In This Issue Since 1909 COVER STORY Army’s Participation 4

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR) Vol. 62  No 13 10 - 24 Ashadha, 1937 (Saka) 1-15 July 2015

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

Editor-in-Chief A Day of Harmony Indian Air Force Hasibur Rahman 8 12 Editor Editor (Features) For the Indian Navy Celebrates Dr Abrar Rahmani 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; BANGALORE: 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: 22 Information Technology Seminar Gp Capt TK Singha; LUCKNOW: Ms Gargi Malik Sinha; MUMBAI: Cdr Rahul organised Visit of COAS to Sinha; Narendra Vispute; NAGPUR: Wg Cdr Samir S Gangakhedkar; PALAM: Gp 23 Probationer Nurses Bangladesh 16 Capt SK Mehta; PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: MA Khan Shakeel; SHILLONG: Gp Capt Amit Mahajan; SRINAGAR: Col NN Joshi; TEZPUR: Lt Col Commissioned Sombith Ghosh; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suresh Shreedharan; UDHAMPUR: 24 Indian Coast Guard Enhances Col SD Goswami; VISAKHAPATNAM: Cdr CG Raju. Vigil 26 A Perfect Blend of Drill and Published by: Sitanshu Kar Discipline Director General (Media & Communication) Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011 Regulars 17 Photo Feature: Dazzling Display Follow us on: 27 Armed Forces Panorama

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OOnn ffrontront ccover:over: A bird’sbird’s eeyeye vviewiew ooff RRajpathajpath oonn tthehe ooccasionccasion ooff IInternationalnternational YYogaoga DDayay iinn NNewew DDelhielhi oonn JJuneune 221,1, 20152015 (inset:(inset: TheThe PrimePrime MinisterMinister MrMr NarendraNarendra MModiodi pparticipatesarticipates iinn tthehe mmassass YYogaoga ddemonstrationemonstration aatt RRajpath).ajpath). ppic:ic: PhotoPhoto Division,Division, DDPRPR INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY Army’s Participation

oga is a vast collection of spiritual Ytechniques and practices aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit to achieve a state of enlightenment or oneness with the universe. It is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. Yoga training in Army aims to enhance mental health and ameliorate stress keeping in view the varying commitments and geographical conditions under which the troops are required to operate. Yoga training supplements the existing physical training programmes being followed for military personnel. The Indian Army, has, over the years, assimilated yoga into their physical fitness regimen. At Sikkim

Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS at Rajpath At Chandimandir

At Alwar At Hyderabad

4 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 At Dras At Lebanon The “Army Training Note” of January It was aimed to increase awareness Delhi witnessed the participation of 15, 1997, on ‘Yoga’ is the guide not only among the participants, more than 35,000 people including line for yoga training in the Army. but also send a message to wider school children, NCC cadets, In keeping with the spirit of segment of the society to inculcate army personnel and officials. Army ‘International Yoga Day (IYD)’ the habit of practicing Yoga to contributed approx 2,000 personnel observed on June 21, 2015, Indian enhance health, well-being and for the event. Gen Dalbir Singh, Army formations conducted ‘Mass quality of life. COAS and number of senior officers performed the Yoga Asanas at Yoga Events’ as a ‘Pan India’ event. The mega event at Rajpath, New Rajpath. The yoga day celebrations were held at other important military stations of Northern Command in Siachen Glacier, Ladakh, Srinagar and Jammu regions. Large attendances were also organised at Siachen Base Camp, Leh, Kargil and other forward locations along the borders. In the High Altitude Areas (HAA), Yoga helps to keep individuals fit, mentally as well as physically, where rigorous physical At Meerut exercise is not feasible. IYD was observed at 85 military stations of Western Command. At Chandimandir, Yogi Naresh and Yogini Lata from Art of Living institution conducted the mega yogic exercises for 4,500 military persons and their families. Yoga Day was also held in the lush green surroundings of RVC Polo Ground in the backdrop of instrumental music for troops and their families in Meerut. Mr Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister arrived from Delhi in the morning and attended the event at Meerut. He was joined by At Jaipur Western Army Commander Lt Gen

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 5 A number of formations including those in HAA also participated in the event. Yoga was practiced and celebrated across various military locations in Pune to include Kirkee, Aundh, Khadakwasla and Dehu Road. The main function was organised at Milkha Singh Sports Complex at Pune Camp on June 21, 2015. Approximately 2,400 volunteers of all ages including serving Army personnel, veterans, families and dependents attended this special Yoga session. Events were also held at Ahmedabad, Bhuj and Vadodra. At Sukna KJ Singh and other senior officers of the Meerut Garrison. IYD was celebrated in a big manner in Mathura Cantonment and all of its formations at several different Military stations in states of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Yoga classes were conducted and the major event of combined Yoga by all ranks and their families was held. IYD Day was also celebrated by troops of Eastern Command in Kolkata. The event saw a large turnout of approx 2,000 soldiers who took part in the celebration. At Kolkata

At Kargil At Shillong

6 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 At Leh At Shimla Over 3,000 officers and men IYD was also celebrated with Indian Army Contingent under UN of the Sapta Shakti Command and full gusto in Shimla, Lucknow, also organised a Yoga Display and its affiliated units in Jaipur Military Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Cultural Exchange with members Station performed Yoga Asanas with Secunderabad and Trivandrum of the Sreedevi Daya Yoga Center poise and dexterity. military stations, amongst others. at Semqaneyeh, Al Shouf, Mount Lebanon. To give an insight into the captivating experience of the world of Yoga to the members of other UN Battalions, the participants from all the Battalions of the Sector were also invited. Yoga is a part of regular military physical training schedule and in consonance of its world recognition; the event has left a telling mark in the heart, and mind of the Indian Army. The Army played a lead role by participating in large numbers and contributing towards the overall success of the event. At Pune - Col Rohan Anand

At Ladakh At Siachen

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 7 INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY A Day of Harmony For the Indian Navy

he Indian Navy is a unique Tmicrocosm of India. Motivated by the words of the Prime Minister of India - “Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well being”. The Indian Navy observed the first International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2015 by launching multiple initiatives to introduce the practice of Yoga to its community and enable naval personnel accrue maximum benefit from it. Admiral RK Dhowan attending a Yoga camp at Nausena Bagh The Navy’s multipronged action plan to observe the event was aimed at encouraging naval personnel to translate the practice of Yoga into a way of life, with the overall intent of enabling them and their families achieve harmony among mind, body, emotion and energy and lead healthy and happy lives. The naval community was sensitised to the conduct and significance of the first International Day of Yoga through a message relayed widely to units at dispersed geographical positions in India and overseas. Accordingly, Indian Navy units located as far as the Mediterranean Sea on the West, the Western Pacific Ocean on the East and the Southern Indian Ocean in the South participated in observing the occasion – and with a unique design! Widely dispersed ships of the Navy conducted Yoga sessions that commenced at the pre-decided local time of 7:00 AM (the exact time at which the occasion was observed at Rajpath, New Delhi), such that as the sun moved across time zones in its passage from the Pacific Ocean At NCC Unit

8 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 INS Kuthar INS Karmuk

INS Ranjit INS Satpura at Kuantan Malaysia

At FSTC INS Airavat

INS Ranvir at Kuantan Malaysia INS Jalashwa

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 9 Mrs Dhowan at a Yoga workshop conducted for the naval community

Navy Children School

NCC Cadets oboard Naval Ship Onboard the mighty INS Viraat

10 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 to the Mediterranean Sea, it found personnel of the Indian Navy greeting it successively with their asanas across a vast geographical swath! Other events planned at all naval units, including Navy schools, community facilities and welfare centres comprised mass participation of personnel in basic asanas followed by qualified Yoga instructors expounding to the community on the long term benefits of Yoga. To encourage children of all ages to be part of the event, painting and essay writing competitions were organised at all naval schools. While the activities planned on June 21, 2015 were aimed to INS Kamorta at Kuantan Malaysia generate and enhance awareness on the benefits of Yoga in the naval community, the action plan also included activities that will be pursued in a sustained manner over the long term. These include inclusion of Yoga exercises during morning Physical Training routines in ships and establishments; training and accreditation of Physical Training Instructors and other volunteers as Yoga Guides/ Instructors; and conducting IN Ships Ranjit and Savitri programmes at various levels of Yoga proficiency. Efforts are also in place to include Yoga modules in the curriculum of training institutions and establish Yoga Centres at Naval Stations across the country. With this multipronged plan, the Navy observed the first International Day of Yoga and celebrated the richness of Indian culture through a unique endeavour that only it can - Yoga across the Oceans. INS Shakti at Kuantan Malaysia - Capt DK Sharma

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 11 INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY Indian Air Force Celebrates

he International Yoga Day on June 21, 2015 was Tcelebrated with much enthusiasm and gusto in all Air Force Formations and Stations, in keeping with the intention of the Government of India to make the event an international success. As a run up to the International Yoga Day, practice sessions were conducted at various Stations a couple of days prior. These sessions were conducted with the intention of introducing Air Warriors to the benefits of Yoga. During these sessions, various Yogic Asanas, breathing techniques and their positive impact on physical and mental well being were covered. On the final day celebrations took place at all air bases across the length and breadth of the country. Majority of those who participated in the programme were those engaged in assignments requiring high Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha at Rajpath level of concentration and perseverance. The families of Air Warriors including children also joined in exercise session was marked by a meditation exercise of the celebrations. The celebrations comprised of an six minutes duration. Conduct of Yoga was carried out introductory talk on benefits of Yoga, followed by a 45 under the guidance of Yoga teachers and experts. minute exercise in various poses. The culmination of the - Wg Cdr SS Birdi and Wg Cdr Rochelle D’Silva

Air Force Station Bikaner

Air Force Station Bamrauli, Allahabad 12 Wing Chandigarh

12 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 At Air Force Station, Gwalior

At Air Force Station, Jodhpur

At Air Force Station, Kanpur At Air Force Station, Memaura Near Lucknow

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 13 At Air Force Station Naliya, Gujrat At HQ WAC, Air Force Station Subroto Park

At Air Force Station Nathatop, Jammu & Kashmir At Air Force Station, New Delhi

At Hq Southern Air Command, Trivandrum

14 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 At HQ, Maintenance Command, Nagpur

At Air Force Station Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh

At Air Force Station Bhuj, Gujrat

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 15 Visit of COAS to Bangladesh

eneral Dalbir Singh, COAS visited Bangladesh Gfrom June 16-17, 2015. On his arrival at Dhaka he paid homage to martyrs of the Bangladesh Armed Forces during the 1971 war by laying a wreath at `Shikha Anirban’ in Dhaka Cantonment. The General was then presented an immaculate Guard of Honour at Senakunja. COAS called on his counterpart General Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan, CAS Bangladesh Army. During the course of the visit, General Dalbir Singh reviewed the Passing Out Parade of 72nd BMA long Course and 43rd BMA special course at Bangladesh Military Academy, Chittagong. A total of 139 officer (including 13 lady officers) passed out from the BMA. - Col Rohan Anand

16 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 POP AT OTA, GAYA Dazzling Display

he Drill Square of Officers TTraining Academy wore a spectacular look with traditional military regalia and splendour on the occasion of Seventh Passing Out Parade. The Passing Out Parade ushered in another glorious day in the history of the Indian Army as 106 Gentlemen Cadets of the first Technical Entry Course ie TES-25 (First Blood) who completed their basic military training from this academy in June 2012 passed out and got commissioned as officers. In addition 48 Special Commission Officers got commissioned into the Indian Army and 64 Gentlemen Cadets of Technical Entry Scheme The Reviewing Officer arrived was awarded to Wing Cadet Captain Serial 31 proceeded to various at the venue in a majestic Horse Pankaj Kumar Atri and Gold, silver engineering colleges of the Army Carriage escorted by smartly and Bronze medals as per order to pursue their engineering degrees dressed mounted horse riders. He of merit were awarded to Wing from Military Engineering Colleges was received at the venue by Lt Gen Cadet Captain Sandeep Gupta, at Secundarabad, Mhow and Pune. RK Sharma, Commandant, Officers Wing Cadet Captain Pankaj Kumar The Gentlemen cadets mesmerised Training Academy, Gaya. The Attri and Platoon Cadet Captain a large gathering of military and civil Reviewing Officer was accorded a Abhinav Kumar Sinha respectively. dignitaries and family members of the salute by the parade followed by an The Silver Medal for standing first trainees with their suave and graceful impressive March Past. in the Order of Merit among the drill movements in an impressive The Reviewing Officer also Passing Out Special Commissioned parade.parade. Lt GenGen ArunArun KumarKumar Sahni,Sahni, gagaveve awayaway variousvarious awardsawards toto OfOfficerficer cocourseurse wwasas aawardedwarded toto GeneralGGeneneraal OfficerOfOffif cer Commanding-in-CCoommana did ngn -i-in-n ththehe GentlemanGGeentlleemaan CadetsCaaddetst wwhohho hhadadd AAcAcademyadademy UnderUUndder OfficerOfO fif cec r ShaktiShS akaktiti Chief,ChC ieeff,, SSouthououthth WesternWesesteternrn CommandComommam ndd exeexcelledxceellleded inin training.trtraiaininingng. TheTThhe prestigiousprprese titigig ouous SiSSinghingngh ShSShekhavat.hekekhhavavatt.. TTithwalitithhwwalal CCompanyomompap nyy waswawas theththe ReviewingReReviviewewining OfficerOfOfffiicecer ofof thethhee SSwSwordwoorrd OfOf HonourHoonnouour ffoforor bbebestestst iinn ovooverallvereralall wawwasas awaawardedwaarrddeed thtthehe CChChiefhieief ofof AArmyrmrmy StSStafftafaff parade.paparaaddee. pepperformanceerfrforormamancnce amaamongmonong TETTESES 2525 CourseCoouursrse BaBBannerannnnerer forforor thethehe overallovveerarallll championschhaampmpioionsns ofof

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 17 Spring Term 2015. Later, addressing the parade, Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni, congratulated the Gentlemen Cadets for excellent standard of turnout and drill. He urged the future which they should imbibe. administered the oath by the Adjutant officers to make their nation and their Alma Mater proud by rendering The parade culminated with the of the Academy in presence of the selfless and honourable service. Passing Out Course stepping on the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. He also stressed on the virtues of shimmering stone of the ‘Antim Pag’ The badges of officers’ rank were military ethos and soldierly qualities (The ‘Final Step’) who were then then placed on the shoulders of the

18 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 Microlite displaying Indian Flag and Army Flag newly commissioned officers by their parents and close relatives. It was a lifetime experience for the parents of the newly commissioned officers. All of them were overwhelmed with emotional feelings and said that they were very proud of their sons. Congratulating the parents, the Reviewing officer said that they were among a few lucky parents whose sons got the opportunity to serve in the Army as it is one of the noblest professions. It will be recalled that Government had given a nod to raising one more Pre-Commission Training Academy in the year 2010, primarily to plug the officers

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 19 North East Warrior team performing various forms of martial arts The cadets in jubilant mood

Dog Show

Horse jumping show

Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni, GOC-in-C, South Western Command witnessing the multi activity display A rider of Dare Devils team Jumps over 20 men

20 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 Malkhamb Team Tableu

shortage in the Army. Consequently, before getting commissioned into OTA, Gaya was raised on July 18, various regiments of the Army and 2011 with the motto of ‘Shaurya, Assam Rifles. Gyan, Sankalp’ (Courage, As a prelude to the passing out Wisdom, Resolve). Presently, the parade on June 13, 2015, a multi Academy conducts training for activity display showcasing various the Technical Entry Scheme and aspects of military training imparted Special Commission Officer entries, to the Gentlemen Cadets, coupled popularly known as the TES and with interesting and awe inspiring acts SCO respectively. The Cadets of combat skills and adventure, was belonging to the former category staged in the Rajyavardhan Stadium join the Academy after completing at Officers Training Academy, Gaya. the 10+2 schooling and the latter Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni, General are selected from the rank and files Officer Commanding-in-Chief, of the armed forces. The TES entry South Western Command was the undergo one year of Basic Military chief guest. The display was witnessed Training before proceeding to by a large number of spectators, various Military Technical Institutions which included the parents and for engineering studies. They get relatives of the passing out course, commissioned on completion of their guests and civilian dignitaries. technical training. The SCO Cadets - Hasibur Rahman are given pre-commission training with Gp Capt BB Pande

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 21 WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND Information Technology Seminar Organised

n order to bridge the gap between Ifast changing technology in Information Technology (IT) Industry and IT infrastructure of Indian Navy, Headquarter Western Naval Command is organising a two-day seminar on June 10-11, 2015. Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Session conducted on June 10, 2015. (From left to right) Rear Admiral Sandeep Nathani, Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, and The session was also attended Dr Deepak B Pathak, Professor, IIT (Mumbai) uncovering the compendium of papers being by Dr Deepak B Pathak, from IIT presented during the seminar. (Mumbai), senior officers from the supported by Navy Enterprise Wide Rukmani, there is independent Indian Navy and experts from the IT Network (NEWN) which serves network connectivity with ships at Industry. The Seminar will serve as a as Naval Unified Domain (NUD). sea. Further, a National Command platform for sharing knowledge and NUD has successfully advanced Control Communication Intelligence experience in different IT domains. to a stage where the separately Network hub has been setup at During the Seminar, Officers from managed networks of the ships and Gurgaon, (NCR) Haryana. The hub various departments of the Navy and establishments have been integrated interlinks Navy’s Joint Operations notable people from IT industry and and secured with information Centres and Coast Guard stations academia are presented papers. security policies implemented over for monitoring all the ship activities An exhibition by IT industry was the entire domain. Some Enterprise in Navy’s area of operation and also conducted in sidelines of the Resource Planning (ERP) solutions coastal security zones. seminar. have been harnessed by the Navy for Information Technology plays a applications like Human Resource With the undeniable important key role in network centric operations Management, Financial Information role played by the IT in the modern of the Indian Navy. Indian Navy has System (for financial activities) and day Navy, IT (X) cadre for officers thus come a long way in the field of logistics management systems (for was sanctioned by the Government Information Technology. Information management of stores and inventory). of India. Case for sanction of IT exchanged in the Indian Navy rides With indigenously developed cadre sailors is also in process. on a strong information highway multiband communication satellite - Cdr Rahul Sinha

Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Chief Guest at the Inaugural Session conducted on June 10, 2015.

22 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 Probationer Nurses Commissioned

he very mention of Nurse or TNursing conjures in one’s mind the image of Florence Nightingale known as Lady with the Lamp. It was she who revolutionised the nursing profession by serving the soldiers in the Crimean War. The Command Hospital School of Nursing witnessed the commissioning of 15 such promising Florence Nightingales, in the rank of Lieutenant on June 10, 2015. They were given the Commission ceremonially by Maj Gen Manmohan Singh, MG, Med, Maj Gen Manmohan Singh, MG Med HQWC joins the newly commissioned MNSs HQ WC who congratulated the to celebrate the commissioning ceremony by cutting a cake. Maj Gen Rajvir Singh, Commandant, CH is also seen in the picture. young nurses on this occasion. Lt Priyanka Rani made her parents Gold Medal for securing First 3rd position among seven Schools and alma mater proud by winning position in academics. She has got of Nursing being run by the Armed Forces. Similarly, Lt Rincy Mariam Raj won the silver medal and got second position in academics and fourth among the schools of Nursing. Lt Ann Mary Chinju K Tom was adjudged the best All Round Cadet. Lt Rincy also bagged the medal for the Best Bedside Nurse. Till date 723 Nursing officers have passed out from this school. Lt Priyanka Rani the Gold Medalist in Lt Ann Mary Chinju K Tom, the best all- academics with her mother after getting rounder cadet having a warm greeting from - Parvesh Sharma commissioned her Mother pix: Pradip Dasgupta

A group photograph of newly commissioned MNS Lieutenants with Maj Gen Manmohan Singh, MG Med, HQWC and Maj Gen Rajvir Singh, Commandant, Command Hospital, WC

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 23 COAST GUARD SHIPS C-415 AND C-416 COMMISSIONED Indian Coast Guard Enhances Vigil

oast Guard Ships C-415 and C-416 were Ccommissioned at Karaikal Port (Puducherry) by Inspector General SP Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East) in a traditional ceremony on June 5, 2015. Local Civil Dignitaries and Senior Officials of the Central and State Governments were also present. With the induction of these two Interceptor Boats the Coast Guard has increased surveillance along the South Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Coasts. ICGS C-415 and C-416 are among the 36 interceptor boats being built and inducted into the Coast Guard service. The ships have been designed and built indigenously by M/s Larsen and Toubro Inspector General SP Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East) presenting a memento to Commanding officer during the Ltd. The Boats have an overall length of 27.80 mtrs, commissioning ceremony of Indian Coast Guard Ships C-415 and displacement of 101 tons and maximum speed of 45 C-416 at Karaikal Port (Puducherry) on June 5, 2015. knots. The boats are equipped with two diesel engines with twin water jet propulsion and have a maximum These Boats are capable of undertaking multifarious endurance of 500 nm at sea. They are fitted with state- tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and of-the-art communication, navigational equipment and rescue and coordinated operations with other sea-air 12.7 mm HMG (Prahari) onboard as main armament. units. Indian Coast Guard has already based one fast The Interceptor Boats C-415 and C-416 each have a patrol vessel viz ICGS Ameya and one Interceptor Boat complement of one officer and 11 enrolled personnel. C-428 at Karaikal Port in addition for undertaking the Of these two Interceptor Crafts, C-415 is based at Coast Guard charter of duties. Karaikal and the other C-416 based at Mandapam. - T Shanmugham

Newly commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ships C-415 and C-416 at Karaikal Port (Puducherry).

24 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 THE TORCH BEARERS POP of Lady Associate NCC Officers

Stand up, behold, be strong, take ‘the responsibility on your shoulders and know that you are the creator of your own destiny’… - Swami Vivekananda NCC Officers Training Academy (OTA) Gwalior, located in the erstwhile Royal Palace of the Scindia’s, is a premier and one of its kind Training Institution in Asia. The ‘Alma Mater’ for WTLOs, ANOs and Girl Cadet Instructors (GCI) recently conducted the Passing out Parade for the trainees of Pre- Commission Course – 94, aimed to the trainees on their commission train selected care takers “as efficient and exhorted them to work with and competent Lady Associate NCC dedication. Officers for conduct of meaningful Brig RC Dwivedi, inspected NCC institutionalised training in an impressive Guard of Honour their educational Institutions”. presented by the Trainees, who 49 Trainees (48 ANOs and one were smartly turned out in their GCI) were given their Ranks at an ceremonial attire. He also awarded impressive pipping parade from the DG NCC Plaque of Honour and portals of OTA Gwalior after a 90 Commandant’s Gold Medal for days course. The ceremony was held standing First in the Order of Merit amidst the historic and impressive (SW) to Dr Kirti Maheshwari from surroundings of NCC OTA. Rajasthan Directorate, DG’s Plaque The parade was reviewed by of Honour and Commandant’s Brig RC Dwivedi, Commandant of Gold Medal for standing First the Academy. The Commandant in the Order of Merit (JW) to Ira congratulated the newly Choudhary of Delhi Directorate, commissioned officers for choosing Commandant’s Gold Medal this noble profession and urged discipline, spirit of adventure and to the Parade Commander for them to be a role model for the NCC ideals of selfless service to the Commanding the Pipping Parade cadets – so as to ‘develop character, Nation’. He also congratulated to Dr Pankaj of Punjab-Haryana Directorate, Commandant’s Gold Medal for displaying Excellence in Leadership Qualities to Ailadlinda Mawphlang of NER Directorate and Commandant’s Gold Medal for Best Firer of the Course to Jyoti Bamanke of MP & CG Directorate. The parade was witnessed by senior military and civil dignitaries, family members of the trainees, relatives and friends of the newly commissioned ANOs. inputs: Col D Manrai

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 25 PASSING OUT PARADE A Perfect Blend of Drill and Discipline

adras Engineer Group & and General Officer Commanding MCentre’s parade ground came of Headquarters 101 Area who to life once again on June 12, 2015 congratulated the passing out with Passing out Parade having been recruits for excellent drill and training conducted for 181 trainees. standards achieved. He presented The Passing out Parade, an Best in Combat Engineering Medal event, which marked the successful to Sapper Sai Kumar, Best in Drill culmination of the Recruit phase of to Sapper Sulesh PC and Best in training post which these trained Weapon Training to Sapper Sharon soldiers will move to their units to Lt Gen SP Nawathe presenting the Best in Dass. serve the nation. Six contingents of Combat Engineering Medal to Sapper Sai The award for ‘Men of the half Kumar, Best in Drill to Sapper Sulesh PC smartly dressed soldiers, with blue year’ was also awarded to the Sappers Doopatas (a ceremonial turban) and Best In Weapon Training to Sapper Sharon Dass. of different Engineer Regiments who on their heads, gold and maroon displayed their chivalry at different coloured jari bands on their waists recruits. The organisation being duly phases of operations and tasks/ and spotless white spats on their bound to recognise the contribution life-saving acts. The best overall boots, marched proudly to the made by these brave parents, performance for two half years were turns of the military band. Today presents ‘Gaurav Padak’ to all they displayed their acumen in drill, parents present on the occasion. awarded with ‘Bhakthavachalam Trophy’. Sapper Sulesh PC was the which was beyond comparison, to The solemn event was reviewed Parade Commander. an august audience which included by Lt Gen SP Nawathe, Colonel the proud parents of passing out Commandant of Madras Sappers Men of the half year Award was

Men of the half year Award and Bhaktachalam Award winners with their awards. presented to Naik K Subramaniyan, Havildar K Seenuvasan, Havildar Krishnan Arunachalam, Naik U Shivanand, Havildar T Markandrayudu, Havildar Pitchaimani C, Subedar Rajeevan Choori, Havildar Madhu PS and Lance Naik Anandan G and the Bhaktachalam Award was presented to Sapper H Siva Prasad and Sapper The Passing out Parade of Madras Sappers held at the Madras Engineer Group and Centre Takatrav Suraj Maruthi in Bengaluru - Dr MS Patil

26 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 Visit of COAS to United Kingdom

eneral Dalbir Singh, COAS visited the United GKingdom from June 10-13, 2015 on an Official tour. The General was given a Guard of Honour by Carpet Guard at Admiralty House. During his visit, apart from calling on his counterpart General Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of General Staff, the COAS interacted with Right Michael Fallon MP, Secretary of State for Defence, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Tyrone Urch, General Sir Richards Barrons, General Officer Commanding, Force Troops Command, Major General SRS Keates, Commandant Royal Military Academy and various other top military brass. He also visited various important military installations like Joint Forces Command, Brigade of the Gorkhas, Westdown Camp, 51 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters 1 ISR. The General also met the Indian Army Contingent of KUMAON Regiment which is to enhance the existing defence cooperation framework participating in a bilateral exercise `Ajeya Warrior’ with between the two Armies. the United Kingdom. The main impetus of the visit was - Col Rohan Anand Transfer of Authority of INDBATT

he sixteenth Indian Battalion Group in a ceremony for the Transfer (FC) and Head of Mission Maj Tin UNIFIL, 9 SIKH LI Battalion of Authority conducted at INDBATT Gen Luciano Portolano and was attended by a number of civilian, Group, completed its tour of duty HQ in Naqar Kawkaba. in South Lebanon, and handed Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) over the responsibilities to the next The ceremony was presided and UNIFIL dignitaries. Prominent Battalion, 8 Dogra Infantry Battalion over by UNIFIL Force Commander among them were Ms Anita Nayar, Indian Ambassador, Mr Ali Oseiran, Member of Parliament Saida and Brig Gen Josef Aoun, LAF 9 Brigade Commander. The contingents of both the outgoing and incoming Battalions participated in the parade. In an impressive ceremony, the FC handed over the UN flag, from Colonel Rajesh Dahiya, CO INDBATT XVI, to Colonel Partha Saha, CO INDBATT- XVII symbolising transfer of authority and responsibilities to INDBATT XVII. inputs: Maj Rishu Goyal

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 27 Army Assistance for Education of Kargil Children

s part of Operation Sadbhavana Kargil Sentinels Aorganised flagging off ceremony for 24 children from remote and border areas of Kargil district, presently studying in Sarhad English Medium School, Pune. These children were returning back to continue their academic session after availing their summer vacations. A total of 34 children from border areas of Kargil & Ladakh region are presently studying in Sarhad English Medium School, Pune. Under Operation Sadbhavana, Army assists in move of these children from Pune to Kargil and back every year. A flagging off ceremony was organised for these children at Chhanigund on June 10, 2015 which was attended by Commander, Kargil Sentinels, Mr Mohd The all round development of children studying in Hussain Rahunama, District Youth Service and Sports Sarhad School, Pune was perceivable. Children were Officer, Kargil and other civil and military dignitaries. confident and interacted freely with media. Parents Commander, Kargil Sentinels interacted closely with who had come to escort their children appreciated the children and parents and motivated children to continue efforts put in by Army to provide quality education to to do well in life and contribute to the development of the children of Kargil district and effort to make them as Kargil in future. Attractive gifts were also presented to better citizen of our country. the children during the occasion. - Col NN Joshi MOU between Indian Army and PNB

n June 9, 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding of serving and retired Army personnel who are having O(MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and their accounts with PNB; and also provide them an Punjab National Bank (PNB) on the Defence Salary opportunity to access modern banking facilities. Package. The signing ceremony was chaired by the The basic features of the earlier MoU have been Adjutant General, Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma and was retained which includes the standard package of services attended by top dignitaries of PNB headed by Mr NK including free drafts, cheque books, funds transfers to Arora, General Manager and Mr Subodh Kaushik, any bank in India through RTGS / NEFT, ATM cards etc. General Manager, Government Business Division. Some features which have been improved from Speaking on the occasion Lt Gen Sharma expressed the previous MoU are that the Personal Accidental confidence that the MoU will benefit a large number Insurance cover has been extended to Rs 2 lacs and Rs 5 lacs from Rs 50,000/- and Rs 2 lacs respectively. Two major additions are the applicability of PAI and overdraft facility to pensioners and PAI cover for deaths occurring in the course of any active Army Operations. The MoU also has a provision for yearly review of specific features and requests. Mr Kaushik, GM, Government Business Division, further informed that Bank is at an advanced stage in setting up of Centralised Pension Processing Centre at CDA (P) Allahabad and Pension Processing Cell at Navy and Air Force pension offices in Mumbai and New Delhi. Exchange of MoU between Indian Army and PNB at New Delhi - Col Rohan Anand

28 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 Golden Jubilee of Battle of Kala Pahar Victory

argil Sentinels celebrated Golden KJubilee of victory of Kala Pahar battle with solemnity, traditional verve and great fervor. In May 1965, Pakistan had increased hostilities along the Indo- Pak border and especially along the Cease Fire Line in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan Army had occupied Kala Pahar and adjacent features, thereby dominating the road Srinagar-Kargil-Leh with strength of 200. On June 2, 1965, The First Battalion of Brigade of Guards was Wreath being laid at the Kala Pahar War Memorial by Commander, Kargil Sentinels ordered to attack and occupy the Chhanigund, Kargil to commemorate boards, photographs and war diary areas occupied by enemy. On June this momentous occasion and pay of the battle were also displayed 5, 1965, after a battle lasting six homage to valiant soldiers who at the site of the event. The heroic hours, the First Battalion of Brigade fought this battle. Wreath was laid deeds of Indian Army and especially of Guards successfully eliminated at the Kala Pahar War Memorial those brave soldiers who fought the enemy and re-occupied Kala by Commander, Kargil Sentinels this famous battle in 1965 were Pahar. along with other military dignitaries. applauded by all military and civil A solemn ceremony was held at A brief presentation on battle of dignitaries present on the occasion. Kala Pahar War Memorial located at Kala Pahar was also given. The - Col NN Joshi Indian Army Recruitment Goes Online

t Gen Philip Campose, Vice Chief in, of the Directorate General of Other Ranks from the precincts of Lof Army Staff launched a new Recruiting for selection of Officers, the South Block on June 18, 2015. website, www.joinindianarmy.nic. Junior Commission Officers and This dynamic website is keeping in pace with the automation of Recruitment in the Army and will synergise and enhance the selection procedures. Candidates from all across India will have access to information about career options in the Army, make suitable choices and apply online. Kiosks based Central Government and State Government Common Service Centres (CSC) will enable candidates to apply from the remotest areas. The facilities of the website for applying as Officers, JCOs and OR will be available with effect from July 1, 2015. Lt Gen Philip Campose, VCOAS launching the website in New Delhi - Col Rohan Anand

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 29 87th Integrated Officer Trainees Course

n an impressive Passing Out Parade Iof the 87th Integrated Officer Trainees Course, 137 Officer Trainees passed out of the portals of the First Training Squadron. Rear Admiral RB Pandit, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Southern Naval Command was the Chief Guest on this occasion. He reviewed the Parade and awarded trophies to the winners. In his address, the admiral highlighted the future growth of Indian Navy and adviced the trainees to take up challenging responsibilities in their career. The coveted Chief of the Naval Staff Trophy and Telescope for the Best All Round Sea Trainee Rear Admiral RB Pandit reviewing the Parade. was awarded to Sea Trainee Vipul IN-C East rolling trophy for showing while Sea Trainee Abhishek Singh Chandra Petwal. Sea Trainee Harsukh Dadich received the maximum progress during his term was adjudged the best sportsman Binocular for standing first in overall onboard. Sea Trainee Mahalengam and awarded FOC-in-C South Order of Merit and Sea Trainee MH received the DG ICG Trophy for Rolling trophy. Ashish Tyagi was awarded the FOC- the best Coast Guard Sea Trainee - Cdr Sridhar Warrier Blood Donation Camp

Medium Regiment organised 3a blood donation camp at the 159 General Hospital, Ferozepur Cantonment to commemorate its 59 years of excellence in the Regiment of Artillery. The camp was inaugurated by Brigadier Sunny Eapen, Commandant, 159 General Hospital. A total of three officers including the Commanding Officer, five Junior Commissioned Officers and five other ranks proudly contributed to this act of philanthropy towards mankind. The initiative was appreciated by the hospital staff who also contributed magnanimously in making the event a grand success. input: Capt TK Pundhir

30 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 Pine Division Organises Summer Carnival

ine Family Welfare Organisation under the able Pguidance of its visionary Chairperson, Mrs Sadhna Sapra has till date taken a number of steps towards many welfare projects aiming towards holistic development of families of soldiers. In a series of such laudable projects, yet another event of Summer Carnival has been conceptualized to motivate the younger generation for constructive and optimum utilization of their summer vacations. The Summer Carnival was organized at Meerut from May 25 to June 10, 2015 aims at imparting valuable life skills to the children of brave soldiers of Pine Division thereby enhancing their knowledge and skills while enjoying their favorite sport/recreational activity. Series and enhancing the importance of waste material into of events are being conducted with each activity carefully useful products. The final events saw an enthusiastic selected, catering for different age groups. participation of children in junior master chef talent The carnival started with Eco-drive Cycle Rally on hunt, army equipment display, dog show and a camp May 25, 2015. Thereafter for two weeks, children were fire to culminate the carnival. given exposure to stone painting, clay modeling, horse With such initiatives due to passionate persuasion riding, yoga, swimming and pottery classes making and encouragement of Chairperson, Mrs Sadhna them enjoy as well as giving them opportunity to pick Sapra, Pine Family Welfare Organisation has achieved up some new hobby/sport. There were competitions of milestones towards grooming younger generation and creative writing in Hindi, painting and Best out of Waste ensuring genuine welfare for families of their brave items aimed at boosting our National language, creating soldiers environmental awareness among school children - Naresh Vig French Naval Ships Visits Visakhapatnam

rench Naval Ships Dixmude (Landing Platform Dock) Fand Aconit (Frigate) are on a visit to Visakhapatnam from June 16 to 22, 2015. Rear Admiral Antoine Beaussant, ALINDIEN (Admiral-in-charge of the Maritime Zone of the Indian Ocean), Captain Pierre de Briancon Commanding Officer FNS Dixmude and Captain Jean- Pierre Helluy, Commanding Officer FNSA conitcalled on Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command on June 16, 2015. During the visit, various operational and social interactions with Eastern Naval Command have been planned. These include amphibious demonstration, sharing of expertise on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR), exchange of Non-Combatant Evacuation procedures, mutual ship visits, industry exhibition and Rear Admiral Antoine Beaussant, ALINDIEN (Admiral-in-charge of the Maritime Zone of the Indian Ocean) calling on Vice Admiral Bimal sports fixtures. Verma, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. - Cdr CG Raju

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 31 IAF Kunzang Mountaineering Team Returns Successfully

flag-in ceremony was held at AAir Force Station New Delhi to felicitate the 12 member IAF team that explored the uncharted Kunzang valley in East Karakoram of Ladakh region. The flag-in by Air Marshal MK Malik, Director General (Works & Ceremonials) was held in the presence of the senior IAF officers from Air Headquarters, Air Force Station New Delhi and personnel of the Directorate of Adventure. The team leader Gp Capt VK Sashindran introduced the team members and read out the expedition report. Congratulating Gp Capt VK Sashindran, leader of Kunzang Mountaineering Team handing over the expedition flag to Air Marshal MK Malik, Director General (Works & Ceremonials) during the effort of the team, Air Marshal the flag-in ceremony held at Air Force Station, Race Course, New Delhi Malik said that the expeditions like these take spirit of adventure and They explored entire valley and opened a new route to Rongdo ethos of service to greater heights glacial systems, successfully climbing valley. and form an important part of our three unexplored peaks (All above - Wg Cdr Rochelle D’Silva service traditions. the heights of 6000 metre) and had Eastern Command Adventure Camp

astern Command Adventure Defence personnel participated. and nation building. The children ECamp 2015 was organized The theme of the adventure camp were made to undergo a grueling by 58 Gorkha Training Centre at was ‘Clean India-Green India’ to schedule which included jungle Happy Valley, Shillong from June emphasise participation of today’s trekking, camping, survival in 4-9, 2015 in which 62 children of youth in saving the environment jungle, rock climbing, navigation, treasure hunt, first aid and life saving techniques to inculcate in them the spirit of adventure, leadership, love for nature and feeling of national integration. Personality development activities such as debate, quiz, painting, music and dance were also organised for the children. The adventure camp culminated with camp fire on June 9, 2015 in which children presented cultural programmes before the Chief Guest Lt Gen SP Nawathe, GOC 101 Area. Mrs Pratibha S Nawathe gave away prizes to participants for excelling in individual and group events. - Gp Capt TK Singha

32 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015 National Florence Nightingale Award 2015

n the occasion of International ONurses Day this year, Maj Gen Sushila Shahi was bestowed with the National Florence Nightingale Award 2015 by Mr Pranab Kumar Mukherjee, the President of India at Rashtrapathi Bhawan on May 12, 2015. The award carries a citation, Gold Medal and cash prize of Rs.50,000/- given to the awardee for their exemplary contribution in the field of nursing. Maj Gen Sushila Shahi was commissioned in the Indian Army as Lieutenant on December 31, 1977. The General Officer has 38 years of reckonable service in the Military Nursing Service and works relentlessly towards addressing upcoming requirements during which she held various achievement of organisational to achieve institutional objectives appointment both in the field of goals. For her distinguished service and goals. An administrator, par nursing service and administration. in the field of Nursing, the Officer excellence coupled with charismatic She assumed the covetous post has been awarded GOC-in-C leadership qualities with personal as Principal Matron of prestigious Commendation twice and COAS of special aura. She motivates the Army Hospital on October 1, 2014. commendation (1999). The officer younger generation of nursing The Nursing Officer has a smart is a visionary, aspires to pursue officers for working towards the turn out with pleasing personality, challenging assignments, with a fair clientele satisfaction and providing is well determined, dedicated for adapting to emerging trends and quality patient care. DCOAS (IS&T) Visits Communication Complex

t Gen Gurmit Singh, DCOAS (IS&T) visited the LCommunication Complex at Sena Bhavan on May 26, 2015. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Nitin Kohli, SO-in-C, and Col Comdt Corps of Signals. The General Officer was briefed on the complexities and challenges of providing modern day communication, and given an overview of AHQEPABX, Signal Centre, Satellite Network Operation Centre, AHCC, ASCON and other Pan India Networks. The General Officer evinced keen interest in projects being implemented by the Corps of Signals, particularly virtualization, CDC and video conferencing. The General Officer was conducted around the Communication Complex and left deeply impressed with dedication and commitment of all Signallers. He complemented the entire team on excellent work being undertaken to provide state of the art communication to DCOAS (IS & T)with SO-in-C being briefed on ASCON Comn at the Indian Army in a professional manner. Sena Bhavan Node - Lt Col Kailash Bansal

July 1-15, 2015 Sainik Samachar 33 PHOTOCALL

Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA appreciating the “Little Stalwarts” for the wonderful and creative activities during Summer Camp 2015 organised at 1 AHQ Signal Regiment for the wards of all ranks of the Corps of Signals posted in Delhi from May 25, 2015 to June 6, 2015.

An ex-servicemen and veer naris meet was organised by 4 Engineer Regiment of Madras Engineering Group as part of its Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations in Secunderabad on June 2, 2015. The ball for the celebrations was set rolling by Lt Gen KS Rao (Retd), Ex-Colonel Commandant Madras Engineering Group and Ex-Commanding Officer of the unit.

Brig Indrajit Chatterjee, OIC Records, The Garhwal Rifles alongwith Lt Col Abhijit Ghosh, Chief Record Officer, Maj Pramod Singh and Sub Maj Madan Singh receiving “ISO 9001 : 2008 Certification” on June 6, 2015 from the “Royal Impact Certification Ltd” ISO fraternity.

Source: Lt Col Pratap Singh and Maj Pramod Singh

34 Sainik Samachar July 1-15, 2015