2019 1-15 February Vol 66 No 3 ` 5 SAINIK Samachar

Republic Day 2019 pic: DPR Photo Division pic: DPR Photo Division

The President Shri giving away the gallantry award, Ashoka Chakra to the widow of Lance Naik NAZIR AHMAD WANI, Bar to , of the J&K Light Infantry/34th Battalion, (Posthumously) on the 70th Republic Day Parade 2019 at Rajpath.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the ‘At Home’ function, organised on the occasion of Raksha Mantri72nd Independence Smt Nirmala Day,Sitharaman at Rashtrapati paying tributeBhavan, to in the New departed Delhi on leader August and 15, former 2018. Defence Minister George Fernandes who breathed his last on January 29 at AIIMS in New Delhi. In This Issue Since 1909 President's Address on the 70th 4 Republic Day

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR) Vol. 66 q No 3 12 - 26 Magha 1940 (Saka) 1-15 February 2019 The journal of ’s Armed Forces published every fortnight in thirteen languages including & English on behalf of Ministry of Defence. It is not necessarily an organ for the expression of the Government’s defence policy. The published items represent the views of respective writers and correspondents. Editor-in-Chief Ruby Thinda Sharma Senior Editor Manoj Tuli Republic Day 6 Interview with 12 Editor Afaque Ahmad Ehsani Celebrations 2019 DG ICG Sub Editors Sub Maj KC Sahu & Sub Maj Baiju G Coordination Kunal Kumar Business Manager Dhirendra Kumar Our Correspondents DELHI: Lt Col M Vaishnava (Offg.); Capt DK Sharma VSM; Gp Capt Anupam Banerjee; Divyanshu Kumar; Photo Editor: K Ramesh; BENGALURU: Guru Prasad HL; : 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.); : Lt Col Devender Anand; JAIPUR: Lt Col Sombit Ghosh; KOCHI: Cdr Sridhar E Warrier; KOHIMA: Col Chiranjeet Konwer; KOLKATA: Wg Cdr SS Birdi; Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Ms 11 PM interacts with winners of… Gargi Malik Sinha; MUMBAI: Cdr Mehul Karnik, Narendra Kumar Vispute; : Gp Capt BB Pande; PALAM: Wg Cdr AR Giri; PRAYAGRAJ: Wg Cdr Arvind Sinha; 16 RM Reviews Operational… RM Launches Projects : Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: G Surendra Babu; SHILLONG; Wg Cdr 17 RM Dedicates Diffo Bridge in… in Tamil Nadu… 15 Ratnakar Singh; : Col Rajesh Kalia; TEZPUR: Lt Col Harsh Wardhan 18 RRM Inaugurates Armed Forces… Pande; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ms Dhanya Sanal K; UDHAMPUR: Col Rajesh Kalia (Offg.); VISAKHAPATNAM: Capt CG Raju. 20 PM Addresses The NCC Rally Published by: 21 Raksha Mantri Felicitates NCC… 22 RRM Appreciates NCC For… Col Aman Anand, Spokesperson, MoD 23 Naval Chief Lauds NCC Cadets… Nampibou Marinmai, Director, PR 24 Chief of Army Staff Enthralled… Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, 25 71st Parade 2019 Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011 26 Frank and Fearless Foot Soldier Editorial Office: L-1 Block, Church Road, New Delhi-110001, 27 UNMISS INDBATT Renovates… Telefax : 23094668 Telephone : 23092768 28 411 Republic Day Gallantry… 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 PM Addresses The NCC Rally 20 (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: Republic Day Parade 2019 at Rajpath, New Delhi.

pix: DPR Photo Division For more details visit our website: http://sainiksamachar.nic.in Follow us on: www.facebook.com/DefenceMinIndia

https://twitter.com/spokespersonMoD

https://www.instagram.com/prodefense/ President's Address on the 70th Republic Day

Dear Fellow Citizens My greetings to all of you on the eve of our 70 Republic Day! This is an occasion to commemorate the values of our democracy and Republic. This is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to liberty, fraternity and equality across our society and among all our citizens. And above all, this is an occasion to celebrate India and the spirit of being Indian. Every Republic Day is precious and every day in the life of our Republic is precious. Yet this year is a little extra special. On October 2, we will mark the 150 birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who led us – and who inspired oppressed societies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere – to freedom from colonial rule. Gandhiji remains the moral critical and formative a period as the late 1940s and compass of our Republic; his teachings are still the early 1950s. Decisions and actions of today will shape touchstone to measure our policies and initiatives. His the India of the remainder of the 21 century. As such, 150 anniversary is not for India alone; it is a joy to be this is not just a once-in-a-generation moment – it is a shared with the world. once-in-a-century moment. A few weeks after Gandhiji’s birthday, on November Having said that, let us remember that this election 26, we will mark the 70 anniversary of the adoption is only a milestone in the journey towards fulfilling the of our Constitution. This enlightened and far-reaching aspirations of our people and building a developed document laid the foundations of our Republic. It was India. India is at the doorstep of eliminating extreme the work of men and women of principle and patriotism poverty for the first time in memory. A programme of – the members of the Constituent Assembly. In particular, universal and equitable healthcare has begun to be we recall the role of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, rolled out. Affordable medicines and medical devices who chaired the Drafting Committee. In his honour, and and implants are becoming a reality for more and more in our Constitution’s honour, the nation will celebrate sections of our people. A greater number of Indians Constitution Day this year in an appropriate manner. than ever previously have access to proper housing, with The values that shaped Indian independence modern sanitation and electricity. and that continue to shape our Republic – the values Connectivity – in the form of ports and inland inculcatedin our democracy and our Constitution– are waterways, upgraded railways and new metro services, also the values that uphold the supremacy of the people of India. This year, the people of India – each one of national highways and rural roads, cost effective air us – have another responsibility: of voting in the services to the interiors of India, and of course the election and electing the 17 . The ideas and surge in mobile phones and data access – is bringing idealism of our democracy will come into full force. us together as never before. India has been united and Once more, as we do every five years, voters will deliver integrated –now it is being networked. their verdict and write their destiny. This year’s election Leapfrogging technologies and leapfrogging will be the first when voters born in the 21 century will enlightenment are empowering our farmers and contribute to electing a new Lok Sabha. equipping our soldiers. They are enabling our traditionally An election is not just a political exercise. An election deprived fellow citizens and educating our daughters and is a collective call to wisdom and a collective call to our sons. They are exciting the entrepreneurial energies action. It represents a renewal and a recommitment to and the infectious start-up culture that has made our the goals and hopes of a shared and egalitarian society. younger generation and our India the focus of world It represents the diverse and yet singular urges of the attention and admiration. Fellow Citizens people and the Republic of India. This makes the very In my travels across the country and my engagements act of voting a sacred act. Please perform this act. Who with all sections of our society, I have sensed appreciation the voter chooses to vote for is up to him or her, I would for such efforts and such hard-won advance. This is more only request all eligible voters to go out and vote. Our so in the perception of senior generations that have lived country is at a key juncture. In some respects this is as through and strived to overcome the shortage economy.

4 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 In area after area, commodity after commodity, we The human experience is built on partnerships. have converted difficulty into availability. We have done Partnerships at home build a family. Partnerships at work this step-by-step and year-by-year. And yet whether in build a business. Partnerships of different stakeholders foodgrains or LPG cylinders, telephone connections or build society. Partnerships of the government and the even the ability to get a passport, change is apparent people build our nation. And partnerships of nations and change is visible. In many cases, technology has build a better world. In this manner partnerships are been a force multiplier. And in all cases, inclusiveness the thread knitting together family, nation and world – has been a moral multiplier. and leading to the treatment of the World as a Family: No conception of India’s development can be Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. complete without a salute to our spirit of inclusiveness – Partnerships are enhanced by open communication, of access and opportunity for all; of an expansion and honest conversation and unstinted compassion. This an embrace of those whom we consider our own. This is true with members of our families. This is also true country belongs to each of us and to all of us – every with sections or groups that have been historically group and every community, every region and every disadvantaged and whose grievances must continue to identity. It belongs to every citizen and every individual. be heard and addressed. It is important to create avenues India’s pluralism is its greatest strength and its greatest for such conversations, even if they are inconvenient. In a example to the world. The “Indian model” rests on a society experiencing rapid change, we must be prepared tripod of diversity, democracy and development. We for such conversations. And similarly we must be alive to cannot choose one above the other; we must have all the need for compassion – to those less privileged than three and we will have all three. The best indicator of us and to the differently-abled, for example. social change in India is change towards gender equity and towards providing equal opportunities, under Our society has shown great regard for those, conditions of equality, to every girl child and every whether individuals or institutions, who devote themselves woman. In my experience, when given the chance, our to people’s welfare and go beyond the call of duty. The daughters tend to not just equal but outperform our concept of seva, of devotion to public service and to sons in the classroom. Young women in our country are the broadening of the ambit of justice, must get its due. moving ahead in every field – from academics to the Well-intentioned contributions of individuals, of groups creative arts, from sports to the armed forces. There is of people, of institutions, whether public or private, of no stopping and no hesitation in this process. It is the society at large, or for that matter of the government, route to India’s future. Fellow Citizens must be acknowledged and appreciated. Our Republic has come a long way and we must These are guiding principles for us at home as appreciate how far successive generations have brought well as abroad. These are guiding principles that shape us. Equally, we must appreciate that our voyage is far India’s global approach – whether in peacekeeping, from complete. There are still waters to cover, still gaps climate change mitigation, development partnerships, to fill and still tears to wipe. We have to recalibrate our or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. These are yardstick of achievement and success – from quantity to earning India a new respect in the international system. quality; from a literate society to a knowledge society; These are the principles, I would stress, that are at from a nation that has room for all segments and all the root of our Republic. Our Republic’s vision is that communities to a family that invokes, encourages and of reaching democratic goals by democratic means, celebrates the uniqueness and potentialin each person – pluralistic goals by pluralistic means, enlightened goals each daughter and each son. by enlightened means, inclusive goals by inclusive In his book “India of My Dreams”, Mahatma means, compassionate goals by compassionate means Gandhi wrote of an India where the poorest will have an – and constitutional goals by constitutional means. “effective voice”, where there will be no “high class and May those principles always illuminate our path! low class”, where “all communities shall live in perfect After all, “We, the People …” gave ourselves this harmony”, and where “women will enjoy the same rights Constitution and “We, the People …” are the custodians as men”. These ideals are a constant reminder of the and upholders of its principles. India that we are building. In this context, the recent constitutional amendment to provide special facilities for With those words, I once again wish all of you a talented children from poorer families is another step to happy Republic Day. an India of our dreams – and of Gandhiji’s dreams. Jai Hind!

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 5 Republic Day Celebrations 2019

n January 26, 1950, our Obeloved motherland shed the last relic of colonial system and effected a new dawn by becoming a sovereign democratic republic. The first took oath of office and a new era was heralded for this great ancient civilisation. It has been quite a journey since then. The proud nation celebrated its 70th Republic Day this year. The main colourful celebration was held at the historic Rajpath where President Shri Ram Nath Kovind hosted the President of Republic of South Africa and Supreme Commander of the South African National Defence Force, Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. India and South Africa enjoy a unique relationship underpinned by our shared destiny, values and principles. This year, we are also celebrating 150th year of the birth of the greatest saint of the 20th Century, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, whom we all fondly call the Mahatma. Underlining theme of this year’s Republic Day Celebration is the great man himself. His 21- year stay in South Africa played a pivotal role in moulding him into the Apostle of Peace. His transformation is best described by one of the greatest anti-apartheid crusader and first President of a free South Africa, Dr Nelson Mandela. He said, “you gave us Mohandas Gandhi; we returned him to you as Mahatma Gandhi.” The Republic Day Parade Ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Shri leading the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti under India Gate. This year, an all women marching contingent of the

6 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 followed by him. This year, veterans of Indian National Army (INA) raised by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who fought valiantly against the imperial forces, also took part in Republic Day Parade. They were Shri Parmanand, Shri Lalti Ram, Shri Hira Singh and Shri Bhagmal, all of them above 90 now. The first contingent in the uniform was of the erstwhile Lancers, now 61 Cavalry, led by Apurva Dabhade. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse Cavalry Regiment in the world. Main Battle Tank of the , T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP-II/IIK), Surface Mine Clearing System (SMCS), newly inducted K-9 Vajra-T and M 777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH), Transportable Satellite Terminal (TST) and Akash weapon system were the main draw in the mechanised columns. The other marching contingents of the Army included the Madras Regiment, the Rajputana Rifles, the Sikh Regiment, the Gorkha , the Army Service Corps, , the 102 Infantry Battalion () followed by the Veterans’ Tableau, as a mark of recognition and respect to the soldier’s selfless service to the nation. It showcased the theme, “Veterans: Accelerators in Nation’s Growth”. The Combined Band of the Sikh Light Infantry, Rifles took part for the first time. The parade was commanded by Lt Mahar Regimental Centre and Major Khusboo Kanwar led the Gen Asit Mistry, General Officer Scouts played the tune contingent. Commanding, Headquarters Delhi ‘Shankhnaad’ for the first time in the As per tradition, after unfurling Area. Maj Gen Rajpal Punia, Parade. the National Flag, the national Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi The Naval Contingent anthem was played with a 21-gun Area was the parade Second-in- comprised of 144 young sailors led salute. The parade then commenced Command. The proud winners of by Commander Ambika and the President took the salute. the highest gallantry awards were Sudhakarn. It was followed by

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 7 Naval tableau titled, ‘ – Combat Ready Force for National Security’, which proudly illustrated the combat potential of the multi- dimensional Indian Navy of the 21st Century. The Air Force Marching Contingent also comprised 144 air warriors. The air warriors were marching with rifles in ‘Bagalshashtra’, while the pistols of the officers were secured in their holsters. It was followed by the Air Force Tableau titled ‘ Encouraging Indigenisation’, showcasing the scaled-down models of the aircraft, radar and missile system which have been indigenously designed and manufactured. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed Medium range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM). DRDO also showcased Arjun Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicle (Arjun ARRV). led the marching Contingents of -Military and other Auxiliary Civil Forces. It was followed by the , Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, DELHI POLICE, Border Security Force Camel Contingent, National Cadet Corps Boys & Girls Contingent and Marching Contingent. Twenty-two tableaux, comprising of 16 from different States & Union Territories and six Gandhi’s vision and ideal. Tableau a tableau depicting Gandhiji’s Ministries, Departments and other of portrayed Quit India movement in Assam and his dream institutions, displayed life, times Movement, which was a peoples’ of rebuilding the rural economy by and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. movement in which millions of encouraging the growth of cottage The tableau of Sikkim portrayed common Indians had participated. industry. the state’s transformation into a Tableau of Andaman & Nicobar 100 per cent organic farming and showcased Role of Gandhi ji The tableau of Tripura the cleanest state of the country among the inmates of Cellular Jail showcased the egalitarian, inclusive in consonance with Mahatma in Andaman. Assam came up with and diverse social and ethnic culture

8 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 based on the Gandhian principles. Tableau of Goa showcased Unity in Diversity. Arunachal Pradesh depicted peace within through tableau of a clean Monpa village and its peaceful, cultural life which Mahatma Gandhi envisioned. Jallianwala Bagh was the theme of Punjab tableau, which evoked memories of the watershed moment in the independence struggle. Tamil Nadu showcased transformation of Dress Code of Mahatma Gandhi on September 22, 1921 in Madurai after seeing scantily clad peasants and poor people. Tableau of Gujarat depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Historical Dandi March’, which shook the foundation of the British Empire by scooping a handful of salt in the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. ‘Ray of Hope-Our Composite Culture’ was the theme of tableau of Jammu and . Karnataka showcased Gandhiji’s momentous efforts at the Belagavi Congress session on 26-27, December 1924. Tableau of depicted Spiritual Anashakti Ashram. Delhi showcased Mahatma Gandhi and his association with the national Capital. Uttar Pradesh showcased Commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. West Bengal tableau highlighted two key aspects in the life of Mahatma Gandhi- his stay at Kolkata during the crucial juncture of India’s Independence and his association with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Ministry of Power showcased Saubhagya: New India Raushan India”. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation showcased magnificent four-year-old journey of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), the biggest behavioral change campaign in the world. Indian Railways showcased

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 9 his relationship with Railways in tableau titled ‘Mohan to Mahatma’. Ministry of Agriculture depicted Mahatma Gandhi’s economic philosophy called for ending poverty through improved agriculture and small scale rural cottage industries. CPWD (Horticulture) tableau paid floral tributes to the Mahatma in his 150th birth anniversary year. It showcased a wide variety of flowers in different hues. The rear part shows Gandhiji’s message towards world peace and unity. Twenty-six children including Kolkata danced on this song by was a spectacular flypast by the IAF. six girl and 20 boy Awardees of reiterating this dream of “Bapu Ka The flypast commenced with the “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Sapna”. Students of Rajkiya Pratibha ‘Rudra’ formation comprising three Puruskar 2019” for their exceptional Vikas Vidyalaya (RPVV) Kishan Ganj, ALH Mk IV WSI helicopters in ‘Vic’ achievement also graced the Delhi and Kendriya Vidyalaya, formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ occasion. The awards have been Paschim Vihar, Delhi paid homage formation comprising three C-130J given to children for their merit in and reverence to Bapu’s ideology Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ the fields of innovation, scholastic, through their scintillating dance formation. Behind the ‘Hercules’ sports, arts, culture, social service, performances. formation is the ‘Netra’ the “Eye music, bravery or any other field Corps of Signals Motor Cycle in the Sky”. Trailing them was the which deserves recognition. Team saluted the President with ‘Sutlej Formation’ which is AN 32 aircraft flying in ‘Vic’ formation. Children’s Pageant was led by daredevil acts in the Parade under Behind the ‘Netra’ formation was Navy Children School Chankyapuri, the dynamic leadership of the ‘Globe’ formation, comprising Delhi with the performance “Jai Manpreet Singh, who saluted smartly one C-17 Globemaster flanked by Ghosh”- a proclamation of faith from a 12.5 feet ladder. This is the two Su-30 MKIs. and assurance in the principles of first time in the history where he beat the divine soul, Mahatma Gandhi. his own record of saluting from a Next in line were five Jaguar Children of Government Schools of ladder of 8 feet. Deep penetration strike aircraft, in Eastern Zone, Cultural Centre, The grand finale of the parade ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Following the Jaguars were five MiG-29 Upgrade Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Arrowhead’ formation. Three state-of-the-art, SU-30 MKIs of Indian Air Force executed the Trishul manoeuvre, the culmination of the parade, as a lone Su-30 MKI flying at a speed of 900 km/hr split the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons. - PRO Defence pix: DPR Photo Division

10 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 PM interacts with winners of Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2019

he Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and Tinteracted with the winners of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2019. The children explained in detail, their special achievements, and shared their inspirational stories. The Prime Minister appreciated and congratulated the award winners for their achievements. He said that these awards offer an opportunity for recognition of talented children, and serve as inspiration for others like them. The Prime Minister urged the extra- ordinarily gifted children to stay connected with nature. He shared some light and informal moments with the children who also requested him for autographs. The Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awards have been given for Bal Shakti Puraskar, under the category of innovation, in two categories: Bal Shakti Puraskar to individuals; and scholastic, sports, arts & culture, social service and Bal Kalyan Puraskar to institutions/individuals working bravery. The National Selection Committee also for children. A total of 783 applications were received finalized the names of 2 individuals and 3 institutions for for the Bal Shakti Puraskar this year. The Ministry for Bal Kalyan Puraskar. Women and Child Development selected 26 awardees - PIB

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 11 Interview with DG ICG Ensuring India's Maritime Safety and Security

ndian Coast Guard's Director General Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM in an interview with Ms Ruby Thinda Sharma, IEditor-in-Chief, Sainik Samachar on the eve of Coast Guard Day 2019. Firstly, let me congratulate you on the excellent work done by the Indian Coast Guard in the recent floods in Kerala. What measures has the Coast Guard undertaken to strengthen the disaster response mechanism in coastal areas? The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has been very proactive in responding to any cyclones and other natural disasters in coastal areas. The response mechanism has been fine-tuned through evolving of Standard Operating Procedures for the ICG units with focus on preventive measures, prompt Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport The Coast Guard has a very mobilization of ships, aircraft and and Highways and the Ministry of strong bonding and nurtures resources and close liaison with the Agriculture and being progressed on close relationship with the local fishermen community, local and fast track with a view to overcome the fishermen and coastal communities state officials. ICG ships and aircraft existing and future challenges. Their in every coastal state. ICG now transmit warnings for fishermen collective and focused efforts are recognizes their significance in of impending weather at sea in expected to result in a strengthened evolving an effective mechanism local languages and facilitate their and synergistic approach to for maritime safety and security. safe return to nearest harbour. I am ensuring India’s maritime security. Therefore, we have been regularly happy to inform you that due to the The Coast Guard is augmenting its conducting Community Interaction prompt preventive action by the ICG force levels to enhance maritime Programmes (CIP) to educate in coordination with all stakeholders, surveillance capabilities through them on lifesaving appliances, no life at sea was lost in the recent induction of additional surface and personal survival techniques and cyclones Gaja, Tilti, Luban or Pabuk. air assets. We have also intensified need for communication sets for ICG also launched a large scale boarding operations apart from effective distress response at sea. operation for floods in Kerala with ushering in modern technology In addition, they are also advised mobilization of 35 Disaster Relief such as a chain of static sensors for alerting the security agencies Teams. A total of 3521 persons and automatic identification about any suspicious/foreign boats were evacuated and more than system to complement the physical sighted by them. A total of 7045 7500 were guided to safer locations surveillance methodology. The Coast CIPs have been conducted by the in addition to distribution of more Guard is well equipped to meet the ICG since 2009. More recently, we than 125 ton of relief material. operational challenges of the future have transformed our interaction How do you visualize the Indian and to match the security demands with fishermen into Community Coast Guard evolving in the future on account of enhanced traffic at Integration Programme. The to undertake assigned roles and upcoming ports and new projects integration measures include visits responsibilities? under the Sagarmala Scheme. of children from fishing community A host of measures have What initiatives the Coast Guard to ICG ships and stations, gifting of been initiated by the concerned is taking to involve fishermen in school bags and books to children departments under the Ministry of supporting safety and security of fishermen, apart from organizing Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, mechanism in coastal areas? of community sports, grooming of

12 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 a regional approach to meet maritime safety, security and environmental challenges? ICG being a major Coast Guard in the Asian region has actively contributed in evolving a collaborative approach to meet the varied challenges. In multilateral initiatives, ICG is the founding member of the Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting and Coast Guard Global Summit, children of fishermen to be good various provisions of the national both of which are coordinated by citizens of India, etc. The results plan and its implementation by the Japan. Recently, ICG has been have been quite fascinating and we stakeholders. In order to effectively designated as the Competent intend to continue enhancing our respond to any contingency, National and Operational Authority integration with fishermen. Pollution Response Teams have under the MoU signed by India for Community integration is been established by the Coast oil and chemical pollution response besides assistance to fishermen in Guard at Mumbai, Chennai, Port within the South Asian Seas Region distress at sea which is the charter of Blair and Vadinar. ICG also has under the South Asian Cooperative ICG. Towards this, Maritime Rescue three dedicated Pollution Response Environment Programme involving Coordination Centres at Mumbai, Vessels for immediate mobilization. , Pakistan, Till date, ICG has successfully Chennai and Port Blair are manned and . Furthermore, MoU responded to 91 Oil Spill incidents. 24X7 to coordinate response to any for cooperation on maritime issues ICG conducts regular national incident or accident at sea not only have been signed with Coast Guard level Pollution Response Exercise for fishing boats but also for the agencies of Bangladesh, Pakistan, named NATPOLREX to nurture South Korea, Japan, , Sri shipping traffic traversing the Indian coordination and validate response Lanka and Oman. ICG regularly Search and Rescue Region. A toll procedures. The 8th edition of the conducts various capacity building fress helpline number 1554 has also exercise conducted at Mumbai programmes for foreign Coast been established for this purpose. As from 07-09 Jan 19 witnessed Guard personnel which includes a goodwill gesture, ICG distributed largest ever participation of 24 inviting participation in national 1778 distress alert transmitters free of international observers from 19 level exercises on Search & Rescue cost to fishermen besides giving away countries apart from the national and Oil Pollution Response. 1530 lifejackets to fishers in Gujarat, stakeholders. Further, IMO Level I Maharashtra and West Bengal. What steps have been taken over and Level II training is provided to the last five years to strengthen What steps has the Coast Guard ports and oil handling agencies, in the Indian Coast Guard fleet for taken towards marine environment addition to assessment of their Oil defence preparedness and what is security? Spill Contingency Plans. The Coast the future plan? The Indian Coast Guard is the Guard also launches a special The augmentation of surface Nodal Agency for marine oil spill operation ‘Olivia’, annually from platforms is an important step taken response coordination and has, November to May for protection of to strengthen the Indian Coast therefore, formulated the National the endangered Olive Ridley turtles Guard for defence preparedness. Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan visiting Gahirmatha coast in Odhisa ICG has been proactively pursuing (NOSDCP). We also conduct annual for mass nesting. augmentation of surface assets with National level Review Meeting How is the Coast Guard a fleet of new generation ships fitted (NOSDCP Meeting) to monitor contributing towards evolving with latest propulsion systems, state-

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 13 of-art equipment and machinary, the operational response for search to our continuing and sustained keeping in line with the latest & rescue at sea, combating marine endeavour to provide the best of technological trends. Seven ship oil pollution and ensuring a robust everything to my men, especially acquisition contracts for 51 ships/ coastal security and law enforcement ultra modern facilities and smart boats were signed during the last framework has been the result of living, the swimming pool facility has four years. At present, ICG has a the hardwork and professionalism been inaugurated at Noida, Haldia fleet strength of 139. The XIII Plan of the personnel manning the ships, and Porbandar and many other (Coast Guard Definitive Action Plan air squadrons and hovercraft fully remote stations which is stepping 2017-22) caters for acquisition supported by the operational control further towards achieving our goal of 47 commissioned surface authorities ashore. of enhancing the happiness index platforms. The acquisition is being of the Coast Guard families. ‘Smart Has the Director General set Living’ will boost up the morale of my appropriately planned in a phased any vision for the betterment of manner to enable capacity building infrastructure development for the men and their families. I am pleased with focus on consolidation. Indian Coast Guard personnel? to inform that team at CGHQ is working tirelessly to provide many When I took over as Director The Coast Guard has progressed more such facilities for the welfare of General, housing for all with very well over the years and our families. emerged as a formidable maritime modern facilities was my foremost force. What do you think is the dream. It is a pleasure to say that How is the ICG involved in the core reason behind your success? more than 4,000 houses are at ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan’ in The main force behind our different stages of execution, and coastal areas? success is the officers, enrolled likely to be completed in the next Ans. The clean India campaign personnel and civilians who are highly 2-3 years. In addition, proposals for initiated by the Govt. of India is motivated and put-in untiring efforts more than 1,500 houses are under being utilized as a stepping stone in steering the growth of the service active consideration. At present we for achieving ICG’s goal of Marine overcoming challenging situations have achieved the target of 75% Environment Protection. Therefore, within limited resources, manpower and in next 3-4 years, remaining in April 2016, ICG took proactive and strict time schedules. In addition, projects will be completed. Owing approach for extending the ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan’ to the maritime zones of India and transforming it to ‘Swachch Sagar Abhiyaan’ in association with the maritime and coastal community. The ICG also steers Coastal Cleanup activities with active participation from ports, oil handling agencies, fishermen, State Govt and local populace including students and social organization through dedicated programmes conducted frequently. Awareness drives for children and tree plantation are conducted to further extend this noble cause. The cleanliness drives are also conducted in areas adjoining ICG premises and coastal communities to reiterate the importance of the campaign. pix: DPR Photo Division

14 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 RM Launches Projects in Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor

nder the Government of India’s larger vision of Uencouraging ‘Make in India’, the Ministry of Defence has taken multiple measures to promote indigenisation in the defence industry. In the 2018 budget, two Defence Corridors were announced in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Subsequent to the announcement, the process to set up these corridors has moved at a rapid pace. As part of setting up the Industrial Corridors, Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman launched series of projects as part of the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor in Tiruchirppalli in the august presence of Shri MC Sampath, Minister of Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu. The meeting which was attended by over 500 industry representatives coming from different parts of the state, were addressed by Raksha Mantri. Several ministers and senior officials of Tamil Nadu Government and senior officials from Ministry of Defence, Defence for defence indigenisation and other areas. Public Sector Undertakings, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and were also The Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor, also present during the event. called the Tamil Nadu Defence Production Quad as the In her inaugural address, Raksha Mantri spoke nodal cities form a quadrilateral, will include Chennai, about the several initiatives taken by the Ministry for Hosur, Salem and Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli as ensuring that the Indian industry including the big players, the nodes. These nodal cities have existing defence the Startups and MSMEs can engage with our armed ecosystem in the form of OFBs, vendors working with forces and co-create the best in defence technologies, Defence PSUs, and other allied industries. The Tamil especially through the flagship program of ‘Make in Nadu Defence Corridor aims to bolster interaction India’. between all the industry players in order to create long- term synergy and eventual development of the area into She also stated that development of these corridors a Defence Production powerhouse. will not only help in accelerated growth and regional industry agglomeration, but will also facilitate a well- - PRO Chennai planned and efficient industrial base which will lead to increased defence production in the country and the INVESTMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AT region. This will also help the industry to integrate with TIRUCHIRAPPALLI the global supply chain of defence manufacturing. S. No. ’s Name Amount in Rs. (Crore) Several products of OFB, HAL and BEL were released in the event. DRDO also handed over the Model of Arjun 1. Ordnance Factory Board 2305.00 Mark-1A to Director General Ordnance Factories. This 2. BEL 140.50 tank is much superior to the earlier version in terms of fire 3. BEML 40.00 power, mobility and protection features. The highlight 4. BDL 150.00 of the event was investment announcements of over Rs 3,100 crores by the OFB, DPSUs and Private Sector 5. MDL 15.00 put together. Many large conglomerates like Lockheed 6. TVS 30.00 Martin, LMW also announced their intentions to invest in 7. Data Patterns 75.00 the Corridor. 8. Alpha Designs 100.00 Raksha Mantri also launched the “CODISSIA 9. AIDAT 163.00 Defence Innovation and Incubation Centre” to support 10. Aerospace Engineers 105.00 the MSMEs, Start-Ups and also the existing industries in their endeavour to expand and contribute significantly TOTAL 3123.50

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 15 RM Reviews Operational Preparedness of A&N Command

aksha Mantri Smt Nirmala RSitharaman visited Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) on January 13-14, 2019. On arrival at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair on January 13, 2019, she was received by Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Vice Bimal Vermaat HQ ANC. The Raksha Mantri was given a comprehensive briefing and update on thrust areas and achievements of the Command. On January 14, 2019, the Raksha Mantri visited Campbell Bay and reviewed the operational readiness of the Command. Raksha Mantri witnessed all Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman inspecting preparedness of troops of Andaman & four components working jointly Nicobar Islands Command at Port Blair, on January 14, 2018. in unison during an amphibious Campbell Bay, the Minister visited the troops of Andaman Nicobar demonstration. The exercise, Command. conducted near Campbell Bay the southernmost part of India, included 10 ships, 6 aircrafts and Indira Point. During her earlier visit in October 700 troops of the Command. The After arrival at Port Blair, 2017, the RM had celebrated Diwali Marine Commando (MARCO) unit Smt Sitharaman was given a with the troops and on this occasion, of Indian Navy and specialist platoon demonstration on jungle survival she wished the troops a very happy (GHATAK) of Indian Army displayed skills at Military Station, Birchgunj. Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal their operational capabilities by Later, she inaugurated the phase II as she interacted with troops at Port carrying out helocasting, and of Married Accommodation Project Blair. beach assault. While returning from that includes 868 dwelling units for - PRO Defence

Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman with Tri-Services troops of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Command at Port Blair.

16 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 RM Dedicates Diffo Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh to the Nation

aksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Rinaugurated the 426.60 metre long Pre Stressed Concrete Box Girder type bridge over Diffo river on Roing-Koron-Paya road in Arunachal Pradesh on January 18, 2019. Dedicating the bridge to the nation, the Raksha Mantri praised the commendable work being done by Project Udayak, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in this region. Smt Sitharaman appreciated completion of this prestigious bridge which would provide uninterrupted access between Dibang valley and Lohit valley region of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh and an all-weather Road to the troops deployed on the China Border. Director General, Border Roads, Lt Gen Harpal Singh explained the hurdles faced by BRO in tough working conditions in an almost inhospitable terrain facing turbulent flash floods and also pointed out that the BRO has sacrificed numerous precious lives in discharging its duties across the length and breadth of country. The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr Mohesh Chai who praised the contribution of BRO in the development of this area. - PRO Defence

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 17 RRM Inaugurates Armed Forces Veterans’ Rally

he 3rd Armed Forces Veterans’ Veterans, many meeting friends from TDay was celebrated with military the other service after many years of fervour and gaiety all around the retirement. country. The showpiece event, a Armed Forces Veterans’ Day Veterans’ Day Rally, was held at is celebrated in the country to Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt commemorate the superannuation on January 14, 2019. It was of first C-in-C of our Armed Forces, inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri KM Cariappa, who Dr Subhash Bhamre. retired from service on January 14, Addressing the veterans, 1953. Dr Bhamre said, “No words can The celebration in Delhi was describe your selfless devotion to held under the aegis of Directorate duty and the sacrifices made by each one of you. I can say it with of Indian Army Veterans. It conviction that it is only due to our RRM, Dr Subhash Bhamre addressing the commenced with a solemn wreath formidable Armed Forces, each and Armed Forces Veterans’ Rally. laying ceremony where floral wreaths every citizen of ‘India’ today feels in ensuring every possible step to were placed by Chief of Integrated safe and has confidence to face the ensure wellbeing and enhanced Defence Staff to Chairman, COSC world with pride.” satisfaction level among its Veterans. Lt Gen PS Rajeshwar representing the serving community, three star The RRM reflected on the I am definitely proud of this initiative rank retired officers from the three measures taken by the Government of the Armed Forces, which is very services and Sub Maj rank JCOs towards ex-servicemen welfare much in line with the customs and from the three services represented and rehabilitation. He extolled the traditions of our great Country.” the Veterans community. strong bonds between servicemen The guests of honour at the rally and Veterans and the continued were the three Service Chiefs and A number of stalls were set up contribution of Veterans towards ex-Service Chiefs. Around 2,000 by CGDA, banks, pension agencies, nation building. Veterans attended the rally. It was ECHS, KSB and Organisations Complimenting the Armed a unique event since the Veterans involved in Veterans welfare of Forces for organising such events were from all the three services. the three services, which was Dr Bhamre said, “Today’s warrior The bonhomie and camaraderie appreciated by the Veterans. is tomorrow’s Veteran and what an between the three services was - PRO Defence example being set up by Services reflected in the enthusiasm of the pix: DPR Photo Division

RRM, Dr Subhash Bhamre at the Armed Forces Veterans’ Rally on the 3rd Armed Forces Veterans’ Day at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on January 14, 2019. Also seen in the picture are (from Left) Chief of the to Chairman, COSC, Lt Gen PS Rajeshwar; CAS, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa; COAS, Gen Bipin Rawat; CNS, Admiral .

18 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 RRM Announces Setting up of Defence Innovation Hub at Nashik

Defence Industry Stakeholders A Seminar was organised by the Department of Defence Production, MoD at HAL Complex, Ojhar Township, Nashik, Maharashtra in association with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, Confederation of Indian Industry and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Nashik Industrial Manufacturers Association (NIMA) and other Local Industry Association. The seminar was inaugurated by RRM Dr Subhash Ramrao Bhamre in the presence of Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, Medical senior representatives of the three Education, Guardian Minister, services, OFB, DRDO, Defence PSUs Nashik, Govt of Maharashtra, and private industry, to deliberate on Shri Girish D Mahajan, MP from opportunities in capital equipment, Nashik, Shri Hemant Godse, Senior sustenance and indigenisation officers from the Services and other requirements of the Indian Armed luminaries from Industry and local Forces. administration. DPSUs viz. HAL, BEL, BDL, Speaking on the occasion, Dr MDL, GSL, BEML, MIDHANI had Bhamre said that self-reliance is a displayed their products at the venue major corner-stone on which the to give the attending delegates first military capability of any nation rests. He dwelled upon path breaking RRM Dr Subhash Bhamre delivering an hand exposure of items available in address during the seminar. policy initiatives taken by the Ministry the defence sector for indigenisation. and also highlighted several critical Hub in Nashik which is likely to Other leading organisations like changes unleashed by the MoD catapult the region into the manifold OFB, DRDO, DGQA/DGAQA/Dept facilitating ease of doing business of Defence Industrial Production. of indigenisation of Army, Navy and in Defence sector. Thereafter in a The seminar served as an Air Force had also displayed their major announcement, Dr Bhamre important platform to bring together products/ services in the exhibition. launched the Defence Innovation key shareholders - Govt officials, - PRO Mumbai

Launching of the Defence Innovation Hub in Nashik by RRM Dr Subhash Bhamre and Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, Medical Education, Guardian Minister, Nashik, Govt of Maharashtra, Shri Girish D Mahajan.

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 19 PM Addresses The NCC Rally

he , Shri TNarendra Modi reviewed an impressive ceremonial parade held at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt by the NCC Cadets. It was a grand spectacle of pageantry, marked with precision as also a vibrant expression of pulsating energy and excellence, embedded in the smart drill. 112 cadets from friendly foreign countries participating under Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) also marched along with their Indian counterparts. It was a true picture of aspirational India, on their journey to with sound values inculcated by a activities were also displayed as become worthy empowered citizens, common powerful binding force – they magnificently showcased NATIONAL CADET CORPS. multifarious activities undertaken by The PM Rally evolved in its the cadets. present form in 1954 and since then Prime Minister then gave medals all Prime Ministers have graciously & trophies to meritorious cadets presided over the event. More than and best Directorate. The Prime 2000 cadets participated in the Rally Minister’s Banner was presented to this year, which is a fine culmination the Karnataka & Goa Directorate. of the month long NCC Republic In his address to the cadets, Day Camp 2019. the Prime Minister exhorted them The smart march-past by the to undertake sustained hard work cadets from all NCC Directorates, in pursuance of their aims. He included a horse mounted column complimented the NCC for the and NCC bands, marching in yeomen service being done towards tune. Tableaux on Army, Naval nation building. Noteable is the sense & Air Wing, Sports & Adventure of discipline, efforts towards national and Environmental, Social Service integration & cohesion and youthful & community development energy in undertaking multifarious social service and community development programmes. The Rally was attended by a number of dignitaries and eminent guests, including Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff, Lt Gen D Anbu, Vice Chief of Army Staff and Head of Departments of NCC foreign delegations and other important civil and military dignitaries. - PRO NCC

20 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 Raksha Mantri Felicitates NCC Bravehearts

mt Nirmala Sitharaman, Raksha SMantri during her visit to NCC Republic Day Camp 2019, conferred Raksha Mantri Padak and Commendation Cards to NCC Cadets for their exemplary performance and devotion to duty, at an impressive 'Investiture Ceremony' held at NCC Republic Day Camp 2019 at Delhi Cantt. Raksha Mantri was received by the Director General National Cadet Corps, Lieutenant General PP Malhotra. A Contingent of smartly turned out NCC cadets drawn from the three wings, namely, Bhullar, Maharashtra Directorate Mantri complimented the NCC Army, Navy and Air Force presented and Cadet Rohit Kumar, Uttar for doing exceptional work an impressive Guard of Honour to Pradesh Directorate. towards Swachhata Abhiyan. She the Raksha Mantri. The Raksha Mantri also complimented the NCC fraternity for Raksha Mantri Padak was inspected the well laid out ‘Flag making an invaluable contribution instituted in 1989 and since then Area’ prepared by the cadets from towards National integration and it is awarded to the most deserving all 17 NCC Directorates depicting Nation Building through multifarious Cadets every year for bravery various Social Awareness themes. activities of NCC. She said that the or exceptional service of highest She was given a crisp briefing by the NCC is doing a Yeoman Service order. This year, the RM Padak cadets on their respective models. to the Nation by transforming the has been awarded to Cadet Capt ‘Youth of the Nation’, which has the Sharma Bhargsetu Vipulkumar of The Minister along with other Gujarat Directorate, Raksha Mantri distinguished guests, later witnessed largest and youngest population Commendation Cards have been a spectacular ‘Cultural Programme’ profile in the world into a cohesive awarded to First Officer Farooq by the talented cadets in the NCC and disciplined force. Ahmed Wani, Jammu Kashmir auditorium. - PRO NCC Directorate, Cadet Gurjeet Singh In her address, the Raksha pix: DPR Photo Division

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 21 RRM Appreciates NCC For Imbibing Ideals of Selfless Service Among Youth

aksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Saifee and Mt Deo Tibba apart from RBhamre on January 19, 2019, taking part in Sailing Expedition, visited National Cadet Corps (NCC) Para Basic Course and Rock Republic Day Camp (RDC) at the Climbing activities.” Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi A contingent of all the three wings, Cantt. Addressing the cadets, Dr namely, Army, Navy and Air Force, Bhamre said, “NCC has played a presented an impressive “Guard of stellar role in grooming the youth of Honour” to the RRM on his arrival. the country by developing discipline, NCC cadets thereafter presented a character, spirit of adventure and fine band display. Dr Bhamre also ideals of selfless service in them and visited the ‘Flag Area’ prepared thus moulding them into responsible by the NCC cadets, depicting citizens.” various social awareness themes RRM Dr Subhash Bhamre addressing The RRM appreciated the spirit of and cultural activities. The cadets National Cadet Corps cadets at NCC Auditorium during Republic Day Camp, adventure among cadets by saying, briefed the RRM in detail about their Delhi Cantt, on January 19, 2019. “the NCC has consistently played a respective State Directorate themes, Cultural Programme in the NCC pivotal role, in imbibing in our youth aimed at national integration and auditorium, comprising of group the spirit of adventure. NCC boy and development. The versatile NCC dances and ballets, showcasing the girl cadets successfully summited Mt cadets then presented a spectacular rich cultural heritage of our Nation. Dr Bhamre complimented the cadets for their smart drill and appreciated the commitment of NCC to ‘Groom Future Leaders’. Highlighting the mass appeal and Pan India footprint, he lauded NCC for its vital contribution in Youth Empowerment and Nation Building. On arrival, the RRM was received by Director General NCC Lieutenant General PP Malhotra. The RD Camp is being 2,070 cadets including 698 girl cadets drawn from 29 States and seven Union RRM Dr Subhash Bhamre visiting the ‘Flag Area’, prepared by the NCC cadets depicting Territories are participating in this various social awareness themes and cultural activities during NCC Republic Day Camp, Delhi Cantt, on January 19, 2019. Camp, which would be culminated with the Prime Minister’s Rally on January 28, 2019. In addition a total of 101 foreign cadets from ten friendly foreign countries are participating under the NCC Youth Exchange Programme. The cadets attending the Camp are participating in a number of activities, like cultural programmes, national integration awareness and institutional training competitions. National Cadet Corps cadets, who performed a colourful cultural programme, with RRM Dr - PRO Defence Subhash Bhamre at NCC Auditorium during NCC Republic Day Camp. pix: DPR Photo Division

22 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 Naval Chief Lauds NCC Cadets at DGNCC Republic Day Camp 2019

dmiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman ACOSC and the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), visited the DG NCC Republic Day Camp at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt and was received by DG NCC, Lt Gen PP Malhotra on January 21, 2019. The Chief of the Naval Staff reviewed an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’ by the smartly turned out Cadets selected from all the three Wings of NCC i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force. This was followed by a brilliant band display by the cadets. The CNS also inspected the well laid out flag areas prepared by the NCC cadets, from all the 17 NCC Directorates, depicting various Social Awareness themes. Various Naval ship models fabricated by the cadets were also displayed. Later, the Admiral witnessed a spectacular cultural performance put up by the multi talented the Cadets, depicting the rich Indian Culture. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of the Naval Staff complimented the Cadets for presenting an impressive ‘Guard of Honour’. He was impressed by the smart turnout and drill of the Cadets. He stated that NCC is a premier youth organisation which single- mindedly engaged in grooming Nation’s Future leaders & empowering them to don the mantle of country’s leadership, as well as excel in all walks of life. He noted the contribution of NCC Cadets towards Nation Building and their indomitable spirit and support during calamities. He also appreciated the efforts in pursuit of naval activities, to include long duration and high risk sailing. The CNS also urged the NCC Cadets to join the armed forces and serve the motherland. - PRO Navy pix: DPR Photo Division

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 23 Chief of Army Staff Enthralled by NCC Cadets

eneral Bipin Rawat, Chief of Gthe Army Staff visited the NCC Republic Day Camp 2019 at the DGNCC Camp on January 16, 2019. On arrival, he was received by the DGNCC, Lieutenant General PP Malhotra. A contingent of all the three wings namely Army, Navy and Air Force presented an impressive “Guard of Honour” to the Chief of Army Staff on his arrival. NCC cadets thereafter presented a fine band display. The COAS also visited the ‘Flag Area’ prepared by the NCC cadets, depicting various social awareness themes and cultural activities. The cadets briefed him in detail about their respective State Directorate themes. The versatile NCC cadets then presented a spectacular Cultural Programme in the NCC auditorium, which included group dances and a ballet, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our Nation. The General Officer congratulated the ‘Guard of Honour’ for the impeccable turnout and drill and the bands for their excellent display. The COAS urged the cadets to put their heart and mind in everything they undertake and become role model for the youth of our nation. - PRO NCC pix: DPR Photo Division

24 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 71st Army Day Parade 2019

ndian Army celebrated its 71st Army IDay on January 15, 2019. General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the Army Day Parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment and awarded fifteen Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of Gallantry and seventeen COAS Unit Citations for commendable performance of their respective units. by army contingents which included display was also carried out by a Every year Indian Army T-90 tank BHISHMA, infantry team from the 50 (I) Para Brigade. celebrates 15th January as ‘Army combat vehicle BMP II, M 777 ultra The grand finale was a combat Day’ to commemorate the day when light howitzer,K-9 Vajra guns, Akash General (later Field Marshal) K M demonstration, which showcased missile system, Mobile transportable combat techniques. Combat actions Carriappa took over the command satellite terminal service vehicle, included strafing runs depicted of Army from General Sir FRR surface minimum clearing system, by armed helicopter, combat Bucher, the last British Commander- international sports awardees manoeuvres by tracked combat in-Chief in 1949 and became the and seven marching contingents vehicles and special operations first Commander-in-Chief of Indian including mounted horse cavalry. Army post Independence. including air insertion and extrication The Veterans Tableaux, of soldiers behind enemy lines. The Army Day parade was organized by the Directorate of commanded by Maj Gen Rajpal Indian army Veterans, depicted Earlier in the day, wreaths were Punia, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area. their role and contributions towards laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India The leading contingent of the the nation. A motorcycle display by Gate by the three Service Chiefs to parade was formed of the recipients “DARE DEVIL” team of the Corps commemorate the Army Day. of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok of Signals was the other attraction - PRO Army Chakra awardees. This was followed during the parade. A paramotors pix: DPR Photo Division

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 25 Remembering George Fernandes Frank and Fearless Foot Soldier

hen I heard about the demise of Shri George WFernandes, former Defence Minister, on January 29, 2019 at the age of 88, my memory took me back to November 14, 2000 when he visited the Military Hospital, Namkum (Jharkand), where I was posted then as a Chest Physician. His sudden proposed visit to this hospital that specialises in the management of TB cases, made me anxious as I had just returned from after attending a Respiratory Medicine Conference and was not prepared for such an important visit. Shri George Fernandes, then defence minister, came to hospital as per the schedule in the evening and soon after the introduction parade, visited TB wards of which I was incharge and interacted with every patient under my care enquiring in detail about their health condition, family background and Army Postings. He was a great the doctors, Nurses and other paramedics are looking communicator who spoke fluently in Tamil, Malayalam, after the patients. I have heard for a long time now that Kannada, Telugu, Marathi and Hindi as per patients's the Army Doctors we have are the best you could get choice as he went to each one of them. While interacting any where. What I see here was again a demonstration with them, he exuded warmth and his genuine concern of that. Many thanks and congratulations to all of you for their well being and to each one of them he had some here. Keep up the good work." thing to offer drawn from his vast experience. Attired in Before he left the hospital,unlike many VVIP'S, he his benchmark Kurta Pyjama, he appeared simple, very mingled with jawans freely and had his tea in a typical humble and down to earth, ever willing to support them Army way by using a mug. in their hour of need. George Fernandes, a well known fire brand socialist To one soldier who had served in Siachen, he and trade union leader who during his hay days, fought narrated in detail about his personal experience and emergency and government establishments like a perceptions about life threatening conditions that a revolutionary, in his new avatar as Defence Minister soldier endures in those most trecherous and in-hospital under late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee took his terrains in the world. He proudly told him that he had job seriously and made concerted efforts to strengthen already visited Siachen 24 times on becoming the defence forces and improve living conditions of troops. defence minister and is planning his next visit on January He had a perfect understanding of ground realities and 1, 2001 for the record 25th time to celebrate New Year tremendous hardships every soldier endures while safe with soldiers who spend sleepless nights risking their guarding our borders. He was frank and fearless and own life for the safety and honour of the country in the never hesitated to express his anguish in open about highest battlefield of the world. It was apparent that it bureaucratic apathy and delays in defence procurement was his intense desire to be with our valiant soldiers who towards meeting needs of . Credit brave harsh conditions while safeguarding our borders should go to him for breaking the bureaucratic shackles that took him repeatedly to some of the most difficult and in defence procurement and sensitising concerned inhospitable terrains at the cost of his personal safety civilian staff in his ministry about harsh realities that notwithstanding his advancing age. He was a man of prevail on ground. action always in the front to inspire and support troops. He was indeed a soldier's minister and a foot After the visit to the ward, he congratulated me for soldier ever ready to do anything towards the well being the excellent care provided to TB patients and wrote of Indian Armed Forces. In his death, India has lost an following lines in the hospital visitor's book: able defence minister who stood solidly behind a soldier "This is my first visit to an Army Hospital where and did his best to make Indian Armed Forces strong. patients with tuberculosis are under treatment. I am - Lt Gen (Retd) BNBM Prasad happy to see the dedication and competence with which Former Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces)

26 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 UNMISS INDBATT Renovates Clinic at Bor Town

onstructed in 2013, the Hospital Clinic in Bor town Cmet the same fate as many other institutions during the conflict, ending up ravaged and abandoned in a state of disuse for over five years. Following a request from the South Sudan government with the intent to start a nursing school and clinic, the Indian Battalion at Bor carried out renovation and restoration of the dilapidated clinic structure including repair and restoration of generators and electricity, re-establishment of water supply and refurbishment of an ambulance vehicle. The renovated clinic building and the ambulance were handed over to the community by the Indian Governor of Jonglei State inaugurating the Renovated Clinic building. Battalion in a solemn ceremony which was graced by Phillip Aguer Panyong, Governor of the Jonglei State and Ms Rachael Amor Pach, Minister for Health and Environment, Brig Nitin Khare, Senior most Indian Army Officer in UNMISS, Brig Gen Mohd Jehangir Alam, Sector East Commander and Officiating HoFO Mr Gilbert Nantsa along with many other civil dignitaries from UNMISS and Government officials. Awarding a Certificate of appreciation to the Indian Battalion, the Governor of Jonglei State said, “The Humanitarian assistance provided by the UNMISS in renovation of the clinic will go a long way in ensuring Cdr, INDBATT-II handing over the keys of Refurbished Ambulance to timely availability of medical aid to locals which DG, Bor Hospital. will in turn ensure health and save many lives”. He refurbishment of ambulance vehicle is commendable, also appealed to the UN and INGOs to extend their and we will strive to take this relationship with the Indian cooperation in building up the nation of South Sudan so Battalion and UNMISS to higher level for the betterment that the Government and the people of the country can of the community”. become self-reliant soon. The Renovated Clinic will not only provide treatment Expressing her appreciation for the renovation work to the sick but also be utilized as a teaching hospital which was completed in record time, Ms Rachael Amor, and nursing school, classes for which are expected to the Minister for Health said, “This is not the first time commence by the end of January, 2019. The Indian the Indian Battalion has provided such noble service Battalion also donated 120 solar lamps to the Bor to the locals. Their continuing assistance especially Hospital during the occasion. - PRO Army

Governor of Jonglei State presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to INDBATT-II. Donation of Solar Lamps to Bor Hospital.

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 27 411 Republic Day Gallantry and Other Defence Decorations Announced

he President has approved awards of 411 Gallantry and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel Tand others on the eve of the 70th Republic Day Celebrations. This includes one Ashoka Chakra four Kirti Chakras, 11 Shaurya Chakras, 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 3 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 51 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, one Bar to , nine Yudh Seva Medals, two Bar to Vishisht Seva Medals, 120 Vishisht Seva Medals, six Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 103 Sena Medals (Gallantry), seven Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), five Bar to Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), 35 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), nine Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty) and 14 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty). The full list of the recipients of gallantry and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others is as follows: Sl. RANK & NAME SERVICE No. ASHOKA CHAKRA 1 12974389N LANCE NAIK NAZIR AHMAD WANI, BAR TO SENA MEDAL THE JAMMU AND ARMY KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY /34TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) KIRTI CHAKRA 1. SS-46936F MAJOR TUSHAR GAUBA, 20TH BATTALION THE ARMY 2 15496659X SOWAR VIJAY KUMAR, THE ARMOURED CORPS / 22ND BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) 3 SHRI RAJENDRA KUMAR NAIN, CONSTABLE, 130, BN, AT , DISTT – MHA (J&K)(POSTHUMOUS) 4 SHRI PRADIP KUMAR PANDA, CONSTABLE, 130, BN, AT SANT NAGAR, SRINAGAR (J&K) MHA (POSTHUMOUS) SHAURYA CHAKRA 1. IC-66057P LIEUTENANT VIKRANT PRASHER, 10TH BATTALION THE ARMY PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) 2. IC-70006Y MAJOR AMIT KUMAR DIMRI, THE GARHWAL RIFLES /14TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 3. IC-76258F MAJOR ROHIT LINGWAL, 9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY (SPECIAL FORCES) 4. IC-73080L MAJOR IMLIAKUM KEITZAR, 4TH BATTALION THE 4TH GORKHA RIFLES ARMY 5. IC-76425M CAPTAIN ABHAY SHARMA, SENA MEDAL / FIRST BATTALION THE ARMY PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) 6. IC-80045L CAPTAIN ABHINAV KUMAR CHOUDHARY / THE CORPS OF SIGNALS / 21ST ARMY BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 7. 16014704X LANCE NAIK AYYUB ALI, THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES / 9TH BATTALION THE ARMY RASHTRIYA RIFLES 8. 14945605A SEPOY AJAY KUMAR, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY / 42ND BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) 9. 16121676N SAPPER MAHESH HN, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 44TH BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 10. SHRI ZILE SINGH, ASSISTANT COMMANDANT, 180 BN, CRPF MHA 11. SHRI IRFAN RAMZAN SHEIKH MHA PARAM 1. IC-35471M GENERAL BIPIN RAWAT, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC INFANTRY ARMY 2. IC-38011W LIEUTENANT GENERAL PANKAJ KUMAR SRIVASTAVA, AVSM, VSM / THE ARMY REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY 3. IC-38226W LIEUTENANT GENERAL SURINDER SINGH, AVSM**, VSM / THE ARMY MECHANISED INFANTRY 4. IC-38403K LIEUTENANT GENERAL SHOKIN CHAUHAN, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM (RETD) / ARMY THE INFANTRY

28 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 5. IC-38643F LIEUTENANT GENERAL SALARIA, VSM / THE REGIMENT OF ARMY ARTILLERY 6. IC-38708K LIEUTENANT GENERAL ASHOK AMBRE, AVSM**, SM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 7. IC-38750H LIEUTENANT GENERAL , AVSM, SM, VSM, ARMY THE INFANTRY 8. IC-38753W LIEUTENANT GENERAL JASWINDER SINGH SANDHU, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, ARMY THE INFANTRY 9. IC-38879WLIEUTENANT GENERAL ASHWANI KUMAR, AVSM, VSM / THE ARMY AIR DEFENCE ARMY 10. IC-39438M LIEUTENANT GENERAL PATTACHERAVANDA CHENGAPPA THIMMAYA, ARMY VSM, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY 11. IC-39445H LIEUTENANT GENERAL SUDARSHAN SHRIKANT HASABNIS, VSM / THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 12. IC-39590A LIEUTENANT GENERAL HARISH THUKRAL, SM, THE INFANTRY ARMY 13. IC-39607H LIEUTENANT GENERAL IQROOP SINGH GHUMAN, AVSM / THE ARMY MECHANISED INFANTRY 14. IC-39865H LIEUTENANT GENERAL MICHAEL MATHEWS, VSM** / THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 15. IC-40098F LIEUTENANT GENERAL DUSHYANT SINGH, AVSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 16. MR-03993P LIEUTENANT GENERAL BIPIN PURI, VSM, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY 17. MR-37934P VIJAY DNAYANDEV CHOWGULE, VSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 18. IC-40378P MAJOR GENERAL BOLLINA VENKATA RAO, VSM THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 19. IC-40792N MAJOR GENERAL DEV ARVIND CHATURVEDI, AVSM, SM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 20. AJIT KUMAR PAYYAPILLIL, AVSM, VSM (02275-W) NAVY 21. VICE ADMIRAL AJAY KUMAR SAXENA, AVSM, VSM, (50763-W) NAVY 22. VICE ADMIRAL GURTEJ SINGH PABBY, AVSM, VSM (40869-H) NAVY 23. HEMANT SHARMA AVSM VSM (15941), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER AIR FORCE (ELECTRONICS) 24. AIR MARSHAL SARDAR HARPAL SINGH AVSM VM (16071) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 25. AIR MARSHAL BALAKRISHNAN SURESH AVSM VM (16206) / FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 26. AIR MARSHAL RAGHUNATH NAMBIAR AVSM VM & BAR (16378) / FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 27. AIR MARSHAL PANDURANG NARAYAN PRADHAN AVSM (16403) / FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 28. AIR MARSHAL HEMANT NARAYAN BHAGWAT AVSM VM (16423)/ADMINISTRATION (RETIRED) AIR FORCE 1. IC-39929H LIEUTENANT GENERAL SARANJEET SINGH, YSM/THE INFANTRY / ARMY HEADQUARTERS 16 CORPS 2. IC-40022F LIEUTENANT GENERAL ANIL KUMAR BHATT, AVSM, SM, VSM / THE ARMY INFANTRY / HEADQUARTERS 15 CORPS 3. IC-40235P LIEUTENANT GENERAL GOPAL R, AVSM, SM, INFANTRY ARMY 1. IC-38528F LIEUTENANT GENERAL KAPIL KUMAR AGGARWAL, SM, VSM THE CORPS OF ARMY ELECTRONICS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS 2. IC-38694P LIEUTENANT GENERAL PARAMJIT SINGH, VSM, THE CORPS OF ARMY ELECTRONICS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS 3. IC-39117P LIEUTENANT GENERAL BS SAHRAWAT, SM THE INFANTRY ARMY 4. IC-39437K LIEUTENANT GENERAL SHASHANK TARAKANT UPASANI, SM, VSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 5. IC-39464H LIEUTENANT GENERAL M H THAKUR, VSM, INF ARMY 6. IC-39501W LIEUTENANT GENERAL ANANT PRASAD SINGH / THE ARMY AIR DEFENCE ARMY 7. IC-39874K LIEUTENANT GENERAL TARANJIT SINGH, VSM** / THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 8. IC-39956M LIEUTENANT GENERAL GURPAL SINGH SANGHA, SM, VSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 9. IC-39996N LIEUTENANT GENERAL RAJEEV SABHERWAL, VSM / THE CORPS OF SIGNALS ARMY

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 29 10. IC-40007M LIEUTENANT GENERAL YENDURU VENKATA KRISHNA MOHAN, SM, VSM, ARMY THE INFANTRY 11. IC-40025P LIEUTENANT GENERAL GIRI RAJ SINGH, SM,THE ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS ARMY 12. IC-40299A LIEUTENANT GENERAL SANJAY VERMA, VSM**, / THE CORPS OF ARMY ELECTRONICS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS 13. IC-40393K LIEUTENANT GENERAL JAGDEEP KUMAR SHARMA / THE MECHANISED INFANTRY ARMY 14. IC-41461Y LIEUTENANT GENERAL YOGENDRA DIMRI, VSM / THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 15. IC-41465P LIEUTENANT GENERAL AJAI SINGH, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 16. IC-41471H LIEUTENANT GENERAL SURENDAR KUMAR PRASHAR, VSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 17. MR-04262N LIEUTENANT GENERAL UMESH KUMAR SHARMA / THE ARMY MEDEICAL CORPS ARMY 18. MR-04434X LIEUTENANT GENERAL RAJAN SINGH GREWAL, VSM / THE ARMY MEDICAL ARMY CORPS 19. IC-39864A MAJOR GENRAL VIKRAM DEV DOGRA, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 20. IC-39909P MAJOR GENERAL PARAMJIT SINGH SANDHU, VSM(RETD) / THE ARMY MECHANISED INFANTRY 21. IC-40133Y MAJOR GENERAL SANJAY CHRISTOPHER MESTON, SM, VSM (RETD) / THE ARMY INFANTRY 22. IC-40982A MAJOR GENERAL GURDARSHAN SINGH AUL, THE INFANTRY ARMY 23. IC-41154F MAJOR GENERAL ALOK RAJ, THE INFANTRY ARMY 24. IC-41464M MAJOR GENERAL TEJPAL SINGH RAWAT, VSM** / THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 25. IC-41521H MAJOR GENERAL HARSHA GUPTA,YSM,VSMTHE INFANTRY ARMY 26. IC-41858L MAJOR GENERAL CODANDAPOOVAIAHCARIAPPA, SM, VSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 27. IC-41912N MAJOR GENERAL TARUN KUMAR CHAWLA, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY ARMY 28. IC-42753N MAJOR GENERAL CHANNIRA BANSIPONNAPPA, VSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 29. IC-42491H MAJOR GENERAL CHANDI PRASAD SANGRA, YSM, THE INFANTRY ARMY 30. IC-42833L MAJOR GENERAL GAJINDER SINGH, THE INFANTRY ARMY 31. IC-43021K MAJOR GENERAL GULAB SINGH RAWAT, YSM, SM / THE INFANTRY ARMY 32. IC-43756N SANJEEV LANGEH, SM, THE JAMMU & KASHMIR RIFLES ARMY 33. VADM SUNIL ANAND, NM (02585-Z) NAVY 34. VICE ADMIRAL BADHWARVINAY (02437N) NAVY 35. SANDEEP NAITHANI, VSM (50884-W) NAVY 36. REAR ADMIRAL RAVINDRA JAYANTNADKARNI, VSM (02602-N) NAVY 37. REAR ADMIRAL KAPIL MOHAN DHIR, VSM (02785-B) NAVY 38. REAR ADMIRAL MAKARAND ARVIND HAMPIHOLI, NM (02859-Y) NAVY 39. REAR ADMIRAL DINESH KUMAR TRIPATHI, NM (02904-Z) NAVY 40. AIR MARSHAL RAJESH KUMAR VM (16770) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 41. AIR MARSHAL AMIT TIWARI, VM (16806) FLYING PILOT AIR FORCE 42. AIR MARSHAL AMIT DEV VSM (16972) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 43. AIR MARSHAL MANNEPALLI BALADITYA VSM (17230) LOGISTICS AIR FORCE 44. ANIL KUMAR GUPTA VSM (16942) AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING AIR FORCE (MECHANICAL) 45. AIR VICE MARSHAL SOUMITRA KUMAR DEY VSM (17030)ADMINISTRATION AIR FORCE 46. AIR VICE MARSHAL MAHENDRA VIKRAM SINGH (17272) MEDICAL AIR FORCE 47. AIR VICE MARSHAL PIJUSH MUKHERJEE VSM (17671), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING AIR FORCE (ELECTRONICS) 48. AIR VICE MARSHAL AMAR PREET SINGH (17695) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 49. AIR DHANANJAY VASANT KHOT VM (19516) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 50. MANU CHAUDHARY, VM (19896) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 51. AIR COMMODORE GEORGE THOMAS VM (20118) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE

30 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 YUDH SEVA MEDAL** 1. IC-42794X MAJOR GENERAL MV SUCHINDRA KUMAR, YSM, VSM / THE INFANTRY ARMY YUDH SEVA MEDAL 1. IC-42475L MAJOR GENERAL SAVNEET SINGH, SM, VSM, THE INFANTRY / ARMY HEADQUARTER 3 INFANTRY DIVISION 2. IC-46723N BRIGADIER HARBIR SINGH, SM, THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT / ARMY HEADQUARTER 12 SECTOR RASHTRIYA RIFLES 3. IC-49911A BRIGADIER PRASANNA KISHORE MISHRA, SM, JAMMU AND KASHMIR ARMY LIGHT INFANTRY / HEADQUARTER 104 INFANTRY BRIGADE 4. IC-49939A BRIGADIER VIKRAM SINGH SEKHON THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIFLES / ARMY HEADQUARTER 10 INFANTRY BRIGADE 5. IC-50034K BRIGADIER VINOD KUMAR NAMBIAR, SM, THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT / ARMY HEADQUARTER 161 INFANTRY BRIGADE 6. IC-50306Y BRIGADIER ARVIND CHAUHAN, 1ST GORKHA RIFLES / HEADQUARTER 28 ARMY INFANTRY BRIGADE 7. IC-60800H COLONEL NEERAJ PANDEY, THE ASSAM REGIMENT / 42ND BATTALION ARMY THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 8. IC-61359X COLONEL DHARMENDRA SINGH NEGI, THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES / 44TH ARMY BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES 9. IC-64976L COLONEL H SABARINATH, 2ND BATTALION THE 4TH GORKHA RIFLES ARMY BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL 1. IC-41235F BRIGADIER SANJEEV SAINI, VSM (RETD), 3RD GORKHA RIFLES ARMY 2. IC-51574P COLONEL DIGVIJAY SINGH BASERA, VSM, 5 GORKHA RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCES) ARMY VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL 1. IC-38718N MAJOR GENERAL BIRAJ KUMAR GUHA (RETD), THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY ARMY 2. IC-39888K MAJOR GENERAL ASHWINI SHARMA , THE CORPS OF ELECTRONICS AND ARMY MECHANICAL ENGINEERS 3. IC-40787H MAJOR GENERAL RAJU K SUBRAMANI, THE CORPS OF ELECTRONICS AND ARMY MECHANICAL ENGINEERS 4. IC-41511Y MAJOR GENERAL MOHAN JEET SINGH SYALI, THE CORPS OF ARMY ELECTRONICS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS 5. IC–41887A MAJOR GENERAL PRABODH SHARAN RANA, THE CORPS OF SIGNALS ARMY 6. IC-42000F MAJOR GENERAL SANJAY GUPTA THE INFANTRY ARMY 7. IC-42165A MAJOR GENERAL ASHOK KUMAR, THE ARMY AIR DEFENCE CORPS ARMY 8. IC-42275P MAJOR GENERAL SANDEEP SINGH, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 9. IC-42294A MAJOR GENERAL SAHAILJANAND JHA THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 10. IC-42313A MAJOR GENERAL NUDURUPATI DURGA PRASAD / THE MECHANISED INFANTRY ARMY 11. IC-43771H MAJOR GENERAL S MOHAN, THE ARMY AIR DEFENCE ARMY 12. IC-43684P MAJOR GENERAL JAGDISH BALIRAM CHAUDHARI, SM / THE BRIGADE OF ARMY THE GUARDS 13. NR-16957H MAJOR GENERAL ANNAKUTTY BABU, THE MILITARY NURSING SERVICES ARMY 14. IC-41481M BRIGADIER TARUNDEEP KUMAR, VSM, ARMD (RETD) / THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 15. IC-42404K BRIGADIER JAI SINGH, SM(RETD), THE GRENADIERS ARMY 16. IC-42610N BRIGADIER JASPAL SINGH MAKOL (RETD), 9TH BATTALION THE GORKHA RIFLES ARMY 17. IC-42779H BRIGADIER YOGESH KAPOOR, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 18. IC-43254L BRIGADIER SANDEEP SINGH KAHLON, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 19. IC-43914X BRIGADIER RAJIV KUMAR MAHNA , YSM, SM, THE KUMAON REGIMENT ARMY 20. IC-44038K BRIGADIER HARIHARAN DHARMARAJAN, SM** / THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 21. IC-44065N BRIGADIER MANJINDER SINGH, YSM, THE MADRAS REGIMENT ARMY 22. IC-44509M BRIGADIER SUYASH SHARMA, THE CORPS OF SIGNALS ARMY

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 31 23. IC-44552N BRIGADIER RAGHU SRINIVASAN, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 24. IC-44603W BRIGADIER VIVEK KASHYAP, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 25. IC-45985X BRIGADIER NITIN KUMAR SHARMA, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 26. IC-47076L BRIGADIER RAKESH KAPOOR, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 27. IC-47960K BRIGADIER DHIRAJ MOHAN, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 28. IC-48081H BRIGADIER RAJIV KUMAR, THE CORPS OF ELECTRONICS AND MECHNICAL ARMY ENGINEERS 29. IC-49417K BRIGADIER PRAVEEN CHHABRA, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 30. IC-49459W BRIGADIER SANJIV RANJAN SHARMA, SM, THE JAMMU & KASHMIR LIGHT ARMY INFANTRY 31. IC-50304N BRIGADIER RANJAN MALLIK, SM, THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES ARMY 32. IC-50798H BRIGADIER BHUPESH HADA, SC, THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY 33. IC-50829X BRIGADIER ARUN CG, THE KUMAON REGIMENT ARMY 34. MR-04905A BRIGADIER SOUMYESH NATH BHADURI, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY 35. MR-05134H BRIGADIER SURINDER SINGH BHATIA, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY 36. MR-05959N BRIGADIER BHUPENDRA NATH KAPUR, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY 37. IC-46718H COLONEL MANOJ KAUSHIK, JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT ARMY 38. IC-50702P COLONEL PUNEET AHUJA, SM, THE MECHANISED INFANTRY ARMY 39. IC-51601N COLONEL UTTTAM HUKKU, THE ARMY AVIATION CORPS ARMY 40. IC-52038Y COLONEL PUNEET SRIVASTAVA , THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY ARMY 41. IC-52055Y COLONEL SIMERJEET SINGH, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 42. IC-52929F COLONEL ASHISH RANJAN, THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY ARMY 43. IC-53113X COLONEL AMARESH GUNJAN, SM, THE GARHWAL RIFLES ARMY 44. IC-53217L COLONEL GAURAV SANAN, THE ARMY AIR DEFENCE ARMY 45. IC-53601M COLONEL YUDHVIR SINGH SEKHON, THE BIHAR REGIMENT ARMY 46. IC-53708F COLONEL SANJAY G, THE MADRAS REGIMENT ARMY 47. IC-54434N COLONEL RAVI MADHOK, THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY ARMY 48. IC-56151L COLONEL AJEEN KUMAR K, THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL DEPARTMENT ARMY 49. IC-56841P COLONEL MOHAMMAD SHOAIB KHAN, SM, THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES ARMY 50. IC-56908H COLONEL PARVINDER SINGH SIDHU, CORPS OF SIGNALS ARMY 51. IC-57161F COLONEL GURDEEP SINGH, SM, THE ARMY AVIATION ARMY 52. IC-57564F COLONEL MANJEET SINGH KOONER, THE ASSAM REGIMENT ARMY 53. IC-57753L COLONEL TAPAN JYOTINDRA VAISHNAV, THE PUNJAB REGIMENT ARMY 54. IC-59219M COLONEL SUMIT SHERON,SM, THE INTELLIGENCE CORPS ARMY 55. IC-59682N COLONEL RAVI RATHORE, THE ARMOURED CORPS ARMY 56. IC-60128P COLONEL LALIT KUMAR JAIN, THE ARMY AVIATION CORPS ARMY 57. IC-60718N COLONEL ASHISH CHOPRA, 1/1 GORKHA RIFLES ARMY 58. IC-60834W COLONEL HEMANT SAHNI, THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES ARMY 59. IC-61465W COLONEL DEEPENDRA JASROTIA, 3RD BATTALION THE 4TH GORKHA ARMY RIFLES (CHINDITS) 60. IC-65055X COLONEL JOGINDER PAL SINGH, THE KUMAON REGIMENT ARMY 61. IC-65256A COLONEL AJAY THAKUR, 10TH JAMMU & KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY ARMY 62. MR-06623A COLONEL GAURAV KUMAR, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY 63. MR-07603Y RANK COLONEL HAKAM SINGH, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY 64. DR-10471F COLONEL MANINDER HUNDAL, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY 65. IC-56048A LIEUTENANT COLONEL R VAMSI MOHAN, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY 66. IC-56768F LIEUTENANT COLONEL PREET BALJIT SINGH SRA / THE ARMY AVIATION CORPS ARMY 67. IC-67976W MAJOR HEMAND RAJ R, 28, MADRAS ARMY 68. MR-08564X MAJOR SANDEEP KUMAR, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY

32 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 69. IC-80669X CAPTAIN MOHAMMAD NAVAID, 20TH BATTALION THE JAMMU AND ARMY KASHMIR RIFLES 70. JC-470660H SUBEDAR MAJOR SULTAN SINGH SHEKHAWAT / THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES ARMY 71. JC-521355F SUBEDAR MAJOR RANDHIR SINGH, THE DOGRA REGIMENT ARMY 72. JC-617671X SUBEDAR MAJOR THAKUR PRASAD POUDEL, 5/5 GORKHA RIFLES ARMY (FRONTIER FORCE) 73. JC-623828H SUBEDAR MAJOR RESHAM BAHADUR GURUNG, 7/8 GORKHA RIFLES ARMY 74. JC-826245P SUBEDAR MAJOR B KARUNAKANAN, THE ARMY PHYSICAL TRAINING CORPS ARMY 75. REAR ADMIRAL SANJAY MISRA (02767-N) NAVY 76. REAR ADMIRAL MOHIT GUPTA (03038-B) NAVY 77. REAR ADMIRAL VISHWANATHANR (50947-N) NAVY 78. COMMODORE JANAK BEVLI (03748-T) NAVY 79. COMMODORE DINESH SINGH (03348-H) NAVY 80. COMMODORE KALYANA VENKATRAMAN (03841-B) NAVY 81. COMMODORE MANISH MISRA (03696-Z) NAVY 82. COMMODORE DEEPAK KUMAR(03392-H) NAVY 83. COMMODORE ASHUTOSH RIDHORKAR (03664-A) NAVY 84. COMMODORE SAI VENKAT RAMAN (03565-A) NAVY 85. COMMODORE SANJEEV DUREJA (41332-K) NAVY 86. COMMODORE INDRAJIT DASGUPTA (51105-Y) NAVY 87. CAPTAIN RAVI KUMAR DHINGRA (03852-B) NAVY 88. CAPTAIN SUSHEEL MENON (03939A) NAVY 89. SURGCAPTAIN GORUR KRISHNAMURTHY SHREERAM (75622-T) NAVY 90. SATYANARAYAN, MCPO I (GW), 164116-T NAVY 91. AIR VICE MARSHAL AVINASH GOPAL KSHIRSAGAR (17277) / AERONAUTICAL AIR FORCE ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL) 92. AIR VICE MARSHAL KALVAKUNTLA SHEKHAR REDDY (17774) LOGISTICS AIR FORCE 93. AIR VICE MARSHAL ARUN BHASKAR GUPTA (18121) FLYING PILOT AIR FORCE 94. AIR COMMODORE SANJEEVA SINHA (17626), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING AIR FORCE (MECHANICAL) 95. AIR COMMODORE MAHESH BHASKAR ASERKAR (19540) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 96. AIR COMMODORE RAJESH VAIDYA (18251) MEDICA AIR FORCE 97. AIR COMMODORE ANUPAM AGARWAL (18700) MEDICAL, AIR FORCE 98. AIR COMMODORE LALIT KUMAR CHAWLA VM (19871) FLYING PILOT AIR FORCE 99. GROUP CAPTAIN RAJIVE SHARMA (17493) ADMINISTRATION AIR FORCE 100. GROUP CAPTAIN (TS) MANISH KUMAR SRIVASTAVA (19173) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 101. GROUP CAPTAIN DEVENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT (20230), AERONAUTICAL AIR FORCE ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL) 102. GROUP CAPTAIN DEBAJYOTI BORAH (22840), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER (ELECTRONICS) AIR FORCE 103. GROUP CAPTAIN (TS) SUBRATO KUMAR NATH (21315), ADMINISTRATION/ AIR AIR FORCE TRAFFIC CONTROLLER 104. GROUP CAPTAIN VARADHARAJAN RAJAGOPALAN, (21582) FLYING (NAVIGATOR) AIR FORCE 105. GROUP CAPTAIN SHANKAR BEVINMARAD ARUNKUMAR (21584) / FLYING (NAVIGATOR) AIR FORCE 106. GROUP CAPTAIN ARUN MITTU (21910) EDUCATION AIR FORCE 107. GROUP CAPTAIN MANISH SABHARWAL (22122) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 108. GROUP CAPTAIN ANISH AGGARWAL (22915) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE 109. GROUP CAPTAIN KAMLESH SINGH (23014), ADMINISTRATION/ FIGHTER CONTROLLER AIR FORCE 110. GROUP CAPTAIN ARVIND THAKUR (23078), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL) AIR FORCE

To be continued in next issue...

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 33 Chakravyuh

Q1. Who is the director of the film Uri , The Surgical Q8. To improve representation of women in Armed Strike? Forces, the Defence Minister took a historic decision to induct women, for the first time in Q2. Why were the Indian Navy divers deployed in personnel below officer rank role. In which East Jaintia Hills? Corp will they be inducted? Q3. Recently, the Defence Minister of Maldives Q9. In relation to defence production, why were visited India (Pic-1). Name her. Nashik and Tiruchirapally in the news recently? Q4. During the Republic Day parade 2019, IAF flew Q10. What is celebrated on January 14 by the Armed a new three aircraft formation of An-32s. What Forces of India? is the name of the formation? Q11. Joined Army in 1998 as a soldier, started Q5. Why was WgCdr Ashish Shrivastav in news playing hockey with Regimental team and recently? rose to join Team India. Played Olympics in 2004 and 2012, World Cup and Asian Games Q6. Mr Lubomir Metnar (Pic-2) is likely to visit Aero in 2002 and 2006. Identify this Phenomenal India 2019. Of which country is he the Defence sportsperson. (Pic-3) Minister? Q12. In a first, an all women crew of ‘Hornbills’ Q7. In January 2019, Indian Navy conducted the Sqn of IAF, landed at Tezu ALG in Arunachal largest coastal Defence Exercise off the Indian Pradesh. Which aircrafts does this Squadron Coast. What was it named? operate? (Pic-4)

Pic-1 Pic-2 Pic-3

Pic-4 Answers 1 Aditya Dhar in his debut film. 2 On December 13, 2018 , water from the nearby Lytein River flooded a network of tunnels in the illegal rat-hole coal mine in Lumthari village of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. 15 men were trapped and prompting a multiple-agency rescue attempt including Indian Navy. 3 Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi. 4 SUTLEJ. 5 He is involved with concept of flying IAF aircrafts with a blend of bio fuels. 6 Czech Republic. 7 Sea Vigil. 8 Corps of Military Police. 9 Nashik for setting up of Defence Innovation Hub and Tiruchirapalli for launch of Projects in Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor. 10 Armed Forces Veterans’ Day. 11 Captain Ignace Tirkey. 12 Avro and Dornier aircrafts. - Wg Cdr Samir Gangakhedkar

34 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 India and Maldives to Continue Close Cooperation on Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism

ndia and Maldives held substantive discussions on Ifurther strengthening bilateral defence cooperationon January 24, 2019. Both sides agreed that the two countries would continue their traditionally close cooperation on issues of maritime security, counter- terrorism and medical cooperation. Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated India’s commitment to contribute towards capacity building and training requirements of the Maldives National Defence Forces. institutions such as the Indian Maritime Analysis Centre Earlier, Raksha Mantri received Maldivian Defence in Gurugram and Army in . Minister Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi at South Block in She also interacted with NCC cadets, including those New Delhi, who was in India on official bilateral visit. from the Maldives, at the NCC Republic Day Camp. COAS, General Bipin Rawat, CAS,Air Chief Marshal BS The second round of the India-Maldives Defence Dhanoa, VCNS,Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P and ADG of Cooperation Dialogue was also held. The Indian the Indian Coast Guard, Shri VSR Murthy called on the delegation was headed by Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Maldivian Defence Minister. Mitra and Maldivian side was led by Chief of Defence Ms Didi witnessed the 70th Republic Day Parade Forces of Maldives, Major General Abdulla Shamaal. at Rajpath as well as visited various Indian defence - PRO Defence DRDO Workshop on Fire Safety Technologies and Services

aksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre inaugurated measures. He further said that technologies developed Ra Defence Research and Development Organisation by CFEES can have application for civil sectors also, and (DRDO) workshop on ‘Fire Safety Technologies and needs to be exploited to the fullest. Services’ in New Delhi on January 21, 2019 . Fire The workshop was organized by Centre for Fire, Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri DK Shami also Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), a lab of attended the function. Secretary, Department of Defence DRDO with an aim to sensitize the State Fire Services R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy was and Users on the use of risk evaluation, mitigation present on the occasion. and elimination of fire related accidents and adopt the Dr Subhash Bhamre in his inaugural address technologies developed by DRDO. An exhibition of congratulated DRDO for organizing the workshop and products and technologies developed by CFEES was said that the best way to minimize the risk of fire is to also organized on the sidelines of the workshop. understand potential threats and put in place preventive Dr G Satheesh Reddy in his address said that the technologies and products developed by DRDO are finding application not only in defence sector but also have spin-offs for civilian sectors. Shri DK Shami in his speech highlighted the need for formation of core group for short and long term roadmap for R&D and test facilities in the areas of fire safety, and low cost impact technology for fire safety to be developed by DRDO. - PRO Defence

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 35 Army Chief Visits Lucknow

eneral Purna Chandra Thapa, NDC, Psc, MSS, the GChief of Army Staff, arrived in Lucknow for a day's visit. On his arrival, he visited Headquarters where he interacted with Lieutenant General , General Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Central Command and was also briefed on various important professional aspects. Post the visit to Command Headquarters, he proceeded to 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre on a windshield tour of the Training Area wherein he was briefed about the training infrastructure and the methodology of converting young Gorkhas into trained soldiers. The General also interacted with all ranks during a ‘Special Tea’ organised in his honour. After the visit to of historical significance in Lucknow. 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre, he proceeded to General Purna Chandra Thapa is on his first Army Medical Corps Centre & College where he was international tour since taking charge of the Nepal Army. received by Commandant, Army Medical College & During the tour, General Thapa was handed over the Centre and was briefed on the methodology of training insignia of the Honorary General of the Indian Army by of the Medical Officers at Officers Training College and President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and had high recruits at the Centre. level engagements with the Defence Minister, National The General accompanied by Smt Deepa Thapa Security Advisor and the Chief of Army Staff. and other members of the delegation also visited places - PRO Lucknow Army Commander Visits LC Posts in and Sectors

t Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northern The Army Commander was also briefed on the actions LCommand, accompanied by the White Knight Corps being taken to ensure a robust counter infiltration and Commander, Lt Gen Paramjit Singh visited forward counter terrorist grid to enable continued peace and posts of Rajouri and Akhnoor Sectors to review the stability in the region. operational preparedness and the prevailing security The Army Commander interacted with the situation on January 7, 2019. soldiers and complimented them for their unwavering During the visit to the Sectors, the Army Commander dedication to duty, selfless devotion and high standard was briefed by the Commanders on ground about the of professionalism. He was appreciative of the measures current operational, prevailing security situation and the and standard operating procedures instituted by the preparedness of the formations in dealing with the same. units and formations in their area of responsibility to minimise the casualties due to ceasefire violations and infiltration bids. Army Commander also appreciated the synergy between all the Security Forces and with the Civil administration. The need to be prepared for effectively meeting emerging security challenges, was also reinforced. He exhorted all ranks on the need to remain vigilant to counter the nefarious designs of the enemy and anti- national elements. The Army Commander was also updated by the White Knight Corps Commander on current security situation and operations conducted in the recent past. - PRO Jammu

36 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 Entrepreneurship Seminar at Samba (J&K)

irectorate of Resettlement subsidy of 35 percent in rural areas DZone (North) organized a was covered. Subsequently, Dist Resettlement-cum-Entrepreneurship Offr, Samba from Entrepreneurship Seminar for its Veterans and their Development Institute (EDI), Govt families at Samba Military Station of J&K, delivered interactive talk on under the aegis of Gurj Division on various entrepreneurial schemes, January 15, 2019 on the occasion process of registration and subsidies of Veterans Day. The Seminar was available for the Veterans and their attended by large number of military business venture with the help of dependents. Process of seeking jobs and civil dignitaries and more than soft loan/subsidy available under through Army Welfare Placement 300 Veterans and their families various Govt schemes. Node (AWPN), Jammu was also from Samba and . The seminar emphasized on covered. Zila Sainik Welfare Officer The seminar was another step to the need for re-orienting ESM (ZSWO), Samba covered the extend welfare schemes of the Indian towards exploring avenues for self- process of registration and benefits Army and Central Government employment, as opportunities in the being extended by KSB and RSB to to Veterans, Veer Naris and their organized sectors were dwindling. ESM. In the end, Branch Manager families. Director, DRZ (North) delivered a talk of SBI Bank, Samba gave a talk on The majority of our Ex- on resettlement options including financial management of pensionary Servicemen (ESM) retire at young Central/State Govt jobs and DGR benefits for future and guided them age when their own dreams and schemes. This was followed by to invest their hard earned money responsibilities remain unfulfilled. District Officer, Samba from Khadi judiciously and wisely. Considering the fact that jobs in & Village Industries Board (KVIB) Central/State/Private Sector are few who brought out the salient details During the interaction, the and limited, there is a requirement of entrepreneurship options under veterans and their families expressed of self employment opportunities Pradhan Mantri Employment their sincere gratitude for the efforts wherein DGR provides guidance Generation Programme (PMEGP) being taken by the Army to reach out and assistance for entrepreneurial which is operating with the support to them and to address their genuine ventures. Entrepreneurship is a from KVIC. Highlights of the scheme concerns through various welfare viable resettlement option for ESM wherein only 5 percent contribution schemes. desirous of establishing their own by veteran of project capital and - DRZ North Chadar Trek Expedition by Air Force Station,

o commemorate the momentous occasion of 70th a treacherous route on the frozen Zanskar river. The TRepublic Day, Air Force Station, Thoise conducted Chadar Trek is one of the toughest and most challenging a trekking expedition in the daunting terrain of trails in the country. The trek began from Chilling and Ladakh region. This arduous expedition on the frozen continued on Chadar (frozen Zanskar river) via Tibb Zanskar river was undertaken by the air warriors of Air cave till Naerak village. The nights were spent in tents Force Station, Thoise. The team leader and overall near caves on the bank of the frozen river at an altitude of 13000 ft. coordinator of this adventurous expedition was Wg Cdr Vikrant Uniyal, a qualified mountaineer from Army During the course of the trek, the team saved the Mountaineering Institute, Siachen. life of another trekker who had fallen in the water when the ice crust broke under him. The IAF team was nearby The expedition team comprising seven air warriors and responded to the cries of the individual who was covered a total distance of 65 kms in five days through pulled out of the icy water using the equipment available with the team. Despite the harsh environmental conditions unique to this terrain, the air warriors completed this challenging and arduous expedition in the most professional manner. The mercury count was between -15 and -20 degrees during daytime while it dropped to -25 degrees at night. - PRO Palam

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 37 Centre For Air Power Studies Seminar at , Nagpur

he Headquarters Maintenance commenced with the opening "Conserving Crude and its Strategic TCommand of the IAF organised address by Air Vice Marshal Outreach" by Wg Cdr A Shrivastava. a Joint seminar with Centre for Air Manmohan Bahadur (Retd), The final session was dedicated Power Studies (CAPS) on January Additional Director General, CAPS. to a presentation on the Role of 18, 2019 at Nagpur. The theme of The seminar commenced with an Maintenance Command in Future the seminar was “Changing Security Analysis of China-Pak relationship Operations by Air Commodore Environment and IAF”. The seminar by Dr Shalini Chawla, Senior Fellow Charles Andrews of Headquarters was inaugurated by Air Marshal M at CAPS. This was followed by Gp Maintenance Command and a presentation on Role of Logistics in Baladitya, Senior Maintenance Staff Capt TH Anand Rao, Senior Fellow at Centre for Air Power Studies, who Future IAF Operations by Group Officer, Headquarters Maintenance presented his views on the capability Captain PP Shenoy of Headquarters Command. The Aim of the seminar of China in Space. In the second Maintenance Command. The was to address the challenges faced session, chaired by Dr Shalini closing remarks were delivered by the Indian Air Force in the evolving Chawla, Ms Hina Pandey gave by Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Global Security scenario. a presentation on “No First Use” Bahadur (Retd). The inaugural session (NFU) followed by a presentation on - PRO Nagpur DG Ordnance Services Visits AOC Centre

t Gen Giri Raj Singh, Director General, Ordnance LServices and Senior Colonel Commandant visited AOC Centre, Secunderabad on January 16 to 17, 2019. As per custom, the General Officer was presented with 'Samman Guard' by a smartly turned out contingent of AOC Centre. He paid homage to the martyrs of Army Ordnance Corps at the War Memorial at AOC Centre in a solemn ceremony. The event was attended by all ranks of AOC Centre and veterans. Further during the day, the DGOS held a 'Sainik Sammelan' and conveyed his deep appreciation on the high level of proficiency, professionalism and devotion to duty displayed by all ranks of AOC. The General Officer who was on a farewell visit to AOC Centre, superannuated on January 31, 2019 after Lt Gen Giri Raj Singh, DG Ordnance Services and Senior Colonel putting in 38 years of distinguished service. Commandant, saluting after laying a wreath at the War Memorial - PRO Secunderabad of AOC Centre, Secunderabad.

38 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 Orientation Training For Young Artillery Officers

ajor General N Srinivas Rao, MGeneral Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Sub Area and Colonel Commandant of Regiment of Artillery addressed the 53 Young Officers, newly commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery, the second largest arm of the Indian Army, at Artillery Centre, Hyderabad. The Regiment of Artillery is taking huge strides in the modernisation and technological various Officers Training Academies. of the Army from them in their units. advancements through induction These officers undergo Orientation The General Officer inspired and of state of the art weapon systems extolled all the young Officers to like M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzer training for two weeks in the Artillery (ULH), K-9 VAJRA T self-propelled Centre where they are given an work hard with dedication, excel Guns, SWATHI weapons Locating insight into the life of trainee recruits in all their endeavours and make Radar and 155mm DHANUSH Gun and the men that they are going to themselves worthy of being entrusted Systems. Every year, 250 to 300 lead into battles and operations. with the onerous responsibilities of Young Officers get commissioned They are also given an overview of leading their men to battles. into the Regiment of Artillery from the responsibilities and expectations - PRO Secunderabad Lt Gen RS Grewal Visits AMC Centre and College, Lucknow

t Gen RS Grewal, Director General Lt Gen RS Grewal paid in a solemn ceremony by laying a L(Organisation & Personnel) and homage to the brave soldiers of wreath at the cenotaph of the War Colonel Commandant visited AMC Army Medical Corps who made the Memorial at AMC Centre & College Centre & College, Lucknow. supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on January 10, 2019. Lt Gen RS Grewal was conducted by Lt Gen MV Singh, Commandant, AMC Centre & College and OIC Records, Lucknow. An impressive Guard of Honour was presented to the General Officer at AMC Stadium. The Contingent was commanded by Lt Col TP Dinesh of No. 2 Technical Training Wing, AMC Centre & College. The ceremony was marked by customary elegance and military precision. It was attended by Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, Jawans & Recruits of the Army Medical Corps posted in Lucknow. - PRO Lucknow

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 39 Telangana & Andhra Sub Area Launches TASA ECHS Management Information System (TEMIS)

aptain V Lakshmikantha Rao launched on June 18 last year which C(Retd), MP (RS) and Major automated the entire process of General N Srinivas Rao, General medicine procurement. It facilitates Officer Commanding, Telangana online financial concurrence from and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) Integrated Financial Adviser (IFA) jointly launched TASA ECHS (Ex- and Controller of Defence Accounts Servicemen Contributory Health (CDA). With the launch of Central Scheme) Management Information Monitoring System (CMS) integrating System (TEMIS) at Golden Palm WAN based Polyclinic Management Captain V Lakshmikantha Rao (Retd), MP (RS) Sainik Bhawan, Secunderabad on Information System, the TEMIS has and Maj Gen N Srinivas Rao, GOC, TASA January 15, 2019. become complete in all respects. releasing TASA ECHS news-letter at Golden Palm Sainik Bhawan, Secunderabad.. The event was attended by In his opening remarks, Maj large number of Ex-Servicemen Gen N Srinivas Rao stated that TASA addresses the inadequacies and (ESM) including senior Veterans, ECHS Management Information bring vital changes to the existing Presidents of ESMs Societies, Senior System would bring revolutionary fragmented system of ECHS. Controllers of Defence Accounts, changes in the ECHS Management A state of the art Pharmacy Director, Sainik Welfare, Telangana. by bringing transparency and supported by Synchrony under the TEMIS is first of its kind in the integration. In order to make the Diversity and Inclusion initiative was country to bring efficiency in ECHS. life of veterans and families easier, also inaugurated on the occasion. The project was started 14 months TASA had created facilities like GOC felicitated Intellobots, ago with the support of Intellobots, Veteran Cell, ECHS Polyclinic, ECHS Synchrony Financial, Sainik Welfare a startup from Hyderabad and Dental centre (R&R), CSD Canteen, Department and IT Department of completed in record time. Online Cafeteria and transit facilities for Telangana Government for their Appointment Application was all ranks at Golden Palm Sainik contributions towards the welfare launched on January 15 last year Bhawan, Secunderabad. of veterans. He also gave away and being extensively used by Captain V Lakshmikantha Rao cash awards to selected staff in veterans of Telangana and Andhra (Retd), MP appreciated the efforts recognition of their exceptional Pradesh states. Integrated Medicine made by Telangana and Andhra performance. Inventory Management System was Sub Area to develop TEMIS which - PRO Secunderabad Navy Participates in National Minicoy Festival

he 7th National Minicoy festival was held at Minicoy local population on the Indian Navy and how to apply Tfrom January 11 to 13, 2019. The festival was for recruitment. inaugurated by Shri Farooq Khan, Chief Administrator An Operational Demonstration was conducted of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep (UTL) on January on January 12, wherein ships of the First Training 11, 2019. The Indian Navy actively participated in the Squadron of , consisting of festival and set up a promotional stall to educate the INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarthi participated. The event included activities such as Beach Assault, Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) demonstration and flypasts by Dornier surveillance aircraft and Chetak helicopters. The Op Demo enthralled the local population. The operation was also appreciated by the Chief Administrator, UTL. Naval ships were also illuminated on the evening of January 12. A cultural programme and sports competition was held on January 13. - PRO Kochi

40 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019 GOC Fire & Fury Corps Inaugurates Ice Hockey Rink at Ladakh Scouts Regt Centre

newly constructed Ice Hockey Rink at Ladakh Scouts A Regt Centre, Leh was inaugurated by GOC, Fire & Fury Corps, who was the Chief Guest at the final match of the regimental Ice Hockey Championship of the Ladakh Scouts conducted on January 13, 2019. The event was attended by an array of serving personnel, veterans of the regiment and young sportspersons of Ladakh region. The prestigious annual event saw participation by Ice Hockey teams of all battalions of Ladakh Scouts displaying their skills in this unique sport. The match ended with a tiebreaker, finally won by 1 Ladakh Scouts Ladakh Scouts Regt Centre, being a sports node of defeating 5 Ladakh Scouts by two goals. The event also the Army for Ice Hockey and Ice Skating, feeds players included an exhilarating display by the Regimental Pipe for the National Ice Hockey Team which has been taking Band personnel who mesmerised the spectators by their part at IIHF Asia Cup since 2009. A large number of skills on ice skates. The GOC gave away trophy and players of the Regiment participated in the Senior and prizes to the winner and the runners up teams. Rifleman Junior National Ice Hockey Championship held at Leh Jigmet Kunzang of 1 Ladakh Scouts was adjudged Best from January 16 to 31 this year. Player of the tournament. - PRO Srinagar Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Army Public School, Gwalior

aj Gen Anil Kumar Kashid, GOC Shahbaaz Div performances starting with philharmonic fusion of various Mand Patron of APS, Gwalior inaugurated ‘Odyssey’, musical instruments and vocal presentations. ‘Vandana’ a mega musical dance cum drama event as part of the welcome song, simultaneous and synchronised Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Army Public School, presentations on three stages with utmost coordination Gwalior on December 26, 2018. The kaleidoscope with and perfection, was presented by 150 students. all pomp and pageantry was organized by the students ‘Odyssey’, a dance-cum-drama on the symbolic journey and staff of APS Gwalior. The celebration started with of a Soldier of Indian Army, by 780 on stage students, was a documentary film which captured the glimpse of the a magical feast for all present. The whole function was journey of the school since its inception till date, was choreographed around the core values of Indian Army shown with references to its moments of crowning glory, and its contribution to the nation building, its security landmark achievements and other important milestones. and safety. Each presentation was a heart warming and The annual event stunningly orchestrated a range of soul stirring manifestation, which not only inspired all the youth present there for an adventurous career in the Armed Forces but also acknowledged the commitment and sacrifices of a soldier in its full magnitude. The conduct of the event proudly reflected the high standards of academics and the overall development of the students at APS, Gwalior. The school which had started with 450 students in 1994, over 25 years has now grown to more than 3500 students and is amongst the best academic institutions across the spectrum in Gwalior. Nearly 8000 viewers were totally enthralled and looked extremely satisfied and happy to have given their children to the school which stood to its reputation. - HQ 72 INF Bde

February 1-15, 2019 Sainik Samachar 41 PHOTOCALL

Republic Day being celebrated by Indian Peacekeepers deployed with the UN Mission in Malakal (South Sudan)

NCC girl cadets presented a spectacular cultural programme during the visit of General Bipin Rawat, COAS to the NCC Republic Day Camp 2019 on January 16, 2019.

The Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, IAF, Air Marshal RKS Shera and the Director General Bureau of Indian Standards, Mrs Surina Rajan releasing the new Standard for Bio-jet fuel, in New Delhi on January 24, 2019.

42 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2019

R.N.I. Regd.No.800/57English SAINIK SAMACHAR1-15February2019 Published on1Posted4-5February2019 Postal Regd.No.DL(ND)11-6075/2018-20 Licenced topostwithoutpre-payment Licence No.U(C)-50/2018-20

pic: DPR Photo Division