Covers 1-15 September - Sainik Samachar

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

6

12

Hav Hangpan Dada, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous)

Sino-India Border Personnel Meet

10CGDA Trains Indian

Air Force…8Army Chief Reviews Security Situation…

On front cover: The President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Ms PV Sindhu for Badminton, in a glittering

ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 29, 2016.

4 Independence Day Gallantry…

9 Pasighat Advanced Landing…

14 Social Awareness and Life Skills…

15 Defence Correspondent…

20 DGICG Visits Sri Lanka

24 A Father's Tribute to Indian Army

26 Serve with Honour

34 Chakravyuh

Regulars

22 Photo Features: Amdavadis get a taste of the Soldier’s Life

35 Armed Forces Panorama

Since 1909

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR)Vol. 63 q No 17

10 - 25 Bhadrapada,1938 (Saka)1-15 September 2016

The journal of India’s Armed Forces published every fortnight in thirteen languages including Hindi & English on behalf of Ministry of Defence. It is not necessarily an organ for the expression of the Government’s defence policy. The published items represent the views of respective writers and correspondents.

Our Correspondents DELHI: Wg Cdr Anupam Banerjee; Dhananjay Mohanty; Capt DK Sharma; Manoj Tuli; Nampibou Marinmai; Wg Cdr Rochelle D’Silva; Col Rohan Anand; Ved Pal; Photo Editor: K Ramesh; ALLAHABAD: Gp Capt BB Pande; BENGALURU: Shivaram Pailoor; CHANDIGARH: Parvesh Sharma; CHENNAI: T Shanmugam; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman; GUWAHATI: Lt Col Suneet Newton; IMPHAL: Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma; JALANDHAR: ....... ; JAMMU: Lt Col Manish Mehta; JODHPUR: Lt Col Manish Ojha; KOCHI: Cdr Sridhar E Warrier ; KOHIMA: Col Chiranjeet Konwer; KOLKATA: Wg Cdr SS Birdi; Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Ms Gargi Malik Sinha; MUMBAI: Cdr Rahul Sinha; Narendra Vispute; NAGPUR: Wg Cdr Samir S Gangakhedkar; PALAM: Gp Capt SK Mehta; PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: Suresh Kumar G; SHILLONG: Gp Capt Amit Mahajan; SRINAGAR: Col NN Joshi; TEZPUR: Lt Col Sombith Ghosh; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suresh Shreedharan; UDHAMPUR: Col SD Goswami; VISAKHAPATNAM: Cdr CG Raju.

Published by: Nitin D Wakankar Offg Addl DG (Media & Communication)

Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011

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Editor-in-Chief Hasibur Rahman

Senior Editor Editor Ruby T Sharma Ehsan Khusro

Coordination Business Manager Sekhar Babu Madduri Dharam Pal Goswami

18Indian Army Forges Ahead in its Skilling Initiative

pic: Fulchand Kitadikar

In This Issue

The President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has approved 82 Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces Personnel and members of Paramilitary Forces which include one Ashok Chakra, 14 Shaurya Chakras,

63 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

ASHOKA CHAKRA13622536N Havildar Hangpan Dada, The Assam Regiment / 35th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)

SHAURYA CHAKRAIC-66162L Lieutenant Colonel Niranjan EK, Corps of Engineers / National Security Guards (BDU) (Posthumous)IC-62820P Major Rahul Dev Singh, The Jammu And Kashmir Rifles / 3rd Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-72326M Captain Tushar Mahajan, 9th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) (Posthumous)IC-75501F Captain Gaurav Sharad Jadhav, Regiment of Artillery / 36th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-76699X Captain Elisen Y Jami, 12th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)IC-78545K Captain Pawan Kumar, 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) (Posthumous)JC-311084X Naib Subedar Kankara V Subba Reddy, Corps of Engineers / 44th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)2799285W Naik Shinde Shankar Chandrabhan, The Maratha Light Infantry / 41st Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)5756771H Naik Bir Singh, 21st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)13769974W Lance Naik Om Parkash, 9th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) (Posthumous)14939722P Sepoy Hari Chettri, The Mechanized Infantry / 9th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles924787 Corporal Gursevek Singh, Indian Air Force (Security) (Posthumous)Mr Atu Zumvu, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Kohima, NagalandMr Kukudapu Srinivasulu, Police Constable (9365), CI Cell, Govt. of Telangana.

Sena Medal (Gallantry)IC-57039L Colonel Tarun Pathak, The Punjab Regiment / 23rd Battalion The Assam RiflesIC-57099A Lieutenant Colonel Sanjay Teckchandani, 203 Army Aviation Squadron (UH)IC-57963L Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Gulati, 202 Army Aviation Squadron (UH) (Posthumous)IC-62561X Lieutenant Colonel Nitin Gupta, The Parachute Regiment / 31st Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-63538W Major Rahul Pratap Singh, 7th Battalion The Sikh Light InfantryIC-64506A Major Shekhar Chaudhary, 7th Battalion The Sikh Light InfantryIC-65932A Major Amit Issar, The Armoured Corps / 23rd Battalion The Assam RiflesIC-66235M Major Shailendra Singh, The Dogra Regiment / 62nd Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-67606W Major Purohit Gopalraj Jasraj, The Dogra Regiment / 62nd Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-68171L Major Santosh Chand Rawat, The Garhwal Rifles / 36th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-68549M Major Dorjee Leta, Army Service Corps / 28th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-68621X Major Aman Singh, Army Service Corps / 13th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-68668H Major Vivek Tripathi, The Ladakh Scouts / 11th Battalion The Assam RiflesIC-70210X Major Pradeep Poonia, The Rajput Regiment / 10th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-73423W Major Jitender Kumar Singh, The Ladakh Scouts / 42 Battalion The Assam RiflesSS-44113H Major Taher Hussain Khan, 202 Army Aviation Squadron (UH) (Posthumous)SS-44509M Major Divyank Mishra, Army Air Defence / 36th Battalion The Assam RiflesSS-44901M Major Arjun Galoth, 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)SC-00601L Major Rohtash Singh, The Armoured Corps / 53rd Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-72362X Captain Vikas Panghal, The Armoured Corps / 1st Battalion The Assam RiflesIC-76281P Captain Rajesh Sharma, Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers / 3rd battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-76882A Captain Sushant Sharma, Corps of Signals / 55th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesIC-78616A Captain Lakhvir Singh, 3rd Battalion The Rajput RegimentSS-47213Y Captain Divakar Kongbrailatpam, 1st battalion The Mahar RegimentSS-46682P Lieutenant Satish Kumar Mishra, Regiment of Artillery/ 159 Field RegimentJC-65809F Naib Subedar Suraj Tamang, 44thbattalion The Assam Rifles (Posthumous)

Independence Day Gallantry Awards and Other Decorations

4 Sainik Samachar September 1-15, 2016

JC-413976W Naib Subedar More Sayaji Uttam, 12th battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)JC-603091X Naib Subedar Ashok Kumar Gurung, First Gorkha Rifles/ 15th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesJC-603121K Naib Subedar Chhatra Bahadur Phakami, Third Battalion The First Gorkha Rifles2600705W Havildar Elumalai M, 19th Battalion The Madras Regiment (Posthumous)4475283A Havildar Gurmukh Singh, 7th Battalion The Sikh Light Infantry13758291H Havildar Yash Paul, 11th Battalion The Jammu And Kashmir Rifles13765370A Havildar Ranjit Singh, The Jammu And Kashmir Rifles / 28th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles15573730H Lance Havildar Daspute Rameshwar Pundalik, Corps of Engineers / 2nd Battalion Therashtriya Rifles3998526Y Naik Rahim Singh, The Dogra Regiment / 40th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles15146474F Naik Ravi Choudhary, Regiment of Artillery / 13th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles15322690A Naik Shankara Sapalya, 9th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)2610836P Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, 19thbattalion The Madras Regiment (Posthumous)4086938N Lance Naik Satyendra Singh, The Garhwal Rifles / 36th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles4482230K Lance Naik Parveen Kumar Singh, The Sikh Light Infantry / 19th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles5048754F Lance Naik Narayan Shrestha, Third Battalion The First Gorkha Rifles13625619K Lance Naik Govind Singh Mehta, 9th battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) (Posthumous)13766306P Lance Naik Ashwani Kumar, The Jammu And Kashmir Rifles / 3rd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles14495821F Lance Naik Kulwant Singh, 1055 DSC Platoon (Posthumous)2615937M Sepoy Rama Moorthy N, 19th Battalion The Madras Regiment (Posthumous)3008862W Sepoy Brajesh Khatana, The Rajput Regiment / 44th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles3200235Y Sepoy Bijender Kumar, 7th Battalion The Jat Regiment4004812K Sepoy Balmik Kumar, The Dogra Regiment / 40th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles4204205P Sepoy Bhupendra Singh, The Kumaon Regiment / 13th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles4093554F Rifleman Ashish Singh Negi, The Garhwal Rifles / 36th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles5049372K Rifleman Raju Thapa, Third Battalion The First Gorkha Rifles12954596Y Rifleman Bashir Ahmed War, The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles / 15 Army Dog Unit (Posthumous)13772197K Rifleman Ishwar Singh, The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles / 3rd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles13773984X Rifleman Krishan Kumar, The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles / 28th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles16021965N Rifleman Rahul Singh, The Rajputana Rifles / 18th Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesG/184799M Rifleman Chingsa MOG, 18th Battalion The Assam RiflesG/5009333H Rifleman Paokholet Baite, 24th battalion The Assam Rifles (Posthumous)G/5013096F Rifleman Thangkhanlam, 43rd Battalion The Assam Rifles13629533H Paratrooper Sanjit Khatri, 21st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)2702279F Grenadier Amar Singh, 16th Battalion The Grenadiers15228018H Gunner Sahadev Maruti More, Regiment of Artillery / 41st Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)15504069W Sowar Amreek Singh, The Armoured Corps / 53rd Battalion The Rashtriya RiflesJC-522085K Naib Subedar Ram Singh, 6th Battalion The Dogra Regiment (Posthumous)

Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)Lt Cdr Vikash Kumar Narwal, 05433-YVeer Singh, CPO CD I, 122676-K

Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)Squadron Leader Abhishek Singh Tanwar, (28211) Flying PilotSquadron Leader Bhavesh Kumar Dubey, (29775) Administration / Air Traffic Controller

The President has also awarded 28 Mention-in-Despatches to Army & Para Military personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations which include five for ‘Operation Meghdoot’, 22 for ‘Operation Rakshak’ and one for ‘Operation Rhino’.

- NAo

5Sainik SamacharSeptember 1-15, 2016

There are a handful of men who in a single leap create a

hallowed portal in time’s own alley that continues to inspire reverence in generations. Havildar Hangpan Dada attained such an irradiant stature on a frosty night on May 26, 2016. Having shot three terrorists, Dada took a burst from the fourth to forever be enshrined in the hall of fame that the young and old of the Assam Regiment visit when they take oath and pledge their lives to defend the country.

Born in Village Borduria, District Tirap, Arunanchal Pradesh on October 2, 1979, Dada, as he was fondly called, was recruited to the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment on October 28, 1997. Six years later, on January 24, 2008 he was side stepped to the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment where he served till the last.

Hav Hangpan Dada, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous)

Dada's personality had many shades. Three traits that were forever to the fore were fearlessness, righteousness and courage of conviction. From leading a patrol to leading a church service at the post, Dada always led from the front. During testing times, when threat of

militants would loom large on his patrol, negotiating steep slopes in sub zero temp and with twenty feet deep snow, Dada would silently slip into the role of scout and lead the entire patrol safely back to the base.

He had that unique ability to raise his platoon’s spirits when the chips were down. He feared God and was the voice of wisdom amongst his folks. His Sunday sermons were heavily subscribed. He was an epitome of the humane soldier that insurgency environments require.

Behind his trademark smile was a fearless man who liked to keep snakes as his pet. He didn’t stop playing with them even after he had to be evacuated in a helicopter after being bitten not once but twice. A man with resolve tougher than steel and an unflinching attitude which came to the fore on May 26, 2016. The site of the encounter was at an altitude of 12,500 ft, in Nawgaon, in J&K. A group of terrorists had infiltrated and it was Dada’s task to stop them before they could go deeper into the Valley. As one of the sub team commander at a Post of 35 Rashtriya Rifles (Assam Regiment), he was required to move out with his men to lay an ambush and successfully engage them if they came his way.

On May 26, 2016, when terrorists managed to break contact with our stops at Naugam Sector in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, Late Havildar Hangpan Dada along with his section was tasked to chase and trap fleeing terrorists. Displaying ingenuity and understanding of ground, the ex-commando moved with incredible speed in inhospitable snow bound high altitude terrain. This move


blocked the escape route of the terrorists and surprised them.

In the ensuing firefight, when his section was pinned down by heavy and accurate fire, with utter disregard to his own safety he moved to a flank and closed in with the terrorists sheltered in rocks and boulders, resulting in saving lives of his comrades. He displayed exemplary courage and presence of mind and killed two terrorists at close quarters. In the exchange of fire, he was grievously injured. Undeterred, the NCO went after the remaining terrorists. In the process, he came face to face with the third terrorist whom he killed in hand to hand combat before making the supreme sacrifice. Thus, Havildar Hangapan Dada killed three terrorists in the operation single handedly and his action led to elimination of the fourth. He was later brought down by his team members while Dada was breathing his last.

His gallant action of eliminating three terrorists and injuring a fourth

one in utter disregard to personal safety not only foiled the infiltration bid but also ensured the safety of his men.

Dada had always lived his

life on his terms with his head held high. In death, as in life, he stood firm, leading his men from the front. Dada’s supreme sacrifice is yet another example of the unflinching commitment and dedication that people of North East have for their motherland.

The mortal remains of the martyr was flown to Khonsa by a special IAF Helicopter where the last rites were conducted amidst prayers and with full military honours. The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Arunanchal Pradesh, military officials, Dada’s kith and kin. Amongst them were some who had attended Dada’s sermons when he had gone home on leave, last.

The gallant soldier is survived by his wife Mrs Chasen Lowang Dada, an employee of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and their two children aged 7 and 11 years who bore the loss of their father with their head held high.

- Col Rohan Anand


The Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh, accompanied by

the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda visited various formations of the Nagrota based White Knight Corps to review the prevailing security situation.

The Army Chief was briefed by Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar about the preparedness of White Knight Corps in dealing with the emerging and dynamically changing security situation and the measures taken to thwart any misadventure by the inimical forces. The Corps Commander highlighted the measures adopted to counter any infiltration through employment of an effective counter infiltration grid backed by synergised surveillance and intelligence backed operations.

The Chief also visited Doda, Reasi and Rajouri wherein he was briefed on the operational readiness and security situation by the respective General Officers. General Dalbir Singh while complimenting

Army Chief Reviews Security Situation in J&K

the formations for their unflinching efforts in handling the situation reiterated on the continued need to remain vigilant in order to counter

the nefarious designs of the inimical elements.

- Col SD Goswami

pix: SN Acharya


The upgraded Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Pasighat in

Arunachal Pradesh was inaugurated by MoS for Home Affairs Mr Kiren Rijiju in the presence of Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command on August 19, 2016. The event was attended by a large number of civil and military dignitaries including the Chief Secretary and Secretary Civil Aviation Arunachal Pradesh and Air Vice Marshal Manavendra Singh, Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration, Eastern Air Command Shillong.

A flypast by a formation of three Sukhoi-30 MKI Air Dominance Fighter aircraft, that took off from one of the forward EAC airbases was a highlight of the event. This was followed by a Su-30 MKI also landing at the ALG. The touchdown by a frontline fighter jet of the IAF at the ALG is a 'historic first' in the predominantly hilly state of Arunachal Pradesh, which has several ALGs at varying altitudes.

The AOC-in-C and other senior officials arrived at the ALG by an AN-32 aircraft from Shillong and were received by the Chief Construction Engineer (North East Project). The Hon'ble Union Minister arrived in a BSF helicopter. Thus it was a rare sight to see many different types of aircraft at this forward airfield.

Pasighat Advanced Landing Ground Gets Operational

AAI is in the process of setting up a civil terminal, the construction of which has yet to commence.

The ALG at Pasighat was taken over by the IAF in February 2010. Previously, it was a small strip that was partly paved, partly grassy, and reinforced with perforated steel plates. It was utilized in the past for air maintenance sorties and casualty evacuation by the IAF. Commercial helicopter operations were also being undertaken from the helipads that existed earlier.

It may be recalled that following a MoU between Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Ministry of Defence in June 2009, the IAF had embarked on an ambitious reconstruction plan to upgrade eight ALGs, including infrastructure development at an overall outlay of nearly Rs. 1,000 Crore.

The ALGs at Walong, Ziro, Along, Mechuka and Pasighat have since been upgraded and are operational now. Two AlGs at Tuting and Tawang are expected to be ready by the year end, while the ALG at Vijaynagar would be undertaken for reconstruction as soon as the road connectivity between Miao and Vijaynagar is restored.

- Gp Capt Amit Mahajan

The new runway surface and other infrastructure built are similar to the other upgraded ALGs that have been inaugurated in the recent months. Replete with facilities such as aprons for ground manouevering, Air Traffic Control Tower, perimeter road and a security wall, the ALG will facilitate operations of fixed wing aircraft as well as helicopters of both civil and military operators.

The ALG at Pasighat will facilitate air connectivity with rest of the country and give a huge fillip to tourism in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The pristine and picturesque landscape of Pasighat, on the banks of river Siang, will become accessible to rest of the world. The unspoilt natural beauty of the area is sure to attract many tourist, which in turn will usher in a new round of prosperity and happiness for the local population.


A three day Defence Financial Management Course (DFMC)

was held for Indian Air Force officers from July 13, 2016 at Delhi Cantt. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of Staff Committee and Chief of Air Staff was the Chief Guest for the occasion. Mr Sunil Kohli, CGDA, Mr N Neihsial, Addl. CGDA, Air Marshal PP Khandekar, Air Officer Maintenance, Mrs Rasika Chaube, Principal IFA (Air Force) and senior officers of IAF and CGDA also attended the inaugural session.

The course began with introductory remarks by Mr N Neihsial, IDAS, Addl. CGDA who said that the entire course content has been overhauled and senior officers only have been deployed as faculty. He outlined that the DFMCs are not targeting people who are processing files but also the CFAs and would be CFAs. He said that India is one of the highest importers of weapons and for the past ten years offset policy has been followed. The Government has now initiated the

CGDA Trains Indian Air Force Officers in Financial Management

‘Make in India’ campaign. However, all these policies have to be driven by individuals and he felt that the CFAs and the IFAs are its two drivers and if they drive genuinely and seriously all the policies will be successful in a big way. He hoped the interaction during the course would lead to better bonding.

Mr Sunil Kumar Kohli, IDAS, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) in his welcome address thanked the Air Chief for being a part of the collaborative effort. He recalled as to how in times gone by there used to be a Ministry of Finance (Defence Division) and every case used to go to the Finance Ministry. However, delegation of powers changed the scenario and more delegation entailed more responsibilities. Talking about responsibilities, he said that in the government sector every department has a defined role which is clearly delineated by “Allocation of Business Rules” and one is to do things only which they are mandated to do.

Stating that the tagline of the Defence Accounts Service is “Ensuring Compliance, Driving Performance” , he stressed that the decision makers of the department are bound to play within the boundaries laid down by manuals like GFR, DFPR, DPP, DPM, Allocation of Business Rules. The CGDA stressed on using three yardsticks of Efficiency, Effectiveness and Economy while taking decisions. He said that over emphasis on cost reduction is not right as costs or prices are relative. He said that as IFAs we are a buffer between the services and the CVC, CIC and CAG. He stressed on the need of recording things on file properly and carefully so that the file speaks for itself and stressed that planning is the core of decision making. He urged for planning at the right time and of doing forward planning. He felt that the focus should more be on outcomes rather than processes and wherever there are issues it is better to discuss them and understand the compulsions of each side to arrive at some solution. He also stated that officers are there to make reasonable exceptions to the rule. He emphasized that the Defence Accounts Department is always there for the Services.

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of Air Staff began his speech by stating his happiness in being a part of the plenary session where all the stakeholders were present and whose objectives were the same i.e. the preparedness of the Armed Forces. He stated that armed forces have to be prepared to meet contingencies, therefore one has to make sure that the decision making processes are quickened and outcomes are derived well within time. Mentioning the three and a half wars that the Indian Armed Forces have fought so far, he


talked about the heightened security challenges and the preparedness of Armed Forces to deal with them. He acknowledged that the Armed Forces are transforming themselves to build capabilities not only to deter our adversaries from initiating conflict but also for accessing the entire spectrum of conflict. He said that other than conventional warfare there are sub- conventional threats like terrorist attacks and non-conventional threats like nuclear warfare. So, the entire spectrum of conflict must be taken care of.

For this, he said four things are important. First is the acquisition of the weapon platform and basic capabilities. Second is the infrastructure to house these equipments and have areas for their maneuvering and exploitation. Third comes the human resources who need to be trained and given a good standard of life to boost their morale. He laid great stress on taking care of the human resources as best facilities may be of no use if people are not there to utilise them. Finally, it is the enhanced security of these high value assets, people and

infrastructure especially in the light of Pathankot attacks. He urged the CFAs/IFAs to keep these in mind when arriving at decisions.

The Air Chief acknowledged the fact that processes are important and canons of financial management need to be followed properly but they are not an end in themselves but the means to an end. He also agreed with the CGDA that if cases are taking long then it is time to have a relook at the processes and remove the roadblocks as less time means less cost overrun. He cited the example of MMRCA which took 15 years. And, said it is high time that these challenges were turned into opportunities.

The Air Chief thanked the CGDA for the initiative of organizing a DFMC with Air Force and hoped that the course would help in increasing the bonding, bridging the gap and both the sides would be able to know and appreciate the weaknesses and strengths of each other. This would lead to synergy in work and help in achieving the objectives. He urged the IDAS

officers to have a positive approach and change the perception.

The Course covered 12 sessions on various topics from Defence Budgetary Process, Acceptance of Necessity of Proposal to Revenue & Capital Procurement, Internal Audit to Foreign Exchange Management. One session was on dynamic interface between the Indian Air Force and the DAD. The Course was highly appreciated by all the participants and they recommended repeating of the course in future also.

At the conclusion of the course, valediction session was held on July 15, 2016 and was attended by Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal B S Dhanoa and Mr S K Kohli, CGDA. The Vice Chief in his concluding remarks stated that this is for the first time that for a short term course an Air Chief was present for the inaugural session and a Vice Chief was there for the valediction session which shows the importance the Air Force attaches to the course.

- Sangeet Singla

Deputy CGDA (Trg)


A ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) on the occasion

of “Indian Independence Day’’ was conducted at Indian BPM huts at Chushul-Moldo and newly constructed BPM Hut at DBO-TWD meeting points of Eastern Ladakh.

The meeting was marked by saluting the Indian National flag by both the delegations. Followed by ceremonial address by both delegation leaders which comprised of exchange of greetings, wishes and reaffirming the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at functional level at the border.

On the occasion, a cultural programme showcasing Indian culture was organised with traditional grandeur. The Assam Regiment’s "Warriors from the North East" which emotes a saga of courage, honour, simplicity, athleticism and soldering left the Chinese awestruck by their performance. The idea to raise this team was conceived by the present Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen

Sino - India Border Personnel Meet


Subrata Saha in the year 2006. The team is an amalgam of the best qualities desired in a soldier - highest standards of physical fitness, unflinching concentration, immaculate team work, perfect coordination and blind trust in each members capabilities. Today they have become show piece of the Indian Army.

Later, both sides sought to build on the mutual feeling of upholding the treaties and agreement signed between the governments of the two sides to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC.

- Col SD Goswami


Social Awareness and Life Skills for Responsible Citizenship

In a first of its kind initiative, the premiere institute for training senior

officers of Defence Forces, the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, is partnering in a multifaceted course covering aspects of Life Skills, Social Awareness and Responsible Citizenship with the Osmania University (OU) for the spouses of the Defence officers.

The inaugural function of this Certificate Course on ‘Social Awareness & Life Skills for Responsible Citizenship’ commenced on August 1, 2016 at CDM. The course was inaugurated jointly by the Commandant of CDM, Rear Admiral DS Chauhan and Dr S Ramachandram, the Vice Chancellor of Osmania University. Speaking on the occasion, Dr S Ramachandram stated that this course is a very significant milestone in the long history of association between the CDM and the Osmania University. He said the aim of the course was not only to enhance the capability of ladies to contribute in the profession of their spouses but also to enable them to contribute to society at large.

Rear Admiral DS Chouhan, Commandant CDM, expressed hope that the course will enable the ladies to manage their affairs more efficiently and effectively. He thanked the Osmania University for their continued support and said that the short time in which this course was conceived and rolled out is a testimony to the excellent partnership that has evolved between the OU and CDM. The course is spread over three months and will be covering various aspects of Life Skills, Indian Constitution, Women’s Rights, Financial independence, personality development etc.

Over 30 ladies are participating in the pilot course and more participation is anticipated in the coming few days. The course was jointly conceived by the Faculty of CDM and Political Science Department of OU. Professor Yoga

Jyotsna, Head of Political Science Department of OU and Professor Nageshwar Rao, Dean, Business Administration Department, OU were also present on the occasion.

- Suresh Kumar G

pix: B Satheesh Kumar


A month-long Defence Correspondents Course 2016

(DCC-2016), got underway at the Maritime Warfare Centre (MWC), Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi, on August 18, 2016 attended by 36 journalists drawn from a cross-section of media from the country.

Rear Admiral RB Pandit, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command delivered the inaugural address. Mr Nitin Wakankar, Offg Additional Director General, Media and Communication (ADG M&C), Ministry of Defence conducted the first session. The first week of the course consists of the Navy and Inter-Services capsule at Kochi, which will be followed by Air Force and Army capsules at Halwara, Punjab and Siliguri, West Bengal respectively. This would be followed by a 'Forward Area Tour' (FAT) in Sikkim. The course will culminate at Siliguri on September 17.

A 'Day at Sea' on board a naval warship, visit to Naval Physical and

Defence Correspondents Course Gets Underway at Kochi

Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) are part of the Navy capsule. Senior officials from the DPR, MoD and Indian Navy attended the inaugural session.

While addressing the gathering, the Admiral expressed hope that the participants would carry the valuable lessons about the functioning and ethos of the services which would

add depth and value to their military reportage. Mr Nitin Wakankar, in his address highlighted the frenetic pace of advancement of communication process in the digital age posing a challenge to both the communicator and the receiver. He said that MoD is adopting various modes of communication to keep the journalists abreast of the developments taking place in the security environment and policy decisions in the ministry.

DCC is conducted annually by Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), MoD for journalists from the print and electronic media, to acquaint them with the nuances of the armed forces to help them become specialist Defence journalists. Eminent speakers and Defence experts from the three Services, DRDO and Coast Guard among others will share their expertise and views with the journalists on varied military subjects.

- Cdr Sridhar Warrier

DCC participants onboard INS Sunayna as part of 'A day at Sea'


A conference for Senior Medical Officers of all units in Eastern

Air Command was inaugurated on August 29, 2016 by Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command. The event was graced by Air Marshal Pawan Kapoor, Director General Medical Services (Air) and other senior officials of the IAF

The AOC-in-C stressed the role of the medical services in operational readiness of the IAF. He emphasized the importance of a fit fighting force and maintenance of positive physical, mental and spiritual health. The DGMS (Air), in his address, shared his vision of the future of the IAF medical services with the medical officers and urged them to stay current with medical advances and research.

The conference was attended by 36 Medical officers. It focussed

Senior Medical Officers Conference

on various issues including public health, casualty evacuation, disaster management & aid to civil authorities and other miscellaneous administrative issues. The role of Rapid Action Medical Team in disaster management, civil aid and medical camps was discussed in

detail. The conference also stressed on a cleaner environment and proper disposal of biomedical waste. The issues of medical care to ex-servicemen from the north east was also emphasised in the conference.



Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief

Western Naval Command shared his views on the ‘Impact of terrorism on the Indian Economic Growth’ while addressing the 5th India Economic Forum, organised by Dun and Bradstreet at Worli, Mumbai on August 24, 2016.

5th Indian Economic Forum on Impact of Terrorism On Indian Economy

He explained to the audience that the economic impact of terrorism is asymmetric in nature, which implies that the cost of waging a terrorist activity is much less that the economic impact that terrorism brings. He said that the global terrorism index of 2015 records a significant increase in the number of countries suffering major terrorist activity. He brought out the various consequences of rise in terrorism on an economy. Considering that 90 percent of India’s trade by volume is by sea, he said that threat of maritime terrorism needs to be addressed and government is taking steps to do the same. Anti terrorism activity is a continuous work in progress and monitoring terrorist activities and tactics and upgrading resources and infra structure to fortify the maritime borders is being undertaken expeditiously. During the question answer session, he apprised the audience on the various steps

taken in the last eight years towards improving coastal security in the country.

- Cdr Rahul Sinha


Mrs Namita Suhag, President Army Wives Welfare

Association (AWWA) inaugurated the first of its kind Army Skill Training Centre (ASTC) at Delhi Cantonment on August 22, 2016. The Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Chief of Army Staff Gen Dalbir Singh and other officials were also present on the occasion. The event coincided with the Golden Jubilee AWWA Day celebration.

With the inauguration of the ASTC, the Indian Army now embarks on a new mission by bringing the army spouses and wards into the folds of the skilling landscape. The pilot project to skill the Indian Army spouses and wards with linkages to NSDC will make all those undergoing training eligible for being sponsored under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna scheme.

In the initial phase, courses in Information Technology - IT Enabled Services, Beauty and

Indian Army Forges Ahead in its Skilling Initiative

Wellness, Apparel and Handicraft

sectors will be conducted by an

NSDC affiliated Training Partner.

Trainees on successful completion

Gen Dalbir Singh welcoming Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy during inauguration ceremony of Army Skill Development Centre at Delhi Cantt

Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS addressing the gathering during inauguration ceremony of Army Skill Development Centre at Delhi Cantt


of their respective course will get NSDC certification and the training partner will make due endeavours to ensure that they are suitably placed in various organisations for employment or assisted towards self employment. This institution will set the foundation for such centres to be opened across the country under the regional Commands by way of up-gradation of selected existing Vocational Training Centres.

- Col Rohan Anand

Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA inaugurating the Army Skill Development Centre at Delhi Cantt

Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA inaugurating the Army Skill Development Centre

Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy, visiting a workshop during inauguration ceremony of Army

Skill Development Centre at Delhi Cantt

Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy, lighting the lamp during inauguration ceremony of Army Skill

Development Centre at Delhi Cantt


The Director General Indian Coast Guard led a three member

delegation to Sri Lanka from 17-19 August 2016. The visit was primarily aimed at discussions on various bilateral issues like training, capacity building, inter service linkages and fishermen issues. All the issues were discussed in a cordial manner with both sides agreeing to follow up the actions on their respective sides. During the visit, the Director General visited Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Rear Headquarters at Colombo on August 17, 2016,

DGICG visits Sri Lanka

High Level Meeting : ICG-SLCG at SLCG HQ

Ceremonial Guard at Sri Lanka Naval HQ Interaction with COMNORTH onboard SLCG ship at KKS

Calling on Chief of Defence Staff at CDS HQ Calling on Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Govt of Sri Lanka


Staff and Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy for discussions on various bilateral issues.

The visit coincided with OTR of ICGS Samarth at Colombo during the extended EEZ patrol. During this period, training for approx 50 SLCG personnel on various topics like Pollution Response, Boarding Operations and Marine Law Enforcement was conducted towards capacity building of SLCG.

- Comdt VK Vijay Kumar

where he was presented with Guard of Honour prior to the High Level Meeting between the two Director Generals. The Director General also visited the Northern Command at Kankesanturai (KKS) on August 18, 2016 and was briefed in detail by COMNORTH on the activities of the Northern Command. The Northern Command is the focal point in dealing with issues of apprehension of Indian / Sri Lankan fishermen by respective authorities, their repatriation and other related issues.

The Director General visited

the SLCG fleet at KKS harbour and also inspected few of the Indian trawlers apprehended by Sri Lankan authorities berthed at KKS harbour. The Eastern Command at Trincomalee, was also visited by the Director General on August 18, 2016 where he was briefied by COMEAST regarding the training and other activities of Eastern Command. During the visit, the Director General also called on Defence Secretary, Government of Sri Lanka, High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, Chief of Defence

Sharing of Search and Rescue ManualDGICG presenting the ICG crest to High Commissionerof India at Sri Lanka

Meeting with Commander, Sri Lanka Navy at Sri Lanka NHQ, Colombo


In an unprecedented show meant to motivate the exuberant youth of

Gujarat to take up the profession of arms, the Golden Katar division of the Indian Army showcased its mantle to mark the 70th Independence Day. The two day extravaganza based on the theme ‘Know Your Army’ was an endeavour to lay open the Indian Army’s glorious traditions, valour, capabilities and way of life to the future generations of our great nation.

Originally slated a week earlier, the show has to be postponed owing to heavy rains but even the downpour eventually failed to dampen the ‘Spirit of the Soldier’. The men in Olive Greens took the centre stage in their glistering uniforms and battle fatigues at a glittering Opening Ceremony on August 19, 2016 followed by a mesmerizing show of martial traditions, skills and tactics enthralling the audience comprising primarily of young students.

Mr MN Patel Vice Chancellor Gujarat University was the Chief Guest at the event. Maj Gen SK Prashar, General Officer Commanding Golden Katar Division, while addressing those present, conveyed his best wishes on behalf of the Indian

‘KNOW YOUR ARMY’ SHOW - A MEGA HIT

Amdavadis get a taste of the Soldier’s Life

Army and urged the young crowd to join the Army in larger numbers & contribute more actively towards nation building. He also highlighted the contribution of the Golden Katar Division in support of the people of Gujarat by way of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief work whenever called for.

The highlight of the event was a synchronised display of Military Pipe Bands playing scintillating martial tunes. Traditional martial dances, kept the audience glued to their seats while an exquisitely coordinated Infantry Assault Demonstration

induced an adrenaline rush taking the young spectators to the edge of their seats in sheer awe.

The exhibits comprised of Border Patrol Vehicles, Modern weaponry, Bomb / Mine disposal equipments, Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare suits, Display of Infantry Mortars, Medical camp, Gun Drill on an Artillery Field Gun, Sports and Olympic Corner, Heritage walk, Information kiosk for career guidance and information on NCC.

While the first day at the show itself saw a healthy turnout of people to witness the meticulously


organised event put up by the Indian Army, the 2nd and final day saw an unprecedented footfall. People from all walks of life, predominantly young school / college going students started streaming in at the venue to catch a glimpse of the soldiers they adore.

Scores of youngsters were seen swaying to the melodious popular tunes being played by the live Orchestra of Gorkha troops. ‘Patriotism’ was evidently in the air as the Jawans of 7 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles put up a repeat show of the Infantry Assault Demonstration on overwhelming popular demand. The exhibition timings eventually had to

be extended by a couple of hours keeping the popular sentiment in mind.

Maj Gen SK Prashar, General Officer Commanding Golden Katar Division expressed his happiness at the unprecedented response the show received, particularly from the youth of Gujarat. ‘The love of our countrymen is the source of our motivation’ he stated. Amidst loud cheers and reverberating chants of ‘Bharat Maata ki Jai’, the men in Olive Greens stole the hearts of all present.

- Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman

pix: Sgt Vikas Ganeriwal


Mr Ravindra Nautiyal, father of a young Army Officer Lt Suchit Nautiyal has written his memoirs in the

form of a booklet titled “Memories”. It is an expression of emotions for his son, articulated in the form of write-ups, poems and sketches. The thoughts expressed in the booklet are attempted to be reproduced in this article.

An ardent sportsman and excelling in extra-curricular activities, Suchit had chosen Army as his destination at a very young age, dreamt of donning the Army uniform and serving his motherland. He strived to fulfil this passion and was commissioned into Indian Army on December 13, 2014, the day he turned 21.

A Father’s Tribute to Indian Army

Unfortunately, just a year later, he passed away in a road accident. Ironically, a few days before his death, Suchit had written in a facebook message to his close friend, “Buddy, drive slowly. I would rather be martyred on the border than dying in a road accident”. However, destiny had it otherwise.

Mr Ravindra Nautiyal revives the memories of his son and his commitment towards Indian Army in the form of poems and sketches. He dedicates these to the parents whose children departed prematurely without fulfilling their dreams and to his son’s idols, Param Vir Chakra recipients Capt Vikram Batra, Capt Manoj Pandey, as well as to the three wings of the Armed Forces. In one of the poems titled ‘Seema Ke Prahari’, dedicated to the Indian Army, he writes:


Taaqat, Hausala, Izzat, Himmat, Pragati qaayam hai jin ke dum se;

Saute’ hain chain se narm bistar par hum, per bekhabar hain in sab se;

Kaun hain, kya chaahate hain hum se, jo luta dete desh per jaan hain;

Hain veer sapoot woh Bharat Maa ke, Woh apne desh ki shaan hain;

Inhein banaaya khaas desh ne, Hind Sena, tumhe shat-shat pranaam hai!”

Urging all parents to encourage their children to

join the Armed Forces, Mr Nautiyal hopes that his son will take birth again to fulfil his commitment towards his motherland by serving in the Indian Army.

Bharatiya Sena ne chun kar tujhe khaas banaaya tha;

Sabse alagh kuchh karne ka tu ne sapna sajaaya tha...

Desh ka karz chukaane Suchit, tujhe phir Army mein aana hoga.

- Col Rohan Anand and Manoj Tuli


The Officers Training School at Madras was raised on January

1, 1963 at St Thomas Mount, with Brigadier Ram Singh as the first Commandant. The inauguration of the Officers Training School was done on January 15, 1963 which has since been observed as the Raising Day of the Academy. 12 Emergency Commission Courses, EC-12 were trained from 1963 to 1965. From March 1966, grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) to the Officer Cadets commenced.On completion of 25 years of its raising, in January 1988, Officers Training School was redesignated as Officers Training Academy (OTA).The Motto of the Academy is `Serve with Honour’.

OTA Chennai is the only training institution of Indian Army which trains Women officers. Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES)

THE OFFICERS TRAINING ACADEMY

Serve with Honour


commenced in OTA in September 1992, thus initiating commission in of women officers into the Indian Army. The WSES was replaced with the initiation of the Short Service Commission (Women) Course or SSC (W) in March 2008, wherein the duration of training for Lady Cadets (LCs) was increased from six months to one year bringing it at par with training of the Gentlemen Cadets. In 2004, history was created when AUO Rashmi Narayan became the First Lady Cadet to command the

Passing Out Parade (POP). 24,704 GCs and 2,276 LCs have been commissioned from OTA, Chennai till date.

On September 10, the President will take part in the passing out parade of the OTA where 272 gentlemen and lady cadets are going to become officers in the Army. Hon’ble President Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, will be the third President to visit the OTA after Mr R Venkataraman and Smt Pratibha Patil.

- T Shanmugam


As a part of Independence Day Celebrations, the Ghurki

Brigade under the aegis of Golden Arrow Division showcased a wide array of weapons and equipment at Kapurthala Military Station on August 13, 2016. Mr Jaskiran Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala inaugurated the function at Army Public School, Kapurthala playground.

The event was aimed at showcasing the military capabilities of our elite Army to the citizens of Kapurthala. The display of military equipment included tanks, guns, and other weaponry which received an overwhelming response from the civilians, especially the youth and students. The visitors were enthralled by the impressive display by Army Bands conducted by the units based in Kapurthala Military Station during the function. Mr Jaskiran Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala thanked Brigadier Rajesh Panicker, Station Commander for having organized such an event which helped in strengthening the bond between locals and Army.

- PK Sharma

Ghurki Brigade Organises Weapon And Band Display


Nostalgia is an innate human instinct in man who develops a

longing for anything with which he has had a long association. The First love is of paramount importance among such things and it is immune to the ravages of time. And, that is why perhaps Lt Gen KJ Singh the outgoing Commander of Western Command developed a passion for the vintage T-55 tank entrusted to him during his green days as 2nd Lt in the Indian Army and now lying in the 63 Cavalry Garages. He preferred to spend the last day of his half century long soldier’s career with this symbol of his first love. He shared his fond memories and the heat and dust which form a part of Cavalry man’s active service.

He was very affably received by his Senior Subaltern of yesteryears Colonel Manbir Singh Hundal (Retd), who was the very person to receive him when he joined the Regiment at Ambala in 1977 and also when he joined the Regiment at Ambala in when he came on posting in Chandimandir as the Army Commander.

The decorated General relinquished his charge on July

Return to the First Love: An Army General

31, 2016 after an association of more than 50 years with the Army including 39 years of commissioned service.

The General Officer had taken over the charge of Western Command on August 1, 2014 was instrumental in giving an impetus to the operational preparedness of Western Command by testing new concepts like application of two Strike Corps in Command theatre to ensure ‘Decisive Victory’. He also focussed on ‘Fighting Manoeuvre in Built Up Areas’ and concept of ‘Killing Grounds’ to eliminate possible enemy ingress. He pioneered the concept of JCO lead mobilisation, which is a bold initiative to overcome shortage of officers by empowering JCOs. His other focus areas were development of infrastructure, resolution of long pending issues with the civil administration, skilling and employment of ex-servicemen. He steered establishment of Senior Veterans Home at Panchkula and Youth Outreach Program to motivate the youth to join the Armed Forces. The General has also been instrumental in establishment of ‘Gyan Chakra’ the first Think tank on strategic issues in the Tri-city thereby

earning the sobriquet of Scholar General. He has also steered operationalisation of infrastructure on Northern Borders in HP resulting in establishment of two new military stations, Prithi (Averi Patti) and Him Yodha (Sumdo).

During his long army career he had a stint with UN in Angola for which he was awarded Force Commanders Citation for Bravery followed by COAS Commendation Card. This apart, he has been conferred with PVSM, Bar to AVSM, AVSM and Eastern Army Commanders Commendation twice. General KJ Singh is popularly known as ‘Soldiers’ General’ with phenomenal forward connect with troops. He always found time in his tours to interact with troops and preferred meals with troops rather than mess parties.

His wife Anita, a distinguished teacher with Punjab Government Merit award for leading her school to victory in global NASA Space Settlement Design Competition has provided caring leadership to Western Command AWWA.

- Parvesh Sharma

pix: Pradip Dasgupta

Lt Gen KJ Singh's return to First love: T-55 tank Back to the beginning: Lt Gen KJ Singh


Swachhta Pakhwada (Cleanliness fortnight) under Swachh Bharat Mission was organised by 42

Meghalaya Signal Company, NCC alongwith the students of St Paul Higher Secondary School and local Villagers at Mawknan Village in Marbisu Area of East Khasi Hills District on August 8, 2016.

The event started with a Social Awareness march by the NCC Cadets and students. Thereafter it culminated into a Swacchta Abhiyan (Cleanliness drive), which saw a very active participation of local young and old villagers, school students and NCC Cadets. More than 200 students and villagers participated in the above event which made it a grand success. A pledge was also taken by all to continue the cleanliness drive for a better living. In future also 42 Meghalaya NCC strives to continue such mission and awareness programme for other locations.


NCC Conducts Cleanliness Drive at Mawknan Village


In an endeavour to promote education in Udhampur, the

Army’s 71 Sub Area under its project

Goodwill Project in Udhampur

Mrs Jasleen Gill, Chairperson Family Welfare Organisation (FWO) 71 Sub Area addressed the children and women folks of the village and complimented the school for its efforts for giving importance to girl child in every aspects.

The people centric approach and concerted drive by the Army to promote education in the region has won accolades from the local population. Connecting the remote regions to the world through literacy is one of the many such efforts being undertaken by Army under the flagship programme of education for all.

The students of the school presented a colourful cultural programme expressing their gratitude to the Army. The sarpanch of the village said that the noble gesture by the Army would go a long way in improving elementary education of children in the village. The Army has assured continued support on such goodwill projects.

- Col SD Goswami

Sadhbhavna distributed furniture and ancillary items to Govt Primary School, Baryalta, Majalta.


The NCC Boys Mountaineering Expedition to Mount Bhagirathi II

was flagged off by DGNCC Lt Gen A Chakravarty from DGNCC HQ, New Delhi on August 26, 2016. The team lead by Col SS Phogat and twenty cadets will attempt to summit Mount Bhagirathi II at the height of 6512 M between September 19 to September 21, 2016.

Mount Bhagirathi located in the Garhwal region is technically a very challenging peak and would require all mountaineering skills and expertise for a successful attempt. The team has done meticulous planning and have trained well to achieve the same.

The team consists of Expedition Leader Col SS Phogat, Deputy Leader Lt Col Arunbir Singh, Medical Officer Capt Suhail Khan and 20 cadets. The cadets have done basic mountaineering course and represent some of the best climbers in the seventeen State Directorates of NCC.

NCC Boys Mountaineering Expedition to Mt Bhagirathi

The Director General complimented the cadets for having honed their mountaineering skills in the past few months and expected them to put their best foot forward in summiting Mt Bhagirathi.

NCC which is the largest uniformed youth organisation, provides opportunities to the cadets

to participate in adventure activities and other outdoor activities. Adventure activities in the NCC apart from excitement, aims to develop confidence, discipline, courage, determination, comradeship and leadership qualities in the cadets.

- Lt Col Umang Kohli


Eastern Command Army Hockey Championship 2016-17 was

conducted at Assam Regimental Centre (ARC), Shillong from August 1 to August 8, 2016. A total of 15 teams from all across Eastern Command participated in the Championship. The matches were played on league basis. The final was played on August 8, 2016 between 56 Infantry Division and 101 Area. In a well fought and scintillating match, 101 Area emerged as winners by eight goals to two. Lt Gen SP Nawathe, General Officer Commanding, 101 Area and Chief Guest of the event distributed prizes to the winners and appreciated their sportsman spirit.

The responsibility to select and train the Eastern Command Hockey Team has been given to Assam Regimental Centre, after conclusion of the Inter Formation Eastern Command Hockey Championship 2016-17. The Eastern Command Hockey Team will be formed and trained at Assam Regimental Centre to compete during Army Level Championship.


Eastern Commmand Army Hockey Championship 2016-17 Concludes


Q 1. Wing Commander Kapil Advait was commissioned in Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in 1957 where he was classed as ‘Green pilot’. He also participated in 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars. By which famous name is he known these days? (Pic-1)

Q 2. What is special about the material which is used in this motorcycle? (Pic-2)

Q 3. The air warrior shown in this picture was martyred while neutralizing terrorists during Pathankot Air Base attack. Identify him. (Pic-3)

Q 4. The Fort in Allahabad is under the control of the Indian Army. In this there is a well. What is special about this well?

Q 5. What is the motto of Army Postal Service Corps?

Q 6. Identify this vehicle shown in picture. (Pic-4)

ChakravyuhQ 7. An Army unit and an Air Force unit are located

almost at the centre most point of India. Which are these units?

Q 8. South Western Air Command of Indian Air Force is located at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Where was it located prior to it?

Q 9. Name the Ex-Naval officer who was nabbed by Pakistan and has been put charges of spying? (Pic-6)

Q 10. Akira Kurasawa is the director of the famous war movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai”. In which country is river Kwai?

Q 11. Visitors photograph this place (PIC-5) along with their vehicle. Which is this place and why is it called so?

Q 12. Which country is the original producer AN-32?

Answers

1 Pilot Baba. (PIC-6) 2 Bajaj Vikrant V15 Motorcycle. It is made by using metal from India’s first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. 3 Corporal Gursewak Singh. 4 The well is called Saraswati Kund because river Saraswati is seen in this kund before it reaches Sangam at Allahabad joining Ganga and Yamuna rivers. 5 Mail - Milaap (Reconciliation). 6 Fork Lifter. 7 118 TA of Indian Army and 22 P&S of Indian Air Force. 8 Jodhpur, Rajasthan. 9 Ex- Commander Kulbhushan Yadav of Indian Navy. 10 Sri Lanka. 11 This place

is called Magnetic Hill because the earth’s magnetic effect at this place makes any vehicle move up the incline without using vehicle power. 12 Soviet Union.

- Wg Cdr Samir Gangakhedkar

Pic-4

Pic-1

Pic-5

Pic-2

Pic-6

Pic-3


The Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba was on a two day official visit to Kochi from July 26 to

27, 2016. He was received by Vice Admiral AR Karve, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, at naval air station, INS Garuda on July 26, 2016 and was presented a 50 men guard of honour.

During his maiden visit to Southern Naval Command after taking over the helm of Indian navy, Admiral Lanba interacted with the officers and men including the defence civillians of SNC to share his vision for the navy.

The Admiral also visited INHS Sanjivani, the largest military hospital in Kerala which has been recently approved for upgradation to super speciality hospital by the government and reviewed the preparatory activities there.

The Admiral was accompanied by Mrs Reena

Chief of The Naval Staff Visits Kochi

Dr G Satheesh Reddy receives the first IEI (India)-IEEE (USA) Award

in the presence of Dr Barry L Shoop, President, IEEE USA and many other eminent luminaries from India and abroad.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dr Satheesh said that the Award is a true tribute to the efforts of each and every team member of DRDO. India is steadfastly marching towards complete self reliance in Missile Systems and technologies. To create a significant impact on India’s Science & Technology and to promote highest standard of engineering education and practices, professional societies, scientific bodies and academic institutes have to re-align the young force of the country towards the forefronts of current needs and developments.

- K Ramesh

Lanba, President, Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), who also reviewed the welfare activities being undertaken by NWWA (southern region).

- Cdr Sridhar Warrier

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and

Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems, DRDO received the prestigious IEI-IEEE Award for Engineering Excellence-2015 during the Award ceremony as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the IEEE Asia-Pacific Region on August 24, 2016 held at Bengaluru in

recognition of his significant national contributions towards Missiles and Aerospace technologies. His pioneering work in Navigation and Avionics technologies has been integral in the success of several defence projects making India self reliant in many vital areas. Dr Satheesh received the award from Mr AS Kiran Kumar, Chairman ISRO

CNS being received by Vice Admiral AR Karve

Dr Satheesh received the award from Mr AS Kiran Kumar, Chairman ISRO in the presence of Dr Barry L Shoop, President, IEEE USA and many other eminent luminaries from India

and abroad


Army Placement Node Office inaugurated at Pangode

For the first time in Kerala, Army Placement Node Office has been inaugurated at Pangode Military

Station, Trivandrum on August 19, 2016 by Brig Michael AJ Fernandez, Station Commander, Pangode Military Station, Trivandrum for extending assistance to the retired soldiers of Indian Army in finding a suitable second career. Col Gopinath, Director of Army Placement Node, Bangalore, Col Jaya Kumar S, Officer-in-Charge, Army Placement Node, Trivandrum, Col DD Anselm, Staff Officer, Veteran Cell, Col Satish R, Station Staff Officer, Pangode Military Station were also present on the occasion besides other officers and jawans of Indian Army.

Retirees from the Army from Kerala State depend on Army Placement Node, Bangalore for placement assistance till date which would now be extended by Army Placement Node, Trivandrum.

There are hundreds of trained, disciplined, experienced soldiers of various trades retiring from Indian Army every month at an early age of 37-45 years. The expertise of these soldiers can be utilised by organisations like telecom departments, hotels,

hospitals, banks, private industries, shopping malls, various offices etc. Prospective employers are requested to come forward for utilising these well trained personnel of Indian Army.

- Suresh Sreedharan

Operation Sadbhavana Event at Nyoma

An OP SADBHAVANA event was conducted at Nyoma under the

aegis of 14 Corps on August 11, 2016. The event which was presided over by Lt Gen SK Patyal, GOC 14 Corps was organized to hand over amenity items to the local population

Brig Michael AJ Fernandez, Station Commander, Pangode Military Station (2nd from right), Col Gopinath, Director, Army Placement Node, Bangalore (Middle), Col Jaya Kumar S, Officer-in-Charge,

Army placement Node Office, Trivandrum (extreme right), Col Anselm, Officer-in-Charge, Veteran Cell, Pangode (extreme left) and Mr Suresh Sreedharan, Defence PRO, Trivandrum (2nd from left) standing in front of Army Placement Node Office inaugurated

at Trivandrum.

A medical camp was also organized during the event in which approx 220 persons were provided medical aid. In addition, information stalls about banking schemes, agriculture in high altitude area, afforestation, and Government schemes related to education and employment avenues for the people of Ladakh were also set up.

During the event, the councilors of the LAHDC of the area, Mr Dorjey Muthup and Mr Gurmet Dorjey thanked the Corps Commander for the various initiatives taken during the last one year for the upliftment of the local population. A vibrant cultural program was also presented jointly by the local population and Army.

- Col Rohan Anan

under OP SADBHAVANA. Approx 1500 villagers of 20 villages of the remote Changthang region attended the function in which amenity items worth 25 lakhs 38 thousand were handed over to them.


Free Medical Camp For General Public

Golden Jubilee of AWWA Day Celebrated by Vajra Corps

Ordnance Factories Women’s Welfare Association, Ordnance

The Golden Jubilee Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) Day

celebration concluded successfully with great fervor and gaiety at Vajra Corps on August 23, 2016. Mrs Anupvir Kaur, Zonal President Vajra, AWWA was the chief guest. The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp and AWWA song followed by a variety of programme and activities.

AWWA is one of the largest voluntary organisations in the country with the families of all ranks of the Indian army being its members. AWWA was founded on August 23, 1966. The AWWA Golden Jubilee celebrations at Jalandhar covered a large number of welfare activities involving the families of soldiers over the past one month. In addition to extensive medical and dental health check-ups, activities like ‘Walk for Fun’, ‘Best out of Waste’ and ‘Poster Making competition’ were

Chennai has organized “BONE DENSITY TEST” Camp for the benefit of Women contract employees of Ordnance Clothing Factory, Avadi and residents of OCF Estate at Jauhari Hall, Jauhari Nagar, OCF Estate, Avadi on August 16, 2016.

“Ayudh Bhushan” Dr Rajib Chakraborty, I.O.F.S., General Manager of OCF Avadi has inaugurated the camp.

Dr (Prof) Sharmi Chakraborty, President of Women’s Welfare Association, has commenced the “Bone Density Test” Camp by lighting of “Kuthu Vilakku”. Approximately 500 women have participated in the camp and benefitted.

- T Shanmugam

conducted for ladies and children. As part of AWWA Day celebrations, tree plantation and a talk on “Cyber Security” were also conducted for the families.

As another major welfare venture and a part of Golden Jubilee celebrations Veer Naris and Widows

of Jalandhar district were felicitated by Mrs Anupvir Kaur, Zonal President Vajra, AWWA at Jalandhar. Mrs Anupvir Kaur, Zonal President Vajra, AWWA also felicitated families and children who excelled in various competitions.

- PK Sharma

Clothing Factory, Avadi Branch with the assistance of MIOT Hospital,

: Dr. Rajib Chakraborty, IOFS General Manager of OCF Avadi inaugurated the “BONE DENSITY TEST” Camp by lighting the traditional lamp organised by Ordnance Clothing

Factory Avadi at Chennai


Swachh Pakhwara

Army Conducts Weapon And Equipment Display

On August 10 and 11, 2016, a Weapon and Equipment

Display was conducted at Zorawar Auditorium by the Tiger Division to showcase the formidable capabilities of the Army. The display aimed at motivating local youth of Jammu to join Army as a profession and highlighted the contribution of the organization in Nation building.

The Weapon and Equipment Display spread over two days presented a wide range of Small Arms, Artillery Guns, Armoured Vehicles, Communication Systems and other specialist equipment. The display aroused patriotic fervour and pride amongst youth and went a long way towards educating the young minds about the most capable and relevant instrument of

Four thousand NCC Cadets all across Delhi are participating in Swachh Pakhwara from August 1

to August 15, 2016. These cadets from 16 different colleges and thirty one different schools are reaching out to the masses and sensitizing them to clean Delhi.

They are organizing street plays, making posters and cleaning public places. They are collecting plastic bags and cleaning statues of important National Leaders.

- Lt Col Umang Kohli

comprehensive National power. The display gave an excellent opportunity to budding Military enthusiasts a real visual motivation to join the Armed Forces.

A large number of students from various schools and colleges

of Jammu and around 300 NCC Cadets attended the display. A detailed counseling session regarding various entry schemes to join Indian Army was also provided to the students during the display.

- Lt Col Manish Mehta


The Sukhna based Artillery regiment under the Trishakti

Corps embarked upon an ambitious cycling expedition to mark 50 years of it coming into existence. Fifteen cyclists led by Capt Deepak Kumar Giri covered a total distance of 350 km in 18 days from August 3 to August 20,2016 in Sikkim, traversing through high altitude areas that normally require acclimatization by the soldiers before they can be put on duty.

The team cycled to Nathula, located at an altitude of 14600 feet, and paid homage to the martyrs at the War Memorial. They also utilised the opportunity to educate young boys and girls on the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and conducted motivational lectures to encourage the youth of Sikkim to take up the

Cycling Expedition to Commemorate Golden Jubilee of Artillery Regiment

profession of the arms as a career by joining the Indian Army.

The expedition was flagged off

Students Visit Air Force Station Hakimpet

As part of 70th Independence Day celebrations, Indian Air

Force organised a guided tour for the students to Air Force Station (AFS), Hakimpet on August 11, 2016. Around 10,000 students from various schools from twin

cities enjoyed the trip. The aim of the event was to familiarize and motivate the young students to join an exciting and challenging career in the Indian Air Force. The event was inaugurated by Air Commodore Hardeep Bains, Air

Officer Commanding of the station and Mrs Anju Bains, President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Local).

The students had the rare opportunity to witness a fly-past by Kiran and Chetak aircraft. A static display was also arranged for school children to see the aircraft and get a close feel of the magnificent metal birds. The different planes and helicopters on display included Chetak helicopters, Hawk an advanced jet trainer aircraft, Pilatus PC-7 Turbo trainer aircraft, Kiran MK-1 a twin-seat jet plane. Children were also taken to the Air Force museum to give them glimpses of the Air Force history. In addition, a movie show about life in Air Force was also screened for the students.

- Suresh Kumar G

by Brig Sanjeev Chowdhry on August 3, 2016.

- WgCdr SS Birdi

Students visit Air Force Station, Hakimpet, Hyderabad as part of 70th Independence Day celebrations


Air Force Station Bamrauli on flood relief operations

Van Mahotsav at Jamnagar Military Station

The Indian Army has always taken a lead in promoting environmental

consciousness and physical fitness both amongst defence personnel and the general public. In order to further build upon the initiative, the Military Station has embarked on a massive tree plantation drive as part of ‘Van Mahotsav’ this monsoon season. In keeping with this tradition this year’s tree plantation effort aims to reach out to the younger generation and giving back to nature what was taken by us.

Van Mahotsav Day was celebrated on August 13, 2016 at Jamnagar Military Station. The event was aimed to bring about greater awareness amongst military personnel, their families and children and also civilians associated with defence forces about the benefits of planting trees and adverse effects of deforestation. All families and

civilians of the station participated in the Van Mahotsav. Over 6000 saplings were planted and will be nurtured till they reach maturity. The Commissioner, JMC, Mr Harshad Patel and the District Collector, Mr

One Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) has been pressed into service by Air Force Station Bareilly and is

operating at Air Force Station Bamrauli to carry out flood relief operations. The operations are being carried out in coordination with Head Quarters Central Air Command and District Magistrate Allahabad. The ALH carried out aerial dropping of food packets to marooned people located towards the south of Bamrauli airfield. A total of four sorties were carried out on August 22 and August 23, 2016, during which 1400 kgs of relief material was air dropped. The members of the district administration were carried onboard during each sortie for assistance in dropping of relief material and real time assessment of locations for subsequent sorties. The ALH has been carrying 100 food packets each weighing approx. 3-4 kgs in every sortie. The operations are likely to continue to North and North East of Bamrauli region, till the requirements of civil administration are met.

- Gp Capt BB Pande

R J Makadia, graced the occasion. The Station Commander, during his address highlighted the assistance provided by their civilian counterparts and thanked them for the same.

- Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman


- Wg Cdr Anupam Banerjee and Comdt IJ Singh

IG VSR Murthy has been appointed as Addl Director General at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi on August 12, 2016. ADG Murthy joined Coast Guard on January 18, 1984.

He has commanded all four major ship classes of Indian Coast Guard and his key staff assignments includes Principal Director (Policy and Plans) and Joint Director (Human Resource Development) at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi and Chief Staff Officer (Personnel & Administration) at the Coast Guard Regional (West), Mumbai.

He has also commanded two operational commands as COMCG of Coast Guard Region (A & N), Port Blair and Coast Guard Region (North East), Kolkata. Prior being appointed as Addl Director General Coast Guard the officer was spearheading the Operational Division of ICG as Deputy Director General (Operations and Coastal Security) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi. The Flag Officer is an alumnus of National Defence College, New Delhi and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He has received specialised training in Search & Rescue and Port Operations at the US Coast Guard Reserved Training Centre, Yorktown. He is a highly decorated officer and he is recipient of the President Tatrakshak Medal in 2012 for his distinguished service and Tatrakshak Medal Gallantry in 2003.

Air Marshal HS Arora takes over as Director General Air (Operations) on August 26,2016. He was commissioned in the IAF as a figher pilot in December 1981. He has over

2600 hours of operational flying on MiG 21, MiG 29 and other variants of aircraft in IAF inventory, including helicopters. He has served as Directing Staff at 'Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment' (TACDE) and as a Flying Inspector in the 'Directorate of Air Staff Inspection' (DASI). He was deputed as Defence Attache in the Embassy of India, Bankok, Thiland from 2006 to 2009.

He commanded 45 Squadron – 'The Flying Dagger' – as a Wing Commander and as a Group Captain he was ADDC Cdr and Station Commander at 33 SU – 'The Scanners'. As an Air Commodore he commanded Air Force Station Adampur in Punjab and as Air Vice Marshal he was Air Defence Commander at Headquarters of Western Air Command as well as Easter Air Command. He is a meritorious graduate of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment, Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. He is also Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies. In recognition of his meritorious service he was commended by the AOC-in-C, in 1997 and was awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal on January 26, 2011 by the President of India.

Additional Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan got promoted to the present rank on August 12, 2016 and assumed the charge of the Coast Guard Commander (Western

Seaboard). The Flag Officer, holding a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University, joined the Indian Coast Guard on January 18, 1984. The Flag Officer is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

During his illustrious service carrier of over 32 years, the Flag Officer, apart from specialist duties, has also held important staff and command appointments, both afloat and ashore. The Flag Officer has commanded all classes of Indian Coast Guard ships. His important ashore Command appointments include the Commander Coast Guard District No 5 (Tamil Nadu) and Commanding Officer ICGS Mandapam. The Flag Officer’s key staff assignments at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi include Principal Director (Policy & Plans), Chairman Coast Guard Service Selection Board, Principal Director (Projects), Joint Director (Operations) and Coast Guard Advisor (CGA) to DGICG.

The Flag Officer is a recipient of President Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service) in 2011 and Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious) in 1996.

Appointments


Source: - Wg Cdr Anupam Banerjee and Lieutenant Commander RG Ajith

PHOTOCALL

Sub Maj Clk (SD) Patil Ashok Vithoba of The Maratha LI on completion of 32 ½ years of Exemplary Army Service will retire from The Maratha LIRC, Belgaon on September 30, 2016. He served in the Sainik Samachar (DPR) as Sub Editor (Marathi) from February 2013 to August 2016. The Junior Commissioned Officer in his military carrier has served in Op Pawan (Sri Lanka), Op Rakshak (J&K), HAUCA (Ladhak) and Op Hifazat (Manipur).

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Subhash Ramrao Bhamre honouring a 96-year-old freedom fighter Mr A Gopal Mudaliar, President of Freedom Fighter Successors Association, Vellore, at a function, to commemorate the 70 years of Indian Independence, at Vellore on August 19, 2016.

Jubilant Cadets of the victorious Cheetah Squadron receiving the prestigious Inter Squadron Boxing Championship Trophy from Rear Admiral MD Suresh, Deputy Commandant, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.

The Director General Indian Coast Guard inspecting the Ceremonial Guard of Honour at Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) Rear Headquarters at Colombo on August 17, 2016


Covers 1-15 September - Sainik Samachar

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