In This Issue
Since 1909
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Interview | Army Day
4
(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR)
Vol. 63 q No 2
25 Pausha – 10 Magha, 1937 (Saka)
16-31 January 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
Hasibur Rahman
Senior Editor
Editor
Ruby T Sharma
Ehsan Khusro
Coordination President Outlines the
need for…
8
Vice President
Inaugurates…
16
Defence Minister
Dedicates Atal…
20
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
Director (Media & Communication)
Directorate of Public Relations, South Block,
Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011
Follow us on:
7 Platinum Jubilee Celebration of…
10 Army Displays Fire Power at…
12 General Om Prakash Malhotra…
14 Joint Indo-French Exercise…
18 “Spreading Smiles” Nation Wide
24 Patient Care: AWWA Initiatives
30 Commissioning of INS Kadmatt
Regulars
22 Photo Features: Army Conducts A Gala ‘Raahgiri’
33 Armed Forces Panorama
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On front cover: COAS Gen Dalbir Singh
National War Memorial At Last
26
Interview | Army Day
C
hief of the Army Staff General Dalbir Singh in an interview with Sainik Samachar’s Editor-in-Chief Mr Hasibur
Rahman about Army’s achievements and various initiatives taken at enhancing the capability of the Indian
Army on the occasion of Army Day.
On completing one and a half years
tenure at the helm of the Indian
Army, could you enumerate the
areas where you have translated
your vision into action?
At the outset, I wish to state that
in the face of emerging threats and
challenges, the Indian Army remains
fully committed towards realising
the vision of a secure, stronger and
powerful India and continues to fulfill
its role as a vital pillar of national
security.
The achievements in the last
one and a half years are attributed
to collective efforts of all ranks
of the Army. Positive response of
the government towards sensitive
defence related issues has further
improved our capability and
prowess. Indian Army’s contribution
towards
ameliorating
various
disaster situations are already known
to you. On the operational front, we
have maintained moral ascendancy
on all our borders guided by well-
reasoned and thought out strategies.
My operational focus has been
concentrated on key vital areas
to include force modernization,
making up critical deficiencies and
infrastructure development. Force
modernisation is being carried
out by speeding up long pending
projects to channelise our efforts.
Towards this, we have prioritised our
requirements into critical, important
and essential areas. The cases are
being pursued accordingly. Efforts
are also being put for ensuring that
critical deficiencies in our equipment
and ammunition are made up at
the earliest. Concurrent with this,
we are focusing on infrastructure
development, which is the key to our
operational preparedness.
What are the major Operational
Achievements of the Army during
your tenure as COAS till now?
On the operational front, we
have maintained moral ascendancy
on all our borders through proactive
and dynamic tactical operations
guided by well-reasoned and
thought out strategies.
4
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
in Kashmir and later in Chennai, as
well as, during earthquake in Nepal,
are well known to you.
What is the update on network
centricity? How much has been
achieved?
Indian Army’s efforts to develop
indigenous net centric capability
begins with the soldier on the ground
and goes on to advanced terrestrial
and space based elements. We have
a well defined road map to make our
Armed forces net centric by 2020.
To achieve this, a large number
of communication networks and
application development projects
are at different stages of execution.
Project Network for Spectrum
(NFS), the next generation high
capacity network with Central
Data Centers (CDC) will provide
the
communication
backbone
integrating the sensors and the
shooters. Applications like Command
Informational
and
Decision
In disturbed areas of Jammu &
Kashmir, we have kept up the tempo
of operations against terrorists
through credible intelligence and
ground level synergy with state police
and Para Military Force, disallowing
operating space to them.
Similarly, in disturbed areas of
North East, synergised intelligence
based ops have contained the
perpetrators of violence to a large
extent despite the abrogation
of ceasefire by NSCN (K) and
subsequent violent activities.
While we have carried out our
operations with diligence we have
dedicated enough efforts to engage
with locals of disturbed areas
through Operations Sadbhavna and
Samaritan.
Our successful conduct of
flood rescue and relief operations
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
5
Support System, Artillery Combat
Command and Control System,
Battlefield Surveillance System,
Operational Informational System
and
Management
Information
System are at advanced stages of
implementation. These will empower
the commanders at all levels to have
information dominance and thereby
enabling them to make quick and
accurate decisions as well as correct
application of force.
What is the update on border
roads along the Line of Actual
Control (LAC)?
There
has
been
rapid
infrastructural development in Tibet
Autonomous Region and in areas
along the India-China border.
Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) is
seized of the security needs of the
country. Necessary steps as required,
have been initiated for ensuring
that national security concerns are
adequately
addressed
through
development
of
infrastructure,
including roads and forward air
fields, as well as operational
capabilities of the Army to secure the
desired national security objectives.
Strategically
important
road
infrastructural requirements along
the LAC are being developed in a
phased manner.
Training Academies.
India is considered an Information
Technology Superpower. However,
the services have neither absorbed
the
Information
Technology
holistically nor are they capable
of meeting the emerging cyber
threats. What is being done in this
regard?
Further, 40% of strength of the
Army is being trained in Middle Level
Information Technology Courses per
year and additional 25% of strength
is being trained per year in Advanced
Information Technology Courses
including Information Technology
Project Management, Advanced
Computing and Advanced Cyber
Security Techniques.
It would be incorrect to state
that there is poor absorption of
Information Technology in the
Army. Penetration of Information
Technology
and
Information
Technology enabled functions and
services in the Army, is of high order.
To ensure high level of
Information Technology absorption
by new inductees, we have ensured
Basic and Advance levels of
Information Technology training
as part of syllabi for Basic Military
Training at Recruitment Training
Centres as well as in Officers
Information
Technology
Laboratories and Computer Training
Laboratories (CTLs) have been
established in training centres as
well as in all formations.
As regards Cyber Security, we
have adopted holistic measures
to defeat any cyber threat to our
systems and networks. An Army
Cyber Group is already functional
which deals with all cyber related
threats & conducts cyber audit of the
entire Indian Army.
Gen Dalbir Singh, thank you for
speaking to us. Your views would
be disseminated to the rank and
file of Indian Army through ‘Sainik
Samachar’. Finally, Sir you are
well known for rigorous physical
training that you undergo on a daily
basis. Have your commitments as
COAS come in the way of your
physical fitness schedule?
Physical fitness is an integral
and most essential component of
soldiering. It instills pride as well as
enhances battle proficiency. Though
my commitments leave me with little
personal time, I believe, where there
is a will, there is a way. I personally
maintain a basic fitness routine to
keep myself healthy and fit.
If I don’t find adequate time in
the morning, I find some time for
exercise in the evening or even at
night.
pix: Vijay Kumar
6
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
Army Dental Corps
Platinum Jubilee Celebration
U
nder the aegis of Commandant
and Command Dental Advisor
Southern Command, a number of
events have been conducted by
various dental units of Pune, Kirkee,
Lohegaon
and
Khadakwasala
garrison as part of 75th Raising Day
celebration of Army Dental Corps.
To generate awareness for
a clean and green environment
200 saplings were planted in the
compound of MDC (West) Kirkee
and MH Kirkee. One day Continued
Dental Education Programme on
“Advanced
Rotary
Endodontic
System” by Dr Shail Jaggi was
organised at CMDC (SC) benefitting
41 Dental Officers. Oral health
educational lecture with Dental
Check-up for 1400 students of
various Schools was carried out.
Besides this, blood donation camp
at BTD department of AFMC was
organised wherein 27 volunteer
para dental staff donated blood.
Inputs: Col M Hundal
Continued Dental Education Programme in progress at CMDC
Blood Donation Camp
Tree Plantation by Commandant and Dental Advisor
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
7
T
he President Mr Pranab Mukherjee
called upon the Military Engineers
to define and modify the way
Defence Forces operate by using
technological advances to provide
comparative edge over adversaries
the nation face. Delivering the 88th
convocation address at the Military
College of EME in Secunderabad
on December 19, 2015, he said
that it will be the responsibility of
technocrats in Army to adapt the
latest developments in the field of
technology for use by the Defence
forces by accelerating the pace of
military innovation. The President
emphasised the Army engineers to
make use of their knowledge and
enthusiasm for creative ideas and
innovations which will impact and
improve the existing systems and
methods. The President was briefed
about the projects designed and
fabricated by the graduating officers
for the field Army. He appreciated the
projects executed by the graduating
officers and complemented the
award winners for their dedication
and academic excellence. ECEME
is a recipient of four Prime Minister
Excellence Awards for Student
Projects on the occasion of Army
Day this year.
The convocation was conducted
to award Degrees to the officers of
the army who attended the 96th
Degree Engineering and 24th
Technical Entry Scheme courses
affiliated by JNTU, Hyderabad.
Captain Neeraj Tiwari was awarded
DG EME trophy and Lieutenant
was awarded ARTRAC Trophy for
standing best all round officers of
the Degree Engineering course.
Mr Pranab Mukherjee, President of India
addressing at the 88th Convocation
Ceremony of MCEME
The ceremony was attended
by a host of dignitaries including
Mr Pranab Mukherjee, President of India presenting the ARTRAC Trophy to Lieutenant Aadil
Maqbool Khan, the all-round best officer of Technical Entry Scheme Course at the
88th Convocation Ceremony
Mr Pranab Mukherjee, President of India at the 88th Convocation Ceremony of MCEME, Secunderabad. Mr ESL Narasimhan, Governor of
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Lt Gen PM Hariz, GOC-in-C, Army Training Command, Lt Gen KJ Singh, Director General of EME and
Lt Gen Gurmukh Singh, Commandant, MCEME also seen in the picture
8
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
Mr Pranab Mukherjee, President of India presenting the DG EME
Trophy to Captain Neraj Tiwari, the all-round best officer of Degree
Engineering Course at the 88th Convocation Ceremony of MCEME
Lt Gen Gurmukh Singh, Commandant, MCEME presenting a
memento to Mr Pranab Mukherjee, President of India during the
88th Convocation Ceremony of MCEME
Mr ESL Narasimhan, Governor of
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,
Lt Gen PM Hariz, General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief,
Army
Training Command, Lt Gen KJ Singh,
Director General of Electronics
and Mechanical Engineers, Lt Gen
Gurmukh Singh, Commandant,
Military College of Electronics and
Mechanical Engineering and many
other senior Army and Civilian
Officers.
- MA Khan Shakeel
Mr Pranab Mukherjee, President of India greeting the parents of the course officers at the
88th Convocation Ceremony
pix: B Satheesh Kumar
Mr Pranab Mukherjee, President of India with the officers participated in the Course after the 88th Convocation Ceremony
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
9
Army Displays Fire Power At KK Range
“
W
henever in future the battle is fought, armoured
troops will play a decisive role” said General Heinz
Guderian, and this statement has stood the test of time.
‘Fire Power and Manoeuvre Exercise’ and ‘Equipment
display’ was held on January 6, 2016 at KK Ranges
near Ahmadnagar, under the aegis of the Armoured
Corps Centre and School (ACC&S) and the Mechanised
Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC). The spectacular
demonstration of fire power and manoeuvre showcased
Mechanised Forces capabilities, proficiency and
operational preparedness. The ear-defening thunder
of Tanks and Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs), which
unleashed their lethal and accurate fire power at the KK
Ranges, near Ahmadnagar left the viewers awestruck.
ACC&S and MIRC are the premier establishments of
the Indian Mechanised Forces headed by Major General
Praveen Dixit, and Brigadier VS Verma, respectively.
These institutions, besides training the personnel of
our Armoured Forces also train students from friendly
foreign countries in Mechanised Warfare and Technical
Training on Armoured Fighting Vehicles.
Most modern equipment in the inventory of the army
fired with precision in cohesion with each other, with the
main attraction being T-90 tanks. The Mechnised Forces
Fire Power and Manoeuvre Exercise was conducted over
two hours wherein during Part I, the technological and
tactical capability of intergrated might of the tanks,
Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) and Attack Helicopters
were showcased. During Part II, Firing on static and
dynamic mode was carried out.
The display of the power of tanks and ICVs saw crew’s
commendable adeptness in handling the equipment and
hit ‘bulls eye’ again and again. The Hunter Killer concept
was amply proven by the T-90 tanks, which while on the
move, accurately engaged different targets at varying
ranges with shells and missiles.
This was followed by a spectacular display of quick
attack on a simulated enemy position, by a Combat
Group comprising of an armoured squadron and
mechanised infantry company. The spectators were
enthralled by the sight of tanks charging on to them,
supported by covering fire and bombardment by Artillery
and Air Force Fighter Air Crafts. On termination of
this manoeuvre, spectators had an opportunity to see
the Tanks, Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs), different
weapon platforms and ammunition from close quarters
and assess their capability.
- Mahesh Iyengar
10
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
Joint Army- NSDC Skill Symposium 2016
T
he Indian Army, as part of
the 68th Army Day 2016
Celebrations,
conducted
an
Indian Army Skills Symposium in
collaboration with the National
Skill Development Corporation
(NSDC) at Manekshaw Centre,
Delhi Cantonment on January 6,
2016. The Skills Symposium was
presided by Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma,
Adjutant General of the Indian Army
along with representatives from
the Ministries of Defence and Skill
Development. Mr Jayant Krishna,
CEO, NSDC delivered the opening
address wherein he highlighted the
importance of building a relationship
between the Armed Forces and the
NSDC on skilling prospective military
retirees in a nation building role. An
orientation workshop was conducted
January 16-31, 2016
by Mr Rajiv Mathur, Head Standards
& Quality Assurance, NSDC, in
presence of the Commandants
and Training Commanders of the
various Regimental Training Centres
in the Indian Army. Approximately,
90 Military & Civilian delegates
attended the symposium.
The
Indian
Army
Skills
Symposium was followed by a field
visit of the Army delegates to IL&FS
Skill Development Centre located at
Okhla. The visit gave an opportunity
to the Indian Army leadership to
witness the training standards and
norms as prevalent in the industry
and explore possible avenues to
partner with them in this field.
The symposium is a significant
step after the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding
between the Ministry of Defence
and Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship on Skill
Development in July 2015 and aims
at building a better understanding
among the Army Leadership about
the National Skilling Initiative and
possible opportunities to align
prospective military retirees to
civilian job roles, as defined under
the new NSDC Policy Framework
issued in 2015.
The symposium has paved the
way for better coordination and
collaboration between the NSDC
and Indian Army in the future which
will eventually benefit the over
60,000 personnel retiring from the
Army each year.
- Col Rohan Anand
Sainik Samachar
11
General Om Prakash Malhotra, Ex Chief of Army Staff, Passes Away
G
“Gen OP Malhotra was the epitome
of a soldier and a statesman who
will always be remembered as one
of the most prominent leaders in the
annals of Indian Military History”.
eneral Om Prakash Malhotra
passed away at the age of 93
years at his residence in Gurgaon
on December 29, 2015. He was
the 13th Chief of Army Staff of the
Indian Army from 1978 to 1981, the
Ambassador of India to Indonesia
from 1981 to 1984 and Governor
of Punjab and Administrator of
Chandigarh from 1990 to 1991.
The President of India in
his condolence message said
“He served the Indian Army with
distinction for more than four
decades. He was a distinguished
public servant who made his mark
as Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador
of India to Indonesia, Administrator
of Chandigarh and Governor of
Punjab. For his outstanding services
to the nation and the Indian Army,
he was honoured with PVSM in
1976. Gen Malhotra’s service to the
nation will always be remembered”.
The Defence Minister condoled the
passing away of the General, stating
Gen Om Prakash Malhotra, Former COAS
(1978 to 1981)
“He had an illustrious career serving
the armed forces and excelled as the
ambassador of India to Indonesia
and as administrator of Chandigarh
and Governer of Punjab”. General
Dalbir Singh, the Chief of Army Staff
laid a floral wreath to pay tribute to
the former Army Chief and stated that
General
Malhotra
was
commissioned into the Regiment of
Artillery. He commanded different
Artillery
Regiments
between
November 1950 and July 1961.
Besides being an instructor at the
Defence Service Staff College,
Wellington, he was the Military
Attache at the Indian Embassy in
Moscow for over three years from
June 1962. He commanded an
Artillery Brigade from August 1965
to January 1966 and thereafter
took over a Mountain Brigade. He
commanded an Infantry Division and
was thereafter posted as the Chief
of Staff in a Corps Headquarters
in the Eastern Sector in September
1969 till May 1972, when he
took over a Corps in the Western
Sector. In 1974, General Malhotra
COAS Gen Dalbir Singh paying homage at mortal remains of ex-Chief Gen OP Malhotra at Delhi Cantt
12
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
was appointed General Officer
Commanding-in-chief,
Southern
Command and in Jan 1977 as the
Vice Chief of the Army Staff. General
OP Malhotra, assumed the office of
the Chief of the Army Staff in June
1978. He was also the President of
the Equestrian Federation of India
for nearly nine years. In 1994, the
University of Jammu conferred the
Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honours
Causa) upon him.
The mortal remains of Gen OP
Malhotra were consigned to flames
at Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment,
on December 31, 2015. As per
service protocol, all ex-Army Chiefs
are accorded a funeral with full
military honours. Wreaths were
also laid on behalf of the President
of India and the Defence Minister.
Marshal of the Air Force Arjan
Singh, Ex-Army Chiefs (General VN
Sharma, General NC Vij, General
JJ Singh and General Bikram
Singh), Chief of Army and Naval
Gen Dalbir Singh interacting with relatives of Gen OP Malhotra during funeral ceremony at
Delhi Cantt
Staff, representative of office of
Governor of Punjab, representative
of Equestrian Federation of India
and a host of serving and retired
fraternity of Army were present on
the occasion as a mark of respect to
the ex-Army Chief.
Saroj Malhotra and his two children.
His son, Mr Ajai Malhotra was
Ambassador of India to the Russian
Federation, Kuwait, Romania and
Deputy Permanent Representative of
India to the United Nations in New
York.
The General is survived by Mrs
- Col Rohan Anand
Gun Carriage carrying the mortal remains of Gen OP Malhotra at New Delhi on December 31, 2015
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
13
Joint Indo-French Exercise Shakti – 2016
T
he French Army contingent
participating in Indo - French
joint training Exercise “Shakti –
2016” arrived in Mahajan Field
Firing Ranges on January 6, 2016.
The French contingent comprising
of 56 personnel of 35th Infantry
Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade,
is led by Maj Thibaut De Lacoste
Lareymondie. The exercise will start
on 08th January and terminate on
16th January.
The Indo-French Joint Counterterrorism Exercise Shakti 2016 is an
important step for the Armies to train
together and gain from each other’s
rich operational experience. Both
countries have troops deployed in
counter-insurgency/ counter-terrorist
operations and therefore sharing
each other’s military experiences will
pay meaningful dividends.
2nd Battalion The Garhwal
Rifles, part of the Sapta Shakti
Command has been nominated
for this exercise. The unit has been
put through a strenuous training
schedule to prepare for the exercise,
which includes firing, combat
conditioning, tactical operations,
heli-borne operations etc. The
illustrious selected battalion has
varied experience in Counter
Insurgency/
Counter
Terrorist
operations. The unit was bestowed
with the prestigious Chief of the
Army Staff Citation and General
Officer
Commanding-in-Chief
Northern Command Unit Citation
for maintaining law and order,
keeping terrorism under check and
maintaining sanctity of the border in
the Northern Theatre.
35th Infantry Regiment’s origin
dates back to its raising in 1604
at Lorraine (France). The regiment
has as many as 12 battle honours
to its credit. The battalion has
14
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
varied combat experiences, having
served in Algeria, Africa, Iraq and
Afghanistan, amongst other places.
The joint exercise will undergo
a training schedule aimed at combat
conditioning,
infantry
tactical
operations in a counter terrorism
January 16-31, 2016
environment and planning of joint
operations under the United Nations
mandate. This exercise will culminate
in a tactical exercise encompassing
clearing of pockets of terrorists in
rural and urban environment.
- Lt Col Manish Ojha
Sainik Samachar
15
Vice President Inaugurates DG NCC Republic
Day Camp 2016
ice President of India Mr M Hamid
Ansari formally inaugurated
V
the National Cadet Corps (NCC)
Republic Day Camp 2016 at the DG
NCC Camp adjacent to Garrison
Parade Ground in Delhi Cantt on
January 6, 2016. On his arrival,
the Vice President was received by
the Director General NCC, Lt Gen
Aniruddha Chakravarty.
Vice President of India Mr M Hamid Ansari addressing the cadets and officers of NCC after
inaugurating the DG NCC Republic Day Camp 2016 at Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi
Cantt. DG NCC Lt Gen Aniruddha Chakravarty is also seen.
Vice President of India Mr M Hamid Ansari
inaugurating the DG NCC Republic Day
Camp 2016 by unfurling NCC Flag at
Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt
2069 Cadets including 695
girl cadets drawn from 17 NCC
Directorates covering all the States
and Union Territories of the Country
are participating in this camp that
culminates into the Prime Minister’s
Rally on January 28, 2016. The
cadets attending the camp will
be participating in a number of
activities, like Cultural Programme,
National Integration Awareness and
Institutional Training Competitions.
A contingent of smartly turned
out NCC cadets drawn from all
the three wings of Army, Navy and
Air Force, presented a “Guard of
Honour” to the Vice President on his
arrival. The Vice President also visited
the Flag Area where he listened to
the young cadets briefing about their
respective States and appreciated
the various social themes displayed
in the Flag Areas prepared by them.
In his address, the Vice President
Vice President of India Mr M Hamid Ansari inspecting the Guard of Honour after inaugurating the DG NCC Republic Day Camp 2016 at
Garrison Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt.
16
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
complimented the efforts of National
Cadet Corps, the largest uniformed
organisation in grooming the youth
of the country and its contribution
towards “Nation Building’. He also
mentioned that NCC is and would
be in the vanguard of all activities of
our youth helping to channelise our
youth into a creative force to usher
in social changes through spectrum
of activities. The Vice President also
appreciated the impressive turnout
of the ‘Guard of Honour’. He
urged the NCC cadets to avail the
best of NCC training and be more
responsible and empowered citizens
of the country.
- Nampibou Marinmai
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
17
Army Dental Corps Adventure Activities
“Spreading Smiles” Nation Wide
A
s a prelude to the platinum jubilee
raising day of Army Dental Corps,
various adventure activities including
Motor Cycle Rallies, Hot Air Balloon
demonstration, Microlite Aircraft
display as well as Bicycle campaign
have been organised recently in
various zones of Central, Southern
and South Western Commands by
gallant teams consisting of Dental
Officers and Para-dental staff.
The rallies at every station were
flagged off by Senior Officer of the
respective Command Zone. The
teams carried banners of oral health
inculcating the spirit of adventure
18
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
and spreading awareness about oral
and dental health with side effect of
tobacco usage so as to keep our
brave soldiers and their families
“Biting Fit”. The teams spread smiles
everywhere with distribution of
dental health education pamphlets
apart from conducting motivational
talks in Army, ASHA and Central
schools. The adventure activities
were witnessed by a large number of
spectators and appreciated by one
and all.
Inputs: Col M Hundal
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
19
Defence Minister Dedicates ‘Atal Setu’ to the Nation
T
he Defence Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar
inaugurated the strategically important 592 meter
long cable suspension bridge ‘Atal Setu’ on River Ravi
near Basolion on road Pathankot-Dhar-Dunera-BasholiBani-Bhadharwah-Doda-Anantnag on December 24,
2015 in presence of Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister
for Development of North-Eastern region and Minister
of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Chaudhary Lal
Singh, Health Minister, J&K Government and local MLA,
Basholi. Amongst the military dignitaries present were
General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen KJ
Singh, Army Commander, Western Command and Lt
Gen RM Mittal, Director General Border Roads.
‘Atal Setu’ is an engineering marvel and only the
fourth bridge of its kind in the Country. The bridge will
act as a catalyst for further development of the region
with pay-offs in terms of providing alternate connectivity
to Doda and rest of the Kashmir Valley, in addition to
the existing NH-44. It will lead to surge in commercial
and tourism related activities in the area including
water and adventure sports, thus contributing towards
empowerment of local populace. Militarily, ‘Atal Setu’
is a strategic bridge on Pathankot-Doda axis, which
will improve the overall security scenario of the region
during war and emergency situations.
- Lt Col Manish Mehta
20
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
21
68th Army Day - 2016
Army Conducts A Gala ‘Raahgiri’
A
s part of ‘68th Army Day Celebration- 2016’
, the Army conducted an Army ‘Raahgiri’
with an endeavour to connect with the masses
and bring the 68th Army day celebrations closer
home to the general public. The Army conducted
various programmes at Central Park, Connaught
Place and Sector 10, Dwarka on January 10,
2016.
The events focused on the theme of healthy
living and included colourful Martial Arts display
by troops of the Assam Regiment and other
cultural shows like ‘Lezim’ from Maharashtra and
‘Chang Dance’ from Rajasthan. The events also
showcased the Infantry Soldier’s bayonet training
drill, known as “Dhawa”, where the audience was
allowed to participate and win prizes.
The Army Dog Squads also displayed their
military training skills and gave a golden chance
to the gathering to learn about how Army
Dogs perform their operational tasks. An Army
Aerobics and ‘Malakhamb’ team demonstrated
elite gymnastics skills and raw muscular strength
to motivate the youth to ape a healthy lifestyle.
The event was conducted as a prelude to
the Army Day Celebrations this year and certainly
went a long way to etch an impression in the
minds of the future generations of the country on
the Indian Army’s legacy of Courage, Valour and
Sacrifice.
- Col Rohan Anand
22
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
23
Patient Care: AWWA Initiatives
A
rmy Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) aims to
support and enhance the official welfare efforts within
the Army, focusing especially on the welfare of families,
children and Veer Naris of all ranks including retired
personnel of the Army. Amongst the stated objectives
of AWWA is the welfare of patients in Military Hospitals.
Central AWWA Projects/ventures under Prerna Cancer
Patient Support Group and Patients Welfare Committees
which reach out to the patients by providing medical and
moral support. In addition 38 ASHA Schools are being
provided financial support under the aegis of AWWA,
which provide education, rehabilitation training and
support to the Differently Abled Children.
Cancer is a dreaded word and largely equated with
death for those who do not understand it. To provide
the requisite social and emotional support to patients
suffering from cancer, their care-takers and well-wishers,
AWWA has launched a support group, PRERNA. The
volunteers work closely with the medical and para
medical staff, with the aim of providing these patients
with comprehensive care. About 500 patients suffering
from cancer related ailments are under medical care in
Army R & R Hospital.
Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA visited Prerna
Cancer Support Group in R&R hospital on December
21, 2015. The Group was launched in year 2002 and
comprises of volunteer ladies who help in counselling
the Cancer Patients, their well-wishers and care takers.
The Prerna Support Group has its presence felt in the
Oncology wards,Paediatric ward and Chemotherapy day
care. The President AWWA visited the patients and was
briefed on the treatment and assistance being provided to
the patients. The children of Oncology ward performed
a Christmas Celebrations show by singing Christmas
songs and Carols. The Prerna volunteers participated in
the story telling, which the children enjoyed to full extent.
The president AWWA also presented a cheque of Rs 1.5
lacs to Prerna Cancer Support Group.
The President AWWA distributed sweets and
conveyed her best wishes for Christmas and the New
Year 2016 to all the Patients of Oncology ward. She also
wished them all the very best for their speedy recovery.
The committees at Base Hospital and R&R Hospital,
Delhi have been constituted under the aegis of AWWA.
They are committed to all round welfare activities for
patients and families of its dependent clientele. The
volunteers strive to achieve excellence in providing
comfort to patients and provide counselling on the
24
Sainik Samachar
prevailing health problems and current endemics.
All efforts are made under the aegis of AWWA to
provide a comfortable and aesthetic environment to
patients in wards. Aesthetic curtains and bed sheets were
recently provided to the family wards. The Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit has a Display System installed for
babies in critical conditions. Mothers’, whose child has
been kept in the intensive Care Unit to provide care
and prevent infection, can now see their baby through
cameras placed, giving tremendous solace to mothers
who cannot be in the NICU with their child. Automated
Chapati making machines are being installed in the
kitchens and Yoga Classes are being held for patients
three days in a week.
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS and President AWWA
visited the Research and Referral (RR) Hospital and the
Base Hospital on January 1, 2016. They visited Neuro
Surgical Ward, Acute Medical Ward, Orthopedic, and
Family Wards and interacted with the patients, wishing
them speedy recovery in the New Year. Gifts were
presented to patients and hospital staff by President
AWWA in addition to Rs 50,000 each to the chairpersons
of Patient Welfare Committee of both hospitals from
AWWA Fund. A grant of Rs 7.5 lac each was also
handed over to hospitals for improvement of amenities/
facilities for patient welfare from the Welfare Fund.
The Army, as part of its ethos and culture, has
always been committed towards delivery of much
needed care and compassion to the people who are
undergoing treatment in hospitals for various ailments.
As part of this continued support, the COAS with the
First Lady spent better part of the day with their fraternity
undergoing treatment, on the first day of 2016.
- Col Rohan Anand
January 16-31, 2016
Air Defence College, Memaura
Graduation Ceremony of 152nd Fighter Controllers’ Course
A
n
impressive
graduation
ceremony was held at Officers’
Mess, Air Force Station Memaura
on December 11, 2015 to mark
the completion of 152nd Fighter
Controllers’ Course. The valedictory
function was presided over by
Air Marshal KS Gill, Air Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air
Command, Indian Air Force. Gp Capt
KB Mathews, Commanding Officer,
Air Defence College delivered the
course report highlighting the salient
training activities undertaken during
the course.
The
meritorious
trainees
were awarded with trophies and
certificates. Flying Officer Kumari
Rashmi Thakur was adjudged ‘Best in
Overall Performance’.
The course commenced in July
2015 with an intake of 18 Indian
Air Force and eight international
trainees from friendly foreign
countries. The international students
passed out from the college in the
month of September 2015. The IAF
officers having undergone six month
January 16-31, 2016
long training, received the coveted
Fighter Controller brevet and course
completion certificate from the chief
guest on Friday evening.
Air Marshal KS Gill also
spent the day in Air Force Station
Memaura and inaugurated the
Married Accommodations for Air
Warriors built under MAP project and
Single Officers’ accommodation.
He addressed the air warriors of the
station and interacted with them.
The ceremony was attended
by Gp Capt Vipul Singh, Station
Commander, Air Force Station
Memaura, Mrs Mamta Singh,
President AFWWA (Local) and other
important appointments of the
station.
- Gargi Malik Sinha
Sainik Samachar
25
National War Memorial, At Last
E
xtracts of a Lyrical Legacy of the
young dead soldiers who do not
speak but have this to say to their
countrymen:-
Independence era constructed
within
military
stations,
cantonments and field areas.
•
They have a silence that speaks
for them at night and when the clock
counts. They say, We were young.
We have died. Remember us.
The
post-Independence
memorials have been constructed
by a wide variety of agencies, both
military and civil. However, because
of the delay in constructing the
National War Memorial, regional and
local War Memorials continued to
proliferate. These memorials fulfilled
the need of units and communities
to honour the sacrifice of soldiers.
However, the vacuum for a singular
National War Memorial remained.
We have done what we could
but until it is finished it is not done.
Our deaths are not ours: they
are yours: they will mean what you
make them.
Whether our lives and our
deaths were for peace and a new
hope or for nothing we cannot say:
it is you who must say this.
We leave you our deaths: give
them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We
have died. Remember us.
The Soldier
India is a country with rich military
heritage and strong warrior ethics. In
India the philosophy of the righteous
warhas guided the code of the warrior
for millennia. Wars and virtues of
soldiering have been carried through
folklore have permeated deep into
public consciousness. A solider
naturally invokes goodwill in India
despite some individuals or sections
of society view soldiering with a
limited point of view, when they justify
martyrdom with views like, “people
join armed forces to die”. Soldiers, for
sure are aware of that inevitability. Yet
they serve for the intangibles of Izzat,
Nam, Namak and Nishan or simply
for their fellow solider.
The reality checks posed
by recent wars and the ongoing
engagement
in
insurgency
operations or natural calamities
often confront the country and the
armed forces stand taller as they
26
Sainik Samachar
Memorials constructed by civic
bodies and state governments
within India.
faces them upfront. India has not
been un grateful to its solider, yet
finding expression or translating
this goodwill into a memorial of
remembrance, at national level, has
had to transcend multiple barriers.
Types of War Memorials
Numerous War Memorials
around the world bear testimony to
the sacrifice of the Indian Solider.
These memorials are important
because they act as historical
touchstones. They link the past to
the present and enable people to
remember and respect the sacrifice of
those who died, fought, participated
or were affected by conflicts. Three
kinds of memorials/war graves exist
in India and abroad:•
•
Memorials/war
graves
commemorating the war dead
of undivided India. These are of
the pre-Independence period
and most of these memorials
are under the care of the
Commonwealth War Graves
Commission (CWGC).
Memorials
of
post-
India Gate and its Relevance
Often, India Gate is mistaken
as the National War Memorial for
the Indian Soldiers. India Gate
is essentially remembered as a
memorial for those who lost their
lives in the operations undertaken by
the British India Army during World
War I and the Afghanistan-Wazirstan
Expeditionary operations. Towards
end December 1971, Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi expressed her desire
to pay homage to martyred soldiers
of 1971 war on occasion of Republic
Day (January 26, 1972). At short
notice, a temporary structure ie the
Amar Jawan Jyoti came up under
the India Gate Archway. Over the
years it came to be regarded as
the defacto War Memorial where
ceremonies of homage have been
conducted at national level.
National War Memorial (NWM)
Over the Years
Sometimes in 1961, the Chief
of Staff Committee had proposed a
Defence Services Museum. However,
due to the war of 1962, the subject
was deferred until a later date. In
January 16-31, 2016
1966 the case was reopened and
discussed at Defence Minister level
and a committee set up by Ministry
of Defence in 1967. Their efforts did
not bear fruits, till it was revived by
Parliamentary Standing Committee
on Defence, in 2004. Sites were
reconnoitered and considered at
Yamuna Bank, Ridge Area, Dhaula
Kuan, Princess Park etc and Central
Vista was recommended. The
subject again went into a limbo till
a Group of Ministers was formed in
2008. In 2012, the Chattri Complex
of India Gate was recommended for
National War Memorial and Princess
Park for National War Museum.
Draft Cabinet Notes were prepared
and opinion of stakeholders sought.
The President while addressing
the Joint Parliament Session on June
9, 2014 said that “The government
will build NWM to honour the
gallantry of our soldiers”. In July
2014, government announced its
decision to erect a NWM in vicinity
of India Gate. On October 7,
2015, the Union Cabinet approved
the construction of a NWM and
a National War Museum near
India Gate, in memory of all
Indian soldiers who have made the
supreme sacrifice for the country
post-independence.
The Plan
National War Memorial is
planned to be constructed so as to
pay a befitting tribute to our soldiers,
who laid down their lives defending
our nation from numerous external
aggressions and proxy wars. Postindependence,
about
25,000
soldiers have made the supreme
sacrifice (a figure that continues
to rise given turbulent internal and
external security environment) to
include major wars of 1947-48,
1962, 1965, 1971, Operation
VIJAY, Indian Peace Keeping
Operations in Sri Lanka, UN Peace
Keeping Operations, Humanitarian
Assistance and Disaster Relief
Operations, Counter Insurgency/
Low Intensity Conflict Operations
and other operational casualties
along the borders.
Memorials
are
generally
located at the heart of the National
Capital. This is true for almost all
state capitals, the world over. The
city grows around the Memorial for
its soldiers – perhaps a symbolism
that the country retains such
soldiers, right in its soul and not in
some obscure corner. NWM at C
Hexagon, located on Central Vista,
has been considered appropriate,
given the Ceremonial use of the
Amar Jawan Jyoti, at the India Gate,
Rajpath and Central Vista.
The war memorial would
inculcate a sense of high moral
values, sacrifice, national spirit and
belongingness in every citizen and
to pay a befitting tribute to soldiers
who laid down their lives. The war
museum is planned in its proximity
and intended to be an institution
to collect, preserve, interpret and
display military artifacts, portray
significant events or memories of
wars and related objects of historic
importance, for education and
promoting patriotism in younger
generations.
This prestigious project will
be monitored by an empowered
Steering Committee chaired by
Defence Secretary and assisted by
a dedicated project management
team, to ensure that the proposed
project is completed within scheduled
time frame. The estimated cost of the
project will be around Rs. 500 crore
and the total time for completion of
the entire project is estimated to be
five years.
Summing Up
A
NWM does not glorify
war/ conflicts but honours and
commemorates those who have laid
down their lives fighting them. The
proposed structure would be a place
of solemn remembrance for Indias
fallen solider. With India’s rich
military archaeology and heritage,
the museum has the potential to be
one of the most interesting military
history museum in the world.
A visit to the memorial shall
inspires us to rededicate ourselves
to this great nation with utmost
devotion.
- Col Rohan Anand
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
27
Army Organises Medical and Charity Function
K
eeping the motto of AWWA i.e. Asha Vishwas aur
Asthaas the guiding force, BAHATTAR PUNJABIS
under the aegis of Chola Brigade indentified an
organisation Shri Vishwamata Sewashram which is
devoted towards parenting special children and giving
them motivation and a better life. In todays society there
are many children who are physically and mentally
handicapped. These special children need nothing
but love, respect and support. They are innocence
personified and remain innocent throughout their life.
As per the statistics it is estimated that by 2020, there will
be 700 million people in this category all over the world.
The aim of this event was to motivate and encourage
the children with special needs and generate donations
for improvement in their standard of life. The activities
organised during the event included a cultural program by
42 special children to include a welcome song, patriotic
song, devotional song and skit. The event also included
a Street Play which was performed with full zeal and Joy
by team Jagriti of Chola Brigade to increase awareness
and generate sensitivity among audience on issues such
as Organ Donation and Cyber Security. Alongwith this
a free medical checkup and medication was conducted
to provide support and care under the leadership of Dr
(Mrs) Nidhi Pal Patnaik, Coordinator Family Welfare
Organisation. The response was extra ordinary from the
42 special children alongwith 05 teachers. Lastly as a
goodwill gesture a donation ceremony was organised
in which a 32 inches LED TV and a cash worth of
Rs 30,500/- was donated which was generated from all
the attendees of the event.
Special children need to be given care and affection
and not discrimination. It is responsibility of every person
to contribute towards betterment of life of such special
children in their own capacity. Such events not only
give them encouragement and support but also gives
a source of recognition and identity to these children
which always drive them to move ahead and excel in life.
Cultural Programme by Special Children
Medical checkup and Donation
28
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
POP of Officer Trainees Held at Kochi
O
ne hundred and seventy two
Officer Trainees, including
four International Sea Trainees from
Mauritius National Coast Guard
of the 88th Integrated Officer
Trainees Course (IOTC), passed out
of the portals of the First Training
Squadron in an impressive Passing
out Parade held at Naval base,
Kochi on December 11, 2015. Rear
Admiral RB Pandit, Chief of Staff of
the Southern Naval Command who
was the Chief Guest on this occasion
reviewed the parade and awarded
trophies to the winners. The First
Training Squadron comprises of
the Indian Naval Ships Tir, Sujata,
Shardul, Indian Coast Guard Ship
Varuna, the Sail Training Ships INS
Sudarshini and Tarangini.
The coveted Chief of the Naval
Staff trophy and Telescope for the
Best All Round Sea Trainee was
awarded to Sea Trainee Sigilipalli
Satish Kumar. Sea Trainee N Dinesh
Anand received the Binocular for
standing first in overall Order of
Merit and Sea Trainee Hardeep
Singh was awarded the FOC-IN-C
East rolling trophy for showing
maximum progress during his term
onboard. Sea Trainee Arun Palani
Kumar received the DG ICG trophy
for the best Coast Guard Sea
Trainee, while Sea Trainee Pritish R
Patil was awarded FOC-in-C South
Rolling trophy for being adjudged
the best sportsman.
The sea training of 24 weeks
for the 88th IOTC commenced
on June 29, 2015 and included
extensive instructions and practical
experience on General Navigation,
Astro Navigation, Communications,
Gunnery and Seamanship. The Sea
Trainees also visited various ports
on East and West Coast of India as
well as overseas.
The
sail
training phase for the trainees was
January 16-31, 2016
Chief of Staff Inspecting POP Guard
Chief of Staff Awarding First in Overall Order of Merit Trophy to Sea Trainee N Dinesh Anand
Sea Trainees Passing Out in Dhire Chal
onboard INS Tarangini wherein they
have visited 17 overseas ports and
participated in Tall ship races off
Europe from April 27 to December
3, 2015 in batches.
The officers will now join various
frontline warships of Western and
Eastern Fleet for further six months of
afloat training. The four international
Officers of the Mauritius National
Coast Guard will join the ships in
Southern Naval Command for SubLieutenant Afloat training.
- Cdr Sridhar Warrier
Sainik Samachar
29
Commissioning of INS Kadmatt
Another Milestone Towards ‘Self-Reliance’ And ‘Make-In-India’
I
NS Kadmatt, second ship of Project
28 (P28) class Anti-Submarine
Warfare (ASW) Corvettes, was
commissioned into the Indian Navy
by the Chief of Naval Staff at a
glittering ceremony held at Naval
Dockyard, Visakhapatnam January
7, 2015. The event marks the
formal induction into the Navy of the
second of the four ASW Corvettes,
indigenously designed by the Indian
Navy’s
in-house
organisation,
Directorate of Naval Design and
constructed by Garden Reach
Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited,
Kolkata.
Addressing
the
gathering
Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the
Naval Staff said that “Commissioning
of INS Kadmatt marks yet another
milestone in our journey towards
self-reliance and Make-in-India”. He
further said that the new INS Kadmatt
commissioned today, would proudly
carry forward the name she inherits
from her illustrious predecessor,
the older Petya Class. The earlier
Kadmatt, also an ASW Corvette,
acquired in 1968 from the erstwhile
Soviet Union, distinguished herself in
Adm RK Dhowan reviewing the Guard of Honour at commissioning ceremony of INS
Kadmatt at Visakhapatnam
the 24 years of service to the nation,
particularly during the 1971 IndoPak war, Operation Pawan in Sri
Lanka, and Operation Tasha.
INS Kadmatt is named after
one of the large islands amongst
the Lakshadweep group of Islands
off the west coast of India. The
Lakshadweep Islands and the Navy
share a special relation with the
Island chain being home to our
Adm RK Dhowan unveiling the ships plaque on commissioning of INS Kadmatt
30
Sainik Samachar
base INS Dweeprakshak, as well as
detachments on Minicoy, Androth
and Bitra Islands. The commissioning
of INS Kadmatt today signifies the
importance of our Island territories
as our maritime interests said the
Admiral.
Regarded as a very prestigious
acquisition, INS Kadmatt is one of
the most potent warships to have
been constructed in India. The ships
of P28 class have been constructed
using high grade steel (DMR
249A) produced in India. With a
displacement of 3300 tonnes, the
sleek and magnificent ship spans
109 meters in length and 13.7
meters at the beam and is propelled
by four diesel engines to achieve
speeds in excess of 25 knots with an
endurance of 3450 Nm. Some of
the advanced stealth features have
been incorporated in this ship.
INS Kadmatt has a multitude of
networks such as Total Atmospheric
Control System (TACS), Integrated
Platform
Management
System
(IPMS), Integrated Bridge System
January 16-31, 2016
(IBS), Battle Damage Control
System (BDCS) and Personnel
Locator System (PLS) to provide a
contemporary and process oriented
System of Systems for optimal
functioning of the warship.
The unique feature of this ship
is the high level of indigenisation
incorporated in the production,
accentuating our national objective
of ‘Make in India’. About 90% of
the ship is indigenous and the ship
is equipped to fight in Nuclear,
Biological and Chemical (NBC)
warfare conditions. INS Kadmatt
has many firsts to its credit which
include the rail-less helo traversing
system and foldable hangar door
for the integral ASW helicopter. The
ship’s weapons and sensors suite
is predominantly indigenous and
showcases the nation’s growing
capability in this niche area. Some
of the major equipment/ systems
developed indigenously include
Combat
Management
System,
Rocket Launcher, Torpedo Tube
Launchers and Infra-Red Signature
Suppression System.
Adm RK Dhowan, CNS presenting a silver salver to Cdr MC Moudgil on commissioning of
INS Kadmatt
The ship’s crew comfort has
been a significant feature in the
design of INS Kadmatt and has been
ensured through ergonomically
designed accommodation and
galley compartments using modular
concept. The ship is commanded
by Commander Mahesh Chandra
Moudgil and would be an integral
part of the Eastern Fleet under the
Eastern Naval Command.
With the changing power
dynamics in the Indian Ocean
Region, INS Kadmatt will augment
the mobility, reach and flexibility of
Indian Navy.
- Cdr CG Raju
January 16-31, 2016
INS Kadmatt
Sainik Samachar
31
Central Air Command
Air Chief Inaugurates Station Commanders’ Conference
A
ir Chief Marshal Arup Raha,
Chairman Chief of Staff
Committee and Chief of the Air
Staff inaugurated the Station
Commanders’
Conference
at
Headquarters Central Air Command,
Bamrauli, Allahabad on December
18, 2015. On arrival at Bamrauli
airfield, the Air Chief along with Mrs
Lily Raha, President Air Force Wives
Welfare
Association
(AFWWA)
were received by Air Marshal KS
Gill, Air Officer Commanding-inChief, Central Air Command and
Mrs Ranjeet Gill President AFWWA
(Regional). A ceremonial Guard of
Honour was presented to the Chief.
In his inaugural address to all
the commanders of the Air Force
bases under Central Air Command,
Air Chief Marshal Raha apprised
the commanders on the current geo
political situation and the role of IAF
to deal with various contingencies
and threats. He also stressed on the
commanders to keep themselves
updated on modern developments
and emerging technologies. During
the conference, CAS also reviewed
the progress of various ongoing
projects and plans. He inaugurated
“Veteran Square” built in the CAC
premises to pay tribute to selfless
Chief of Air Staff Inaugurating Veteran Square at HQ CAC
service rendered by the war veterans
to the nation.
The Air Chief presented
various trophies to the stations
for outstanding performance and
achieving the key result areas.
“Pride of CAC” trophy was awarded
to Air Force Station Agra, whereas
Air Force Station Memaura was
declared best mini station of Central
Air Command. Air Force Stations
Gwalior, Bareilly and Memaura
were awarded the trophies for being
best in Operations, Maintenance
and Administration respectively.
While addressing the air warriors
Chief of Air Staff reviewing Guard of Honour
32
Sainik Samachar
and civilian employees, the Air
Chief acknowledged the hard work
and professionalism of each and
every one of them and lauded their
efforts and contributions towards the
operational preparedness of IAF as
well as Central Air Command. He
urged all personnel to work with
integrity and dedication to achieve
the organisational goal. Air Force
song was played with full military
honour during the Hollow Square
Parade.
On the sidelines of the visit,
Mrs Lily Raha, President AFWWA
(Central) held discussions with Mrs
Ranjeet Gill, President AFWWA
(Regional) on various welfare
activities being undertaken for the
welfare of sanginis and their family.
Besides presiding over the Board of
Management meeting, Mrs Lily Raha
also interacted with the sanginis
during the specially organised
meeting.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha
and Mrs Lily Raha departed for Delhi
on December 19, 2015 morning.
They were seen off by Air Marshal
KS Gill and Mrs Ranjeet Gill along
with other dignitaries.
- Gp Capt BB Pande
January 16-31, 2016
Construction Commences For Defence University
M
inistry of Defence had acquired 205 acre and 15
marla of land in September 2012 in Gurgaon
for setting up of world class Indian National Defence
University (INDU), the first of its kind in India. The
foundation stone of the University was laid in May
2013. However, to meet the aspirations and need of
the villagers of Binola and Bilaspur of having access
from their fields to National Highway - 8, Ministry of
Defence transferred 2 acre 3 kanal 9½ marla of land to
Government of Haryana in August this year to be used
by the villagers as village track.
With all revenue related issues resolved,
infrastructure development at the University finally
commenced with the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony held at
Indian National Defence University site on December
17, 2015.
Air Marshal AS Bhonsle of Integrated Defence Staff
was the Chief Guest on the occasion who laid the first
Bhoomi Pujan Ceremony at Indian National Defence University Site
by DCIDS Air Marshal AS Bhonsle
brick for the construction of boundary wall, perimeter
road, guard room and watch towers. The ceremony
was attended by officials from the Ministry of Defence,
Directorate of Indian National Defence University, Chief
Engineer, Delhi Zone, Revenue Department of Gurgaon,
Police and villagers from Binola and Bilaspur.
- Nitin D Wakankar
Lt Gen Balwant Singh Negi Visits Pithoragarh and Bareilly Military Station
L
t Gen Balwant Singh Negi, Army Commander, Central
Command visited Pithoragarh and Bareilly Military
Station on January 4, 2016. This was the first visit of
the Army Commander to Pithoragarh after taking over
the Central Command. He was briefed by the Formation
Commander in the Brigade Headquarters about the
operational and administrative responsibilities. A review
of security situation was also undertaken specially in
view of recent inputs.
Lt Gen Balwant Singh Negi also visited Headquarters
Uttar Bharat Area at Bareilly. He was briefed about the
operational and administrative responsibilities of the
formation as also about the various welfare activities
undertaken for troops and their families including station
matters.
During the visit, the Lt Gen Balwant Singh Negi was
also apprised of aspects related to Veterans of the area
and various steps taken and facilities provided towards
mitigating their problems. Lt Gen Negi appreciated the
efforts and complemented the Veterans community for
their zeal and enthusiasm and contribution towards
Indian Army in particular and nation as a whole.
Lt Gen Negi also interacted with officers and troops
at these locations and expressed his happiness at the
high state of morale and operational preparedness
displayed by them.
- Gargi Malik Sinha
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
33
Valedictory of 139th Qualified Flying Instructors’ Course
T
he Valedictory Function for the 139th Qualified Flying
Instructors Course (QFIC) was held on November 20,
2015 Air Force Station, Tambaram. The Chief Guest
for the function was Air Marshal S Neelakantan, Air
Officer-in-Charge personnel. Air Officer Commanding
of Air Force Station Tambaram, Air Commodore Rippon
Gupta was the Chief Host.
The Flying Instructors School (FIS) which is based at
Air force Station, Tambaram, is a unique institution that
has established a niche for itself in the field of aviation
training.
Gp Capt Vivek Gupta, Commanding Officer of the
Flying Instructors’ School, under whose supervision all
the training is done, summed up the achievements of
the course. The Chief Guest stressed on the invaluable
role played by FIS in training Qualified Flying Instructors
(QFIs) who are instrumental in producing pilots who
meet the desired standards for their organization. These
QFIs would thereafter carry the responsibility of guiding
newly inducted trainee pilots in consonance with the
long term vision of the IAF.
The Valedictory Function marked the culmination
of the efforts of the trainees and staff of FIS. Graduates
of the Course were awarded the coveted symbol of
‘Qualified Flying Instructor’ which they can now wear
proudly on their uniforms. The pilots who achieved
distinction in flying and ground subjects were awarded
the trophies. In his convocational address, the Chief
Guest congratulated the graduating officers.
- T Shanmugam
DG Coast Guard on a Visit to Myanmar
V
ice Admiral HCS Bisht, Director General, Indian
Coast Guard was on a maiden official visit to
Myanmar from January 6-9, 2016. The visit was intended
at exploring new avenues for Coast Guard cooperation
towards a common approach for the maritime issues in
the Bay of Bengal.
During his stay at Myanmar, the Director General
held a series of meetings with the high ranking officers of
the Myanmar Armed Forces including the Commander in
Chief of Myanmar Defence Forces,Senior General Ming
Aung Hlaing and Commander in Chief of Myanmar
Navy Vice Adm Tin Aung San. The Director General
also visited various training and operational facilities at
Mandalay and Yangon.
Conjoining with the visit a Coast Guard Ship VARAD
made a port call at Yangon, from January 7 to 11,
2016 to further promote the friendship and cooperation
between the two countries.
- Comdt IJ Singh
34
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
Bahattar Punjabis Organise Medical Camp on Vijay Diwas
T
o remember the victory and
commemorate the sacrifice of our
martyrs and veterans an interaction
with the local veterans and a
medical camp for the children of
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Hasimara was
organised by BAHATTAR PUNJABIS
under the aegis of Chola Brigade. It
was an initiative by the unit to pay
tribute to the martyrs and veterans of
the Indo-Pak war of 1971 in which
nearly 96,000 Pakistani Soldiers
surrendered to Indian Army.
The aim of the camp was to
interact with Veterans and remember
the sacrifice of our brave soldiers on
the eve of Vijay Diwas celebrations.
Alongwith this, to publicise the event,
free medical checkup and medicines
were provided to the students.
The activities organised for
veterans and school children included
a detailed interaction with veterans
in which 22 veterans had attended.
During the interaction the heroes of
Interaction with Veterans
1971 War were remembered for
their sacrifices and valour as we
commemorate India’s victory over
Pakistan in the 1971 War. Alongwith
this various issues related to veterans
to include redressal of grievances,
benefits of ECHS and pensionary
benefits were also discussed. This
was followed by medical checkup
and free medication by Dr (Mrs)
Nidhi Patnaik, Coordinator, Family
Welfare organisation and Capt
Vibhuti, Medical Officer for school
children.
Sikkim State Tourism Award
L
ocated at a height of 10,800 ft
near the Indo-China border of
East Sikkim, 317 Field Hospital has
shown steadfast professionalism in
caring for serving personnel as well as
treatment and evacuation of civilian
casualties under most challenging of
the circumstances. From being the
only resort for high altitude illnesses
in the area, casualty-evacuation
from deep gorges of mountains,
being life-line for tourists stranded
Felicitation of Col KV Radhakrishna, CO 317 Field Hospital by Shri Ugen T Gyatso Bhutia,
Hon’ble MoS, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Govt of Sikkim
January 16-31, 2016
in landslides to reaching out to
casualties during earthquakes, the
hospital has earned the true adage
of “DARING HEALERS” from the
civilian community.
During the maiden KailashMansarovar Yatra of 2015 through
the Nathu-La axis, the hospital
played a crucial role in providing
medical cover to the yatris in
coordination with civil health setup. As recognition to these selfless
services and aid to civil authorities,
the DARING HEALERS were
felicitated by the Government of
Sikkim with the State Tourism Award
on occasion of World Tourism Day
on 28 Sep 2015.
- Col Rohan Anand
Sainik Samachar
35
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
I
n continuation of its efforts to foster
better civil military relations for the
Awam of Srinagar, the Chinar Corps
agreed to the proposal of CM, J&K
to jointly develop a Citizens’ Park
over 17.5 Acres in Tattoo Ground
Garrison, Srinagar which would
be open to both, the Army and
Awam. On November 3, 2015, in a
function organized by 152 AD Regt
under the aegis of Chinar Corps AD
Bde, Mr Mufti Mohammad Sayed,
CM, J&K unveiled the Foundation
Stone of the ibid park in presence
of Chinar Corps Commander,Lt
Gen Satish Dua and Ms Mehbooba
Mufti, MP and President PDP. The
construction of the park reflects the
trust and close cooperation between
the civil adm and the Army and is a
symbol of commitment of the Army
to the Awam for providing better
civic amenities to the Awam of
Srinagar. The park is expected to be
inaugurated in May 2016.
- Col NN Joshi
Commissioning of Nursing Cadets
T
wenty six Nursing Cadets were
commissioned as Lieutenants in
the Military Nursing Service (MNS)
at a ceremony held at Command
Hospital (EC), Kolkata on January 2,
2016.
Maj General T S Ahluwalia,
Commandant (Command Hospital),
36
Sainik Samachar
Chief Guest on the occasion, in
his address said the MNS Officers
played a major role as versatile and
unique health care providers. He
added that the services rendered by
officers not only mitigated the pain
and suffering of the ailing, but also
hastened their recovery. He urged
the Cadets to live up to the motto
“Service with Smile”.
Lt Ashitha VT was awarded Gold
medal while Lt Neelam was awarded
Silver medal. All Round Best Student
award went to Lt Sapna Yadav.
- Wg Cdr SS Birdi
January 16-31, 2016
Ex-Servicemen Meet
E
x-Servicemen Meet is a vital forum wherein the Army
gets first hand accounting of problems being faced by
ESM as well as inform them about latest welfare schemes.
The problems faced by ESM are multifaceted. Many exservicemen are not even aware of their entitlements
& pensionary benefits. Their needs, aspirations and
expectations are to be met by the Army.
BAHATTAR PUNJABIS under aegis of Chola
Brigade conducted a ESM Meet cum Mega Medical
camp at Hasimara on November 19, 2015. It was an
initiative by the unit to generate awareness about various
Government Schemes for ESM and to provide medical
facilities free of cost to the poor people and children
from remote areas. A Mega Medical Camp was also
org to cater for the med needs of the local people as the
area is remote and deprived of medical facilities.
The activities organised for ESM, local population
and school children included establishment of ESM Cell,
information Room, Information stalls on pensionary
benefits & Government schemes for ESM. A Mega medical
camp to include specialists from different fields such as
Gynecologist, Orthopedic, Pediatrician and medical
specialist from renowned medical institutes of India were
present. Alongwith this a weapon and equipment display
for school children followed by lectures and screening of
motivational movies for Joining Indian Army and a Pipe
Band Display was organised.
68th Army Day 2016 Quiz Competition
T
he Army Day Quiz Competition
was held at Zorawar Auditorium,
Manekshaw Centre on January
7, 2016 as part of the 68th Army
Day - 2016 Celebrations. The event
received overwhelming response
from the school children with 98
teams from 68 schools taking part
in the event including schools from
Digboi, Assam and Lucknow.
Mrs Namita Suhag, President
Army Wives Welfare Association
was the Chief Guest for the event,
which was attended by other senior
dignitaries and ladies from the
Army establishment. Mr Aditya
Nath Mubayi, renowned Quiz
Master conducted the entire event
and ensured involvement and
participation of the entire audience.
The event was conducted with a
preliminary test, after which six teams
January 16-31, 2016
reached the final stage of the Quiz.
The entire Quiz was keenly contested
and witnessed a very high standard
of participation from all the teams.
The team from Army Public School,
Shankar Vihar (Delhi Cantonment)
was the winner of the competition
and Army Public School, Hisar was
the runner up of the competition who
was both awarded with trophies,
medals and cash prizes.
-Col Rohan Anand
Sainik Samachar
37
Army’s Welfare Initiatives In Ladakh
A
community
development
initiatives as part of Sadbhavana
project was organised at village
Tangtse by Army’s Chushul Brigade
under the ageis of Trishul Division,
wherein the villagers of Phobrang,
Chillam, Pilasalsal and Yerath in
eastern Ladakh were provided with
amenity items.
The Army in Ladakh under
the aegis of ‘Op Sadbhavna’ has
implemented numerous initiatives
such as Army Goodwill Schools,
Medical Aid Centres, Women
Empowerment
Centres
and
Vocational Training Centres for selfemployment. The Army has been
undertaking various infrastructure
development projects such as
electrification of villages, construction
of buildings for Government run
schools, construction of community
halls and provision of solar street
lights at villages and projects
for ecological preservation and
provisioning of stores for community
development in the remote and far
flung areas of eastern Ladakh.
Col SD Goswami
National Level Inter APS Debate Competition
A
s part of Army Day celebrations
2016, National Level Inter
Army Public School (APS) Debate
Competition was held at APS,
Shankar Vihar, Delhi Cantonment
on January 6, 2016. The Vice Chief
of Army Staff, Lt Gen MMS Rai, was
the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the
Vice Chief of Army Staff said that
the event was organized as part of
Army Day celebrations 2016. Army
Day celebration is an occasion to
remember those Indian soldiers
who made the supreme sacrifice
and showed us the way to Selfless
Sacrifice and Patriotism. As the
entire event was being webcast live,
he exhorted the students of Army’s
Educational Institutions to leave no
stone unturned in their pursuit for
excellence and expressed his desire
to see more young men and women
from APSs join the Armed Forces.
The Vice Chief also gave away
prizes for Academic Excellence
to schools that have performed
creditably in CBSE Class XII exams
in 2014-15. Trophies were also
given to schools topping the list for
maximum contributions to training
establishments.
- Col Rohan Anand
Lt Gen MMS Rai, Vice Chief of Army Staff, with the Conducting Staff, participants and award winners
38
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
Blood Donation Camp At Military Hospital Shillong
A
Voluntary
Blood
Donation
Camp was organised by Military
Hospital Shillong, in collaboration
with Blood Bank NEIGRIHMS on
January 10, 2016. Lieutenant
General SP Nawathe General
Officer Commanding 101 Area and
Brigadier GS Joshi, Brig (Medical),
inaugurated the voluntary blood
donation camp.
The camp was held to
commemorate the Army Day 2016.
There is a serious scarcity of blood
donors in the region, and this camp
rededicated the commitment of the
Army towards the furtherance of the
humanitarian cause. More than fifty
army personnel led by the GOC
donated blood for the noble cause. A
Blood Transfusion Team conducted
blood collection, screening and
storage. Voluntary blood donation
by Army personnel is yet a step which
will go a long way in saving lives of
the people of Meghalaya.
- Gp Capt Amit Mahajan
INS Ranvir Wins the Eastern Fleet Boat Pulling Regatta
T
he Eastern Fleet Pulling Regatta
was held at Naval Dockyard,
Visakhapatnam on January 9,2016.
A total of 14 teams competed across
five categories namely Best Whaler,
Officers, Senior Sailors, Junior
Sailors and Two Men Kayak race
covering a distance of 1.3 km. Vice
Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer
Commanding-in-Chief,
Eastern
Naval Command who was the Chief
Guest for the occasion presented the
awards to the winners and runners up
in the presence of a large gathering
of naval personnel.
The Pulling Regatta is a keenly
contested ‘Whaler’ boat races that
signifies the highest standard of
physical and mental application, team
work, coordination and sustained
hard work with the will to fight for
victory. The ‘Whaler’ is 27 feet boat
that is rowed by five able bodied
men called ‘pullers’ using 17 feet
oars, and steered by a coxswain. The
pulling regatta is a sailor’s way of reemphasising the importance and the
virtue of pulling together in harmony.
INS Ranvir won the most
coveted ‘Cock Trophy’ in a very
keenly contested competition. The
winning ship would be called the
Cock Ship till the next Regatta. The
Chief Guest while addressing the
gathering complimented everyone
for the tremendous spirit and
reminded them that pulling together
is the ethos of the Navy.
- Cdr CG Raju
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
39
Army Conducts Sports Festival
A
sports festival at Samote conducted by Rashtriya Rifles
Uniform Force showcased rural sports, martial arts
and cultural heritage. The biggest sports extravaganza in
the region “Ans valley sports festival” with more than 800
players from eighteen villages of Rajouri and Reasi districts
participated in various disciplines like Kho-Kho, Kabaddi,
Cricket, Wrestling and Horse Racing apart from talent
hunt events like Debate, Singing and Quiz competitions.
The ceremony was graced by Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar,
GOC White Knight Corps as the chief guest. The event
brought to fore the raw talent available among the youth
in the region especially from the remote corners of the
Pir Panjal ranges in village level rural sports and games
and gave them the opportunity to compete with the best.
Sports like Horse Racing and Wrestling were showcased
as a joint effort by the Army, civil administration, rural
sports bodies, sarpanches, village elders and the youth
of the region.
The Chief Guest complimented the participants for
their enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed during the
event as well as the organisers for the smooth conduct
of the event.
- Col SD Goswami
Appointments
formally took over as General Officer Commanding-inLChief (GOC-in-C), Central Command
on January 1, 2016. Before taking over the
t Gen Balwant Singh Negi
present charge, Lt Gen Negi has held the prestigious appointments of Commandant Indian
Military Academy Dehradun and GOC 14 Corps in Jammu & Kashmir.
An alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College, National Defence Academy and
Indian Military Academy, Lt Gen BS Negi is a highly decorated officer with an illustrious
career of 37 years. He was commissioned into the Assam Regiment in December 1978
and has had extensive operational contributions both in the North East and in Jammu and
Kashmir. He was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal in Siachen in 1998, Sena Medal in 2012
in J&K and Vishisht Seva Medal twice in J&K in 2009 and 2013.
He is an avid sportsman with a keen equestrian track and extensive trekking and motor
biking experience in the Himalayas, with distinction.
over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern
LCommand in Pune ontookJanuary
1, 2016. Prior to current assignment, he was General
t Gen Bipin Rawat
Officer Commanding Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area located at Mumbai.
Alumni of St Edward’s School, Shimla, he was commissioned in the Fifth Battalion
of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles from IMA, Dehradun on December 16, 1978. The officer
has vast experience in high altitude warfare and counter insurgency operations. He has
commanded an Infantry battalion, along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Sector;
a Rashtriya Rifles Sector and an Infantry Division in the Kashmir Valley.
He has also been Major General General Staff at HQ Eastern Command. The officer
commanded a Multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic
of Congo. The officer during the span of over 37 years of service has been awarded for
gallantry and distinguished service with the AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, COAS Commendation
on two occasions and the Army Commander’s Commendation.
40
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016
Appointments
over as the 24th Director General Border Roads (DGBR)
Lin New Delhi on Januaryhas6,taken
2016.
t Gen Suresh Sharma
Lt Gen Suresh Sharma was commissioned into Corps of Engineers from Indian Military
Academy, Dehradun and has attended all prestigious courses of the Indian Army including
Staff Course at Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, Higher Defence Management
Course at College of Defence Management, Secunderabad and the National Defence
College, New Delhi. The General Officer has held various staff, instructional and command
appointments.
He has been Chief Operations Officer and advisor to United Nations Mission in Bosnia
and Herzegovina. The General Officer has also tenated the prestigious appointment of
Chief Engineer (Indian Navy and Coast Guards), Mumbai and later commanded Bengal
Engineer Group and Centre, a premier training institution of the Indian Army. The General
Officer was Command Chief Engineer South Western Command and has been elected as
Colonel Commandant “The Bengal Sappers and Military Survey” from August 1, 2015.
Before taking over as Director General Border Roads, he was holding the appointment of
Director General Combat Engineers at Army HQ.
over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air
ACommand on January took
1, 2016.
ir Marshal SBP Sinha
Air Marshal SBP Sinha graduated from National Defence Academy in June 1979
and was commissioned in the fighter stream on June 15, 1980. He was appointed as
the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on April 30, 2014. He has flown the Hunter, MiG-21,
Mirage-2000 and Su-30MKI fighter aircraft and has over 3700 hours of flying. He is a
‘Cat A’ Flying Instructor, Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner, and a graduate of the
Defence Services Staff College.
His important Command and Instructional appointments include Instructor in Flying
Instructors School, Flight Commander of a Mirage-2000 Squadron, Chief Flying Instructor of
Basic Flying Training School, Air Force Examiner in Aircrew Examining Board, Commanding
Officer of a MiG-21 Sqn, Commandant of Electronic Warfare Range, Team Leader of
AWACS Project Team in Isreal and Air Officer Commanding of a premier Su-30 MKI base.
For his distinguished service and exceptional professionalism, Air Marshal Sinha has been
awarded with two Presidential Medals Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.
as Deputy Chief of the Air
AStaff on January 1, 2016. He is an alumnus oftookthe over
National Defence Academy and
ir Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria
was commissioned in the IAF in June 1980. Prior to taking over as DCAS, Air Marshal
Bhadauria was Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command of IAF.
He is an Experimental Test Pilot, Cat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and Pilot Attack
Instructor with over 4200 hours of experience on over twenty five types of fighter and
transport aircraft. Air Marshal Bhadauria completed his Staff Course and Masters in
Defence Studies from Command and Staff College, Bangladesh.
Spanning over more than 35 years of his career, Air Marshal Bhadauria has
commanded a Jaguar Squadron and a premier Air Force base in the South Western Sector.
Air Marshal Bhadauria is a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal
conferred in 2013 and 2002 respectively.
- Gargi Malik Sinha, Mahesh Iyengar, Gp Capt BB Pande, Wg Cdr Rochelle D’Silva and Nampibou Marinmai
January 16-31, 2016
Sainik Samachar
41
PHOTOCALL
Lt Gen TK Bandyopadhyay, PHDS, DGDS & Col Comdt AD Corps inaugurated oral health checkup of ASHA
School New Delhi on November 6, 2015. The DGDS also flagged off a Bicycle rally at CMDC (SC) on December
17, 2015 as part of the social outreach activity extending over a week wherein the team visited various old age
homes in Pune carrying out dental health checkups and delivering oral health awareness lectures.
As part of ‘68th Army Day
2016’ Celebrations, the Army
conducted an Open Painting
Competition on the theme “Indian
Army: Symbol of Courage, Valour
and Sacrifice” which was organised
at India Gate Lawns on January 9,
2016. Mrs Namita Suhag, President
Army Wives Welfare Association the
Chief Guest of the function graced
the function and encouraged the
participating children by giving away
the prizes to the winners.
30th
Pune
International
Marathon organised recently, in
which the first three positions were
achieved by Ex Ptr Boriwale Amol
Bhagwansa, Ex L/Nk A Syamal
Raju and Ex Gnr Laxman Salunke
respectively
from
Paraplegic
Rehabilitation Centre, Kirkee, a
Centre for the 100% disabled exservicemen of the Armed Forces and
one of the largest centre of its kind
in the South East Asia and also one
of the best in the world.
Source: Col M Hundal, Col Rohan Anand and Lt Col BL Bhargava
42
Sainik Samachar
January 16-31, 2016