are currently in Pakistan jails.

Two soldiers (ORS) of the Indian Army, were declared deserters on September 1999, in the absence of any knowledge of their whereabouts by a court of inquiry. These two soldiers were taken off the deserters’ list when Pakistan confirmed that they were in their custody. Both these soldiers have since been released by Pakistan on ninth of last month.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha.

Merging Secunderabad Cantonment Board With MCH

A request from the Government of Andhra Pradesh has been received by the Ministry of Defence to merge Secunderabad Cantonment Board with the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad in 1999. A similar request has also been received on July 19, 2004.

The request of the state government was considered by the government and it has not been found feasible to merge the cantonment areas with the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad due to security considerations.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr K Rama Mohana Rao in Rajya Sabha.

Hawk AJTs

According to the contract with M/s BAe Systems Limited, United Kingdom, the delivery of 24 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers in flyaway condition is expected to commence from September 2007 and would be completed by February 2008.

Till the new Hawk aircraft are available for the Indian Air Force (IAF), as an interim measure, 75 IAF pilots will be trained in UK as per the contract with M/s BAe Systems Limited, UK.

This information was given by Defence Minister Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr SM Laljan Basha in Rajya Sabha.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

India has built up its own unmanned defence system like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles so that the country gets closer to building up its own assemble of unmanned defence. Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed two types of UAVs - Lakshya and Nishant.

The reusable unmanned aerial target vehicle Lakshya is used for training gun and missile crew. Nishant is used for battlefield reconnaissance and damage assessment. Development work on underwater autonomous vehicles is planned to be undertaken by March next year.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr Manoj Bhattacharya in Rajya Sabha.

Upgradation of Jaguars

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has entered into a contract with the Indian Air Force for undertaking series upgradation of Jaguar aircraft.

Two prototypes have been upgraded and flown successfully. Limited initial operation clearance for the aircraft has been achieved.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Defence, Mr Bijoy Krishna Handique in a written reply to Mr Nandi Yellaiah in Rajya Sabha.

International Airport at Devanahalli

The Government has given clearance for the proposed International Airport at Devanahalli near Bangalore.

The operation at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport, Bangalore will continue even after Bangalore International Airport Limited becomes functional. In case, HAL airport is closed down, the cost of closure would be made good to HAL.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr KB Krishna Murthy in Rajya Sabha.

Arms From Overseas

During 2004-2005, no contract for any rifle or weapon has been signed with any vendor so far. However, in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004, Indian Army procured various rifles and weapons from vendors in Russia, South Africa, Israel and Sweden after trial evaluations. The source of supply, quality of weapons and their prices are satisfactory.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr Janardhana Poojary in Rajya Sabha.

Indian Troops to Sudan

In response to a UN request, Government of India has made a commitment to the United Nations to provide an infantry battalion group with support elements, an Air Force unit comprising six utility helicopters and police personnel consisting of a special police unit and individual police officers.

Indian troops are currently in UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon, Ethiopia-Eritrea and Democratic Republic of Congo. Indian police personnel are also serving in the UN Mission in Kosovo.

This information was given to Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr E Ahamed in reply to a question by Mr Milind Deora.

Defence Modernisation Fund

The Standing Committee on Defence in its 21st Report had desired the Ministry of Defence to expedite the formulation of modalities and procedures for operating the Defence Modernisation Fund.

The Ministry of Defence had drawn up a detailed accounting procedure for operationalising the Defence Modernisation Fund and sent the proposal for approval to concerned authorities including Comptroller and Auditor General.

According to the proposal formulated by Ministry of Defence, Defence Modernisation Fund is to be created in the Public Account of India and is to cater for all capital acquisition of the three Services and Integrated Defence Staff. In the Budget 2004-2005, no provision has been made for Defence Modernisation Fund for the current financial year.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Dr Rajesh Mishra and others in Lok Sabha.

Testing of Agni Missile

Agni-I-India’s surface-to-surface missile, with a range of over 700 km in the Agni series, has been successfully test fired on July last.

Agni-I can carry one ton pay load and it can be launched from road/rail launcher. The flight test achieved all the mission objectives set for it.

In all, five flight tests have been conducted on Agni-I and Agni-II missile so far. Agni-I meets the threat perception with its range capability and Agni-II has a longer range, more than Pakistani Ghauri missile. The Agni-I missile is in process of induction in Army.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mrs Krishna Tirath and others in Lok Sabha.

Production of Warships

Warship construction involves design and building of platforms on which weapons, sensors and other equipment are placed. Warships have been constructed in India since 1961 with indigenous technology. Warships of the category of advance offshore patrol vessels and fast patrol vessels are already being built with indigenous design and technology at the defence shipyards. Weapons and sensors for which technology is not available in India are however, being procured from abroad for installation on these platforms to meet the Navy’s requirements for state-of-the-art weapon system.

This information was given by Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Mr Madhusudan Reddy in Lok Sabha.

-PIB (DW)

Seminar on Disaster Management

Aseminar on “Disaster Management in Mumbai” was held at INHS Asvini Auditorium, Colaba. The seminar, organised under the aegis of Bombay Medical Congress, was inaugurated by Surgeon Vice Admiral VK Singh, Director General, Medical Services (Navy) and President of Bombay Medical Congress.

While delivering inaugural address, Surgeon Vice Admiral VK Singh said that the aim of the seminar was to synergise both defence and civilian efforts in case of any disaster in Mumbai. He stressed that no agency in the city could tackle a disaster by itself and it was essential to coordinate the resources of the city in general, especially BARC, Railways, Airlines, civil and military hospitals, municipal authorities, Armed Forces and NGOs.

Mr VV Vaidya, Chief Officer of Mumbai Disaster Action Plan delivered a lecture on “Disaster Management Plan for Mumbai” and informed that Emergency Operation Centre for disaster management was already set up in Parel and would be operational before Diwali this year. A number of steps are being taken for better coordination amongst various agencies involved in disaster management, he added.


Surgeon Vice Admiral VK Singh looking at Rescue Chamber displayed at the exhibition

A number of delegates from Bombay Municipal Corporation, Government of Maharashtra, BARC, Fire Services department, Railways and NGOs like Agni and Sarista participated in this day-long seminar.

The Bombay Medical Congress is a unique society founded in 1942 to provide a common platform for Armed Forces and civil doctors to share and gain mutually from the achievements in their respective fields.

-Cdr AK Lambhate
Pic: Maj HS Bobde

61st RR Battalion

The 61st Rashtriya Rifles Battalion (JAT) was raised recently at the JAT Regimental Centre, Bareilly. Lt Gen KK Khanna, Colonel of the JAT Regiment unfurled the regimental flag to mark the occasion. Speaking at a special sainik sammelan held for all ranks of the new battalion, Lt Gen Khanna spoke about the expectations from the battalion.


Lt Gen KK Khanna addressing the troops of the battalion

Lt Col Sanjeev Dogra from 16 JAT was specially selected to raise this battalion. Brig Shyam Lal, Commandant, JAT Regimental Centre presented a JAT Bust to the battalion on the occasion.

-Lt Col RK Sen

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The Jawan in a Forward Area

From the File


Illustrated Weekly Magazine of the
Armed Forces of India
September 18, 1955

THE FRONT-LINE IS NOT EXACTLY A COSY HEARTH; NOT THAT you need a fire to warm yourself, for it can often be warm climatically speaking that is. Apart from the fact that jawan in the forward areas has a more exacting routine than his colleagues elsewhere, he has several other problems to contend with; above all he has to make himself at home. If he does not, he cannot bring his mind to bear upon his work. The paraphernalia that goes to make up a home, if not the intangible consolations it offers, just cannot be had for money or more. So the jawan occupies himself with re-creating the fugitive magic that pervades the home. Now, this is a continuous operation, calling for physical effort, a flair for improvization and a subjective nimbleness to meet the desired consummation half way, partly at any rate by imagining it. Let us not, however, ramble too far into subjective realms; rather let us learn how the jawan actually settles down.

What is in a home apart from the heart-warming company of those near to one? A home is familiar and comfortable; there is a well-ordered place for everything. Even where it is not so well-ordered, the disorder can be reassuring source of security — perhaps the greatest virtue of the hearth.

It is not only in a painter’s dream that art resides; it can be a mode of living, as the house-proud woman is never tired of asserting. As in all the assertions of the faithful, there is a germ of a truth in this one, too.

So how does the jawan lure the Lares and Penates to inhabit his austere lodgings. Here is how. A wild flower in a vital spot, a home-made pencil-sketch on the wall, and something colourful to relieve the bareness of the floor are the well-known devices. The jawan in the forward areas—the one that forms the subject-matter of this article has gone one better.

The jawan knows that names of places, like the familiar smells which can transform the external world for you, can invest a scene with a nostalgia piquant like mild sorrow. And so he calls portions of this “Army village’ by names like Bombay, Poona and Delhi, thus weaving out a magical spell which gives him the feeling that he is not after all in the wilderness.

Passing through these small villages with their mud-houses lining both the sides of the road, one emerges into a thick grove of trees near a road. A turn to the left, one walks along an arena of sheesham trees whose thick foilage cuts off the scorching heat of the sun. One is then greeted by well-planned, spruce and natty city of tents. There are a few bashas with their walls plastered with white clay. The only thing that the jawan misses from his home town are flies which cannot be had for love or money within the precincts of this Infantry Unit. Infact, the Unit stands out like a model of cleanliness from the insanitary villages that surround it.

The jawans live in the open, like a big family. If they are lucky enough to be located near some natural water-source or a grove, they make the best use of it.

What do the jawans do with their time? They are on their feet throughout the day. They spend the mornings training, and in the evening, they play games. Each man has his own method of spending his hours of leisure in the afternoon. Here as elsewhere, “the forty winks” are a favourite pastime; there are others who read and transport themselves to the realms of fiction where the rigours of front-line existence appear like another man’s pain read in a novel. Copies of Sainik Samachar are also in evidence.

The day’s work over, jawans can be seen walking down The Mall, some in groups and others along a nice shady lane. This Mall resembles the ones, which the powdered emigres from the heat of the plains are used to, in no way at all. The Mall leads into the Shivaji Park—the unit lines—a neat and clean compound with the tents laid out in well-defined rows. The jawans do not drive stakes into the ground to mark off the boundaries. Gay creepers, green and pleasing to the eye and trained to grow along poles and ropes, perform that prosaic function. Some of the bashas here were constructed by the jawans themselves. No untrained eye can seek them out as creations of an amateur. The unit has its mandir, too, located in a small basha with a compound covered with morning glory. Obviously, the jawans from Delhi have had the last word in naming the Unit’s shopping centre. (This shopping centre is only that by courtesy; it is housed in a 220-pounder tent, where the jawans go for shopping). It is called Connaught Place. If that word cojures up in your mind impressive double-storeyed structures built in circles with long cloistered walks and collonades, you are wide of the mark. As in a departmental store, you can here buy all your needs under one roof and at one counter. A corner of this tent serves for a restaurant, where the jawans drop in for an occasional cup of tea or some lassi. ......

Armed Forces
Panorama

Army Chief Visits Eastern Command

Chief of the Army Staff, Gen NC Vij, visited Headquarters, Eastern Command at Fort William, Kolkata.

On arrival, the Army Chief was received by Lt Gen JS Varma, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and introduced to Maj Gen ZU Shah, GOC Bengal Area, Cmde P Sengupta, Naval Officer Incharge, West Bengal and Air Cmde KK Swaminathan. Air Officer Commanding, HQ EAC.


Chief of the Army Staff, Gen NC Vij being welcomed at Kolkata

Gen NC Vij reviewed the situation in Eastern Command and held discussions with the GOC-in-C and field commanders of Eastern Command.

–Wg Cdr SN Mukerjee
from Kolkata

VCOAS Visits Infantry School, Mhow

Lt Gen Shantonu Choudhry, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) was on a two-day visit to the Infantry School and Army War College at Mhow. On his arrival at the Infantry School from Delhi, the VCOAS was accorded a warm welcome by the Commandants of the Infantry School, Army War College and the MCTE, Mhow.

Later, Lt Gen Shantonu Choudhry visited the historic Som Hall where Lt Gen DP Singh, Commandant of the Infantry School briefed him about the training aspects of the school. On this occasion, a weapon display was organised. Lt Gen Shantonu Choudhry also visited the Army War College where he addressed the Higher Command Course officers.


Lt Gen Shantonu Choudhry with Lt Gen DP Singh and other senior Army and Ordnance Factory Board officers at the Infantry School

input: Arun Datta

GOC-in-C Visits Golden Katar

Lt Gen BS Takhar, GOC-in-C, Southern Command accompanied by his wife Mrs Harsimrit Takhar, visited Golden Katar Division HQ at Ahmedabad. Lt Gen KS Jamwal and Maj Gen Tejinder Singh, GOCs of Desert Strike Corps and Golden Katar Division respectively received the GOC-in-C.

Lt Gen Takhar called on the Gujarat Governor and also met Air Marshal Satish K Jain, AOC-in-C, South-Western Air Command (SWAC) in Gandhinagar. The Army Commander also visited various brigades and units of the division.


Lt Gen BS Takhar (left) with Lt Gen KS Jamwal (centre) and Maj Gen Tejinder Singh at Ahmedabad

–Wg Cdr TK Singha
from Ahmedabad

AOC-in-C Visits HQ MC

Air Marshal VA Patkar, AOC-in-C HQ Maintenance Command, IAF visited 54 ASP, AF on a familiarisation visit.

During his visit, Air Marshal VA Patkar inspected stores and other departments. He congratulated Gp Capt RK Upreti, Station Commander, Air Force station, Gurgaon for the efforts put in by the unit personnel.


Air Marshal VA Patkar laying the foundation stone for married accommodation project at Sulur

Earlier, Air Marshal VA Patkar visited Air Force station, Manauri. He also visited Air Force station, Sulur where he laid the foundation stone for married accommodation project.

–PIB (DW)

Commander Visits Bogra Brigade

Lt Gen KS Jamwal, Desert Commander visited Bogra Brigade at Nasirabad where he addressed all ranks during a special sainik sammelan. The Corps Commander complimented the troops for high morale and stressed upon the need of maintaining operational preparedness.

Lt Gen Jamwal interacted with the troops during tea and enquired about their welfare. Brig ADS Grewal, Commander, Bogra Brigade briefed the visiting dignitary about the various activities being taken up by the station. AWWA President (Regional), Mrs Mala Jamwal interacted with the ladies of the station and inspected various activities.


Lt Gen KS Jamwal being briefed about the activities of Bogra Brigade

–Maj Xavier M Thomas
from Jodhpur

Raj Rif Regimental Centre Visited

Col PV Noigny, Director General of Strategic Affairs and Military Cooperation, Congo alongwith a three-member delegation visited Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, Delhi Cantt.

After the briefing by Brig JG Konnur, Commandant, Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre, the delegation visited integrated indoor training complex, Drona simulator room and company lines. They were highly appreciative of the well laid-out training facilities of the centre.


The Congo delegation at Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre

input: Maj Jiten Vadhera

Commander Meets CM

Brig JS Bajwa, Commander of Kerala and Karnataka Sub Area called on Mr N Dharam Singh, Chief Minister of Karnataka.

On this occasion Brig Bajwa requested the CM to roll back the recently imposed taxes on Canteen Stores Department (CSD) items so that the jawans particularly ex-servicemen and war widows are not financially burdened. The CM promised to look into the matter.


Brig JS Bajwa with Mr N Dharam Singh, Chief Minister of Karnataka

-MN Shankar
from Bangalore

Militants Surrender

Six hardcore militants surrendered to Col Surinder Kumar, Commanding Officer, 94 Field Regiment. The regiment played a key role for enabling the militants come back to mainstream. The militants surrendered with SLMG, 9mm pistol, radio sets, warlike stores and incriminating documents.

input: Maj Rajesh Mor

ASI Sports Complex

The ultra-modern sports complex of Army Sports Institute (ASI), spread over 73 acres of land in Ghorpadi area of the Pune Cantonment, is expected to be completed by next month.

The Rs 24-Cr complex houses a synthetic track for athletics along with a cinder track. Three swimming pools-one for competition and the remaining for warm-up and diving are also getting ready. An archery range, three spacious halls for boxing, weightlifting and wrestling also form a part of the state-of-the-art complex. An additional fund of Rs 1.5 Cr has been earmarked for wrestling hall.

“The complex is a well-equipped sports complex in South Asia”, said Col Jagjit Singh, Commandant, Army Sports Institute.


Main stadium under construction at Sports Complex of Army Sports Institute

-VK Abdulla
from Pune

CME Programme

A two-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Emergencies in Medical Practice” was conducted by Central Command Hospital at Shivam Auditorium, Lucknow Cantonment.

The aim of the CME was to address issues relating to emergencies in all fields of medicine. It also aimed at generating awareness levels of the “first line” physicians who are vital in the management of emergencies. More than 200 delegates from across the country and specialists from Armed Forces attended the programme.

Inaugurating the CME, Lt Gen JR Bhardwaj, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) and Senior Colonel Commandant of AMC, expressed concern over the increase of accidents and mass casualties, which has placed more responsibility on health care professionals.

The key-note address was delivered by Vice Chancellor of KGMU, Prof M Bhandari on “Telemedicine: Taking Health Care to the Masses”. Dr Bhandari in his address highlighted the dismal trauma care services in the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. He opined that a change was possible by improved transport, logistics and telemedicine.


Lt Gen JR Bhardwaj inaugurating the CME

Lt Gen Devraj Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Central Command released a CD on CME and Lt Gen Sadananda, Commandant, AMC Centre and School released an information brochure on the Central Command Hospital. Earlier, Maj Gen Sujan Singh, Commandant, Central Command Hospital welcomed the delegates. On arrival at AMC Stadium, Lt Gen JR Bhardwaj was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned-up contingent commanded by Maj TD Bhatt.

-PIB (DW)

Polyclinic in Non-military Station

An Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinic was inaugurated at 989 Khedkar Nagar, Akola by Brig PVK Menon, Station Commander, Pulgaon. A number of ex-servicemen were present on the occasion.

While speaking to the mediapersons, Brig Menon said that ECHS has been launched with the aim of free medical treatment to the retired soldiers and their dependents in the best hospitals any where in the country. ECHS polyclinic, Akola is the first polyclinic to be established in a non-military station in Maharashtra. Altogether, 227 such polyclinics are being established in various parts of the country in military as well as non-military stations.


Brig PVK Menon inaugurating the polyclinic at Akola

-Sqn Ldr Anil Ingley
from Nagpur

Seminar on AIDS

A seminar on AIDS was held at Hotel Jhelum Resorts under the aegis of Jammu Consumers Council. Mrs Suman Bhagat, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir was the chief guest on the occasion and Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University was the guest of honour.


Seminar in progress

The seminar was organised by Jammu Consumer Council in association with J&K State Aids Control Society.

-Lt Col Bhanwar Rathore
from Jammu

Medical Camp

Indian Army conducted a medical camp in the border areas of Jammu as part of operation Sadbhavana. Army doctors alongwith their civil counterparts treated patients and distributed free medicines. The doctors include gynaecologists and specialists for ENT, Eye and Skin.

Approximately 600 patients were treated and medicines worth Rs 45000 were distributed to the public. The medical team educated the people on various medical precautions to be taken against diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea and yellow fever. the doctors also explained important issues like family planning, sex and communicable diseases like STD and Aids.


Local formation Commander interacting with patients at the camp site

-Lt Col Bhanwar Rathore
from Jammu

Asha School, Jodhpur Visited

Mrs Harsimrit Takhar, President AWWA, Southern Command accompanied by Mrs Mala Jamwal, President, (Regional) AWWA visited, Asha School, Jodhpur recently. Mrs Thakar interacted with the children and the staff and inspected the newly introduced hearing-aid equipment. She complimented the children who won medals in the Rajasthan Athletic Meet held for special children. On this occasion, she gifted Rs 25,000 for purchase of physiotherapy equipment and Rs 5,000 as cash incentive to children who participated in the athletic meet.


Mrs Harsimrit Takhar with children of Asha school

-PIB (DW)

War Widows Meet

A two-day war widows meet was organised by Hisar Military Station at Bhiwani on August 5. Mrs Anita Loomba, President, AWWA, Hisar Cantonment presided over the meet. The meet was held as part of project Helping Hand with an aim to provide war widows a forum to express their problems.


Mrs Anita Loomba presenting blankets to a war widow

About 200 war widows attended the meet. Officials from the civil administration also took part in the meet to listen to the problems and grievances of the widows. Many issues raised by the widows were immediately attended to. Necessary medical assistance and canteen services were also arranged on the occasion.

During the meet, Mrs Anita Loomba presented blankets to each war widow. She assured them that their problems and grievances would be taken up with the concerned authorities.

-DS Rawat

AFMC Conducts Surgical Eye Camp

A surgical eye camp was conducted jointly by Department of Ophthalmology, AFMC, Pune and Lions Club, Pune in Cantonment General Hospital. Fifty patients were operated free of cost by using sutureless surgery technique by a team of doctors led by Col RP Gupta Prof and Head, Department of Opthalmology, AFMC.

Drugs were distributed free of cost to all patients by Mrs Indu Rai, wife of Lt Gen Ramji Rai, Director and Commandant, AFMC. Speaking on the occasion, Col RP Gupta urged people to come forward for eye donation.


Mrs Indu Rai distributing drugs to the patients

Hepatitis-B Immunisation Camp

Two Guards (1 Grenadiers) conducted a Hepatitis-B immunisation camp to generate awareness about Hepatitis-B among the general public. The camp was inaugurated by Mrs Harminder D Singh, President, AWWA 16(I) Armoured Brigade. Other senior officers and ladies of the Black Arrow formation also attended the function. The first dose (out of three doses) was administered to 667 adults and 97 children at the camp.


Mrs Harminder D Singh inaugurating the camp

input: Col BB Vats

Badminton Tournament

Beas AWWA ladies badminton tournament was organised by 55(I) Mechanised Brigade at Beas. The tournament consisted of ladies singles, mixed doubles and ladies doubles matches. While, in the senior ladies singles category, Mrs Rita Kullar emerged as winner, Mrs Mahua Singh was declared winner in the senior ladies novices singles. In the Ladies Singles category the winner was Mrs Kavita Bhalla and the runners-up was Mrs Ratna Pant.

In the mixed doubles category Mrs Rawat and Capt R Nair lifted the trophy and the runners-up were Mrs Bhavna Kukreja and Capt Manoharan.

The prizes were distributed by Brig DS Kullar, Commander 55 (I) Mechanised Brigade. The tournament was followed by a social evening at beas.

input: Capt R Chandel

Volleyball Championship

Madras Engineering Group (MEG) has bagged the ATNK&K Area Volleyball Championship Trophy. Brig AK Jyoti, Commandant, AOC Centre presented the trophy to the winners at an impressive and colourful closing ceremony held at Vedam Volleyball Stadium, AOC Centre. The final match was played between ASC and MEG. Officers and JCOs and ORs were present on the occasion.


Brig AK Jyoti presenting the Volleyball Championship Trophy to the players of Madras Engineering Group

-PIB (DW)
from Hyderabad

Appointment

Gp Capt LS Bachher took over the command of Air Force Station, Bamrauli from Gp Capt KA Kumar. Prior to taking over this command, Gp Capt Bachher was the commanding officer of an operational unit.

Gp Capt Bachher was commissioned in the fighter stream of Flying branch of the Indian Air Force in 1982. He has more than 3500 hours of flying experience to his credit on different types of aircraft like HPT, Kiran, MiG-23, Hunter etc. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor. He has also commanded the prestigious Basic Flying Training School at Bamrauli.


Gp Capt LS Bachher taking charge from Gp Capt KA Kumar

-Sqn Ldr SM Sharma