2018 1-15 December Vol 65 No 23 ` 5 SAINIK Samachar

Indian Navy- "Mission Deployed and Combat Ready" pic: DPR Photo Division

Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman visited Thanjavur and took aerial and ground review of the situation in cyclone Gaja affected areas in . Navy and ICG officials among others accompanied her on November 29, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the ‘At Home’ function, organised on the occasion of 72ndNavy Independence Week 2018: Day, Beating at Rashtrapati Retreat Ceremony Bhavan, at in Gateway New Delhi of ,on August . 15, 2018. In This Issue Since 1909 Raksha Mantri Launches ‘Mission 4 Raksha Gyan Shakti’

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR) Vol. 65 q No 23 10 - 24 Agrahayana, 1940 (Saka) 1-15 December 2018 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 Ruby Thinda Sharma Senior Editor Manoj Tuli CNS 2018 6 Silver Jubilee 10 Editor Afaque Ahmad Ehsani Interview Commemoration… Sub Editors Sub Maj KC Sahu & Sub Maj Baiju G Coordination Kunal Kumar Business Manager Rajpal Our Correspondents DELHI: Col Chiranjeet Konwer (Offg.); Capt DK Sharma VSM; Wg Cdr Anupam Banerjee; Divyanshu Kumar; Photo Editor: K Ramesh; BENGALURU: M Ponnein Selvan (Offg.); CHANDIGARH: Anil Gaur; CHENNAI: M Ponnein Selvan; GANDHINAGAR: Lt Col Sombit Ghosh (Offg.); GUWAHATI: Lt Col P Khongsai; IMPHAL: Lt Col M Vaishnava; JALANDHAR : Anil Gaur (Offg.); JAMMU: Lt Col Devender Anand; JAIPUR: Lt Col Sombit Ghosh; : Cdr Sridhar E Warrier; KOHIMA: Col Chiranjeet Konwer; KOLKATA: Wg Cdr SS Birdi; Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Ms Gargi Malik Sinha; MUMBAI: Cdr Mehul Karnik, Narendra Kumar 9 - Mission Deployed Armed Forces Flag Vispute; NAGPUR: Gp Capt BB Pande; PALAM: Wg Cdr AR Giri; PRAYAGRAJ: Wg 12 Building Navy to Navy… Cdr Arvind Sinha; PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: G Surendra Babu; Day 14 SHILLONG; Wg Cdr Ratnakar Singh; SRINAGAR: Col Rajesh Kalia; TEZPUR: 16 Missions Undertaken by Indian… Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ms Dhanya Sanal K; 17 Peace Time Indian Navy UDHAMPUR: Col Rajesh Kalia (Offg.); : Capt CG Raju. 18 HADR by the Navy in Recent… Published by: 20 Circumnavigation of the Globe… Col Aman Anand, Spokesperson, MoD 22 Indian Navy- Ensuring Secure… Nampibou Marinmai, Director, PR 24 Trincomalee to Kiltan - 200… Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, 28 238 Glorious Years of The… Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011 30 Indian Coast Guard Cleans Up… Editorial Office: 31 Over 15,000 Enthusiastic… L-1 Block, Church Road, New Delhi-110001, Telefax : 23094668 Telephone : 23092768 32 A Sense of Belonging – Family… Email : [email protected] 34 Chakravyuh E-in-C: ASCON-32078 [email protected] 35 Armed Forces Panorama For subscriptions contact : Business Manager, Sainik Samachar, Telephone : 23092768 Subscription Rates: Inland (Ordinary): One Year Rs 100.00, Overseas A Survivor’s Diary 26 (Surface Mail): Rs 450.00 Concessional (per year): Rs 20.00 (Applicable for dependants of service personnel & ex-Servicemen.) For all correspondence subscribers must quote their subscription number

On front cover: Indian Navy: (i) Kalvari leaving harbour; (ii) Air crew diver in action; (iii) Ships leaving harbour- Port Blair, A&N Islands; (iv) Marcos in action and (v) Amphibious operation in progress.

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https://www.instagram.com/prodefense/ Raksha Mantri Launches ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’

aksha Mantri Smt Nirmala RSitharaman formally launched ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’, on November 27, 2018. The event showcased salient inventions and innovations achieved by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factories (OFs) which have resulted in successful filing of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) applications. Smt Sitharaman also felicitated some of the scientists, who invented and innovated useful products for the nation. A panel discussion was held with participation of Chairman and Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman lighting the lamp at the launch of ‘Mission Raksha Managing Directors of all DPSUs to Gyan Shakti’ at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi on November 27, 2018. Also seen in the formulate a strategy for the future in picture are (from left) Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Dr G this regard. Satheesh Reddy and Secretary, Defence Production, Dr Ajay Kumar.

4 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 While addressing the audience, ambitious targets of training 10,000 Raksha Mantri lauded the efforts of personnel of OFB and DPSUs on Department of Defence Production IPR and to facilitate filing of at least and Directorate General Quality 1,000 new IPR applications. Assurance (DGQA) for focused As part of the ongoing efforts in spreading awareness initiatives to enhance self-reliance in about IPR, thus promoting a defence, the Department of Defence culture of innovation and creation Production has instituted a new of Intellectual Property. Smt framework titled ‘Mission Raksha Sitharaman highlighted that India Gyan Shakti’ which aims to provide a has always been a knowledge hub boost to the IPR culture in indigenous since ancient times, however, due defence industry. The Directorate to lack of awareness on modern General of Quality Assurance legal framework for protection (DGQA) has been entrusted with of IP rights, our knowledge and the responsibility of coordinating creativity have often not been and implementing the programme. utilised to its full potential. Delivering The event brought out that the end the keynote address, Secretary objective of ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Defence Production Dr Ajay Kumar Shakti’ is to inculcate IP culture highlighted the need to migrate in Indian defence manufacturing from the culture of seeking Transfer ecosystem. of Technology (ToT) from foreign The event was attended by sources to generating Intellectual Secretary, Department of Defence Property in India, to achieve the goal R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G of self-reliance in Defence sector. Satheesh Reddy, senior officers of the The IPR has emerged as a three Services, Chairman Ordnance key ingredient of an ecosystem Factories Board and Managing which stimulates innovation and Directors of all DPSUs, amongst a ingenuity. An IP Facilitation Cell was large number of other dignitaries. established in April this year which - PRO Defence has worked tirelessly to achieve pix: DPR Photo Division

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 5 CNS Navy Day 2018 Interview "Indian Navy is Ever Alert and Combat Ready"- Adm Lanba

dmiral , Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) in an Aexclusive interview with Sainik Samachar's Editor-in-Chief, Ruby Thinda Sharma on the eve of Navy Day 2018.

On the eve of Navy Day, what is your message to the nation and its Navy? India has emerged as a credible and responsible power, and is making significant strides towards realising its rightful place in the world order. Since 95% of India’s trade by volume, which is about 68% by value, is transported over the seas, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region, and our ability to guarantee that is pivotal to the economic growth of the nation. However, traditional threats from potential adversary states and diverse non-traditional threats like terrorism, transnational crime, piracy etc. impinge on maritime security in the region, and could threaten our national interests. available resources to meet any levels of technological self-reliance The Indian Navy is responsible emerging situation most effectively expected from the Navy of one of for overall maritime security including in the shortest possible time. the World’s leading Nations. coastal and offshore security. Our Navy’s plans for capability We seek to engage the vibrant Focused on this objective, the Indian development are based on the and dynamic youth of the nation by Navy’s Theme for the year is “Mission twin pillars of Indigenisation and offering unmatched opportunities Deployed and Combat Ready”. Self-Reliance. These plans are of leadership in a wide variety of This guiding mantra embodies closely aligned to the ‘Make in challenging situations, while working our commitment to maintaining India’ initiative so as to harness with cutting-edge technologies. Every persistent presence wherever the the immense potential of our member of Team Navy remains ever nation’s maritime security may be indigenous talent, and play a committed to its core ethos ‘Duty, challenged. We are deployed and more significant role in the nation Honour, Courage’. I assure the ready at all times to ensure the safety building efforts of the Government proud citizens of our great nation and security of India’s interests. We of India. We continuously seek to that the Indian Navy is ever alert and are committed to working in close deepen our interaction and mutual combat ready… ensuring that our coordination with the other Armed understanding with the Academia, seas are always secure. Forces, Government Agencies and Defence Industry, including the Under your able leadership, other like-minded navies in the Private Sector and Micro, Small what are the major changes region to ensure a secure and stable and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), that have been introduced in the maritime environment that supports and Government Organisations. overall functioning, training, force our national endeavour. We are We are confident that these efforts multification and acquisition in the also committed to optimum use of will manifest in our achieving the Indian Navy and also which are

6 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 the areas of concern in the way of Safety has been another focus for the future? Please elaborate on operational preparedness? area and we have instituted an the Indian Navy's Warship building The Indian Navy has continuously Indian Naval Safety Team at Kochi, Projects, important milestones and recent inductions, and those evolved and improved its structures which is coordinating actions across planned for the near future? and processes, in keeping with the the Navy to continuously enhance changing strategic imperatives and safety standards. In training, we have The Navy is being modernised to requirements of modern warfighting. significantly enhanced the practical create capabilities for accomplishing a range of missions across the entire In the same vein, there have been component of our curriculum at all spectrum of threats and challenges. some transformative initiatives levels, by inducting new technologies Indian Navy has kept pace with the which we have implemented in the for training, including simulators. This developing security situation in the past few years, to further optimise ensures that our highly skilled and region. Towards that, the present our effectiveness and preparedness technically proficient personnel are optimally equipped with knowledge force levels are being augmented for any eventuality. Two significant and skills to operate and maintain and modernised according to a measures were the ‘Maintenance- their state-of-the-art systems, even laid down long term plan and Training-Operations-Transition in the most challenging conditions is undertaken in an incremental Cycle’ and the ‘Mission-based at sea. fashion continuously. Deployments’. Our acquisitions are being The Indian Navy accords high The Transition Cycle ensures an progressed in accordance with the priority to developing indigenous integrated effort by all departments Long Term Integrated Perspective shipbuilding capability. Presently, of the Service to ensure that every Plan, which is a joint capability 34 ships and submarines are under ship undergoes comprehensive development plan of the Armed construction for the Navy, of which crew training, safety certification Forces. Our long term plans are 32 are being built in various Indian and equipment performance checks designed to ensure continuous shipyards. The new , before it is declared ‘ready for presence of one Carrier Battle Group IAC-1, is under construction at deployment’. There is significant on each seaboard to ensure that our M/s CSL, Kochi. Four destroyers focus on all aspects of Combat national interests in the maritime of Project 15B Class, and seven Readiness and Safety, materiel as domain remain safe and secure frigates of Project 17A Class are well as procedural, in this process. at all times. We have also made also under construction in shipyards This ensures that every ship progress in addressing existing gaps at Mumbai and Kolkata. These will which sets sail is always ready to in our capability, such as multi-role be delivered commencing 2021. undertake the complete spectrum helicopters, mine counter measure Five Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels of naval missions, from combat to vessels and submarines, all of which (NOPVs) are under construction at humanitarian assistance. will be addressed shortly. M/s Reliance Naval and Engineering These ships are then tasked It is also our continuous Limited (RNEL), Gujarat. In addition, for ‘Mission-Based Deployments’ endeavour to maximise joint Kalvari class submarines are under wherein they ensure continuous acquisitions, so as to achieve a construction at M/s Mazagaon Dock Indian naval presence in our higher degree of cost-effectiveness Ltd. The first submarine of the Project, areas of maritime interest, while and interoperability with the other INS Kalvari, was commissioned on providing credible response options Forces. December 14, 2017. for a wide range of situations and The contract for eight Landing On the occasion of Navy Day contingencies. More importantly, 2018, kindly comment on how Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV ships was these deployments enable us to successful has the Indian Navy's concluded with M/s GRSE. The first monitor all extra-regional naval Transformation been with four ships have been commissioned activity in our neighbourhood. Modernisation and Expansion Plans and the next four ships are scheduled

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 7 for delivery in 2018-19. Foundation, Veteran Sailors Forum, partnership with the National Skill Further, Acceptance of Indian Naval Placement Agency, etc. Development Corporation. Necessity (AoN) has been accorded All issues highlighted by veterans are Navy operates Indian Naval for 53 ships and six submarines. responded either directly or taken Placement Agency (INPA) to assist the All these platforms will replace the up with concerned agencies for retired/ retiring personnel and their existing old ships and submarines redressal. dependents to secure placement. A and will also augment our force How do you prepare personnel placement portal for naval veterans, levels. for other career options post veer naris and their dependents is Additionally, contracts have retirement? operated by INPA in collaboration been signed for procurement of Re-skilling our personnel to with Monster.com (https://www. four additional P8I and 12 Dornier avail career options post retirement indiannavy.nic.in/inpa). aircraft and 16 ALH and eight is embedded in our exit procedures. Ensuring that our retiring Chetak helicopters. Further, AoN for With the aim of providing a second personnel are adequately equipped 24 Multi Role Helicopters (MRH) and career to retiring officers and sailors, for a ‘second career’ is one of the 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) Director General Resettlement cornerstones of our HR policy. has also been accorded, with the (DGR), IHQ MoD(N)/DESA and What is being done to ensure NUH being the first to be pursued Bureau of Sailors (CABS) have been facilitating that retiring naval personnel get under the Strategic Partnership jobs commensurate with their resettlement courses through DGR Model. capabilities? in various disciplines. As part of our We are, therefore, poised for a resettlement courses initiatives 104 Officers/sailors retiring every significant capability upgrade in the officers and 1,259 sailors availed year comprise a rich reservoir of coming years. resettlement courses conducted by knowledge and experience along What mechanism does the IN DGR in the premier institutes during with their ‘young age’ profile. They have to interact with their retired the year April 1, 2017 to March 31, possess an array and multiplicity of community? 2018. The SSC officers are also skills acquired during various in- The Directorate of Ex- availing various resettlement courses service training courses, the usage Servicemen Affairs (DESA) provides which directly result in getting good and application of which in various a single window interface for retired placements. This in fact, has been services and industries can be gainfully personnel to establish communication projecting SSC entry in the Navy as an utilised for nation building. Specific with the Navy to seek inputs/ share attractive career option amongst the initiatives such as skill recognition views/ disseminate latest updates youth. DESA also interacts regularly and placement assistance have on policy matters/ other welfare with DG Shipping and stake holders already been covered previously related issues. In order to reach of shipping industry to resolve issues during the interview. The corporate out to the veterans and disseminate of smooth transition of IN officers to and private sectors have shown information of relevance to the Merchant Navy wherein certification interest in participating in the joint retired community, DESA operates a at appropriate level with minimum effort by MoD and Ministry of Skill dedicated website, blog and toll-free time frame is being sought. Development and Entrepreneurship helpline. It regularly publishes an As part of the ‘Skill India’ (MSDE) to facilitate skill development e-newsletter while also undertaking mission, the Navy has taken and employment of Ex-Servicemen. direct interaction with our veterans various initiatives to facilitate skill The Indian Naval Placement Agency and veer naris. The Indian Navy development of retiring personnel. A provides the interface between our has several fora for engaging with skill certification programme under retiring personnel and potential the veteran community such as the concept of ‘Recognition of Prior employers in the public and private Naval Regimental System, Navy Learning’ has been implemented in sectors.

8 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 Indian Navy- Mission Deployed

n the wee hours of the morning of ISeptember 22, 2018, the Indian Naval Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) at New Delhi got a call that it often receives. There was a situation developing at sea that needed prompt assistance and rescue. The unique aspect about this call was that emergency involved one of our own, Abhilash Tomy, who was solo circumnavigating the globe. Tomy’s small vessel ‘Thuriya’ had been smashed, he had been rendered immobile by a back injury and needed someone to board his boat, put him on a stretcher and transfer him ashore. The MOC immediately established that he was 3000 nm away from the Indian Coast and 1900 nm from the Australian frontline ship to follow up. This also over these vast areas keeping them Coast, in the southern Indian demonstrates that the Navy’s new constantly under surveillance. While Ocean. This was a remote corner approach of ‘Mission Deployment’ on these deployments naval assets of the world known for extremely of her ships is yielding results and are fully equipped to undertake any rough sea conditions. While the adding to our combat readiness. roles be it combat, defence diplomacy first responder was a French vessel with other nations or Humanitarian in the vicinity of his position and In any situation at sea whether it is one of conflict, combat, Assistance and Disaster Relief Australia also swung into the act (HADR). This pattern of deployment being the Regional Coordinator of constabulary, or humanitarian crisis, time is the key. The other ingredients enables combat readiness while also Maritime Safety in that region, the making it possible for us to become are ‘long legs’ to reach far seas which Indian Navy was able to swiftly put the ‘net security provider’ in the means assets with endurance, logistic its long range Maritime Surveillance Region. All along, the and material resources to stay at sea P8 I aircraft to continuously track Indian navy has been recognized as for long viz. efficient maintenance the vessel while also diverting Indian a well-oiled professional force with cycles and effective supply chains. Naval Ship (INS) Satpura, which was impressive combat power. However, To this, the Indian Navy has recently mission deployed in the southern our deployment patterns were more articulated a new philosophy called Indian Ocean to bring him safely in near seas and closer to coast. By to India. The dramatic rescue three ‘Mission Deployment’ which enables reworking our operational posture days later saw the French, Australian both presence and persistence in and slightly modifying the way we and Indian agencies act in concert our ocean areas of interest far away position and utilize our resources, and affect a safe recovery. from homeland. we have been able to tremendously This incident brings to the fore As the world is united by the enlarge our influence while reducing the various attributes of the Indian oceans and the seas are considered our response time for any exigency. Navy – first, all round Maritime ‘global commons’, there is a need This adds to the overall image of Domain Awareness (MDA) that for us to maintain and enhance the Indian Navy as a force for good in enabled appreciation of the footprint of the Indian Navy in our the comity of nations, capable of situation and the knowledge of primary area of interest, the Indian fulfilling national mandate while who could respond to the crisis, Ocean Region (IOR). Accordingly, also meeting global commitments second the ability to put ‘eyes in since 2016 we have started to when directed by the Government. the sky’ to continuously monitor the deploy our area of interest on a near Let us raise a toast to the ‘Men in situation and thirdly, the assets to continuous basis. In addition, Naval White’ on this accomplishment. respond substantially and assign a Aircraft undertake regular patrols - Cmde Srikant B Kesnur

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 9 Silver Jubilee Commemoration Ceremony of Simbex- 2018

ilver Jubilee Commemoration SCeremony to mark the 25th edition of Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was held onboard INS Sahyadri at Visakhapatnam on November 19, 2018. The Ceremony was attended by Sunil Lanba, the Chief of Naval Staff and Lew Chuen Hong, Chief of Navy Republic of Singapore, Karambir Singh FOC-in-C ENC, Flag Officers, Commanding Officers and personnel from participating ships. Rear Admiral , Flag Officer Commanding welcomed the Guests to the India and Republic of Singapore. is the longest un-interrupted bilateral historic occasion to commemorate the 25th edition of the bilateral Speaking on the occasion, Admiral maritime exercise that India has had exercise between the two navies of Sunil Lanba highlighted that SIMBEX with any navy. The importance of this

achievement was also flagged by the Prime Minister at the Shangri La Dialogue in June this year. He also reiterated that naval cooperation through SIMBEX underscores the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the global commons. The 25th edition of SIMBEX is the largest in terms of complexity, weapon firings and maritime geography. He concluded by reminding the audience the motto

10 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 towards preserving freedom of sea following rules and norms laid down in UNCLOS. He highlighted the special relations that both navies have through substantive interactions. Corner stone for Navy- Navy relations is SIMBEX which stated as a basic anti-submarine exercise in 1994 as ‘Lion King’ has grown from strength to strength. The 25th edition of SIMBEX is the largest ever participation by the Singapore Navy in any bilateral exercise. of the Republic of Singapore Navy, the navies. To mark the historic occasion and as a symbol of growing trust "Beyond Horizon" while that of the Addressing the gathering, Indian Navy "Sam No Varunah" Adm Lew Chuen Hong, Chief of and comfort levels between the which translates to "May the Ocean Navy Republic of Singapore Navy two navies, a special Logo was Gods be Auspicious Unto Us". As referred to the historic maritime also released. The occasion was the Silver Jubilee of the maritime links through maritime trade of both also utilised to simultaneously bilateral exercises progress, he countries dating back to 3rd and release Special Postal Cover and wished SIMBEX to go Beyond 4th century. He brought out that Singaporean Postage Stamp on Horizons and in the process, let the Singapore and India are like minded SIMBEX. ocean gods be auspicious unto both countries that share similar outlook - PRO Visakhapatnam

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 11 Building Navy to Navy Relations– 2018

he year 2018 saw an enhanced Tlevel of Navy-to-Navy engagements of India with Kenya, Tanzania and Sychelles. Kenya In June 2018, the Defence Minister of Kenya, Raychelle Omamo paid a historic visit to India, the first ever official visit by a serving Kenyan Defence Minister to India in recent decades. During the visit, India and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Sharing White Shipping Information, making Kenya the first African country to sign this MoU with India. The MoU enables the two countries to formally share PASSEX between Indian Navy an Kenya Navy ships off Mombasa data on unclassified shipping in a follow-up, INS Tarkash visited paid an order to create greater maritime Mombasa from July 4-6, 2018 official visit to Kenya, to coincide with domain awareness in the Indian and held a number of professional the OSD of two ships, Ocean Region. Requisite sharing of interactions with Kenya Navy. On Tarkash and Kolkata, to Mombasa. information in this regard has been departure from Mombasa, Tarkash This was the first ever official visit by operationalized subsequently and undertook a PASSEX with Kenya a FOC-in-C (West) to Kenya since POCs established on both sides Navy’s frontline ship Jasiri at sea on 2002. During the visit, the FOC- for direct co-ordination. During the July 6, 2018. This was the second in-C held bi-lateral meetings with visit, the Kenyan Defence Minister successive PASSEX between the two the Kenyan Defence Minister and also expressed interest in enhancing Navies since the maiden PASSEX held Chief of Defence Forces and other Nava-to-Navy engagement between in September 2016. In September senior Kenya officials on matters of the two countries to enable better 2018, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, mutual interest and bilateral defence maritime security in the region. As Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, co-operation. The FOC-in-C also delivered a Guest Lecture at NDC, Nairobi. As part of their goodwill visit to Mombasa at the same time, Kolkata and Tarkash undertook a number of harbour professional activities with Kenya Navy during the visit, besides undertaking charity work at a local charitable institute and social engagements for Indian diaspora and expatriates. Kenya Navy continued their participation in events hosted by the Indian Navy such as the IONS HADR Working Group meeting in Visakhapatnam in September 2018 and the International Goa Maritime Symposium at Naval War College in Professional Interactions between Indian Navy and Kenya Navy personnel October 2018.

12 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 V Adm AR Karve, FOC-in-C (South) received with a Guard of Honour at TPDF HQ Tanzania and Staff College in Arusha, where Vice Admiral AR Karve, Flag a senior Indian military team is on The close defence co- Officer Commanding-in-Chief, a two-year deputation to undertale operation relations between India paid an a comprehensive revision of the and Seychelles saw significant College syllabus. Meanwhile, official visit to Tanzania in March developments in 2018. During the ships of the 1st Training Squadron, 2018 to coincide with the OSD of State Visit of the Seychelles President namely Tir, Sujata and ICGS Sarathi the 1st Training Squadron to Dar- undertook a number of harbour to India in June 2018, India handed e-Salaam. During the visit he held professional engagements with TPDF over the second Dornier aircraft to discussions with the Permanent Navy during their good will visit at Seychelles. Prime Minister Modi Secretary, Ministry of Defence and the same time. A reception was also had announced the gifting of this senior TPDF officials on various hosted on board the ships which was aircraft, manufactured by M/s HAL, issues of mutual interest and attended by all senior TPDF officials, to Seychelles to enhance its maritime bilateral defence co-operation. He Service Chiefs and heads of TPDF surveillance capability and patrol later visited the TPDF Command institutions. the vast EEZ, during his State Visit to Seychelles in March 2014. Earlier in April 2018, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Western Naval Command paid an official visit to Seychelles, to coincide with the OSD of two Western Fleet ships, Mumbai and Trikand. During the visit, he met with the Vice President of Seychelles and Chief of Defence Forces and discussed issues of mutual interest and bilateral defence co-operation. The two ships undertook various professional engagements with the Seychelles Coast Guard to enhance the mutual interoperability. - PRO Navy

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 13 Armed Forces Flag Day

he Armed Forces Flag Day or TThe Flag Day of India is a day dedicated to India towards collection of funds from people of India for the welfare of the personnel. It has been observed annually in India on December 7 since 1949. Over the years, it has become a tradition to commemorate this day as an honour to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of India. Immediately after India achieved Independence, a need arose for the Government to manage the welfare of its defence personnel. On August 28, 1949, a committee set up under the defence minister decided to observe a Flag Day annually on December 7. The personnel and their families and idea behind observing a Flag Day Resettlement and welfare of ex- was to distribute small flags to the servicemen and their families. general population and in return, It is a time for Indians to express collect donations. Flag Day gains their gratitude and appreciation more significance as it considers to the current and veteran that it is the responsibility of the military personnel of India and to civilian population of India to take acknowledge those who died in care of the families and dependents service to the country. Throughout of the armed forces personnel who the country, small flags and car fight for the country. The Flag Day flags in red, deep blue and light is mainly observed to serve three blue colours representing the three basic purposes: Rehabilitation of Services, are distributed in return for battle casualties, welfare of serving donations.

14 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 The fund collection is managed dependents is the joint responsibility for Ex-Servicemen, widows and throughout the country by the local of the Centre and the States/UTs, their dependents residing in their arms of the Kendriya Sainik Board majority of the problems have to respective States/UTs/Districts. To (KSB), which is part of the Ministry be resolved only by the States/UTs. assist the Central Government in this of Defence. The fund collection is Like the Kendriya Sainik Board at regard, there are 32 Rajya Sainik organised both by official and non- the Centre, the Rajya/Zila Sainik official means through voluntary Boards are responsible for policy Boards and 392 Zila Sainik Boards organisations. Though welfare formulation and implementation of in the country. of the Ex-Servicemen and their resettlement and welfare schemes - PRO Nagpur

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 15 Missions Undertaken by Indian Navy in Friendly Countries

ndia’s peninsular character and Narendra Modi in March 2015. from war-torn Yemen. Igeographical centrality coupled The Indian Navy participated in In December 2014, Indian with its rich maritime tradition has its maiden overseas deployment in Naval Ships were the first responders historically reinforced its influence support of UN Humanitarian Relief to ’ urgent request for in the Indian Ocean Region. The Operations between December 1992 assistance, and stayed on to provide Indian Navy has grown steadily and October 1993 for ‘Operation a continuous supply of fresh water till and surely, from a fledgling surface Muffet’ in Somalia. This was followed normalcy was restored, in ‘Operation flotilla at Independence, into a by ‘Operation Shield’ and ‘Operation potent, multi-dimensional, balanced Bolster’ in 1994 for the de-induction Neer’. The Indian Navy also and professional force. It continues of Army troops from Kismayo and provided immediate humanitarian to remain the foremost manifestation Mogadhishu respectively. In October assistance to Sri Lanka in May 2016 of India’s maritime power and plays 1999, a coordinated effort by Indian during Cyclone ‘Roaun’ as also to a pivotal role in safeguarding and Navy led to the rescue of a pirated Bangladesh in June 2017 during promoting her security and national Japanese cargo ship MV Alondra Cyclone ‘Mora’. interests in the maritime domain. Rainbow and triggered the robust With the Indian Navy’s mission Commensurate with its steadily anti-piracy measures that are in place based deployment pattern presently expanding mandate and increasing even today. significance to national security, the in vogue, critical sea lanes of Recent years have seen the communications and choke points Navy’s operational foot print has Indian Navy undertake numerous in the Indian Ocean Region would extended well into the Indian Ocean humanitarian missions. A notable Region and beyond. operation was the aid provided in the be under the vigil of Indian Navy With the release of India’s wake of the devastating Tsunami in ships round the year. This would revised maritime military strategy Southeast Asia in December 2004, ensure that any incident across the titled ‘Ensuring Secure Seas : Indian when 36 ships were deployed for spectrum of operations ranging from Maritime Security Strategy in 2015, aid in India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and acts of maritime terrorism and piracy the Indian Navy brought to the Indonesia. Humanitarian Missions in to Humanitarian Aid and Disaster fore, the emphasis on of India’s the recent past include ‘Operation Relief (HADR) are adequately dealt maritime security and its ability to Sukoon’ for the evacuation of with. The Indian Navy continues to engage with friendly countries and personnel from the conflict zone of shape the maritime narrative and shape the maritime environment in Lebanon in 2006, ‘Operation Safe work in tandem with friendly littoral the Indian Ocean Region. This is Homecoming’ for the evacuation nations towards enhancing maritime in consonance with the enunciated of Indian, Sri Lankan and Nepalese Indian Ocean policy of the nation, citizens from Libya during the civil security and safety in the Indian ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for war in 2011 and ‘Operation Rahat’ Ocean region as a net security All in the Region) as brought out by for the evacuation of approximately provider. the Honourable Prime Minister Shri 5600 Indian and foreign nationals - Cdr Thomas Mathew

16 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 Peace Time Indian Navy

he Indian Navy (IN) is the sentinel bears India’s flag and keeps alive for growth, IN creates economic Ton the never ending watch – and healthy the relations with the activities and significant quantum actively protecting the most porous friends near and far by reciprocating of jobs. She is one of the largest border there is – the sea. As a these friendly visits. She furthers consumers that supports and defender of the nation, the Navy’s Indian Foreign policy by providing promotes the growth of Indian ship role to protect the territorial integrity hardware, expert services towards building industry. The dockyards remains active even during peace. upkeep of ships, hydrographic promote MSMEs and innovators to But that’s not all that the Navy does. participate and grow in their skill, The Navy, in many ways, is like the As the caring scale and standards. Where navy caring homemaker of the Indian goes, there’s industrial growth (like family. She dons many avatars protective Karwar). and transforms from one to the mother, Navy other seamlessly and effortlessly, She’s also the concerned to make sure that everyone grows takes care of ally promoting the technological and prospers, furthering the nation’s all her islands, development of the nation. She aim, as enshrined in the constitution. actively participates with DRDO and As the caring protective mother, taking essential its subsidiaries research agencies she takes care of all her islands, supplies to those in research and development taking essential supplies to those projects, providing trial platforms remote locations where others don’t remote locations for development of indigenous venture, ensuring their sustenance. where others equipment. IN also enables the The navy’s very presence in nation’s other agencies to further peacetime is enough to deter any don’t venture, their (ad)ventures – be it research at plans for misadventures. IN keeps a ensuring their Antarctica or launching of rockets sharp watch over the neighbouring or firing of missiles. IN is always seas, keeping the island territories sustenance. around, providing support from and coastal region secure; always survey, management of EEZ of small sea. IN undertakes significant effort assertive and determined to protect island nations in our region and furthering research – undertaking what matters – even against enabling diplomatic initiatives. Hydrographic survey of not only our powerful, mythical creatures, if it She’s the omnipresent care- coast, but also of the other friendly comes to it. giver reaching out to those in distress island nations in Indian Ocean. Like the meticulous shopper and nursing them back to health. Be As a good mentor, IN who keeps the shelves always full, it evacuation of Indian Diaspora from contributes significantly for character IN keeps the trade routes clear troubled areas like Lebanon, Yemen building – by conducting community and corridors open to enable the or Libya or reaching out to our programs, running schools and continuous flow of crude oil and neighbours torn by natural disasters women empowerment initiatives. other supplies by undertaking Anti or closer at home, rescuing and Towards this, it’s not just the men piracy patrols and deployments in extending a helping hand towards in white uniform, but their better our trade routes. This continuous those dislocated by torrential rains halves who lend a hand by their own flow of imports and exports that keep and floods in Chennai, . IN organisations. our economy going is protected and has always been the first and an guaranteed by IN. effective responder. IN is also the So war or peace, IN is always She’s the gracious host, who is custodian of the special capabilities around serving the National interests often the first person at the door to like diving ability, underwater salvage in such a wide spectrum of roles. She receive the guests to Indian shores that come in handy to provide Aid to is the dependable pillar reaching – engaging in Constructive Maritime civil authority. out and touching lives in more ways Engagement with Foreign navies. As the encouraging sponsor than one would normally imagine !!! Also, as the suave envoy, Navy who provides the right atmosphere - G Raajadurai

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 17

HADR by the Navy in Recent Times "

The Navy speaks in symbols and you may suit what meaning you choose to the words. Patrick O’Brian in" Master and Commander

ilitaries around the world Mcontinue to be State’s most disciplined and powerful arm – the state decides whether to flex the arm or use it to reach out during humanitarian emergencies. As Naval historian, Bruce Elleman put it across very aptly that in the nineteenth Fishermen rescued by INS Sunayna. and most of the twentieth century, competency of professional naval tsunami with 5700 km of this stretch the very thought that sea powers forces world over. being prone to such vagaries of might regularly use naval platforms The Indian Navy continues to nature. to deliver humanitarian aid, as play a defining role in humanitarian The 2018 Kerala floods opposed to cutting off and starving emergencies in the Indian Ocean epitomised nature’s fury when enemy’s supply lines, would have Region. Blessed with a long coastline unprecedented rainfall over the seemed alien. Today, Humanitarian of 7516 km, the Indian subcontinent southern state of India led to Assistance and Disaster Relief often bears the brunt of natural widespread flooding, killing 400 (HADR) operations form the core disasters like cyclones, floods and people and displacing 7,20,000

Rescue Operations - and Thrissur.

18 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 people- roughly equal to the to provide succour to the relief population of Sikkim. As the state agencies. Over 500 personnel were administration reached out to involved in Operation Madad. The the Navy for search and rescue Navy also provided assistance to operations in low lying areas, the flood affected regions of Kodagu in Southern Naval Command launched Karnataka. “Operation Madad”. What started The Indian Navy’s ‘Operation as a Search and Rescue Operation Nistar’ in early June 2018 was involving four diving teams with launched to rescue 38 fishermen dinghies in Wayanad district stranded in Socotra Island, Yemen. soon turned in to largest HADR INS Sunayna, which was deployed in undertaken by Southern Naval Western Arabian Sea, was diverted Command. Operation Madad to rescue the stranded individuals lasted over 16 days and covered five after cyclone Mekunu battered parts districts of Kerala. The Indian Navy of Oman and Socotra Island. rescued a total of 16,843 people, of which 1,173 were airlifted while The Indian Navy’s increasing 15,670 were rescued by teams using involvement in HADR missions is a Gemini boats. Air assets of the Navy reminder that with growing coastal were extensively used for winching- urbanisation, Indian Naval Ships and aircrafts are going to find themselves up of stranded people, transfer Rescue of a pregnant lady by airlift. of stores, boats and provision of in the vicinity of disaster prone set up in the Cochin University relief material – especially food areas which will be opportunities to campus by INS Venduruthy catered and water. Various aircrafts from demonstrate New Delhi’s diplomatic to 5000 people. As parts of state Navy as well as Air Force including soft power. As disasters and ALH, Seaking, Chetak were involved remained disconnected from rest of humanitarian emergencies become in the rescue mission. Over 800 the country by road, rail and air, INS more complex, the Indian Navy’s kg relief materials consisting of Deepak, the tanker from Western humanitarian mission remains one lakh food packets, along with Fleet disembarked fresh provision, committed to providing critical life bottled water and medicines were ready to eat meals and pouches of saving assistance, with the wisdom also airdropped. Around 950 drinking water to augment the relief that in a humanitarian mission both people were accommodated in operations. INS Mysore and INS the rescuer and the rescued are three relief camps run inside the Sharda carried 70 tonnes of relief blessed. naval premises. Community kitchens material and 15 tonnes of ration - PRO Navy

Rescue Ops – Kottayam and Pathanamthitta Districts.

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 19 Circumnavigation of the Globe by an All Women Crew

circumnavigation under sail A essentially encompasses sailing the girth of the planet using only wind energy as a propulsive force. Post success of the first Indian solo circumnavigations with and without stops by Capt Dilip Donde, SC(Retd) and Cdr Abhilash Tomy, KC in 2009 and 2013 respectively, Vice Admiral MP Awati envisioned having an all-female crew attempt a similar feat. He has been my guiding light ever since, the same way he is to the rest of the six of us as we came together to train for the ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama’ (The first Indian circumnavigation by an all women crew). He calls us his ‘Serendipitous Six’! It is ironic that I come from a hometown in Uttarakhand. Certainly circumnavigation. Out of the many background where the oceans were though, I secretly wished to see my women officers who signed up for restricted merely to my imagination. it, I was joined by Lt Cdrs Pratibha The only way I would relate to a imaginations turn into reality. This Jamwal, Aishwarya Boddapati, P water body was when my parents prompted me to join the elite force, Swathi, Vijaya Devi and Lt Payal took me to visit river Ganges the Indian Navy and also was the Gupta as we became the final during my childhood days at my reason for me to volunteer for a selected crew for this mission in 2015. After having trained extensively for two and a half years on various aspects of ocean sailing at various naval schools and then by Capt Dilip Donde, we were flagged off from our base port INS Mandovi by Defence Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman on the September 10, 2017. As with any classic eastbound circumnavigation under sail, we were required to return to the same port on completion, traversing eastwards covering a minimum of 21,600 nautical miles (approx 40,000 km), cross equator twice rounding the three great Capes (Cape Leewin, Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope). Tougher than it sounds, this voyage has been an eye opener! To me, it was about attainment of a unique synchrony between every

20 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 nuance of mother nature and the varied attributes of an individual and her boat that appear in response to it, in addition to living together on a rocking platform for 197 days. Our little home, the Tarini, was an ideal choice for this voyage. Be it an endless wait for the breeze to fill our sails, or being lost for words watching the marine life and auroras at night, be it facing the most violent storms and mountainous seas in the Pacific ocean or becoming stranded for hours at sea with a broken steerage system, we embraced it all, together! Being with each other for long durations also our efforts would always directed the conventional and away from rendered us extremely vulnerable towards the ultimate goal, that was our comfort zone, and finally, the to one another’s behaviours, to a to circumnavigate successfully. I commitment made to get on with it point that we started to become realised that, the harder I pushed and make it happen! dead honest and receptive my limits keeping the goal above We became ambassadors of towards each other. Undertaking anything else, the lesser the day to our nation to five port of calls that day challenges imposed by external repairs to equipment at sea and we sailed to (Fremantle, Lyttelton, factors appeared to budge me. maintaining the boat every single Falkland Islands, Cape Town and day away from external assistance, This was empowerment in the truest ) exchanging wonderful to taking significant decisions after sense! It did, however, require three experiences with locals and school analysing the pros and cons, gave key precursors to arrive at this stage: children coming from varied me tremendous confidence about An opportunity made accessible cultures. During our sojourn, we my own abilities, few of which I by the Indian Navy and the faith it emphasised upon Prime Minister thought did not even exist. While bestowed upon us, a certain risk we we prepared ourselves for the worst, took in grabbing something beyond Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative of ‘women empowerment’, Make in India policy and usage of renewable energy resources. On the Navy Day 2018, we remember and pay homage to the legend, Vice Admiral MP Awati who passed away on November 3, 2018, and would now live forever and inspire the generations to follow. (From his last verse to the Serendipitous Six as they took their final leap towards homeland completing the first Indian all women circumnavigation of the globe on May 21, 2018) - Lt Cdr Vartika Joshi Skipper, INSV Tarini

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 21 Indian Navy- Ensuring Secure Seas

Kamov 28 landing onboard R-class ship.

Formation sailing during exercise at sea. MIG 29 K taking off from INS Vikramaditya.

Multi-Ship replenishment at sea in progress.

22 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 Fast Attack Craft carrying out offshore defence patrol at Bombay High.

Refuelling at sea in progress. Brahmos missile firing from R-class ship.

INS Kochi- Brothers in Arms.

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 23 Trincomalee to Kiltan - 200 Years of Making in India

ctober 12, 2017, was a most stunning achievements of the Wadia Suez Canal which was difficult for Osignificant date in Indian shipbuilders and the Bombay docks. sail ships to navigate made their history, especially, Indian Maritime The British when moving their HQ existence more difficult. And above History. It was on this day 200 years from Surat to Bombay persuaded all, a concerted effort by the British ago, yes on October 12, 1817 that the Master Shipbuilder Lowejee to keep India at a low industrial and HMS Trincomalee was launched. Nusserwanjee Wadia to shift base military (especially naval) threshold Notwithstanding the fact that she and as they say, the rest is history. left us in the cold as new and was named after a Sri Lankan port My friends in the civilian world and powerful ships came to be built in and served under a British flag, she Army and Air Force may please note the new steam and industrial age. was built in the Naval Dockyard, that building a ship is the very acme However, it was the above Mumbai and is afloat even today, of engineering and design and mentioned shipbuilding DNA that berthed in Hartlepool, UK, as a ergonomics and architecture and came to the fore as independent museum ship. In short, she is the several other disciplines. Building India and her Navy set out to create oldest ship afloat in the world and warships is even more complicated a self-reliant force. It could be done she was made in India. And despite business given the huge interplay of only by building our own ships. many changes over all these years, several complex factors. Accordingly, a 1948 plan document almost two thirds of her hull is still The Wadia (‘shipbuilder’) family of the Indian Navy envisioned aircraft Indian teak. The mind boggles that a was known for the high standards carriers and submarines when we Frigate of the Napoleonic era is still in shipbuilding workmanship. With had less than half a dozen sloops. in mint condition. the backing of his masters and an Many may have described such Trincomalee's bicentenary is a enabling environment in Bombay, dreams as fantasy or whimsy. There shining testimony of India's maritime where the Bombay Dock was built in were other factors disadvantageous prowess and shipbuilding skills, alas 1735 the Wadia clan of shipbuilders to the fledgling Indian Navy - from unknown to many in our country. rolled out ships as though in an low technology base to funding It is true that from about the 13th assembly line. Between 1735 and constraints, from the landward century onwards India declined as a 1885, seven generations of the orientation of our leadership to an maritime power and as a seafaring Wadias built a staggering 300 plus Army and AF that threatened to grab nation. This was to lead to the warships of the finest quality and the lion's share of resources. denouement of colonization with class. That is a stupendous average But persist we did. While initially its attendant collateral damages. of about 2 ships per year. Over a buying from abroad, we set up our Loss of supremacy at sea led to loss century and half, these ships built own design bureau to design ships of sovereignty on land. All this is in India, by Indians, for the British suited to us. Our dockyards slowly well known, even if not completely and others, sailed all over the world, played ball. We began with a survey understood, by Indians at large. earning their spurs in war and peace. ship in 1964 and worked our way However, even in this bleak They also made history. up. And to cut a long story short, period there were some bright Apart from the aforementioned today 70 years after independence patches or rays of hope. The heroism Trincomalee, built under the we are building our own ships and maritime savvy exhibited by supervision of Jamsetjee Bomanjee, and submarines, including aircraft the Admiral Queen Rani Abbakka it also included ships like HMS carriers and nuclear submarines. of Ullal, the Kunjali Marrakars of Minden (on which Francis Key Compared to the Army and AF we Malabar and later by the Marathas wrote the 'Star Spangled Banner' the are way ahead in the indigenous is stuff of legend. Our coastal and American national anthem), HMS content of our combat units. And our riverine navigation and commerce Cornwallis. entire team of designers, builders, continued. And the performance of It was the combination of integrators, overseers and users our ships and naval personnel in many circumstances that led to the are forming a virtuous circle each both world wars earned kudos. demise of this flourishing industry. reinforcing the other. However, one of the most The steamships that replaced sail To be sure we have a long illustrious maritime achievements changed the whole paradigm of way to go. We need to have 100 of the colonial times would be the seafaring for one. The opening of percent indigenisation; we need

24 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 that weapons and many systems era. As an aside, I was privileged to we have a legacy of 200 years of need to be sourced from within. be the first Signal Communications Making in India. (It is actually more But every ship that gets constructed Officer of the new INS Delhi. than 200 years, closer to 300 years.) has more indigenous content than Today, India builds world class But the commemoration of her predecessor, every ship an warships designed by Indian Navy 200 years of Trincomalee and improvement over the previous one. engineers and scientists. On October the commissioning of INS Kiltan So much so that today a navy ship 16, 2017, when our Defence within a week of each other gives constructed in India is no longer Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman us much cause to be proud of our news. And we also need to look at commissioned the latest and most past, celebrate our present and be the context. Lets not forget that India modern Anti-Submarine optimistic about the future. Hopefully designed her first indigenous car, INS Kiltan, in Visakhapatnam, it the 'Indica' in 1997 much after we was one more feather in the Indian the rest of India will relish and had built our first ship. Incidentally, Navy's cap and one more reason cherish these maritime milestones. in 1997, India had built the most for India to celebrate. The Indian Only a Maritime India can make a advanced destroyer, the INS Delhi, Navy has been a pioneer in 'Make Prosperous India. which catapulted Navy into a new in India'. We can proudly say that - Cmde Srikant B Kesnur Networking of Indian Naval Platforms ndian Naval ships, submarines, Iaircraft and shore establishments are networked with each other for exchange of position and target information through satellites and wireless communication systems. The position information from ships, submarines and aircraft at sea are transmitted through satellites and wireless communication systems in real time to the shore establishments. Targets detected through sensors of a unit at sea is exchanged over the network for correct identification and destruction using available weapons. The software for exchange of positional information has been indigenously developed by Indian Navy and DRDO. This network is also available on the current or estimated position of navies for undertaking joint for use by shore establishments and enemy or neutral units. The network operations and exercises at sea. Maritime Operation Centres for enabled operations that have The network architecture is assisting providing a common operational been facilitated by this operational in exchange of information on picture to the ashore. network has considerably eased the merchant ships operating at sea with This gives the Commander a task of shore planners and simplified other friendly foreign navies thus comprehensive knowledge on own the erstwhile complicated decision enabling timely assistance to ships ships, submarines and aircraft that making process. in any kind of distress at sea even are deployed over the vast Indian The Indian Navy is also beyond the Indian Ocean Region. Ocean Region as well as information cooperating with friendly foreign - PRO Navy

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 25 Guardians To The Rescue: A Survivor’s Diary

am a naval wife, one who way. In no time, the river found its I was trapped in an inundated, way inside our home too. All my submerged house, one who saw the “All the temples, attempts to call up my husband went fury of floods open its pages one by in vain as all the communication one in front of my eyes during the mosques and networks were down. With each recent floods in Kerala. One who churches were swirl of water that whisked past us, was lucky enough to be rescued by our helplessness only became more a helicopter squadron, of which I drowned; But profound. By 1130 hrs, the ground am a part myself. Yes, am speaking floor was completely under water. about the ALH (Guardian) family God came There we were, stranded on the top who had their wings spread across floor of the house amidst the furious the landscape of Kerala during the wearing Chalakkudy river without electricity most devastating floods witnessed by uniforms to and communication facilities. Kerala in 140 years. Our hearts were sinking deeper On 12th of August, when floods save us.” into the abyss when all of a sudden I started its drum beats on areas north heard the distant whir of a helicopter. With new found energy and vigour of Kochi, my husband sent me to my abate. The next day, when the nation parents anticipating his unavailability in our strides, we all ran towards was celebrating Independence Day, terrace. I saw an ALH flying past my in view of the forthcoming flood the rising water levels were slowly relief. home towards north. We waved our dominating various parts of Vynthala, hands and shouted at the top our The day before Independence like the rest of Kerala. Houses voice. Of course, our voices aren’t Day, on August 14, 2018, all news near the river were getting flooded louder than the rotors above and channels were flooded with footages and people were moving towards it definitely wasn’t enough to grab of the looming disaster likely to affect higher ground. By night, water had their attention. However, the sight God’s own country. Landslides, reached our backyard which is few of Guardians in our area came as floods and rain were claiming lives feet lower than the courtyard. That a beacon of hope. I felt life coming and causing untold misery across the was a horrible night. The continuous back to us and there was positive state. Unsuspecting the danger at our downpour wasn’t showing any signs energy all around me. I now knew doorsteps, we were just praying for of respite. As we were scared, we that the Guardians will come for us. the rest of Kerala. The Chalakkudy (my mom, little sister and I) moved to Few hours passed and the sky River slowly started overflowing and the first floor. We could see people was still as dark as can be. The some low-lying areas were flooded fleeing for their life from the area. sound of water flowing outside the by the end of the day. The skies Around 0330 hrs, there were people house resembled that at Athirappilly broke open and it was raining cats, at our doorstep, asking for shelter falls. Hours inched past and our dogs and a few more borrowed from as their houses were flooded. We eyes were still glued to the horizon, the nearby zoo. By evening, there gladly obliged and by next morning, and slowly the hopes began to fade was a total power shutdown in the there were 13 souls at my home. again. Suddenly we heard the rotors area. Our mobiles ran out of charge By August 16, 2018, Kerala was again. The whir of a helicopter was and land line telephones too turned under the angry cusp of rain demons never more musical than then. This into just a piece of furniture. as hell rained down, flooding more time we left no stone un-turned. We subsequently learnt that than half of the state. The water that Armed with few red shawls and a the nearby sub-station has been had by now reached our front yard, torch, we waved frantically at the submerged, chasing away all hopes was inching higher every passing helo. The aircraft came straight at of restoring connectivity with outside minute. The river which once us, flew over us and went straight world. Still we were feeling safe, as I followed its course, now flowed ahead; it seemed like they didn’t said earlier, Vynthala had never seen through wherever it found space, notice us. With faces drawn longer a flood. That night, the rains did not engulfing everything that came its than cows, as we turned to go back

26 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 inside, we saw the helicopter making heard in my lifetime. the aircraft and all I could see was a sharp turn to come back to us. The My heart was pounding hard. white and the splatter of rain on the way my folks’ faces lit up, it could My sister and I were the first two to windshield. My sister broke into tears have put a petromax to shame. be winched up. Few dizzy moments and hugged me tight, as we all had Soon the helicopter was hovering in the gently spinning basket as it gone into a shock caused by this atop us with the heavy downwash was winched up, strong splatters unexpected floods. throwing everything under its mercy on our faces due to the heavy I recollected the word written asunder. Scampering to find my downpour and a few seconds later on my husband’s squadron t-shirt, balance under the downwash, I we were safely inside the aircraft. thought I might fly off to the water In a few moments, my mother and ‘Guardians’. I had only heard of the outside. IN 707, I won’t forget the few neighbors joined us inside the numerous stories of rescue missions airframe number, hovered steadily cabin. Amidst all the gusty winds and by the Guardians at high seas. Now just above the terrace and a rescue spattering rains, ALH was hovering I have the singular honour of being basket was lowered. A diver in black suite merged out of it. “Indian Navy, steady like a rock all the while. a survivor, in the Guardian family, we are here to rescue you ma’am” Once everyone was picked up, rescued by the Guardians. he said, the sweetest set of words I the aircraft set off. I looked out of - Mrs Nima (W/o Lt Cdr Arun Jose)

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 27 238 Glorious Years of The Corps of Engineers

he ‘Corps of Engineers’ trace Ttheir roots to the medieval pioneers renowned for constructing ‘Saps’ or trenches, which permitted the breaching of invincible forts & walled cities. The genesis of Corps dates back to 1780 when two regular pioneer companies were raised in the Madras Presidency Army. Subsequently the Companies under Bengal and Bombay Presidency were raised as the Bengal & Bombay Sappers respectively. The three hitherto separate ‘Sapper and Miner Groups’ were amalgamated into the British Indian Army in 1858 issued to the selected development These Task Forces rescued more and on November 18, 1932 were agencies. Contract for 10 m than 7,000 civilians, distributed 42 rechristened as part of newly raised Short Span Bridge has also been Corps of Engineers. Tons of relief material and opened concluded. two critical road axes connecting Capability Development Aid to Civil Authorities Munnar and Palakkad. Efforts to enhance the Indian Army has always been The Sappers have also operational capability have borne one of the first responders during the constructed three Foot Over Bridges fruit with the induction of Surface natural calamities. During the recent at Elphinstone Road, Currey Road Mine Clearance System, Dual and Ambivali Railway Stations in Technology Mine Detectors, 5m floods that struck Kerala, 14 Engineer Mumbai. The onerous task was Short Span Bridge and 7/12 Ton Task Forces worked perseveringly executed in the most expeditious Tracked Excavators. The ‘Make in in the face of tormenting odds to manner and the bridges were India’ project of upgraded Assault provide relief assistance to the opened for public use on February Track Way continues to lead the way displaced population in Kerala 28, 2018. and project sanction order has been and Karnataka in August 2018. Infrastructure along the Borders and the Hinterland The MES, a premier construction agency and one of the pillars of Corps of Engineers supports the ‘Armed Forces’ capability development initiatives by development of strategic and the operational infrastructure other than major roads. It is also responsible for addressing the administrative and habitation related requirements for all three Services and the associated organisations of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). As part of an ongoing effort, seven Advance Landing Grounds (ALGs) along with supporting infrastructure Elphinstone Road Foot Over Bridge. and helipads were constructed

28 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 on a fast track basis. Phase I was The BRO has grown in strength Sappers secured two Gold and three completed on March 31, 2018, over the years and their achievements Bronze medals. at an approximate cost of ` 1200 include construction of 53,000 km crore, with the operationalization of of roads, 632 major permanent Recruit Ajeet Kumar of MEG, the helipad at Tawang. bridges of 55,335 m length and 19 Bangalore won the Gold medal in MES is also undertaking several airfields in difficult and inaccessible the 5000 mtr event of the Junior measures in the field of energy areas of the country. Presently BRO is Asian Athletics Championship held conservation, use of new & renewable working on 852 roads (30,118 km) at Gifu, Japan in June 2018. energy and green technology. which include new construction, as Sub CA Kuttappa, Boxing Implementation of Green Building well as improvement from single lane Norms with additional 10% Plinth to double lane specifications. BRO Coach of MEG was conferred with area rates and minimum three star is also maintaining, approximately Dronacharya Award by President of rating has been approved by MoD. 7315 km of roads and 5 airfields. India for his outstanding coaching Towards this, 150 MW Solar Energy In addition, the Organisation carries performance. Power projects are being undertaken out snow clearance on 138 roads Two teams from the Sappers to be completed by March 2019, (4325 km) every year to ensure and in an effort, to reduce the national restore connectivity between the participated in the Maruti Suzuki carbon footprint. To augment the border regions and the mainland. Desert Storm Car Rally 2018, energy conservation efforts measures Sports and Adventure conducted in March 2018 at Bikaner- such as LED lighting and GRIHA In a quest to do all round Jaisalmer. Both the participating norms are being incorporated in all World Sailing Expedition, Corps teams performed well with the team new projects. of Engineers undertook an all from 234 Armd Engr Regt securing Under the ‘Married arms Indian Army Ocean Sailing the 1st position from amongst Army Accommodation Project’ (MAP), Expedition from Mumbai to Minicoy teams and an overall 6th position 85305 dwelling units are to Island (Lakshadweep) this year be constructed in the third and covering 1800 nautical miles over out of a total of 32 teams. final phase for which planning is 40 days. Women Officers of the Corps underway. Maj Pushpa Joshi and participated in PHD Chamber New technologies are being Maj Usha Kumari of Corps of Women Car Rally conducted in adopted in Phase III to develop Engrs participated in Joint Army March 2018 from Delhi to Jaipur with integrated, self-sustaining, Mountaineering Expedition to Mount the theme “Wheeling the Women landscaped mini townships Stok Kangri from January 4-15, conforming to eco-friendly and 2018 and successfully summitted to Power.” Capt Yeshu Singh, 14 energy efficient green norms and the peak. Engineer Regiment secured the 3rd smart city features. In the recently concluded 18th position overall. Lines of Communications Asian Games in Indonesia, the - PRO Army

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 29 Indian Coast Guard Cleans Up the Ennore Oil Spill

he Indian Coast Guard had Tinitiated a series of pre-emptive and proactive measures in wake of Cyclone ‘Gaja’ wherein the Coast Guard ships and aircraft were on patrol since November 9, 2018 to safeguard precious lives at sea and rescue any stranded Fishing boat to safety. No sooner than the patrol efforts have been terminated on November 17, 2018, that the Coast Guard units were pressed into immediate action as first responder to an oil spill incident that took place during the early hours of November 18, 2018 wherein the discharge hose of Motor Tanker Coral Stars discharging Furnace Fuel Oil FFO (thick oil) at MLT berth of Kamarajar Port, Ennore, suddenly ruptured and caused an accidental spill of about two tons of FFO. Coast Guard interceptor boat and helicopter were launched to assess the extent of oil spill. Subsequently, two Coast Guard Fast Patrol Vessels with Pollution Response equipment embarked onboard were deployed from Chennai for strategy whilst actively coordinating augment the PR efforts. combating the spill. Senior officials Pollution Response Operations Timely efforts by Indian from CG Pollution Response Team through the day. Coast Guard resulted in effective (East), Chennai were deputed to Dedicated Coast Guard containment of the spilled oil and Ennore Port for onsite assessment Pollution Control Vessel ICGS preventing a major environmental and guidance to port authorities for Samudra Paheredar was mobilised hazard. use of appropriate spill response from Visakhapatnam to further -PRO Chennai

30 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 Over 15,000 Enthusiastic Runners Participate in Vizag–Navy Marathon

he fifth edition of Vizag-Navy TMarathon, the largest running event in the City of Destiny, was conducted at the Beach Road on Sunday, November 18, 2018. On the pleasant Sunday morning, 15,149 enthusiastic runners participated in 42.2 Km Courage Run, 21.1 Km Destiny Run, 10 Km Friendship Run and 5 Km Run for Fun, starting from Vishwapriya Function Hall on the pristine Beach Road along the . The highlight of this year was the participation of 20 runners from Singapore Navy in the Friendship Run, to commemorate 25 years of bilateral exercises between off by the Capt Animesh Nagar record participation of 8253 India and Singapore, “SIMBEX-18”. Cd Sports Officer ENC and Race runners and was flagged off by Cdr The event had a tremendous Director Dr Murli Nannapaneni V Sriramulu (Retd) a nonagenarian response from all walks of life. while 2254 runners participated in veteran and World Masters Participants from all age groups, the 21 Km Destiny Run which was Athletics Award Winner and Vice children with parents, veterans, flagged by Cmde Arvind Sharma, youth, naval personnel, foreigners Commanding Officer, INS Kalinga. Adm Karambir Singh, Flag Officer and school children ran side by side, The 10 Km Friendship Run was Commanding-in-Chief, ENC. stride by stride. In addition to the flagged off by Rear Adm Edwin Vice Adm Karambir Singh, participants, citizens of the city came Leong, Fleet Commander, Republic Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, out in large numbers to cheer the of Singapore Navy in the presence of ENC, the Chief Guest for the prize runners with spontaneity and enjoy Rear Adm DK Tripathi, Flag Officer distribution ceremony, presented the celebratory atmosphere early in Commanding Eastern Fleet where the morning. over 4291 runners including those cash awards to the winners on 351 runners participated in 42 from Singapore Navy participated. completion of the Marathon. Km Courage Run which was flagged The 5 Km Run for Fun witnessed - PRO Visakhapatnam

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 31 A Sense of Belonging – Family Welfare Centre of AH (R&R)

he Army Hospital (Research and TReferral), is not restricted to just being a hospital. Inside the premises there are living quarters, a primary school, a shopping complex, cafeterias, sprawling gardens and a Family Welfare Centre. Over the years, the Family Welfare Centre (FWC) has turned into a hub of learning and enterprise and has earned a lot of goodwill from the defence fraternity. “Gone are the days when the members (families of soldiers) of our FWC were content with learning to do embroidery, knitting and stitching. commitments of the soldiers, they FWC, AH(R&R). Today, they want to take that extra are neither able to pick up a job Until now it has been a step and want to be financially nor are they able to devote time on norm to conduct monthly FWC independent. Unfortunately, due to doing something from home,” says meetings with a set agenda of the frequent transfers and official Mrs Rashmi Sharma, Chairperson some in-house entertainment and a lecture. Breaking away from this protocol, FWC AH(R&R) now conducts workshops and talks to enhance skills and knowledge of the members, e.g. fun activities like organizing a Garba dance program during Navratras, workshops on clay modelling, art and craft, workshops on recognizing their talents and promoting them; of course, apart from solving their household and relationship problems. The children of all grades receive subject tuitions as well as classes on dance and music by experts. With the ban on polythene bags, the idea of making paper bags by FWC members and distributing them in the AH(R&R) Shopping Complex was proposed. With this idea of supporting the environment, workshops on making newspaper bags were conducted. Mrs Sonali Jha Chatterjee, Secretary, FWC, volunteered to conduct these workshops and the Assistant Secretary, Mrs Anuradha Rao plunged in whole heartedly to help in the endeavour. As the word spread, a lot of ladies joined in. In a

32 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 few days, a huge stock of paper bags was ready. Soon FWC was supplying paper bags to all the shops in the complex.“Initially, the idea was to pick up pace with the polythene ban movement. But soon, with the demand increasing, we realised that we could convert the whole venture into a start-up. This is an era of start- ups. The FWC thought of facilitating the ladies by starting a venture for them which was not very time consuming and could build a sense of entrepreneurship among them,” said Rashmi Sharma. The sincerity and neatness with which these ladies were making the Mela which was a perfect arena for bags was impressive. This made the ladies to showcase their talent. Sonali volunteer for conducting The Mela was conducted on further workshops on making bags October 27 and 28, 2018. Several out of handmade paper. “With members of the FWC set up stalls tasty, sumptuous snacks during the selling delicious food like golgappas, workshop and provision of transport, paprichaat, dhokla, dosa, vada, idli, ladies could concentrate on learning and pao bhaji and as expected, they better with no worries of getting had a bumper sale! home on time,” says Anuradha. Soon one thing led to another, and “It is a joy to see our members we had ladies volunteering to teach come forward with skills which paper quilling which led to creating they would like to share with all beautiful designs for the bags. the others. I have seen a sense of Today, the FWC is taking requests camaraderie building up and a for supplying bags from various sense of sisterhood evolving. This is other defence organizations as well what spurs me to spend a lot of time as individuals. with them,” asserts Sonali. Inspired by the enthusiasm, The constant upheavals in the Rashmi Sharma floated the idea of life of soldiers place a huge demand hosting an in-house AH(R&R) Diwali on the members of FWC who need to keep pace both economically and mentally, providing a stable environment to their families. The Family Welfare Centre tries to empower them and inspires them to think for themselves. It gives them freedom to pursue new initiatives, to dream new dreams big and small, and to take those dreams to their logical conclusion. It is not merely a housewives’ club but is an entirely new way of life! - PRO AH(R&R)

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 33 Chakravyuh

Q1. Which arm of Indian Defence forces celebrates Q7. Identify this aircraft used be IAF. (Pic-2) its anniversary on December the Fourth? Q8. Which state was touted to host the Aero India Q2. Which fort is in the proximity of National 2019 in place of its traditional venue thus far? Defence Academy, Khadakvasla? Q9. The insignia of which command of Indian Army Q3. The bow of Lord Shiva lends it name to a missile has the sun and lightening in it‘s depiction? system used by Indian Army. Name it. Q10. Name India’s first indigenous long range Q4. What is the expanded form of AWACS? artillery gun also called ‘Desi Bofors’. Q5. Identify this aircraft used by IAF. (Pic-1) Q11. Who was the Artillery athlete who represented our country in full Marathon at Rio Olympics. Q6. The SSB plays a vital role in the selection process of officers for the armed forces of our Q12. Which Triservices Institute has the motto country. Expand the acronym SSB. “Victory through Technology”?

Pic 1

Pic 2 Answers 1 Indian Navy. 2 Sinhagad. 3 Pinaka. 4 Airborne Warning and Control System. 5 Mirage 2000. 6 Services Selection Board. 7 Su 30. 8 Uttar Pradesh. 9 South Western Command. 10 Dhanush. 11 Gopi T. 12 MILIT, Pune. - Wg Cdr Samir Gangakhedkar

34 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 General Bipin Rawat Visits Central Command, Lucknow

he Chief of the Army Staff, TGeneral Bipin Rawat visited Headquarters Central Command and 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre (11 GRRC) at Lucknow from November 16 to 17, 2018. The Chief of Army Staff was briefed by Lieutenant General Abhay Krishna, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command on various operational and administrative aspects. General Bipin Rawat expressed satisfaction on the efforts being made to ensure capability enhancement He conveyed his appreciation to also attended Welfare Association and operational effectiveness of the Surya Command for achieving Meet held at 11 Gorkha Rifles the forces and development of a high degree of operational Regimental Centre. infrastructure in the central sector. preparedness. During his visit, he - PRO Lucknow Wreath Laying Ceremony by Cavalry Officers at Teen Murti Memorial

wreath laying ceremony was organised on November men of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade A 17, 2018 at the Teen Murti Memorial by the Cavalry composed of cavalry regiments from the Indian states Officers’ Association, to honour the sacrifices, valour, of Hyderabad, Mysore and Jodhpur, with detachments and splendid contribution of the Indian Cavalry since from Bhavnagar, Kashmir and Kathiawar who were World War I. The Indian Cavalry has a long and awe- martyred in the Great War of 1914-1919, in the Sinai, inspiring history of valour and sacrifice. Palestine and Syria. The Armoured Corps, a successor Teen Murti memorial was instituted in the memory and inheritor of the cavalry traditions has proven to be of the cavalry officers, non commissioned officers and the spear of the Indian military might with its mighty T-72, Arjun and T-90 tanks. The memorial service was a solemn ceremony of poise and grace wherein wreaths were placed by serving and retired officers of the cavalry fraternity. Lt Gen Amit Sharma (Retd), President COA, highlighted the great contribution of the Indian Armoured Corps, in protecting the nation’s sovereignty. This is aptly reflected by the ‘Gallantry Awards’ earned by the Corps since independence, which include two Param Vir Chakras, 16 Mahavir Chakras, three Kirti Chakras, 57 Vir Chakras and 26 Shaurya Chakras. - PRO Army

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 35 Indian Battalion Celebrates Universal Children’s Day in Malakal (South Sudan)

ndian Battalion based at Malakal (South Sudan) Icelebrated the Universal Children’s Day. The celebration was organised in co-ordination with UNICEF, IND HMEC, Communication and Public Information Unit and Child Protection Unit serving under UNMISS. United Nations Universal Children's Day was established in 1954 and is celebrated on November 20th each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. Universal Children's Day offers each of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote team participated in quiz competition who exhibited and celebrate children's rights, translating into dialogues their unmatched intelligence and knowledge in the field and actions that will build a better world for Children. of general awareness. The chief guest felicitated the The celebration was conducted at Malakal Sports winners with prize distribution. Stadium under the aegis of Ministry of Education. John While addressing the crowd, the Chief Guest invited Odhong Adyeng, Deputy Governor of Central Upper the adults to provide a happy and pure childhood to all Nile State was the Chief Guest of the event. Acting Head the children of the society. He also valued the efforts of of Field Office (HoFO), Mayor of Malakal city, Second- UNMISS and Indian Battalion for conducting Universal in-Command, Indian Battalion, Education Minister also Children’s Day to make the little light lamps of country witnessed the celebration. make special and loved. The celebration started with the tune of National Col Amit Gupta, Commander of Indian Battalion Anthem of South Sudan which was followed by emphasized the need of basic education and healthcare drawing competition among children of the primary to each child who are the future and building blocks of schools. Total 21 children participated in the drawing the nation. The celebration was concluded with putting competition and put their imagination on the drawing the hand impression by the children on the wall of the sheet. The quiz competition was also organised for the hope for better future. children of secondary schools of Malakal. Total four - PRO Army Rear Adm Kiran Deshmukh takes over as Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam

ear Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, VSM took over during a formal ceremony at the Naval Dockyard on Ras Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, November 15, 2018. Visakhapatnam from Rear Admiral Amit Bose VSM Rear Admiral Kiran Deshmukh was commissioned into Indian Navy in March 1986. The Flag Officer is an alumnus of DSSC Wellington and IIT Chennai. A recipient of Vishist Seva Medal in January 13, he has held several key appointments in his naval career which include afloat appointments onboard Indian Naval Ships Ranjit, Ranvir, Delhi and Tabar and ashore appointments including Command Engineering Officer, , Principal Director Ship Production and various appointments at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. In the Flag Rank, Rear Admiral Kiran Deshmukh has been ACOM (D&R) at Naval Headquarters and CSO (Tech) at Eastern Naval Command - PRO Visakhapatnam

36 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 School Children Visit Naval Base, Kochi

s a part of Navy Week 2018, about 1000 children Afrom various schools, along with their teachers, visited the Naval Base, Kochi on November 28, 2018. The children visited Indian Naval Ships Tir and Shardul, during which they witnessed a number of activities on board. The children were explained the various parts of the ship, made aware of the role of the Indian Navy in defending the nation's maritime interests and also given basic knowledge about the equipment fit, weapons and sensors fitted on board. The equipment and weapon helicopters. It was a unique experience for the children fit of the ships left the children awestruck about the to see these military aircraft virtually at arm’s length. They capabilities of Indian Navy. were also treated to a flying display by naval aircraft. An exhibition, coordinated by Naval Institute of The high point of the visit, however, was an Aeronautical Technology (NIAT), Seamanship and immaculate ‘continuity drill’ performed by the sailors of Diving Schools was organised during the visit, to make INS Dronacharya. In this drill, the squad is required to the school children aware of various equipment used by execute a series of precise drill movements in unison, the navy. The exhibits included dummy bombs, rocket without a single word of command being given. The launchers, safety equipment, diving equipment, models clockwork synchronisation of the drill movements and of ships, robots and models depicting seamanship the complete confidence of each member of the drill procedures. squad in his fellow sailors left the students spellbound. They were also provided a guided tour of the All children and staff were provided refreshments Naval Air Station, INS Garuda, where they got a first- on completion of the visit. hand glimpse of various naval fixed wing aircraft and - PRO Kochi Defence Financial Management Course at RTC(ER), Kolkata

five-day Defence Financial was the Chief Guest for the inaugural and post contractual obligations A Management Course for Army ceremony of the training programme. as well as emerging trend in the officers of HQ (Eastern Command) Senior officers of Defence Accounts procurement of goods & services was organised at Regional Training Department, GOC Bengal Sub-Area using public fund. Centre, Salt Lake, Sector-V Kolkata were also present on the occasion. GOC-in-C Eastern Command from September 24-28, 2018, In his welcome address, Shri in his inaugural address thanked the under the aegis of Defence Accounts Somnath Tripathy, IOFS, CDA/RTC, organisers for organizing this course Department (DAD). Kolkata informed the gathering and outlined that all participants GOC-in-C HQ Eastern that this training course is a perfect should take all the sessions very example of a collaborative effort of Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, seriously and make best use of the the Ministry of Defence, MOD (Fin), course to develop expertise in various CGDA and Army Hqrs and is being aspects of finance discipline. In this conducted successfully since its regard he suggested the officers inception in the year 1997 with the primary objective of capacity building to go through important books in the middle level management and manuals related to financial of Indian Army on Financial provisions such as DFP (DS), GFR, Management & Budgeting. He also DPM, DPP etc. and acquire sufficient informed that the other objectives of knowledge of rules and regulations this DFMC is to impart specific skills for efficient functioning. on Contractual Procedures both pre - RTC Kolkata

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 37 National Conference and Exhibition on Aerospace and Defence Related Mechanisms

he 11th National Conference and Exhibition on TAerospace and Defence Related Mechanisms (ARMS- 2018) was organised by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex and ISRO in association with Indian National Society for Aerospace and Related Mechanism (INSARM), Hyderabad Chapter and BITS Pilani, Hyderabad on November 16, 2018. The theme of the Conference was “Advances and Challenges in Aerospace and Defence related mechanisms.” Dr Tessy Thomas, Director General, Aero, DRDO about the conference. Dr V Venkateswara Rao, was the Chief Guest and during her address she Outstanding Scientist, Director, Centre for Advanced highlighted new developments and capabilities of our Systems, DRDO and Chairman, Organising Committee country in aerospace and defence related mechanisms. (ARMS) highlighted the tremendous advancements which Guest of Honour Dr S Somnath, Director, Vikram Sarabhai have taken place in aerospace sector and which need Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO gave brief history about the knowledge of aerospace mechanisms. The Conference design and development of aerospace and defence highlighted advances in the design and development, related mechanisms at ISRO. He also emphasised the fabrication, testing & analysis, as well as futuristic objectives of INSARM and ARMS, a knowledge sharing concepts of aerospace and defence related mechanisms. platform for all scientists and engineers. Key note address was delivered by Dr S Somnath on Prof G Sundar, Director, BITS, Dr KM Rajan, 'Highly Reliable Aerospace Mechanism of ISRO'. More Director, ARDE and Dr MRM Babu, Director, ASL than 500 delegates participated in the Conference. welcomed the dignitaries and delegates and briefed - PRO Secunderabad MoD Consultative Committee Reviews Operational Preparedness of Indian Coast Guard

onsultative Committee Meeting of Ministry of Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated CDefence on Indian Coast Guard chaired by that the ICG discharges a silent but invaluable service Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed the to the nation and lauded the efforts of all personnel operational preparedness, Infrastructure development of Coast Guard for its multiple successful search and and coastal security mechanism of the Coast Guard. rescue missions, humanitarian aid, assistance to Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre, MPs from fishermen and increased surveillance capability. Smt Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Director General Indian Sitharaman also laid emphasis on modernization of the Coast Guard Director General Rajendra Singh along ICG with the Definitive Action Program 2017 – 22 which with senior officials of MoD were present. Raksha envisages acquisition of 43 ships, 20 aircraft and other Mantri and the delegation was briefed about the coastal infrastructure. Raksha Mantri appreciated the Coast security mechanism and preparedness of Coast Guard Guard for successfully implementing directions on use to tackle maritime emergencies. Coast Guard’s initiative of local language speaking personnel onboard the ships and aircraft to alert the fishermen during emergencies of making fishermen the Eyes and Ears of Coast Guard and rescue operations. Raksha Mantri sought the was appreciated. support of all members of the house and their influence in their home states to spread awareness among the sea-faring community regarding utility of carrying emergency communication equipment which they tend to leave behind and face difficulty in communicating SOS messages in times of emergencies. Raksha Mantri declared that the next meeting of the Consultative Committee will be on Ordnance Depots. - PRO Defence

38 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 Northern Army Commander Felicitates Teachers of Army Goodwill Schools

t Gen Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C, Northern Command Lfelicitated teachers of Army Goodwill Schools at an award ceremony held in Udhampur on Novemver 16, 2018. The awards were given under three different categories viz Primary, Middle and Secondary level and 24 selected teachers from various Army Goodwill Schools from entire J&K were awarded for their innovative skills in teaching. These teachers were selected after a stringent process based on their teaching ability and creation of innovative teaching aids. The awards were sponsored responsible citizens of the country. by Bharti Foundation and included cash prize, trophy The teachers also thanked the Army for providing and a certificate. Bharti Foundation has been providing them a platform for showcasing their teaching abilities quality and technical education support to the Army as also for recognizing their contribution. Goodwill Schools for nearly three years. The CEO of Started with just four primary schools in 1998, Bharti Foundation Lt Col Vijay Chadda (Retd) was also Northern Command is currently running 45 Army present on the occasion. Goodwill Schools under Project Sadbhavana which At the end, the Army Commander applauded the provides education to 15000 students and employs 1000 excellent work put in by the Army Goodwill Schools teaching and non teaching staff. These also include two in contributing towards improvement of education fully residential public schools one each at Pahalgam standards in the state of J&K. He also exhorted the and Rajouri. teachers to be role models and mould the students to be - PRO Srinagar Recruitment in Territorial Army

18 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) GRENADIERS, voter identity card; NCC/Computers/Sports Certificate 1will carry out recruitment from December 27, 2018 to (District, State & National level) if any; Unmarried January 2, 2019 at Fort Sitabuldi, Nagpur for personnel Certificate (only for candidates between 18 to 21 years); belonging to the States of Andra Pradesh, Telangana, PAN Card and Aadhar Card are mandatory documents Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, for final enrolment for purpose of Pay & allowances and Rajasthan and the Union Territories of Dadra and other social benefit schemes. Nagar Haveli, Goa, Daman & Diu, Lakshwadeep and Test: Pondicherry. Candidates should be present at Sitabuldi Fort, Nagpur on December 27, 2018. (a) Physical fitness to include 1.6 Kms run, beam, crossing of 9 feet ditch and balance bar will be The recruitment will be carried out for 65 posts of conducted. Selected candidates will undergo medical General duties soldier, 02 Chef Community (Cook) and test by medical representatives of Army. 01 Hair Dresser. (b) Candidates who qualify in the physical and As this is a part time service, ex-servicemen upto the medical examination, will undergo written examination, age of 42 years can also get re-enrolled in the Territorial the question paper of which would be bilingual (English Army. & Hindi). The individuals should be in possession of following Permanent body tattoos will only be permitted documents:- on inner face of forearms i.e. below the wrist and on Original education Certificates alongwith attested the reverse side of palm/back (dorsal) side of hand. Photo copy; Colour passport size photographs – Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body Twenty copies; Domicile Certificate and any other is not acceptable and candidate will be barred from relevant Certificates; School Character Certificate; further screening. Caste Certificate; Character Certificate; Ration card/ - PRO Nagpur

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 39 Ex Servicemen Rally and Medical Camp by Romeo Force in Rajouri District

x Servicemen Rally and Medical, Dental Camp was Eorganised by 38 Rashtriya Rifles at Thanamandi in Rajouri district on November 3, 2018. The event was attended by approximately 119 Veterans, Veer Naris and huge number of locals of the regions. Maj Gen PS Bajwa, GOC, Romeo Force, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The rally was conducted in close coordination with state administration and Zila Sainik Board, with the aim of addressing grievances and anomalies in disbursement of pension, land and legal issues of Ex-Servicemen and Veer Naris and providing them information about Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Rajouri district gave medical screening, consultation and The Ex-Servicemen and the locals were acquainted medicines to all the needy persons. Hearing aids for the with various schemes and welfare programmes run by needy persons were also provided at no cost. Approximately Central and State Governments. Representatives of SBI, 500 civilians benefited from the medical camp. PNB, ICICI, J&K Grameen Bank, Insurance/Financial A cultural program was presented by students departments explained various beneficial schemes. A of school and GDC, Thanamandi which included a felicitation ceremony for Ex-Servicemen was organised welcome song for the guests, a patriotic song and a wherein 37 Veer Naris, 70 Widows, 7 Disabled soldiers dance. were felicitated and 5 children of Ex-Servicemen were The Gen Officer highlighted the contribution and presented with education scholarships to cover the sacrifices made by the Veterans and Veer Naris towards expenses of their entire education. the Nation and assured them of absolute support of the In Medical camp, the specialists from Army Medical organisation. and Dental corps alongwith district health department of - PRO Jammu Navy Organises Medical Camp at Cyclone Gaja Affected Areas

he Naval air station INS Parundu deployed a mobile A team of 12 naval personnel from INS Parundu Tmedical team to provide medical cover in the areas including doctors, paramedics and other supporting affected by cyclonic storm Gaja. The mobile medical sailors, conducted medical consultations and distributed team visited five Villages of on medicines to those in need. The villagers were also November 17, 2018, benefiting the villagers at various educated on important aspects of sanitation, nutrition affected places. and prevention of water and vector borne diseases. Glucose powder, ORS sachets and mosquito repellent creams were distributed in critical areas during the camp. A Chetak helicopter from the Naval Air Station, INS Parundu was also deployed for aerial assessment of the extent of devastation in the aftermath of cyclone Gaja along the South Tamil Nadu coast upto Point Calimere, Kodiakkarai on November 16 and 17, 2018. Helo sorties were undertaken primarily to assess the damage caused by the storm and locate the points where help was immediately required. The photographs taken were shared with the district administration to initiate relief operations to the most affected areas. - PRO Chennai

40 Sainik Samachar December 1-15, 2018 Pension Adalat for Army Veterans Organised at Gangtok by Black Cat Division

Pension Adalat was organised A by Black Cat Division under the aegis of Trishakti Corps with support of PCDA (Pension) Allahabad at Defence auditorium, Gangtok. Maj Gen NS Raja Subramani, GOC, Black Cat Division welcomed the Veterans, the Veer Naris and the defence account officers. 'Pension Adalat' is aimed to provide relief and address the pension problems of the Ex-Servicemen. Various Civilian dignitaries along with senior Naris' for their selfless service to miscellaneous services at State and Government officials were also the nation is an effort to solve their Central Government level. Shri Sanjiv present to interact with the Veterans pension anomalies and was an Mittal Addl CGDA and Shri Praveen of the State of Sikkim. Approx 300 attempt to reinforce the bonding Kumar PCDA pension attended the Veterans and their families attended of service soldiers with veterans the function. and provide a dedicated platform Pension Adalat and interacted with The Pension Adalat, a humble for addressing the grievances the veterans of Sikkim. tribute to all the Veterans and 'Veer by providing pension/medical/ - PRO Kolkata Tiranga Mountain Rescue Teams Arrive in the Valley

ith the onset of the harsh Rescue (TMR) Teams have been tremendous mountaineering and Wwinter weather in the Kashmir inducted in the Valley by the Army. trekking experiences. The Team Valley, the threats from avalanches The Tiranga Mountain Rescue is a members are specially trained for increase manifold and it endangers trust started by Mr Hemant Sachdev avalanche rescue and resuscitation the human life to quite an extent. and comprises teams having world and are fully equipped with state-of- Taking proactive measures in this class mountaineers, both ex- the-art equipment like Recco Rescue direction, the Tiranga Mountain servicemen and civilians, having System, Avalanche Victim Detector, Avalanche Air Bag, etc. On November 16, 2018, the TMR Teams arrived in Srinagar and interacted with the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt, who reiterated the resolve to save Soldiers’ lives by all available means. The TMR Teams will be deployed at Naugam, Pharkian and Dawar and their timely induction will save critical time and increase efficiency. These teams will also form the core group for imparting advanced avalanche rescue training to the troops at various locations. - PRO Srinagar

December 1-15, 2018 Sainik Samachar 41 PHOTOCALL

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Defence, Republic of Singapore, Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Joint Press Statement, on the completion of 3rd Defence Ministers’ Meeting, in Visakhapatnam on November 20, 2018.

NCC Day was celebrated by NCC Directorate, MP & CG. Smt Anandiben Patel, Governor of MP & CG, presenting the Best Cadet Award to Sgt Aadi Vaishnavi.

Capacity Building Tour A comprising of 25 Veer Naris of Ladakh region was flagged off by Lt Gen YK Joshi, GOC Fire and Fury Corps at Leh on November 18, 2018. The Veer Naris visited Bodh Gaya, New Delhi and Chandigarh during the ten-day tour.

Sources: PRO Visakhapatnam, PRO NCC and PRO Srinagar

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