In This Issue Since 1909 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Interview | Week 4

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR) Vol. 62 q No 24 25 Agrahayana - 10 Pausha, 1937 (Saka) 16-31 December 2015

The journal of ’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 CNS Reviews Passing Hasibur Rahman Award of Innovation 8 11 Senior Editor Editor Trophy… Out Parade Ruby T Sharma Ehsan Khusro Coordination 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; Wg Cdr SS Birdi, 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: 10 Indo-Oman Joint Sailing Wg Cdr SS Birdi; Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Ms Gargi Malik Sinha; : Cdr 14 ICGS Samarth Commissioned Navy Organises Rahul Sinha; Narendra Vispute; NAGPUR: Wg Cdr Samir S Gangakhedkar; PALAM: 15 Nation Observes Armed Forces… Open Sea… 12 Gp Capt SK Mehta; PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: MA Khan Shakeel; SHILLONG: Gp Capt Amit Mahajan; SRINAGAR: Col NN Joshi; TEZPUR: Lt Col 16 Mine Free Land Handed Over… Sombith Ghosh; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suresh Shreedharan; UDHAMPUR: 20 Reviews… Col SD Goswami; VISAKHAPATNAM: Cdr CG Raju. 21 Poonch Link Up Day Celebrations Published by: Nitin D Wakankar 26 NCC Celebrates 67th Anniversary Director (Media & Communication) Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, Regulars Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011 18 Photo Features: President’s Follow us on: Standard to 18 and 22 Sqn 27 Armed Forces Panorama www.facebook.com/DefenceMinIndia

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On front cover: The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi presenting winner’s Innovation Trophy to Cdr Nandkumar Das, CO, INS Sindhudhwaj during the ‘At Home’ reception, organised by CNS, RK Dhowan Interview | Navy Week

he Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan in an interview with Sainik Samachar’s Editor-in-Chief Mr THasibur Rahman about Navy’s role and contributions and the various initiatives taken at enhancing the quality of lives of sailors and their families and ex-servicemen on the occasion of .

The Navy recently undertook Op efficiency remains our primary Rahat to evacuate personnel from concern. In today’s interconnected strife-torn Yemen. This operation and globalised world, HR related earned the Navy many kudos issues and challenges are swifter to and admiration from all quarters. rise and require commensurate pro- How do you think the operation active actions and quick responses. helped underscore the Navy’s capabilities? As a relatively small and growing force, HR management issues for the Humanitarian Assistance and Navy have a direct bearing on the Disaster Relief (HADR) is one of motivation level and commitment the growing missions under the of our personnel. Meeting benign role of the . the professional and personal The Navy had conducted a large aspirations of our personnel is, scale HADR exercise in March therefore, an important aspect that 2015 off the Lakshadweep Group bears considered attention to harness of Islands, just a month before the their potential for maximised results. actual operation. Op Rahatwas a We are focused on imparting quality joint operation of the Indian Navy, and were traumatised, who were training, optimising expertise and Air Force, MEA and other agencies, accorded medical treatment on employment, and on improving the amply demonstrated the national board our ships. On the whole, Op quality of life of our personnel and capability for HADR. For the Indian Rahat demonstrated the motivation their families. In order to develop Navy, it demonstrated our flexibility, and capabilities of the Navy to put a happy, contented, motivated mobility, swift response, reach and ‘service before self’, as they extended and professionally capable cadre, the ability to maintain prolonged a helping hand to a large number the Navy formulated its Human presence in distant areas. The quick of Indians and foreign nationals in Capital Strategy in 2013. A range of redeployment of the Indian Naval adverse conditions and evacuated measures are being strongly pursued Ship Sumitra, which was on anti- them to safety. The operation also under this strategy. piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, showcased the Navy’s readiness Two recent initiatives, which to shoulder responsibilities across underscored the inherent versatility have enabled greater thrust to be the spectrum of its roles, and the of role change within a few hours accorded to key issues, have been enhanced tasking, as our national to undertake a completely different in designating 2015 as the ‘Year Of interests expand. mission. Further, the deployment of The Sailor (YOTS)’ and the academic Indian Naval Ships Mumbai and What are the HR management year 2015-16 as the ‘Year of Naval Tarkash from Mumbai to Yemen at issues that concern the Indian Schools (YONS)’. Various initiatives short notice was also testimony to Navy? What measures have you have been taken that are aimed at the Navy’s mobility, reach and swift adopted to nurture a happy, enhancing the quality of lives of our response. content and motivated cadre? sailor and their families. Measures The operation witnessed the Human Resource aspects under the YOTS include construction Navy evacuating 3,074 people play a critical role in making the of accommodation to meet the from different ports in Yemen, under Navy a capable and potent force. growing demand, improved medical combat conditions during day and The strength of our Navy lies in care facilities, and better rations night. Significantly, 1,291 of the well trained and motivated men and clothing. Under YONS, six evacuees were foreign nationals and women. Our people are our new Naval Children Schools and from over 30 different countries. greatest asset, and their morale, six Kendriya Vidyalayas are being Many of them had sustained injuries well-being and professional established at select naval stations.

4 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 As a fighting force, the high personnel and widows to reach vigorously. DESA has also issued morale of our personnel is of DESA to resolve their grievances. advisories to the retired community paramount importance to us. We DESA also publishes an e-newsletter through DESA blog and emails. In will continue to accord highest on a quarterly basis, which contains addition, email advisory has been issued to various ESM associations priority to all ways and means, and consolidated information on matters provide sustained efforts and focus (including Navy Foundation and of relevance to veterans and widows. on meeting the welfare needs and Veteran Sailors’ Forum), seeking their aspirations of our personnel, as also The e-newsletter is uploaded both participation in sensitising the retired their families, so that we run a taut, on the Indian Navy website and the community to undertake Aadhar efficient and a happy Indian Navy. DESA blog. registration and linking Aadhar details in Jeevan Pramaan portal. What mechanism does the Indian In June this year, the Navy signed Navy have to look after the interest of their retired community? a MoU with Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which In order to reach out to has authorised it to register naval the veterans and disseminate personnel (serving and retired) and information of relevance to the retired their dependents for Aadhar on community, a dedicated Directorate behalf of UIDAI. of Ex-Servicemen Affairs (DESA) operates as part of the Integrated What is being done to ensure Headquarters of MoD (Navy). DESA that retiring Naval personnel get provides a single window interface jobs commensurate with their for retired personnel to establish capabilities? communication with the Navy, Officers/ sailors retiring every to seek inputs, share views, and year comprise a well-disciplined, disseminate latest updates on policy motivated, and experienced source matters and other welfare related of manpower. It is our responsibility issues. This allows all measures to institute measures to facilitate and issues to be addressed at the What measures are being taken post retirement transition to second highest naval levels, and further to resolve difficulties being careers for our officers and sailors. interface with the Government on experienced by retired personnel We have, therefore, expanded in their pension related issues? policy matters. Substantial measures our initiatives, even as we have have been taken to reach out to the To make the organisation remained committed to various veteran community, so as to maintain more robust and responsive, the earlier initiatives. Due to the two-way communication, speedily Indian Navy has established a nature of the naval job profile, our address any issues and harness Naval Pension Office at Mankhurd, personnel possess an array of skills fresh ideas. Towards this, issues Mumbai, which specifically handles acquired during various in-service related to veterans are covered in all pension related issues of officers training courses and practical the Personnel section of the Indian and sailors. Further, in consonance working experience, which can be Navy website, and a dedicated with the Pro-Active Governance And gainfully utilised. The corporate blog is operated by DESA. These Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) and private sectors have shown are updated regularly with the latest initiative, generation of e-PPOs, interest in participating in the joint information and updated contact and seeding of Aadhar data in the efforts being made by the MoD details of relevant offices. Besides records of retired personnel for and Ministry of Skill Development email and post, DESA can also be rendering of annual life certificate, and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), to contacted through a toll free helpline Jeevan Pramaan portal is underway. facilitate skill development and telephone number with Interactive Digitisation of data is complete for employment of ESMs. While Director Voice Response System (IVRS) and 93% of retired officers and 62% of General Resettlement is drawing up 24x7 recording facility. This provides retired sailors/ family pensioners, a draft MoU between MoD and an easy mechanism for retired and the balance are being pursued MSDE to facilitate skill development

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 5 and employment of ESMs, the Indian material is also dispatched to a Navy is additionally undertaking large number of schools/ colleges activities with the CII towards and all Zila Sainik Boards. The local jointly mapping existing skill sets of administration carries out publicity retiring personnel and their gainful drive in rural/ backward areas employment in various fields. through local media. The Navy has What is being done about welfare 10+2, matriculate and non-matric of the widows? entries for different branches and cadres of sailors, besides special In keeping with the traditional schemes for recruiting outstanding camaraderie and brotherhood that sportsmen and also musicians. is the hallmark of the Armed Forces, a Naval Regimental System (NRS) What is your vision to steer the was established in January 2011, to Indian Navy on the course to a institutionalise a support system to World Class Navy? provide proactive support by taking On the occasion of Navy Day, responsibility for our widows/ next- I would like to reiterate that the of-kin. Under this system, seven being very well received amongst Indian Navy, as the nation’s prime Command Regimental System the youth. The naval recruit today manifestation and instrument of Officers and their teams reach out comes from India’s aspiring classes maritime power, is committed to to every family, upon the demise and looks to the Navy for a way of maintaining the highest standards of a naval colleague, whether the life that has both, high professional of professional excellence and to individual was in harness or retired, and personal growth. Therefore, the remaining vigilant and ready to meet to ensure their welfare and accrual theme highlights the multitude of the spectrum of needs for ensuring of all entitled dues. Since institution, opportunities offered by the Navy the nation’s maritime security. NRS has reached out and provided to the aspirants. The Navy is, today, We seek to create and sustain a sustained support to a substantial getting adequate response to its multi-dimensional, multi-spectrum, number of naval widows/ next-of- recruitment drives from the youth of combat-ready, networked force, and kin. the country, enabling it to select the to work in tandem with other maritime best amongst the eligible volunteers. What is being done to make the agencies and forces so as to build a Navy as a more attractive career What are the various ways of maritime environment that enables for today’s youth? joining as a sailor in the Indian our national growth and prosperity. The Navy is already an attractive Navy? As we strive towards increasing career for today’s youth, based on Recruitment of sailors in the indigenisation and self-reliance in its role, respect and status in our Navy is carried out on all-India basis naval technology, we shall remain society, and the steady evolution of on state-wise merit, through a written committed to maintaining a ‘clean career benefits, maintaining a good examination, followed by a physical and green’ environment. We are quality of life with both professional fitness test and medical examination. deeply cognisant that our greatest challenge and personal growth. To make recruitment candidate strength is in our human resource, Increased awareness of the Navy’s friendly, the recruitment schedule both uniformed and civilian, and role and contributions, and the is designed to cater for enough shall keep investing in its welfare, naval way of life, has been given preparation time for the candidates well-being and training, in order to thrust towards attracting the right and results are announced on the develop it into unmatched human quality of recruits. This is bearing same day. Recruitment publicity capital. We shall pull together on excellent results. Extensive publicity for the Indian Navy is also carried our oars, and continue to strive for campaigns are being undertaken, out on all-India basis, through self-reliance and indigenisation, so with the latest image projection advertisements in all leading that we can empower India through campaign conducted by the Indian national and regional newspapers Maritime Security and Indigenisation. Navy titled ‘Ocean of Opportunities’ and employment news. Publicity pix: Vijay Kumar and Naresh Kumar

6 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 Navy Day Celebrations

pix: Vijay Kumar, GD Mehra and Fulchand Kitadikar

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 7 Navy Day 2015 Innovation Trophy to Naval Personnel

n pursuance of the Government of IIndia’s guidance to promote and facilitate innovations by youth of the nation, the Indian Navy has taken a lead by instituting a new series of ‘Innovation Trophy’ for both Uniformed and Defence Civilian personnel, of Afloat and Ashore units. The newly instituted awards for Winner and Runner-Up in each category (total four only) were given away by the Mr Narendra Modi on December 4, 2015 during the Navy Day Reception The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi presenting Winner’s Innovation Trophy to at Navy House, New Delhi. Prior PK Singh Commanding Officer, INS Tunir. The Minister of State for Planning to the presentation of awards, (Independent Charge) and Defence, Mr Rao Inderjit Singh is also seen some of the salient innovations enthusiastic competition amongst a and maintenance domains, were and indigenisation initiatives were wide cross-section of young Officers, received as nominations after demonstrated. The event was Sailors and Defence Civilians of being short-listing by respective witnessed by all dignitaries including various trades and specialisations. Commands. The process of foreign diplomats invited for the Units of all Commands, including selection of Winner and Runner-Up Navy Day Reception through live Andaman and Nicobar Command, in each category was undertaken by video feed on multiple large screen had participated in the competition. a Selection Committee comprising displays. A total of 135 entries highlighting of domain experts, as per a pre- This initiative has led to significant innovations in operations decided assessment matrix.

Details of the award winners: Operational Units Result Unit Innovation Trophy Accepted By Winner INS Sindhudhwaj Ingenious repairs of submarine exhaust system Cdr Nandkumar Das, under most challenging conditions whilst on patrol, Commanding Officer, INS ensuring uninterrupted dived operation during a Sindhudhwaj critical Search and Rescue Mission Runner INS Sarvekshak Innovative solution for tidal measurements during Capt Rajesh Bargoti, up Hydrological Surveys by use of land based terrain Commanding Officer, INS mapping equipment and floating buoys mounted Sarvekshak with prisms

Shore Establishments Result Unit Innovation Trophy Accepted By Winner INS Tunir In-house modification to legacy surface to surface Commodore PK Singh missiles (originally designed for sub-sonic flight) to Commanding Officer, INS fly at supersonic speed Tunir Runner Naval Dockyard, First ever erection of a boiler onboard a commissioned SP Lal Admiral up Mumbai warship resulting in savings of approx Rs 267 Cr Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Mumbai

8 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi presenting Runner-up The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi presenting Runner-up Innovation Innovation Trophy to Rear Admiral SP Lal Admiral Superintendent, Trophy to Capt Rajesh Bargoti, Commanding Officer, INS Sarvekshak Naval Dockyard, Mumbai To facilitate showcasing of the to provide Telemedicine Navy Day Reception has spurred salient Innovations and Indigenisation solution for patients onboard further enthusiasm amongst young initiatives, a unique ‘Innovation ships at sea and medical personnel to find innovative solutions specialists at Naval Hospitals and Indigenisation Pavilion’ set up to day-to-day challenges posed due at the venue. Salient highlights of ashore. to technology denial, obsolescence, demonstrations showcased in the (c) Indigenous ship and submarine resource constraints etc. The end Pavilion were:- design capabilities. objective is to effectively use the (a) Live demonstration of (d) Demonstration of award power of innovative problem solving technological innovations and winning innovations. as a force multiplier and redouble indigenisation initiatives in (e) Demonstration of Green the momentum towards ‘Self Combat Technologies in a set- Initiatives by the Indian Navy. Reliance through Indigenisation and up that mimiced the Operations This initiative by IN to institute Innovation’. Room of a warship at sea. Innovation Trophy and showcasing (b) Live demonstration of innovative of initiatives to the Prime Minister - Capt DK Sharma use of Naval Satellite ‘Rukmani’ and other dignitaries during pix: Naresh Kumar

Nitin Wakankar – New Spokesperson of MoD

r Nitin D Wakankar Mof Indian Information Service (1989 batch) has taken over as the Officiating ADG (M&C) in the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), Ministry of Defence, with effect from December 1, 2015. An officer with long and varied work experiences in different media units, Mr Wakankar also worked as the Director (Press Facility) in PIB and Deputy Press Secretary to the from 2002 to 2012.

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 9 Indo-Oman Joint Sailing

NS Tarangini and Oman Naval Iship RNOV Shabab Oman- II, reached INS Kochi after joint sailing on December 3, 2015. The grand reception at Naval base Kochi included traditional Kerala style welcome consisting of caprisoned elephant and drumbeats. INS Tarangini returned after eight months long “Lokayan-15” wherein she participated in tall ship races across Europe covering over 17000 nautical miles visiting 17 ports in 14 countries. The joint sailing of INS Tarangini and the Omani sail ship Shabab Oman from Muscat to Kochi was part of project “Mausam” INS Tarangini being welcomed at Naval base Kochi of the . Project Commanding-in-Chief of the Built in Romania and launched in Mausam retraced the historic trade , Rear 2013 it joined Royal Navy of Oman route of the dhows between India Admiral RB Pandit, the Chief of Staff, in August 2014. The final touchups and the countries surrounding the Air Cmde Murshid Abdullah Al Lohri, of the ship like the fitting of masts North Arabian sea. The joint sailing the Resident DA at the Embassy of were done at Netherlands in January also commemorated 60 years of Sultanate of Oman, Cmde Abdullah 2014. The ship is 87m long and has diplomatic ties between India and Ali Sulaiman Yahyai, the Director a beam width of 11m, a sail area of Oman. 2,700 square meters and the tallest General of Operations and Plans. The two ships were received by masts is 50m high which is almost a gallery of distinguished personnel While INS Tarangini is a three double the height of the Indian sail from the Indian and Omani Navy masted Braque tall ship commanded training ship. When fully rigged, the the Amabassador of the Sultanate by Cdr Deepak Subramaniam, ship has a complement of 100 crew of Oman, HE Hamed Saif Abdul Shabab Oman is a is a full-rigged members which includes 35 young Aziz Al Rawahi, Rear Admiral SK sail ship commanded by Capt Saif trainees. Grewal, the officiating Flag Officer Bin Nasser Bin Mohsin Al-Hahbi. - Cdr Sridhar Warrier

RNOV Shabab Oman being welcomed at Kochi

10 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 129th NDA Course CNS Reviews Passing Out Parade

dmiral RK Dhowan, Chief of ANaval Staff, Reviewing Officer reviewed the passing out parade of 129th Course of NDA on November 28, 2015. A total of 338 cadets graduated from the Academy as they passed through the portals of the prestigious Khetrapal Parade Ground. It included 229 cadets from the Army, 40 cadets from the Navy and 69 cadets from the Air force. There were 16 foreign cadets from friendly countries who also passed out from the Academy. The list included four cadets each from Bhutan and Tajikistan two cadets each from Maldives, Afghanistan and Fiji and one cadet each from Ethiopia and that more than 33000 cadets have to strive for excellence. Lesotho. passed out of this Academy and they He congratulated the cadets have served the armed forces of the The Reviewing Officer was and parents of the Passing out course nation with great pride. received by G Ashok and specially the award winner. He Kumar, Commandant, National He said that NDA is not only a thanked the parent for sending their Defence Academy at the Parade cradle of leadership but also a cradle children to the Academy and said Ground. of jointmanship. He emphasized that the entire nation is proud of them. Admiral RK Dhowan addressed that no service can win a war on its the Passing-out-Course cadets own. He advised the cadets to follow He also appreciated the effort wherein he complimented the the five principles of leadership i.e. put in by the Commandant and cadet for their good turnout and commitment, courage, compassion, the entire training staff at NDA for exceptional drill movements. He said credibility and integrity and continue having trained such fine cadets and honed their skills. Academy Cadet PK Mohanty won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit. Battalion Cadet Captain Abhishek Kundlia won the Silver Medal for standing second in the overall order of merit and Academy Cadet Adjutant Anmol Rawat won the Bronze medal for standing third in the overall order of merit. The ‘Panther’ Squadron bagged the prestigious ‘Chief of Staff Banner’ presented to the Champion Squadron. A fly-past by three Su-30 aircrafts each in VIC formation marked the culmination of the grand event. - Mahesh Iyengar

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 11 Navy Organises Open Sea Swimming Race

record 435 swimmers lined up A at Prongs Reef in Colaba on November 17, to participate in the six kilometer long Annual Navy Day Open Sea Swimming Competition 2015. This, all India Open Competition attracted participation from swimmers from 11 states across the country. The Indian Navy provided a unique and excellent platform for swimmers to test their skills in open sea swimming. The 6 Km long swimming race tested the stamina, courage, determination and fighting spirit of participants. Participants line up for the race The Indian Navy ensured a fool proof safety net for the competition with 30 boats, 40 divers and life guards apart from a naval helicopter and other volunteers. A continuous medical cover was also provided till the completion of the event at the Naval Sailing Club. The stringent qualifying norms of this niche event, conducted under the FINA (Federation Internationale de Nation) rules, ensured a high quality competition comparable with the best international level The 6 Km long swimming race is a challenge even for good swimmers. The race tested the skill, stamina, courage, determination and fighting spirit of participant. competitions. As a result, out of the 561 swimmers who had filled forms, finally only 435 could participate. Swimming Federation of India representatives and timekeepers ensured a professional conduct of the event. Every participant was required to have swimming experience as well as to be medical fit. The competition which was conducted in 10 different categories namely Girls (14-16 years), Boys (14-16 years), Men (16-50 years), Women (16-50 years), Differently Abled (Deaf and Dumb) Men, Differently Abled (Deaf and Dumb) Women, Differently Abled (Physically

12 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 Organisers keep watch on the participants

Category 1st Position 2nd Position Girl Siddhi Jitendra Katuwal Anuja Umesh Ugle Women Nameeta Madgundi Girish Tokekar Boy Anuj M Kittur PS More Men Patel Hitendra Girish Bhai Kalicharan Mahatur Differently Abled (Physically Handicapped) Women Geetanjali Chaudhari Gauri Gadeil Differently Abled (Physically Handicapped) Men Swapnil S Patil Jadish C Teli Differently Abled (Deaf and Dumb) Men Adesh F Rukadir Suchetan P Suple Veteran Women Sandhya Gandhi Manisha Tripathi Veteran Men Bhojraj D Meshram HD Sailor

The finish line wore a festive look as, Loud cheers from the families and supporters of participants echoed as participants completed the race Handicapped) Men, Differently Women (above 50 years), was swimmers for international sea Abled (Physically Handicapped) keenly contested and provided a swimming events. Women, Veteran Men and Veteran unique platform to prepare Indian - Cdr Rahul Sinha

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 13 Off Shore Patrol Vessel ICGS Samarth Commissioned

ndian Coast Guard Ship Samarth, Ithe first in the series of six 105m Off Shore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) was commissioned at Goa by the Defence Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar on November 10, 2015 in the presence of Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, Director General , CMD Goa Shipyard Limited Rear Adm Shekhar Mittal (Retd) and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State Government. also capable of carrying pollution construction at different Indian ‘Samarth’ meaning ‘Capable’ is a response equipment to contain oil shipyards. The commissioning of projection of Indian Coast Guard’s spill at sea. this vessel and other platforms will will and commitment “To serve and The ship draws 2450 tons (GRT) add additional punch to the Indian protect” the maritime interest of the propelled by two 9100 kw diesel Coast Guard which will emerge as nation. engines to attain a maximum speed a stronger and more potent force, to address the emerging security This 105m OPV has been of 23 Knots and has an endurance of challenges in maritime boundaries. designed and built indigenously by 6000 nm at economical speed. The GSL and is fitted with most advanced sustenance and reach, coupled with ICGS Samarth is commanded state-of-the-art technology, navigation the latest and modern equipment by Deputy Inspector General and communication equipment, and systems, provides her the Rakesh Pal, TM and manned by a sensors and machinery. The features capability to perform the role of a complement of 14 Officers and 98 include an Integrated Bridge System Command platform and undertake men. The Ship will operate under (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control tasks to fulfill the Coast Guard the overall command and control of System (IMCS), Power Management charter of duties. Commander Coast Guard Region System (PMS) and High Power The ship, on joining the Coast (West). External Fire Fighting System. The Guard Fleet will be based at Goa In the present security scenario, ship is designed to carry one twin and will be deployed extensively for with increased threat from maritime engine Light Helicopter and five high EEZ surveillance and other duties terrorism, the induction of a speed boats including two QRIB’s as enshrined in the Coast Guard sophisticated and state-of-the-art for fast boarding operations, Search Charter. Presently, Indian Coast Offshore Patrol Vessel, will provide and Rescue, Law Enforcement Guard has a Fleet of 117 Ships. the desired fillip to Coastal Security. and Maritime Patrol. The ship is 74 Ships are at various stages of - Cmdt IJ Singh

14 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 Nation Observes Armed Forces Flag Day

he Armed Forces Flag Day is Tobserved throughout the country on December 7, 2015. On the occasion the Defence Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar extended his heartiest greetings to all ranks of Armed Forces personnel and appealed to all the citizens of the country to demonstrate their solidarity with the Armed Forces by contributing generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). Mr Parrikar said that by donating to the AFFDF and proudly displaying the flags, the nation expresses support for the gallant Armed Forces personnel of the country. He stated that the Day offers an opportunity to express gratitude to the Armed Forces personnel, who have set Service officers from Kendriya Sainik Board pinning a lapel on Minister of State for Defence exemplary standards of dedication, Rao Inderjit Singh on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day in New Delhi patriotism and courage in protecting On the occasion, the Kendriya were also collected from the public the integrity of the country and not Sainik Board (KSB) officials pinned which will go into the AFFDF Corpus. only to resolutely defend the borders Armed Forces Flag Day lapels on This fund is managed by the KSB of our great nation, but also render various dignitaries including the Secretariat under the aegis of the valuable service during national Minister of State for Defence, Rao Defence Minister. calamities and combating internal Inderjit Singh, the Service Chiefs and The mobilised fund is utilized insurgencies in various States. the Defence Secretary. Donations for giving grants to rehabilitation institutions like Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres, Cheshire Homes, St Dunstan’s After Care Organisation and War Memorial Hostels. Financial assistance is also provided from the fund to Ex- Servicemen and their dependents to meet their identified needs including student scholarship, marriage grants to wards of Ex-Servicemen, etc. The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed to remember the sacrifices made by our gallant servicemen in defending the borders, salute the martyrs, honour the brave and express solidarity and support towards welfare of war widows/ disabled, ex-servicemen and their Service officers from Kendriya Sainik Board pinning a lapel on the Defence Secretary Mr G dependents. Mohan Kumar on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day in New Delhi - N Ao

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 15 Mine Free Land Handed Over to Locals for Cultivation

he people of Jammu and Kashmir Thave always been extending their unflinching support to the and have always worked shoulder to shoulder to ensure the security and sanctity of the state. During Operation Vijay in 1999, the border villages of Akhnoor had contributed their farm land for security and laying of mines. Since the land is their only means of livelihood the villagers have been getting remuneration from the state and the central government. The Army, in its endeavour of to the farmers, which included 2915 Crossed Swords Division has always living by its motto of being “In Service KLs (Kanals) 2 MLs (Marlahs) of land given due priority to the welfare and of the Nation”, has also made all aspirations of local civilians of the out endeavours to look after the well at Channi Dewanun and Dhar, 283 area and immediately directions being of all the villagers of the border KLs 10 Mls of land at Budhwal and were issued for commencement of villages. The onerous responsibility 334 KLs 2 MLs at P S Pura (Gigryal). re-demining of the land. has been undertaken by the Army On May 10, 2010, 178 KLs 1.7 MLs with utmost zeal through public of land ahead of Dhar crossing of From May 2015 the mine support programs like Operation village Dhar (Platan) was handed field clearance was undertaken by Sadbhavana and Operation over to civilians and on 17 Jul 2010, strength of one officer, one JCO & Samaritan from building of roads, 296KLs and 16 MLs of land ahead 20 soldiers. The group was divided schools, public health facilities, of Dhar crossing of village Channi into four sub groups of five person door to door medical checkup, Dewanun was also handed over by each. On daily basis the group on vocational training and sporting the Crossed Swords Division. rotation demined for duration of events. The Army has always been at Post hand-over of the land by eight hours. A total of more than the forefront of nation building and Army, the farmers of village Dhar 6000 man hours of hard work over a development in border villages. and Channi Dewanun informed the period of six months was undertaken. Four dozers, two tractors, non-metal Post Operation Parakram it was Army about an injury to their cattle mine detectors, deep search metal decided that certain portion of this while grazing in the said land and detectors, manual prodders and land will be demined and returned requested for re-demining of the land. individual anti-mine kit was used for the task. Clearance was carried out in four phases on daily basis. In the first phase, the dozers cleared the sarkanda & vegetation. The second phase saw manual clearance till 20 cm depth in the ground. Tractors did turning of soil till one feet depth in the ground in the third phase and in phase four the final visual check post turning of soil concluded the day’s clearance activity. Since the land was not under cultivation for a long time, elephant grass and water logging in the area

16 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 made the task very tedious and time and Sarkanda vegetation which and dangerous as the individuals consuming. The area had unknown increased the difficulty of the task entered the minefield at the cost of bogs and after the onset of monsoons due to the reduced visibility and encountering drifted mines. Due to the re-demining task became even restricted mobility of demining extremely risky and exhaustive nature more time consuming. Crossed equipments. The activities required of the task, there was a requirement Swords Division with determination to be executed on ground as per the of frequent rotation of troops on a and grit took upon the challenge standard procedures of demining weekly basis to keep the soldiers head-on and carried on the sincere were extremely difficult to undertake mentally and physically fresh for the efforts with full endeavour for re- hence there was an inescapable impending task. demining the land completely. requirement to clear the thick In spite of being embroiled in foliage before the commencement The task was extremely tedious number of security and training tasks, of demining operations. and risky and therefore required Crossed Swords Division kept on careful and precise planning and This extremely dangerous and pursuing the efforts tirelessly against execution. As the area was prone arduous tasks was undertaken by the all odds and finally the tedious task to frequent floods, there was a high Army with lot of safety and caution of re-demining the said land was probability of drifting of mines which wherein highly motivated and completed and was handed over made the task extremely dangerous. extremely skilled individuals were to the farmers of village Dhar and The complete land was selected for execution of the task. Channi Dewanun for cultivation on covered with thick undergrowth The task was extremely challenging 13 November 2015. The selfless attitude, dedication and determination has always been the ethos of Indian Army and has enabled it to be aptly called as Nation Builders. Crossed Swords Division has always played an all important role in bringing peace and development to the border villages. Once again, true to its motto of “Selfless Service to the Nation and its People”, Crossed Swords Division completed the task of demining of the said land. - Lt Col Manish Mehta pix: SN Acharya

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 17 President’s Standard to 18 and 22 Squadron

he President of India, Mr TPranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to No 18 Squadron and No 22 Squadron at a grand and befitting ceremonial parade at Air Force Station Hasimara. The President’s Standard is awarded to operational Units based on their past record and achievements during peace as well as hostilities. The Commanding Officer of No 18 Squadron, Gp Capt KJ Singh and the Commanding Officer of No 22 Squadron Gp Capt Sandeep Singh received 18 Squadron AF was formed flying skill and determination above the Standards. The Parade was at Ambala on April 15, 1965 with and beyond the call of duty displayed commanded by Gp Capt KJ Singh, five Gnat aircraft and eleven pilots in the face of certain death. 18 CO 18 Sqn. under the command of Wg Cdr AL Squadron remains the only Squadron Raksha Mantri and Raksha Michael. The Squadron is endowed of the IAF with a PVC awardee. The Rajya Mantri were present during the with a rich history and a formidable Squadron operated an improved ceremony. Air Chief Marshal Arup operational legacy. The Squadron version of Gnat ‘The Ajeet’ from May Raha Param , took on the role of the ‘Defenders 1980 onwards. In 1981, Sqn Ldr , Vayusena of Kashmir Valley’ during the 1971 Rahul Dhar was awarded ‘Shaurya Medal, Aide-de-Camp, Chief of the Indo-Pak war and carried out Chakra’ for carrying out a dead stick Air Staff and Chairman Chiefs of extensive flying towards escort duties landing after an engine seizure. The Staff Committee, Air Marshal C Hari and also mounted a near continuous Squadron bid farewell to ‘Ajeets’ Kumar Air Officer Commanding- day time Combat Air Patrol. On in December 1988 at Bagdogra. in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air December 14, 1971 fighting bravely The Squadron was resurrected at Marshal BBP Sinha Air Officer-in- and valiantly, alone in his Gnat, Hindon with the formidable MiG- Charge Administration along with against PAF Sabres, Flying Officer 27 ML aircraft in June 1989, thus other senior defence and civilian NJS Sekhon laid down his life. He entering the supersonic era. In dignitaries witnessed the ceremony. was decorated posthumously with 1996 the Squadron moved from The President also released a First Day the highest gallantry award of the Hindon to Kalaikunda and soon cover for No 18 Squadron and No nation, the ‘Param ’ for after it was designated as the first 22 Squadron during the ceremony. sublime heroism, supreme gallantry, dedicated Night Strike Squadron of IAF. In January 2010, Flt Lt M Arora was awarded ‘Shaurya Chakra’ for recovering an aircraft after a canopy burst at an altitude of 10.5 km during a supersonic run, despite grievous injuries and hostile environmental conditions in the cockpit. The Squadron has also participated in several international exercises at Kalaikunda with the French Air Force,United States’ Air Force, Royal Singapore Air Force and Royal Air Force. In the year 2013, the Unit was additionally entrusted with the task

18 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 of towing the banner target for air combat when they proved their relocated to Kalaikunda in the year to air firing and on September 19, mettle as the most successful and 2012, but moved back to Hasimara 2014 the Squadron finally moved to destructive fighter Squadron of the in August 2014. In the recent years, its present location, Hasimara. Since IAF in the 1971 War. For its daring the Squadron has won various air to its inception, the ‘Flying Bullets’ has performance, the Squadron was re- ground gunnery competition trophies received three Shaurya Chakras,one christened as the ‘Sabre Slayers’. and has participated in various Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), All three pilots who shot down the international exercises with foreign nine Vayu Sena Medals and four F-86 Sabres; Flt Lt MA Ganapathy, Air Forces thus remaining at the Mention-in-Dispatches in addition Flt Lt RA Massey and Fg Offr D forefront of professional excellence. to the Param Vir Chakra awarded to Lazarus, were awarded Vir Chakras. The number of honours and awards Flying Officer NJS Sekhon. The Squadron was awarded Battle which have been bestowed on 22 Squadron Air Force, then Honours during the Indo Pak conflict the unit and its personnel bear a called as the ‘Hell’s Angels’ was of 1971 for “Air Offensive for testimony to this fact. The Squadron raised on October 15, 1966 at Liberation of Bangladesh”. In April continues to render yeoman service Air Force Station Bareilly as the 1986, the Squadron received its to the nation in the best traditions eighth Gnat Squadron of the IAF. official crest and was renamed as of the . The In December 1969, the Squadron ‘SWIFTS’, the Squadron motto being Commodore Commandant of 22 moved to Kalaikunda where it was “Courage Triumphs”. In February Sqn, Air Mshl PP Reddy Vayusena tasked for Air Defence Role during 1990, the Squadron converted to Medal ADC, CISC and Air Vice the 1971 war. Here, the Squadron the MiG-27 ML aircraft at Hasimara. Marshal TD Joseph Vayusena Medal drew first blood for IAF by shooting The Squadron was deployed for Op Vishist Seva Medal, AOC Adv HQ down three intruding F-86 Sabre Vijay in 1999 and for Op Parakram Pune, Commodore Commandant of jets in a single four aircraft mission in 2001-02. On August 8, 2001, 18 Sqn have graced the occasion. on November 22, 1971. Thus ‘Swifts’ became the first fighter - Gp Capt BB Pande and the ‘Hell’s Angels’ found a special Squadron to land at Lengpui airfield Wg Cdr Rochelle D’Silva niche in the history of Indian aerial in Mizoram. The Squadron was pix: Vijay Kumar and JWO D Pradhan

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 19 Exercise ‘Drad Sankalp’ Southern Command Reviews Operational Preparedness

he Southern Command undertook Ta Command level exercise ‘Drad Sankalp’ in the deserts of Rajasthan, wherein capabilities of the Army in a Tri-Service environment were practiced and validated on a Capability based approach ,while relying on the adoption of new age technologies, transformed war fighting and integrated theatre battle concepts. The exercise also focused on the aspect of jointsmanship between the three services and in developing the required synergy in order to achieve operational effectiveness. This training exercise was also used as a test bed to validate units to gauge their operational Dalbir Singh visited the exercise area synergetic application of all forces preparedness while operating in on December 5. He interacted with in a tri services environment, a highly intense, dynamic and the participants and witnessed the enhancing Jointsmanship. Indian fluid operational environment. conduct of critical manoeuvres in Army undertakes exercises at regular Participation included entire deserts. The Army Chief was briefed intervals at different levels to ensure spectrum of ground forces to include by General Officer Commanding- that the forces are given a real war fighting arms, combat support in-Chief, Southern Command, Lt like situations and the equipment is arms duly supported by services Gen Ashok Singh on the operational kept in battle readiness state. and logistics, Force Multipliers setting, plans and training objectives The final phase of the training like Army Aviation, Special Forces of the Exercise. The Army Chief exercise culminated on December 5. and Electronic Warfare System in complimented the formations and The exercise presented an excellent conjunction with Indian Air Force. units for their high standards of opportunity to the formations and The Chief of Army Staff General training and plan execution at operational and tactical levels. Addressing Commanders, he also reiterated the importance of technology and innovation in the fast changing battlefield scenario, high standards of physical fitness, mental alertness and maintenance of high state of readiness of the equipment to take to field at short notice. Such large scale exercises are conducted once in three to four years as part of operational validation of doctrinal tenets which are dynamic in nature, in keeping with the ever changing security environment. Col Rohan Anand

20 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 Poonch Link-Up Day Celebrations

he 67th Poonch Link-Up Day Poonch also graced the occasion. Samiti, Karol Bagh, New Delhi an Twas celebrated by the people of As run-up to 67th Poonch NGO coordinated to conduct the Poonch and the Poonch Brigade Link-Up Day, a number of events workshop. Medical camps were with gaiety. The celebrations were organised at Poonch town also organised at village Degwar, commemorated with the historic link and adjoining villages over a Mandi and at 425 Field Hospital. 25 up carried out by Poonch Brigade period of 15 days. To encourage patients suffering from cataract were forces and 19 Infantry Brigade from the youth, a number of sports operated upon successfully in 158 Rajouri at Danni Ka Pir on November events were conducted such as General Hospital at Rajouri. 21, 1948. football tournament, boys and General Officer Commanding The celebrations were graced girls, volleyball tournament and Ace of Spades Division and by General Officer Commanding, a painting competition. Further Commander Poonch Brigade laid Ace of Spades Division along with more than 700 children of Poonch wreaths at Naman Sathal War Commander Poonch Brigade, participated in a 3.5 km ‘Run Memorial to honour the gallant Mr Mohd Harun Malik, Deputy for Fun’ from Poonch Stadium to martyrs of Indian Army who laid Commissioner, Poonch and Mr JS Pritam Stadium. down their lives while defending Johar, SSP Poonch besides eminent In a first of its kind, 40 their motherland. citizens and a large gathering of handicapped persons belonging Thereafter a cultural event people of Poonch which included to villages of Poonch District were compered by renowned MC Mr P many school children. Mr Jahangir taken to Delhi for on the spot Khanna was organised in which Mir, MLC (Dy Chairman), Dr fitments of artificial limbs. Pritam children of various schools of Poonch Shahnaaz Ganai, MLC J&K Assembly Charitable Trust and Bhagwan kept the spectators spellbound and Mr Shah Mohd Tantray, MLA Mahavir Viklang Sahayata by their festive and mesmerizing performance showcasing the cultural diversity and patriotism of our country. The troops of Poonch Brigade too displayed their horsemanship, gatka, malkhamb, para gliding and combat skills, which enthralled the spectators. The function concluded with veterans rally which was held at Natu auditorium. The event was graced by a large number of Veterans and Veer Naris. - Lt Col Manish Mehta

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 21 Operation Madad Armed Forces in Rescue Operation

ost the unprecedented flood Psituation developing out of incessant rains in Chennai, Army rescue columns once again reached out to the people, in afternoon hours of December 1, 2015. Immediately, two Rescue and Relief Columns comprising of troops from the Garrison Infantry Battalion at Chennai and Army’s Engineer elements were activated and begun operations in Tambaram, Mudichur, Manipakam, Guduvancheri and Urapakkam areas of Chennai. Additional Army recourses from various parts of country were also mobilised. Being the initial responders, Army boat Columns were able to reach and address the most critical areas where flood water levels had reached 10-12 feet, in proximity of Adyar River. Army trucks were employed for ferrying stranded people in areas where the water level was less than 6 feet. The columns also successfully evacuated over 200 people including patients from MIOT hospital, Guindy. In addition, Military Hospital at St Thomas Mount was made functional and treatment was given to many flood affected

22 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 Rescue by Navy (A) Three flood relief team were deputed: (i) One team comprising of 20 sailors (five divers and 15 good swimmers) with Gemini and associated gears deployed December 1 near Adyar Bridge. Team returned after rescuing 15 stranded personnel. (ii) Team two consisting of one officer 16 sailors (Four divers and 12 good swimmers) two Geminis and 250 food packets deputed December 2. (iii) Team three from Rajali consisiting of two officers 50 sailors and 200 packets deployed December 2 for central flood relief Operation thereafter. (iv) Additional boats were deployed to RDO office Tambaram for use by Rajali flood relief team. (B) Rajali Parundu and ships put on standby for Helo/RPA sorties and deployment of boats/portable De-flooding pumps. (C) INS Chetlat on Palkbay patrol responded to distress call to rescue missing fishing vessel on December 1. (D) NCC Puducherry put on standby for providing boats for flood relief. (E) Shelter for housing 100 needy personnel was kept ready at INS patients. Adyar. Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS flew (F) Medical team kept on standby for deputing at short notice. to Chennai to review the situation (G) Navy Helpline 044-25394240 promulgated and manned 24x7. and oversee rescue efforts of the (H) INS Airavat ex Vishakhapatnam rushed to Chennai with Relief Army. He, alongwith GOC, Dakshin material. Bharat Area, carried out aerial recce (j) UAVs launched for assessment of situation in area of the areas worst affected by floods in order to strategize additional - Capt DK Sharma measures and efforts required for ongoing rescue and relief efforts. The COAS also complimented the formations and troops involved in the rescue efforts for their tireless efforts and commitment towards humanitarian operations. Over 70 Rescue and Relief Teams with 57 BAUTS and 16 Geminis and Medical teams carried out rescue and relief operations in the most sensitive areas of Chennai. The teams from Chennai as well as those from Hyderabad, Bangalore and Delhi rescued more than 20,000 stranded people. Four Army Medical Teams also provided Medical Aid in various parts of Chennai. So far, the Army has distributed more than

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 23 1,25,000 Relief Packets provided by the State Govt and some NGOs besides those from within own resources. Ten Rescue and Relief teams along with two medical teams of the Army were also located at Cuddalore and Bhuvanagiri for immediate action. The Army has once again stood up to the need of the hour and rendered relief to the needy in conjunction with the civil administration. The IAF too responded swiftly to the flood crisis in the Chennai region and amidst heavy rains, operations were carried out for over five days. It mounted rescue and relief operations from Air Force Station Tambaram& Arakkonam. IAF’s transport aircraft were pressed into service, comprising of C-17, C-130, IL-76 and AN-32 and flew 40 sorties. IAF airlifted 30 National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams and five Indian Army columns into the affected areas. The aircraft evacuated 770 stranded civilian passengers to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi. 281 tons of relief material was airlifted, including suction pumps and boats. Simultaneously, 13 IAF helicopters were utilised in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief effort. Chennai’s civil airport at Meenambakkam was rendered inoperative due to floods. The helicopters used the nearby IAF Base at Tambaram. Tambaram was also flooded, but could, however, support helicopter operations. These IAF helicopters operated under difficult conditions, in rain and in marginal weather. Flying 195 sorties, they airlifted 450 stranded people, including women, infants and senior citizens. 37 tons of relief material such as food and water

24 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 were air dropped. IAF operations ceased by the evening of December 6, 2015. As the flood waters abate, this latest Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief effort of the IAF had brought succour to the lives of residents of the Chennai. Coast Guard Massive rescue and relief operation by Indian Coast Guard in the water logged areas, helped rescue more than 2000 marooned people mainly from areas of Korukkupettai, CIT Nagar, Jafferkhanpet and Kottupuram. Ten teams of the Indian Coast Guard comprising of 57 men (life guards and divers) lead by officers alongwith gemini assisted in rescue and relief operations at various inundated areas. More than 3000 food packets and 1500 water bottles were distributed. Indian Coast Guard Ships also provided freshly cooked hot food packets to people stranded at various places. Since all flight operations had been suspended at Chennai Airport, additional helicopters were requested from Goa and Mumbai for operating from Tambaram airfield, INS Rajali and Kuttupalli helipad. Air sorties were undertaken by Chetak helicopter about 700 kg of relief material was air dropped. Twin engine advance light helicopter from Porbandar also joined the operation. Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar and Vigraha sailed from Vishakhapatnam with supplies of drinking water to augment rescue and relief operations. - Col Rohan Anand, Capt DK Sharma, Wg cdr Rochelle D’Silva and Cmdt IJ Singh pix: B Satheesh Kumar

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 25 NCC Celebrates 67th Anniversary

ational Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest Nuniformed youth organisation in the world, celebrated its 67th raising day on November 22, 2015. The raising day function was marked by paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate on November 21, 2015 to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives. The Defence Secretary, Mr G Mohan Kumar and DG NCC Lt Gen Aniruddha Chakravarty laid wreaths on behalf of the entire NCC fraternity. The NCC raising day was also celebrated all over India with cadets participating in marches, cultural activities and social development programmes. On the occasion of NCC Foundation Day, Defence Secretary Mr G Mohan Kumar NCC is at the forefront of contribution laying wreath in honour of the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, New Delhi. towards social causes and community development activities. Its cadets have done the nation and the organisation proud by their remarkable achievements in the fields of sports and adventure and have won laurels in the National Shooting and Equestrian competitions. During the current year NCC created a record with participation of more than 9.5 lakh cadets in International Day of Yoga. Record was also created when the NCC Boys Team won the Hockey Tournament in November 2015. NCC Girl Cadet Expedition is under training to scale in 2016. - Mohan Dongre DG NCC Lt Gen Aniruddha Chakravarty laying wreath on occasion of NCC Foundation Day

NCC Cadets with Defence Secretary Mr G Mohan Kumar and DG NCC Lt Gen Aniruddha Chakravarty at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate on occasion of NCC Foundation Day

26 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 COAS Visits Sri Lanka

eneral Dalbir Singh, the Chief of Army Staff Gembarked on a four day goodwill visit to Sri Lanka from November 30 to December 3, 2015. The visit assumes special significance in light of increasing defence cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, the Indo-Sri Lanka relationship has been marked by high level bilateral exchanges in various fields between the two countries.

Amongst the countries of the Indian Ocean Region During his visit, the COAS interacted with senior (IOR), Sri Lanka is the most important partner and officials of Defence Forces and Ministry of Defence one of our most important neighbour. Defence and of Sri Lanka to discuss a wide range of issues and to Security Cooperation between the two countries have enhance military cooperation. He also visited training been an important component of the Bilateral Strategic establishments, Formation Headquarters and paid partnership. Bilateral exchanges at various levels over homage at the IPKF Memorial. The visit will further the past year with significant progress in implementation enhance the longstanding ties and cooperation in other of developmental assistance projects, enhancement of areas of mutual interest between India and Sri Lanka, trade and defence cooperation has helped further cement including regional security. the bonds of friendship between the two countries. - Col Rohan Anand 29th Tri-Services Training Commands Conference

he 29th Tri-Services Training TCommands Conference was held at Headquarters IAF, in Bengaluru on November 30 and December 1, 2015. The conference was chaired by Air Marshal SRK Nair, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command and attended by Vice Admiral , Flag Officer Commanding-in-C Southern Naval Command, Lt Gen PM Hariz, General Officer Commanding-in- Command, IAF. advancements in the military Chief, During the conference, domain. and Maj Gen RK Jagga, ACIDS exhaustive deliberatios were held The Army Training Command (TRADOC) HQ IDS besides officers to facilitate enhanced synergy in Chief, stated that he was happy from Army HQ, Naval HQ, Air training between the three services. with the progress made during the HQ, HQ , The participants re-iterated the conference. HQ Army Training Command, HQ importance of being adaptive and - Dr MS Patil Southern Naval and HQ Training flexible in view of the technological

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 27 Cataract Surgery Camp at Military Hospital Secunderabad

cataract surgery camp was A held at Military Hospital Secunderabad from October 5-12, 2015 on the occasion of World Sight Day (WSD). A large number of serving, ex-servicemen and their dependents were examined. Besides the local patients, ex-servicemen from Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad, Chitoor participated. The camp was conducted by a team of dedicated eye surgeons and medical staff of the military hospital. The patients with cataract were screened out for surgery. Nearly 475 patients were screened and out of which 60 patients were operated by the latest technique of phacoemulsification Pachory, GOC HQ Telangana and the desire that many such camps and MICS with foldable intraocular Andhra Subarea complimented Brig would be organised in the future for lens implantation. While concluding K Satyanand,Commandant Military the benefit of soldiers and veterans. the camp Maj Gen Sharabh hospital Secunderabad expressed - Col VK Patra Veer Nari Meet Organised in Jalandhar Cantonment

Veer Nari meet was organised The event was conducted under the honour of the motherland, the Vajra A at Jalandhar Cantonment on aegis of Vajra Corps. Corps made an endeavour to bridge November 27, 2015 with an aim Remembering the supreme the gap between the Veer Naris and to interact with all Veer Naris of sacrifice made by the soldiers the Civil administration to address Jalandhar District and provide a belonging to Jalandhar District who the grievances faced by them. speedy resolution of their grievances. laid down their lives to protect the 66 Veer Naris of Jalandhar District attended the meet. Mrs Anupvir Kaur, Zonal President AWWA personally interacted with all Veer Naris and enquired about their wellbeing. Col KPS Atwal, District Defence Services Welfare Officer, Jalandhar and Lt Col Jagdeep Singh of “Agnibaan” Regiment briefed the Veer Naris about various welfare schemes undertaken by Punjab Government, Kendriya Sainik Board and the Army. The meet was also attended by representatives of the District Police and Revenue Departments. - PK Sharma

28 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 Air Force Chief Visits IAF Equipment Depot

ir Marshal Jagjeet Singh, Air AOfficer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, Indian Air Force visited No 26 Equipment Depot of the IAF. On his arrival at the Equipment Depot, he was received by Air Commodore RR Gandhi, Air Officer Commanding, 26 Equipment Depot, Air Force. During the visit, the AOC- in-C inspected the renovation of storage site work in progress. A demonstration of new Material Handling Equipment and Modern Packaging Equipment was given at Receipt and Despatch Bay. A drive around the domestic area at on transforming the Indian Air Force the Chairman, HAL. The AOC-in-C Murugeshpalya Camp was also into Strategic Aerospace Power with reviewed the Passing out Parade at undertaken. Later, the Air Marshal full spectrum capability. Air Force Technical College. addressed the Depot personnel at - Dr MS Patil Hollow Square and shared his views Air Marshal also interacted with Para Motor Expedition By 17 Para Field Regt

eeping the spirit of adventure on December 1, 2015 covering a The expedition commemorates Kin the Indian Army alive, a distance of 1250km. The expedition the XIII Regiment of Artilleryy Para Motor expedition was kick team halted at Gwalior, Talbehat, Reunion and the upcoming Platinum started on November 24, 2015 Saugor, Bhopal, Mhow and Dhule Jubilee of 17 Para Field Regiment. by 17 Parachute Field Regt. The and also performed demonstrations The 10 member team was led by expedition was flagged off from at these locations. The aim of the the Para Motor Nodal Centre expedition was to motivate the youth Maj Surya Pratap Singh of 17 Para at Agra and culminated at the to join Army and also to boost the Field Regiment. Artillery Centre, Nasik Road Camp bonhomie with civil agencies. - Gargi Malik Sinha

Para Motor expedition by 17 Para Field Regiment to Commemorate XIII Regiment of Arty Reunion was flagged off on November 24, 2015 By Cdr 50(I) Para Brigade

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 29 Rich Tributes Paid to Saviour of Kashmir

rmy on October 25, 2015 paid rich tributes to Late ABrig Rajinder Singh of erstwhile J&K State Forces, popularly regarded as the Saviour of Kashmir. In a simple and solemn ceremony, the Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Satish Dua unveiled an impressive Bust of the martyred hero as a mark of honour, respect and pride for his gallantry and supreme sacrifice during the 1947 Pak abetted tribal invasion of J&K for which he was awarded posthumously the first post Independence gallantry award of . Rich tributes were paid to Late Brig Rajinder Singh of erstwhile J&K State forces. A bust was unveiled at the main entrance gate of Badami Bagh Cantt by Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Satish Dua. The bust was unveiled at the Main Entrance Gate of Badami Bagh Cantt which is already named ‘Brigadier Rajinder Singh Dwar’ in his memory. The occasion was marked by recalling the heroic Pak marauders between Garhi and Buniyar where he rear guard actions of this brave soldier and his handful had attained martyrdom. of equally determined comrades to delay the advancing - Col NN Joshi Commemoration of ‘World Aids Day’

orld AIDS Day, December 1 unites people in the the Ahmedabad Military Station. Events were conducted Wfight against HIV the Human Immuno Deficiency by Brigadier B Sridhar, Commandant, Military Hospital Virus since 1988. This day is dedicated to raising Ahmedabad with contribution from Lieutenant Cononel awareness to the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread Mohan Mahale, Medical Specialist, Lieutenant Colonel of HIV infection & mourning those who have died of Rohit Vohra, Pathologist of Military Hospital Ahmedabad the disease. International World AIDS Day 2015 & Mr PK Vaghels, Health Superintendent of Station Theme is kept common to the United Nations agreed in Health Organization Ahmedabad. An exhibition was September 2015 in a new set of global goals to end the also organized at the venue. The in patients and OPS AIDS epidemic by 2030. patients who had come to Military Hospital and their relatives were sensitized and educated on various issues On the occasion, various activities like health and its importance. exhibition, interactive session and lectures, distribution of pamphlets were organised for adolescent children of The session events culminated with a lecture on Army Public School Ahmedabad, troops and families in prevention of HIV / AIDS at Military Hospital Ahmedabad. It was highlighted that an estimated of 37 million people are living with HIV including 2.5 million children. The number of adolescent deaths from AIDS has tripled over the last 15 years. Despite widespread availability of HIV testing on 50% of people with HIV know their status and hence continuous awareness at all level will be the key to success in prevention of AIDS. The chief guest gave the concluding remarks with the take home message of “Getting to Zero, Zero new HIV infections and Zero AIDS-related deaths.” - Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman

30 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 INS Valsura, Jamnagar Organises Blood Donation Camp

s a part of Navy Week activities, INS Valsura, AJamnagar organised a Blood Donation Camp on November 20, 2015 in association with Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, Jamnagar, Khambhaliya Hospial, Jamnagar and Cancer Hospital, Ahmedabad. The noble cause witnessed participation from all the three services, Coast Guard and the local population of Jamnagar. Large number of participants volunteered for the blood donation and after preliminary screening, a more than 800 units of blood was collected on a single day making it one of the largest voluntary blood donation camps in Saurashtra of recent times. Commodore B Sivakumar, Commanding Officer, INS Valsura, Jamnagar interacted with participants and stressed on the importance of regular blood donation demonstration on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, a and also thanked various contributing agencies and the lifesaving procedure in case of emergency. people of Jamnagar for their support. Also Dr Shantwani, HOD Pathology GGSH, Jamnagar and President All donors were provided with refreshments and blood donor certificate from INS Valsura, Jamnagar as Thallesemia Society delivered a lecture on “Thallesemia a token of appreciation for their contribution towards Awareness” to sensitise participants about the condition this noble service to humanity. and importance of blood donation. Medical Staff of INS Valsura, Jamnagar imparted live training and - Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman Integrated Adventure Node Inaugurated

ith the aim of inculcating and Force inaugurated an ‘Integrated Rappelling, White Water Rafting and Wdeveloping a flair for adventure Adventure Node’. Kayaking while presenting troops and outdoor sports amongst the Showcasing the Army’s spirit and the local youth with realistic youth of Pir Panjal ranges of Jammu of adventure, the Integrated challenges. The exhilaration of and Kashmir, the Rashtriya Rifles Adventure Node will undertake running Chenab river rapids, reaching the sky with the help of Force Counter Insurgency Uniform adventure activities like Para-sailing, para-sailing or climbing to the top of a rock face for the first time will faster the spirit of adventure amongst the local youths. Maj Gen BV Rao, GOC, Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform), while inaugurating the Army’s milestone project “Radkhad Adventure Sports Node” urged the locals for optimum use of the facility. This platform will not only benefit the youth and students of these remote areas in taking up adventure sports but also inculcate in them a spirit of confidence and team spirit. - Col SD Goswami

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 31 Asha School Children Welcomed at Army House

eachers and children from Asha TSchool, Delhi Cantonment were invited by Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA to the Army House on November 3, 2015. A total of 68 students and 31 teachers of staff visited the Army House. The children were hosted to the choicest of their snacks and enjoyed themselves in the lawns of the Army House. The President AWWA met each and every Asha child and presented them with a sweets hamper. She met the teachers and attendants and praised them for the noble service they were doing. She said that their work was a service to humanity, which cannot be measured in any way. Gen Dalbir Singh,Chief of the Army Staff meeting Asha School children Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS also the empathy towards the differently In the end the COAS and President interacted with all children. He abled children is a humane act AWWA, alongwith the teachers and complimented the Principal and the which cannot be measured. He staff posed for a picture for their staff for the care and commitment wished all the teachers, staff and remembrance. towards the children. He said that students good health and happiness. - Col Rohan Anand Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Spica on a Goodwill Visit to Kochi

ndonesian Naval Ship KRI Spica 2015. Lt Cdr Anom Puji Hascaryo the visiting foreign ship. The Ivisited Kochi from December 2-6, is the Commanding Officer of Commanding Officer, KRI Spica accompanied by Col (N) Ardiansyah Muqsit, resident DA at New Delhi called on the Rear Admiral RB Pandit Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command. Other interaction includes exchange of visits by specialist officers and men from both the with Indian Navy personnel visiting the Indonesian Naval ships and sports interaction. KRI Spica is a follow-on multipurpose survey and research vessel built in France for Indonesian Navy. She is the second vessel, after KRI Rigel which had also visited Kochi in April this year. Indonesian Naval Ship KRI Spica - Cdr Sridhar Warrier

32 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015 Appointments

t Gen Balwant Singh Negi took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief L(Designate), on December 1, 2015. Before taking over 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 & Kashmir. He has participated in Operation Meghdoot, Operation Rakshak, Operation Vijay (outside Kargil), Operation Parakram, Operation Falcon and in various command and staff appointments. 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 also an avid sportsman with three Blues from National Defence Academy, a keen equestrian track and extensive trekking and motor biking experience in the Himalayas. ice Admiral AB Singh upon promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral assumed the Vduties of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the at New Delhi on December 1, 2015. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1983. A specialist in Navigation and Aircraft Direction, the officer has served in a large number of operational naval ships. His important specialist appointments include Navigating Officer of INS Kamorta (during Op Pawan), and Destroyer Ranjit, besides being the Fleet Navigating Officer of Western Fleet during Op Parakram. The officer has commanded IN Ships Veer (Missile Vessel), Vindhyagiri (Frigate), Trishul (Guided Missile Frigate) and Viraat (Aircraft Carrier). The Officer has also been an Instructor at NDA, Khadakwasla, Navigation & Direction School, Kochi and Directing Staff at DSSC Wellington. The officer earned his post graduate degree from Madras University during the DSSC Course at Wellington, wherein he was awarded the Scudder Medal for standing 1st in the course. The officer has also earned a Masters Degree in Global Security from Cranfield University, UK. The officer was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011 for his exemplary service to the nation. He was promoted to Flag Rank in 2012 and has served in important billets of Flag Officer AOB Project, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at Naval Headquarters and Flag Officer Commanding, . The Admiral is married to Mrs Charu Singh and the couple are blessed with two daughters Ambika and Ajita.

aj Gen KS Nijjar took over as General Officer Commanding of the prestigious MKarnataka and Kerala Sub Area from Maj Gen AK Singh IN Bengaluru. Maj Gen KS Nijjar is a 1982 batch officer commissioned in the Corps of Artillery. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakvsala, School of Artillery Deolali, Defence Services Staff College (Wellington) and Army War College, Mhow. He has had vast and distinguished operational experience with successful command of an Infantry Brigade in a operationally active High Altitude environment. He has successfully held various staff appointments at Corps, Command and Army HQ level. - Gargi Malik Sinha, Capt DK Sharma and Dr MS Patil

December 16-31, 2015 Sainik Samachar 33 PHOTOCALL

Gen Dalbir Singh, the COAS, pays homage at a solemn Wreath Laying ceremony at Base Hosptial, Delhi Cantonment, to Nk Satish Kumar, 21 Rashtriya Rifles (1 Guards) who was Martyred in operations against terrorists on December 4, 2015 in Bogan forest, Handwara, J&K

Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA visited Prerna The Navy and Sea Cadet Corps’ marching Cancer Support Group in R&R Hospital, Delhi Cantt contingent and band performing on the PJ Ramchandrani on November 6, 2015. Prerna Cancer Support Group Marg, Colaba between Gateway of India and Radio extends assistance to all the cancer patients of R&R Club. The marching contingent from Sea Cadet Corps hospital and their family members. (SCC) performing a Horn Pipe Dance which is a fitness regime for seafarers in the confines of their decks.

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK) conferred Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science during the Fifth Convocation event held on November 21, 2015 for his significant national contribution to Defence Science and Technology.

Source: Col Rohan Anand, Maj KK Tiwari and Maj K Ramesh

34 Sainik Samachar December 16-31, 2015