AFA NEWS - Air Force Association

AFA NEWSSEPTEMBER 2020 1

60th Issue SEPTEMBER 2020

Published by :AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

Air Force Station New Delhi, Race Course Camp,New Delhi-110003

Tele Fax-011-23792415, 23015762Website : www.afa-india.org,

E-mail : [email protected]

` 20/-

AFA NEWSAIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

RAFALEA Gust of Wind

AFA NEWS SEPTEMBER 20202

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS MARSHAL OF THE AIR FORCE

The Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh and Mrs. Arjan Singh Trust was formed on 22 Sep 2004 with contribution of Rs 2 Crores by Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh, DFC and during last 15 years, its Corpus has grown to Rs 4.58 crores after disbursing 3.14 crores to the needy.

To commemorate the Centenary year 2019 of Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh, DFC, the IAF organized a large number of activities. On this occasion the Department of Post, India released the commemorative stamp and First day cover. As a life time remembrance, the bust of Marshal of the IAF was unveiled at Air HQ (VB) & Air HQ (RKP).

Air Headquarters recognized the contribution of the MAFT towards the welfare of Veterans by presenting it with a trophy.

On the eve of centenary celebrations of The Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh DFC, the Trust awarded an amount of Rs 10,00,000/- to Air Force Wives Welfare Association, for schools for differently abled. It also introduced

five scholarships for children of Air warriors, Air veterans, DSC personnel and NCs (E) studying in classes 9th to 11th.


INDEXAFA NEWS

EAGLE'S EYE - 60

EDITORIAL BOARDCHAIRMAN

CO-CHAIRMAN

EDITOR

ASST EDITOR

Veteran Air MarshalJagjeet Singh

PVSM VSM

Veteran Air Vice MarshalSK Gagneja

VSM

Veteran Group CaptainShailendra Mohan

SergeantPrasant Sahoo

DISCLAIMER :The views expressed in the articles published in this magazine are of the authors only and AFA bears no responsibility to their authenticity and accuracy.


Centenary Celebrations 2President's Page 4Sr. Vice President’s Page 5Editor’s Page 6Armed Forces Veterans’ Day 2020 7Annual General Meeting 2019 8Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa Takes Over As President AFA

9

The Biennial Governing Council Meeting 2019-20 10Nation Celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas 11BRANCH ACTIVITIES 12Kal Aaj Aur Kal

-Veteran Air Marshal PV Athawale14

A New Dawn-Veteran Air Marshal PV Athawale

15

Opening Address By The Chairman 16Welfare News 1858PC@68 : 30082020

-Veteran AVM Cecil Parker19

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC Memorial Lecture

20

Introducing Books 21Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences-2019 24General Bipin Rawat Takes Over As The First CDS 25Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria Takes Over as Chief of the Air Staff

26

Summary of an Article from Journal of Virology, April 1991

27

Members of Air Force Association 28Air Force Association (Head/Branch Offices) 29Scholarships Awarded By AFA 33Grants/Scholarships: Marshal Of The Air Force & Mrs. Arjan Singh Trust

35

Obituary List 37Photos of Activities 39


PRESIDENT'S PAGE

I feel privileged and honoured to have taken over as President of the Air Force Association from Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha (Retd). We, at AFA express our gratitude to him for ably guiding the functioning of the Association during his tenure with his vision and empathy for the veterans.

During my tenure as the CAS, I had the welfare of Veterans uppermost in my mind. I had the opportunity to observe the working of AFA through periodical briefings and presentations by the Senior VP and other staff members of AFA.

The present team of Senior Vice President, Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh (Retd) Vice-President, Air Vice Marshal SK Gagneja (Retd), is performing its duties efficiently, I have requested them to continue the good work till my tenure as the President.

I am glad that as the CAS, I was able to provide some funds from IAFBA for the Association to expand its scope of activities to help veterans.

Marshal of the Air Force & Mrs Arjan Singh Trust is carrying out its charter efficiently

giving grants to the needy Veterans including grant of ‘Shagun’ for the needy widows for solemnising marriage of their daughters.

During the Biennial Branch Presidents’ Governing Council Meeting held on 11th and 12th February 2020, I got an opportunity to meet and interact with them. After the exchange of ideas and thoughts expressed by them, our vision has become clear to carry out the mission of AFA with greater zeal and vigour. I request the branches to continue the good work that they are already doing and make the branches even more dynamic and vibrant by introducing innovative measures to bring about a quantitative improvement in the general well being of Veterans and their families.

I commend the efforts of the staff of AFA for reaching out to the Veterans. I also take this opportunity to extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all the Veterans and their families.

Jai Hind !

Veteran Air Chief Marshal BS DhanoaPVSM AVSM YSM VM



Sr. Vice President’s Page

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa has taken over as President of Air Force Association from Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on 30 Sep 2019. Air Force Association accords him a hearty welcome and looks forward to his able guidance in steering the functioning of AFA in achieving its aims and objectives. He has very kindly asked the present team at AFA Head Office to continue working till his tenure.

Two important events have taken place during the last six months. Annual day of AFA was celebrated on 15 Sep 19 and Annual General Meeting was also held on the same day. A total of 25 Octogenarians and three nonagenarians were felicitated on this day. A large number of Veterans including a few retired Chiefs of the Air Staff attended the meeting.

Biennial Meeting with Presidents of AFA branches was held on 11 and 12 Feb 2020. Presidents/representatives from 13 different branches out of total 20 branches attended the meeting under the Chairmanship of Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, President AFA.

A presentation by each of the Branch Presidents / representatives was given covering on their present activities and future

plans for their respective Branches. Brigadier SBK Singh of ECHS and Smt Ravi Kiran, DCDA briefed the members about the efforts being made by their respective organisations to help the Veterans in getting prompt medical aid and in solving pension issues.

AFA is overseeing the functioning of Senior Citizens’ Home. It is making continuous efforts to provide facilities to improve the quality of life of its residents.

It is heartening to note that a number of members and organisations are making donations to AFA and Marshal of the Air Force Trust. Individual letters have been sent to all the donors. We thank them all through this issue of the magazine and a copy of this will be sent to each of the donors.

I wish all the Veterans and their families good health and happiness

Jai Hind !

Veteran Air MarshalJagjeet Singh PVSM VSM



Editor’s Page

The last few months have changed our lives to a great extent. Now we are living a new Normal. It may be appreciated that the March issue could not be published due the global pandemic. We are still facing difficulties in printing and despatch of the magazine. Therefore, it has been decided to issue the September issue in the form of an electronic copy which is available on AFA website for members to read. This is not going to be a permanent feature. As soon as the situation improves, we will start publishing the magazine and despatch the hard copy to all our subscribers.

Last year the nation celebrated the birth centenary of an icon-Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Arjan Singh DFC. He inspired generations of soldiers and civilians alike by his leadership and personal example. The nation acknowledged his leadership in the moral victory over Pakistan in 1965 war and awarded him the Padma Vibhushan. The Government of India issued a commemorative stamp and first day cover as a tribute to this great son of India.

This issue of AFA NEWS carries details and photographs of Annual General Meeting held on 15 Sep 19 and Biennial Governing Council Meeting with Presidents of AFA branches held on 11 and 12 February 2020.

Fg Offr Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon Memorial lecture is an important event in the calendar of Gujarat Branch. President of AFA, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa presided over the function

on 09 Feb 2020 in Ahmedabad. Veterans Lt Gen PM Hariz and Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar also gave lectures on the occasion.

Activities of various Branches and their photographs also find a place in this issue.

Details of scholarships/grants awarded by AFA and MAFT and donations received by them are also given in this issue.

The IAF has rendered yeoman’s service by evacuating Indians and other nationals from China and other countries due to fears of COVID-19. We commend this great Humanitarian effort.

The IAF has received five Rafale aircraft from France which will act as a force multiplier in the present geo-political scenario. This issue carries an excellent article on Rafale titled "A New Dawn" by Veteran Air Marshal P V Athawale and an interesting nostalgic anecdote by Veteran AVM Cecil Parker. We thank both of them for their contribution .

Four interesting books are being introduced in this issue. It is hoped that readers would like to read them.

We once again appeal to the veterans to encourage their friends to subscribe for the Magazine.

We, at AFA, wish all our members health and happiness.

Veteran Gp Capt Shailendra Mohan



Armed Forces Veterans’ Day 2020

Armed Forces Veterans’ Day - 2020 was celebrated on 14 January by the Armed Forces across the country. In Delhi, the function was held at Manekshaw centre. It was attended by Chiefs of Army, Navy and IAF, Secretary (ESW), CISC, COP(Navy), Sr. VP Air Force Association, Presidents of Indian Ex-Servicemen League and Disabled War Veterans League.

Periodical magazines of Directorate of Air Force Veterans – Vayu Samvedana and Directorate of Indian Army Veterans – Samman were also released.

A large number of veterans attended the function.



ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2019Annual General Meeting was held on 15 Sep

19. in the morning, Veteran Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha president AFA laid a wearth at National War Memorial. A number of former Chiefs of Air Staff and veterans from Delhi and NCR paid their homage to the martyrs.

The proceedings of the AGM commenced with welcome address by the President. This was followed by honouring of three nonagenarians and 25 octogenarians.

Veteran Air Vice Marshal SK Gagneja, Vice-President AFA read out the annual report 2018-19. Excerpts of this report have already been published in September issue of AFA News.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa presented appreciation card and a badge

to two air veterans- Sqn Ldr Bhagwan Das of Delhi Branch and Sgt K Saleem Mohideen of Tamil Nadu Branch for their untiring efforts and selfless service to the veterans of their respective branches.

Air Cmde LS Rooprai and Sgt Satya Prakash were elected to the GCM against two vacancies. During his address the CAS apprised the audience of some of the achievements of the IAF. He made special reference to Balakote strike, new acquisitions by the IAF, Aerospace technology and induction in NDA for all branches of IAF. He also spoke about conversion of short service commission into permanent commission. The AGM was attended by about 700 Veterans including a few retired Chiefs of Air Staff.



AIR CHIEF MARSHAL BIRENDER SINGH DHANOA TAKES OVER AS PRESIDENT AFA

Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC took over as the President AFA from Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on 30 Sep 2019 He was commissioned in the IAF in June 1978 as a fighter pilot. He is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

The Air Chief Marshal has mainly flown the MiG-21 aircraft with flying experience across the entire spectrum of Fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. During the Limited War in Kargil (1999), as the Commanding Officer of 17 Sqn (Golden Arrows), a ground attack fighter squadron, he led the IAF in evicting the enemy from their dug in defences in the icy heights of Kargil region. For his bravery, courage and innovative methodology of night bombing in mountainous region, he was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal.

As the Chief of the Air Staff, he headed the IAF as it executed Air Strikes over Balakot deep inside Pakistani territory in February 2019. The success of these strikes was ensured through his relentless efforts to train, equip and focus IAF operations towards retaining its dominant power. Pan-India excercises like Gagan-Shakti and Vayu Shakti ensured that the IAF was prepared to act on a short notice for any duty in service of the nation. His tenure at the helm of the IAF has seen several acquisitions (Chinook, Apache, Rafale, S-400 etc) and he has actively pursued the required procurement of

necessary equipment and weapon systems for the IAF. As the Chairman COSC, he has laid emphasis on enhancing jointness and synergy amongst the forces.

During his career he has held many significant field and staff appointments at Operational Commands, Joint Training Establishments and Air Headquarters. The appointments include Command of a front line Fighter Base, Director Targetting Cell at Air Headquarters, Director Fighter Operations & War Planning at Headquarters Western Air Command, Chief Instructor (Air) at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air Headquarters and Senior Air Staff Officer of two Operational Commands. He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command. Prior to taking over as Chief of the Air Staff, he held the appointment of Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

In recognition for his meritorious service the Air Chief Marshal has been awarded the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM).

The Air Chief Marshal is an avid reader and writer on affairs of Air Power and Joint Operations. He is married to Mrs Kamalpreet and they have a son Jasman who is a law graduate.

AFA family accords him a very warm welcome.



The Biennial Governing Council Meeting 2019-20The Biennial Governing Council Meeting was held

on 11th & 12th February 2020 under the chairmanship of Veteran Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, President AFA. Veteran Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh, Veteran AVM SK Gagneja and all other office bearers of AFA Head office were present. Presidents/representatives of 13 AFA branches out of 20 attended the meeting. Elected and nominated members of AFA HO were also present. The President in his opening address observed that the primary aim of the Biennial Meeting of the Presidents of the AFA Branches is to take stock of the work undertaken by the Branches and initiate measures to further promote the general well-being and welfare of the Air Veterans and their families. This is a forum where the thoughts and ideas floated by each Branch can be discussed at one platform with the single most purpose to find ways and means to enhance the quality of life enjoyed by members of AFA. He added that he would,

therefore, urge all to make the best use of this meeting and come up with concrete suggestions as would build a stronger bonding and fraternal relationship amongst AFA members. Sr. Vice President updated the Branch Presidents on various activities of AFA and informed them about the important decisions taken by AFA recently.

Brig SBK Singh from ECHS Central Organisation, AVM Subhash Babu, ACAS(Accts & AV) along with Air Cmde Air Veterans, Air Cmde S Sreekanth and his team of officers briefed the members of new initiatives taken by ECHS and DAV. Veteran AVM A Sengupta, Defence Banking Advisor(AF) State Bank of India and Mrs Ravi Kiran DCDA(AF) briefed about their area of activities.

It is hoped that interaction among the office bearers of AFAHO and the Branch Presidents/representatives would bring in more cohesiveness and jointness.


AFA NEWSSEPTEMBER 2020 11AFA NEWSMARCH 2020 11

WELFARE INFORMATIONNation Celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas

The Nation Celebrated Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26th of July, 2020 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in Kargil war in 1999. Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he salutes the courage and valour of Indian soldiers.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, India is proud of the Armed Forces who have defended the nation in very difficult conditions in icy heights of Kargil. The Minister of state for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik, CDS, General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief, General MM Narawane, Navy Chief, Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria paid tributes at the National War Memorial on this occasion.


ANDHRA PRADESH & TELANGANA BRANCH

Kargil day celebrations : Wg Cdr TJ Reddy, President of the Branch was the Chief Guest at 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary celebration event on 26 Jul 2019 by NCC and 25 Madras regiment personnel. The President after laying wreath addressed the gathering.He participated in a panel discussion on TV 9 and N TV Telugu channels.

Annual Social Get-together : Annual Social Get-together of branch members and families was held on 01 Dec 2019. The attendance was about 750 including families. Octogenarian and Nonagenarians mementoes were presented by Veteran Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, PVSM AVSM VM. President WgCdr TJ Reddy addressed the gathering and gave updates on various subjects like ECHS smart cards, scholarships, welfare measures from IAFBA, MIAF grant.

Veterans' Day : President attended as a special invitee the Veterans' Day organized by HQ Telangana and Andhra Sub Area on 14 Jan 2020. The efforts of AFA branch in addressing pension and other issues of Air Force pensioners for their correct entitlements and arrears was mentioned in the presentation by Sub Area Veterans Cell.

Pension Adalats : President Participated in ESM Pension adalats and meetings by Defence Banking Advisor, convened locally on 16 Nov 2019 by SBI and 19 Dec 2019 by DBA of SBI.

Free Health camps : Free Health camps with spot diagnostic tests and consultation by specialists were held on 24 Aug 2019 and 28 Jan 2020 for air veterans and families residing in different areas.

Tirupati Chapter : Tirupati Chapter of the branch held Annual General Body Meeting of members and families on 18 Dec 19 which was well attended.

BRANCH ACTIVITIES

HARYANAAnnual Health Camp : The Annual Health Camp for Air Veterans was held on 10 Nov 19 at SMC, 54 ASP, AF to give opportunity to veterans for discussing their health problems with doctors & advice specially for diabetes and heart ailment. The talks of Dementia by Dr. Ananya Sharma Psychologist and on Oral Hygiene by Veteran Major YK Goel Orthodontist were the highlight of the camp. Air Veterans were individually tested for their BMI, Hypertension and other Geriatric issues. These were conducted by Sqn Ldr Aishwarya, SMO & Medical Team of AF Stn Gurgaon.

General Body Meeting : General Body Meeting of Air Force Association was held on 01 Dec 19 at 1000 hrs at Information Hall, Air Force Station Gurgaon. 81 members attended the meeting.

Honouring of Nonagenarians and Octogenarians As a prelude to the ceremony, the President stated that it is a great honor for the Air Force Association (Haryana Branch) to felicitate its Nonagenarian and Octogenarian members. The President gratefully thanked the two Nonagenarians and nine Octogenarians members for their gracious presence along with their family members. Recalling the services rendered by them to the IAF, the Vice President, AFA (Haryana Branch), AVM JS Gandyok read out individual citations.

JHARKHAND

Annual General Meeting : 8th Annual General Meeting of AFA , Jharkhand branch was conducted on 15 Sep 19 at Albert Ekka Institute, Army camp, Ranchi. During this meeting, Annual accounts of AFA Jharkhand branch for the FY 2018-19 were approved.

Souvenir for 2019 and Second Edition of AFA Jharkhand Members’ Directory were released on 15 Sep 19. Director General of Police, Jharkhand was the Chief Guest. A cultural event was also conducted by the members and their families.


Flag week : Air Force Association Flag week was celebrated from 09 Sep 19 to 13 Sep 19. During this week, the members of AFA, Jharkhand branch visited many offices at Ranchi to pin the flags/collection of donations and extend the awareness regarding Air Force Association.

Foundation day celebrations : 9th Foundation day of Air Force Association, Jharkhand branch was celebrated on 05 Jan 20 at AFA, Jharkhand branch office. 50 members including their families attended the function.

Monthly Meetings : Monthly meetings are conducted on 2nd Saturday of every month to discuss various matters. Ladies also meet at the residence of a member in rotation on these days to exchange notes.

West BengalThe Annual General Body Meeting held on 26 May 2019 was attended by 80 members and their spouses. Veteran Wg Cdr PK Basu, the Branch President chaired the meeting, which commenced after paying homage to the Air Veterans, who passed away during the last year. The Annual Report and the Audited Accounts for the FY 2018-19 were presented by the Hony. Secretary and Hony Treasurer respectively, which were accepted after some lively discussions.

AFA Foundation Day was celebrated by the members of the Branch on 15th September 2019 which was attended by about 100 members, their families, serving AF personnel of the local Air Force units.The programme commenced with the wreath

laying ceremony, led by the Branch President, Ladies’ Wing, representative of Ex-Services’ League and by AVM GAP Babu, AVSM, VM, the AOC, Adv HQ EAC, IAF.

The Branch Newsletter is in its twentieth year of uninterrupted monthly publication. The newsletter, a first by any of the AFA branches contain valuable information, notices of functions and updates on pension, wellbeing and health related matters relevant to the Air Veterans and their families. Ladies Wing of the Branch, run by the widow members and the wives of the members, undertake welfare services for the families of the Air Veterans in the form of visiting them in their homes and hospitals when they are ill, meeting with the bereaved families and generally keeping in touch with the elderly widow members, some of whom live all by themselves.

The Ladies Wing also actively take up social causes. Every year they collect funds for donations to a deserving non-profit organization. This year they donated Rs. 20,000/- to Deesha Education Trust, Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas for the under-privileged children.

Octogenarians, who completed eighty years during the period under review were felicitated with the AFA mementos and Uttarios.

Every week on two designated days, valuable advice and counselling is rendered by specialist Air Veterans on specific problems faced by individual members.

Appreciation By Chief of Air Staff for the year 20201. Wg Cdr T Vasudeva Reddy (21361-K) Lgs (Retd) - Vice President, AFA Hakimpet Chapter &

Vice President-cum-Secretary, AFA (AP & TS) Branch.2. 241438-G HFO RV Bhuibhar Med Asst (Retd) - Member Executive Committee, AFA

(Maharashtra) Branch.3. 647464-T Sgt KN Prasad Clk GD (Retd) - Secretary, AFA (Jharkhand) Branch.

Appreciation by President of Air Force Association for the year 20201. 602276 JWO AK Mohanty Rdo Tech (Retd) - Secretary, AFA (Odisha) Branch2. 244790 Sgt S Shanmugam Rdo Fit (Retd) - Secretary, AFA Thanjavur Chapter under AFA

(Tamil Nadu) Branch


The Chief of Air Staff para drops from the sky with a spot on landing. A vehicle picks him up promptly. In minutes, in full ceremonials, his arrival on parade is announced. He marches smartly to the dais, receives a ceremonial salute and addresses the parade. After the parade marches off, the Air Chief walks a hundred metres along the left flank of the gallery, which is the veterans’ seating area. The veterans rise to greet him and the Air Chief smartly salutes each of them, as if saying, “Thanks for your Air Force, which is under my care today!” The men and women in uniform are filled with pride; everyone else is overwhelmed! The young spectators are motivated to be at the other end of the chain linking ‘Kal’ and ‘Aaj’ with the tomorrow ‘Kal’.

An organisation thrives when its ‘Kal Aaj Aur Kal’ chain is strong and each Aaj adopts the values of Kal and passes them on to the next Kal.In the air or otherwise, on parade or elsewhere, the mutual respect between Kal and Aaj has always been a distinguishing characteristic of the Indian Air Force.The vision statement of the Air Force, ‘People First, Mission Always!’ has been formally made in recent years. However, the Air Force has always lived by its people orientation. Like most other veterans, I fondly recall my younger days as EO, when my Sqn Cdr and Flt Cdr built trust in their subordinates as they intimately communicated with the airmen on the tarmac.

Compared to my young days when many youngsters from the top institutions vied for careers in the Armed Forces, the world is a different place now. Career opportunities abound. There are other glamorous options that promise fat pay cheques, world travel and a secure, luxurious life. The youth isn’t naturally attracted to the military. Many believe that the Armed Forces are virtuous but not worth a career option for the best and the most ambitious. How do the Armed Forces then prepare a future ‘Kal’ to effectively take over from the ‘Aaj’?

A few years ago, I was on a visit to IIT Roorkee, my Alma Mater. In my interaction with the Management students at the IIT, I asked them - “Does anyone know of an Indian industry bigger than The IAF?” I broke the ensuing silence by saying, “I know of one, and that is The Indian Army. However, when it comes to sophistication and size together, The Indian Air Force would be unique.” I had the

Kal Aaj Aur Kal-Veteran Air Marshal PV Athawale

full attention of a hundred students for the rest of my talk. It was evident that they were impressed to find out about the hi-tech side of the Air Force. Each one of them was a graduate engineer with some work experience, now in business school. I took the opportunity to tell them that they had missed the chance, but their friends could still join the IAF.

To attract the best talent, the Air Force does what it can. However, we the veterans can do a lot more. Going beyond the welfare programmes for AFA members, we can undertake efforts to connect with the youth. The young don’t like to hear sermons from the old. However, I have found that real life stories have a rapt audience among the young. As veterans with our tales of 'the old days', we can do more than an insignificant little to attract future officers as well as airmen to our Air Force.

Stories of our Squadron Commanders, Chiefies, our dashing pilots in the air and spirited airmen on tarmac would be interesting to students. Young Indians would be excited to hear about an integrated hi-tech environment supporting varied operational scenarios that blend to make a big picture of ’A Day in The Air Force’. Young India hasn’t heard enough about the Air Force’s Kal and Aaj. We, the veterans can fill in that gap to make the ‘Kal Aaj Aur Kal’ chain strong.

Not everyone gets the best opportunities for academics and personality development before joining the IAF. The Air Force is, however, a place, where both, officers and airmen are continually developed as professionals to lead respectable and fulfilling lives. Whether one comes in here as an officer or airman, besides an exciting and satisfying career, one can also expect a brilliant future for the children.

We, the Air Force veterans are proud of the fact that we have given to the country, its present three Chiefs!

The author has served as AOC-in-C Maintenance Command who can be contacted at [email protected]


29th of July 2020 marked the IAF’s entry into the next gen era. As the CAS, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria himself received the first batch of 5 Rafales at Ambala; there were celebrations around the country. Especially under the circumstances of recent clashes with our North Eastern neighbour, the arrival of the first contingent of five Rafales has been a morale booster for an average Indian. People seemed to appreciate the long pending pressing requirements of their Air Force,which were mired in political controversies before realisation. They rejoiced the arrival of a potent weapon even as that was excessively delayed and has been only a part fulfilment of the needs. Needless to say, the air veterans’ fraternity has been as excited as the rest, while getting reassured of their very own Air Force’s capability enhancement.We share the joy of 17 Squadron in becoming the front end of the IAF representing its might. Vampires to Hunters to Mig-21s, the Golden Arrows have held a place of pride in the Air Force before being number plated in 2012 for even bigger things to follow. It was a fitting tribute to the squadron’s contribution when it was resurrected for Rafales in 2019 by its former Commanding Officer and the then CAS, Air Chief Mshl BS Dhanoa. Between Golden Arrows and Ambala Air Base, they share a number of former Air Chiefs as their Commanding Officers- indicative of the vitality of this combination of the squadron and the base.The nation and IAF are proud of the indigenous development of Tejas. Even if that was planned to replace Mig-21s and has been alarmingly delayed, the fleet will be a force multiplier. Though so late, the Tejas fleet with several enhancements is picking up momentum. Hopefully, the HAL will stand firm alongside the Air Force in the long term on this count with the Mk-II following in. Indian Air Force has faced overwhelming odds in the process of its modernisation challenges. The need for a precarious balance between the requirements of advanced technologies and support to indigenisation has been most vital in the Air Force. Despite hardships, we have consistently supported indigenisation. However, we haven’t always received trustworthy responses. One may be amazed to recall that over two decades ago the need for the Su-30 acquisition was being debated because “the LCA was coming!”

A New Dawn

The IAF has had to delicately balance indigenisation optimism with reality to harmonize its perspective plans. Considering an average procedural delay of a decade, one would wonder how the IAF has been managing with obsolescence coupled with the dwindling squadron strength. One may continue to lament that by now there could have been a significant number of the ‘126 MMRCA’ in service - the rest rolling in gradually with indigenous assurance. However, back to reality, let us look at the positives. The best thing to happen with this current Rafale procurement is that the aircraft are coming in an operationally ready state. Most previous acquisitions took a long time to settle down following years of development and integration effort before getting to our desired operational capability. This fleet adds to the punch straightaway and gets suitably noticed by the adversaries keenly watching the happenings. A squadron each in the north-west and the north-east will be a deterrent enough. We had to compromise the requirement of development of indigenous capability because of the excessive delay in MMRCA procurement and the resultant smaller order. This dent will take a long time to repair.Now, will be time for the Air Force and the indigenous design & development groups to resolve to get going to build an indigenously supported mighty Air Force that our adversaries truly fear to take chances with.This is not the forum to discuss reasons for the long and protracted delays in the acquisition of our most essential weapon systems – political controversies, bureaucratic tangles, or both. However, one wishes that as a nation we learn our lessons soon lest we face an irrevocable situation. Well, India rests assured that despite all odds, its Air Force is relentless in its pursuit of excellence and endeavour to “touch the sky with glory!”

-Veteran Air Marshal PV Athawale


1. Extending his greetings to the members of the Governing Council, the Chairman expressed his happiness over meeting all of them within six months of his taking over as the President of AFA upon his retirement as the CAS. The Chairman welcomed AVM Babu, ACAS (Accts & AV), his team of officers from DAV and DNPF and other special invitees who had come to attend the meeting to give an insight into their assigned area of responsibility and in particular address some of the issues affecting the cross section of Air Veterans that had already been intimated to them by AFA.

2. The Chairman introduced the following three Branch Presidents of AFA who had since taken over during the preceding two years and were present at the GC Meeting.

(a) Air Mshl HB Rajaram PVSM AVSM VSM -President, Karnataka

(b) Air Cmde Amul Kapoor VM -President, Uttarakhand

(c) Gp Capt Seraj Mehdi -President, Noida

3. The Chairman also apprised the members that besides the above three officers,

Wg Cdr AK Puri and Wg Cdr MC Mehta had also been appointed as Presidents MP and Rajasthan Branch respectively in the last two years, but they could not be present at the meeting due to some other commitments.

4. The Chairman emphasized that the primary aim of the Bi-ennial Governing Council Meeting with the Presidents of the AFA Branches is to take stock of the work undertaken by the Branches and to identify and initiate measures that would further promote the general well-being and welfare of the Air Veterans and their families. This is a forum where the thoughts and ideas floated by each Branch can be discussed at one platform with the single most purpose to find ways and means to enhance the quality of life enjoyed by members of AFA. He urged the visiting Presidents of the Branches of AFA and other members of the Governing Council

OPENING ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMANAT THE BIENNIAL GCM OF THE PRESIDENTS OF AFA BRANCHES

to put across their thoughts and to take note of the emerging discussions to build a robust Association.

5. The Chairman highlighted that the corpus of AFA has grown to Rs 4 Crs which includes Rs 2 Crs pitched in by IAF CWF. This is generating good amount of interest income which is being used for the welfare of the members of AFA in the best possible manner. In order to further bolster the fund position of AFA, the Chairman shared a thought with the GC members, bringing out that the members of the Rimcollian Old Boys Association, of which he is the current President, voluntarily donate a sum of Rs 500 every month to their alma mater, Royal Indian Military College, Dehradun. This additional income has helped the college enhance its educational standards immensely. A similar kind of donation could be pitched in by AFA members to the Association on a voluntary basis to build up its financial reserves and deploy funds with widened scope and purpose. The Chairman cited the pressing demand projected by some of our old age members to build additional Senior Citizens’ Homes in the country on a similar model as the one existing in Delhi at Tughlakabad. He brought out that much though AFA would like to create this facility, but is unable to do so because of inadequacy of funds to bear the high cost of land acquisition and construction from within its present financial holdings. He however expressed great satisfaction in the functioning of AFA stating that despite the meager financial holdings of AFA, the Association is managing its affairs reasonably well. The Chairman stated that he intends making an appeal for donations on the lines similar to that of Rimcollian Old Boys Association to the members of AFA at its next AGM.

6. As regards the overall financial health of the Air Force Association, the Chairman shared the information with GC members informing them that the Association has registered a growth of 16.71 %. He stated that the Treasurer would give a deeper insight into the Consolidated Balance


Sheet of AFA and the Income/Expenditure Statement during the course of the meeting.

7. The Chairman stated that although AFA by itself is doing a wonderful job within its own resources, the added support given to it by IAF has definitely helped it in enhancing its reach to a wider spread of retired fraternity. Towards this end, at the behest of AFA, Air HQ has already issued a directive to Commands in the year 2014. Further, the AOsC-in-C of Commands have also been approached by AFA in December 2016 beseeching their indulgence to filter down instructions to IAF Stns/Units to promote the cause of AFA. The Branch Presidents have been made aware of the efforts initiated by the Head Office to this effect. The tempo needs to be maintained by the Branches in their respective area of jurisdiction to maintain close contact and rapport with the AOsC/Stn Cdrs. This will definitely help us to propagate the message of AFA. The Branch

Presidents may also explore the feasibility of opening Chapters in Districts within their States for a wider reach of Air Veterans, albeit within the overall Guidelines prescribed by AFA in a detailed policy directive issued by it in the year 2014 and a Para included in the Memorandum of Association of AFA.

8. The Chairman made a brief mention of the current financial state of the Marshal of the Air Force Trust. Although not a part of AFA, its office functionaries are appointed as ex-officio members on the Board of Trustees of MAFT. The corpus of the Trust has grown from the originally invested amount of Rs 2 Crs to Rs 4.11 Crs after having disbursed Rs 3.14 Crs to 782 needy persons.

9. Thereafter, the Chairman handed over the proceedings to the Sr VP requesting him to give an overview of some of the important activities undertaken by the Association.

Air Force Association Senior Citizens' Home A Senior Citizens' Home has been functional at Tughlakabad, adjacent to Air Force Station (7 BRD) in close proximity to Batra Hospital. This Home provides transit accommodation to Air Veterans/spouses visiting Delhi Area for Medical or other personal requirements. The facilities include fully furnished Rooms, Messing, Library, Gym and well maintained secure environment. For further queries, please contact 011-29963699, 29958867, 26058866. Email:- [email protected]

TARIFF RATES FOR TRANSIT ACCOMMODATION AT AFASCH

1. CHILDREN/PARENTS OF RESIDENTSOfficers PBORs

(a) Non A/C Room Rs.350 Rs. 250 (b) A/C Room Rs.650 Rs. 550

2. GUESTS OF RESIDENTSOfficers PBORs


3. AFA MEMBERS –SELF OCCUPANCY (On production of AFA membership card).Officers PBORs


4. SELF OCCUPANCY (Serving/Retired Defence Personnel & their Dependent Parents/Children.) Officers PBORs



WELFARE NEWSThe following schemes of IAFBA are in vogue for welfare of the present and past air warriors as well as their families:-(a) Family Assistance Scheme(FAS)- Monthly

Rehabilitation Grant under Family Assistance Scheme is admissible to the bereaved Wives/NOK Orphan children. An amount of Rs.5000/- pm and Rs3800/- pm for 15 yrs in case of death while in service and Rs.3800/- pm and Rs.2500/- pm for 8 years in case of death after retirement to Officers and airmen/NC(E) is paid respectively.

(b) Garima grant for last rites;- A scheme of all air veterans wherein Rs.10,000/- is paid to widow/NOK with an aim of ensuring decent last rites of the deceased air veteran. The grant is initially paid by the SI of the nearest AF unit to the widow/NOK and subsequently reimbursed by IAFBA.

(c) Vishesh- A scheme for special children having more than 70% disability wherein Rs.3000/- pm(i.e Rs 36000/- pa) is paid to children up to the age of 30 years irrespective of whether attending school or not.

(d) Children Education Assistance (CEA) for widows of Airman/NC(E)- IAFBA has introduced a scheme of Children Education Assistance of Rs. 6000/- pa (amount has been enhanced to Rs. 12000/- pa wef 01 Apr 18) for maximum of two children studying from class VI to XII provided the child is not in receipt of any grant/ scholarship from any other agency. The scheme is applicable to children of deceased Airmen and NCs(E) who died on or after 01 Oct 10.

(e) Welfare Loan- A minimum documentation loan scheme which was launched in Jul 99 has provided much needed assistance in improving the standard of living of air warriors. The amount of loan ranges from Rs 6/- lakh to Rs.15 lakh for different categories of air warriors.

(f) Education Loan- The low cost education loan (i.e @ 8%) scheme was launched in Oct 03 to help the wards/spouse of serving air warriors to fulfill their education dreams. The amount of loan ranges from Rs. 11 lakh for Under Graduate courses and Rs. 20 lakh for 4 years & above degree/PG courses. The amount of loan was enhanced to Rs. 15 lakh for under Graduate courses and Rs. 30 lakh for 4 years & above degree/ PG courses wef 01Jul 2018. Recently, the interest rate from 8% pa has been reduced to 6% pa for wards of NCs(E) only wef 01 Apr 19.

(g) Grant of vocational training/ trade instrument- A grant is given to the widows for doing any vocational courses or to purchase any trade instrument e.g. sewing machine, etc. so as to be self reliant . A one time grant of Rs. 40,000/- and Rs. 25000/- respectively is admissible to the widow of a deceased

pensioner. However, Laptop has also been included in the instruments list for widows of air warrior(death in harness cases) for a grant of Rs.50,000/- wef 01 Oct 18.

(h) Reimbursement of medical Bills provided the treatment is not available through Service sources or from ECHS (Serving, Retired & deceased).- A grant of upto Rs. 1,00,000/- towards the reimbursement of medical bills is admissible from the IAFBA to serving, retired and families of deceased AF personnel for medical treatment if not available through service sources or from ECHS.

(j) Grant for Daughter’s Marriage- A grant of Rs. 50,000/- is admissible to the bereaved wives of officers/airmen/NCs(E) who die after retirement and Rs. 1,00,000/- for daughters of air warriors who die in service wef 01 May 18.

(k) Scholarship to the children of Serving, Retired and Deceased AF personnel.- IAFBA is awarding scholarships to the children of serving, retired and deceased AF personnel for school, College, Professional, Post Graduate studies etc. which ranges from Rs.2000/- to Rs.30,000/- pa.

(l) Scheme for wards of deceased AF personnel who died in Harness- IAFBA has introduced a new scheme for awarding scholarships for School, College, Professional, Post Graduate studies etc. to the children of deceased AF personnel died in harness ranging from Rs.10,000/- to Rs. 45,000/- pa.

(m) Scholarship to the specially abled children of AF personnel- Scholarships are awarded to the specially abled children of AF personnel having 50% -70% disability and attending any school/ institute. The rate of scholarship for specially abled Children has been enhanced to Rs.10,000/- pa from Rs.7500/- pa wef the year 2017-18.

(n) Grant for Missing Personnel- The IAFBA provides Missing personnel Grant for a period of 12 months to the wife/children/ parents of AF Personnel who are declared missing in action @Rs.10000/- pm for both Officers and Airmen/NCs(E) wef Oct 17.

(p) Platinum jubilee orphan Children Education Scheme- Monthly grant towards reimbursement of expense for KG to XII and Rs. 2500/- pm to Rs. 6500/- pm, depending on the class the child is studying. Reimbursement of College Fee is admissible up to Rs.3 lakh for pursuing Professional Courses in College.

(q) Platinum Jubilee Natural Calamity & Disaster Relief Scheme- A subsidised loan of Rs.3 lakh @ 3% recoverable in 60 instalments is admissible to serving air warriors affected due to various natual calamities, towards repair of house/ loss of property both self owned and ancestral, damaged during a disaster declared as ‘Severe or L3’ by Govt of India.


The digitalized title refers to No 58 Pilots Course’s forthcoming 68th anniversary on 30 August, 2020. The course commenced in Feb 1951 at No 1 AFA Ambala and covered an 18 month training period on Tiger Moth and Harvard IIB aircraft (ac). The 50 of us flight cadets, straight out of school /

college, along with one naval aviator, had an attrition rate of 40%. Only 30 of us were commissioned as Pilot Officers and received our wings, along with our naval course-mate, on 30 August 1952 at Begumpet from AVM Subroto Mukherjee (then DCAS). 14 of us new pilots went to CTU Hakimpet for fighter conversion on Spitfire Mk IX and Tempest IIA ac while 17 proceeded to TTW Agra for twin-engined conversion after which we all were posted to our first squadrons. The very last member of our course to retire from the air force did so in 1988. 68 years after graduation, ten of us survive (as on date of writing!), while 21 have gone ahead.Gone yes but certainly not forgotten are our coursemates, seven of whom we lost in flying accidents and 14 of whom passed on due to natural causes. PK Chitnavis : TK De : BK Dhiman : JP Gupta : OP Gupta (Dakota) : Hari Singh (Dakota) : KD Hoon (Toofani) : GS Iyer (Chetak) : Jaganath Rao : HN Koul : RN Kaul : AJ Maitland : KK Malik : VBR Misra : YP Mehta : MS Rane : VK Singh (Vampire) : S Sen : MN Singh : RP Vashisht (AN-12). To this list must be added the name of Lt Jayachandra IN, a pioneer pelagic pilot who tragically was our first post-commission fatality in a Tempest ac accident in Hakimpet in Nov 1952.

58PC@68 : 30082020The ten surviving air veterans (aged 88-90) are dispersed over six cities / townships in two countries:-a. Wg Cdr MW Tilak (4331) Perth S Australiab. Gp Capt SL Tandan (4334) New Delhic. A V M DE Satur (4339) NOIDA UPd. Wg Cdr RL Badhwar (4341) Gurugram Haryanae. A V M CV Parker (4346) Hyderabad Telenganaf. Fg Offr S Bhat (4352) Gurugram Haryanag. Sqn Ldr RC Mariano (4357) Adelaide S Australiah. A V M MK Rudra (4358) Hyderabad Telenganaj. Gp Capt SC Saxena (4359) NOIDA UPk. Gp Capt ML Khanna (4360) New Delhi

While the internet keeps us in touch, single malt keeps us active. Members of our course flew every Air Craft type in the inventory of our air force from 1951-88 covering piston / jet, single/twin/multi-engine and rotary wing platforms in all the roles of air power. From this course came two test pilots, 11 QFIs, 10 COs, one Air Attache, four air officers, two AI Captains, one pioneer professor in aviation law and the sole recorded successful bail-out from a Tempest ac. This PC participated in both the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and one member earned an MVC in the latter. We have had two major reunions: a boisterous ‘Bees Saal Baad’ in 1972 in New Delhi and another a decade later. As numbers gradually depleted, anniversaries were marked by smaller and more sedate get-togethers of surviving members, families, widows and children. On the occasion of our coming anniversary, and through this memorial tribute, I send my good wishes to all my surviving coursemates with a message to “Keep Walking”!The author is a retired Air Vice Marshal of the IAF and a freelance writer who can be contacted at [email protected]

NO 58 PILOTS COURSE : NO 1AFA BEGUMPET : 30 AUGUST 1952

Top Row L - R : YP Mehta VBR Misra S Bhat SC Saxena DE Satur OP Gupta TK De JP Gupta VK Singh RL BadhwarCentre L - R : HN Koul RG Mariano MW Tilak KD Hoon RP Vashisht RN Kaul KK Malik Jagannath Rao S Sen PK ChitnavisBottom L – R : CV Parker MS Rane AJ Maitland MK Rudra GS Iyer SL Tandan MK Khanna BK Dhiman Hari Singh(Missing : MN Singh & Lt Jayachandra, IN)

-Veteran AVM Cecil Parker


The Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon Param Vir Chakra Annual Memorial Lecture launched on 02 March 2016, was our first effort to take it forward by spreading awareness about National Security amongst the civil society of Gujarat, to motivate school / college students to join defence services and to encourage discussion and debate on strategic matters.

The Fifth flying officer Nirmal Jit Sekhon Param Vir Chakra Annual Memorial Lecture under the aegis of the Air Force Association Gujarat Branch was organized at the auditorium of knowledge consortium of Gujarat on 9th February 2020. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the sole member of the Indian Air Force to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra. It is in honour of his courage, valour and flying skill in engaging Pakistan F-86 jets in unequal combat during the 1971 war that the memorial lectures are organized.

The lecture covered various issues of National Security. Each year the lecture series is also dedicated to an individual who has contributed immensely in the area of aviation OR to an event which is special in the context of the Indian Air Force. This year the event was dedicated to “IAF- COMING OF AGE – Striking beyond LOC”, the Balakot Strike at the terrorist Camps. This was one of the rarest of times in which the IAF has flown across the line of control.

Veteran Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM President AFA and former Chief of Air Staff and was the Chief Guest of the function.

Air Marshal S Prabhakaran VM Senior Air Staff Officer HQ South Western Air Command was our Guest of Honor.

The Speakers and their topics covered are as follows: (a) Veteran Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM, Former Chief of the Air Force Staff – Key Note

Address “IAF in the Changed Security Paradigm” (b) Veteran Lt Gen PM Hariz PVSM AVSM SM VSM – Former Army Commander – “Kashmir – The Unfolding

Story”(c) Veteran Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar – “Staring-Down the Abyss – Nuclear Security in the sub-continent”

Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC Memorial Lecture

The Latest NewsRafale Formally Inducted in the IAF

The first batch of five Rafale aircraft was formally inducted in the Golden Arrows squadron of the IAF at Ambala on 10 September 2020. With this, India gets unmatched air power which will significantly enhance the offensive capabilities of the IAF. A 'Sarv Dharm Pooja' was held before the induction. Indian Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, French Defence Minister, Florence Parly, CDS, General Bipin Rawat, French Ambassador and French Chief of Air Staff graced the occasion along with other dignitaries. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria was the chief host of the ceremony. Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (Retd) who had ably commanded Golden Arrows Squadron during Kargil war, was proud to see his old squadron being equipped with Rafale aircraft.


INTRODUCING BOOKSNOTHING TO HIDE

A CIVIL SERVANT REVEALSThe present book is a saga of

a poor Punjab village Sikh boy who rose to the top in the civil service. His narration, more or less, would indicate as to how every opening in life was exploited to succeed and control various vicissitudes and crises that he faced. Bearing all the huddles, ultimately he joined the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) at the age of 24.

The author was in the IAS for more than 34 years and had the opportunity to serve the country during crucial days since partition such as during crisis with Pakistan, days of emergency, frequent changes of government due to political crisis, operation Blue Star etc.etc. Since the author had the opportunity to work at various important state/central government assignments, he has described in detail the handling of public disturbances including the assistance of armed forces, interaction of civil servants and politicians, conduct of General Election in India etc. etc. He never hesitated to act if the matter or issue was in public/national interest.

Publisher-Manas Publications, 4402/5-A, Ansari Road, Daryaganj,New Delhi-110002

[email protected]

My Life with the Boys in Blue“My Life with the Boys in Blue”

is an engrossing yet enlightening narrative written by Arti Chopra about her life in the Air Force. The author traces her life from the time of her marriage as a young and naive newlywed, born and brought up in traditional and orthodox surroundings to her initiation into the very different and eye opening lifestyle within the Air Force. She absorbs all the nuance of being a service officer’s wife and learns slowly and surely to adapt to all types of environment, both physically and mentally. During her life journey, living at various places within the country, experiencing the pleasurable moments, along with traumatic and hard hitting events, she learns to adapt and change according to the demands placed on her, eventually maturing into a capable and efficient housewife and spouse.

Publisher-Creative Crows Publisher, D-328, Defecne Colony, New Delhi-110024

[email protected]

STORIES IN KHAKI & OTHER COLOURSAnother charming anthology of short stories by the

retired policeman KC Verma. The stories in Khaki and other colours belong to many genres, offering a delightful bouquet of moods. The author displays his virtuosity in the collection, from the narration of amusing incidents to a perplexing science fiction tale. The extraordinary stories about the lives of ordinary people and the not so ordinary, is a paean to life itself.

Shashi Tharoor says...In crisp and often irreverent prose, KC Verma's collection

offers insightful glimpses into the lives of everyday Indians, their aspirations, triumphs, and tragedies- all evoked in simple, lucid prose, with the sharp eye of a trained policeman and the flair of a born raconteur. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Publisher-Purple Peacock Books, 3-F1,119 LakeTerrace, Kolkata-70029

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The first 5 Rafale aircraft out of 36 contracted have been received from France at Air Force Station Ambala. They will form part of the resurrected 17 Squadron-The Golden Arrows. The CAS, AOC-in-C HQ Western Air Command and AOC Air Force Station Ambala welcomed the crew members.


Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences-2019

Rafales Arrive In India

The 2019 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics Sciences was awarded to Michael Kremer , Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee “for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.” Their experimental work has changed the culture of economics, especially

development economics. It helped change deep assumptions about how individuals make decisions and about what economic development is. It changed the way many development economists work, where they work, and the kinds of people they work with.


Gen Bipin Rawat took over as the first CDS of the country on 31 Dec 19. The government did not specify how long his tenure will be. As per the latest amended military rules, a CDS can serve till the age of 65. He will spearhead the much needed integration among the three services. As the CDS, permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee and head of new department of military affairs in the defence ministry he will need to push the three services even more to truly integrate in planning, procurement, logistics, doctrine and training. He will also have to work towards establishing tri-service commands to handle important domains of space and cyber space as well as theatre commands.

The charter for CDS as approved by the cabinet is quite vast. If implemented properly, it can lead to a genuine integration and synergy among the three services. The CDS will provide single point military advice to the government. He will also function as the military advisor to the PM-led Nuclear command authority.

CDS will lead path to jointmanship. India will work out its own module of Theater commands and not copy from western armies. All Army, Navy, Air Force and military assets/ manpower will be under one operational command in a geographical region.

General MM Naravane Takes over as COASGeneral Manoj Mukund Naravane PVSM AVSM SM VSM ADC took over as the

28th COAS on 31 Dec 2019. General Bipin Rawat handed over the baton to him before himself taking over as the first Chief of Defence Staff.

He was born on 22 Apr 1960 in Pune to Wg Cdr MS Naravane (Retd) and Smt Sudha Naravane. He was commissioned in June 1980 in the 7th Sikh Light Infantry. After he took over as the Army Chief, all the defence Chiefs-Army, Navy and Air Force from the same course of the 56th National Defence Academy. The other two being Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. It was only the second time in the history of India that such a coincidence happened. The parents of all the three have served in the IAF. General Naravane has served in

the J & K and the North East. He has served as GOC-in-C Army Training Command. GOC-in-C Eastern Command and the Vice Chief of Army Staff before taking over COAS.

General Bipin Rawat Takes Over As The First CDS

FAREWELL : AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ARUP RAHAVeteran Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha PVSM AVSM VM took over as President of

AFA from Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne PVSM AVSM VM on 31 Dec 16. Air Force Association carried on its welfare activities during his tenure under his able guidance. Two appreciation letters by the President AFA, for selfless service to the veterans were also introduced by him on the lines of the Chief of Air Staff appreciation letter. The Financial position of AFA also improved considerably during his tenure. He handed over as President to Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on 30 Sep 19. AFA bids him farewell and wishes him and his family health and happiness.


WELFARE INFORMATIONAir Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria Takes Over as Chief of the Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC took over as the 26th Chief of the Air Staff at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) on September 30, 2019.

In his address to the IAF, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said “I feel honoured and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading one of the finest Air Forces in the world. I draw immense strength from exceptional achievements and remarkable leadership shown by my illustrious predecessors who built the Indian Air Force. I convey my sincere gratitude to Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa for his vision, untiring efforts and extra ordinary leadership in bringing glory to the IAF and the Nation. The focus of the IAF shall be to rapidly operationalise newly inducted platforms and equipment as well as to ensure earliest and complete integration of these capabilities in IAF’s operational plan. He also laid stress on the importance of training as well as the safety of the aircraft and other war fighting equipment.

An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, he graduated from the Air Force Academy with the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ and was commissioned in the fighter stream of IAF on June 15, 1980.

He has over 4270 hours of experience on twenty seven types of fighter as well as transport aircraft and holds the unique distinction of being an Experimental Test Pilot, a Cat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and a Pilot Attack Instructor. He completed his masters in Defence Studies from Command and Staff College, Bangladesh.

During his illustrious career, spanning almost four decades, the Air Chief Marshal has held a number of significant field and staff appointments which include command of a front line Jaguar Squadron, Command of a premier Air Force Station in South-Western sector, Commanding Officer of Flight Test Squadron at Aircraft & System Testing Establishment and Chief Test Pilot as well as Project Director of National Flight Test Centre on Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project. He was Commandant National Defence Academy, Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Training Command. Prior to taking over as the Chief of Air Staff, he held the appointment of Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

In recognition of his meritorious service, the Air Chief Marshal has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal(VM) in 2002, Ati Vishist Seva Medal(AVSM) in 2013 and Param Vishist Seva Medal(PVSM) in 2018. He was appointed as the Honorary Air Force ADC to the Honourable President of India on 1st January 2019.

He is married to Mrs Asha Bhadauria and the couple is blessed with a daughter Sonali and a son Saurav.


Johns Hopkins University, sent this excellent summary to avoid contagion.

• The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

• Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

• The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

• HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

• Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

• Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

• Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

• NO BACTERICIDE SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; they cannot kill what is not alive with anthobiotics, but quickly disintegrate its structure with everything said.

• NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous), 4 hours (copper, because it is naturally antiseptic; and wood, be cause it removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off and disintegrates). ), 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal) and 72 hours (plastic). But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

• The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially

darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

• UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin, eventually causing wrinkles and skin cancer.

• The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

• Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

• NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

• LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.

• The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

• This is super said, but you have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

• You have to HUMIDIFY HANDS DRY from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

• Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

The pH for corona virus varies from 5.5 to 8.5.

All we need to do, to beat corona virus, we need to take more of an alkaline foods that are above the above pH level of the Virus.

Some of which are:Lemon - 9.9pH Lime - 8.2pH Avocado - 15.6pH

Garlic - 13.2pH Mango - 8.7pH Tangerine - 8.5pH

Pineapple - 12.7pH Dandelion - 22.7pH

Orange - 9.2pH

How do you know you have corona-virus?

1. Itching in the throat, 2. Dry throat, 3. Dry cough.

So where you notice these three things quickly take warm water and drink.

(Courtesy : Veteran Gp Capt S S Puri)

Summary of an Article from Journal of Virology, April 1991


GOVERNING COUNCILPRESIDENT Veteran Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VMSR. VICE PRESIDENT Veteran Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh PVSM VSM, 9868940200VICE PRESIDENT Veteran Air Vice Marshal SK Gagneja VSM, 9871399100AFA BRANCH PRESIDENTS (For details kindly see page 29 & 30)SECRETARY Veteran Group Captain Ashok Sethi, 9810044033TREASURER Veteran Wg Cdr Bhupinder Singh, 9810505963

NOMINATED MEMBERSVeteran AVM SC Luthra AVSM VSM Tel: 09650899655Veteran Wing Commander OS Sareen Tel: 09350041582 Mrs Mamata Arora Tel: 09810320120Veteran Sergeant NK Dutta Tel: 09968102499Veteran Sergeant RS Deswal Tel: 09811437833Mrs. Indra B Jhala Tel: 09313347609

ELECTED MEMBERSVeteran Air Cmde LS Ruprai Mob.: 9350763760, 9811959840Veteran Wing Commander V Indrayan Tel: 011-26892416, 09810204988Veteran Squadron Leader KS Chawla Mob: 09911323855Veteran Master Warrant Officer Brahmpal Tel: 0120-4152324, 09911989720Veteran JWO Bijendra Singh Mob: 09899755191, 07840003820, 09205190740 Veteran Sergeant SP Khowal Mob: 8700017280

OTHER INCUMBENTS: AFA HEAD OFFICE

CEO, SENIOR CITIZENS’ HOME Veteran Air Cmde Gulshan Rai VSM 8130678881EO, SENIOR CITIZENS’ HOME Veteran Wing Commander SK Dey 9811209246EDITOR, EAGLE’S EYE Veteran Group Captain Shailendra Mohan 09811078880WEB ADMINISTRATOR Veteran Wing Commander AK Verma 9990291493LEGAL ADVISORS Veteran Group Captain KS Bhati 011-23711238, 09811168948 Veteran Air Commodore IJ Singh 0120-2444073, 09810324738

MARSHAL OF THE AIR FORCE & MRS. ARJAN SINGH TRUSTMANAGER TRUST Veteran Wg Cdr Bhupinder Singh 011-23013649, 9971536298SNCO I/C TRUST Sgt RK Pandey 011-23013649, 7760120268

MEMBERS OF AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION


WELFARE INFORMATIONAIR FORCE ASSOCIATION(Head/Branch Offices)

BRANCH TELE/FAX ADDRESS & E-MAIL OF BRANCH

NEAREST AF UNIT

AFA HEAD OFFCE 011-23015762 Air Force Station Air Force Station011-23792415 Race Course Camp Race Course Camp011-23011211 New Delhi - 110 003 New Delhi - 110 003 011-23011208 E-mail: [email protected] Book Link : https://www.facebook.com/air-

forceassociation.indiaTwitter Link : https://twitter.com/AFA IndiaWeb Site : www.afa-india.org

BRANCH PRESIDENTSAP & TELANGANAVeteran Wg Cdr TJ Reddy 09391027020 C/O AF Station Begumpet Air Force Station

VSM 040-27757020(O) Bowenpally Post Begumpet 040-27112808(R) Secunderabad - 500011 040-27757020

E-mail: [email protected] Extn: 283BIHARVeteran Sqn Ldr 09470794717 Campus BK Institute of TechnologyBhuwneshwar Singh 08757461121 Ashiana Digha Road,

07654781834 Patna-80001108084342649 E-mail: [email protected]

GOAVeteran Air Cmde PK Pinto 0832-2414912 32, Defence Colony

AVSM Alto PorvorimBardez, Goa-403521E-mail: [email protected]

GUJARATVeteran Air Mshl 09898574245 C/O-2 AFSR, Old SMSO OfficePK Desai PVSM AVSM VSM Air Force Campus

Opp-Sagar Bhawan, Sector-9Gandhinagar-09E-mail: [email protected]

HARYANAVeteran Air Mshl 0124-2343174 C/O 54 ASP AF Stn Gurgaon Air Force StationSumit Mukerji 09811213201 Gurgaon-122001 GurgaonPVSM SC VSM E-mail: [email protected]

E-mail: [email protected] & KASHMIRVeteran Gp Capt Pravin Vij 09899787787 Air Force Station Air Force Station

Satwari, Jammu Cantt-180003 SatwariE-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]

JHARKHANDVeteran AVM Yash Kumar 09430702001 H1-204, Harmu Housing Colony

AVSM Ranchi-834002E-mail: [email protected]

KARNATAKAVeteran Air Mshl 080-23513319 Manoranjan Cinema Complex HQ TC, IAFHB Rajaram 080-23411061 HQ, Training Command, IAF BengaluruPVSM AVSM VSM Extn: 4555 JC Nagar (Post), Bengaluru-560006

E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected] Website: www.afakarnataka.org

KERALAVeteran Wg Cdr ARS Iyer 09495662337 C/O HQ SAC (U), AF HQ SAC, IAF

Akkulam AkkulamThiruvananthapuram-695031E-mail: [email protected]


MADHYA PRADESHVeteran Wg Cdr AK Puri

09930298290755-2980147

Raj Vidya B-306Raksha Vihar, PO-3EME Centre Bhopal-462031E-mail: [email protected]

NOIDAVeteran Gp Capt Seraj 0120-2539956 JVSAS Complex 28 Wing, AFMehdi 09718671355 Sector-21, Jalvayu Vihar C/O Air Force Station

Noida-201301 (UP) HindonE-mail: [email protected]

NORTHERN ZONEVeteran Air Mshl Sukhchain 09560668228 12 Wing, AF 12 Wing, AF Singh AVSM VSM 0172-2637390 C/O Air Force Station C/O Air Force Station

Extn: 668 Chandigarh-160003 ChandigarhE-mail: [email protected]

NORTH EASTERN ZONEVeteran Wg Cdr MK Borah 0361-2620117 C/O RJ Junior College Air Force Station

0361-2263676 Dispur-Basistha Road GuwahatiGuwahati-781028E-mail: [email protected]

ODISHAVeteran Gp Capt J Brahma 0674-2434233 G-10, BJB Nagar Air Sqn NCC

09861113414 Bhubaneswar BhubaneswarOdisha-751014E-mail: [email protected]

RAJASTHANVeteran Wg Cdr 0291-2671971(O) Station Medicare Centre 32 Wing, AFMC Mehta Extn: 2520 Air Force Station C/O 56 APO

0291-2430038(R) Jodhpur-34201109829508038 E-mail: [email protected]

TAMIL NADUVeteran Air Mshl 044-22392546 C/O 413 Air Force Station Air Force StationS Varthaman 044-22395553 Tambaram, Chennai-600046 TambaramPVSM AVSM VM VSM Extn(IP): 3293 E-mail: [email protected]

UTTAR PRADESHVeteran Gp Capt RK Yadav 9198646495 Main Guard Room Building Air Force Station VSM Air Force Station, Chakeri Chakeri

Kanpur-208008E-mail: [email protected]

UTTARAKHANDAir Cmde Amul Kapoor 9412992335 B-242, Lane-7, Garippa Marg VM Sector-4, Defence Colony,

DehradunMAHARASHTRAVeteran Gp Capt SS Phatak 020-26442344(R) C/O Advance HQ SWAC, IAF Advance HQ

020-26840442 Pune-411001 SWAC, IAFExtn: 7867 E-mail: [email protected]

WEST BENGALVeteran Wg Cdr PK Basu 033-22236061 M-5,3, Janaki Shaw Road Advance HQ

Hastings, Kolkata-700022 EAC, IAFE-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]

AUSTRALIAVeteran Wg Cdr KAJ MARTIN 02-97864649 14, Nyora Street, Chester Hill VM NNSW 2162, Sydney, Australia

E-mail: [email protected] KINGDOMVeteran Sqn Ldr IS Lougharn 01372-275700 7, Harding Road, Langle Vale VM Epsom, Surrey KT 186 HN England

E-mail: [email protected]


SL.NO RANK NAME AMOUNT1 SQN LDR R ETHINDRA 1,40,0002 HFL PRATAP SINGH 51,1003 SQN LDR IAN STEELE LOUGHARN 50,0004 Shri RAJESH JAIN 50,0005 WG CDR AJIT SINGH 21,0006 GP CAPT RAJNISH MALHOTRA 11,1187 WG CDR GIRWAR SINGH JAKHAR 11,0008 AIR MSHL TS RANDHAWA 10,0009 WG CDR UK BANDWAR 10,00010 SGT SHIVDEV SINGH HUNDAL 10,00011 AVM PCS RAUTELA 10,00012 MRS PRATIMA KAPOOR 10,00013 WG CDR RK KAPOOR 10,00014 Shri K SUBRAMANYA 10,00015 GP CAPT SUDHANSHU 800016 AIR MSHL D KUKREJA 7,51617 WG CDR NK BATRA 5,10018 SQN LDR PARVEZ JAMASJI 5,00119 ACM SK KAUL 5,00020 MRS ROMILA YADAV 5,00021 MRS N SHEELA 5,00022 SQN LDR IS BARBOZA 5,00023 SGT CHINMAY DAS 400724 WG CDR KAMAL DEEP 2,50025 WG CDR KULDEEP SINGH 2,00026 CPL PRADEEP KUMAR MANANDHAR 1,00127 SGT KULKARNI 500

AFA NEWS SUBSCRIPTION FORM

(Please fill this form for records)

Name______________________ AFA Membership No. ___________ Service No. ________ Rank____________Address_______________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Tele No. __________________________________

Subscription Option: -

(a) I want to make a life subscription of Rs.1000/- only.

(b) I want to make an annual subscription of only Rs.80/- for 2 copies of Eagle’s Eye.

I am enclosing a Bank DD No. ____________ of ________________ Bank __________________ (Name of place) for Rs._______________ in favour of “Air Force Association” (Note: Outstation cheques are not accepted).

Date: Signature.

Note : Please see next page for details of Bank account for NEFT/RTGS

EACH MEMBER, BRING ONE NEW MEMBER

DONATIONS RECEIVED BY AFA FROM AUG 19 TO MAR 20


DONATION FORMAIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE : DONATE GENEROUSLY(PLEASE FILL IN CAPITALS)

Please tick ( √ ) the square you wish to donate.

Rs.1,000/- Rs. 2,000/- Rs. 5,000/- Rs. 10,000/- Any Other Amount

Amount.............................Cheque / DD No..........................dated.................in favour of Air Force Association.Bank...........................................................Branch..............................................................................................

Signature

Name (Mr. / Mrs.)................................................................................................................................................

Address...............................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................Pin.............................................................

Ph No..................................................................................................................................................................

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)...........................................................................E-mail.............................................

All contributions to Air Force Association are 50% Tax exempt under section 80G (5) (VI) of Income Tax Act.1961.

Please forward following details through E-mail at [email protected] or send this slip to our office in case of bank transfer:-

Amount...................................................................................Date of Transfer....................................................

Your Bank..............................................................................Transaction ID.......................................................

PAN No................................................................................................................................................................

ACCOUNT DETAILS OF AFA, NEW DELHI FOR NEFT/RTGS

Beneficiary Account Number 1204312218Account Name Air Force AssociationIFSC Code CBIN0283463MICR No. 110016070Bank Name Central Bank of IndiaBranch Name Air Force Station, New Delhi-110003Our address :- Air Force Association Head Office Air Force Station Race Course Camp New Delhi-110003 Tele: 011-23015762 Telefax: 011-23792415 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.afa-india.org


AFA Professional Courses ScholarshipM Tripurashree 731844 Ex Sgt Manjunatha Swamy 25,000Manu S Nair 728307 Ex Sgt Subhash CV 25,000Gajjala Deepak 772672 Ex Sgt GNVV Prasad 25,000A Avinash Prabhu 740514 Ex Sgt AP Ashok Prabhu 25,000Sruthy V 722135 Ex JWO Vinod TS 25,000

Fg Offr NJS Sekhon ScholarshipSahil Singh 728663 Late Ex Sgt AK Roy 25,000Varun 706948 Late Ex Cpl Narender Singh 25,000TS Shwetha 648801 Ex Sgt TS Sadashiva 25,000Amrutha N Pervady 694106 Ex Sgt Nagesh Pervady 25,000

Mrs. Veena Jain & Wg Cdr SC Jain ScholarshipVaishnavi KS 708801 Ex Sgt Satish Kumar 25,000

Om Satya Mehra Charitable Trust ScholarshipGopika G 721106 Ex Sgt KP Girish 25,000Nanoana B 750337 Ex Sgt B Bhaskaran 25,000Gayathri JK 685988 Ex Sgt Jyothikumar V 25,000Eeshan Mattey 762550 Ex Sgt A Mattey 25,000Sourabh Mishra 780871 Ex Sgt RK Mishra 25,000Renisha Glain 729353 Ex Sgt G Quadros 25,000Remitha Briana 729353 Ex Sgt G Quadros 25,000Shruti Sharma 770530 Ex Sgt R Sharma 25,000Devatha Sresta 737821 Ex Sgt D Sudhakar 25,000Shatakshi Tiwari 791375 Ex Sgt Radha K 25,000

Smt Promila Yadav Memorial ScholarshipS Devika 729256 Ex Sgt V Shunmugavel 16,000Rishabh Vats 727876 Ex Sgt Narendra Kumar 16,000

Late Wg Cdr Ashok Kumar Keshap (Retd) ScholarshipP Tanu Shree 676646 Ex JWO PVL N Rao 16,000

Flt Lt Sunit Mohanty ScholarshipRahul Krishnan 730711 Ex Sgt Ajaya Kumar B 16,000

Smt Promila Yadav Memorial ScholarshipS Devika 729256 Ex Sgt V Shunmugavel 16,000Rishabh Vats 727876 Ex Sgt Narendra Kumar 16,000

Om Satya Mehra Trust ScholarshipMeghana Subin 749617 Late Ex Sgt Subin Bose 12,500Miss Sarika 748484 Ex Sgt Kailash Chander 12,500Nysha 773062 Ex Sgt Ajit Singh 12,500Adarsh Ranjan 764151 Ex Sgt NR Kumar 12,500Mandeep MP 675903 Ex JWO Mahadev P 12,500Vanshika 718790 Ex Sgt KK Behra 12,500Vanukuru T 764472 Ex JWO VS Reddy 12,500Zainab Sheikh 741361 Ex Sgt Md Zawed 12,500Rudra Narayana 746223 Ex Sgt P K Naik 12,500Aaditya Anand 691714 Ex Sgt Manoj 12,500

GD Course 96P-34 & 35N ScholarshipRC Vishnu Prasanth 702663 Ex JWO RG Chand 12,000G Priyankha 698773 Ex JWO N Giri 12,000Himika Adhikary 698644 Ex Sgt AK Adhikary 12,000Sumana Saha 769741 Ex Sgt Milan Saha 12,000

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED BY AFA


Veeresh R Gangannavar 746444 Ex Sgt RS Gangannavar 12,000Mrs & S/L Pritam Singh Scholarship

Dhanya Joseph 728666 Ex Sgt KJ Joseph 12,000Sunidhi 774925 Ex Sgt SK Singh 12,000Himanshi 724326 Ex Sgt DK Dhillon 12,000

Ms. Ekta Jindal Memorial ScholarshipAnna Rose 624523 Ex Sgt Varghese KJ 12,000Deepti Bhardwaj 749198 Ex Sgt HK Sharma 12,000Khushi Singh 735692 Ex Sgt A Singh 12,000Ayukta Labh 715768 Ex Sgt JK Labh 12,000

Flt Lt Sunit Mohanty ScholarshipLamiya Anzar 770144 Ex MWO Anzar A 12,000Archishman VB 706561 Ex Sgt Vadiraj S 12,000

Mrs. Kamla Karir ScholarshipH Shishir 765535 Ex Sgt H Nagaraja 12,000

Devditi Foundation ScholarshipMahima R Menon 626868 Ex WO R Mannikath 12,000

Association of Retired Air Force Logistics Officers ScholarshipMohd Kaif 791710 EX Sgt J Ali 12,000Malla Rajeswari 791144 Ex JWO M Venkataramana 12,000

Daulat Ram Bhatia ScholarshipAmisha Pattnayak 707619 Ex JWO AK Pattnayak 12,000

Kollamparambil Narayanan ScholarshipSaad Ahmed 762753 Ex Sgt Sultan Ahmed 12,000

Shri Kundan Lal ScholarshipLeffi L George 694323 Ex JWO Lovely George 12,000

Mrs. Suwarna Chaudhary ScholarshipAnumay Singh 768502 Ex Sgt RS Bhandari 12,000Mandabi 743375 Ex JWO MK Mandal 12,000

Mrs. Asha Saraf & Wg Cdr Ashok Kumar Saraf Charitable Trust ScholarshipJaswant Singh Jamwal 790958 Ex Sgt S Jamwal 10,000Arunima Venugopal 706312 Ex Sgt Venugopal MG 10,000Megha Saha 769741 Ex Sgt Milan Kumar Saha 10,000Fazila Sultan 762753 Ex-Sgt Sultan Ahmed 10,000

Wg Cdr Mahesh Bajpai Memorial ScholarshipRupesh Kumar Yadav 739549 Ex Sgt SK Yadav 8,000

Om Satya Mehra Charitable Trust ScholarshipA Sharvesh Raju 734105 Ex Sgt Anand Sunaraju 8000Piyushi Sihag 733098 Late Ex JWO VS Sihag 8000Risabh Kumar 785964 Ex Sgt Raj Kumar 8000J Madhumita 762528 Ex Sgt N JBabu 8000Izaan Aboo 737938 Ex- Sgt Ashraf MA 8000

Shri Venkateswar ScholarshipLeepika 706948 Late Ex Cpl Narender Singh 8000

Smt. Urmil Handa ScholarshipAparna R 767210 Ex Sgt D Rajesh 6,000Meenakshi Late Ex- Sgt Buddhanand 6,000

Smt. Usha Mohan ScholarshipRishav Raj 907136 Sgt Radhey Shyam 5,000Ananya Tiwari 792555 Sgt AK Tiwari 5,000Samriddhi 925707 Cpl Sachin Tomer 5,000Pragati Singh 931693 Cpl Devi Singh 5,000


WELFARE INFORMATIONGRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS: MARSHAL OF THE AIR FORCE & MRS. ARJAN SINGH TRUST

During the II & III quarter of FY 2019-20, the following 37 Air Warriors/ Air Veterans/ widows/ dependents including NCs (E) and DSC have been given to the following financial grants and scholarships.

S. No Name Amount Purpose/Reason1 Ex-Sgt S Mahadevan (735909) Rs 1,50,000/- Cancer Patient- for purcahse of essential medicine2 Ex Sgt T Sivalingam (274414) Rs 50,000/- House gutter in fire-Rehabiltation Grant3 Mrs Bhagwan Kanwar w/d/o late NC(E) Fateh Singh (808532) Rs 31,000/- Daughter’s marriage4 Ex JWO Md Hameeduddin (285529) Rs 30,000/- Non ECHS Member- Medical Assistance5 Mrs Sunita Jaiswal W/d/o late Sgt Nanhe Lal (645687) Rs 21,000/- Daughter’s marriage6 Ex-Cpl Jayaraj MK (295918) Rs 21,000/- Daughter’s marriage7 Miss Mani D/O Sgt Kirti Pal (687703) Rs 21,000/- Daughter’s marriage8 Mrs Chintapalli Neeraja w/d/o late JWO CH Ramapathi (608753) Rs 20,000/- Maintenance of disable child not assisted by ECHS9 Ex-WO EI Kurian (288254) Rs 20,000/- Kerala Flood Relief10 Ex-JWO Sudheer KP (689456) Rs 20,000/ Kerala Flood Relief11 Ex-Cpl Joseph PD (287534) Rs 20,000/ Kerala Flood Relief12 Ex-Sgt Manesh GP (718743) Rs 20,000/ Kerala Flood Relief13 Smt A Verghese Wd/O Cpl Verghese KG Rs 20,000/ Kerala Flood Relief14 Ex-Sgt David George (257239) Rs 20,000/- Kerala Flood Relief15 Ex-JWO MG Sasidharan (725743) Rs 20,000/- Kerala Flood Relief16 EX-Cpl Chandra Kumaran PG (289970) Rs 20,000/- Kerala Flood Relief17 Flt Lt Rangachari (4447) Rs.15,000/ Self maintenance 18 Ex- Sgt RP Yadav (739961) Rs 11,000/- Daughter’s marriage19 Ex-Cpl GL Rajam (253511) Rs 9,000/- Medical treatment 20 Smt Malliga Wd/O AC Muthukumaran Rs.6,000/- Non pensioner & non ECHS member (Rs 2000/-pm)21 Smt Meera Bai H Wd/O Late Cpl H Singh (234673) Rs.6,000/- Non pensioner & non ECHS member (Rs 2000/-pm)22 EX-AC VS Rajput (298754) Rs 6,000/- Non pensioner & non ECHS member (Rs 2000/-pm)23 Smt Marlin John W/do Late Sgt A John (604988) Rs 4,500/- She is 60 yrs old & suffering from Cancer. (Rs 2000/-pm)

SCHOLARSHIPS01 Ms Anshwana D/O JWO VP Tripathi Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses02 Vishal S/O Sgt Bijay Kumar Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses03 Ankit S/O JWO Deviranjan Das Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses04 Nishant S/O JWO VK Sharma Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses05 Aditya S/O Sgt Bechu Sah Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses06 Vivek S/O JWO MC Kaushik Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses07 Jigyasa D/O JWO SK Mandal Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses08 Shubhangi D/O JWO M Behera Rs 25,000/- Professional Undergraduate Courses09 Nancy D/O NC(E) Patric Massi Rs 15,000/- Scholarship: Undergraduate Courses10 Simran D/O JWO MK Singh Rs 12,000/- Scholarship (For 9th to 11th classes) 11 Priyanshu S/O JWO Rajesh Ranjan Rs 12,000/- Scholarship (For 9th to 11th classes) 12 Yuvraj S/O SGT Mahendra Kumar Rs 12,000/- Scholarship (For 9th to 11th classes) 13 Sakshi D/O JWO SK Ojha Rs 12,000/- Scholarship (For 9th to 11th classes) 14 Ayushi D/O NC(E) PK Shahi Rs 12,000/- Scholarship (For 9th to 11th classes)

DONATIONS RECEIVED BY MAFT UP TO 31 JAN 2020Sl No Name Amount1 ONGC Rs 9,80,000/-2 Wg Cdr JM Nath (Retd) Rs 9,00,000/-3 Gp Capt Bhupinder Sahai (Retd) Rs 30,000/-4 Wg Cdr VK Bandwar (Retd) Rs 11,000/-5 Wg Cdr Sahdeu Bansal (Retd)` Rs 10,000/-6 Wg Cdr GS Grover (Retd) Rs 10,000/-7 Gp Capt Surinder Singh VM (Retd) Rs 7,000/-8 Wg Cdr Kamal Deep (Retd) Rs 2,500/-9 HFL EPR Swamy Rs 2,500/-10 Gp Capt OP Madan (Retd) Rs 1,500/-11 Mr Janmeet Sharmna Rs 1,100/-


Donation Form(Marshal of the Air Force & Mrs Arjan Singh Trust)

Name...................................................................................................................................................................Address............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Pin......................................PAN No.............................................................................................Ph No.........................................................Mob.................................................................................................Date of Birth.................................................Email...................................................................................................................................................................

I wish to donate to the corpus of “Marshal of the Air Force & Mrs. Arjan Singh Trust

Rs............................

1. By Cheque or DD Inscribe in favour of “Marshal of the Air Force & Mrs Arjan Singh Trust” Amount...............................................Cheque /DD No..............................................Date......................

Bank............................................................................Branch.................................................................

Signature

Cheque /DD should be drawn on or before 31 Mar to avail 50% Tax benefit during the current financial year.

2. Electronics Transfer (NEFT or RTGS) Take following steps

(i) Log in your bank account(ii) Register ‘Marshal of the Air Force & Mrs Arjan Singh Trust’ as Payee by putting-

SB Account no. 3011972927 IFSC Code CBIN0283463Name of the bank Central Bank of India Branch Race Course Camp Air Force Station New Delhi, New Delhi-03

(iii) Forward following details through Email at [email protected] Or send this slip to our office as mentioned belowAmount.......................................................Date of Transfer....................................................Your Bank.................................................Transaction ID........................................................Your PAN No..............................................................................................................................

For Donation related queries please email us to [email protected] call at 011-23013649 Please note that it is mandatory to send all of the above details for issuing Receipt and Tax Exemption Certificate under section 80G of IT Act 1961.

3. Our address : Marshal of the Air Force & Mrs Arjan Singh Trust Race Course Camp, Air Force Station New Delhi New Delhi-110003 Ph No. 011-23013649 Email :- [email protected]


CPL 232999 SATYA MOORTHY RENGARAJAN MTSO 09/09/2019SGT 776322 NAVNEET SINGH WPN FIT 13/09/2019WO 207170 GS RAO 19/09/2019WG CDR 20536 PK DAS AE(L) 19/09/2019CPL 276129 Y MARUTHY IAF P 19/09/2019SGT 205461 MK SRINIVASAN F II E 20/09/2019WG CDR 6218 VV RAJU EDN 27/09/2019JWO 707075 DV RAGHUNATH MF(L) 28/09/2019SGT 609724 NAYAZ SHARIEF ELECT FIT 30/09/2019SQN LDR 210592 OM PRAKASH 10/10/2019JWO 286760 B SINGH 11/10/2019JWO 224145 T NARAYANASWAMY 11/10/2019SGT 295072 CS RAINA CLK EA 11/10/2019MWO 273036 KRISHAN LAL SHARMA EQ ASST 11/10/2019HFL 297028 BADRINATH CLK ACCTS 11/10/2019SGT 280719 K BRAHMA CHARY ELECT FIT 16/10/2019SGT 785054 GHAN SHYAM SALUNKE PMF 16/10/2019MWO 265158 TRILOK SINGH AF FIT 19/10/2019MWO 269138 GC RAKWAL ENG FIT 19/10/2019SGT 615161 TAPPETA CHANDRA REDDY MT FIT 21/10/2019HFL 225568 P CHAND EQ ASST 22/10/2019MWO 653153 LINGIAH KANNAN ELECT FIT 27/10/2019WG CDR 5926 UI KRISHNAN F (N) 28/10/2019WO 258986 SC GARG 01/11/2019CPL 209380 V MATHUKRISHNAN 03/11/2019MWO 254859 OP PILLAI 05/11/2019JWO 641844 IM JAYARAJ 10/11/2019AIR MSHL 3705 LP PEREIRA LGS 13/11/2019CPL 631669 CN KANTHARAJ 15/11/2019MWO 19526 PA VIJAYARAJ 20/11/2019SQN LDR 18136 A MUKHERJEE 28/11/2019WG CDR 10286 DODIUM NARASIMHAM MET 28/11/2019WO 731330 VP NAGARAJA RAO FLT ENGR 02/12/2019MWO 215242 SS MAHAPATRA 12/12/2019WG CDR 10427 KAILASH CHANDER CHADHA F(P) 23/12/2019SQN LDR 16474 S KANNAN AE(M) 23/12/2019GP CAPT 11102 VIRENDER KUMAR 23/12/2019SGT 600808 JOHN JACOB JAMES 26/12/2019AIR CMDE 4859 AC MEHTA 28/12/2019WG CDR 6230 IP SHYAM 29/12/2019

11205 DJ SREEHARI AE (L) 01/01/2020SGT 791941 ANURAG SHUKLA RDO FIT 02/01/2020MWO 222025 AC DAS 06/01/2020AVM 5977 GS JAGANNATHA RAO AE (M) 09/01/2020WO 603391 RAM JIT DASS RTO 09/01/2020SGT 295804 KP BALACHANDRAN EQ ASST 11/01/2020JWO 264046 PK JAIN 14/01/2020MWO 224503 KTR NAIDU 15/01/2020JWO 295205 M MUSTAFA 18/01/2020

WELFARE INFORMATIONObituary ListGo silently my friend, you shall with God Remain...


MWO 229063 SUNDRAM 21/01/2020CPL 245047 KANDASWAMY KS AFSO 24/01/2020WG CDR 11042 SRP SHAH F (P) 25/01/2020MWO 221859 G SAMATH 28/01/2020WG CDR 6655 N RAMANATHAN EDN 28/01/2020SGT 246219 KM PORINCHU FIT II 30/01/2020JWO 707893 BUDDHA DEB MAITY ADSO 02/02/2020WG CDR 7724 VN MISRA 02/02/2020CPL 279414 CC JAMES GTI 04/02/2020WO 280338 SS SAHOTA 08/02/2020WO 401005 DR PILLAI 09/02/2020JWO 239041 R JAGANATHAN IAF/P 11/02/2020SGT 627067 CP SEHRAWAT 02/03/2020WG CDR 10351 V SINGH AE(L) 06/03/2020WO 259778 TR KAMBLE CLK/GD 09/03/2020GP CAPT 4613 YS MARWA F(P) 10/03/2020SQN LDR 13077 B LAL AE (M) 25/03/2020GP CAPT 12420 GS GADHOKE F(N) 31/03/2020AIR CMDE 5767 MG ACHUTAN 03/04/2020WO 292203 K SOMANANDAN SEW 06/04/2020AIR CMDE 11297 ANIL SINHA F(P) 09/04/2020WG CDR 9121 SUHA G DILBAG SINGH F(N) 19/04/2020WG CDR 8146 AMRIT LAL MEHTA 01/05/2020GP CAPT 11913 PK SHANKAR AE(L) 02/05/2020GP CAPT 6226 PB HARIKRISHNAN AE(M) 06/05/2020WG CDR 7431 DC SAMBHARE 06/05/2020WG CDR 4203 TONY AROON KIMPTON KOTVAL F (P) 12/05/2020SQN LDR 6814 AY BARVE AE(M) 13/05/2020SGT 708193 KD MAKWANA ADSO 15/05/2020HFO 222818 HL SAINI ENG FIT 21/05/2020WG CDR 7160 S AHMED F (N) 27/05/2020SGT 292199 A PATHARUDEEN 05/06/2020GP CAPT 16643 RK PANDEY ADM /FC 10/06/2020AIR CMDE 7083 SP BHASIN AE(L) 10/06/2020WG CDR 12260 HP SINGH AE(L) 18/06/2020AIR CMDE 26075 GP SINGH DENTAL 18/06/2020WG CDR 11245 NK BATRA ADM 22/06/2020SQN LDR 9834 PARVEZ JAMASJI F (P) 26/06/2020WG CDR 11700 VP SACHAR LGS 28/06/2020WG CDR 11357 CM RAI F (P) 05/07/2020WO 669112 TRINATH CHARAN PRADHAN MT FIT 08/07/2020SQN LDR 9338 SS YADAV 14/07/2020SGT 275221 MP AGARWAL ADSO 14/07/2020MWO 230043 NJ THOMAS 16/07/2020SGT 736042 P GUPTA WPN FIT 01/08/2020Air Cmde 3711 RN Mahajan Lgs 08/08/2020Air Cmde 10171 KC Sharma F (P) 27/08/2020WG CDR 8732 RC BHOJWANI F (P) 28/08/2020AIR MSHL 3793 SC LAL AE (L) 30/08/2020JWO 646506 GANNA KHAGARAJU GTI 31/08/2020Wg Cdr 10202 KK Khanna F (P) 03/09/2020Air Marshal 13832 RK Vashisht AE (L) 08/09/2020Wg Cdr 8156 Kamal Chand F (P) 10/09/2020


Photos of Activities

Veteran ACM NAK Browne addressing members & families of AP & TS Branch at Annual Social get-together.

Issue of ESM and Dependent ID Cards to AFA members & dependents (right -93 year old Wg Cdr SK Gorowala & others)

by staff of Zilla Sainik welfare at AP & Ts Branch.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa releasing the Souvenir on the occasion of Fg Offr Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon Memorial lecture.

President Air Mshl PK Desai is alongside ACM Dhanoa.

Audience at Fg Offr Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon Memorial lecture at Gujarat Branch.

Air Marshal BS Dhanoa presiding Fg Offr Nirmal Jeet Singh Sekhon Memorial lecture at Gujarat Branch.


Members of Tirupathi Chapter of AP & TS Branch attending GB Meeting

Director Sainik Welfare Telangana (second from left) handing over Dependent Id Card to a spouse of an ESM in the

presence of AFA Branch President.

Members of Bihar Branch attending Annual General Meeting of Bihar Branch

Families of Air Veterans of AFA Bihar Branch gathered during AGM.

President Bihar Branch addressing Annual General MeetingMembers of Bihar Branch attending annual General Meeting of Bihar Branch


Air Mshl Sumit Mukerji honouring Wg Cdr Bharat Awasthi at AGM Haryana Branch. Wg Cdr S Bhadrawala is on the right.

Air Mshl Sumit Mukerji honouring a nonagenarian at AGM Haryana Branch. Wg Cdr S Bhadrawala is on the right.

Wg Cdr S Bhadrawala secretary and Air Mshl S Mukerji president along with other Veterans of Haryana Branch at the

AGM.A view of the audience during AGM Haryana Branch

Past President Air Mshl ND Nandkarni (sixth from left), President Air Marshal Sumit Mukerji, (eighth), Wg Cdr Shefali Verma, (tenth), Wg Cdr Suresh Bhadrawala (eleventh) at medical camp organised by Haryana Branch at Air Force Station Gurgaon.


A view of the audience attending the AGM of Jharkhand Branch

President and other members releasing the souvenir at AGM of Jharkhand Branch.

AGM of West Bengal Branch. Veterans attending AGM of West Bengal Branch.

Veterans and families of West Bengal Branch having lunch.

Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh, the President North Zone Branch honouring

a veteran.

Audience attending AGM of North Zone Branch.

A group of veterans attending North Zone AGM.

Sr VP Air Mshl Jagjeet Singh and veterans witnessing AGM Noida Branch.

Sr VP presenting appreciation letter to veteran Noida Branch. President Noida

Branch is on the right.

Sr VP honouring a nonagenarian at AFA Noida Branch. President Noida Branch is

on the right.

AFA NEWS - Air Force Association

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