In This Issue Since 1909 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Republic Day Parade 2016 6

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR) Vol. 63 q No 3 11 – 26 Magha, 1937 (Saka) 1-15 February 2016

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

Editor-in-Chief Army Day Hasibur Rahman Interview | Coast 12 18 Senior Editor Editor Guard Day Celebrations 2016 Ruby T Sharma Ehsan Khusro Coordination Business Manager Sekhar Babu Madduri Dharam Pal Goswami Our Correspondents DELHI: Dhananjay Mohanty; Capt DK Sharma; Manoj Tuli; Nampibou Marinmai; Wg Cdr Rochelle D’Silva; Col Rohan Anand; Ved Pal; ALLAHABAD: Gp Capt BB Pande; BENGALURU: Dr MS Patil; CHANDIGARH: Parvesh Sharma; CHENNAI: T Shanmugam; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman; GUWAHATI: Lt Col Suneet Newton; IMPHAL: Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma; JALANDHAR: Naresh Vijay Vig; JAMMU: Lt Col Manish Mehta; JODHPUR: Lt Col Manish Ojha; KOCHI: Cdr Sridhar E Warrier ; KOHIMA: Lt Col E Musavi; KOLKATA: Wg Cdr SS Birdi; 4 Address by the President… Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Ms Gargi Malik Sinha; MUMBAI: Cdr Rahul Sinha; 16 Indo-Japan Coast Guard Joint… Interview | DGDS Narendra Vispute; Wg Cdr Samir S Gangakhedkar; Gp Capt SK NAGPUR: PALAM: 24 Lt Gen JFR Jacob Passes Away AD Corps 26 Mehta; PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: MA Khan Shakeel; SHILLONG: Gp Capt Amit Mahajan; SRINAGAR: Col NN Joshi; TEZPUR: Lt Col Sombith Ghosh; 25 Exercise ‘Sarvatra Prahar’ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suresh Shreedharan; UDHAMPUR: Col SD Goswami; 30 Conduct of Medical and Blood… VISAKHAPATNAM: Cdr CG Raju. 32 Coast Guard Boarding Teams… Published by: Nitin D Wakankar 38 13th Regiment of Artillery… Offg Addl DG (Media & Communication) 39 Gallantry and Other Defence… Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011 Regulars Follow us on: 22 Photo Features: Army Day Celebrations www.facebook.com/DefenceMinIndia

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On front cover: The President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee giving away the highest gallantry award Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami of 9 Para (Special Forces) posthumously, the award received by his wife Smt Bhawana Goswami, on the occasion of the 67th Republic Day Parade. pic: GD Mehra 67th Republic Day 2016 President’s Address

My Fellow Citizens: programmes like MGNREGA is On the eve of the sixty-seventh aimed at enhancing employment Republic Day of our nation, I extend generation to rejuvenate the rural warm greetings to all of you in India economy. and abroad. I convey my special The Make-in-India campaign greetings to members of our Armed will boost manufacturing by Forces, Para-military Forces and facilitating easy conduct of business Internal Security Forces. I pay my and improving competitiveness tribute to the brave soldiers who made of domestic industry. The Start- the supreme sacrifice of their lives in up India programme will foster defending India’s territorial integrity innovation and encourage new-age and in upholding the rule of law. entrepreneurship. The National Skill On twenty-sixth January 1950, Development Mission envisages parts of India were affected by severe our Republic was born. On this day, skilling 300 million youth by 2022. drought, other areas reeled under we gave ourselves the Constitution of There will be, amongst us, devastating floods. Unusual weather India. This day saw the culmination occasional doubters and baiters. Let conditions impacted our agricultural of heroic struggle of an extraordinary us continue to complain; to demand; production. Rural employment and generation of leaders who overcame to rebel. This too is a virtue of income levels suffered. colonialism to establish the world’s democracy. But let us also applaud largest democracy. They pulled We can call out these challenges what our democracy has achieved. together India’s amazing diversity to because we are aware of them. There With investments in infrastructure, build national unity, which has brought is a great virtue in acknowledging a manufacturing, health, education, us so far. The enduring democratic problem and resolving to address it. science and technology, we are institutions they established have India is building and implementing positioning ourselves well for given us the gift of continuity on the strategies to solve these problems. achieving a higher growth rate path of progress. India today is a rising This year, with an estimated growth which will in the next ten to fifteen power, a country fast emerging as a rate of 7.3 percent, India is poised years help us eliminate poverty. global leader in science, technology, to become the fastest growing large Reverence for the past is one innovation and start-ups, and whose economy. Contraction in global oil of the essential ingredients of economic success is the envy of the prices has helped maintain external nationalism. Our finest inheritance, world. sector stability and control domestic the institutions of democracy, ensure The year 2015 has been a prices. Despite occasional setbacks, to all citizens justice, equality, and year of challenges. During this industrial performance this year has gender and economic equity. When year, the global economy remained been strong. grim instances of violence hit at subdued. Unpredictability ruled the Aadhaar, with its present reach these established values which are commodity markets. Uncertainty of 96 crore people, is helping at the core of our nationhood, it is marked the institutional responses. in direct transfer of benefits, time to take note. We must guard In such troubled environment, no plugging leakages and improving ourselves against the forces of one nation could be an oasis of transparency. Over 19 crore bank violence, intolerance and unreason. growth. India’s economy also had accounts opened under the Pradhan For revitalising the forces to face the blowback. Weak investor Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is the of growth, we need reforms and sentiments led to withdrawal of funds single largest exercise in the world progressive legislation. It is the from emerging markets including at financial inclusion. The Saansad bounden duty of the law makers India putting pressure on the Indian Adarsh Gram Yojana aims to create to ensure that such legislation is rupee. Our exports suffered. Our model villages. The Digital India enacted after due discussion and manufacturing sector is yet to programme is an effort to bridge the debate. A spirit of accommodation, recover fully. digital divide. The Pradhan Mantri cooperation and consensus-building In 2015, we were also denied Fasal Bima Yojana targets farmer’s should be the preferred mode of the bounty of nature. While large welfare. Increased spending on decision-making. Delays in decision-

4 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 making and implementation can only chaos. There will be disputes among should be a free creative man harm the process of development. nations; and, as is well-known, the who can battle against historical Peace is the primary objective closer we are to a neighbour the circumstances and adversities of of a rational consciousness as well higher the propensity for disputes. nature”. The advent of the “Fourth as our moral universe. It is the There is a civilized way to bridge Industrial Revolution” demands that foundation of civilisation and a disagreement; dialogue, ideally, this free and creative man should necessity for economic progress. should be a continual engagement. also be able to master the velocity of And yet, we have never been able to But we cannot discuss peace under change to absorb disruptions which answer a simple question: why does a shower of bullets. are getting embedded in the systems peace remain so elusive? Why has We on our subcontinent have and societies. An eco-system that peace been so much more difficult a historic opportunity to become a fosters critical thinking and makes to attain than degenerate conflict? beacon to the world at a time of great teaching intellectually stimulating is As the twentieth century closed danger. We must attempt to resolve necessary. It must inspire scholarship down with a remarkable revolution the complex edges of our emotional and encourage unfettered respect in science and technology, we had and geo-political inheritance with for knowledge and teachers. It must some reason for optimism that the our neighbours through a peaceful instill a spirit of reverence towards twenty-first century would mark an dialogue, and invest in mutual women that will guide social conduct era in which the energies of people prosperity by recognising that of an individual throughout his life. and nations would be committed human beings are best defined by It must breed a culture of deep to a rising prosperity that would a humane spirit, and not their worst thought and create an environment eliminate, for the first time, the curse instincts. Our example can be its of contemplation and inner of extreme poverty. That optimism own message to a world in anxious peace. Through an open-minded has faded in the first fifteen years of need of amity. approach to the wider spectrum of this century. There is unprecedented Each of us has the right to lead ideas emanating from within, our turbulence across vast regions, a healthy, happy and productive academic institutions must become with alarming increase in regional life in India. This right has been world-class. A beginning has already instabilities. The scourge of terrorism breached, especially in our cities, been made with two Indian institutes has reshaped war into its most where pollution has reached of higher education finding place in barbaric manifestation. No corner alarming levels. Climate change has the top two hundred in international can now consider itself safe from this acquired real meaning with 2015 rankings. savage monster. turning out to be the warmest year The generational change has Terrorism is inspired by insane on record. Multiple strategies and happened. Youth have moved objectives, motivated by bottomless action at various levels is necessary. centre-stage to take charge. March depths of hatred, instigated by Innovative solutions of urban ahead with Tagore’s words from puppeteers who have invested planning, use of clean energy, and Nutan Yuger Bhore: changing the mindsets of the people heavily in havoc through the mass “CHOLAAY CHOLAAY call for active participation of all murder of innocents. This is war BAAJBEY JOYER BHEREE – beyond any doctrine, a cancer which stakeholders. Permanence of such must be operated out with a firm changes can be ensured only if PAAYER BEGEYI POTH KETEY scalpel. There is no good or bad people own these changes. JAAY, KORISH NEY AAR DERI” terrorism; it is pure evil. Love for one’s motherland is Move ahead, the roll of drums Nations will never agree on the basis of all progress. Education, announce your triumphal march; everything; but the challenge today with its enlightening effect, leads With feet of glory, you shall cut is existential. Terrorists seek to to human progress and prosperity. out your own path; undermine order by rejecting the It helps us develop forces of spirit Delay not, delay not, a new age very basis of strategic stability, which which can revive lost hopes and dawns. are recognised borders. If outlaws ignored values. Dr Sarvepalli are able to unravel borders, then Radhakrishnan had said and I Thank you. we are heading towards an age of quote: “End-product of education Jai Hind!

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 5 Republic Day Parade 2016

he Nation’s military prowess and Tachievements in different fields, state-of- the-art defence platforms, its diverse cultural and social traditions, and the government’s emphasis on self-reliance and indigenisation were showcased at the historic Rajpath when the country celebrated its 67th Republic Day on January 26, 2016. The highlights of this year’s Parade included, for the first time in the history of Republic Day Parade, a 76-members French Army contingent led by a French military band consisting of 48 musicians The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi arriving at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, on the marching on Rajpath and presenting occasion of the 67th Republic Day Parade 2016, in New Delhi on January 26, 2016 II (Sarath), Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, Smerch Launcher Vehicles and Integrated Communication Electronic Warfare System (ICEWS) were the main draw in the

The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi with the Union Minister for Defence, Mr Manohar Parrikar at Rajpath a ceremonial salute to the President Camel Regiment consisting of 56 of India. The French Army contingent camels led by Deputy Commandant was led by Lt Col Paul Bury. Kuldeep J Choudhary took part. For After a gap of 26 years, an Army the first time the parade also saw an dog squad drawn from the Remount Ex-Servicemen Tableau, where Army Veterinary Corps (RVC) also took veterans with their eye-catching float part, along with their handlers. passed the saluting dais, wherein This added a special charm to the pioneering role of Ex-Servicemen in occasion. nation-building was displayed. Sticking to the 66 years old The Indian Army’s missile tradition of the Republic Day firing capability T-90 ‘Bhishma’ Celebration, the colourful BSF tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP

6 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi and the Chief The President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi Guest of Republic Day, President of France, Mr Francois and the Chief Guest of Republic Day, President of France, Mr Francois Hollande Hollande at Rajpath arriving at saluting dais, at Rajpath mechanised columns. Service of the Nation and Beyond’. models of C-17 Globemaster, An Indian Air Force Tableau The Tableau showcased the IAF’s C-130 Hercules and MI-17V5 rolled down the Rajpath with the role in Uttarakhand, Jammu and aircraft. theme ‘Humanitarian Assistance and Kashmir, Yemen and Nepal rescue This year the Indian Navy’s Disaster Relief Operations by IAF: In and relief operations, by displaying Tableau had the theme ‘Empowering

The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 7 India through Maritime security and Indigenisation.’ The Tableau displayed flight deck operations on the new aircraft carrier ‘Vikrant’ under construction at the Kochi Shipyard Ltd and the indigenously constructed submarine ‘Kalvari’ by Mazagaon Dock Ltd, Mumbai, having a ‘Made in India’ tag on them. The parade ceremony commenced at the Amar Jawan The President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Vice President, Mr M Hamid Ansari, the Prime Jyoti at India Gate where the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi and the Chief Guest of Republic Day, President of France, Minister Mr Narendra Modi led Mr Francois Hollande at the saluting dais at Rajpath. The Defence Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar and the Minister of State for Planning (Independent Charge) and Defence, Mr Rao the nation in paying homage to Inderjit Singh are also seen. the martyrs by laying a wreath. An

The French Army marching contingent passes through the Rajpath eternal flame burns at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the indomitable courage of our Armed Forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. The Amar Jawan, the immortal soldier, is symbolised by a reversed rifle standing on its barrel and crested by a soldier’s helmet. As per the tradition, after unfurling of the National Flag, the National Anthem was played with Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher System passes through the Rajpath a 21 gun salute. The parade then

8 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 commenced and the President took the salute. This year’s Chief Guest in the parade was His Excellency Mr Francois Hollande, the President of the Republic of France. The parade was commanded by Lt Gen Rajan Ravindran, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. Maj Gen Rajesh Sahai, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area was the parade Second-in-Command. Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Bana Singh (Retd), Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and Naib Subedar Assam Regiment Marching Contingent

Naval marching contingent Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winners Major General Cyrus A Pithawalla (Retd), Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sunder Singh (Retd), Major D Sreeram Kumar, Instructor, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Lieutenant Colonel Jas Ram Singh (Retd), Honorary Naib Subedar Chhering Mutup (Retd), Mr Hukum Singh and Mr Govind Singh both from District of Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh and Mr Bhure Lal of District Guna also from Madhya Pradesh followed the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps. The Air Force marching contingent passes through the Rajpath

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 9 The marching contingents of Army included horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Parachute Regiment, the Corps of Signals, the Rajput Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Assam Regiment, 11 Gorkha Rifles and Remount Veterinary Corps Dog Squad. The marching contingent of Navy comprising 144 young sailors was led by Lieutenant Commander Anil Raina, while the Indian Air Force contingent comprising 144 men led by Flt Lt Ashish Mann. The Paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces included contingents from the The BSF marching contingent passes through the Rajpath Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, Indian Coast Guard, an all women contingent of Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme. Tableaux from 17 States and six Central Ministries and Departments presented the varied historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country. They also showcased country’s progress in different fields, particularly floats from Goa, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal and Assam with their varied themes, which The BSF Camel contingent passes through the Rajpath were of special attraction. Similarly floats of Ministry of Communication and IT based on ‘Digital India’, the Ministry of Panchayat Raj float on ‘Empowered Women and empowered Panchayat Raj and Society’ and float of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation on ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ showcased the rapid development of some of the flagship programmes of the Government. Twenty three of the Twenty five children selected for the National Bravery Award–2015 also participated in the parade. Two children got the award posthumously. In the children’s The Delhi Police marching contingent passes through the Rajpath

10 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 pageant section, about 500 boys and girls selected from five schools in Delhi and a group of school children from South Central Zone Cultural Centre performed colourful dances on Rajpath. ‘Dare Devils’- the motorcycle display team of Corps of Signals were a major attraction of the parade. They performed different stunts like ‘Salute to President’, ‘Signal Rocket’, ‘Signal Fighter’, ‘Abhimanyu’, ‘Shradhanjali’, ‘Commando’, ‘Lotus Formation’, and ‘Human Pyramid’, etc on moving motor cycles. The National Service Scheme marching contingent passes through the Rajpath The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF. The flypast commenced with the ‘Chakra’ formation, comprising three Mi-35 helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. Trailing them was the ‘Globe Formation’ comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30s. Next in line were the fighters, where five Jaguars flew in Arrowhead formation, another five MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters known as ‘Tridents’ flew in Fulcrum The tableau of the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology passes through style. Then the breath-taking ‘Trishul’ the Rajpath formation comprising three Su-30 MKI of No. 24 Squadron flew over the Rajpath, and once in front of the saluting dais, the Su-30 MKI aircraft split upwards, making a Trishul in the sky. The flypast concluded with another Su-30 MKI carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais. The ceremony culminated with the National Anthem and release of balloons. - M Sekhar Babu pix: Pradeep Das Gupta, SN Acharya, GD Mehra, Naresh Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Fulchand Kitadikar, Rakesh Mangaraj and Rajesh Khanande

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 11 Interview | DG Indian Coast Guard

ice Admiral HCS Bisht in an interview with Sainik Samachar Editor-in-Chief Mr Hasibur Rahaman about VCoast Guard’s achievements and various measures taken to enhance the coastal security.

Sir, you have completed one year as the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. Could you please enumerate the major accomplishments which were envisaged by you and the areas of major thrust? The Indian Coast Guard remains committed to provide safer lives, safer coasts and safer seas. Considering the current security scenario, etc., we have laid emphasis on provisioning of an impregnable and robust Coastal Security mechanism thereby thwarting any nefarious designs. The focus was to cohesively involve all the state and central machinery by conduct of regular exercises towards achievement of seamless synergy during a real time scenario. The success of the system can be judged from the fact that we are able to apprehend rogue boats at high seas We have also remained capacity building of the force in all on two occasions in the last one year. committed to the government’s policy spheres. We have also rescued 354 lives at on establishing friendly relations with What are the major challenges sea this year and provided assistance the littoral states in the IOR. Recently to 81 fishermen/merchant men in being encountered by the service we have gifted an Interceptor Boat in the present day scenario? need of help. In addition, the service as friendly gesture to the Seychelles. On the operational front, has also lent a helping hand to the This will not only strengthen our ties the biggest challenge is of the state governments in the aid to civil with the Seychelles but will also help power during natural calamities. In surveillance of the vast and in providing safe and secure seas in the recent floods in Chennai the ICG vulnerable Indian Coast line the IOR. rescued 3440 people and provided which extends to over 7500 kms. medical aid to over 5000 people. Another area of thrust, in Post 26/11 there has been close which we have been successful, was Force modernisation and coordination with various central maintaining synergy with the IN with infrastructure development has and state agencies which has led to regard to operations, training and been another area of focus. The significant success. These include the other maritime activities. modernization is being undertaken promulgation of Standard Operating by speeding up the pending projects To conclude I would attribute Procedures, Joint Coastal Security by pursuing them rigorously. We the achievements in the last year to Exercises coordinated by the Coast have already added 119 surface the dedicated and collective efforts Guard, formation of Coordination and 62 air platforms to our inventory of all ranks of the service and the Committees at the State and till date with 70 surface platforms positive response of the government District levels under the civilian under construction. in extending their support for administration and the establishment

12 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 of Joint Operational Centre’s (JOC) at Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi and Port Blair. The length, physical conformation and large unpopulated stretches of the Indian coastline make coastal security an extremely challenging task. The Navy and the Coast Guard are reorienting themselves towards establishing a credible capability. A comprehensive approach at the state level is however essential for ensuring a robust Coastal Security Mechanism. On the Human Resource front the ICG faces an acute shortage of officers and men due to the rapid induction of surface and air platforms post 26/11. Gradual augmentation is being undertaken to keep up pace with the increase in assets.

What are your views on cooperation has now been regularly interacting Memorandum of Understanding with the neighbouring maritime with its counterpart in the States with Sri Lanka, Oman, Myanmar, nations and are there any plans sharing maritime boundaries. Singapore and Philippines Coast to foster International cooperation with them? We have also undertaken Guard/Navy is also under consideration. One of the most significant Memorandum of Understanding/ thrust areas for the ICG has been Cooperation with the maritime The Indian Coast is highly porous on the efforts towards Maritime Co- law enforcement agencies of the and vulnerable which was evident operation with the littoral States of various countries which include the in the 26/11 incident. Have IOR. We have taken initiatives to PMSA (Pakistan Maritime Security you been able to overcome the develop working level / professional Agency), the (KCG) Korean Coast challenges? What measures have been taken so far to prevent a relationship and a meaningful Guard, the JCG (Japan Coast repeat of such incidents? regional cooperation with the Guard), the Bangladesh Coast various littoral States in the IOR. Guard and the Vietnam Coast Post 26/11, the Government Guard. Institutionalized Exercises of India has instituted necessary ICG ships have visited with Japan and Korean Coast measures for strengthening the Thailand, Indonesia, Mauritius, Guard are conducted on a regular coastal security and monitoring Re-Union, Seychelles, Maldives basis. Additionally DOSTI Exercises mechanism along the coastal areas Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, UAE, of the country. The Indian Coast Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Singapore, for imparting training to Maldives Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Brunei, National Defence Force (Coast Guard is also undertaking extensive Bangladesh, Australia and Myanmar. Guard) and Srilankan Coast patrolling and surveillance along These visits have helped ICG being Guard are also being conducted the coast in coordination with recognised world over as a major periodically. other Central and State agencies law enforcing agency in the IOR Bilateral and High Level viz. Indian Navy, Marine Police, and the working level relationship/ Meetings with Bangladesh Coast Customs, CISF, Port Authority etc. interactions have increased. While Guard and Myanmar Navy were The Indian Coast Guard has discharging the duties at sea, ICG held in the last 02 months. been additionally designated as

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 13 By 2020, there will be approx 100 aircraft in the inventory of ICG, including present fleet and new inductions [06 MMMA, 14 Twin Engine Heavy Helicopter (TEHH), 16 Twin Engine Light Helicopters (TELH) Dhruv MK-III]. A lot of Indian fishermen cross the IMBL and get caught in the neighboring countries maritime security forces. How do you plan to curb this menace? The IFBs cross the notional IMBL with impunity in lure of better fish catch. Since poaching is an economic offence, the crew of the authority responsible for coastal any threat perceived. the fishing boats are arrested and detained. During my weekly hotline security in territorial waters including In order to maintain an effective interaction with the DG Pak MSA, I areas to be patrolled by Coastal surveillance, Indian Coast Guard has exhort him to consider directing his Police. enhanced the deployment of assets units at sea to shepherd the IFBs to Coastal Security is a multi in our EEZ. On an average, every our waters instead of arresting them. agency responsibility that involves day about 35-40 ICG ships are on Further, ICG ships on patrol also surveillance, intelligence gathering, patrol whereas about 8-10 aircraft regularly shepherd Indian fishing dissemination of information and are deployed for aerial surveillance. boats operating near Indo-Pak IMBL. actual interdiction/interception. Further, post 26/11 the boarding However, each of the organisation operations undertaken by ICG have During Community Interaction involved in Coastal Security have also enhanced phenomenally, for Programmes instituted by ICG, the fishing community is regularly their individual charter of duties and ensuring physical checking of boats sensitised on the perils of crossing responsibilities. The main agencies thereby increasing deterrence within the IMBL. participating in Coastal Security the coastal waters. along the entire coastline include What other initiatives have What are your future plans for Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, been taken by ICG for safety of capability development of the ICG? Coastal Marine Police, State Police, fishermen? Customs, CISF, State Fisheries, Towards force accretion, 75 Indian Coast Guard has been IB, Major ports, Minor ports, surface platforms are presently conducting Community Interaction State Maritime Boards and other under construction. Out of these, Programmes to sensitize fishermen concerned State/Central agencies. 63 are new acquisitions and 12 are about safety of life at sea and Presently, all the stake holders for replacement of aged platforms. importance of carriage of safety in the Coastal Security construct Currently, three ship acquisition equipment at sea. A total of 4097 are actively participating in the proposals, viz 14 FPVs, five OPVs Community Interaction Programmes Coastal Security Mechanism. and five FPVs are in advance stages have been undertaken since 2009 by Standard Operating Procedures and are likely to be contracted in ICG which amounts to approximately (SOPs) for Coastal Security have current financial year. In addition, 50 Community Interaction been promulgated by the Govt. of two cases of acquisition for 17 Programmes per month. In these India, wherein the role, functioning surface platforms are in pipeline. By Community Interaction Programme, and response mechanism has been the end of 2020, the ICG is likely fishermen are trained and informed enunciated. It is now a norm to to have a force level of 150 surface for usage and relevance of life safety launch a coordinated operation for platforms. appliances. Further, on receipt of

14 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 information regarding fishermen in required to be achieved as per ICG has lateral linkages with the Navy at distress, ICG initiates SAR operations perspective Plans. Besides inducting all levels. The two services operate wherein nearest SAR unit is diverted AOPV’s capable of carrying ship in a common domain towards for rendering assistance. borne twin engine helicopters for common objectives and hence it is SAR ops, we are inducting PCV, inevitable that they share a common Search and Rescue is an important OPVs, FPVs, IPVs and Hovercrafts so duty of the Coast Guard apart from doctrine. Security and surveillance other duties as per CG Charter. as to replace our ageing ships and operations are being undertaken What are your plans to build up upgrade our existing fleet strength. off the Gujarat/Maharashtra coast and consolidate the ICG capability New ships are being equipped with and South Tamil Nadu coast by in performing SAR roles? modern machinery and cutting edge CG units in coordination with India has a Search and Rescue sensors thus providing higher speeds Navy. Operational success in and the capability to undertake day/ Region (ISRR) of approx 4 million actual operations and in routine night ops. Sq Kms. Indian Coast Guard has surveillance is ensured by the been assigned the responsibility for To further strengthen our air institutionalised participation of the providing Search and Rescue in the arm, we are also in the process of Coast Guard in joint exercises and ISRR. Coast Guard Maritime Rescue inducting shore based twin engine operational coordination between Coordination Centres (MRCCs) helicopters to support our ships the two services at all levels. The located at Mumbai, Chennai and and augment our SAR efforts. These mechanism will be revolutionised Port Blair coordinate all cases state of the art aviation assets will once the National Command Control pertaining to the Search and Rescue have higher speeds and the longer Communications and Intelligence in the ISRR. These MRCCs are endurance which are vital for the network links the Operations Rooms further assisted by the Coast Guard successful culmination of SAR Ops. of the two services. In addition, various IN-ICG higher level staff Maritime Rescue Coordination Sub What does Coast Guard do to Centres (MRSCs) co-located with maintain maritime security? talks are conducted regularly between CGHQ and NHQ. the Coast Guard District HQs in Constant vigil along the coast each of the Coastal State of India. is maintained by the Indian Coast Vice Admiral Bisht, many thanks We are in the process of acquiring Guard by tasking air and surface for sparing your precious time and more Maritime Rescue Coordination units. Dedicated surveillance is speaking to us. We appreciate Sub Centres (MRSCs) and Maritime being maintained in the areas your gesture and compliment you on your achievements. Your views Rescue Coordination Sub Sub appreciated as most vulnerable to would be circulated to the services Centres (MRSSCs) to strengthen the the threat of terrorist infiltration and capabilities of our MRCCs. through the Sainik Samachar. Piracy. Security and Surveillance Finally sir, Being an avid golfer, how Further, for effective SAR efforts, Operations are being undertaken off do you take time off from your busy ICG is in the process of developing the Gujarat/Maharashtra Coast and schedule and the commitments to a common SAR support software South Tamil Nadu Coast by CG units pursue your hobby? for Maritime and Aviation SAR. The in coordination with Navy. Dedicated Yes, I agree that being at the project is being envisaged under surveillance is also maintained for helm does keep me very busy and aegis of NMSAR Board. I am happy safeguarding Vulnerable Areas (VAs) I seldom get time to pursue Golf. to state that our efforts have yielded and Vulnerable Points (VPs) along I generally try to take some time return and we were able to save the Indian Coastline. Coast Guard off during the weekends or in the since inception, 6929 lives in distress has established a Chain of Static wee hours for the sport. But more at sea. In the current year itself, the sensors along to coast to strengthen important for we men in uniform is to Indian Coast Guard has saved 354 Coastal Security. remain physically fit as not only does lives at sea, which translates to a life How does ICG and IN interact it instill pride but also it is a way of being saved every day. in fulfilling their roles in safe life. I make it a point to do physical In order to extend ICG’s reach guarding the coasts of the nation? exercise on a daily basis whenever I to the limits of the ISRR, we have The Coast Guard-Navy synergy get time for fitness. envisaged a force level which is is ever palpable. The Coast Guard pix: Rakesh Mangaraj

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 15 Sahyog-Kaijin-XV Indo-Japan Coast Guard Joint Exercise

Joint Exercise named Sahyog-Kaijin-XV was A conducted in the Bay of Bengal off Chennai on January 15, 2016 between Indian and Japan Coast Guard. This exercise is a part of the ongoing joint exercises between the Coast Guards of the two countries during the last 15 years. The Indian Coast Guard fleet consisting of six surface units and two air crafts Coast Guard Ships viz. Samudra Paheredar, Vishwast, Rajkamal, Rajtarang, C-417, C-415 one Dornier and one Chetak helicopter along with Japan Coast Guard Ship Echigo with integrated Sikorsky helicopter participated in the exercise. The exercise was witnessed by Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, the Director General, Indian Coast Guard and Vice Admiral Hideyo Hanamizu, Vice Commandant, Japan Coast Guard who has specially flown in for a high level meeting with the Coast Guard. The exercise was co- ordinated and conducted under the overall supervision of Inspector General SP Sharma, the Commander Coast Guard Region (East). The exercise was also witnessed by a high level Japanese delegation and senior officials of Japan Coast Guard. The highlights of the exercise encompassed the scenario of the hijacking of a merchant vessel and its subsequent rescue in joint Coast Guard operation of both the countries. Operation of Indian Coast Guard exercise culminated with an impressive steam past by helicopters from Japan Coast Guard Ship and vice versa, the ships and fly past by the aircraft wherein the crew cross deck landing, interdiction of pirate vessel, cross of the participating units saluted the DGICG and Vice boarding, SAR demonstration and external fire fighting Commandant JCG. were the other highlights of the exercise. In addition During joint interaction with the media onboard the Coast Guard ships and aircraft demonstrated ICGS Samudra Paharedar the Director General ICG their prowess before the Japanese delegation. The and Vice Commandant JCG expressed their satisfaction towards the conduct of the exercise with an objective of acquainting with each other’s capabilities and strengthening their working level relationship including interoperability and further refining joint operating procedures. The Director General also brought out the significant contribution of the fishing community towards security as eyes and ears of the Coast Guard. The association of Indian and Japan Coast Guard dates back to the year 1999 where for the first time in maritime history a pirated ship was apprehended. The Japan flagged ship MV Alondra Rainbow hijacked by pirates and repainted as MV Mega Rama was apprehended at high seas by the Indian Coast Guard in the Arabian sea off Mumbai. The incident was a precedent in itself and received worldwide coverage. - Comdt IJ Singh

16 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 ICGS Samudra Pavak Commissioning of Pollution Control Vessel

ndian Coast Guard Ship Samudra IPavak, the third and last in the series of three 95m Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) was commissioned at Porbandar by Mr G Mohan Kumar, Defence Secretary on January 14, 2016 in the presence of Vice Admiral HCS Bisht, Director General Indian Coast Guard, ADG SPS Basra, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), Mr Rishi Agarwal, CMD ABG Shipyard and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State Government. ‘Samudra Pavak’ meaning ‘Pure’ is a projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and well. The 95 meter long ship with are at various stages of construction commitment “To Serve and Protect” 4500 tones can achieve a maximum at different Indian shipyards. The the maritime interest of the nation. speed of 20.5 knots. The vessel is commissioning of this vessel and fitted with state-of-the-art navigation other platforms will add additional Ship is equipped with the most and communication equipment. punch to the Indian Coast Guard advanced pollution Response and The ship, on joining the Coast which will emerge as a stronger Control equipment for mitigating and more potent force, to address oil spill in the Exclusive Economic Guard Fleet will be based at Porbandar. She will be deployed the emerging security challenges in Zone. In addition, this specialist our maritime boundaries in addition PCV can perform activities like extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties as enshrined in the to securing the marine environment oil containment, recovery, oil against oil pollution. separation and dispersion of Coast Guard Charter. The vessel will pollutants. The availability of two strengthen the security umbrella over ICGS Samudra Pavak is manned rigid sweeping arms enables the 1600 km long coast of Gujarat. by a complement of 11 Officers and containment of oil spill in motion as Presently, Indian Coast Guard has a 100 men and commanded by Deputy Fleet of 118 Ships. Further 73 Ships Inspector General Satish Kumar, under the overall command and control of Commander, Regional Headquarters (North West). The basing of the Pollution Control Vessel at Porbandar is an imperative necessitated by its proximity to the oil bearing SLOCs and the fragile marine biodiversity. The Gulf of Kutch with its rich biodiversity, living resources, fisheries, coral reefs and mangrove vegetation, and swampy lands around the coast produces 71% of the nation’s common salt and consequent high vulnerability merits the positioning of the Pollution Response Vessel for prompt response to any oil spill contingencies. - Comdt IJ Singh

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 17 Army Day Celebrations: 2016

ndian Army celebrated its 68th IArmy Day on January 15, 2016. Every year Indian Army celebrates 15th January as ‘Army Day’ to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) KM Carriappa took over the command of Army from General Sir FRR Bucher in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army, post-Independence. As per precedence, the events of the day commence with the laying of wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti by service Chiefs as a mark of respect to the fallen soldier. As a run up to Army Day 2016, a number of events were organized Mrs Namita Suhag, President Army Wives Welfare Association inaugurated the veterans in New Delhi to include National health camp at Base Hospital Level Inter Army Public School Indigenisation of Indian Army in Camps were organised, for the Debate Competition, National Level a Futuristic Context” and Army Armed Force Veterans and their Open Quiz Competition for school ‘Raahgiri’ with an endeavour to dependents all over the Country. children, Painting Competition connect with the masses and bring at India Gate Lawns for children, In New Delhi, Mrs Namita “Indian Army Skills Symposium” in the 68th Army day celebrations Suhag, President Army Wives collaboration with the National Skill closer home to the general public. Welfare Association (AWWA) Development Corporation, Seminar Thirty Medical and Dental camps inaugurated the Medical, Dental on “Capability Development and and twenty five Blood Donation and Blood Donation Camp at Base

Service Cheifs Paying homage at India Gate on occasion of Army Day

18 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 performance of their respective units. He also felicitated the “Veer Naris” on the occasion. In his address, Gen Dalbir Singh extended his felicitations to all ranks of Indian Army, veterans, civilian employees and their families. He complemented the troops for their sustained efforts in bringing down infiltration levels along the Line of Control and neutralizing key terrorists in the hinterland. The COAS also highlighted the policy Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS addressing the veterans at inauguration of Directorate of Indian of constructive engagement with Army Veterans in Delhi Cantt Hospital, Delhi Cantt on January 10, 2016. The COAS inaugurated the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans at Delhi Cantt on January 14, 2016. The directorate shall provide a wide range of veteran care and support services, as also a single point of contact, or redress, to the veterans, widows and wards residing across the country. On the Army Day, General Dalbir Singh, COAS reviewed the Parade at Army Parade Ground, Army Dog Contingent during Army Day Parade Delhi Cantonment and awarded fifteen Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of Gallantry and thirteen COAS Unit Citations for commendable

Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS reviewing parade at Army Parade Ground T-90 Tank during Army Day Parade

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 19 Gen Dalbir Singh awarding Sena Medal to next of kin of Martyred Soldier China. While differences on border government initiatives. He also of a Digital Army, welfare projects, alignment remain, recent visits to expressed satisfaction for the upgradation of veteran cell to an China by Army delegations led by spontaneous and rapid mobilisation independent directorate, amongst the Eastern and Northern Army during earthquake in Nepal and other initiatives. He finally called Commanders are indicative of unprecedented floods in Chennai. upon all to rededicate themselves to growing understanding between He also apprised the audience the service of the Nation. both militaries. In the North East, on ongoing initiatives on capacity On the occasion, an impressive calibrated and people friendly enhancement in major weapon parade was organised at Army operations continue to complement systems, initiatives towards making Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment,

Tableau of Directorate of Indian Army Veterans

20 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 Combat Demonstration during Army Day Parade where Army Contingents including dais. The Army Dogs are utilized of the Army units. Combat actions seven Mechanised (T-90 Tank, BMP for specialist jobs like explosive included straffing runs depicted by II, Brahmos Missile System, Akash detection, tracking, guarding and the Rudra armed helicopter and Missile System, Smerch Multi Barrel assaulting. Tableaux of Indian Army special tactics for insertion and Rocket Launchers, Troop Level Radar as also of the Veterans depicted extraction of soldiers behind the and Integrated Communication their role and contributions towards enemy lines were depicted. the nation. Motor Cycle Display by Electronic Warfare System) and nine The ‘At Home’ Army Day the Army Daredevils was the other marching contingents participated. Reception was held in the evening at attraction during the parade The marching contingents also ‘Army House’. The President, Prime included an Army Dog Contingent A grand finale was a Combat Minister, Defence Minister, apart wherein the dogs and their trainers Demonstration, which showcased from other Cabinet Ministers, as well marched in unison past the saluting Battle Drills and Combat Techniques as Civilian and Military Dignitaries graced the occasion. The Army Day Movie on the theme ‘Indian Army – in Service to Nation’ showcased during the function highlighted the Indian Army’s contribution and service to the Nation since World War. The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi also reviewed the various innovations made by Soldiers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Young Officers of the Indian Army. - Col Rohan Anand pix:GD Mehra, Fulchand Kitadikar and At Home Function Vijay Kumar

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 21 Army Day Celebrations in all Commands

Felicitation of Veer Naris by White Knight Corps Veterans being felicitated in Lucknow on occasion of Army Day

Veer Naris receiving awards by Lt Gen Bipin Rawat during the Wreath laying ceremony by Vajra Corps on occasion of Army Day investiture ceremony

Homage to martyrs at Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim on occasion of Army Day

22 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 Lt Gen BS Negi with awardees in Central Command investiture ceremony

Wreath laid by Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi at Kolkata on occasion of Weapon display at Chandimandir on occasion of Army Day Army Day

Weapon and Equipment Display at Siliguri on occasion of Army Day

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 23 Lt Gen JFR Jacob Passes Away

t Gen JFR Jacob passed away in the morning of LJanuary 13, 2016 due to old age complications at the age of 92 years at Army Research and Referral Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. The President of India in his condolence message said “Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Lt Gen JFR Jacob, hero of Bangladesh Liberation war of 1971”. The Prime Minister of India stated, “Rest in Peace, Lt Gen JFR Jacob. India will always remain grateful to him for his impeccable service to Indian Army. He was also part of Indo-Pakistan War of the nation at the most 1965 and 1971. He gained prominence when as Major crucial moments”. General he served as the Chief of Staff of the Indian The Defence Minister Army’s Eastern Command that defeated the Pakistan condoled the passing Army in East Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh away of the General, Liberation War. He retired from the Army after 37 years stating “Deeply of service in 1978. saddened to hear of Lt Gen JFR Jacob’s Lt Gen Jacob was appointed as Governor of the demise. I will always State of Goa, and later served as Governor of Punjab. cherish the memories of He has authored the books: “Surrender at Dacca: Birth working with Lt Gen JFR Jacob during his of a Nation” and “An Odyssey in War and Peace: An stint as Governor of Goa. May his soul rest in peace”. Autobiography by Lt Gen JFR Jacob”. The COAS expressed his deepest condolences towards The mortal remains of Lt Gen Jacob were brought this great loss. He stated that “Lt Gen JFR Jacob was to Brar Square, Delhi Cantt, and accorded full military a pillar of Military leadership and personified the best honours. Wreaths were laid by the Defence Minister, Ex- qualities of a Soldier and a statesman who will be Army Chiefs, Chief of Army and Air Staff, representative remembered as one of the most prominent Leaders in of office of the President, representatives of office of the annals of Indian Military History”. Governor of Punjab and a host of serving and retired Lt Gen JFR Jacob was born in 1923 at Calcutta. He fraternity of Army who were present on the occasion as enlisted in the British Indian Army in 1942. He also served a mark of respect to the illustrious General. The mortal in Northern Iraq, North Africa, Burma and Sumatra. remains were thereafter escorted to a synagogue for the After World War II, he attended and graduated from final rites. artillery schools in England and the United States. He - Col Rohan Anand returned to India following the partition, and joined the pix: Sushil Kumar

24 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 Exercise ‘Sarvatra Prahar’

Ex Sarvatra Prahar” was conducted by the School of “Artillery at Devlali on January 8 and 11, 2016, where a plethora of equipment showcasing the Regiment of Artillery was employed and its firepower displayed. The exercise was conducted through a tactical situation requiring an appreciation of the operation and preparation of an Artillery fire plan in support of the operation. During the exercise the entire range of guns, from the indigenous 120 mm Mortars, 155 mm Soltam, 105 mm Indian Field Gun, 105 mm Light Field Gun, 130 mm Medium Gun to the sophisticated 155 mm FH 77B Bofors and 122 mm Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher GRAD BM 21, demonstrated their destructive power. The ‘Gunners’ demonstrated accuracy, consistency and the overwhelming power of the Artillery by simultaneous engagement of targets with a number of guns. An array of new generation rocket and missile systems like Pinaka, Smerch and a model of Brahmos missile were also displayed. Surveillance and Target Acquisition equipment like the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Surveillance Sensors and Weapon Locating Radars were also showcased during the exercise. These Surveillance and Target Acquisition devices, when used in conjunction with the guns, are capable of enhancing the effect of fire power, thereby acting as Force multipliers. A special draw was the Combat Free Fall by Special Forces team and Cheetah and Chetak helicopters flown by Army Aviators, which airlifted a 120 mm mortar as Technology, Pune. Lt Gen J George, Commandant, part of the exercise for delivering firepower resources to School of Artillery, interacted with various participants inaccessible areas. and delegations who attended the event. Apart from this, a large number of school children and NCC cadets The event was witnessed by Officers of Defence also attended the display, which gave them a glimpse Services Staff College, Wellington, Cadets from National of the might of the Indian Army’s arm of Artillery and Defence Academy (NDA), Young Officers from College motivated the young minds. of Military Engineering (CME) and Military Institute of - Col Rohan Anand

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 25 Interview | DGDS and Col Comdt, AD Corps

t Gen TK Bandyopadhyay, PHDS, DGDS and Col Comdt, VSM, AD Corps described about the evolution of LAD Coprs, its achievements, progress and its roadmap in an interview with Sainik Samchar’s Editor-in-Chief Mr Hasibur Rahman

Heartiest congratulations on the 75th AD Corps raising day. This relatively young Corps has made its presence felt in the last seven decades. Could you give us a brief over view of its heritage and subsequent growth in structure? Thank you for your wishes. Dental treatment for Indian troops was started on February 1, 1941 when seven Civilian Dental surgeons were granted Emergency Kings Commission in the newly created Dental branch of the Indian Medical Service known as IMS (D). The performance of the first batch of Indian Dental Officers was highly appreciated and soon their strength was raised to 23. Indian Medical Service (Dental) became the Indian Army Dental Corps (IADC) in 1943 and all Officers with suitable qualifications were transferred to the new Corps. The main force behind the formation and expansion of IADC was Col R Manton King. Post World War II, many of the Pakistan, followed by BEG Kirkee of Armed Forces Dental Services into dental units raised were disbanded (Poona), Peshawar, Hyderabad and the office of Addl Director General however the necessity for retaining the Dehradun. Dental Services with effect from Corps as a permanent establishment In 1963 lady Dental Officers January 5, 1997. A red letter day was fully accepted. Reorganisation were made eligible for Short Service dawned in the history of AD Corps on followed suit in IADC, wherein it Commission. The pay and promotion December 1, 2001 when the office was decided to maintain the Cadre for the defence forces were revised of Addl Director Dental Services strength at about 70 officers, out of several times under various pay was upgraded to Director General which 31 officers were placed on commissions and the top selection Dental Services to be headed by an select list for grant of Permanent post in the Corps was raised to officer of the rank of Lt Gen. Regular Commission (PRC), while the rank of Maj Gen in 1967 with the remaining were given Short In the year 2006, another the retiring age of 59 years; which Service Regular Commission feather was added in the cap of at present has been increased to (SSRC). In order to encourage Post this elite Corps when Govt of India; 60 years. Maj Gen Kartar Singh, Graduate Dental Surgeons to join MOD sanctioned the coveted the Armed Forces, Direct Permanent was the first General Officer of AD appointment of “Col Comdt” of AD Commission was introduced in Corps. Corps. The AD Corps today has 666 the year 1961. The first Military The President of India approved Officers with one Lt Gen, five Maj Dental centre was started at Quetta; the restructuring of the headquarters Gen, 17 Brigs & 56 Cols.

26 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 How has the AD Corps progressed in terms of modernisation of infrastructure of Dental equipment or Dental treatment modalities over the years? Army Dental Corps has carved a niche in the Field of Military Dentistry and has undergone rapid transformation keeping itself abreast with technological improvements both in the sphere of equipments and dental materials. The Dental Treatment facilities of AD Corps are based on a model where prevention of Oral and dental disease is given a top most priority. In addition to periodic dental assessment and treatment of the troops and families, our centres microscopes; to name a few have in the DRDO where in continuous have an expanded role in health already been initiated. improvement is being made in the promotion also. The centres are Armed Forces Dental Services field of indigenous Dental implants also involved in smoking cessation have undertaken several research as well as stem cell research. programmes, oral cancer screening projects with an aim to improve the Advanced treatment options have tests and organising rural dental standard of treatment delivered to the been developed for oral cancer health check up camps. clientele that is working in different diagnosis and treatment. We have always moved forward terrains and climatic conditions. It is the endeavour of the Corps in consonance with the evolving Dento facial deformities are now to maintain a high standard of requirements of patients as well as treated with a multidisciplinary team patient care to its clientele always changing operational scenario. of the Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon, through stringent assessment Today many of our Dental Centres Prosthodontist, Orthodontist and systems and periodic evaluation. All have a new state of art complex with other specialists. New methods like these efforts have ensured the best contemporary and modern facilities distraction ostogenesis are being dental care for troops; their families for treatment and training. Further, increasingly explored to rectify and dependents. we have already processed multiple orofacial disorders; for instance, What are the Organisational cases for provisioning of our set ups correction of small jaw. assets of AD Corps and what kind at all levels with state of art Dental The Corps is also a pioneer of Dental Hospitals are there in the Chairs, diagnostic Radiovisiography Indian Armed Forces? units, tooth coloured direct bonding in including the concept of sleep restorative resins, rotary root medicine as an exclusive entity As far as the Human resource canal equipment, dental implants, in orthodontic postgraduate assets, we have 666 Dental Officers highly aesthetic ceramic material curriculum. Research into this aspect and proportionate number of and furnaces etc. Procurement has brought out the significance of paradental staff in the AD Corps. of sophisticated and the latest orthodontic intervention in managing The Dental establishments in equipments like the CAD-CAMS a potential health hazard. The all the three services are broadly (Computer Aided Designing and challenging and unique procedure categorised into the Primary, Computer Aided Machining System), of total jaw joint replacement has Secondary and Tertiary levels of CBCT (Cone Beam Computed successfully been performed by centres. The primary level centres Tomography), Dental Lasers, Digital our team of oral surgeons. We include the 05; 04 and 02 Chair impressions, Endodontic operating have a dedicated research officer Dental Platoons, 02 chair Type ‘C’

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 27 MDCs (Military Dental Centres) and Apart from this we have many other Commissioned Dental Officers many independent Dental sections types of Naval Dental Centres. The with over 10 years of service who at the Brigade level, Para field Air Force too has a similar set up as could not get selected for the Post hospital, NSG etc. At the secondary in the Navy having various types of Graduate courses in the service level we have the 5/6 Chair Corps Air Force Dental Centres including training establishments are also Dental Units, Type ‘A’ MDCs with the Air Force Institute of Dental eligible for Study Leave for pursuing 05 dental chairs and Type ‘B’ MDCs Sciences at Bangalore. We also higher studies in Dental subjects equipped with three dental chairs. have Dental Units with Border Roads recognized by DCI, as well as non The tertiary level care consist of organisation. clinical subjects like MBA, MHA, the various ‘CMDCs’ (Command I would also like to add that Medical Informatics, MSc Computer Military Dental Centres) which are to reach out to every combatant Science, LLB etc based on the service equipped with 09/14 dental chairs deployed in far flung areas, we have requirements. as well as the ‘AFDC’ (Armed Forces the Mobile Dental treatment concept AD Corps has in the past and Dental Clinic). for which we have state of art, fully continues to organise large number The Corps also has two premiere equipped Mobile Dental Vans in of updates, conferences, workshops training institutes for the Dental Eastern and Northern theatres. which have not only imparted the requisite knowledge and skills to the officers as well as for the Para dental What are the various professional Armed Forces Dental Professionals staff. These are ADC (R&R) Dental avenues available to the Dental Establishment at New Delhi and the Officers while in service? but also to a large number of civilian Department of Dental Surgery at counterparts for the benefit of the Apart from the post graduate patients. AFMC Pune. These institutes apart training programme offered at our from providing tertiary level of dental premiere specialist training institutes The Corps organised the prestigious World Military Dental care conduct Post Graduate courses i.e Department of Dental Surgery Congress/ SDFDS under the aegis in DCI recognised specialities at AFMC Pune and ADC (R&R) of Federation DentaireInternationale like Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, New Delhi, the specialist dental from September 8 to 11, 2014 Prosthodontics, Periodontics & officers can undergo a degree/ at New Delhi. Heads of Military Orthodontics. diploma/fellowship/ training in Dental Services from 31 countries In the Navy we have the Naval various super speciality subjects as participated in this event. It served Institute of Dental sciences which per Training rules applicable for as a platform for the international came into being in the year 1977. AD Corps Officers. The Permanent combat dental fraternity to share technical and academic knowledge to enhance our common goal of combat support towards our forces. Today the Army Dental Corps has established itself as an emergent global leader in field of Military Dentistry. All the Dental Corps Officers are encouraged to participate in research projects, scientific forums by presenting scientific papers and various scientific publications. The Corps has conducted nearly 189 Dental research projects under the aegis of AFMRC. 60 original research articles have been published in various National and

28 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 International journals. In the years PC Officers become eligible our complementary mission to foster to come, the Corps will spearhead for post graduate training after four creativity, innovation and leadership dental research in the country to years of service at the prestigious qualities. make Dental treatment affordable post graduate training institutes of I am proud of my men who are the Armed Forces i.e Department and accessible to one & all. serving silently in far flung areas of Dental Surgery, AFMC, Pune and What is the selection procedure for with great devotion and ingenuity Army Dental Centre (R&R), New entry as Dental Officer in the AD to our troops and re-defining the Delhi. They can also apply for study Corps? How is their professional term ‘Commitment’ towards duties. calibre maintained? leave and pursue post graduate studies in various specialities in the Although high end technology Every year during the months civil institutions. is the backbone of research and of May/ June; advertisement for has complemented the clinician The Officers undergo MOJC Short Service Entry in AD Corps is to understand the human illness course at OTC, AMC Centre & published in all the leading National and disease but it in no way can College Lucknow and Senior Dental News Papers. The applications are be a substitute for soft skills like screened and based on merit the Officers (SDO) Course at department of dental surgery, AFMC, Pune compassion and assurance of select candidates are called to New camaraderie in a bunker. My Delhi where in they undergo a series between 9-11 years of their service to equip them to take on challenges endeavour will be to ensure that of interviews followed by a detailed efforts of such officers do not go medical examination. The best of of administration, management and unnoticed and to provide opportunity talents qualify to be adorned with the planning. This course also acquaints for furtherance in their career. AD Corps shoulder title. From the the officers with the latest advances year 2015 onwards the candidates in their professional field. Our Armed Forces inherit some who have cleared the AIPG Dental A unique system of accreditation indelible traditions and work ethos Entrance Exam conducted by AIIMS, is followed in the form of grading as exist in any well knit society. Our New Delhi and opted for the SSC examination, classification, annual veterans are an integral part of entry in AD Corps will be called specialist return and annual this society. I would like to put my for the interview depending on the confidential reports. This is monitored emphasis on quality dental care number of vacancies. and maintained by the senior for veterans and their dependants, The selected candidates are leadership to bring the best out of especially for those residing in commissioned in the rank of Captain the Officers. Regular interaction with remote locations and rural areas. senior colleagues and peers not only and then their journey in the AD I aim for integration among improves their professional acumen Corps begins. These young men the diverse fields of Dental care, and skills but also enhances their and women undergo Basic Military with equal focus on peace time social, intellectual and emotional training at the OTC, AMCC&C skills. advancement in research and Dental Lucknow. The transformation of the care in service dental centres as dental doctors to dental Officers Could you highlight your vision well as provision of Combat Dental starts here. They also undergo and road map that you envisage Support comparable to any Army of for the Corps? basic refresher training of ‘Clinical the World. Dentistry and Documentation’ at To make our service I am sanguine that the AD Corps Command Military Dental Centre, contemporary and fulfil the Lucknow. These young men & aspirations of our clientele, I aim to which has always followed the motto women are ready to take on duties build this Corps where convergence of ‘Service before Self’ will continue at any place in the country. After a of knowledge, research and to evolve as an organisation of totally minimum of two years of service, the entrepreneurship potentiates our dedicated professionals with the SSC Officers can opt for Permanent primary role. Together we can work highest Military bearing committed Commission for which they have to fulfil our goals through a dual to provide nothing but the “Best” to to go through a separate selection strategy – with our primary mission our valued clientele. process. to excel in treatment delivery and pix: Rajesh Khanande

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 29 Conduct of Medical and Blood Donation Camps on Army Day 2016

s part of Army Day celebrations, AMedical camps for Veterans and their dependents were conducted at 30 locations by Army Medical Corps(AMC) under the aegis of AG’s Branch. These camps were conducted at permanent locations of Military Hospitals, ECHS Polyclinics situated in the same station as MH and also as outreach camps located away from the MHs. Location of these camps was based on Ex- servicemen population, availability of infrastructure and medical resources and facilities at nearest service Hospitals. Medical Camps provided wide Offg GOC UB Area, ADGMS (Army) and Comdt MH Meerut at the Medical Camp at array of facilities that included Kadrabad (Bijnor) consultation by various specialists these camps included establishment Giri Bhootpurv Sainik Adarsh Inter followed by distribution of prescribed of Ex-servicemen pension anomalies College, Kadrabad (Bijnor) where medicines. Screening of life style/ Help Desk, ECHS help desk and approximately 2400 Ex-servicemen, geriatric diseases like Diabetes, CSD counters. families and dependents utilised the Hypertension, Heart disease and facilities. Addl DGMS (Army) Maj cataract was carried out. Basic Mrs Namita Suhag, President Gen PK Singh, VSM attended the Lab and other investigations like Army Wives Welfare Association camp on behalf of DGMS (Army) Blood Sugar, Haemogram, Blood (AWWA) inaugurated the Camp at and AG. Cholesterol, ECG and X-Ray were Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. Medical also carried out. Health awareness and Blood Donation Camps Blood Donation Camps were activities were also undertaken at were inaugurated by Formation organized at 23 Military Hospitals these camps in the form of display Commanders at various places and all across the country. Serving pers, of Health charts and Health lectures there was an overwhelming response Ex-servicemen and civilians donated by experts on lifestyle and geriatric to these camps. The camps were blood for the noble cause at these diseases. The response to the camps highly appreciated by the veterans camps. Over 1600 units of Blood was very encouraging as outpatient and their dependents. were collected which will be utilised consultation and diagnostic facilities The largest attendance at these by the Hospitals for the patients to over 7800 veterans were provided camps was at the outreach camp requiring Blood transfusion. across the country. Other facilities at conducted by MH Meerut at VV inputs: Lt Col Vishal Vir Sharma

Offg GOC UB Area accompanied by ADG MS (Army) and Comdt MH Meerut addressing the veterans & their dependents at Kadrabad (Bijnor) Volunteers donating blood at 92 Base Hospital Srinagar

30 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 Oral Health Check up Camps for Veterans at NCR

ral health check up camps were Oorganised at AFDC, MDC Base Hospital & ADC(R&R) New Delhi on January 10, 2016 celebrating the Army Day and as a part of Platinum Jubilee activities of Army Dental Corps. Dental examination followed by treatment, educational lecture on oral health supported by video clips, emphasis on hazards of deleterious oral habits along with awareness of oral malignancies was delivered. A total of 350 veterans were benefitted on the day with a view to extend the special care that they richly deserve in reciprocation for their remarkable contribution towards the nation. Oral hygiene kits were also distributed on the occasion. - Col M Hundal

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 31 Coast Guard Boarding Teams - An Extension of Force

The transitional dynamics of today’s world, coupled with existing threats, reinforces the need to ensure security on the high seas as well as coastal areas. The emergence of the Coast Guard in India as a new service was the result of such an awareness in those times. Being true to its mission statement to enforce maritime laws with respect to sea, shipping, poaching, smuggling and narcotics, the Indian Coast Guard since its inception has always stood as the principal agency for administering the provisions of all national enactment in force in the maritime zones of India which specifically includes – Assistance to the Department of Custom and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations, usually referred as impound their cargoes in support operations along with enforcement “Boarding Operations” which of the enforcement of economic of MZI Acts. involves the surveillance, interception sanctions or apprehend the elements of unlawful activities. While these Thus, one of the primary roles and, if necessary, boarding of are the principal missions of the of the Coast Guard ships during commercial vessels, fishing vessels Coast Guard boarding operations in operational deployments in recent including trawlers or dhows and at the current environment, many other years has been maritime interdiction times yachts to verify, re-direct or tasks are possible. Boarding parties are not a new concept. They date back to the days of sail when vessels would engage in a broadside gun battle designed to disable the other ship so that a boarding party and prize crew armed with cutlasses and flintlock pistols could capture and control the enemy vessel. Since those days, the team has evolved into a select group of highly trained and disciplined personnel with the necessary skills, knowledge, leadership and rules of engagement to ensure effectiveness in conducting maritime interdiction operations. In today’s time the Coast Guard ships in their boarding operations are normally expected to carry out tasks such as establishing the identity of a suspicious vessel and/or the legality of its cargo or passengers, and gathering information to determine

32 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 At this point a safe location is made to place the crew members, each of whom is subjected to a physical search, documented, photographed and moved to the new area. Subsequently, the boarding officer makes an assessment of the situation and prepares to carry out his mission. This could range from a documentation search through to full search and seizure of the vessel. Any language issues are normally resolved by a member of boarding team who can speak local languages, which becomes enormously helpful. During instances when translation is not possible, the team uses hand signals and body language to impart if the cargo or passengers are linked safety of the team. It requires team instructions. to terrorism. effort from the entire ship’s company In April 2013, a dhow “MSV Coast Guard ensures as the evolution involves more than Yusufi” intercepted off Mumbai with exhaustive training of all personnel just the boarding team. An entire banned ‘Thuraya’ set and illegal detailed for boarding team, which support network is closed-up on the goods of worth Rupees 8 crores. includes various aspects of boarding ship outside of the normal combat On September 8, 2013, procedures personal conditioning spectrum and watch personnel. in a swift sea-air coordinated and weapons proficiency, and Upon embarkation of the team surveillance, the Indian Coast most importantly, safety. During to the VOI, three things happen Guard ship Akkadevi, intercepted an attachment with (Coast Guard simultaneously: the crew is placed one suspicious vessel with five Training Centre) CGTC (Kochi), under authority, the bridge is seized, foreign crew (one Myanmar’s and all personnel receive live hands-on and the lower decks are searched four Thai) in possession of arms and training in proper weapon handling, until the team is confident that it ammunition approx. 40 miles south use of force, container inspections, has complete control of the vessel. east off Diglipur (A & N) rappelling, tactical search and sweep procedures, lectures on ship safety and hazardous material awareness. The boarding teams are an extension of force from its parent ship, remain compliant with directions from their respective Regional/District Headquarters, as well as national doctrine and both domestic and international law taken care by Coast Guard Headquarters. Prior to a team being deployed to a vessel of interest and bringing ship’s team and weapons to a heightened state of readiness there are a number of behind-the-scenes steps that are essential to ensure the

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 33 In October 2013, U.S ship “Seaman Guard Ohio” detained at Tuticorin port for entering Indian territorial waters without supporting documents authorizing their possession of sophisticated arms and ammunition, which included semi-automatic weapons and self- loading rifles. In December 2014, In a joint operation of Indian Coast Guard and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the Coast Guard ships ICGS Subhadra Kumari Chauhan and Achook apprehended two vessels – “MV Ganga Sagar” and dhow “Al Marwan 10” involved in illegal transshipment of 23 tons of red sanders wood at 72 miles South Searches of the vessel of the unexpected - there’s a lot to get used West of Mumbai. interest normally last up to an to when you’re a member of Coast Guard boarding party working in On April 20, 2015, Indian hour or so, and can run longer difficult conditions in far flung and Coast Guard and Indian Navy in a depending on the nature of the dangerous parts of the seas. Some joint operation seized a suspicious vessel and any cargo that it has on of it you can train for, but some of it boat allegedly carrying above 140 board. Intense heat, toxic fumes, just can’t be predicted. kilograms of narcotics worth Rupees overpowering smells and always the 600 crores off Porbandar Coast. adrenaline rush of anticipating the As described by a Commanding Officer of an advanced offshore patrol vessel on western seaboard, “Our presence directly leads to an increased security and stability in the operating area. The merchantmen and fishermen working in the region show appreciation and gratitude for our efforts and the positive impact associated with our presence.” Despite the knowledge that when they board a vessel the boarding party never knows what they might encounter or what type of reception they might receive, these boarding team members knows that boarding party operations are essential to monitor the activity of people posing potential threats to the nation and to upkeep and preserve the motto of Indian Coast Guard – We Protect. - Dy Comdt Mohd Aqrab

34 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 Chakravyuh

Q 1. Where is International Fleet Review 2016 of Q 8. Which Command of Indian Army does this logo Indian Navy scheduled to be held ? belong to ? (PIC -3) Q 2. At which place is the Indian National Defence Q 9. Which Air Force also operates from Farkhor Air University (INDU) coming up ? base, Tajikistan ? Q 3. If you are a part of ‘Milan’ in the Indian Ocean, Q10. Daughter of Lt Colonel PVN Menon and Mrs M what could you be doing ? Narayankutty, this officer retired as Surgeon Rear Admiral in 2013 from Indian Navy. One of her Q 4. Who was the first woman to become Air Marshal sisters has been the first woman spokesperson of in Indian Air Force ? Ministry of External Affairs and first Indian woman Q 5. Which part of a rifle is called the “Sangeen” in High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Identify both these Hindi ? illustrious officers ? Q 6. What is the equivalent rank in Indian Army of the Q11. What was special in the marching contingents of Naval rank of Captain? Picture (1) Republic Day 2016 ? Q 7. Identify the premier Institution from the building Q12. What is supposed to be the last ceremony shown in picture ? (Pic -2) associated with the Republic Day celebrations ? (PIC-4)

Picture-1 Picture-2 Picture-3

Picture-4

Answers

1 Visakhapatnam. 2 Gurgaon. 3 Participating the biennial joint multination Naval exercise. 4 Dr Padmavathy Bandopadhyay. 5 Bayonet. 6 Colonel. 7 Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. 8 Training Command, Indian Army. 9 Indian Air Force. It is the only airbase of IAF outside India. 10 (a) Surgeon Rear Admiral Niramala Kannan. (b) Nirupama Rao IFS 11 French Contingent participation in the parade. 12 Beating Retreat. - Wg Cdr Samir Gangakhedkar

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 35 Defence Pension Adalats A Unique Platform for Pensioners’ Welfare

he Defence Accounts Department response to applications made prior Theaded by the CGDA is to the date of Adalat. The Adalats constantly engaged in addressing the also serve as a forum to disseminate grievances of the large community latest orders and improvements on of Defence veterans and their the pension side to not only the families and has taken a number of pensioners but also to local military proactive steps to reach out to them and disbursement authorities like going beyond conventional methods Banks, Treasuries etc. Besides, the of replying to pensioners’ queries Platform of Adalat is also utilized by and concerns through letters, email, the pensioners and the local military telephone etc. The platform of authorities to know and disseminate Defence Pension Adalats has been various other welfare activities for used to reach out to large number the Ex-servicemen. of Defence pensioners (current The venues for the Adalat are number 2.5 million) spread across determined based on number of the country and especially those pensioners located in those areas located in remote regions of the Mrs Shobhana Joshi, IDAS, CGDA lighting and feedback or requests received country. These Adalats have been the inaugural lamps at the Guwahati Adalat from pensioners, pensioners’ groups highly successful and well received on December 7, 2015 in the presence of or Defence formations. Applications by both the Pensioners as well as Dr. G.D.Pungle, IDAS, PCDA (P) are sought in advance and action various authorities in redressing the administration including the Zilla taken on each of them in association grievances of the pensioners literally Sainik Boards, Defence/ Military with Record offices, Sanctioning at their door steps. authorities in the area seeking authorities, disbursement agencies The platform of Defence applications from the pensioners like the banks, DPDOs, treasuries Pension Adalats, held under residing in those areas as also to etc prior to the dates of the Adalat to the overall aegis of Ministry of take part in the Adalats and seek on ensure that disbursement is made or Defence, was set up in 1987 as a the spot redressal of their pension complaint settled during the Adalat major step towards settling pension related queries or complaints. As program. Broadly, the grievances related queries ad grievances of a result of advance mobilization, range from delays in disbursement the Defence pensioners. The first financial benefits are also disbursed of pensionary awards and release Adalat was held on December 29, during these Adalats based on of arrears, re-fixation of pension 1987 at Jallandhar. Since then, the revised entitlements worked out in consequent to issue of orders revising CGDA has held 137 adalats in 89 stations across the country. Till date, Defence Pension Adalats in 2015 about 56837 grievances received in S.No. Station No. of grievances various adalats have been settled to Settled the satisfaction of the applicants. 1. Dehradun/ Uttrakhand (March’ 2015) 375 The Defence Pension Adalats 2. Udhampur/ J&K (April’ 2015) 325 have become a unique forum where all the concerned agencies involved 3. Kannur/Kerala (May 2015) 544 in pension process ranging from 4. Port Blair/ Andeman & Nicobar (May 2015) 180 Record Offices, Pension sanctioning 5. Jalandhar/ Punjab (June 2015) 159 authorities to representatives of 6. Nasik/ Maharashtra (July 2015) 377 Banks, treasuries, DPDOs etc. come together and resolve the grievances 7. Nagpur/ Maharashtra (July 2015) 188 of the pensioners in a comprehensive 8. Yol/Chamba (H.P.)(Sep 2015) 82 manner. The dates and venues 9. Vellore/Tamilnadu (Nov 2015) 291 of the Adalat are advertised in 10. Guwahati/Assam (Dec 2015) 143 advance through local media, local

36 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 pension awards, in-correct fixation, Upcoming Adalats in 2016 wrong payments and seeking Sl. Station Month Organizing Controller confirmation on disbursement of No. correct pension dues. 1. Kochi (Kerala) March’ 2016 PCDA (Navy) Mumbai In the year 2015, the 2. Satara (Mah) April’ 2016 PCDA (P) Allahabad department conducted 10 Defence Pension Adalats in all the zones 3. Ranikhet May’ 2016 PCDA (P) Allahabad of the country – (see box for the (Uttrakhand) stations where Adalats were held 4. Mysore May’ 2016 CDA Chennai and participation levels). (Karnataka) During these Adalats, about 5. Bhopal (MP) June’ 2016 CDA (AF) New Delhi 70 % of the grievances received 6. Aizawal (Mijoram) Sep’ 2016 PCDA (P) Allahabad have been settled to the satisfaction 7. Surajgarh Oct’ 2016 PCDA (P) Allahabad of the pensioners by officers of (Rajasthan) PCDA (P), DPDOs, Banks, Record offices / Services representatives. 8. Bareily (U.P.) December’ 2016 CDA (PD) Meerut The highlights of the Adalats held in 2015 was disbursement of satisfaction to higher level by turning schedule of the upcoming Adalats in Rs. 152.18 Lacs worth of financial the Adalat into a digitized platform 2016, refer to box. benefits to Defence pensioners due where the data base of all agencies The Defence Accounts to the intervention of Adalat forum. involved in pension entitlements, Department is committed to reaching Continuing with this tradition sanction and disbursement will be out to larger number of Defence of reaching out to the Defence available on the spot to address and Pensioners with a view to resolving Pensioners, the CGDA will be holding cull out specific pension details from their pension related grievances 8 Defence Pension Adalats in the year the digitized records and redress the holistically and in a time bound 2016, starting with Adalat in Kochi grievances on the spot. Efforts are manner. We in the department are in March 2016 and, thereafter, one also being made to bring in more hopeful that new digitized Adalat in each zone including one in North agencies on the Adalat platform to will give greater satisfaction to the East - at Aizwal, Mizoram. It has provide one spot holistic solutions pensioners and will resolve most of also been decided to take customer to the pensioners’ grievances. For their queries on the spot. A pensioners’ helpline facility has also been installed at the office of PCDA (P) Allahabad, which enables the pensioners to call at the toll free number and seek pension related information or redress their grievances. The number of pension call centre is 1800-180-5325. The pensioners can also e-mail their grievances at [email protected]&cc- [email protected]. The CGDA extends greetings to all defence pensioners and their families on the advent New Year 2016 and wish to reach out to largest number of Ex-Servicemen Smt. Shobhana Joshi, IDAS, CGDA, interacting with the pensioners at the business session through these Pension Adalats. during Guwahati Pension Adalat. inputs: Rozy Agarwal

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 37 13th Regiment of Artillery Reunion

he Regiment of Artillery organised TBiannual Artillery Conference and 13th Reunion from December 2-4, 2015. It was organised at School of Artillery and Artillery Centre, Nasik Road. The first Reunion was organised post World War II from February 28 to March 1, 1951 at Artillery Centre, Nasik. It was presided over by Commander in Chief Gen KM Cariappa, OBE and Gen Maharaj Rajendra Sinhji, DSO, Release of First Day Cover the first Colonel Commandant and pride. Lt Gen Arun Kumar the ages including its transition into of Regiment of Artillery. These Sahni, GOC-in-C South Western formidable modern Artillery was also events have a special significance Command and Senior Colonel showcased through a live light and for Armies world over, which Commandant, Regiment of Artillery sound show, which mesmerised the are primarily aimed to retain the led almost a thousand Veterans audience and kept them spell bound. bonding between serving and retired and Serving Gunners in laying the A First Day Cover was also released to fraternity and infuse a sense of pride Wreath at the War Memorial located commemorate the 13th Reunion. and belonging to the organisation. A large number of Officers, Junior at Artillery Centre, Nasik Road. The Gunners prowess in Commissioned Officers and Other Lt Gen PR Shankar, Director Adventure activities was showcased Ranks, both serving and retired General of Artillery and Colonel by an audio visual documentary attended the Reunion. Commandant of Regiment of encompassing land, sea and aerial adventure activities undertaken A number of events were Artillery, while addressing all the across the country to commemorate conducted, comprising discussions Gunners exhorted them to rededicate the Reunion. The gallant Gunners and updates on professional matters, themselves in the service of Nation also demonstrated their skills in Sky viz reorientation of training, growth and live up to the motto of Regiment diving, Para Motor Flying, Powered of units, innovations in Regiment of Artillery ‘Sarvatra Izzat ‘O’ Iqbal’. Harness Hang Gliding, Horse Show of Artillery and its Modernisation To reconnect with the glorious Jumping, Polo and Gymnastics Programme. The occasion was past of Regiment of Artillery, a book during the Tattoo Show at Arty marked by a Commemoration depicting the Lineage of Artillery, was Centre, Nasik Road. Ceremony for the martyrs of the released followed by an exhibition. Regiment, who have made the The exhibition gave an insight Welfare aspects including supreme sacrifice for the Nation. It into the journey of all the units, trg pension issues of the retired fraternity was a solemn occasion graced by the institutions and formations from of Officers, Junior Commissioned Veterans of yester years and serving their inception stage onwards. The Officers and Other Ranks were personnel with a sense of honour journey of Regiment of Artillery over addressed during the Pensioners’ Sammelan organised by Artillery Records. 19 Veer Naris were also felicitated during the event. The Senior Colonel Commandant addressed a vast gathering of pensioners and apprised them of the latest pensionary benefits. All issues raised by the Veterans were given a patient hearing for subsequent action or were addressed on the spot. Pensioners Sammelan inputs: Lt Col GS Juneja

38 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 Gallantry and other Defence Decorations

he President has approved Sensing grave danger to three of Tawards of 365 Gallantry and his wounded colleagues, Lance other Defence decorations to Armed Naik Mohan with utter disregard to Forces personnel and others on his own personal safety, charged the eve of the 67th Republic Day at the remaining terrorists drawing Celebrations. This includes one intense fire from them. He was hit in Ashoka Chakra, four Kirti Chakras, the thigh. Unmindful, he closed in 11 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to and eliminated one terrorist, injured Sena Medal (Gallantry), 48 Sena another and was again shot in the Medal (Gallantry), four Nao Sena abdomen. Undeterred by his injuries, Medal (Gallantry), two Vayu Sena he hurled himself on the last terrorist Medal (Gallantry), 29 Param Vishisht and killed him at point blank range Seva Medal, five Uttam Yudh Seva before succumbing to his wounds. Medal, four Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Lance Naik Mohan not only killed Medal, 49 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, two terrorists, but also assisted in 20 Yudh Seva Medal, three Bar to neutralizing the other two and save Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 37 On the intervening night of the lives of three of his wounded Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), eight September 2/3, 2015 Lance Naik colleagues. Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), Mohan Nath Goswami was part Thus, Lance Naik Mohan 16 Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to of an ambush in Haphruda forest Nath Goswami exhibited most Duty), five Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal at Kupwara District of Jammu conspicuous gallantry in personally and 118 Vishisht Seva Medal. & Kashmir. At about 2015hrs, eliminating two terrorists and The nation’s highest peacetime there was a fierce encounter with assisting in evacuation of his gallantry award Ashoka Chakra four terrorists wherein two of his wounded colleagues and made has been awarded posthumously comrades were injured and pinned supreme sacrifice in the highest to 13625566W Lance Naik down. Lance Naik Mohan along with traditions of the Indian Army. Mohan Nath Goswami of 9 Para his buddy dashed forward to rescue The full list of the recipients (Special Forces)/6th Battalion of the their injured colleagues, knowing of gallantry and other Defence Rashtriya Rifles for his acts of most well the risks to their own lives. He first decorations to Armed Forces conspicuous gallantry. assisted in eliminating one terrorist. personnel and others is as follows:

ASHOKA CHAKRA 13625566W L/NK MOHAN NATH GOSWAMI, 9 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS) KIRTI CHAKRA JC-413444W SUB MAHENDRA SINGH, SM, 9 PARA (SF) 3986807H SEP JAGDISH CHAND, DEFENCE SERVICE CORPS PLATOON(POSTHUMOUS) SHRI RAJESH ATRA, HEAD CONSTABLE LATE SHRI GAUTAM KOCH, ARMED BRANCH CONSTABLE (POSTHUMOUS) SHAURYA CHAKRA IC-58160L COLONEL SANTOSH YASHWANT MAHADIK, SENA MEDAL, THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)/41ST BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) IC-70237P MAJ PRAPHUL KUMAR BHARDWAJ, 12 PARA (SF) IC-71155Y MAJ ANURAG KUMAR, 9 PARA (SF) IC-71516M MAJ SANDIP YADAV, ARMD, 55 RR SL-05351Y LT HARJINDER SINGH, GEN SER, 3 KUMAON

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 39 4190712P NK KHEEM SINGH MEHRA, 21 KUMAON 4577583P SEP DHARMA RAM, MAHAR, 1 RR (POSTHUMOUS) 15614460W NAIK SATISH KUMAR, BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS/ 21ST BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS) LATE CONSTABLE SHRI ROCKY (POSTHUMOUS) SHRI RAKESH KUMAR SHARMA SHRI BIKRAMJEET PRIVATE EMPLOYEE, PESTICIDE FACTORY UPL PARAM VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL IC-31633D LT GEN ARUN KUMAR SAHNI, UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY IC-31663M LT GEN RAKESH NANDAN, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL / ARMY AIR DEFENCE IC-34003 LT GEN MAN MOHAN SINGH RAI, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / CORPS OF ENGINEERS IC-34014M LT GEN AMIT SHARMA, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / ARMOURED CORPS IC-34019l LT GEN DEEPENDRA SINGH HOODA, UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL INFANTRY / HEADQUARTER NORTHERN COMMAND IC-34098l LT GEN HARMINDERJIT SINGH SACHDEV, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-34350A LT GEN KAMAL JIT SINGH, BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / ARMOURED CORPS IC-34356A LT GEN NAVKIRAN SINGH GHEI, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL/ INFANTRY IC-34385P LT GEN ANIL KUMAR AHUJA, UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL, BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY IC-34392L LT GEN GURMIT SINGH, UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL INFANTRY IC-34396F LT GEN RAVINDRAN NARAYAN NAIR, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-34402K LT GEN GHANSHYAM SINGH KATOCH, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-34454A LT GEN GURDEEP SINGH, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-34775X LT GEN RAVINDRA VASANTRAO THODGE, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL INFANTRY / MASTER GENERAL OF ORDNANCE IC-34890 LT GEN SRINIVASAN LAXHMI NARSIMHAN, BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-35036X LT GEN NITIN KUMAR KOHLI, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / CORPS OF SIGNALS IC-35040A LT GEN RAKESH MOHAN MITTAL, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, CORPS OF ENGINEERS / DIRECTOR GENERAL OF BORDER ROADS IC-35226K LT GEN KOCHERLAKOTA GOPALA KRISHNA, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-37022W LT GEN KULKARNI SANJAY, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SHAURYA CHAKRA, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY MR -04133N LT GEN BHUSHAN KUMAR CHOPRA, AVSM, ARMY MEDICAL CORPS

40 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016 VICE ADMIRAL PARASURAMA NAIDU MURUGESAN, AVSM, VSM (01958-Z) VICE ADMIRAL SAROJ KUMAR JHA (01866-R) VICE ADMIRAL AV SUBHEDAR, AVSM, VSM (40735-B) AIR MARSHAL JAGJEET SINGH, VSM, ADC (14814), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING (ELECTRONICS) AIR MARSHAL HERIKUDRU BABU RAJARAM, AVSM, VSM (14939), ADMINISTRATION / AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER (RETIRED) AIR MARSHAL POCHANA PRASAD REDDY, VM, ADC (15008) FLYING (PILOT) AIR MARSHAL KULWANT SINGH GILL, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC (15220) FLYING (PILOT) AIR MARSHAL BIRENDER SINGH DHANOA, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC (15405) FLYING (PILOT) AIR MARSHAL SHIRISH BABAN DEO, AVSM, VM, VSM (15681) FLYING (PILOT) UTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL IC-35206W LT GEN KONSAM HIMALAY SINGH, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, YUDH SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY, HEADQUARTERS 16 CORPS IC-35471M LT GEN BIPIN RAWAT, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, YUDH SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRYHEADQUARTERS 3 CORPS IC-35479Y LT GEN BALWANT SINGH NEGI, YUDH SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL, BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY HEADQUARTER 14 CORPS IC-35494N LT GEN SUBRATA SAHA, YUDH SEVA MEDAL, BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY, HEADQUARTERS 15 CORPS IC-35904Y LT GEN SARATH CHAND, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY / HEADQUARTERS 4 CORPS BAR TO ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL IC-35173W LT GEN RAYMOND JOSEPH NORONHA, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-35650M LT GEN BOBBY CHERIAN MATHEWS, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-35919F LT GEN AMARJEET SINGH, ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, SENA MEDAL / INFANTRY AIR MARSHAL KARATH PADMADASS NAIR, AVSM (15195) FLYING (PILOT) ATI VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL IC-31634X LT GEN RAVINDRA SINGH PANWAR, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / CORPS OF SIGNALS IC-34028M LT GEN ANIRUDDHA CHAKRAVARTY, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-34148L LT GEN RAJENDRA PRASAD RAI, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / ARMY SERVICE CORPS IC-34708M LT GEN GOPAL SINGH BISHT, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / CORPS OF SIGNALS IC-34765 LT GEN IQBAL SINGH SINGHA, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-34838P LT GEN JOHN J GEORGE, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY IC-34901Y LT GEN PALEPU RAVI SHANKAR, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY IC-34954X LT GEN AMIT SARIN, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS IC-35109A LT GEN RAJEEV VASANT KANITKAR, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / ARMOURED CORPS IC-35115M LT GEN JAGBIR SINGH, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL/ MECHANIZED INFANTRY IC-35137L LT GEN PATTIARIMAL MOHAMADALI HARIZ, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL/ MECHANIZED INFANTRY IC-35602M LT GEN ASHOK BHIM SHIVANE, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, ARMOURED CORPS

February 1-15, 2016 Sainik Samachar 41 IC-35796A LT GEN KANWALJEET SINGH, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, CORPS OF ELECTRONICS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IC-35915L LT GEN RAJEEV TEWARI,INFANTRY IC-37247Y LT GEN GOVIND SINGH CHANDEL, YUDH SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-39818 LT GEN SURESH SHARMA, CORPS OF ENGINEERS V-00347M LT GEN JAGVINDER SINGH, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, REMOUNT VETERINARY CORPS IC-35480N MAJ GEN SURINDER SINGH, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-38747H MAJ GEN RAMKISHAN SAIWAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS IC-38487H MAJ GEN PAMPAPATI DODDAPPA HALLUR, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-39342K MAJ GEN RAJESH SAHAI, SENA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-39522M MAJ GEN JAIVEER SINGH NEGI, YUDH SEVA MEDAL, BAR TO VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-39656L MAJ GEN DINESH SHARMA, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-40314K MAJ GEN CHANDI PRASAD MOHANTY, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-40353H MAJ GEN PARAMJIT SINGH, SENA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC- 40360Y MAJ GEN ASIT BHAILAL MISTRY, SENA MEDAL, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL / INFANTRY IC-40382X MAJ GEN ARVIND DUTTA, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-40500A MAJ GEN YOGESH KUMAR JOSHI, VIR CHAKRA, SENA MEDAL, INFANTRY IC-40716F MAJ GEN MANOJ PANDE, VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL, CORPS OF ENGINEER VICE ADMIRAL SRIKANT (02297-W) VICE ADMIRAL R HARI KUMAR, VSM (02540-Y) VICE ADMIRAL MURLIDHAR SADASHIVPAWAR, VSM (02483-T) VICE ADMIRAL AJENDRA BAHADUR SINGH, VSM (02619-A) REAR ADMIRAL KISHAN KUMAR PANDEY, VSM (02329-T) REAR ADMIRAL SRI PRAKASH LAL, VSM (40973-W) REAR ADMIRAL RAJASEKHARA SARMA SISHTLA, VSM (50832-A) AIR MARSHAL ANIL KHOSLA, VM (15871) FLYING (PILOT) AIR MARSHAL CHANDRASHEKHARAN HARI KUMAR, VM, VSM (15881) FLYING (PILOT) AVM PRAVEEN KUMAR, VSM (15970), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL) AVM ARCHAN KUMAR BHATTACHARYA, VSM (16322) AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL) AVM JITENDRA KUMAR SINGH, VSM (16545), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING (MECHANICAL) AVM RAJEEV SACHDEVA (16582) FLYING (PILOT) AVM SHAIK MAHABOOB SUBHANI (16865) ACCOUNTS AIR COMMODORE SUNIL PADEGAONKAR, VSM (17279), AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER (MECHANICAL) AIR COMMODORE MANISH KHANNA, VM (18554) FLYING (PILOT) AIR COMMODORE SUNIL KASHINATH VIDHATE, VM (18825) FLYING (PILOT) AIR COMMODORE HARPREET SINGH BASRA, VM (19174) FLYING (PILOT) AIR COMMODORE TEJINDER SINGH SAREEN, VM (17138) FLYING (PILOT) AIR COMMODORE KALLAPPA HOLLANNAVAR SURESH, VSM (18124) FLYING (PILOT) (To be continued in next issue…)

42 Sainik Samachar February 1-15, 2016