sign in sign up
<<
Home , 2019 Balakot airstrike, Assam Regiment, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, Madhuri Kanitkar, Rajput Regiment

2020 1-15 March Vol 67 No 5 ` 5 SAINIK Samachar

Indian Armed Forces: Empowering Women The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the recipients of the for the year 2019, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in on March 8, 2020.

The Prime Minister, Shri with the Nari Shakti Awardees, in New Delhi on March 8, 2020. In This Issue Since 1909 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS President's Colour to INS Shivaji 4

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR) Vol. 67 q No 5 11 - 25 Phalguna 1941 (Saka) 1-15 March 2020 The journal of ’s Armed Forces published every fortnight in thirteen languages including & 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 Ruby Thinda Sharma Senior Editor Manoj Tuli Sub Editors Sub Maj Baiju G RM lays foundation 6 HAL: New LCH 7 Coordination Kunal Kumar stone of Thal Sena… Production Hangar… Business Manager Dhirendra Kumar

Our Correspondents DELHI: Col Aman Anand; Gp Capt Anupam Banerjee; Cdr Vivek Madhwal; Nampibou Marinmai; Divyanshu Kumar; Savvy Hasan Khan; Michael JS; Azhagudurai; BENGALURU: Guru Prasad HL; : Anil Gaur; CHENNAI: M Ponnein Selvan; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr Puneet Chadha; : Lt Col P Khongsai; IMPHAL: Lt Col M Vaishnava; JALANDHAR : Gagandeep Kaur; JAMMU: Lt Col Devender Anand; JAIPUR: Lt Col Sombit Ghosh; KOCHI: Cdr Sridhar E Warrier; KOHIMA: Lt Col SK Sharma; : Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Gargi Malik Sinha; : Cdr Mehul Karnik, Himanshu Singh; NAGPUR: Gp Capt BB Pande; PALAM: Gp Capt Anupam Banerjee (Offg.); PRAYAGRAJ: Gp Capt BB Pande (Offg.); PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: G Surendra Babu; ; Wg Cdr Ratnakar Singh; SRINAGAR: Col Rajesh Kalia; : Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ms Dhanya Sanal K; UDHAMPUR: Lt 18 Women Achiever's Offshore Patrol Vessel Col Abhinav Navneet; Capt CG Raju. 24 VISAKHAPATNAM: 23 Performance of OFB and four DPSUs… launched Published by: 25 GRSE delivers ASWC Kavaratti to… A Bharat Bhushan Babu, ADG (M&C) 26 CGDA inaugurates DAD Residential… S Subramanian, Director (PR) 27 409 Gallantry and other Defence… Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, 29 Chakravyuh Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011 30 Armed Force Panorama Editorial Office: L-1 Block, Church Road, New Delhi-110001, Telefax : 23094668 Telephone : 23092768 Email : [email protected] E-in-C: ASCON-32078 For subscriptions contact : Business Manager, Sainik Samachar, Telephone : 23092768 Women Role Models/Stree Shakti in Subscription Rates: Inland (Ordinary): One Year Rs 100.00, Overseas (Surface Mail): Rs 450.00 Concessional (per year): Rs 20.00 (Applicable for Armed Forces 8 dependants of service personnel & ex-Servicemen.) For all correspondence subscribers must quote their subscription number

On front cover: IAF's first women fighter pilots, , and Mohana Singh were awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Women's Day. For more details visit our website: http://sainiksamachar.nic.in Follow us on: www.facebook.com/DefenceMinIndia

https://twitter.com/spokespersonMoD

https://www.instagram.com/prodefense/ Total pages 36 with Covers President's Colour to INS Shivaji

he and the TSupreme Commander of , Shri Ram Nath Kovind awarded the President’s Colour to INS Shivaji, Lonavla, commanded by Commodore Ravnish Seth, on February 13, 2020. The President’s Colour is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit was received by Nishan Adhikari on behalf of INS Shivaji during an impressive ceremonial parade comprising 130 officers and 630 Sailors of the that also included a 150 men Guard of Honour. President addressing the Parade. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the Governor of Maharashtra, Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, along with senior defence and civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion and witnessed the ceremonial parade. The President congratulated the Officers and Sailors of INS Shivaji for their impeccable turnout, smart drill and impressive appearance of the establishment. He also Award of President's Colour to INS Shivaji by President.

President reviewing the Guard.

4 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Officers of Station Lonavla with the President. congratulated the personnel of INS era to conclude his speech. and Chemical Defence including Shivaji both Past and Present for the INS Shivaji was established in Damage Control and Fire Fighting, great service rendered to the nation 1945 and it is one of the premier Main & Auxiliary Controls. Overall, for the past 75 years in pursuance training establishments of Indian the establishment conducts more of their duties. The contribution of Navy. The establishment has been than 500 courses for officers and INS Shivaji in training of modern- entrusted with responsibility of sailors and has an annual training day Marine Engineers was specially imparting training to officers and throughput of more than 2800 noted by the President. The President sailors of the Indian Navy, Indian wished all personnel of INS Shivaji Coast Guard and friendly foreign officers and 7800 sailors. Shivaji greater heights and achievements in Navies in the domains of Marine also has the proud privilege of following decades of technological Engineering. Nuclear, Biological imparting training to personnel from 20 countries worldwide with an annual throughput of over 250 international trainees on an average. A Special Cover marking the Platinum Jubilee of INS Shivaji was also released by the President. The award of Presidents Colour marks a very important milestone in the history of INS Shivaji. The President’s Colour shall be proudly displayed and carried at all ceremonial parades at INS Shivaji to motivate and inspire all future Marine Engineers of the Navy. President witnessing the proceedings of the Parade during award of President's Colour. - PRO Pune

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 5 RM lays foundation stone of Thal Sena Bhawan at Delhi Cantt

aksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Rlaid the foundation stone of new Army Headquarters ‘Thal Sena Bhawan’ at Delhi Cantt on February 21, 2020. Addressing soldiers on the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh said, all the departments of the Army as well as the Department of Military Affairs will come under one roof and collectively contribute towards national security, besides effectively dealing with defence-related issues. He added that the new building Raksha Mantri unveiling foundation stone of Thal Sena Bhawan at Delhi Cantt on February will play a significant role in saving 21, 2020. Also seen is COAS MM Naravane. valuable resources and contribute to administrative efficiency. Raksha Raksha Mantri also underlined Assessment (GRIHA) norms. Approx. Mantri termed the foundation stone the importance of greater jointness 7.5 lakh square meters of area will of the new building as a ‘source and integration among the Armed be constructed to house the office of inspiration that will remind the Forces, noting that the appointment complex and parking. people of the country about the of Chief of the Defence Staff and The building, expected to sacrifices made by our soldiers’. creation of Department of Military be constructed in five years, will Shri Rajnath Singh credited the Affairs are some of the important house offices, residential complex Armed Forces personnel for making steps in that direction. He expressed for security personnel with basic an invaluable contribution towards confidence that this jointness will amenities. More than 1,700 officers nation building, saying that India has help in increasing the military both military & civilian and 1,300 emerged as one of the most powerful capabilities of the country and bring sub staff will be accommodated in nations due to the sacrifices made by more synergy in handling defence the new building. the soldiers. He hoped that the new related issues. Presently, Army Headquarters building will not just be an edifice of The new building, proposed is spread over several pockets Army personnel and civilian defence in an area of 39 acres, has been i.e. South Block, Sena Bhawan, staff, but will inspire the people to conceptualised as a multi-storey Hutments Area, RK Puram, Shankar achieve new goals with renewed green building, adopting Green Vihar and other places. passion and enthusiasm. Rating for Integrated Habitat - PRO Defence

Raksha Mantri performing Bhoomi Pujan during the ground breaking ceremony of Thal Sena Bhawan at Delhi Cantt. Also seen is COAS General MM Naravane. Graphical plan of Thal Sena Bhawan to be constructed at Delhi Cantt.

6 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 HAL: New LCH Production Hangar inaugurated

overnment has adopted Prime GMinister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Make in India, for India and the world” to build strong defence and security infrastructure in the country. This was stated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh after inaugurating the new Light Combat Helicopter Production Hangar at Helicopter Division in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Complex at Bengaluru, Karnataka on February Shri Rajnath Singh commended field of fixed wing and rotary aircraft, 27, 2020. He said, in the last five HAL for being the backbone of the hoping that the DPSU will lead India years, India has made significant and meeting the in civil aircraft business too. progress towards manufacturing requirements of the Armed Forces. Speaking on the occasion, military equipment indigenously “The HAL has excelled both in Chairman and Managing Director under the 'Make in India' initiative. operations and finance in the last five Shri R Madhavan said, LCH is years. It has achieved operational completely ready for operational Stressing that defence industry clearance on seven platforms, induction and the Helicopter plays a major role in the economic including Light Combat Aircraft Complex is fully geared up for its development of the country, Raksha and Light Combat Helicopter, and production. He added that the new Mantri lauded the significant overhauled platforms like Hawk and production hangar will augment the contribution of organisations like SU 30 MKI,” he said. Shri Rajnath LCH production capacity to reach a HAL - a Defence Public Sector Singh also appreciated that HAL had peak production of 30 helicopters Undertaking (DPSU) that has helped a turnover of Rs 19,705 crore till per year. India leapfrog six places to become March 2019 and it gave shareholders the fifth largest economy in the HAL also apprised Raksha a healthy dividend of 198 per cent. world. He added that there has been Mantri on the progress of new increase in defence exports that Noting that HAL is now facing design and development programme have crossed Rs 17,000 crore in stiff competition from private defence of indigenous Indian Multi Role the last two years. Highlighting the industries, Raksha Mantri urged Helicopter (IMRH). The full-scale Rs 35,000 crore exports target set the DPSU to take this changing mock-up was showcased to Shri for the coming years, Raksha Mantri environment as a challenge and grab Rajnath Singh. The IMRH is proposed expressed confidence that HAL, the opportunities to increase their as replacement to the existing through its various platforms, will competitiveness in the international medium lift helicopters such as contribute significantly in achieving market. He conveyed best wishes Mi17’s, Kamovs and Seakings which this milestone. to HAL for its future projects in the will phase out in the next eight to ten years. LCH is a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL. It is powered by two Shakti engines and inherits many technical features of the Advanced Light Helicopter. LCH has the distinction of being the first attach helicopter to land in Forward Bases at Siachen, 4,700 mts above sea level with 500kg load. - PRO Defence

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 7 Women's Day Special Women Role Models/Stree Shakti in Armed Forces

oinciding with International Women’s Day, Sainik Samachar brings to you some of the stellar women achievers Cof Indian Armed Forces who have inspired by their grit and determination. These great women, usher in the hope that every girl has the inherent potential to realise her aspirations.

MAJ RUBY GARG with 0.22 open sight rifle. Gradually International Medals, 30 National she came to be known as ‘Ruby Medals & established three National Sharp Shooter’ of . Records. In 2007, she got selected MAJ K RENUKA through SSB and became a part of India’s finest shooting team i.e. Army Marksmanship Unit. Participating in the first National Big Bore Mavlankar Shooting Championship she made national record with a lead of 54 points. She was selected for other international championships and Maj Ruby Garg was won her first International medal in commissioned in Army Service SAF Games 2010 held at Dhaka. Corps on March 22, 2008. The She represented the Indian Services officer's enrolment as a NCC Cadet Team in Croatia and Brazil where in 2001 was the turning point of her more than 40 countries participated 35 years old Major K Renuka life where she learnt the disciplines and the Services team stood third is the first women Army Biker. of life. As the best cadet of Uttar for the first time. After five years of She was podium finisher in 20th Pradesh Directorate in Republic Day intense shooting, she participated in Raid-De-Himalaya last year and has Camp, she got the opportunity to fire eight international events, won two mentored many young riders. She RM welcomes SC’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army aksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed the Supreme the Defence Ministry granted a permanent commission to RCourt’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in all 10 branches of the , including women in Army. “I wholeheartedly welcome Supreme Signal Corps, intelligence, aviation, engineering, service Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers corps and ordinance corps,” added Shri Rajnath Singh. permanent commission in the Armed Forces. Prime Before 2016, women made up just 2.5 percent of Minister Shri Narendra Modi has supported the idea of India's armed forces, working in mainly non-combat roles. permanent commission for women and announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in As of January 2019, 3.89 percent of the army 2018,” he tweeted. personnel comprised women, while 6.7 percent of the navy and 13.28 percent of the air force personnel respectively “A historic decision to allow women in field operations were women as of June 2019. came earlier when the then defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that women will be inducted into As of June 2019, women were inducted in all the Military Police. The recruitment process has started in branches of the Indian Air Force, with terms and conditions 2019. The plan was to recruit women in roles ranging for women officers being issued from time to time. from probing crime cases to assisting the Army in field Shri Rajnath Singh said, “The Government of India operations wherever required,” said Raksha Mantri. is working to strengthen the ‘Stree Shakti’ in our Armed “There have been instances where certain women Forces and we stand committed to move forward in this officers have been in the job for nearly twenty years, direction.” while SSC term terminates in fourteen years. In 2019, - PRO Defence

8 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Women's Day Special

No Door should Remain Closed for Women in Armed Forces: RM n the Occasion of International Women’s Day on March 08, 2020, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said in the Oarmed forces women’s participation has increased over the years and further enhancing their role is the priority of the government. Shri Rajnath Singh said this while presiding over as the chief guest in the Women Transforming India Awards function organized by NITI Aayog. Citing the example of Tania Sher Gill, who led an all-men contingent in Republic Day Parade, he said that women are new leading on many fronts which were once not even open for women. Raksha Mantri also said “we believe that no ranch of the Armed Forces should remain closed for women officers. I know that there is some degree of resistance against the commission of women in all branches of the services but this resistance is reducing”. Women today are working in all branches of the Indian Air Force, eight branches of the Army & all non-seagoing branches of Indian Navy. I want to assure you that rest of the branches would be opened soon: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. Raksha Mantri said women are endowed with the impeccable capabilities of creating, nurturing and transforming. He emphasised the role of women in the workforce in contributing to the economic growth of the nation. He said society develops only with the upliftment of its women. Women participation is necessary for the country to achieve the 5 Trillion Dollar economy target, he said. He went on to remark, 'Today's awardees have overcome financial and societal challenges to not just redefine the word entrepreneurship but also refine it. I congratulate NITI Aayog and WEP for providing women entrepreneurs with a platform to share their dreams, failures and victories with each other and grow from them.' - PRO Defence has also participated in Desert Storm participating in the expedition. She her first posting to 5014 ASC Bn. rally 2019 in biking category. rode a bike weighing 4 times her body Achievements of the officer are She was part of a motorcycle weight. However, her determination Haryana Olympic Games 2009- expedition which was conducted and ability to risk her life and support 10 - Silver (Individual), Haryana in region from to from the Indian Army motivated Olympic Games 2010-11 - Silver Karakoram Pass. The road route her to recover and she participated & Bronze (Individual), Haryana Leh-DBO-KK Pass was never used successfully in the expedition. She Olympic Games 2011-12 - Gold for such a Motorcycle expedition. was the first women biker to reach (Individual) & Gold (Team), Haryana The expedition was first of its kind Karakoram Pass on a bike. Olympic Games 2012-13 - Gold (Individual) & Gold (Team), Haryana and charted through the sentinels CAPT SHEREYA of towering Leh-DBO-KK Pass. The State Fencing Championship 2014- expedition was planned to break the Gold (Individual) & Gold (Team) invincibility and the myth of operating and many others. in the most harsh cold climatic MAJ EUTHICA conditions with temp ranging between (-)200 to (-)300C interlaced with acute wind chill factor while operating on Motorcycles. She was selected for this maiden expedition after a series of trials and rigorous training for over two months. The most notable part about the expedition was when the team was about to leave for Leh, the very same day she encountered a surgical emergency and underwent a laparoscopic surgery which resulted in her hospitalization for one week and Capt Shreya was commissioned Major Euthica is a glaring elimination from the team as doctors in Army Service Corps on September example of go getter confident had strictly advised her to refrain from 13, 2014 from OTA. She got personal and a self made

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 9 Women's Day Special independent women. Presently serving in the Indian Army, she is a keen motorsport enthusiast. Major Euthica joined the Indian Army in 2007 and has been at her epitome best at all her tasks in a service career spanning over a decade. She has varied experience of working in harsh terrains like high altitudes in J&K, Deserts in Jaisalmer and politically volatile environments, courtesy her tenures in Intense Insurgency affected areas of and . Chennai. The officer is an alumnus resounding word of command and Her journey with Motorsports of Uttaranchal University, Dehradun immaculate drill on the revered world started with PHD Chamber of with BTech in Computer Science and Cariappa Parade Ground was Commerce Women Car Rally 2018 engineering in 2010. awe inspiring and stirred pride in with Podium Finish and ever since she After successfully completion of everyone watching the Parade. has been growing exponentially as a basic and advance mountaineering Commissioned in March 2017 Rally driver competing and finishing course the officer got selected for from the Officers Training Academy, in podium in TSD as well as Extreme Army Mountaineering Expedition. In Chennai, Captain Tania is a fourth categories. Her performance in Taj year 2017, she sumitted shoulder generation officer. Her father Agra Car Rally 2018 bagged her of Mt Momostang Kangri (6000 served in the Regiment of Artillery, Podiums. She led the first all women mtr). In the year 2018, the officer grandfather in the Armoured team fielded by the Army in Extreme did Army Winter Expedition to Mt Corps and great grandfather in category in Raid-de-Himalaya 2018 Kangri (6015 mtr). The same the . She holds a and Desert Storm 2019. To name year in the month of May the officer Bachelors Degree in Electronics and a few of her achievements in a did Indian Army Mt Bhagirathi-II Telecommunication Engineering very nascent career in Motorsports, Expedition (6545 mtr) and the team from Nagpur University. Winner of Coupe-de-Dames in made a record of doing Yoga at the Royal Rally (RRR) 2019 highest altitude (19022 ft). Name of Captain Tania led the Parade and SJOBA 2019. She secured the team members appeared in the with great poise and confidence Podium finish and best Driver trophy Indian Limca Book of Records 2019. brimming in every step she took. Her in PHD Women Car Rally 2019. Also In year 2019, the officer did Indian iconic performance on the Parade winning the 6th Wild Adventure Rally Army expedition to Mt Kun (7077 Ground resonated with the entire 2019 and Times Women Rally 2019. mtr) in the region. Nation. Her parade videos have since gone viral on Social Media Her zeal to excel and better upon With her keen interest in the and her resounding coverage in standards set by herself is evident in field of mountaineering, the officer the print media has inspired the her journey as rally driver so far. recently did Chandar trek (The youth and particularly the women of Frozen River Trek), one of the most MAJ DEEPTI BHATT India. Under her resolute command difficult treks on Frozen Zanskar Maj Deepti Bhatt posted in the Corps of Signals Marching River. 603 EME Bn has participated in Contingent was adjudged as the several Indian Army mountaineering CAPT TANIA SHER GILL Best Marching Contingent of Army expeditions and successfully Captain Tania Sher Gill of the Day Parade 2020. Capt Tania Sher summitted with the team. Corps of Signals made history on Gill later led the Corps of Signals Maj Deepti Bhatt was January 15, 2020 by becoming Marching Contingent in the Republic commissioned in the Corps of the first Woman Parade Adjutant Day Parade 2020 with great élan, EME in March 2012 from OTA to lead the Parade. Her confidence and panache.

10 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Women's Day Special

MAJ RAJ CHOUDHARY sheer grit, tenacity and expertise, of Rifles when it was decided she was the first climber to reach the to field an all women contingent for summit and soon the team followed Republic Day Parade. The officer the suit. In the process, the Summit volunteered for participating in the Team created a world record of contingent despite being mother of being maximum number of lady a two-year-old daughter. climbers summiting together from a Many women soldiers in single country. the contingent including Major Maj Deepika also has the Khushboo Kanwar had undergone distinction of successfully summiting caesarean section surgery in the some of the most challenging peaks recent past which was making it even in the such as Mount more difficult. The officer led from Maj Raj Chaudhary was Kedardom, Mount Abhigamin, the front and kept her contingent commissioned in 2008 in 19 Gangotri - II, Mount Thelu, Mount motivated and in high spirits Engineer Regiment and was selected Trishul, Mount Shitidhar, Friendship throughout its journey to Rajpath. for shooting from OTA, Gaya. Peak and Mount Deo Tibba. The contingent always took her as She joined AMU in 2009 to train their role model. herself in rifle shooting and was MAJ KHUSHBOO KANWAR ranked fourth worldwide in 2010 Maj Khushboo Kanwar was LT SHWETA LOHIA in the World Military games in commissioned in the Army Service Lt Shweta Lohia got Brazil. She has 28 national medals Corps on March 17, 2012. She got commissioned in the year 2017 from and three international medals in her first posting to 764 ASC Battalion the Officers’ Training Academy, the field, having participated in (Air Maint) at Mohanbari. There, Chennai. Before commissioning, the World Military games, World the officer showed keen interest in she secured merit number one in championship, Asian games, World getting trained as ‘Air Despatch CDS exam category. Further, she cups and National games since Crew’. Thereafter, the officer had an displayed excellent swimming skills 2010. opportunity of serving in the second for which she was awarded merit line Army Service Battalions. MAJ DEEPIKA RATHORE, VSM card in the Academy. She secured 6 The officer was later selected to Gold Medals at CBSE Nationals and be part of first batch of 13 women has 5 Swimming National Records officers to be posted in various to her name. After commissioning, formation headquarters of Assam she continued swimming and Rifles. The officer was posted to HQ participated in the 15th Master 10 Sector as General Swimming Championship held at Staff Officer Grade-3. The officer Vishakhapatnam from October 11- reached the people of Ukhrul with 14, 2018, where she secured 4 an aim of ‘Winning Hearts and Gold Medals. Minds’ and associated herself with many youth and women frontal MAJ MUKTA S GAUTAM Maj Deepika Rathore belongs to organisations. She was instrumental Maj Mukta S Gautam got the Corps of Ordnance, Indian Army. in creating awareness & job commissioned in Indian Army on She is the first woman officer and opportunities for men and women in September 15, 2012. She is a the third in India to have summited remote insurgency affected border computer engineer by qualification twice, in 2012 and areas of Manipur. She also worked who worked as software engineer 2016. During the challenging phase towards empowering widows & HIV with Infosys for two years. of Summit Push, without even having positive cases by encouraging social In year 2013, she participated a Sherpa to assist, Major Deepika led acceptance. in the pioneers of adventure in the marching column of enthusiastic It was a dream come true for the Corps of EME. She was part of EME NCC cadets from the front. With her women officers, JCOs and soldiers Sailing Team and has participated in

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 11 Women's Day Special the Sailing Nationals in year 2014. ANJANA BHADURIA During the year 2017 after five years of volunteering she was detailed for Mountaineering Basic at Army Mountaineering Institute, Siachen Base Camp,the highest battlefield in the world. In January 2018, she successfully scaled Mt Stok Kangri (6123 M) as a part of Joint Army Winter Expedition Anjana Bhaduria is the first in Ladakh region followed by another woman to win a gold medal in Indian Army Women expedition to Mt the Indian Army. After completing Bhagirathi II (6512 M) in Garhwal her MSc in Microbiology, of 254 GCs and LCs of SSC-77 and Himalayas in May-June 2018. The Anjana Bhaduria applied to an team comprising 9 women officers WSES (O)-23 Courses on 20 March advertisement for the induction of 2004 as the First Lady AUO of the successfully scaled the peak and Lady Officers into the Army through Academy. set a new World Record (Limca) for the Women Special Entry Scheme conducting Yoga at the height of (WSES) and was accepted into the MITALI MADHUMITA 19,022 feet, breaking the previous first-ever batch of women cadets in World record at 18,800 feet. She led the Indian Army in 1992. Excelling the Team ‘A’ to the summit as Team in every field during the training, she Leader was chosen for the gold medal from In Sep-Nov 2018, she got a a batch that consisted of both men chance to sail with experienced and women. Army sailors for Indian Army 'Around RUCHI SHARMA Indian Peninsula' Sailing Expedition from Haldia to Porbandar. A record was created by successfully sailing, 3850 NM around Indian Peninsula in a Bavaria class fixed keel Yacht in 40 days. The team went across In February 2011, Lt Col Mitali major ports of the Indian peninsula Madhumita became India’s first including Haldia, Vishakapatnam, female officer to receive the Sena Chennai, Trivandrum, Kochi, Medal for gallantry, a decoration Mangalore, Goa, Chennai and given to soldiers for exemplary Porbander facing moderate to heavy courage during operations in J&K winds enroute and fighting cyclones and the North East. Madhumita, like Gaja making their way to the Capt Ruchi got commissioned who was leading the Army’s English shores commemorating Platinum into the Army Ordinance Corps in Language Training Team in Kabul, Jubilee of Corps of EME. 1996. In 1997, she created history was the first officer to reach the by becoming the first Operational Indian Embassy in Kabul that came She along with her team Woman Paratrooper. She still under attack by suicide bombers on successfully completed pre monsoon inspires and motivates children and February 2010. Though unarmed, Indian Army Mountaineering women to serve the Nation. Expedition to Mt Kun (7077 M) she ran close to 2 km to reach the from August 2-26, 2019. The team AUO RASHMI NARAYAN spot, personally extricated nearly 19 could safely scale the second highest AUO Rashmi Narayan of Officers of the Army training team and one of the most rugged and WSES (O)-23 created history by who were buried beneath the rubble treacherous peak in Zanskar region. commanding the Passing out Parade and rushed them to hospital.

12 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Women's Day Special

GANEVE LALJI achieve the “Sword of Honour,” one must triumph the merit list, which comprises of PT tests, higher PT tests, swimming tests, field training, service subjects, obstacle training, drill tests, cross-country enclosures, among other things, the first woman to win this honour in the history of Indian Army, Captain Divya Ajith Kumar led an all-women contingent of 154 women Officers and cadets Bhaduaria, Shalini decided to during the Republic Day parade in join the Army. Despite her lack of 2015. experience to such physical activities, she made it through. After serving Lieutenant Ganeve Lalji, a SOPHIA QURESHI young Intelligence Officer, created the Nation for six years, she returned history for becoming the first woman to spend more time with her son. But to be appointed as a key aide her journey continued in new roles to an Army Commander. A third first as a Mother, then corporate generation Army Officer, Lt Lalji executive and social achiever. was commissioned in the Corps of Achievements Military Intelligence in 2011 and 1. Crowned Mrs India Queen of recorded several achievements Substance in 2017 during her training course at Pune. Lt Lalji is a keen adventure enthusiast 2. Represented India in Beauty and has undergone mountaineering Pageant (Ms Earth in USA) and skiing courses at Western Lt Col Sophia Qureshi of the 3. Veer Nari Samman by Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Corps of Signal created history when Government of India Manali. she achieved the rare distinction of 4. EPIC Award 2018 DIVYA AJITH KUMAR becoming the first Woman Officer 5. Citation of Honour by Lions to lead a training contingent of the Club Indian Army at Force 18, the ASEAN 6. All India Achiever award. Plus multinational field training exercise held in 2016. She was also WG CDR PUNAM GILL the only Woman Officers Contingent Commander among all ASEAN Plus contingents present for the exercise. An Officer from the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army, 35 year old Qureshi was selected from a pool of peacekeeping trainers to lead the At the age of 21, Divya Ajith Indian Contingent. Kumar beat 244 fellow cadets (both SHALINI SINGH men and women) to win the Best Capt Shalini Singh is a true All-Round Cadet award and get the definition of Woman of Substance. coveted “Sword of Honour,” the Married in her teens and widowed highest award given to a cadet of at the tender age of 23, after losing Wg Cdr Punam Gill was the Officers Training Academy. To her husband Maj Avinash Singh commissioned as a pilot in

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 13 Women's Day Special

Transport fleet in December SQN LDR ANUPAM CHAUDHARY flying in one most treacherous terrain 2005. She completed the syllabus including operations in Advanced as Internal Pilot in August 2015 Landing Ground (Menchuka, Vijay and became first woman officer Nagar). She is currently holding RTR in Indian Air Force to do so. She Cat B on An-32 aircraft. played a pivotal role in anti terror operations at Air Force Station, WG CDR DIVYA YADAV Pathankot and Uri crisis where she participated as an experienced and active crew member. The officer quickly moved on to upgrading herself by completing cross training as observer in December 17 and in March 2018 became the first woman officer in Indian Air Force Sqn Ldr Anupam has to successfully complete the Mission represented the IAF in the Republic Commander Syllabus and operated Day Parade on four occasions. in Exercise Gaganshakti 2018 as an The Air Force contingent won three independent Mission Commander. consecutive times in 2011, 2012 & The officer has completed 550 hrs 2013. As a helicopter pilot, she has on RPA system as IP & MC. undertaken a number of casualty evacuations including a live SAR Wg Cdr Divya Yadav was SQN LDR MINTY AGGARWAL, YSM during AC-130 crash in 2014. commissioned in Indian Air SQN LDR KAVITA BARALA Force on December 20, 2003. Subsequent to her commissioning, she had undergone Basic Air Traffic Controllers Course and was awarded Exceptional grading. Since then she has been performing duties of an Air Traffic Controller. She is a qualified radar controller with over 2000 CILDs to her credit and holds highest ATC professional category, CAT A. As a radar controller, she has worked on different kinds of radars She is a fighter controller in and participated in various flying Sqn Ldr Kavita Barala is the IAF. She was part of the team exercises/inspections. She was the first woman navigator to be adjudged first in the order of merit that guided Wing Commander commissioned in IAF. She has over Abhinandan during the in ATM & AL Advanced course 1800 hrs of incident / accident free and was awarded DS grading. She Operations. She was awarded with service flying. She holds the distinction has represented India in Exercise the . She has the of being the first woman navigator Aviaindra which is a bilateral distinction of being the first woman to be cleared for operational roles exercise with Russia. She has varied officer of IAF to be awarded with including bombing, para drop and experience of handling intense flying YSM for her efforts during the formation both by day and night. activities and administrative duties. Balakot operations. She holds the distinction of

14 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Women's Day Special

WG CDR T ASHA JYOTHIRMAI i.e. Amar (20114ft) and Sonam GP CAPT SHAKTI SHARMA (19000ft). She is also a Qualified Flying Instructor with Cat/ IR BMG. She has flown 2800 hrs, out of which approx 500 hours have been flown in the Highest Battlefield of the world. She has undertaken a number of casualty evacuations

Wing Commander T Asha Jyothirmai was commissioned in 1997 as an Accounts Branch officer She is an education officer of Indian Air Force. The officer is and the first select woman officer very passionate about flying and as Group Captain in IAF (other aviation and took up parachuting in than Medical branch). She was the the year 1999 without her profession first woman officer out of Army, deterring it. Navy and Air Force, to command a She is an avid skydiver who ex-Leh and Op Meghdoot. Ever a Sainik School (Kapurthala) and also has logged 864 jumps till date, martinet for following the orders and the first among tri-services woman the highest by any woman in procedures, Sqn Ldr Khusboo Gupta officer to undergo prestigious Higher India. As a member of the Indian has been instrumental in instilling Defence Management Course. The Air Force Skydiving team, she has professional discipline among the officer was commissioned into the jumped across the country and aircrew as well as the ground crew. Education Brach of IAF in the year also represented India at the World With her thorough knowledge of 1994 Military Parachuting Championship the aircraft and its system and the SQN LDR SHIKHA PANDEY in Switzerland by leading the First terrain she is able to make decisions Women Skydiving Team, Team with haste. During one of the Single Leader of Indian Women formation Pilot Operations sortie at Karu Skydiving Team and the first woman helipad, on approach and carried who jumped out of a micro light out a sit down. She informed the aircraft. other aircraft of the snag and her decision to switch off. After switch SQN LDR KHUSHBOO GUPTA off, on checking the movement of Sqn Ldr Khusboo Gupta is the the rudders, the rudder pedals got first woman pilot being posted to stuck. At such high altitudes, this the Siachen Pioneers. In a very short situation is generally irrecoverable. span, she completed the extensive The thorough knowledge of the flying syllabus of the Leh AOR aircraft systems and her adherence including Op Meghdoot syllabus to checks and procedures were the and became the first woman tools that saved such situation and Sqn Ldr Shikha Pandey is an Air Glacier Qualified Captain to land hence became a lesson to the rest Warrior and an ATC Controller. In at the highest helipads of the world, of aircrew. March 2014, she was selected as a

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 15 Women's Day Special member of Indian Women's Cricket Team to play in the Women's World Cup. Presently, she is the member of the Indian women's cricket team participating in ICC women's T20 world cup at . WG CDR BHAVNA MEHRA

commissioned on December 2006 responsible for imparting training to in the flying Branch of IAF. She is the young officers posted to the unit. Qualified Flying Instructor and first WG CDR ANJALI SINGH woman officer of Flying Branch to be part of SARANG Aerobatic Display She is an Admin officer, commissioned on Jun 1996 in IAF. Team. She was the Team Leader of IAF Mt SQN LDR A LOMAS Everest Expedition 2011. WG CDR NIRUPAMA PANDEY

She is an Aeronautical engineer with seventeen years of service and has been trained on maintenance of MIG 29 aircraft. The officer joined Indian Embassy, Moscow on September 10, 2019 as the Deputy Air Attache. She enjoys the Sqn Ldr Lomas was distinction of being the first woman commissioned in the Engineering officer of Indian Armed Forces to branch of IAF. She is the first woman be posted as a military diplomat Wg Cdr Nirupama was officer to undertake the fourth line in any of the missions abroad. commissioned on December 2003, serving of Mirage 2000 aircraft. The DA plays an important role in the officer unfurled the National Indian military diplomacy in the WG CDR SHALIZA DHAMI Flag on Mt Everest during the IAF's continuously evolving strategic Mt Everest Expedition 2011. She is the first women flight global environment. commander of a helicopter unit WG CDR UVENA FERNANDES WG CDR DEEPIKA MISHRA in the IAF. The Officer is posted to Wg Cdr Deepika was 131 FAC Fit. She is a QFI and is Wg Cdr Uvena Fernandes of

16 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Women's Day Special

Recipients of Nari Shakti Puraskar FLT LT AVANI CHATURVEDI FLT LT MOHANA SINGH FLT LT BHAWANA KANTH

Flt Lt Avani joined AFA in June The officer is from the first She is one of the first women 2015 and was commissioned into batch of woman officers inducted pilot to get commissioned into the Flying Branch in June 2016. into the fighter stream. She has Fighter Stream of the IAF. After completing basic flying flown various trainer aircrafts and training, she became the first has a total flying of approximately Indian woman to fly solo on Mig- 500 hrs. Presently, she is flying the 21 Bison Fighter Aircraft. HAWK-132 aircraft.

to officiate 1st division men's football and carried out air maintenance tournament in 2018. In 2019 also, operations to the remote Andaman she officiated at AFC Gold Cup and Nicobar Islands. The officer is at Bangladesh and India. She was always found leading from the front appointed as Referee by Asian Football when it comes to taking on HADR Confederation for the Bangamata and CASEVAC missions. U-19 Women's International Gold She has taken keen interest in Cup 2019 held at Dhaka, Bangladesh imparting professional knowledge from April 22 to May 3, 2019. She to budding flyers. She is often seen officiated in several other tournaments sharing her experiences with the organised by AIFF. The officer has young officers and thus passing been appointed as Assistant Referee on knowledge of practical aspects by FIFA for the Women's Olympics of day to day operations. She also IAF is the FIFA qualified International Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 - actively participates in various sports Football Referee. She is the first Preliminary competition Asia Zone events and lives up to the spirit-de- woman from India to officiate at the playoff at Australia on March 6, 2020. corps. FIFA World Cup. She officiated in 29th Southeast Asian Games 2017 WG CDR NEELAM HOODA AIR MSHL , Women's football competition at Wg Cdr Neelam Hooda was PVSM, AVSM, VSM (RETD) Malaysia from August 12-25, 2017. commissioned on June 19, 2004 as She is the first women Air Mshl In the year 2018, Wg Cdr Uvena a pilot in the transport stream of IAF. of the IAF. In her career, she has officiated in Asia Cup at Jordan. The officer is a thorough professional been first women to become a fellow U-20 Women's World Cup at , and has flown extensively across of the Aero Space medical society Pre Olympics qualifier at Tajikistan, the country. She is qualified on Air and the first Indian women to have U-19 AFC tournament at Tajikistan Maintenance in the North as well as conducted scientific research at the and U-16 AFC Cup at Bangladesh. in the North East. She has also flown north pole. She was awarded Padma She became the first Indian woman extensively in the southern sector Shree Award on in January 2020.

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 17 Women's Day Special Women Achiever's

Wg Cdr Asha Jyothirmai

Sword of Honour - Maj Divya Ajit Maj Raj Choudhary - International Shooter

First batch of women officers at OTA Chennai: Commissioned on March 6, 1993

First Lady Cadet marching Contingent.

18 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Women's Day Special

Lt Col Neikhrietuonuo Linyu: Woman Mountaineer

Mount Everest Expedition women team of Army Yoga at an outlandish height of 1922 ft - Maj Deepti Bhatt and Maj Mukta S Gautam.

Lt Bhavana Kasturi - First female officer led ASC Capt Shikha Surabhi, Corps of Contingent. Signals, Dare-Devil team - RD Parade.

Tarini Crew

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 19 Women's Day Special

First Woman Pilot of Indian Navy : Sub Lt Shivangi Pandey

batch of three trainee officers of the 7th Dornier A Conversion Course including a lady officer qualified as Dornier pilots and were awarded the coveted golden “Wings” at a simple and solemn ceremony held at INS Garuda on December 2, 2019. Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command was the Chief Guest for the ceremony who presented the “Wings” to the passing out officers, signifying their qualification as naval aviators. Sub Lieutenant Shivangi created history as the first woman pilot of the Indian Navy, on successful graduation from the course. The award of the ‘Wings’ marks the culmination of one year of flying training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal and Indian Naval Air Squadron 550, INS Garuda in Kochi. From here on, these pilots will joined the ‘Dornier Operational Flying Training’ course at Naval Academy, Ezhimala. As part of her training, Sub INAS 550 from mid-January 2020, prior to joining an Lieutenant Shivangi has flown Pilatus PC 7 Mk II, Basic operational Maritime Reconnaissance squadron. Trainer at AFA and completed Dornier Conversion Sub Lieutenant Shivangi, a native of Muzaffarpur, with the Indian Navy at Kochi. She will continue her was inducted into the Indian Navy under the Short training at INAS 550, the Dornier squadron at INS Service Commission Pilot entry scheme and was part Garuda, to become a fully operational pilot on Maritime of the 27th Naval Orientation Course at the Indian Reconnaissance aircraft.

Interview of Sub Lt Jasleen Kaur

Your achievements: why you are parents who have always believed an achiever? in me and have been the beacon of I hail from a society where it my entire journey. Even though I was takes a great deal of endeavour for never a topper, my brothers always a man to be selected as a , supported me and motivated me let alone an officer. For a girl, to pursue what I like, no matter the there wasn't any ray of hope. But results. the parochial mindset is gradually changing now. Families have more Next Goal: where do you see yourself in the next two or three years? faith in their daughters and the girls themselves have become more As a Naval Architecture Officer, confident. I believe I'm an achiever I want to play my part in building the most advanced indigenous war because I've given the young girls childhood days when we used to live and our society at large, a new way platforms for the nation paving way in village Mathiaran and my father of living a dignified life and serving for "Make in India" campaign to be used to drive me to the nearest town the nation. a great success. Banur early morning so that I could Secret of success? Role model - who and why? catch my school bus to Rajpura. His Undoubtedly, they are my My father; as I remember my perseverance and dedication is what

20 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Women's Day Special kept me going all through out. What is your vision of India in By the way: Any offbeat or little 2020? aspect of your personality/habits? What do the Indian youth want? India is a benevolent and I like teaching, when I come Indian youth is a precious gem in mighty nation and would be an home. It makes me very happy when today’s world. They have a plethora epitome of democracy for all the of potential. Only thing they need is nations .The Bluewater Navy is an I see the spark in the eyes of kids and to have faith in themselves and an aspect to achieving the status of a I've learnt a lot about life from them opportunity to prove their mettle. global power. as well. Interview of Lt Cdr K Gogoi How long have you been serving in Indian Navy and what motivated to join the force? I was commissioned into Indian Navy on 5th July 2010. It has been 9 years and 5 months since then. I was always fascinated by seeing people in uniform from childhood. Kiran Bedi (IPS) was always my role model. During my schooling I was more fascinated by seeing the Army, being from the hinterland. It was then I got inclined to join Armed Forces. During my Bachelor’s degree at Gunupur, Odhisa, I developed inclination towards Indian Navy and I was indeed fortunate that I got shortlisted through University Entry Scheme, followed by selection in the Service Selection Board. You are the first female officer from the Navy to soon take up the role of a Military Diplomat. Tell us how does it feel? It is indeed a great feeling and a huge opportunity to serve the nation abroad. However, I never imagined about such appointment and never felt any pressure to and submarines. Presently I am posted at Headquarters prove myself at any stage. I have always tried to do my Karnataka Naval Area in Karwar wherein I am looking best in assigned duties. However, it is a great feeling into maintenance and operational issues of ships and to be the first woman officer from Indian Navy and the first lady from Assam to do so. There are bound to be submarines. challenges in my next appointment, however, the training As far as my deputation is concerned, presently I imparted by the Navy has instilled a sense of confidence, am undergoing various briefings and Russian Language self-belief and professionalism, which makes one ready course. to face the challenges. Being a military diplomat to a country which has Can you give a glimpse of training involved? historical ties with India, what all are the expectations, Apart from the physical training and studies in and how confident are you of taking up this big responsibility? academy and in our professional schools, as a Naval Constructor, I have done my Post Graduation in Naval We know that India and Russia have a time tested Architecture from IIT, Delhi as a part of training course. friendship which goes beyond realms of business Post completion of various courses, I was appointed partners, into the cultural thread that holds us together. to Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam and then at Ship Therefore, it is a challenging as well as a great opportunity Building Centre, Visakhapatnam, wherein, in field, I I have got, to maintain and strengthen this partnership. was looking after refit, repairs and construction of ships As for the responsibility, Navy has put confidence in

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 21 Women's Day Special me by selecting me and towards that I am undergoing passion with perseverance. preparatory period at Naval Headquarters, equipping myself with all aspects of my work as Assistant Naval Tell us about your native place, your family, and the Attaché. With my past service experience and present support you received from them to join the forces? training I am confident that I will be able to render all my I was born and brought up in Guwahati, while my duties to the best of my capabilities. ancestral home is in Sivsagar, Assam. My father was an India has a number of Russian built ships and Upper Division Assistant in Office of the Commissioner submarines. Will your expertise as a Naval Constructor also be utilized during your appointment in Moscow? Division, Panbazar and my mother is an Representing the country as a diplomat, I will have accountant in college, Guwahati. At the home various roles and responsibilities to play apart from the front, I am one of the luckiest persons to have the role as a Naval Constructor. However, in my previous most supporting parents, sibling, husband and in-laws. appointments I have dealt with various Indian Naval Ships My parents always allowed me to go ahead with any and Submarines, which are of Russian origin and also those which have similar technology. This will definitely profession I chose. So, when I went to appear for my be helpful for me in dealing with various technology and Service Selection Board interview during my final year related assignments in my next appointment. of B Tech degree and told them that I wanted to join Being an officer who has been able to break gender Indian Navy, they were really happy and prayed that I barrier, you are a role model for Indian Women. get selected. What’s your advice to the younger generation, especially girls in our country who wish to achieve My husband, Lt Cdr Pranjal Protim Handique has greater heights? always supported me in all endeavours in service and While growing up, my younger sister and I were on the family front. He and my parent’s in-laws were given every opportunity by our parents. We never found very happy with my selection as Assistant Naval Attaché any discrimination between genders, the way we were brought up. So, the concept of breaking the gender at Moscow. They have always supported me in all my barrier never occurred to us. Our father, Late Shri Dilip decisions till date, whether it is on the professional Kr Gogoi, always gave importance for building our or home-front. Their support has helped me a lot in career, confidence and an independent life. He and our performing better in my professional life. mother, Smt Indira Borgohain Gogoi, always taught us that no job is small or big. It’s always how honest, loyal Hailing from the region of hills and valleys, what and dutiful you are to your job. attracted you to the sea? In my service tenure till date, I have never faced I have never seen the sea or the coast until I went any discrimination either in field work or in the office to which I was assigned. We always worked as a team. It for an excursion from my engineering college in the year was never a male or a female officer. It was just Officers. 2008 to Visakhapatnam. I had read about Indian Navy I tried to do my best to the duties assigned to me by in newspapers and saw in television but never saw their the service. But along the normal course of events, I actions or uniformed personnel in real. I had seen the happened to be the first women from Indian Navy and Assam to represent our country abroad which really feels activities by Indian Army, Indian Airforce and Paramilitary great. forces since I belong to a hilly region. However, the I would like to say to all younger generation that curiosity of knowing the unknown always remains. And if you believe in yourself and put your best effort and as I have already said, my inclination towards Indian hard-work to achieve it, you will definitely reach your Navy increased during my bachelor’s degree and I goal. There is no job or profession particularly defined was fortunate to get shortlisted through University Entry for a male or a female. If you are good at something or want take up a particular profession and believe in Scheme, followed by selection in the Service Selection that, irrespective of gender, you can do it. Pursue your Board.

22 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Performance of OFB and four DPSUs reviewed

aksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh several fronts including operations making the project an outstanding Rreviewed the performance of and finance. The company has example of ‘Make in India’ initiative. (OFB) and achieved operational clearance It is also the Production Agency for Defence Public Sector Undertakings on seven platforms Light Combat the Medium Range Surface to Air (DPSUs) – Hindustan Aeronautics Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Missile (MRSAM). The BDL signed Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Light Utility Helicopter, Advanced contract worth Rs 1,188 crore for Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Light Helicopter - Weapon System supply of Varunastra or the Heavy Limited (BEML) and Bharat Dynamics Integrated named as Rudra, Weight Torpedo to the Indian Navy. Limited (BDL) on February 24, 2019. 19-seater Do-228 civil Aircraft, Varunastra has been designed The officials of OFB, HAL, BEL, BEML Jaguar Darin III and the Mirage and developed by DRDO and and BDL gave presentations on Upgrade. In last five years, two manufactured by BDL. Amogha – III, their ongoing and future projects to new platforms commenced on a third Generation Anti-Tank Guided Raksha Mantri and senior officials of overhauling of Hawk and Su 30 Missile designed and developed by Department of Defence Production, MKI. Till January 2020, the company the in-house R&D of BDL with the Ministry of Defence. overhauled 21 Hawk Advanced Jet support of DRDO was launched While expressing satisfaction Trainers and 45 Su-30 MKIs. HAL during Defexpo – 2020. at the overall achievements of OFB achieved successful integration The BEML through ‘Make in and these DPSUs, Shri Rajnath of BrahMos and Astra missiles on India’ initiative for the first time has Singh urged them to strive further SU-30MKI aircraft enabling the designed & developed biggest eco- to increase their competitiveness successful test firing. friendly Electrical Excavator of 180 in the global market. Lauding the The BEL has successfully tonne capacity, Biggest Electric drive indigenisation efforts, he called implemented projects of strategic dump trucks of 150 tonne & 190 upon the officials to identify more importance such as Weapon tonne capacity, which serve as import ‘Make in India’ avenues and help in Locating Radar for the Indian Army, substitution and help promote the making India self-reliant in defence Akash Missile System, Coastal cause of green mining and would production. Raksha Mantri also Surveillance System for the Coast save foreign exchange. The 180 urged the officials to explore new Guard, etc. The company has in the tonne Electrical Excavator received modes of business models, focussing recent past successfully indigenised Raksha Mantri Excellence Award on increased defence exports. He several products and systems under Design Effort category. The expressed hope that the DPSUs will including Akash Missile System (6 products designed and developed play a pivotal role in making India a Squadrons), Low Level Light Weight by BEML include Arjun Armoured global manufacturing hub as well as Radar (Aslesha), Weapon Locating Repair & Recovery vehicle (ARRV), net exporter. Radar, Ground Based Mobile Elint biggest ever 850 HP Bulldozer, Headquarters in Kolkata, OFB System, Central Acquisition Radar Stainless Steel Electric Multiple Unit, produces state-of-the-art Battle Field (Revathi), Coastal Surveillance Metro Cars for & Kolkata Equipment, ammunitions and other System, etc. The company recorded Metro Corporation, Self-Propelled military hardware for the Armed Forces an Export Turnover of USD 21.6 eight-wheeler Diesel Electric Multiple and strives to modernise the production million in 2018-19. The major Unit (DETC) and unattended Train facilities besides training the personnel. countries to which BEL exported its Operation (UTO) Metro cars for With focus on indigenisation, the OFB products were Switzerland, USA, Mumbai Metro. has filed 246 Intellectual Property France, Germany, Israel, Sweden, The BEML gave major thrust Rights applications. Forty-two R&D Finland, Seychelles, Mauritius, to self-reliance and achieved Centres with specific technological Vietnam and SEZs. indigenisation levels of over 90 per domains have been set up with The BDL has grown into a multi- cent in the mainline mining and project-based collaborations with product, multi-customer, multi- construction products, Rail Coaches IITs/IISc/NITs. Development of located enterprise producing defence & EMUs, over 80 per cent in High futuristic technologies with Indian equipment meeting international Mobility Vehicles (HMV) and over 65 private industries through iDex quality standards. The BDL is the per cent in Metro cars. BEML is also platform is one of the focus areas of lead Integrator of the Akash Weapon working towards ‘Zero Import’ policy OFB. System (AWS). It may be noted that of Government to reach higher HAL has consistently performed Akash has 96 per cent of material levels of indigenisation. well in the last five years on sourced from within the country - PRO Defence

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 23 Offshore Patrol Vessel launched

n an ceremony held at L&T IShipbuilding, Kattupalli, Chennai, the 6th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) (Yard-45006) was launched by Smt Geeta Mandaviya, wife of Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Shipping, Chemical & Fertilizer on February 27, 2020. Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Shipping, Chemical & Fertilizer was the Chief Guest for the launching ceremony which was witnessed by Director General K Natarajan, Director General , Inspector General S Paramesh, of extensive trials and testing for Twin Engine Helicopter which will Commander Coast Guard Region the equipment and machinery fitted enhance its operational, surveillance (East) and various other Service/ onboard. and search & rescue capability. Civilian dignitaries. The length of the OPV is 98 mtrs The Ship would be utilized for The OPV launched is the sixth in and breadth 15m with gross tonnage day and night patrol surveillance the series of 07 OPV project being of 2100 tons. The endurance of alongwith anti-terrorist/anti- built by L&T Shipbuilding under the the vessel is 5000 nautical miles. smuggling operations in the contract signed between Ministry of The maximum speed is 26 Knots Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as Defence and M/s L&T, Ltd in 2015. well as Coastal Security. The OPV In keeping with the PM initiative being propelled by 02 diesel driven will have two Navigation Radars of Make in India, the contract for engines of 9000kw each with low with ultra-modern technology, building OPV class of vessel was level fuel consumption, high TBO sophisticated navigational and latest awarded to Larsen & Toubro, Ltd. and complying to IMO Tier-II norms. The 6th OPV launched is likely to be The ship will be fitted with CRN-91 communication systems. The ship inducted into the Indian Coast Guard and two 12.7 mm guns and will would be manned by 121 personnel. in October 2020 after completion be capable of carrying an Integral The Chief Guest in his speech brought out that, the Indian Coast Guard is on the path of rapid expansion which requires large number of state-of-the-art ships and aircrafts to strengthen the maritime security mechanism in the prevailing security scenario. He also stated that the assets requirements are being met by adding new ships and replacement of ageing existing OPV class of ships in phased manner which have been inducted 30-35 years ago. The Chief Guest also acknowledged the timely delivery OPV by L&T to the Coast Guard. - PRO Chennai

24 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 GRSE delivers ASWC Kavaratti to Indian Navy

arden Reach Shipbuilders and GEngineers Ltd (GRSE), delivered Yard 3020 (Kavaratti), to the Indian Navy on February 18, 2020. The ship is the 104th Warship built and delivered by GRSE since its inception in 1960 and is the last in the series of 04 Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes (ASWC) under the Project 28. Kavaratti was handed over by Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd), the world since their induction to very low radar cross section and Chairman & Managing Director, the Indian Navy, having participated special design of propulsion system GRSE to Cdr Sandeep Singh, in several overseas operations and minimizes Radiated Underwater Commanding Officer (Designate) of international maritime exhibitions Noise. The stealth features make the the ship, in the presence of Cmde DK in Malaysia, Singapore and other ships almost invisible to the enemy , CEO, Chairman, D448 countries including International both above and below the sea , Shri S S Fleet Reviews. The 3rd Anti- surface. Dogra, Director (Finance), Cmde Submarine Warfare Corvette, INS Sanjeev Nayyar, IN (Retd), Director The Kamorta class of Corvettes Kiltan recently participated in the (Shipbuilding) and Cmde PR Hari, are designed to be equally effective prestigious Exercise Malabar 2019, IN (Retd), Director (Personnel) and in the littorals as well as in the deep an endeavour to strengthen India- other senior officials of Indian Navy oceans. These class of ships have Japan-US Naval Cooperation and and GRSE. been designed as an extremely enhance inter-operability. With 90% versatile ASW Platform capable of The first three ships of the indigenous content, equipped to fight neutralizing the enemy submarines series, INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt in nuclear, biological and chemical using her indigenous weapons like & INS Kiltan were delivered earlier warfare conditions, featuring the torpedoes, rocket launchers and and now form an integral part of integration of a host of weapons and integral helicopters. The ship has a Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy. sensors, the P 28 Class of ships is displacement of 3250 tonnes, length The P 28 Class of ships strengthens yet another milestone in the journey of 109 m and width of 12.8 m. The the Indian Defence System and is the towards self – reliance and Make ship has a maximum speed of 25 shining armour in the Make in India in India. These Anti-Submarine Knots, with an endurance of over programme. Warfare Corvettes have catapulted 3400 nm at 18 knots speed and can The first 03 Anti-Submarine the Indian Navy into the elite club of accommodate 17 officers and 106 Warfare Corvettes built by GRSE building Stealth Ships. The “X” form sailors. have been creating waves across of the hull and super structure gives - PRO Kolkata

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 25 CGDA inaugurates DAD Residential Complex at Guwahati

hri Sanjiv Mittal IDAS Controller harsh terrain of North Eastern India. SGeneral of Defence Accounts inaugurated the new residential CGDA in his inaugural speech complex for the officers and staff spoke about various new initiatives of Controller of Defence Accounts taken by the Department especially at Satgaon, Guwahati on Febuary the digitization of payment process to 8, 2020. On this occasion, the Defence Civilians through SBI CMP Foundation Stone of new Office in the areas of payment to hospitals Building of CDA (Border Roads), for ECHS, payment process in MES, Guwahati was also laid by Shri Sanjiv Border Roads and DBT for Defence Mittal, CGDA. At the same time, the event. CDA Guwahati is involved Civilians as well as Comprehensive transit facilities for DAD were also in providing Accounts and Finance Pension Package. He also spoke opened. The function was graced by services to Indian Army through about creation and augmentation Sh J Lhungdim, Addl CGDA, various sub-offices located in hilly and of infrastructure for the department Sh Navneet Verma, PCDA (BR), remote areas of seven North Eastern at various places in India. CGDA Sh RN Biswas, CDA Guwahati, Sh States. Creation and augmentation also applauded the efforts of CDA, SK Singh IFA (EC) Kolkata, Brig of infrastructure of office and Guwahati in conducting outreach Pandey, Dy GOC 51 Sub Area and residential accommodation will cater program at various locations and other senior officers of Indian Army, to the staff and officers of DAD so DFMC courses for Service Officers MES and DAD were present during as to keep their morale high in the to make them aware of financial matters and in creating synergy between Services and DAD. He also appreciated the efforts being made by CDA, Guwahati and CDA (Border Roads) in carrying out the assigned tasks in the far flung area of North East. Later CGDA also met AOC- in-C (EAC) Air Marshal RD Mathur and Dy GOC of 101 Area and discussed various issues of services being provided by DAD in the North East by CDAs and IFAs. - PRO Guwahati

26 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 409 Gallantry and other Defence Decorations Announced

…Continued from the last issue SL. RANK & NAME SERVICE No. 27. SS-45272M MAJOR BHANU PRATAP SINGH, THE CORPS OF EME / 22ND BATTALION THE ARMY 28. SS-45484X MAJOR NISHANT MEHTA, 55TH BATTALION THE ENGINEER REGIMENT ARMY 29. IC-78534X CAPTAIN AMARINDER SINGH, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY / 9TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 30. IC-79320N CAPTAIN DEEPAK BISHT, THE / 9TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 31. IC-79400L CAPTAIN ANKUR, THE ARMOURED CORPS/53RD BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 32. IC-79424P CAPTAIN PIYUSH SHARMA, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 3RD BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 33. IC-80201K CAPTAIN A RANJITH KUMAR, 23RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY 34. IC-81704F CAPTAIN SIDDHARTHA DAS, 23RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY 35. SS-47575A CAPTAIN RAMAN TIWADI, 23RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY 36. JC-274567P MUKESH KUMAR SINGH, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 34TH BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 37. JC-431390H SUBEDAR DILBAG SINGH, THE /53RD BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 38. 13624203A BHAL SINGH, 9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY 39. 13625356W HAVILDAR PAWAN, 23RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY 40. 13625482Y HAVILDAR BANTI, 9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY 41. 13625637M HAVILDAR SHAMSHER SINGH, 9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY 42. 13761898A HAVILDAR JASBIR SINGH, THE /52ND BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 43. 14927285N HAVILDAR RAJIB SWARGIARY, THE MECHANISHED INFANTRY / 42ND BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 44. 14930228X HAVILDAR BALJEET, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY / 50TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA ARMY RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) 45. 14930384F HAVILDAR KIRAN KUMAR BOMMALI, THE MECHANISHED INFANTRY / 50TH BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 46. 15143867M HAVILDAR ESHWAR SINGH BANAFAR, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY/34TH BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 47. 16011568F HAVILDAR HARIBIR SINGH, THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT/23RD BATTALION THE ARMY PARACHUTE REGIMENT 48. 2498417N HAVILDAR RAJESH SINGH, 4TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY 49. 2896033N HAVILDAR PARDEEP KUMAR, 10TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY 50. 3194674L HAVILDAR PRITAM SINGH, THE / 34TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 51. 4192549Y HAVILDAR SUNIL SINGH, 23RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY 52. 4193900F HAVILDAR RAVINDRA SINGH, THE /13TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 53. 4367280H HAVILDAR LALTLANZOVA, THE / 42ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 54. 15485571N LANCE DAFADAR FAROOQ AHMED KHAN, THE ARMOURED CORPS /55TH BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 55. 13627378N NAIK SANDEEP, 10TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS) ARMY 56. 14936011K NAIK BISHAN SINGH LIMBU, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY/9TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 57. 15148306F NAIK DASARI RAMESH, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 34TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 58. 15155298W NAIK BUTA SINGH, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 627TH BATTALION THE SATA ARMY BATTERY (POSTHUMOUS) 59. 15346244X NAIK SAMAY LAL SINGH, THE ENGINEER CORPS / 3RD BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 60. 16113500N NAIK DILEEP POL, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 61. 16114121K NAIK KOTA RAGHUNATH REDDY, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 44TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 62. 3002748H NAIK RAJENDRA SINGH, THE REGIMENT/44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 27 63. 3004044X NAIK RAVINDER SINGH, THE /44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 64. 3009946W NAIK SONVEER SINGH, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 65. 3201450W NAIK OUM SINGH, THE JAT REGIMENT / 34TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 66. 3203097N NAIK SURESH CHAND CHOUDHARY, THE JAT REGIMENT / 34TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 67. 3407118A NAIK KULDEEP SINGH, 5TH BATTALION THE SIKH REGIMENT(POSTHUMOUS) ARMY 68. 4195719H NAIK SURENDER SINGH RAUTELA, THE KUMAON REGIMENT/13 RASHTRIYA RIFLES (KUMAON) ARMY 69. 4202399K NAIK SURENDRA YADAV, THE KUMAON REGIMENT / 50TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 70. 15497062F ACTING LANCE DAFADAR VINOD KUMAR THAKUR, THE ARMOURED CORPS / 22ND ARMY BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 71. 15625747N LANCE NAIK PAWAN KUMAR, BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS / 50TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 72. 3008745L LANCE NAIK ANIL KUMAR, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT/44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 73. 3200583A LANCE NAIK YOGENDRA SINGH, THE JAT REGIMENT / 34TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 74. 9111907W LANCE NAIK SUBZARAHAMDWANI, THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY/ 34TH ARMY BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 75. 14942489X SEPOY GURMEET, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY / 42ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 76. 14943965X SEPOY GURDEV SINGH, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY /9TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 77. 14945738W SEPOY PUSHKAR, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY/50TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 78. 15221107Y SEPOY VINOD KUMAR, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY/34TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 79. 2503317P SEPOY GURPREET SINGH, THE PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 80. 2504495K SEPOY AMANDEEP SINGH, THE PUNJAB REGIMENT/22ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 81. 2505152A SEPOY TARSEEM SINGH, THE PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 82. 2707511L SEPOY ARUNESH SINGH, / 55TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 83. 2708224N SEPOY SANDEEP, THE GRENADIERS/55TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) ARMY 84. 2708583FSEPOY PRITHVIRAJ, THE GRENADIERS/55TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 85. 2710149NSEPOY JAYPAL SINGH, THE GRENADIERS REGIMENT/55TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 86. 3012885P SEPOY UDAY BHAN, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT / 44TH BATALLION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 87. 3013103A SEPOY AMIR KHAN, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 88. 3014288Y SEPOY SAIYYAD SAJEED IBRAHIM, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT/44TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 89. 3015013X SEPOY ANUP SINGH, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 90. 3015164W SEPOY YOGENDRA SINGH JODHA, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT/44TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 91. 3017270N SEPOY RAMVEER, THE RAJPUT REGIMENT / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 92. 4379185H SEPOY MEDOYO NAKI, THE ASSAM REGIMENT /42ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 93. 4381554N SEPOY UYOKTA KUMAR MARING, THE ASSAM REGIMENT / 42ND BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 94. 4381646A SEPOYNEHMINLEN HAOKIP, THE ASSAM REGIMENT/42ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 95. 4381872X SEPOY GRATEFUL, ASSAM REGIMENT/42ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 96. 4583255X SEPOY RATHOD RANJITSINH AMARSINH, THE / FIRST BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 97. 13777597A RIFLEMAN ANIL KUMAR JASWAL, THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES / 3RD BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) 98. 16022054K RIFLEMAN AYUB MOHD, THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES/9THBATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY 99. 16025065F PARATROOPER HARI VIYAPAK, 23RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY 100. 4379694F PARATROOPER Y ELONTHUNG LOTHA, 9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY (SPECIAL FORCES) 101. 15498629YSOWAR KULDIP SINGH BHADAURIA, THE ARMOURED CORPS / 55TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES …to be continued in next issue

28 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Chakravyuh

Q1. Identify this officer (Pic-1), who joined Lawrence Q6. Identify this illustrious officer who became the School Sanawar as English Teacher and House third woman to reach the Lt Gen and equivalent Mistress, long after her retirement from Army. rank of India (Pic-4)? She has also edited a weekly Sikkim Express and participated in Khatron ke Khiladi 1! She is Q7. How is the logo Umeed Ki Kiran (Pic-5) of regarded as woman cadet 0001 of Indian Army an NGO based at Delhi, started by a couple, and had written about her desire to join Army associated with the valiant Indian Navy Officer to then Chief, SF Rodrigues? shown in picture (Pic-6)? Q2. Identify this officer who is talented enough to Q8. What is the claim to fame of officers Anuradha use the aerodynamics of a flying cricket ball! Shukla, Sneha Kathyat, Shirin Chandran and (Pic-2). She has represented the country in a Vasundhara Chouksey? World Cup and done India proud!(P.S. marked Q9. What circumstances/occurence led to the by arrowhead)? resolve of Neeru Sambyal, Sangeeta Mall, Q3. Name the first woman officer of Indian Army to Gauri Mahadik and Nikita Kaul Dhoundiyal to be decorated with a gallantry award? join Indian Army? Q4. The first woman officer to be appointed Surgeon Q10. Name the woman officer who was in the Vice Admiral (Pic-3)? contingent of IAF for RD Parade 2020, which won the best marching contingent award? Q5. In June, 2005 Capt Ashwini Pawar, Capt Shipra Majumdar, trainer Dechen Lhamo and Cadet Q 11. In which role in PBOR is Indian Army training Tshering Ladol were feeling on top of the world! women for the first time? (Question courtesy: Dr Rupali Why so? Patil Jain, Warud)

Pic-1 Pic-2 Pic-3

Pic-4 Pic-5 Pic-6 Answers 1 Major Priya Jhingan 2 Sqn Ldr Shikha Pandey 3 Major Mitali Madhumita. She was awarded the 4 Surgeon Vice Admiral 5 The World's first military women team to conquer Mt Everest 6 Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar 7 It is logo of Kiran Shekhawat Foundation started by parents of Lt Kiran Shekhawat as a tribute to their daughter. Lt Kiran Shekhawat is the first Indian Navy woman officer to be martyred in line of duty. She was on board the naval aircraft which crashed on March 24, 2015 8 They are the first four women officers of Indian Coast Guards and employed in combat role. 9 The martyrdom of their valiant husbands who served the army and did the supreme sacrifice. 10 Flight Lieutenant Reema Rai 11 They will be joining as Military Police. - Gp Capt Samir Gangakhedkar

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 29 First Anniversary of National War Memorial

he first anniversary of the iconic National War TMemorial (NWM) was observed on February 25, 2020. The monument was dedicated to the Nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 25, 2019. The memorial is a fitting tribute by the grateful nation to its fallen heroes in the line of duty during various wars and internal security challenges since Independence. To mark the first anniversary, a solemn ceremony was held at NWM. Chief of the Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and veterans from the three services laid wreaths and paid homage to the fallen soldiers. The events of the first anniversary commenced on February 22, 2020 with a static band display by the monument everyday which includes a large number of three Services. A quiz competition, based on Indian students from the National Capital Region. President military history, was also held on February 24-25, 2020 and Prime Minister have paid tributes at the memorial in which students from various schools and colleges thrice in the last one year. The most poignant moment of across Delhi participated. the day at NWM is the wreath-laying ceremony which is Over the last one year, more than 21 lakh people conducted every evening, wherein one of the next of kin including dignitaries, both domestic and foreign, have of martyrs lay the wreath at Amar Chakra. visited the NWM. Over 5,000-7,000 people visit the - PRO Defence First Anniversary of Balakot Air Strikes

n the first anniversary of Balakot air strikes, Air a MiG-21 Type 69 aircraft along with the Commanding OChief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of the Air Staff Officer of 51 Sqn, Gp Capt Kamran Nazeerin a formation flew a five aircraft mission at Srinagar Air Base along comprising of one MiG-21, two Mirage-2000s and two with aircrew from Squadrons that had participated in the Sukhoi-30 MKIs. operations on -27, last year. The CAS flew February 26, 2019 was a momentous day as it bore testimony to the professionalism and operational preparedness of men and women of the IAF who successfully executed a very complex mission and achieved their objectives under extremely challenging conditions. On this day, the IAF salutes the spirit, tenacity and sacrifice of its brave Air Warriors and assure the Nation of its unstinted resolve. The IAF stands shoulder to shoulder with other Defence Services in discharge of its sacred duty of defending the nation’s sovereignty and integrity. - PRO IAF

30 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 IDSA renamed as Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

he Government has decided to When late Manohar Parrikar and dissemination of knowledge Trename 'The Institute for Defence was Raksha Mantri, India witnessed on defence and security-related Studies and Analyses' (IDSA) as a series of decisions that enhanced issues. To achieve its goals, the ‘Manohar Parrikar Institute for India's security capacities, boosted institute undertakes scholarly Defence Studies and Analyses’. The indigenous defence production and research, policy-oriented research, decision has been taken to honour bettered the lives of ex-servicemen. dissemination of research findings, the commitment and legacy of late His biggest contribution was towards training and capacity building and Manohar Parrikar. It will align the the implementation of long-standing public education. vision and aspiration of the premier One Rank One Pension (OROP) The IDSA has a well-qualified defence Institute with the contribution demand for the Armed Forces. He of the former Raksha Mantri and initiated major military reforms with multi-disciplinary research faculty Padma Bhushan awardee. the objective of having better teeth- drawn from academia, defence forces etc., representing a diversity of views. Raksha Mantri chairs the to-tail ratio by setting up an expert Executive committee of the lnstitute's committee under Lt Gen (Retd) DB Research at the Institute is driven by society. Shekatkar for enhancing combat a comprehensive agenda and the need to provide impartial analyses An epitome of integrity and capability and rebalancing defence and policy recommendations. Since dedication in public life, throughout expenditure. its inception, IDSA has served as a his career, late Manohar Parrikar An autonomous body under showed a tremendous fighting spirit, Ministry of Defence, IDSA was forum to debate important aspects taking on the odds with fearlessness. established as a registered society of national and international He was Raksha Mantri from in New Delhi in 1965, dedicated security. The institute conducts November 9, 2014-March 14, 2017 to objective research and policy several national and international and steered the Ministry through relevant studies on all aspects of conferences every year and regularly the tough challenges of attacks like defence and security. Its aim is to holds round tables and workshops Pathankot and Uri and responded to promote national and international on important developments. these with exemplary boldness. security through the generation - PRO Defence 47 Squadron of IAF Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

o. 47 Squadron of Indian Air Force currently stationed and veterans were part of the celebrations. Nat AF Station, Adampur, completed 60 years of its The Squadron was formed on December 18, 1959 glorious service to the nation. To commemorate the at Air Force Station Halwara. It has operated Toofani, occasion, Diamond Jubilee celebrations were organised MiG-21 FL and MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The crest of the at Air Force Station Adampur on February 14-15, 2020. unit is a figure of a kneeling ‘Black Archer’ with a drawn On this historic occasion, the aerial display by the Surya bow, depicting poised readiness. The motto of the unit, Kiran Aerobatics Team, IAF vintage Flight, Air Devils and 'Karmani Vyapurutham Dhanuhu' is translated as 'My performance by the Air Warriors Drill Team enthralled the bow is always stretched for its task'. audience. A large number of serving officers, dignitaries The Squadron took part in both 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and won numerous accolades. The Squadron continues to maintain its operational edge and has actively participated in Op Safed Sagar, Op Parakram and the operations post Balakot Strike in Northern sector. The Black Archers are the proud recipients of the Presidents Standards in 2009 and are ever ready to face any challenge, to achieve greater heights in service to the nation. - PRO IAF

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 31 Army Chief Reviews Security in the Kashmir Valley

eneral MM Naravane, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gvisited Kashmir on February 25, 2020 to review the prevailing security situation. The COAS accompanied by the Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen YK Joshi and Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen KJS Dhillon visited the formations and units deployed along the . The Chief of Army Staff was briefed by the local Commanders on the situation on the Line of Control, cease fire violations, our retaliations, counter infiltration operations and operational preparedness being maintained. During his interaction with the soldiers on snow clad heights, he was appreciative of the sharp vigil and alertness along the overall situation pertaining to the Line of Control and Line of Control and high morale of the troops. He also the hinterland. The COAS also interacted with senior exhorted the soldiers to remain alert for any eventuality. officials of the administration and Security Forces. He He further reinforced the need to be prepared to meet also met members of the civil society. emerging security challenges effectively at all times. This is the first visit of General Naravane to Kashmir The COAS was earlier briefed by the Chinar Corps after taking over as the COAS. Commander at Badami Bagh Cantonment on the - PRO Srinagar Op Hopestar- Act of Bravery and Selfless Service by Indian Army

ndian Army is the bastion and of Nausatra Nallah. Two Army caring for own safety, life or limb Iepitome of gallantry, disciplined officials from the post immediately the NCO kept swimming with the and selfless service to the nation. In reached the site of commotion and woman in tow. As the NCO reached keeping with the best traditions and were informed about the drowning close to the bank, the alert JCO who ethos of the Army, on February 16, woman at the centre of the Nallah. was controlling the entire operation 2020, the brave soldiers of Indian The senior Army official (JCO) took from the bank jumped in with rope Army deployed in Districts immediate decision and siezed and bamboo sticks and helped the of Lower Assam gave an excellent initiative by directing the NCO, now tiring NCO get the woman to measure of bravery, decisive action a good swimmer to jump in and safety. The entire rescue operation and sacrifice in saving a drowning swim towards the drowning woman. which was extremely dangerous and village woman from a fast flowing, While the NCO jumped in, the could have resulted in loss of life of deep and icy cold Nausatra Nallah. senior counterpart (JCO) made the woman and her saviours was quick arrangements to gather rescue At around noon time, the executed impeccably without any material like rope, tyre, tubes and soldiers of nearby post heard intense loss of life. The entire act of chivalry commotion near the post and noise bamboos. Meanwhile swimming and gallantry in saving a local coming from Patvaushi Bridge against the current the NCO inched woman from sure death was lauded close to the woman and finally reached after 30 meters of intense by all locals present at site. The swimming. The tiring woman was at Indian Army once again displayed the fag end of her energy when the its compassionate and courageous NCO reached her and gathering all tradition of always being ready to his strength swam back towards the help its Citizens in time of need, in bank. The cold water of the Nallah addition to securing the Borders from with fast flowing rubble added to the eternal threat and internal strikes. difficulty of rescue. However without - PRO Guwahati

32 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Vessel Search training by Mobile Training Team of Australian Border Force

eadquarters, Coast Guard HRegion (East) in coordination with the Australian Border Force conducted a training course on Vessel Search Technique at Chennai from February 24-28, 2020. Inspector General S Paramesh, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), Ms Susan Grace, Australian Consul General, Chennai, Mr Tim Sheppard, Counsellor Australian Coastal Security Group officers of step in that direction. This training Border Force (ABF), New Delhi Tamil Nadu Police. This training is programme will bolster efforts of and Officials from the Indian a part of strengthening International both countries for realizing common Coast Guard, Customs, Coastal Co-operation between the two national maritime objectives of Security Group (Tamil Nadu Police) countries. ensuring safety and security at sea. participated. In line with the joint efforts of The joint training course will yield The Vessel Search Course by the cementing close maritime relations, fruitful results and go a long way in Mobile Training Team of Australian the incumbent Vessel Search Training strengthening the multi-dimensional Border Force was conducted for Course by the Australian Border maritime capabilities of the two Indian Coast Guard officers and Force Training team consisting services. personnel, Custom Officers and of qualified Instructors is a major - PRO Chennai SNC hosts third Aviation Innovation Exposition

s part of Diamond Jubilee Acelebrations of Naval Aircraft Yard, Kochi, the third edition of Aviation Innovation Exposition was inaugurated by Rear Admiral V Mohan Doss, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air Material), in the presence of Rear Admiral Philipose George Pynumootil, Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) on February 11, 2020 at naval base, Kochi. The current edition of the exposition was aimed to bring together major indigenous aviation elements viz. Hindustan Aeronautics Rear Admiral V Mohan Doss, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air Material) at the Aviation Limited (HAL), Centre for Military Innovation Exposition Airworthiness and Certification solution for the continuous fight budding Aeronautical Engineers (CEMILAC), Aeronautical Society against obsolescence. Nearly 50 and Technicians of Naval Institute of of India (AeSI), academia and Micro Small Medium Enterprises Aeronautical Technology (NIAT) to aviation industries. The opportunity (MSMEs) 32 exhibitors, Naval Repair interact with the seasoned players of was used for pooling in resources Yards and Indigenisation Units took and expertise for co-operative part in the exposition. The expo also the aviation field. production, besides finding a viable provided a rare opportunity for the - PRO Kochi

March 1-15, 2020 Sainik Samachar 33 PHOTOCALL

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh with the officers of Indian Air Force that was adjudged the best marching contingent among the three Services. Also seen is Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Chinar Corps Commander handed over command of the strategic Kashmir based 15 Corps to Lt Gen BS Raju on February 29, 2020.

Ms Jiya Rai, eleven year old daughter of Madan Rai, Master Chief at Arms II, posted in INS Shikra, created a world record on February 15, 2020 by becoming the fastest special girl to swim 14 km in open water. The VI standard student of Navy Children School (NCS), Mumbai swam from Elephanta Island to Gateway of India, a distance of 14 km in 3 hours 27 minutes and 30 seconds.

34 Sainik Samachar March 1-15, 2020 Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, CAS and Mrs Asha Bhadauria President AFWWA met and congratulated Flt Lt Avani Chaturvedi, Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth and Flt Lt Mohana Singh on being awarded 'Naari Shakti Award-2020'.

On assuming appointment of the first Director General of Indian Army, Lt Gen DP Pandey, paid homage to the brave soldiers by laying a wreath on March 2, 2020 at the National War Memorial. R.N.I. Regd.No.800/57English SAINIK SAMACHAR1-15March2020 Published on1Posted4-5March2020 Postal Regd.No.DL(ND)11-6075/2018-20 Licenced topostwithoutpre-payment Licence No.U(C)-50/2018-20

A special flight of Indian Air Force (IAF) departed from Air Force Station, Palam, New Delhi to Wuhan, on February 26, 2020 with approximately15 tonnes of medical supplies as a goodwill gesture from the Government of India.