Covers 16-30 April

In This Issue
Since 1909
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATIONS
Strategic
Partnership
for Bilateral
4
Defence Cooperation
(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR)
Vol. 63 q No 8
27 Chaitra - 10 Vaisakha,1938 (Saka)
16-30 April 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.
Editor-in-Chief
Gallantry and other
Defence Decorations
Hasibur Rahman
Senior Editor
Editor
Ruby T Sharma
Ehsan Khusro
Coordination
8
AMC Surges Ahead to
be the Leading … 14
Business Manager
Sekhar Babu Madduri
Dharam Pal Goswami
Our Correspondents
DELHI: Dhananjay Mohanty; Capt DK Sharma; Manoj Tuli; Nampibou Marinmai;
Wg Cdr Rochelle D’Silva; Col Rohan Anand; Ved Pal; ALLAHABAD: Gp Capt BB
Pande; BENGALURU: Dr MS Patil; CHANDIGARH: Parvesh Sharma; CHENNAI:
T Shanmugam; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman; GUWAHATI: Lt
Col Suneet Newton; IMPHAL: Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma; JALANDHAR: Naresh
Vijay Vig; JAMMU: Lt Col Manish Mehta; JODHPUR: Lt Col Manish Ojha; KOCHI:
Cdr Sridhar E Warrier ; KOHIMA: Lt Col E Musavi; 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: MA Khan Shakeel; 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
7
COAS Visits USA
19 COAS Visits HQ Dakshin…
20 50th Batch of Medical…
Field Marshal
Manekshaw…
24
28 Ten Soldiers From Indian Army…
29 Joint Efforts Enable Early…
32 Indo-Indonesia Joint Training…
33 Centres of Excellence in…
Offg Addl DG (Media & Communication)
Directorate of Public Relations, South Block,
Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011
34 Commissioning of Offshore…
Regulars
22 Photo Features: Media Tour to
Forward Areas
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On front cover: Defence Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar accompanied by his US
counterpart Dr Ashton Carter proceeding to the venue of delegation level talks in South
Block on April 12, 2016.
pic: GD Mehra
30
US Secretary of Defense visits India
Strategic Partnership for Bilateral Defence Cooperation
F
ollowing is the text of the IndoUS Joint Statement on the visit
of Secretary of Defense Dr Ashton
Carter to India from April 10-13,
2016:
US Secretary of Defense Dr
Ashton Carter is on an official visit
to India at the invitation of Defence
Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar from
April 10-13, 2016. Defence Minister
hosted Secretary Carter in Goa.
They visited the Indian Naval Base
in Karwar and the INS Vikramaditya
aircraft carrier. They also visited
the USS Blue Ridge which was
conducting a port call in Goa during
the Secretary’s visit. Secretary Carter
then traveled to New Delhi for official
talks with Defence Minister. He will
also meet the National Security
Advisor and the Prime Minister.
The United States and India
share a deep and abiding interest in
global peace, prosperity, and stability.
Bilateral Defence cooperation is
a key component of the strategic
partnership between India and the
United States. Secretary Carter’s visit
marked the fourth meeting between
him and Defence Minister Parrikar
within a year, demonstrating the
4
Sainik Samachar
regular Ministerial-level oversight of
the robust and deepening bilateral
Defence relationship.
During their meeting, Defence
Minister Parrikar and Secretary
Carter reviewed the important
steps taken since the signing of the
new Framework for the US-India
Defense Relationship last June
to deepen bilateral defence ties.
They discussed the priorities for the
coming year in defence ties, as well
as specific steps both sides will take
to pursue those priorities. These
included expanding collaboration
under the Defence Technology and
Trade Initiative (DTTI); Make in India
efforts of Government of India; new
opportunities to deepen cooperation
in maritime security and Maritime
Domain Awareness; military-tomilitary relations; the knowledge
partnership in the field of defence;
and regional and international
security matters of mutual interest.
Defence
Minister
Parrikar
April 16-30, 2016
and Secretary Carter welcomed
the efforts by the Indian and US
Armed Forces to further expand
collaboration in the years to come.
They welcomed plans across our
Services for greater complexity in
their military engagements and
exercises, including developing
plans for more advanced maritime
exercises. Both sides acknowledged
India’s participation in the Rim-ofthe-Pacific (RIMPAC) multilateral
naval exercise in 2016 as well as
participation by the Indian Air Force
in the multilateral Red Flag exercise
in April-May 2016 in Alaska and
US participation in the International
Fleet Review of the Indian Navy at
Visakhapatnam in February 2016.
They expressed their desire to explore
agreements which would facilitate
further expansion of bilateral defence
cooperation in practical ways. In
this regard, they announced their in
principle agreement to conclude a
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of
Agreement, and to continue working
toward other facilitating agreements
to enhance military cooperation and
April 16-30, 2016
technology transfer.
In support of the India-US
Joint Strategic Vision for the AsiaPacific and Indian Ocean Region
and the maritime security objectives
therein, both sides agreed to
strengthen cooperation in the
area of maritime security. In this
context, they reaffirmed their desire
to expeditiously conclude a “white
shipping” technical arrangement
to improve data sharing on
commercial shipping traffic. They
agreed to commence Navy-to-Navy
discussions on submarine safety
and anti-submarine warfare. They
also agreed to launch a bilateral
Maritime Security Dialogue, cochaired by officials at the Joint
Secretary/Assistant Secretary-level
of the Indian Ministries of Defence
and External Affairs and the US
Departments of Defense and State.
Secretary Carter and Defence
Minister Parrikar reaffirmed the
importance
of
safeguarding
maritime security and ensuring
freedom of navigation and over flight
throughout the region, including in
the South China Sea. They vowed
their support for a rules-based order
and regional security architecture
conducive to peace and prosperity in
the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean,
and emphasized their commitment
to working together and with other
nations to ensure the security and
stability that have been beneficial to
the Asia-Pacific for decades.
Defence Minister Parrikar and
Secretary Carter reviewed the progress
and reiterated their commitment
to pursue co-development and coproduction of advanced defence
articles under the DTTI. In this
context, they agreed to initiate two
new DTTI pathfinder projects on
Digital Helmet Mounted Displays
and the Joint Biological Tactical
Detection System. They commended
the on-going discussions at the
Jet Engine Technology Joint
Working Group (JETJWG) and the
Joint Working Group on Aircraft
Carrier Technology Cooperation
(JWGACTC). They agreed to work
towards greater cooperation in
the field of cutting-edge defence
Sainik Samachar
5
technologies, including deepening
consultations on aircraft carrier
design and operations, and jet
engine technology. They noted the
understanding reached to conclude
an information exchange annex (IEA)
to enhance data and information
sharing specific to aircraft carriers.
With the aim of encouraging
greater participation of US Defence
Industries in the Make In India
program of the Government of India,
Defence Minister Parrikar informed
Secretary Carter about the recently
announced Defence Procurement
Policy and other reforms in the
Indian defence sector. Both sides
agreed to encourage their respective
defence industries to develop new
partnerships in the pursuit of a range
of cutting-edge projects. In support
of Make in India, the United States
shared two proposals to bolster
India’s suite of fighter aircraft for
consideration of the Government of
India.
Secretary Carter and Defence
Minister Parrikar welcomed the
finalization of four government-to-
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Sainik Samachar
government project agreements in
the area of science and technology
cooperation: Atmospheric Sciences for
High Energy Lasers, Cognitive Tools
for Target Detection, Small Intelligent
Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Blast
and Blunt Traumatic Brain Injury.
Before
departing
India,
Secretary Carter will oversee
a repatriation ceremony of US
World War II remains from India
to the United States. Secretary
Carter expressed his gratitude to
Defence Minister Parrikar and
the Government of India for their
support in facilitating the recovery
effort. The Indian Government
agreed to support America’s
commitment to bringing its fallen
personnel home and providing
their families the fullest possible
accounting, and looks forward to
further humanitarian missions of this
kind over the next few years to return
the remains of these US heroes to
their families.
- Nitin Wakankar
pix: GD Mehra and Vijay Kumar
April 16-30, 2016
COAS Visits USA
T
he Chief of Army Staff (COAS),
Gen Dalbir Singh, embarked
on a four day goodwill visit to USA
from April 5 to 8, 2016. The visit
assumes special significance in light
of enhanced defence cooperation
between the two countries. The visit
is a part of the ongoing High Level
Exchanges between India & USA.
India-US ties have been
transformed in recent years with
a renewed Defence Framework
Agreement, supply of defence
equipment, sharing of technology
and military-to-military exchanges.
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS Interacting with Mr Syed Akbaruddin, Ambassador and
Permanent representative at Permanent Mission of India to the UN.
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS meeting Mr Ban
Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United
Nations.
The
COAS
along
with
Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin,
Permanent Representative of India to
UN met Mr Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary
General, United Nations on April
4, 2016. The Secretary General
appreciated the strong support of
India to UN Peacekeeping, which is
the second largest at 7695 troops
among all UN troop contributors. He
admired the commitment, discipline
and quality of Indian Peacekeepers
in the United Nations. COAS
assured the Secretary General of
the continued commitment of Indian
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS at UN HQ
April 16-30, 2016
Peacekeepers to global peace, with
the highest standards of training,
discipline and dedication.
On April 7, 2016, the COAS
met Gen Mark A Milley, the Chief
of Staff of the US Army, the Chief
Host for the ongoing four day visit to
USA and was accorded the Guard
of Honour in an Army Full Honour
Arrival Ceremony. Earlier in the
day, he paid homage at Arlington
National Cemetery in the Army Full
Honour Wreath Ceremony at the
‘Tomb of Unknown Soldiers’. As
part of visit itinerary, Gen Dalbir
Singh also visited CENTCOM,
SOCOM and Maneuver Centre of
Excellence (MCoE) where he met
the Commanders & had extensive
discussions. In Washington he met
US Secretary of Army, Chairman Jt
Chiefs of Staff of the US Army and
Commander US Marine Corps,
alongwith other officials. The
military and security leaders of both
the nations discussed a wide range
of strategic and security issues of
mutual interest.
- Col Rohan Anand
Sainik Samachar
7
Investiture Ceremony
Gallantry and other Defence Decorations
T
he President and Supreme
Commander of the Indian
Armed Forces Mr Pranab Mukherjee
conferred two Kirti Chakra and
eleven Shaurya Chakras to Armed
Forces Personnel for displaying
conspicuous gallantry, indomitable
courage and extreme devotion to
duty at a solemn ceremony at the
Rashtriya Bhawan in New Delhi on
March 22, 2016. One Kirti Chakra
and five of the Shaurya Chakra were
given posthumously.
The President also conferred
16 Param Vishisht Seva Medals,
three Uttam Yudh Seva Medals
and 24 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals to
senior officers of the Armed Forces
for distinguished service of an
exceptional order. The following
is the list of awardees in order of
presentation and photographs of the
awardees are in the following pages
along with corresponding numbers.
PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
1.
2.
3.
4.
IC-34003 Lt Gen Man Mohan Singh Rai, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Corps of Engineers
IC-34014M Lt Gen Amit Sharma, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Armoured Corps
MR -04133N Lt Gen Bhushan Kumar Chopra, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Army Medical Corps
Vice Admiral Parasurama Naidu Murugesan, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal (01958-Z), Vice
Chief of Naval Staff
5. IC-35036X Lt Gen Nitin Kumar Kohli, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Corps of Signals
6. IC-34356A Lt Gen Navkiran Singh Ghei, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal,Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry
7. IC-34385P Lt Gen Anil Kumar Ahuja, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Bar to
Vishisht Seva Medal, Regiment of Artillery
8. IC-34402K Lt Gen Ghanshyam Singh Katoch, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry
9. IC-34454A Lt Gen Gurdeep Singh, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry
10.IC-34396F Lt Gen Ravindran Narayan Nair, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Infantry (Retired)
11.IC-37022W Lt Gen Kulkarni Sanjay, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva
Medal, Infantry (Retired)
12.Vice Admiral Ashok Viswanath Subhedar, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal (40735-B)
13.Air Marshal Pochana Prasad Reddy, Vayusena Medal, (15008) Flying (Pilot) (Retired)
14.Air Marshal Kulwant Singh Gill, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Vayusena Medal, ADC (15220)
Flying (Pilot) (Retired)
15.Air Marshal Jagjeet Singh, Vishisht Seva Medal, ADC (14814), Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) (Retired)
16.Air Marshal Herikudru Babu Rajaram, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal (14939), Administration,
Air Traffic Controller (RETIRED)
KIRTI CHAKRA
17. JC-413444W Sub Mahendra Singh, Sena Medal, 9 Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) attached
with 6th Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles
18.3986807H Sep Jagdish Chand, 546 Defence Service Corps Platoon (POSTHUMOUS)
UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL
19.IC-35479Y Lt Gen Balwant Singh Negi, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry
Headquarter 14 Corps
20. IC-35904Y Lt Gen Sarath Chand, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry, Headquarters 4 Corps
21.IC-35494N Lt Gen Subrata Saha, Yudh Seva Medal, Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry, Headquarters 15 Corps
BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
22.IC-35650M Lt Gen Bobby Cherian Mathews, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry
23.Air Marshal Karath Padmadass Nair, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (15195) Flying (Pilot) (Retired)
ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL
24.IC-35137L Lt Gen Pattiarimal Mohamadali Hariz, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Mechanized Infantry
25.Air Marshal Chandrashekharan Hari Kumar, Vayusena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal (15881) Flying (Pilot)
26.IC-31634X Lt Gen Ravindra Singh Panwar, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Corps of Signals
27.IC-34901Y Lt Gen Palepu Ravi Shankar, Vishisht Seva Medal, Regiment of Artillery
28.IC-35109A Lt Gen Rajeev Vasant Kanitkar, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Armoured Corps
8
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
29.IC-37247YLt Gen Govind Singh Chandel, Yudh Seva Medal, Infantry
30.IC-35796A Lt Gen Kanwaljeet Singh, Vishisht Seva Medal, Corps of Electronics And Mechanical Engineering
31.V-00347M Lt Gen Jagvinder Singh, Vishisht Seva Medal, Remount Veterinary Corps
32.IC-39818 Lt Gen Suresh Sharma, Corps of Engineers
33.IC-34148L Lt Gen Rajendra Prasad Rai, Vishisht Seva Medal, Army Service Corps (Retired)
34.IC-34765 Lt Gen Iqbal Singh Singha, Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry (Retired)
35.Vice Admiral Srikant (02297-W), Inspector General Nuclear Safety, Indian Navy
36.Air Marshal Anil Khosla, Vayusena Medal (15871) Flying (Pilot)
37.IC-35480N Maj Gen Surinder Singh, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry
38.IC-39342K Maj Gen Rajesh Sahai, Sena Medal, Infantry
39.IC-40353H Maj Gen Paramjit Singh, Sena Medal, Infantry
40.IC-40382X Maj Gen Arvind Dutta, Vishisht Seva Medal, Infantry
41.IC-38747H Maj Gen Ramkishan Saiwal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Army Ordnance Corps
42. Rear Admiral Sri Prakash Lal (40973-W), Vishisht Seva Medal, Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
43.Rear Admiral Kishan Kumar Pandey (02329-T), Vishisht Seva Medal, Flag Officer Fleet Review
44.Avm Rajeev Sachdeva (16582) Flying (Pilot)
45.AVM Archan Kumar Bhattacharya, Vishisht Seva Medal (16322) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
46.Avm Jitendra Kumar Singh, Vishisht Seva Medal (16545), Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
47.Air Commodore Harpreet Singh Basra, Vayusena Medal (19174) Flying (Pilot)
SHAURYA CHAKRA
48.Mohd Shafi Sheikh, Head Constable, J&K Police, Distt Handwara (Posthumous)
Shri Reyaz Ahmad Lone, Constable (307/H (EXK055949), J&K Police, Distt Handwara (Posthumous)
49.Shri Hira Kumar Jha, Second-in-Command, 7 Bn, CRPF (Posthumous)
50.Wg Cdr Sandeep Singh (25336) Flying (Pilot)
51. IC-55822X Col Munindra Nath Rai, Yudh Seva Medal, The Gorkha Rifles / 42nd Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
52.Commander Milind Mohan Mokashi (04755-F), Commanding Officer, INS Sumitra
53.SL-05351Y Lieutenant Harjinder Singh / The General Service / 3rd Battalion The Kumaon Regiment
54.9421485 Havildar Tanka Kumar Limbu, 21st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)
55.IC-70237P Maj Praphul Kumar Bhardwaj,12 Para (SF)
56.4190712P Nk Kheem Singh Mehra, 21 Kumaon
57. 15614460W Naik Satish Kumar, Brigade of The Guards/ 21st Battalion The Rashtriya Rifles (Posthumous)
- N Ao
April 16-30, 2016
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Sainik Samachar
13
252nd Anniversary of AMC
AMC surges ahead to be the leading light of health care in India
T
ill this year for quite some time
now, AMC celebrated her
glorious past on the first day of
the new year with pomp and glory
as she kept her pace to move with
times in a journey that all began
in a humble way 252 years ago as
Indian Medical Services (IMS) with
handful of paramedics for providing
the medical services to troops of
erstwhile East India Company. They
were meant basically to provide first
aid and shift soldiers to medical units
mostly run by the British Doctors,
providing health care to troops of East
India Company. Medical services for
India under British were provided by
Indian Medical Department (IMD)
and Indian Hospital Corps (IHC)
which also assisted IMS. With the
expanding military activities of the
British, the role of IMS increased with
active combat duties. These brave
men in uniform did commendable
job both within and outside India
as they saved many while swiftly
shifting dying soldiers from open
battle fields to well entrenched dug
in operation theatres where British
surgeons toiled to save precious
Father of the Nation Proud Member of
AFMS
lives by their dare devil acts. The
conditions in those times were
pathetic and devastating yet many
survived to face the surgical scalpel.
They won the hearts and minds of
every one by their gentle healing
touch and precise first aid acts as
they shouldered day in and day out
blood soaked soldiers struggling
between life and death. The
surgeons with lions heart and ladies
Jewel in the Crown: Army Hospital (R&R)
14
Sainik Samachar
fingers worked round the clock in
darkness without sterile environment,
safe an aesthesia or sophisticated
instruments to arrest the bleeding
and to remove a damaged part as
they saved many by their enviable
surgical acts executed to perfection.
In the process these brave healers
became immortal like their fellow
soldiers who fought relentlessly the
enemy and emerged victorious
by their sheer valour and physical
skills. War created heroes so also
surgeons of exceptional abilities.
Surgeons became heroes even in
defeat. War surgery became a bible
for budding surgeons where prompt
to act and precision in act became
the ultimate mantra for success.
Their surgical skills and techniques
became the ultimate method of
surgery leading to advancements
in surgery including transplantation
to be followed in best of the best
institutions in the world. In turn
the combat medical care became
stepping stone for advancements
in emergency and critical care to
evolve as a highly specialised branch
of Health Care today. Their self-less
sacrifice attracted many volunteers
like Mahatma Gandhi, to become a
paramedic to treat wounded soldiers
while was in south Africa as a young
barrister. Today one is proud to
find the photograph of the father
of nation in his paramedic attic as
an eternal member of AMC family
attracting the attention of everyone
as they enter the awesome office of
the AFMC Commandant.
The unfortunate one in those
days died due to bad bugs in an
era when asepsis was unknown and
no antibiotics to counter. Epoch
making discoveries about asepsis
to prevent infection and antibiotics
to treat infection by Joseph Lister
April 16-30, 2016
Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh,
AC: A Martyr & Nation’s Pride
Col Rangarajan, MVC: ACE
Paratrooper & Strategist
and Alexander Fleming respectively
brought much needed morale
booster to military surgeons who
despite their best efforts could not
save some of their precious patients.
With these developments military
surgeons treated every case with
their skills while medicines did rest
of the trick to make soldier fit and
fine to fight again as it happened
with legendary Field Marshal
Manekshaw, MC seriously wounded
during 2nd world war but saved by
the timely intervention of military
surgeon by operating him in the war
zone in Burma and later by medical
therapy at Madras as maggot had
invaded his surgical wound while he
took arduous sea route to reach then
Military Hospital Madras in 3 week’s
time. Dedicated professionals of
AMC of pre- independent era (when
modern medicine was at primitive
stage in field conditions) did a great
service to the Indian Nation by
saving then a young captain who
later became a legend to command
Indian Army to give India that famous
victory against Pakistan in 1971. As
one celebrates from now onwards
AMC day on 3rd April each year, to
mark the amalgamation of Indian
Medical Department and Indian
Hospital Corps (IHC) with Indian
April 16-30, 2016
Lt Col N Linyu: Lady Medical
Officer on the top of World
Medical Services (IMS) to become
Indian Army Medical Corps (IAMC),
one will remember Field Marshal
Manekshaw, MC, every year. On this
day late Field Marshal was born in
the year 1914 at Amritsar where his
father had settled down for pursuing
medical practice after serving British
Army as a doctor. Incidentally Late
Field Marshal’s brother AVM JHF
Manekshaw, PVSM, AVSM joined
Air Force as a doctor after doing
MBBS from Punjab University in
1943, became an Aviation Medical
Specialist and served Armed Forces
Medical Services (AFMS) with
distinction. He was instrumental
in establishing world renowned
Institution of Aviation Medicine (IAM)
with first hyperbaric oxygen therapy
facility at Bangalore. Armed Forces
Medical Services (AFMS) of preindependent era was glorious even
when medical science was primitive.
It may be noted that Major Ronald
Ross, a British Doctor while serving
at Secunderabad, Wellington and
Kolkata did pioneering research on
transmission and pathogenesis of
Malaria for which he was awarded
Nobel Prize.
When India became Republic
IAMC
became
AMC.
Post
AVM JHF Manekshaw: Pioneer in
Aviation Medicine
independent AMC, made great
strides by incorporating the best of the
medical practices and moving ahead
of their civilian counterparts. AMC
did exemplary job in all their combat
missions and earned the praise of
every one for their professionalism.
AMC driven by passion to serve
the nation had many stalwarts who
led upfront by their raw courage,
intellectual abilities, compassion
and scientific temperament. They
excelled and were second to none.
The first Indian to become Director
of Medical Services was in 1947
was Lt Gen KS Masters, MC, KHP,
who later became the first DGAFMS
on February 14, 1949. Legends like
Col Rangarajan, MVC became the
first Indian paratrooper and was
awarded MVC during operation in
Korea UN peacekeeping Mission
in March 1948. He was also an
able military strategist who had the
distinction of being an instructor in
prestigious Defence Services Staff
College (DSSC). Then there was
alady from my college (Mysore
Medical College) Lt Col (Mrs) Farida
Rehana driven by passion to excel
became an ace para trooper and
distinguished herself as a daredevil
surgeon in para medical battalion.
Lt Gen Y Singh, PVSM, VSM, PHS,
Sainik Samachar
15
Brig Surjit Singh : Toughest
& Best
Admiral (Mrs) Purita Arora: Lady
with Magic Touch
an eminent surgeon and former
DGAFMS was a South Asian
champion in athletics while Lt Gen
SA Cruze, who retired as DCIDS was
a national hockey player in his AFMC
days later excelling as a mountaineer
and Sports Medicine Specialist of the
national team. Major Laishram Jyotin
Singh was awarded Ashok Chakra
posthumously for acts of exceptional
bravery while fighting terrorists in
Afghanistan in 2010. AMC is proud
to have Lady Medical Medical
Officer Lt Col Neikhrietuonuo Linyu,
VSM, hailing from Nagaland who
conquered Mount Everest.
Great strides were made
in research related to Combat
Medicine, High Altitude Medicine
Marine Medicine and Aviation
Medicine. Many stalwarts like Lt
Gen Indersingh, PVSM and Brig ND
Menon, AVSM did pioneer research
in High Altitude Medicine that are
well known to scientific Community.
Many Medical Officers like them
were second to none when it came to
originality, ingenuity and ability to do
something just more than soldiering
and routine medical practice in
well spread out grand old Military
hospitals of British era amidstidyllic
and green surroundings. These
were excellent places home away
from home, the real hospitals where
16
Sainik Samachar
Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyaya
hospitality and personalised care
ensured quick recovery of the soldier
affected by ill-health be it due to
battle fatigue, injury or medical
illness. Soldier knew very well that
his doctor was next to God and
hospital was the best place to recoup
completely thanks to extraordinary
professionalism of AMC. RMO
became a friend philosopher
and guide. Even the toughest
Commander felt that doctor’s
counsel should prevail. Medical
officer was expected to be strict
and there was no compromise on
medical fitness. His sanitary rounds,
medical examination of troops and
interaction with commanding officer
on health matters should bring a
change for the better to make the
soldier fighting fit all the time.
From this period of purely a
military medicine practiced in strict
corridors of military power came
transformation in the pursuit of
excellence. The work load exploded,
new hospitals replaced the old
ones, sophisticated instruments and
drugs came in much before civilians
counterparts used them on their
patients and new breed of highly
educated doctors through exemplary
professionalism kept pace with their
formidable counterparts working
in best institutions in civil to give
Lt Gen KS Masters, MC
AFMS a cutting edge over others
while giving state of the art health
care to their clientele. Today AFMS
is gearing to have more specialist
doctors including Lady Medical
Officers in her fold. It is a matter
of pride to note that AFMS has
significant number of Lady Medical
Officers and many of them excelled.
Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyaya,
PVSM, AVSM, VSM, PHS became the
first lady Medical Officer to occupy
the coveted post of DGMS(Air).
This was soon followed by another
exemplary professional Admiral
(Mrs) Punita Arora, SM, VSM, PHS a
Gynaecologist with a lions heart and
lady’s fingers that imparted magic
cure to her vast clientele, occupying
the coveted DGMS (Navy). Now
AFMS has new hospitals built in
corporate style, state of the art health
care facilities, specialists proficient
in latest technology and many new
drugs used for the first time in the
country. AFMS has entered a new
world of Medicine where everything
is available on touch of a button and
robots are new bunch of doctors
replacing the dare devil act of
surgeons of yester years.
In this advanced era of
science and technology, there are
many challenges ahead for AMC
to tackle including emergence of
April 16-30, 2016
new diseases, natural calamities,
disasters, bourgeoning clientele,
their
expectations,
cost
and
litigations. There remains a question
whether AMC in this changing
scenario face these challenges
formidably and come victorious
as before when conditions were
primitive and tough?
stand
Yes we can. Because AMC is
driven by passion to fulfil dreams
of a true doctor enunciated by
the famous physician Dr William
Osler- “to go to the root cause of a
problem, to make available the best
possible remedy for the needy in the
shortest possible time for prevention
and treatment of the disease and to
tread in to those areas which have
perplexed philosophers of all ages”.
care
Yes we can because AMC has
a splendid vision about the disease
and care it has to offer to a soldier
It is up to us to succeed in our
entire endeavor
Disease is filth and impending
death
To those under its evil spell of
immeasurable depth
In its elimination lies ones
wealth
For the success and glory in the
chosen path
To serve ceaselessly for realising
the truth
Yes to cure some and solace to
all beyond death
Many in the past knew how to
treat
With magic touch and medicine
the last
Brought happiness with the least
cost
We have today world at our feet
Answers of all sorts on touch of
a button instant
We have to be wise to take a
April 16-30, 2016
Chose the best for the health to
succeed
In every seed and every deed
Yes we can through enduring
presence
To heal with competence and
AFMS has all of it in great
measure
Clientele and challenges to
deliver
Resources and support without
any fear
Lucky to be a part of this great
treasure
Wake up, and lead the rest
Be the best for the world to trust
Our primary focus should be
the health and fitness of the soldier
at all times. Every soldier should
feel safe and sound and death can’t
triumph in terrains unsurmountable
and enemy the most deadly as there
is a doctor of AFMS who defies
nature, in stills hope, saves life and
brings back all that is majestic and
glory of the valiant. This miraculous
transformation is possible by being
a professional. We in AMC are
angels or God in human form that
every soldier wants as a companion
at the time of calamity. This is the
dream of this glorious AFMS. We
can realise by dedicating ourselves
for a noble cause through discovery
of new ideas and developing them
for delivering on the ground. Then
only We can really be the best.
is
Yes we can,because AMC
confident, vibrant and all-
encompassing than before. AMC
today can boast of finest training
institutions, excellent hospitals and
many stalwarts to motivate and
lead. Many of her facilities are world
class and specialists the top class.
Their foot soldiers are confident
hard core professionals always
there with the soldier and ready
to perish with comrades in arms.
Innumerable examples of supreme
sacrifice for the fellow soldier by
AMC personnel like the recent one
that of late Nursing Assistant Sepoy
Suryavanshi along with late Lance
Naik K Hanumanthappa in siachen
avalanche that caught the attention
of entire nation.
AMC has changed in her
long journey but her character is
stronger by the day, seasoned by
selfless service of many generations
of professionals never to be found
anywhere. AMC is an epitome of
personalised compassionate care
one of its kind in the world. AMC is
an exemplary military organisation
standing tall among the rest that
is totally dedicated to the Nation
and following the glorious tradition
of Sarve Santu Niramaya. In these
challenging times when public health
care is on the verge of collapse
and corporate health sector has
become too commercial AMC is the
leading lightin the country for their
undisputed abilities to achieve cure
with utmost compassion and care.
The record of AMC in many conflicts
and disasters have proved every time
that those who find recluse in her
caring arms don’t have to fear death
and even God of death cannot
extend deadly claws to grab a sure
dying patient who has found refuge
in her all-encompassing care.
- Lt Gen (Dr) BNBM Prasad
Sainik Samachar
17
252nd Raising Day Anniversary of AMC
A
wreath
laying
ceremony
was organized at AMC War
Memorial on the occasion of 252nd
Raising Day Anniversary of Army
Medical Corps (AMC), in Lucknow
Cantonment on April 3, 2016. Lt
Gen MD Venkatesh, Commandant,
AMC Centre & College and OfficerIn-charge (OIC), AMC Records paid
homage by laying a wreath at AMC
War Memorial to those AMC martyr
who laid down their lives in the
service of the nation.
Later,
a
Special
Sainik
Sammelan was addressed by Lt Gen
MD Venkatesh at AMC Stadium.
About 5000 officer and troops were
present on this occasion. Addressing
the Sainik Sammelan, Lt Gen MD
Venkatesh exhorted all ranks of
Army Medical Corps to strive hard to
maintain the high standard of training
imparted so that the best of care can
be rendered to the sick and wounded
both during war and peace.
Lt
Gen
MD
Venkatesh
congratulated all ranks for tireless
and exemplary service rendered
across the country as well as abroad
during war, peace and natural
calamities to keep the flag of Army
Medical Corps flying high. Lt Gen
Venkatesh conveyed his best wishes
to all ranks & their families on the
18
Sainik Samachar
occasion of the 252nd AMC Corps
day and prayed for good health and
prosperity.
To commemorate the occasion
of AMC Corps day Anniversary,
Lt Gen MD Venkatesh felicitated
soldiers
for
demonstrating
outstanding performance in various
fields. Nb Sub JS Kushwah awarded
for Lt Gen SR Mehta Rolling Trophy
and Cash Award for the Best Junior
Commissioner
Officer
(JCO).
Recruit Vikram Singh awarded Lt
Gen B Sadananda (Retired) Rolling
Trophy and Cash Award for the Best
Recruit (MT Battalion) while Sep
Rajnish Pratap Singh, Recruit Dilip
Kumar, Recruit Driver Shiva Rathi
and Recruit Nursing Assistant Uttpal
Kumar Singh awarded Mr SP Arora
cash award for the Best Recruit
(Technical Training Wing). Mr
Chandra Prakash, MTS felicitated
for the Best Worker (Civilian). No
2 Military Training Battalion was
adjudged the Best Sub Unit. Col
Vinod Kumaran TT received the
trophy on behalf of the Sub Unit.
- Gargi Malik Sinha
April 16-30, 2016
COAS Visits Headquarters Dakshin Bharat Area
G
eneral Dalbir Singh, Chief
of Army Staff along with Lt
Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Commander,
Southern
Command
visited
Lt Gen Jagbir Singh, General Officer Commanding introducing Maj Gen SK Panigrahi to
General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff during his visit to Dakshin Bharat Area, Chennai.
General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff
visits Dakshin Bharat Area, Chennai.
Lt Gen Jagbir Singh, General Officer
Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area are
also seen in the photo.
Headquarters
Dakshin
Bharat
Area on March 12, 2016. He was
received by Lt Gen Jagbir Singh,
General Officer Commanding,
Dakshin Bharat Area who briefed
him regarding training activities
being carried out at various
Regimental Centres. They were also
briefed on various welfare measures
being undertaken for serving and
retired Army Personnels of the five
States Telegana, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
The General Officer was also
briefed on the assistance provided by
the Army during the recent Chennai
Floods and the Rescue and Relief
effort undertaken wherein 19,500
civilian were rescued, 20,000 were
provided with Medical Aid and
more than two lakh relief packages
distributed.
The visiting dignitary expressed
his appreciation of the good work
done during Chennai Floods and
satisfaction on the welfare initiatives
being undertaken.
Lt Gen Jagbir Singh, General Officer Commanding introducing Brig KS Selvan, Station
Commander to General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff during his visit to Dakshin Bharat
Area, Chennai.
April 16-30, 2016
During the visit Mrs Namita
Suhag, President AWWA and Mrs
Madhulika Rawat, Zonal President
AWWA me the families of Army
Personnels and enquired about their
well being.
- T Shanmugam
Sainik Samachar
19
Commissioning Ceremony
50th Batch of Medical Graduates of AFMC
A
rmed Forces Medical College,
Pune achieved an important
milestone on March 31, 2016
when the fiftieth batch of medical
graduates was commissioned into
the Armed Forces Medical Services.
Defence Minister Mr Manohar
Parrikar was the chief guest at the
Commissioning Ceremony. This is
the only ceremony in the country
in which officers are simultaneously
commissioned into the Army, Navy
and Air Force.
Lt Gen BK Chopra, Director
General, Armed Forces Medical
Services and Senior Colonel
Commandant, AMC accompanied
the Defence Minister in reviewing the
parade and commissioning officers.
The ceremony was witnessed by Lt
Gen Bipin Rawat, General Officer
Commanding in Chief, Southern
Command and a galaxy of senior
serving and retired officers of all three
services and the civil administration.
According to Lt Gen AK Nagpal,
Director and Commandant, AFMC,
97 medical graduates including 78
male officers and 19 lady officers
were commissioned into AFMS.
Eighty two graduates will be joining
the Army, eight will be joining the
20
Sainik Samachar
Navy and seven will join the Air
Force. The solemn ceremony which
witnessed a praiseworthy standard of
drill, marked the transition of young
medical graduates into soldier
doctors.
Since
2008,
the
commissioning ceremony parade
has been commanded by a newly
commissioned officer. This year
the parade was commanded by
Medical Cadet (Now Lieutenant)
Shivank. He hails from Kangra in
Himachal Pradesh and is the second
generation of his family to join the
Armed Forces.
A total of 6258 medical
graduates have passed out of AFMC
since 1966. This year, medical
graduates of AFMC have completed
fifty years in the service of the nation,
in uniform. As part of this landmark
event, the parade culminated with
a martial display of Khukri Drill by
a contingent of 1/9 Gorkha Rifles
representing the Indian Army, Air
Warriors Drill team representing the
Indian Air Force and Brass Bands of
INS Shivaji representing the Indian
Navy and AMC Centre and College,
Lucknow representing AFMS. This
underscores the tri-services affiliation
of Armed Forces Medical Services.
The Commissioning Ceremony
was followed by the Academic Awards
Presentation Ceremony. This year,
the prestigious “President’s Gold
Medal” and “DGAFMS Gold Medal
and Kalinga Trophy” were awarded
to Surg Sub Lt Abir Mazumder.
April 16-30, 2016
Twenty three trophies, prizes and
medals, to recognise outstanding
achievements
in
academics
and all round performance by
undergraduates were awarded by
the DGAFMS. Another highlight
of the occasion was a ‘Hobbies
April 16-30, 2016
Exhibition’, where the creative talent
of Medical Cadets in fine arts were
on display. The day ended with a
Variety Entertainment Programme by
the newly commissioned officers and
a banquet in the Officers Mess.
- Mahesh Iyengar
Sainik Samachar
21
Media Tour to Forward Areas
J
ournalists from Nagpur and Mumbai
visited 16 Corps Zone to include the
Line of Control, Districts of Naoshera,
Rajouri and Poonch from March 8 to
11, 2016. They witnessed the intense
training being undertaken by the Army
at Corps Battle School, Sarol in Rajouri.
The also witnessed the Sadbhavana
initiatives being undertaken by the
Indian Army and how it is making a
difference and change in the area and
contributing to the overall development
of human index. They had extensive
interaction with Army officials and
locals from Kulali (Hill Kaka) and
forward villages across the fence to
include children who are studying in
various schools. They also had a fruitful
interaction with Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar,
General
Officer
Commanding,
16 Corps and other officers of the
formation.
- Lt Col Manish Mehta and
Wg Cdr SS Gangakhedkar
Journalists interacting with ceasefire firing victims in Mendhar Sector of Poonch
Journalists observing counter IED drill in Mendhar Sector of Poonch district
22
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
Journalists being briefed at Corps Battle School Sarol in Rajouri
Journalists getting a feel of the bullet proof jacket and patka at
Corps Battle School Sarol in Rajouri
Journalists witnessing firing at Corps Battle School Sarol in Rajouri
Journalists interacting with locals at Kulali village in Surankot of Poonch district
Journalists being briefed by the Instructor at Corps Battle School Sarol in Rajouri
Journalists being briefed at Corps Battle
School Sarol in Rajouri
Journalists going through the training area at Corps Battle School Sarol in Rajouri
April 16-30, 2016
Sainik Samachar
23
Field Marshal Manekshaw - An Enigma
H
e was an enigmatic to many but
for soldiers and fellow citizens he
was a hero, a father figure and an
inspiration. As Indian Armed forces
commemorate his 102nd birth day
on April 3 this year, his country men
are once again reminded to draw
inspirations from his extraordinary
personality. Undoubtedly he was a
great human being, a soldier and
commander of Indian Army one of
the finest in the world. His genius
was evident as a student. Born at
Amritsar on April 3, 1914, young
Manekshaw excelled in studies and
stood first in the entire United Punjab
Province in Senior Cambridge
examination. He was excellent
in English and Mathematics. He
wanted to become a doctor like his
father and go to England for higher
studies when he was barely 15 years
old. When he approached his father,
a Parsi from Mumbai who had
settled down in Amritsar for pursuing
Medical Practice, his father felt that
his bright son was too young and
knotty to go England and pursue
24
Sainik Samachar
study in medicine. When his father
did not encourage him to proceed
abroad, he later joined Indian
Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun
where he remained something
distinct from fellow cadets who
were as such burdened by rigorous
discipline and training schedule of
the academy. He was the charmer
par excellent and a handsome boy
in his late teens, always inquisitive
and comrade in arm to his fellow
academy colleagues. He was open,
frank and was liked by fellow cadets
for his wit and genuine friendship.
British Officer in charge of his
course at that time perhaps irked by
his charming wit felt that this young
cadet had attributes that could at the
most take him to the rank of a Major
in his future army career and not
beyond that. He proved everyone
wrong as he was a born leader the
day he stepped in to academy- had
the best of both head and heart.
As a young captain while posted
as a Company Commander of a
Sikh company of 12 North Western
Frontiers Force (NWFF), he won
hearts and minds of his Sikh troops
instantly. He was fluent in Punjabi
and Pashto and Farsi. As a young
Company Commander, he used
to spend most of his time with his
troops to sort out their problems
instead of partying, to the utter
dismay of his fellow officers. He
earned the reputation of being an
officer known for his finest wits with
an uncanny ability to convey to his
men his displeasure without hurting
a bit their sentiments whenever they
were paraded before him for acts of
indiscipline. He never punished them
by locking them up in quarter guard
for breach of military discipline at a
time when minor acts of indiscipline
used to be dealt with firmness. His
Sikh troops proudly used to say that
this captain, whom they revered as
a jewel in their crown, will never hit
them below the belt and will pardon
them for any violation of good order
and military discipline. His men
loved him from the heart and his
commanders respected him. When
he was grievously hurt at Burma while
fighting Japanese during second
world war, his Sikh troops came to
April 16-30, 2016
his rescue. Braving bullets they took
him to an Advance Dressing Station
(ADS) where he had to undergo
emergency urgery for bullet injuries.
His life was in grave danger in an
era when there were hardly any
antibiotics and surgical wound used
to get infected without them. He was
evacuated to MH Madras by ship
three weeks later with septic wounds
in abdomen, where he recovered
and then returned back to war front
to fight again. His heroism and
selfless service with readiness for
supreme sacrifice by laying down
his young and precious life attracted
the attention of GOC of the Division
in Burma who instantly pinned his
Military Cross (MC) on badly hurt
young Manekshaw as he felt that this
brave may not survive to get it from
Her majesty, the Queen of England
at a later date. His GOC respected
him and never wanted to give MC
posthumously. That was Manekshaw
then and even later. Even in later
years in his illustrious Army career he
always cared his men. When troops
under his command were denied
April 16-30, 2016
leave, as a Senior Officer he used
to ensure that they got their leave
in time from the concerned unit
without any heart burn or overt sign
of an act of interference in the unit
functioning. Every act of rendering
help against all odds to others
who came to his attention was his
passion. True to his conviction in his
illustrious careers panning over 4
decades, he never court-martialled a
single army personnel. He confessed
this fact to one of the Sikh soldier
that he met in the corridors of Army
Hospital (R&R) where he had come
for the treatment under my care in
2003. His legal aid who happened
to be my patient at that time told me
that Field Marshal was pretty serious
when it came to disciplinary matters.
He added that late Field Marshal
when he was COAS used to study all
matters related to discipline in great
detail and invariably not approved
recommendation of his subordinates
to award punishment in such cases.
He reinforced this fact by narrating
a case involving one young bright
Major who was recommended for
a severe punishment by an Army
Commander but was turned down
rightly so by then COAS General
Manekshaw. He added that due to
genuine act of COAS, the affected
Major rose up in his career to retire
as a Lieutenant General. That was
Field Marshal who always felt that
his troops were precious and always
stood solidly behind them like a
rock. When he was Army Chief
in 1971, there was tremendous
political pressure on him to wage
an immediate war against erring
Pakistan in their eastern province,
now Bangladesh. As usual in his
inimitable style he conveyed his
act of firmness to then PM that he
will not be a party to such a hasty
decision. For him country comes first
and his troops next always and every
time. He wanted victory and all his
valiant men alive to rejoice that hard
earned victory. He decided the timing
of war and gave the finest victory to
India in the shortest possible time
against all odds with minimum
casualty. I asked him in later years
when he was under my care for his
lung ailment-Sir, how much time
you had for your office work as
you were so busy in interacting with
troops yet managed to command
such a large Army to achieve an
excellent outcome? In those days
Sainik Samachar
25
while he was COAS, he used to
finish his office work quickly without
any compromise and walk in to his
subordinate’s office unheralded to
enquire about their problem. He told
me proudly “doctor I used to work
very hard in those days by burning
midnight oil and I was always lucky”.
Undoubtedly for him his luck was
hard work, concern for troops and
love for the nation. Heavy office work
never burdened him as he was razor
sharp and quick in taking decisions.
He was a perfectionist who silently
went into great details and had indepth understanding of his subject.
He was hard working, never showed
off and more importantly never took
credit for the good work. Though he
meticulously planned and executed
to perfection that famous 1971
victory in the war against Pakistan,
When it came to signing the surrender
treaty with then ignonimous Pakistan
Army whose brutal oppression led to
war, he sent his then Eastern Army
Commander Lt Gen JS Arora for that
world famous event.
In later years, he settled down
26
Sainik Samachar
for a retired life at distant coonor
from the hustle buzzle of power
centric Lutyen’s Delhi where he was
promised a permanent bungalow
by then Government. He remained
active there till the ripe age of ninety
and was invariably a star attraction in
many functions as he charmed every
one by his magnetic personality and
characteristic wit not withstanding his
advancing age. He kept a respectful
distance from Indian Armed
Forces and never interfered in their
functioning although his advice was
respected and much sought after.
He was proud that nobody could
interfere in his functioning while he
was in service and therefore made it
a point not to interfere when he was
out of it. He inspired all men and
women who came in contact with
him in civil life. He along with his
wife Mrs Siloo Manekshaw carried
out charitable work for local tribes in
Coonnor. I was told by his personal
physician Dr Shinde that late field
Marshal used to wait for his turn in
his clinic whenever he visited for a
health check. When he visited me
April 16-30, 2016
his other brother Raul even changed
his surname to Jehan Manekshaw .
at Army Hospital (R&R) where I was
posted there as a Chest Physician, I
was witness to his respect for doctors.
Despite prior appointment, like any
other abiding patient, he used to
wait for his turn in my busy OPD
before entering my chamber and
then lie down on the examination
couch after removing his shoes
with readiness to submit his body
for thorough physical examination
by loosening his cloths and turning
his face other way with few deep
breaths. After the examination he
was eagerly keen to know my opinion
and then ask me invariably whether
I had consulted his personal doctor
however junior he may be .He used
to take my opinion seriously and
opinion given by another doctor
should be respected and can’t be
brushed aside. His family members
were respectful and lived up to his
values. He ensured that all who
visited were really taken care off.
Whenever I called on him to enquire
about his health he used to ensure
April 16-30, 2016
that his son- in- law treated me well
with choicest drinks and food. He
was concerned about me till the very
end. Though he was frail and weak
and breathing heavily, the moment
I entered his ward few days before
his death, he opened his eyes and
looked at my face to recognise
me instantly even in those dying
moments and enquired –Col Prasad
are you all right? Did you have your
food?.
He never used Army facilities
for his family and sternly warned his
family members against any misuse.
His son-in-law Dhun Daruwala who
cared him all through in later years
politely declined to use Army medical
facilities for his own use despite he
had suffered from a serious ailment.
His children never used his staff
car. His beloved daughters both
Mrs Sherry Batliwala and Mrs Maza
Dharuwala kept him in good humour
and ensured that he was really cared
for. His grandson Jehan Daruwala
who adored him from his heart like
His concern for his Gurkha
family who looked after him in
coonnor was phenomenal. He
really cared them- enhanced their
salary, gave descent education to
their children and ensured them a
good living condition in the quarters
adjacent to his Bungalow. During
his time, it was compulsory for all
staff course officers belonging to
Gurkha battalion to have a meal
with him at his bungalow ‘Stavka’
even at his ripe age. When he died
the entire population of Nilgiris lined
up every available space to pay their
last respect to a father figure whom
they loved from the depth of their
heart. At his memorial service held
at Parsi Anjuman in Delhi, few days
after his death, many who gathered
there and once his close associates
were unanimous on one thingField Marshal was an embodiment
of magnetic charm, razor sharp
intellect and humanity to the point
of divinity. This was substantiated by
Late President Dr Abdul Kalam who
described him a true military leader
and adored him from his heart. It
was a splendid sight to see two great
legends in intimate conversation
and charming each other with their
genuine affection and razor sharp
intellect when late President called
on ailing Field Marshal in 2008
at Military Hospital Wellington.
President Kalam wrote- MH
wellington is always the best. Please
look after the only Field Marshal
Manekshaw. That was Field Marshal
Manekshaw, MC a legend in his life
time a true Field Marshal and the
only Field Marshal I am lucky to be
associated with.
- Lt Gen (Dr) BNBM Prasad
Sainik Samachar
27
Ten Soldiers From Indian Army Qualify For Rio Olympics - 2016
I
ndian Army has been contributing significantly towards the country’s sports
and adventure performance in the global arena. It comes naturally to a
soldier to excel in various discipline of sports. Indian Army has laid out the
road map for a concerted vision for maximum qualifications for the Rio
Olympics with the aim of ‘finishing strong’ at the podium with medals for
the country. The training of the qualified sportsperson are being carried
out through a scientific approach being planned & executed through Army
Sports Institute, Pune and Army Marksmanship Unit, Mhow among other
institutions under the flagship initiative of Mission Olympics. Ten soldiers of
the Army have qualified for the Rio Olympics 2016, till now.
- Col Rohan Anand
Hav Gopi T, 11 Field Regiment, Marathon
Hav Irfan K T, 5 MADRAS, 20km walk.
Hav Nitendra Singh Rawat, 6 KUMAON,
Marathon crosses the finish line to win the
SCMM 2016 Indian Elite Men Title
Hav Sandeep Kumar, 16 JAT, 50km walk
Naib Subedar Chain Singh, JAK LI, 50m
Rifle shooting
Naib Subedar Jitu Rai, 50m Air Pistol, AMU,
Mhow
Naib Subedar Kheta Ram, 6 JAT, Marathon
Subedar Gurpreet Singh, 10m Air Pistol,
AMU, Mhow
Hav Devender Singh, 2 RAJ Rifle, 20km
walk.
Hav Ganapathi K, 11 MADRAS, 20km walk
28
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
Joint Efforts Enable Early Completion of Rescue Operations
I
ndian Army at Fort William
Kolkata called in for relief
and rescue operations at the
Vivekananda flyover collapse by
civil administration was immediately
mobilised and commenced rescue
operations along with NDRF, police
and civil administration officials.
The Army initially sent four
rescue columns, three medical
teams with seven ambulances and
one engineer team with specialist
equipment. This was later built up to
five rescue columns, seven medical
teams with 16 doctors including
Surgical specialists and Anesthetists
with 12 ambulances. The rescue
work was duly coordinated under
Headquarters Bengal Area. The
Army officials on arrival assessed
the situation and in coordination
with NDRF and civil administration
commenced rescue operations. The
timely and quick action by police
and civil volunteers in the first two
hours saved a number of lives.
The Army along with the NDRF
and civil administration continued
the rescue operations throughout
the night on March 31, 2016 to look
for survivors to be able to give them
immediate relief with its medical
teams on standby at the site of the
incident. Constant coordination
and joint effort of army, NDRF and
civil administration enabled quick
clearance of debris and recovery of
bodies. The relief and rescue work
continued till afternoon on April 1,
2016, and once it was confirmed that
there were no more survivors; the civil
administration derequisitioned the
Army. The positive and professional
approach of civil administration,
police and NDRF enabled the Army
to conduct and complete rescue
operations early.
- Dipannita Dhar
April 16-30, 2016
Sainik Samachar
29
Relief and Rescue Operations at Collapsed Vivekanand Flyover
K
olkata witnessed Collapse of the
Vivekanand Flyover on March
31, 2016. The magnitude of the
destruction was alarming and the
authorities immediately called in
the Army to carry out the rescue
operations. The Army under the
aegis of Headquarters Bengal Area
was swiftly mobilised and columns
started reaching at the site, within
35 minutes of requisitioning by the
civil authorities.
The Army mobilised 5 Rescue
Columns from 12 Garh Rif and 7
Bihar, 7 Medical teams with 16
Doctors including Surgical specialists
and Anesthetists with 12 Ambulances
from Command Hospital, Kolkata
and Military Hospital, Barrackpore
and one team of 51 Engineer
Regiment.
The Army persons on arrival
assessed the situation and the extent
of the damage and took control
of the complete rescue work duly
coordination with civil administration
and NDRF. In order to look for
survivors holes were drilled in the
Soldiers getting under rubble to look for survivors
concrete slabs to make a passage to
enable the soldiers to move under the
slab to look for survivors. All actions
were completed in an efficient and
well-coordinated
manner.
The
entire rescue operation was duly
coordinated and supervised by Lt
Gen Rajeev Tewari, GOC Bengal
Area.
Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi, GOCin-C Eastern Command also visited
the site to assess the situation and
took stock of the ongoing rescue
An Over View of the Catastrophe
operation wherein he interacted
with Coln Cdr’s officials of NDRF
and Police. The Army Commander
assured the civil administration of all
the necessary assistance required for
the rescue operations and expressed
his condolences to the bereaved
families of the victims of the tragic
incident. He stated that “the Army
is fully committed in providing all
possible resources and assistance
till completion of the rescue
operations”.
Soldiers Removing Steel Rubble bare hand
Army Cdr & GOC Bengal Area at the site
Army Cdr meeting civil authorities & NDRF
The Army continued the rescue
operations throughout the night
on March 31, 2016 to look for
survivors and provided immediate
relief with its medical teams which
were on standby at the site of the
incident. The relief and rescue
work continued till late afternoon
on April 1, 2016. A total of 28
fatal cases and approximately 80
personnel were injured in the bridge
collapse. The civilian administration
complemented the Army for the timely
and efficient rescue operations.
Soldiers Digging Holes on Concrete Slabs
April 16-30, 2016
- Lt Col Anupam Roy
Sainik Samachar
31
Indo-Indonesia Joint Training Exercise Garuda Shakti IV
T
he opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the
Indo- Indonesia Joint Training Exercise Garuda Shakti
IV was conducted at Military Training Area, Magelang,
Indonesia on March 11, 2016. The Indian contingent
comprised of platoon sized troops of an Infantry Battalion
under Southern Command theatre and the Indonesian
Army comprised of 503 Airborne Battalion of the TNIAD. In an impressive military function the contingents of
both the Armies conducted a ceremonial parade where
National flags of both nations were marched in. The
event was witnessed by senior ranked officers of both
the countries.
Post the ceremony the Indian Army troops were
oriented to the terrain and tactical aspects of training.
Training comprised of tactical drills wherein the troops
of both armies trained jointly sharing each other’s
experience in Counter Insurgency operations. The cross
training phase was meshed with games and sports to
enhance interaction and develop camaraderie. The
training culminated in a three day joint training exercise
and lessons drawn were consolidated for incorporation
in the next edition.
The fourteen day exercise aimed to build and
promote positive relations between both armies and
contributed towards enhancing their ability to undertake
joint tactical level operations in Counter Insurgency
environment under the United Nations Charter. The
exercise finally concluded with the closing ceremony
wherein outstanding performers were awarded and
cultural programmes showcasing the rich culture and
heritage of both the countries were displayed.
greater cooperation and coordination in the employability
of a joint platoon group of Indian and Indonesian Army
for Counter Insurgency operations in an International
environment. The exercise is also a milestone in ensuring
the cordial relations between the two great nations in
Asia.
The conduct of the joint training exercise ensured
- Col Rohan Anand
32
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
Welding Conference on Industrial Sectors
Centres of Excellence in Manufacturing Technologies
T
he International Institute of
Welding (IIW) in association
with Indian Institute of Welding,
Hyderabad chapter is organising
the sixth welding research and
collaboration colloquium during
April 7-9, 2016 at Hyderabad.
This event is the first ever of its kind
being organised in India, with IIW’s
focus in bringing together several
professionals, renowned for their
international stature in the field of
welding research/industry under
one roof. It is a great opportunity
for Indian Engineering fraternity
in general and for the Welding
Community in particular, especially
in light of the government’s thrust
to promote manufacturing industry
to strive towards ‘Make in India’.
The event was inaugurated by Dr G
Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser
to Defence Minister, Ministry of
Defence. The technical program of
the colloquium includes 30 invited
lectures, 24 flash talks, and 18
posters presented for the benefit of
over 100 delegates participating in
the event.
Dr
Speaking on the occasion,
Satheesh congratulated the
Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser
to Defence Minister addressing the 6th
Welding Research and Collaboration
Colloquium on April 7, 2016 at Hyderabad
organisers and emphasised the
importance of welding for Defence
applications and also urged to
concentrate on green technologies.
The centres of excellence in advanced
manufacturing technologies need to
be established which can provide
innovative solutions to our industries,
he added.
Welding Technology is the
heart of fabrication practice in
sustaining the growth of nuclear,
aerospace, automotive, power
generation,
shipbuilding,
oil,
petrochemical, and
process
Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister releasing the Abstract of the 6th
Welding Research and Collaboration Colloquium in the presence of Dr G Padmanabhan
and Dr Madhusudan Reddy
April 16-30, 2016
industries among others. Several
applications for conventional and
modern engineering materials have
motivated the researchers to develop
suitable consumables and joining
processes. Continuous innovations
in emerging welding techniques are
essential, to achieve both greater
productivity and enhanced quality
of components manufactured by
the welding industry. Keeping this
in view, the international Welding
Research
and
Collaboration
Colloquium is planned in an unique
manner viz., with focused technical
sessions dedicated to individual
industrial sectors such as defence,
aerospace, automotive, power and
energy, oil and gas, nuclear, heavy
engineering and ship building, which
will be benefit the Indian industry in
a big way”.
Participation in this colloquium,
offers an unique exposure to
welding professionals by way of
interaction with a wide spectrum of
industry professionals, discussing the
current challenges in the field. Also,
welding researchers from across
the globe will be sharing their latest
innovations and upcoming research
initiatives for the future. Presentations
are followed by discussions on new
ideas/ methodologies/ techniques,
spin-offs and best practice solutions
related to welding and joining
research - ultimately aimed at
evolving a vision for research in
welding and joining. It is also
expected that several industry-R&D
collaborations will be formulated
to realise the new initiatives thus
launched. The organizers gratefully
acknowledge the delegates and
invitees for their active participation,
and the sponsors for the financial
support in making the colloquium a
grand success.
- K Ramesh
Sainik Samachar
33
Commissioning of Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Shoor
I
ndian Coast Guard Ship “Shoor”
the second ship in the series of six
Off Shore Patrol Vessels (OPV) was
commissioned at Goa by Minister
of Shipping, Road Transport and
Highways Mr Nitin Jairam Gadkari
on April 11, 2016 in the presence
of Director General Rajendra Singh,
Director General Indian Coast Guard,
CMD Goa Shipyard Limited and other
senior dignitaries of the Central and
State Government. ‘Shoor’ meaning
‘Valiant’ is a projection of Indian
Coast Guard’s will and commitment
“To serve and protect”the maritime
interest of the nation.
This 105 meters OPV has been
designed and built indigenously
by M/s GSL and is fitted with
most advanced navigation and
communication equipment, sensors
and machinery. The features
include 30 mm CRN 91 Naval
Gun, Integrated Bridge System
(IBS), Integrated Machinery Control
System (IMCS), Power Management
System (PMS) and High Power
External Fire Fighting System. The
ship is designed to carry one twin
engine Light Helicopter and five
high speed boats including two
QRIBs for fast boarding operations,
search and rescue, law enforcement
and maritime patrol. The ship is
also capable of carrying pollution
response equipment to combat oil
spill contamination at sea.
The ship draws 2350 tons
(GRT) and is propelled by two
9100 KW diesel engines to attain
a maximum speed of 23 Knots. It
has an endurance of 6000 NM
ateconomical speed. The sustenance
and reach coupled with the latest
and modern equipment and systems
provides her the capability to perform
the role of a command platform and
accomplish all Coast Guard charter
of duties.
The ship on joining Coast
Guard Fleet will be based at New
Mangalore and deployed extensively
for EEZ surveillance and other duties
as enshrined in Coast Guard Charter,
to safeguard the maritime interests of
India. Presently, Indian Coast Guard
has a Fleet of 120 Ships/boats,
further 70 Ships/boats are at various
stages of construction at different
shipyards. With the commissioning
of this vessel and other assets, the
Indian Coast Guard will emerge as a
stronger and potent force to address
the emerging security challenges in
our maritime zones.
ICGS Shoor will be manned by
14 Officers and 98 men commanded
by Deputy Inspector General
Surendra Singh Dasila under the
administrative and operation control
of the Commander, Coast Guard
Region (West).
The commissioning of ICGS
Shoor will enhance the Indian Coast
Guard’s operational capability
to discharge the multifarious
maritime tasks. The induction of a
sophisticated and state-of-the-art
Offshore Patrol Vessel will give a
fillip to the maritime protection of our
vast coastline of Western Seaboard
in general and the Maritime State of
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa
in particular.
- Comdt IJ Singh
34
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
Army Training Command Visits IML
L
t Gen PM Hariz, General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief,
Army
Training Command, Shimla, visited
Institute of Military Law, Kamptee on
April 1, 2016. The Army Commander
was received at the GRC Helipad by
Brig Vijay Kumar, Commandant,
Institute of Military Law and Brig
DV Singh, Commandant, Guards
Regimental Centre.
The General Officer is 1978
batch officer from 19 Mechanized
Infantry. He has attended TK Tech,
Army Staff Course, Camberley
(UK), Senior Command, Higher
Command and National Defence
College. He has also been a Military
Observer / Chief Personnel Officer /
Regional Commander, UN Mission
(ANGOLA). He has served in varied
terrains and tenated a host of
Commands, instructional and staff
appointments. He is recipient of Ati
Vishist Seva Medal, Sena Medal and
Vishist Seva Medal.
During his visit to the IML, an
elite institution functioning under
the Army Training Command,
the Army Commander interacted
with the officers of the Institute of
Military Law and civilian staff. The
Army Commander was briefed by
Brig Vijay Kumar, Commandant
, IML about the training being
imparted at Institute of Military
Law and new methods of training
introduced for the recent courses.
The Commandant expressed his
gratitude to the Army Commander
for sparing his valuable time for the
Institute of Military Law. The Army
Commander remarked that it was
heartening to see the high standards
of training being imparted at Institute
Lt Gen PM Hariz, GOC in C, Army Training
Command, Shimla receiving memento from
Brig Vijay Kumar, Commandant, IML, Kamptee
of Military Law. He complimented
the Commandant and his team for
their good work.
- Wg Cdr SS Gangakhedkar
FOC-IN-C, SNC Visits Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
V
ice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commandingin-Chief, Southern Naval Command, arrived at
the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala on a three
day official visit on April 2, 2016. The Flag Officer
Commanding-in-Chief is accompanied by his wife Mrs
Preeti Luthra and personal staff.
Upon his arrival, he was received by Rear Admiral
MD Suresh, officiating Commandant. The Commanderin-Chief was formally briefed on major training and
administrative issues at the INA. A station reception was
held in the evening to welcome the Commander-inChief, attended by all officers of the station.
Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, being received by Rear Admiral MD
Suresh on his arrival at INA.
April 16-30, 2016
During his visit, the Flag Officer will be inaugurating
an environmental park and training area named ‘The
Voyage’ and new laboratories of the Mechanical
Engineering and Electronics and Communication
Faculty at INA. The Admiral will be departing INA on
April 4, 2016.
- Lt Commander Rahul T
Sainik Samachar
35
IAF Woman Officer Saves Three Precious Lives
S
howing valour and determination,
reflecting the true spirit of Indian
Air Force, Flying Officer Neha
Gurnani, saved the life of three
passengers who had met with a road
traffic accident on highway near Air
Force Station Memaura.
Flying Officer Neha Gurnani,
who is an Indian Air Force officer
undergoing Basic Course in Air
Defence College, Air Force Station
Memaura was on her way back
from Lucknow town when she found
three injured personnel lying in pool
of blood. No assistance was being
extended by any passing vehicle or
people gathered around.
On assessing the gravity of
situation, the Flying Officer took
immediate control of the situation.
Using her presence of mind, she
persuaded the owner of a Scorpio
parked nearby to take these
mortally injured personnel to nearby
medical post within Air Force Station
Memaura where they were attended
by Senior Medical Officer Flt Lt Mitul
Singh.
The three passengers namely,
Mr Vinod, Mr Sarvesh and Mr Kishan
of Khatola Village on their Passion
Pro Bike had sustained injuries which
were life threatening in nature.
On preliminary examination, it
was found that Mr Sarvesh, one of
the injured, had severe head injury,
dropping BP and no pulse. Due to
timely medical support provided in
the form of first aid and critical basic
life support in first golden hour of
injury, three lives could be saved.
After stabilizing, Flt Lt Mitul Singh
and two Indian Air Force medical
personnel moved the patients in
their state of the art ambulance to
King George Medical College.
Enroute one of the patients suffered
two seizures, was given Cardio
Pulmonary Resuscitation and revived.
The precious lives of these three
people could only be saved due to
timely and prompt action by Flying
Officer Neha Gurnani and Flt Lt
Mitul Singh.
- Gargi Malik Sinha
Army College Of Nursing Celebrates Convocation Ceremony
F
ifth
Convocation
Ceremony
of Army College of Nursing,
Jalandhar Cantonment was held
on April 6, 2016 at Ashoka Hall
of the College. Lt Gen JS Cheema,
General Officer Commanding,
Vajra Corps (Patron, Army College
of Nursing) was the Chief Guest.
Brig MJ Jacob, Commandant,
Military
Hospital,
Jalandhar
Cantonment
(Director,
Army
College of Nursing) in his welcome
address extended a warm welcome
to the Chief Guest, Senior Officers
of Army, parents and the recipients
of Degrees. Mrs Varinderpal Kaur,
Officiating Principal in her report
highlighted the achievements of the
graduates in academic excellence
and other co-curricular activities.
The degrees to the graduates
of batches which passed out in
2013 and 2014 and prizes to the
meritorious students were awarded
by Lt Gen JS Cheema. The Chief
Guest in his address, congratulated
the graduates for their hardwork
and dedication in achieving the
goals set and for their contribution
towards enriching the academic
and community environment of the
campus.
- PK Sharma
36
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
DG Coast Guard Visits Western Seaboard Headquarters
D
G Rajendra Singh, Director
General Indian Coast Guard
(ICG), paid his maiden visit to the
Headquarters, Western Seaboard and
the Regional Headquarters under its
operational command viz the Regional
Headquarters (West) at Mumbai and
North West at Gandhinagar from
March 28 to 31, 2016.
The Flag officer during his 4
day visit to the strategic Western
Seaboard Headquarters, reviewed
the operational readiness of the
fleet and the ongoing infrastructure
development projects. In addition
to Mumbai and Gandhinagar he
also visited the District Headquarters
at Porbander. During the visit he
interacted with the officers and
other ranks of the field units under
the respective Headquarters. He
lauded the efforts of the combat
units in exhibiting highest standards
of professionalism in the conduct of
the various operations as per the
laid down ICG charter. The Director
General emphasised the need to
continuously engage and interact
with the fishermen during patrol and
also whilst in harbor, being the eyes
and Ears of the Sea.
During the visit the Director
General also called on Chief
Minister of Gujarat, Smt Anandiben
Patel.
- Comdt IJ Singh
Attestation Parade Held At 11 GRRC
A
t an impressive and clockwork ceremonial parade
was held at 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre
(11GRRC) on April 2, 2016 in Lucknow Cantonment.
89 energetic recruits took the oath to serve the nation
with honour and pride even at the cost of their lives,
if need be. This oath guides a soldier throughout his
service for complete dedication to his regiment in the
highest traditions of the Indian Army. The parade,
reviewed by the Brigadier Pankaj Singh, Commandant,
11 GRRC and witnessed by a host of officers, Junior
Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs)
and proud parents, brothers and sisters of the recruits.
The Commandant traditional “Silver Khukri” was
presented to the “Best Recruits” - Rifleman Abis Rai,
Rifleman Michael Kirant Rai and Rifleman Anilsan Rai.
Awards were also presented for the best performance in
various discipline of training such as Weapon Training,
Physical Training, Bayonet Fighting, Theory and Sports.
Brig Pankaj Singh addressed the parade and inspired
them to serve with utmost dedication and sincerity. He
specially stressed on the single defining quality of a
soldier that is Loyality -to peers, subordinates, superiors,
the Regiment and the Nation.
In order to recognise the spirit of the parents whose
sons and daughters get enrolled in the Indian Army,
Army Headquarters has initiated the award of “Gaurav
Padak”. On the occasion of the attestation parade
12 parents and guardians were awarded the “Gaurav
Padak”.
- Gargi Malik Sinha
April 16-30, 2016
Sainik Samachar
37
Veterans Day at Lucknow Cantonment
A
n interactive session with the Veterans (Retired
Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other
Ranks) of Uttar Pradesh was organised by Headquarter
Central Command at Surya Auditorium, Lucknow
Cantonment on March 28, 2016. The event was aimed
at addressing issues of Welfare, Pension, ECHS Facilities
and Second Career Opportunities for Veterans.
The event was attended by over 500 Veterans
including retired senior officers. Apart from resolving
Veterans Welfare, Pensions and ECHS grievances,
the participants were apprised of the improvements in
services and facilities. A large number of senior officers
of the Surya Command also interacted with the Veterans.
The event was conducted in the spirit of the Indian Army
attitude “We Care, We Share” towards the Veterans and
concluded with a high tea.
- Gargi Malik Sinha
Golden Jubilee Celebrated by 5/3 Gorkha Rifles (Shingo)
5
/3 Gorkha Rifles was raised on
October 1, 1963 at Dehradun
and the Battalion has been awarded
Battle Honour “SHINGO RIVER
VALLEY” and theater honour
“Jammu & Kashmir” for capturing
HATHIMATHA feature in Kargil
sector during 1971 war. It has
also been awarded “GOC-in-C
Northern Command Appreciation
Card” in 2005 for its successful stint
in CI Ops.
The Battalion celebrated its
Golden Jubilee Raising Day at Jaipur
Military Station on February 17,
2016. The day began with wreath
laying by Maj Gen Avinash Singh,
YSM, COS 14 Corps and Colonel
of the Third Gorkha Rifles, serving
and veteran officers, JCO’s and
other ranks. After which Colonel of
the Regiment addressed the troops
of the unit and released the First Day
Cover. Speaking on the occasion,
Colonel of the Regiment said that
the Battalion since raising has
excelled in operational, training and
other fields carving a niche for itself.
He exhort all Ranks of the Battalion
to work hard and continue to build
on the edifice of valour, honour and
glory achieved by the Battalion so
far and face new challenges in the
fast changing security environment
with fortitude and in true military
traditions. Golden Jubilee Souvenir
Book encompassing ethos and
achievements of the Battalion was
released by Lt Gen (Retd) M Puri.
Veer Naris of the Battalion were also
felicitated as a mark of tribute to the
Martyrs.
- Maj MS Biniwale
38
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
Northern Command Investiture Ceremony
O
n the occasion of the Investiture
Ceremony,
gallantry
and
distinguished service awards were
presented by Lt Gen DS Hooda,
GOC-in-C (Army Commander),
Northern Command to 38 officers
and other ranks at Udhampur.
In a glittering ceremony, the
Army Commander presented 19
Sena Medal (Gallantry) including
three Sena Medal (Posthumous), 10
Sena Medal (Distinguished Service)
and nine Vishisht Seva Medals. The
General officer also presented GOCin-C Unit Appreciation to 29 Units
for their outstanding performance
in the year 2015. A total of 15
civilians were also felicitated for their
outstanding assistance rendered to
the Army. The Investiture Ceremony
was attended by senior civil, military
and para-military dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, the
Army Commander commended all
ranks of the Northern Command for
their dedication and devotion to duty
in the highest traditions of the Indian
Army. He congratulated those who
were decorated to bravery and
distinguished service. The General
Officer appreciated the civilians for
displaying a close bonhomie with
the Army.
- Col SD Goswami
National Moot Court Competition
T
he sixth edition of Checkmate, the National Moot
Court Competition of the Army Institute of Law,
Mohali culminated April 11, 2016 with the Valedictory
Ceremony presided over by Dr Jaspal Singh, Vice
Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala. The competition
spread over three days, witnessed the enthusiastic
participation of over 40 teams from National Law
Colleges and Universities of India.
The winner’s trophy and cash prize of Rs. 30,000
was won by Jamia Milia Islamia comprising Zahra Khan,
Shreya Shukla and Rishika Jain whereas the cash award
of Rs. 20,000 for runners up position was bagged by
Amity Law School Delhi comprising Tanesha Sultan,
Utkarsh Maria and Himangi Kapoor.
The Best Memorial Award and cash of Rs. 15,000
went to Damodaram Sanjiviya National Law University
Vishakhapatnam while cash prize of Rs. 10,000 for
Second Best Memorial Award went to University Institute
of Legal Studies (UILS) Punjab University Chandigarh.
The individual award carrying cash prize of Rs. 10,000
for Advocate of the year was won by Mayank Partap
Singh of Faculty of Law, Rajasthan University and the
cash award of Rs. 5,000 was bagged by Kunal Kapoor
of UILS.
The event was presided over by Dr Jaspal Singh,
Vice-Chancellor Punjabi University Patiala. Lt Gen KJ
Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command and Lt Gen
Gurdeep Singh, Chief of Staff, HQ Western Command
were the Guests of Honour.
- Parvesh Sharma
April 16-30, 2016
Sainik Samachar
39
Mountain Terrain Cycling Expedition
A
highly motivated team of twelve
soldiers from 11 GUARDS of
Double Victory Fmn successfully
completed their mountain terrain
cycling expedition from Kingal to
Losar on March 31, 2016.
The team was led by Lieutenant
Ashok Shukla & was flagged off
by Brigadier Sandeep Singh,
Commander
Double
Victory
Formation on March 12, 2016.
Expedition team in about 15 days
covered approximate 400 KM of
distance in the upper ridges of
Himachal Pradesh with heights
ranging from 6726 feet to 14931
feet. The team successfully overcame
heavy snow, inclement weather
and difficult terrain. During the
expedition, team also visit the local
villages and enhanced awareness
about Indian Army and exhorted
the locals to preserve the rich and
diverse ecological system in their
immediate environment.
Adventure activities of such
extreme nature instill team spirit,
physical and mental courage, high
level of endurance, discipline and
spirit-de-corps in young soldiers. The
successful culmination of expedition
was highly appreciated by one and
all and team was complemented
by Brigadier Sandeep Singh,
Commander Double Victory Fmn
during the befitting ‘flagging-in’
ceremony conducted on March 31,
2016.
- PK Sharma
NC Shooting Team Wins Air Weapon Shooting Championship
T
welfth General JJ Singh Air
Weapon Shooting Championship
was conducted from March 7 to
13, 2016 at Army Marksmanship
Unit, Mhow. Northern Command
team performed exceptionally well
in the competition and won the
Overall Championship Trophy and
Air Pistol Trophy of the team event.
The firers also won one Gold, one
Silver and one Bronze medal in the
individual events. It is second time in
a row that the Northern Command
Firing Team has won the same
championship,previously being in
the year 2015.
Lieutenant Yuvraj P and
Lieutenant Shikha Singh bagged
Gold and Silver medals respectively
in Air Rifle category while Lieutenant
Gayathri U won Bronze medal in
Air Pistol category. The Northern
Command Team underwent trials,
selection and training at Akhnoor
under the Crossed Swords Division.
The victorious team and support
staff were felicitated by the Army
Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda on
March 19, 2016.
- Lt Col Manish Mehta
40
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016
Medical Evacuation by Indian Coast Guard
I
ndian Coast Guard (ICG) undertook medical
evacuation in the dark hours from an SCI ship MV Goa
off Mumbai at 0300 hrs on April 7, 2016.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, MRCC
Mumbai received a telephonic message at 1927 hrs on
April 6, 2016 from the master of the SCI vessel MV Goa
stating immediate medical evacuation of Mr Binood
Kumar who was profusely bleeding from ear and hand
with first degree burn on right wrist with blisters as he
got struck in pantry bulkhead lift. The vessel was about
22 NM (Approximately 40 kms) North West of Mumbai.
Considering the patient’s condition, the mission
was required to be undertaken in shortest possible time.
Indian Coast Guard Ship, Agrim, which was on patrol
off Mumbai, was directed to provide assistance to the
wounded person. ICGS Agrim, reached near MV Goa
in the dark hours and evacuated him from the merchant
vessel. The patient was brought to Mumbai harbour and
was handed over to the civil boat Arbas at about 0240
AM on April 7, 2016 for hospitalisation.
- Comdt IJ Singh
Appointments
as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance
ACommand, Indian Air ForcetookonoverMarch
31, 2016. After completing his BE in Mechanical
ir Marshal Pankaj Aneja
Engineering from Delhi University in 1978, he joined Indian Air Force on January 19, 1980 and
was commissioned in Aeronautical Engineering(Mechanical) Branch. He is also an alumnus of
the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington wherein he earned a Masters degree
in Defence Studies from Madras University.
Prior to his present assignment, he was the Director General(Systems) at Air Headquarters. He
has also held the appointments of Director Maintenance Inspection at Air Headquarters, Deputy Senior Maintenance
Staff Officer at Headquarters Maintenance Command, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters Eastern
Air Command, Assistant Chief of Air Staff(Maintenance Planning) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff(Engineering B)
at Air Headquarters. In recognition of his distinguished services, Air Marshal Pankaj Aneja was conferred with the
Vishisht Seva Medal.
over as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at HQ Maintenance
ACommand, Nagpur on takes
April 7, 2016. Air Marshal Shera was commissioned in Aeronautical
ir Marshal RKS Shera
Engineering Electronics Branch of Indian Air Force on January 5, 1981. He is a Post graduate
from IIT Kanpur in Electrical Engineering. He is an alumnus of prestigious National Defence
College (NDC) and Naval War College (NWC).
The Air Officer was Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Eng A) at Air HQ before taking over as Dy
SMSO and subsequently SMSO at HQ MC IAF, Nagpur. Prior to that, he has held several
important command and staff assignments that include SMSO HQ WAC, Command Engineering
Officer at HQ EAC, Station Commander TETTRA School, Director MiG-29 Weapon Cell at Air HQ, Chief of Aircraft
Production at Base Repair Depot, Inspector in Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI), Chief Engineering Officer
of Fighter Base and Instructor at Technical Training school, Botswana (Africa). For his distinguished service, the Air
officer was awarded “Ati Vishisht Seva Medal” in 2014 and “Vishisht Seva Medal” in 1993 by the President of India.
He is married to Mrs Jaspreet Shera and they are blessed with a son.
- Wg Cdr SS Gangakhedkar
April 16-30, 2016
Sainik Samachar
41
PHOTOCALL
Havaldar Gurucharan Besra
of NAVMI brought laurels to 9th
Battalion The Bihar Regiment, The
Bihar Regiment and the Indian Army
by winning 1 x Gold Medal in the
Team Category (Recurve Event)
by defeating Sri Lankan Team and
01 x Silver Medal in the Individual
Category (Recurve Event) 12th
SAG South Asian Games Archery
Competition was held at Shillong
recently.
A comprehensive coastal security exercise ‘Theera
Veta’ involving multiple security agencies was conducted
along the entire coast of Kerala, Lakshadweep and
Minicoy islands and the Union Territory of Mahe from 6
to 8 April 2016.
Sub Maj & Hony Lt PK Moorthy, Sub Editor, Sainik
Samachar has been awarded the rank of Honorary
Captain on the eve of Republic Day 2016. He joined
the Indian Army the Madras Regiment on August 17,
1983 and will be retiring on April 30, 2016.
Source: Lt Col BR Satish, Cdr Sridhar Warrier and Subedar Major Hari Shankhar
42
Sainik Samachar
April 16-30, 2016