sainik 16-31 july.pdf

On front cover: Defence Minister addressing the Unified Commanders’ Conference 2017, in New Delhi.

Pix: GD Mehra and Vijay Kumar

Since 1909

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.

Our Correspondents DELHI: Col Aman Anand; Capt DK Sharma; Wg Cdr Anupam Banerjee; Manoj Tuli; Nampibou Marinmai; Ved Pal; Divyanshu Kumar; Photo Editor: K Ramesh; ALLAHABAD: Gp Capt BB Pande; BENGALURU: Shivaram Pailoor; CHANDIGARH: Pradip Dasgupta; CHENNAI: T Shanmugam; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr Abhishek Matiman; GUWAHATI: Lt Col Suneet Newton; IMPHAL: Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma; JAMMU: Lt Col Manish Mehta; JODHPUR: Lt Col Manish Ojha; KOCHI: Cdr Sridhar E Warrier ; KOHIMA: Col Chiranjeet Konwer; KOLKATA: Wg Cdr SS Birdi; Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Ms Gargi Malik Sinha; MUMBAI: Cdr Rahul Sinha; Narendra Vispute; NAGPUR: Wg Cdr Samir S Gangakhedkar; PALAM: Gp Capt SK Mehta; PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: B Satheesh Kumar; SHILLONG; SRINAGAR: Col Rajesh Kalia; TEZPUR: Lt Col Sombit Ghosh; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suresh Shreedharan; UDHAMPUR: Col NN Joshi; VISAKHAPATNAM: Cdr CG Raju.

Published by: Nitin D Wakankar Addl DG (Media & Communication)

Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011

Follow us on:

www.facebook.com/DefenceMinIndia

https://twitter.com/spokespersonMoDEditorial Office:L-1 Block, Church Road, New Delhi-110001, Telefax : 23094668 Telephone : 23092768Email : [email protected]: ASCON-32078 [email protected] subscriptions contact :Business Manager, Sainik Samachar, Telephone : 23092768

Subscription Rates: Inland (Ordinary): One Year Rs 100.00, Overseas (Surface Mail): Rs 450.00 Concessional (per year): Rs 20.00 (Applicable for dependants of service personnel & ex-Servicemen.)For all correspondence subscribers must quote their subscription numberFor more details visit our website:

http://sainiksamachar.nic.in

Editor-in-Chief Hasibur Rahman

Senior Editor EditorRuby T Sharma Ehsan Khusro

Sub Editor CoordinationSub Maj KC Sahu Kunal Kumar

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS4

16

Scroll Presentation by President at College of Military Engineering

Commissioning of Coast Guard IBs,…

9Exercise Malabar6Unified Commanders’

Conference 2017

5 Marching towards Self-Reliance…8 Dr Subhash Bhamre Chairs…12 Royal Australia Navy Ship visits…14 Air Force Medical Assistants…19 INS Netaji Subhas celebrates…24 Ex-Servicemen rally at Tuibong,…26 Lt Gen JK Sharma inaugurates…30 Military Hospital Jammu…33 NCC Girls Expedition to Mt…34 Passing Out Parade of Military…

Regulars

35 Armed Forces Panorama

28Manali-Bir Trekking Expedition-2017

In This Issue

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR)

Vol. 64 q No 14 25 Ashadha - 9 Shravana, 1939 (Saka)

16-31 July 2017

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Scrolls

and Awards to the student officers at College of Military Engineering on June 17, 2017. In a splendid Convocation Ceremony at the Sarvatra Hall of CME, five Officers of M Tech, 35 Officers of EODE and 29 Officers of TES were awarded degrees in Civil Engineering under the aegis of JNU.

The President of India in his valedictory address emphasized that as engineers in uniform, the graduating officers would face greater challenges in view of the increasing complexities in the infrastructural requirements of the Defence Forces, especially in inhospitable terrain and on our mountainous borders. In order to meet these challenges, he urged the young officers to keep themselves updated with the advancements in the technology. The Chief Guest signed the Roll of Honour and was presented with the College Memento by the Comdt. In the end vote of thanks to the Chief Guest was given by the College Comdt. Lt Gen Michael Mathews, Comdt, CME addressed the graduating officer stating the high standards of professionalism and academic

Scroll Presentation by President at College of Military Engineering

semesters, which showcased the knowledge acquired by them during the course. The dignitaries appreciated the projects for the quality of work and the innovative thinking by the officers. The graduating officers also interacted with the dignitaries during the high tea organised by the College.

The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri C Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra, Lt Gen Suresh Sharma, E-in-C, Major General H K Arora, Dy Comdt and Dean, CME, Dr Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman AICTE and Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, VC, JNU.

- Mahesh Iyengar

excellence maintained by CME for the past 75 years. He also made a special mention of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of the Institution which will be commencing from September 2017. Lt Gen DR Soni, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC also felicitated the young graduates. The ceremony culminated with the National Anthem and the Academic Council marching out of the auditorium on the tune of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

The convocation ceremony was followed by group photographs of the Chief Guest and dignitaries with graduating officers and the College faculty members.

The student officers also displayed the integrated projects undertaken by them in the final

4 Sainik Samachar July 16-31, 2017

Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley released a booklet highlighting efforts made by Department of Defence

Production in the last three years in pursuance of self-reliance in defence sector. It is a compilation of the achievements of the Department of Defence Production in the field of indigenous production of weapon systems/platforms and policy initiatives undertaken in the past three years.

Ever since the launch of ‘Make in India’ initiative in September 2014, the focus has been to improve the business environment by easing processes to do business, encourage participation of Indian public and private sectors in defence production and promote innovation and indigenous development of equipment and weapon platforms.

The booklet mentions a number of policy initiatives which have been taken by the Department of Defence Production. These are relaxation in Foreign Direct Investment policy, providing exchange rate variation protection to domestic industry, level-playing field to private sector in terms of excise duty/custom duty at par with public sector, liberalising licensing policy and extending the validity of industrial licensing to 15 years, streamlining defence offset guidelines and restoring services as an avenue for discharge of offsets. It also includes facilitating exports by issuing NOC online, hosting procedure for issue of NOC and list of military stores in public domain besides doing away with end-user certificate, revising make procedure to promote design and development, promulgating green channel

policy, categorising certain Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) products as non-core, aligning payment terms of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), etc. It also mentions about ‘Make in India’ portal for defence production which is a very industry-friendly website covering all policy procedural issues.

The booklet also mentions that Ordnance Factories and DPSUs, working under the administrative control of Department of Defence Production, have not only enhanced their production from Rs. 44,000/- crore to Rs. 56,000/- crore but have also delivered many state-of-the-art platforms to the Armed Forces, including Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Surface to Air Missile System Akash. During the last three years, 128 industrial licences have been issued.

Other highlights are, all naval ships and submarines on order are being constructed in Indian shipyards and percentage of capital procurement from Indian vendors has gone up from 47 to 61 in the last three years.

A number of steps are being taken to augment production capacity by DPSUs, such as infrastructure building for Mine Counter Measure Vessel at Goa Shipyard Ltd., new helicopter manufacturing facility at Tumakuru, second production line for Dhruv at Kanpur, manufacturing capacity for T-90 and PINAKA Rockets and manufacturing facilities for Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) at Ibrahimpatnam, Hyderabad.

- N Ao

DEFENCE MINISTER RELEASES BOOKLET

Marching towards Self-Reliance : 3 Years Achievement

Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley releasing a booklet titled ‘Marching Towards Self-Reliance: 3 Years Achievement’ in New

Delhi on July 6, 2017. Also seen in the picture are (from left) Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta and Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister

Dr. G Satheesh Reddy.

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta giving a presentation on the occasion of release of a booklet titled

‘Marching Towards Self-Reliance: 3 Years Achievement’ in New Delhi on July 6, 2017. Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and

Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra also in the picture.

5Sainik SamacharJuly 16-31, 2017

The Unified Commanders’ Conference for the year 2017 was

held on July 10-11, 2017 at New Delhi. The Conference provided a platform for discussions at the apex level on all Joint issues amongst the three Services.

The Defence Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley in his address to the Conference stated that there is a deep sense of appreciation in every citizen of the country and the Government for the exemplary manner in which the Services have been conducting themselves. He expressed his satisfaction in the way the Armed Forces have been handling the multiple challenges to security. He also appreciated the strong thread of Synergy in the interactions during the Conference. He stated that there is a clear realisation in the Government that issues relating to the Services cannot be kept pending for long and the Government will be decisive in its approach.

He also assured the Armed Forces that with resource availability

Unified Commanders’ Conference 2017

increasing within the Indian economy, Capital expenditure will be a priority area.

Earlier during the conference, the Defence Secretary apprised the participants that the Defence Cyber & Space Agencies and Special Operations Division will soon become a reality.

One of the highlights of day two of the Conference was the presentation on Big Data towards Insightful Decision Making, by the

prestigious College of Defence Management. This concept has already been introduced in training curriculum of select senior military officers.

The Joint curriculum in the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, one of the oldest Tri-Services Institutions in the world, has been increased to over 60%, thus paving the way for an enhanced shared perspective in executing joint operations.

With the purpose of making the military physical training even more scientific, a decision to incorporate Sports Medicine in the methodology of training cadets, recruits and combat soldiers was also taken. The participants were also informed of the decision to introduce B Tech in the National Defence Academy which will further the technological threshold of future military leaders.

In his closing remarks, Chairman COSC & CNS, Admiral Sunil Lanba stressed on the significance of synergized execution of operational plans and encouraged all to ensure


Services deliberations.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Chief of Army Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, also addressed the conference.

The Conference was attended by the RRM, NSA, the Service Chiefs

and other senior military and civil

officials of the Ministry of Defence

and Tri-Service Organisations/

Institutions.

- Col Aman Anand

pix: G D Mehra and Vijay Kumar

rigorous cost benefit analysis while creating any new structures. After a fruitful discussion on several other functional Tri-Services issues, Lt Gen Satish Dua, the Chief of Integrated Staff, thanked the gathering for actively participating in the Joint


Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre chaired the

50th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) on July 4, 2017 in New Delhi. Dr. Bhamre, in his address complimented the NCC on the performance of its cadets in various activities pertaining to training, adventure, social service and community development.

The committee deliberated on various issues in order to optimise training efforts so that NCC continues to perform in an excellent manner towards character and leadership building of the youth of the nation.

Dr Subhash Bhamre Chairs CAC of National Cadet Corps

The Minister complimented efforts of the NCC in nation building and urged it to continue ‘Grooming Future Leaders’.

The NCC presently has cadet strength of 13 lakhs and plans to expand to 15 lakhs and beyond. The NCC has a pan-India footprint which includes remote areas and low intensity conflict areas. The CAC reviewed provisions, activities and initiatives to make the organisation more effective in order to attain its mandate objective.

The meeting was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral

Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Shri S K Kohli, Director General of NCC Lt. General Vinod Vashisht, Members of Parliament Kum. Sushmita Dev & Shri Anupam Kher, among other social activists and eminent dignitaries.

The DG, NCC, Lt. General Vashisht presented a detailed update on NCC activities to the members of the CAC.

- N Ao

RRM Dr Subhash Bhamre addressing the 50th CAC meeting on NCC


Naval co-operation between India, US and Japan epitomises

the strong and resilient relationship between the three Democracies. The MALABAR series of exercises, initiated in 1992 between the Indian and US Navies, have steadily grown in scope, complexity and participation into a multifaceted exercise with the participation of Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

The 21st edition of the exercise, MALABAR-17 was conducted in the Bay of Bengal from July 10-17, 2017. The primary aim of this exercise was to increase interoperability amongst the three navies as well as develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. The scope of MALABAR-17 included wide-ranging professional interactions during the Harbour Phase at Chennai from

July 10-17, 2017 and a diverse range of operational activities at sea during the Sea Phase from July 14-

17, 2017. The thrust of exercises at sea this year was on Aircraft Carrier operations, Air Defence, Anti-

Exercise Malabar


guided missile destroyer Ranvir, indigenous stealth frigates Shivalik and Sahyadri, indigenous ASW corvette Kamorta, missile corvettes Kora and Kirpan, one Sindhughosh class submarine, fleet tanker INS Jyoti and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I.

The US Navy was represented by the ships from the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and other units from

the US 7th Fleet. The US Navy forces included the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Nimitz with its air wing, Ticonderoga-class cruiser Princeton, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers Kidd, Howard and Shoup along with integral helicopters, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine and one Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8A. The exercise also witnessed a separate interaction between IN and

Submarine Warfare (ASW), Surface Warfare, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), Search and Rescue, Joint Manoeuvres and Tactical procedures. In addition, officials from the three countries were flown onboard the ships at sea on July 15, 2017.

The Indian Navy was represented by the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya with its air wing,


USN Special Forces and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams at the IN MARCOS training base INS Karna at Visakhapatnam. The JMSDF was represented by JS Izumo, a helicopter carrier with SH 60K helicopters and JS Sazanami, a missile destroyer with SH 60K integral helicopter.

MALABAR-17 is another milestone with participation of 16 ships, two submarines and more than 95 aircraft, towards strengthening mutual confidence and inter-operability as-well-as sharing of best practices between the Indian, Japanese and US Navies. The exercise is a demonstration of the joint commitment of all three Nations to address common maritime challenges across the spectrum of operations and will go a long way in enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, for the benefit of the global maritime community.

- Capt DK Sharma


Royal Australia Navy (RAN) Ship, HMAS Newcastle commanded by

Commander MD Sirois visited Kochi from July 4-7, 2017. On July 4, 2017, the Commanding Officer of the visiting RAN Ship accompanied by Ms. Harinder Sidhu, High Commissioner of Australia and Captain Sheldon Williams, Defence Attache called on Vice Admiral AR Karve, Flag Officer Commanding- in- Chief Southern Naval Command for interactions on issues of common interest to both Navies. A friendly volleyball match between teams from SNC and the visiting ship was also played.

During the ship’s stay in harbour, various activities such as guided tour for Indian Naval personnel onboard HMAS

the HMAS Newcastle also visited places of interest at Fort Kochi, Marine Drive and various museums at Kochi. On their departure on July 7, 2017, the RAN ship participated in a passage Exercise with IN Ships off Kochi.

Recently, IN Ships Jyoti, Shivalik and Kamorta from Eastern Fleet had also visited Freemantle, Australia from June 13-17 and participated in the second edition of AUSINDEX- 17, a bilateral maritime exercise between the two Navies. The naval cooperation between the two countries is in pursuance of India’s Act East policy to promote bilateral relations and enhance interoperability between both Navies.

- Capt DK Sharma and Cdr Sridhar Warrier

Royal Australia Navy Ship visits Kochi

Newcastle, conducted tour of some of the training units under SNC at Kochi like the Navigation & Direction, Anti- Submarine Warfare School, Damage Control Training Facility Avinash, for the visiting ship’s crew was held. The crew from

Commanding officer of HMAS Newcastle calling on Vice Admiral AR Karve

HMAS Newcastle

HMAS Newcastle being received at Kochi by naval band and naval personnel


A ceremonial parade was held recently at Officers Training College (OTC), Army Medical Corps

Centre and College, Lucknow on conclusion of Medical Officers Basic Course-215 (MOBC-215).

The seven weeks foundation course imparts intensive training in combat medical support training to young Armed Forces Medical and Dental officers in order to empower them for effectively performing their duties in peace & operational areas. To mark the event the 113 recently commissioned medical and dental officers of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), including 38 lady officers participated in an impressive ceremonial parade. The parade was marked by military precision and customary elegance.

and Capt Amandeep Singh Dhaliwal was awarded Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh, Ashok Chakra for being the ‘Best Officer in Field Events’.

While addressing the young officers, the reviewing officer exhorted them to uphold the traditions of military doctors and dental surgeons by maintaining the highest order of professional competence. Maj Gen SD Behra also advised the officers to continuously upgrade and build upon the knowledge imparted at Officers Training College. Stressing upon the opportunities provided by the Armed Forces, he encouraged them to work hard to further their professional aspirations. Maj Gen SD Behra complimented all of them for their excellent turnout and the meticulous conduct of the parade.

On the occasion a large number of senior Armed Forces Medical Services officers witnessed the parade along with proud parents and relatives of the trainee officers.

- Gargi Malik Sinha

Ceremonial Parade of MOBC-215 held

The parade was reviewed by Maj Gen SD Behra, Commandant & Chief Instructor, Officers Training College (OTC). On the occasion, Surg Lt. Abir Mazumder was awarded Maj Laishram Jyotin Singh, Ashok Chakra, Memorial Trophy for being ‘Best Officer in Academics’


An impressive Passing Out Parade of newly trained 119

IAF Medical Assistants was held at Medical Training Centre, Air Force in Bengaluru. The Chief Guest Air Vice Marshal MV Singh, Commandant, Command Hospital Air Force Bengaluru reviewed the Passing Out Parade. The day’s proceedings began with the Passing Out Parade led by Aircraftsman TPK Reddy.

Taking the Salute as the Chief Guest on this momentous occasion Air Vice Marshal MV Singh, urged Medical Assistants to uphold the motto of Service with a Smile despite any personal discomfort. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining high degree of professional competence with care and compassion for the patients. The Chief Guest stressed the necessity of striving hard to fulfill the expectations of people who approach us for help and guidance.

Air Force Medical Assistants Passing Out Parade

This fine display of military parade was the culmination of intensive initial training at Airmen Training School, Belagavi followed by professional training at Medical Training Centre, Air Force Bengaluru

and major hospitals of the IAF. The spirit of camaraderie, unity and militariness was evident in each stride of the march past. The parade was accompanied by the inspiring tunes of the Madras Engineering


Group & Centre Military Band.

Leading Aircraftsman Aashish Shubhankar Hota won the trophy for the Best All Rounder and Leading Aircraftsman Ramireddy Govardhan Reddy won the trophy for Best in Trade, while the Best in Ground Service Training trophy was bagged by Aircraftsman TPK Reddy.

On his arrival at the MTC, Air Vice Marshal MV Singh was received by Air Commodore Sadhna S Nair, Air Officer Commanding, Medical Training Centre Air Force Bengaluru.

- Shivaram Pailoor


In an impressive ceremony, Coast Guard Interceptor Boats (IBs) C-431

and C-432 were commissioned by Lieutenant General Rajan

Commissioning of Coast Guard IBs, C-431 & C-432

Ravindran, Commandant, Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. Inspector General Rajan Bargotra, Commander Coast Guard Region

(East) and other senior dignitaries from Defence, central and state government agencies were present.

The interceptor boats have been

An impressive Guard of Honour was given to Lieutenant General Rajan Ravindran, Commandant, Officer’s Training Academy , Chennai

Commissioning ceremony of IBs C-431 and C-432 was held in a traditional Naval Ceremony at Chennai Port


designed and built indigenously by M/s L&T Ship Building, Kattupalli. The boats had undergone extensive trials on the equipment and machineries fitted and on successful completion of trials, the boats were commissioned in ICG service. The boats, which are part of the 36 IBs project contract signed between MoD and L&T shipyard on March 19, 2010, will be based at Chennai and Karaikal. Their presence will further strengthen the coastal

conditions with expected life span of more than 15 years. These IBs can achieve speed in excess of 40 Knots. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Lieutenant General Rajan Ravindran said that the Coast Guard is on the path of exponential expansion and such addition of assets will enhance the prowess and capability of the Indian Coast Guard.

- T Shanmugam

security mechanism along Tamil Nadu Coast.

These boats would be utilized for day and night coastal patrol and surveillance, SAR, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations and fisheries protection and monitoring. The boats are equipped with state of the art sensors including sophisticated navigational and latest communication system and are capable of operating in tropical


The Golden Arrow Division of Indian Army celebrated its 55th Raising Day on July 1, 2017. In line with

tradition, Maj Gen Rajesh Kundra, General Officer Commanding, Golden Arrow Division, Officers and Troops paid homage to martyrs by laying wreaths at the Barki War Memorial. Addressing all ranks of the Division during a Special Sainik Sammelan, the GOC appreciated the contribution and hard work put in by all ranks towards maintaining the premier status of the Division. During the ceremony the GOC awarded the overall Championship and Training Banners to Battalions for their outstanding performance in professional and sports competitions.

Golden Arrow Division celebrates 55th Raising Day

The Raising Day celebrations included a scintillating performance by Brigade of the Guards Brass Band and Barakhana with troops, where civil officials and dignitaries of Ferozepur were special invitees.

Raised in 1914 the Division fought in Egypt and Mesopotamia during World War – I. Re-raised in 1940 it participated in World War II in the Burma Campaign and won four Victoria Crosses over the two World Wars for exceptional bravery. The Golden Arrow Division was re-raised post-independence on July 1, 1963 by Maj Gen HK Sibal.

- Lt Col Manish Mehta


INS Netaji Subhas, the naval base at Kolkata celebrated its 43rd

anniversary on July 5, 2017. Located on Napier Road with a pristine view of river Hooghly and Vidyasagar Setu, the base earlier known as INS Hooghly, shifted to its present location on December 16, 1959.

On July 5, 1974, in an endeavour to honour the memory of one of our greatest leaders, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, this premier naval establishment was renamed from INS Hooghly to INS Netaji Subhas in the regime of Chief Minister SS Ray and Governor AL Dias.

The Base houses the office of the Naval Officer-in-Charge West Bengal. It provides facilities including administrative cover, logistics support, medical cover and other assistance as required by the outlying naval units. The organisation predominantly engages with the civil administration and other services and undertakes series of activities

INS Netaji Subhas celebrates 43rd anniversary

unit is also the nodal agency for ex-servicemen affairs in the states of the North East as-well-as West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Towards this it conducts regular interaction through pension adalats and other community activities to address issues being faced by the veterans.

On the occasion of its anniversary, a barakhana was organised for all service and civilian personnel inside the campus. Commodore Suprobho K De, the Naval Officer-in-Charge, West Bengal addressed the gathering and emphasized upon all personnel to remain committed to the overall vision of the service and continue to liaise with the state administration and all concerned agencies to implement plans and policies towards enhancing coastal security and to project the Navy in the state as a progressive and professional service.

- Wg Cdr SS Birdi

throughout the year for raising awareness about the Navy amongst local populace. It also conducts regular campaigns in schools and colleges to motivate young minds to consider the service as a viable career option. As part of its social responsibility, personnel from the unit conduct medical camps, visit old age homes, schools for the differently able and orphanages to spend time with them and donate essential items for their use. The


Fifty One Indian Officers including Six Coast Guard Officers joined

the Engineering Branch of the Navy on successful completion of 79 weeks Marine Engineering Specialization Course. The Passing Out Parade held on the occasion at INS Shivaji on July 3, 2017 was reviewed by Vice Admiral KO Thakare, Project Director Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam.

INS Shivaji, the alma mater of marine engineer officers of the Indian Navy, is the premier training establishment nestled in Sahyadris at Lonavla. The institution has been the fountain head of engineering knowledge and imparts specialized training to officers and sailors of the branch. The first batch of the MESC commenced training at INS Shivaji on January 2, 1961 and since then 82 batches have passed out from this establishment. The 83rd batch of MESC consists of 46 officers of the Indian Navy and six officers of the

Passing Out Parade of Marine Engineering Specialization Course

Indian Coast Guard. The Passing out Parade marked the culmination of 79 weeks training regimen, wherein rigorous academic curriculum ran simultaneously with a demanding afloat and outdoor training to ensure overall grooming of the officers.

These officers are now poised to take on the challenges of their first appointment as Assistant Engineer Officers onboard frontline warships.

The Chief Guest in his valedictory address congratulated the passing out officers, their

SLt Aravind Pankaj receiving the Late Lt Ali Ghose Trophy for Positive Living from Vice Admiral KO Thakare, Project Director Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam

Vice Admiral KO Thakare, Project Director Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam reviewing the Passing Out Parade


and pursue excellence in every endeavor while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

The Chief Guest awarded trophies to officers adjudged first in academics and overall order of merit. The Hammer for best all round officer was awarded to SLt Abhishek Mukherjee. The DGCG rolling trophy for best all round Coast Guard officer was awarded to Asst Cmdt Vishnu Kant. Vice Admiral Daya Shankar rolling trophy for best sportsman was awarded to SLt Akshay Kumar Singh. SLt Amit Kumar Singh and SLt Abhishek Mukherjee stood first and second respectively in academics. The best project syndicate was awarded for project on Designing of precise lifting mechanism for Talwar class Gas Turbine cradle.

- Mahesh Iyengar

parents as well as training staff at Shivaji. He urged the officers to continue their tryst with learning to become thorough professionals and

continually adapt to technological advancements within the service. The Chief Guest exhorted the young engineer officers to lead by example

Vice Admiral KO Thakare, Project Director Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam reviewing Staff Student Project Demonstration at Systems and Auxiliaries Training Wing, INS Shivaji

Officers of 83rd MESC receiving the best Project Syndicate Trophy for ‘Designing of precise lifting mechanism for Talwar class Gas Turbine cradle’ from Vice Admiral KO Thakare


Kupwara is a remotely located district in Jammu and Kashmir, the students of the region have limited

avenues to showcase their natural talent and co-curricular activities.

Army Goodwill School (AGS) Wayne run under the aegis of VAJR Division conducted a variety of cultural programmes and extra-curricular competitions on May 24, 2017 with an aim to provide a suitable platform for students from this border district to display their talent and nurture the spirit of healthy competition.

A total of 846 students and 95 teachers from 22 different schools participated in the day long event which was graced by Mr Gulam Mohd Dar, KAS DC, Kupwara

AGS, Wayne conducts Cultural Programme

and Mr Shamsher Hussain, SSP Kupwara. Distribution of prizes to winners and achievers in various category by the visiting dignitaries was also held.

The highlight of the day was a Qawwali programme, Taekwondo display, song and dance events, motivational talks and a Dog Show by the Indian Army. Several book stalls on academics, information technology and general public awareness were put up for students and teachers.

The civil dignitaries, teachers, and children conveyed their gratitude to Brigadier DS Bisht, Chairman of AGS Wayne for providing a perfect platform by ensuring greater bonhomie between the Army and the local populace through this Sadbhavna initiative of Chinar Corps.

- Col MV Shahidhar

Cultural event by school children

Arrival of Chief Guest Mr Gulam Mohd Dar, KAS, DC Kupwara

Briefing on traffic rules and drug de-addiction

Oxford book store stall


A felicitation ceremony on the Martyrdom Day of late Captain

Manoj Pandey, was organised at Puneet Dutt Auditorium in Lucknow Cantonment on July 3, 2017. Lieutenant General Jagdeep Kumar Sharma, Chief of Staff (COS), Central Command honoured the meritorious cadets of Sainik School. A documentary on the life of Captain Manoj Pandey was also screened during the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Jagdeep Kumar Sharma remembered the gallant action by Captain Manoj Pandey and urged the young generation to emulate quality of selfless service to the nation.

The event was attended by Colonel Amit Chatterjee, Principal, Uttar Pradesh Sainik School, Shri Jaypal Singh, Founder Rani Laxmi Bai School, Lucknow, Brigadier Pankaj Singh, Commandant, 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre along with school children from Uttar Pradesh Sainik School.

Earlier, in the morning a wreath laying ceremony was also organised at Captain Manoj Pandey chowk in Lucknow Cantonment where Brigadier Pankaj Singh,

Lt Gen JK Sharma felicitates cadets of Sainik School

was fatally hit on the forehead while clearing the fourth bunker. He kept on inspiring his men by his gallant and courageous act inspite of being seriously injured. Khalubar was later captured. Captain Manoj Pandey displayed indomitable courage and devotion to duty and made supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Captain Manoj Pandey was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (Posthumously), India’s highest gallantry award on August 15, 1999.

- Gargi Mlik Sinha

Commandant, 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre (11GRRC) and Mr Gopichand Pandey laid the wreath in the presence of Mrs Mohini Pandey, mother of late Captain Manoj Pandey and all ranks of 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre.

Captain Manoj Pandey was commissioned on June 7, 1997 into 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. On the night of July 2/3, 1999, 1/11 Gorkha Rifles was asked to capture Khalubar Ridge. He was injured under heavy enemy fire, while clearing the initial three bunkers. He


Khuga Battalion organised an Ex- Servicemen rally at District

Training Centre, Tuibong, Churachandpur on July 8, 2017 under the aegis of Red Shield Division. The rally was inaugurated by Commander 27 Sector Assam Rifles in presence of Shri Shyam Lal Punia, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur. The rally was attended by 1375 Ex- Servicemen, 11 Veer Naris and three war veterans alongwith their dependents from various parts of Churachandpur district.

The aim of the rally was to resolve the problems faced by Ex- Servicemen, war widows and Veer Naris and to acquaint them with various existing and upcoming polices of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The rally is being organised in the district, once in every three months so that the problems of Ex-Servicemen can be resolved on regular basis. This rally was the fourth rally to be held in past one year. In order to help the Ex- Servicemen & their families, stalls for Suvigya cell (to resolve pension related issues), career counseling cell (to register and train

Ex-Servicemen rally at Tuibong, Churachandpur

the aspirants for various vacancies occurring in Army and other government organizations), Aadhar and Pan Card, Nationalised Banks were established. On the sideline of rally, a free medical camp was also organized for the Ex-Servicemen and their families. All attendees were given a lecture on admission process in Military/Sainik school and were also briefed on forthcoming recruitment rally to be held in October 2017 at Leimakhong. The efforts of Army were very well received by all the attendees.

- Lt Col Ajay Kumar Sharma


As part of tree plantation drive, NCC OTA, Kamptee undertook

Van Mahotsav 2017 in a big way in the Academy premises on July 7, 2017. Maj Gen AP Bam, Commandant and Mrs Ila Bam took the initiative in the plantation drive of more than 1000 trees in the campus. More than 700 OTA personnel including Officers, Permanent Instructor Staff, Civilian Employees and Course Students, who are teachers and professors from all over India undergoing commissioning course at the OTA, enthusiastically participated in the plantation drive. It was also an occasion to spread the awareness of planting more trees for a safe tomorrow. The arboriculture plan of the Academy included ornamental, fruit trees and shade trees all laid out in a systematic manner.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commandant stressed on the need to plant more trees to save the

NCC OTA Kamptee celebrates Van Mahotsav 2017

planet. He wanted every teacher and professor undergoing training as Associate NCC Officers to undertake this solemn duty to educate the youth on the subject of afforestation.

The event was also attended by Mr Sanjeev Gaur, Chief Conservator of forest, Nagpur Circle, Mr Ashok Girhepuje, Conservator of Forest

and Mr Mohan Dhere, Divisional Forest Officer. The Chief Conservator expressed his willing cooperation in spreading the awareness. Lt Col (Dr) Ivan Singh, 2IC, 118 Territorial Battalion (GRENADIERS), Nagpur was instrumental in arranging the saplings in adequate quantity.

- Wg Cdr Samir S Gangakhedkar

Tree Plantation at NCC OTA, Kamptee

Maj Gen AP Bam, Commandant NCC OTA along with Forest Officials


Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow organised

Inter-Command Continuing Medical Education (CME) conference on Recent Advances in Medicine on July 8-9, 2017. The conference was inaugurated by Lieutenant General JK Sharma, Chief of Staff, Central Command on July 8, 2017.

Dr. Amita Agarwal, Professor Department of Rheumatology Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) Lucknow gave the key note address on Challenges in Diagnostic and Management of Lupu. Several Medical Professionals

Lt Gen JK Sharma inaugurates CME Conference

of eminence from both Service and Civil stream shared their knowledge on contemporary medical topics of medicine and its allied specialities with over 80 delegates attending the CME from the length and breadth of the country.

Scientific Sessions on Oncology, Nephrology, Neurology, Respiratory Diseases and Endocrinology were conducted. An interesting Clinico pathological correlation under pro sector by Brigadier Reena Bharadwaj, HOD (Path), Armed Forces Medical College, Pune and the clinical discussion by Colonel Ajay Bahadur, Senior Adviser (Cardio), Command Hospital, Central Command, was conducted in the last session of this clinical congregation.

Several prominent speakers from King Georges Medical University Lucknow, SGPGIMS, Lucknow and Ram Manohar Lohia

Institute delivered lectures on various recent advances in internal medicine.

Surgical Vice Administrator UK Sharma, the senior most Physician in Armed Forces and eminent Nephrologist of the Country was the star attraction of the faculty. The deliberations benefitted with the guidance and intellectual contribution by renowned Rheumatologist Major General DS Bhakuni, Major General Medical (MG-Med), Central Command. This CME is recognised by Uttar Pradesh Medical Council and has been granted four Credit Hours points.

Major General Vibha Dutta, Commandant, Command Hospital, Central Command thanked everybody for the successful conduct of CME which immensely benefitted everybody.

- Gargi Malik Sinha


Brigade of the Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee is a premier

training institution and highly decorated regiment of the Indian Army. In order to commemorate the Green Revolution drive, the Centre collected 1500 plus saplings from the forest department and a drive for tree plantation was organized on July 7, 2017. Lead by Brig DV Singh, Commandant, GUARDS RC, Kamptee, Officers, Junior Commission Officers, Other Ranks, Recruits and families participated to make it a successful event. Planted trees/saplings included Lemon, Sitafal, Rain tree, Karhi batla, Lasia, Jaman, Karenji, Neam, Boganvilha, Gulmohar, Ashoka and many more.

Officials of the Department of Forest, Government of Maharashtra, Nagpur attended the ceremony Mr Ashok Girhepunje - Conservator

Guards Regimental Centre Kamptee celebrates Plantation Drive

of Forest, Nagpur Division, Mr Mohan Dherre - District Forest Officer, Nagpur Division, Mr Umesh Dhotekar - Range Officer, Nagpur Division.

The plantative drive was

followed by a talk by the forest department officials on post plantation care, nurturing of plants, rain water harvesting, plans and upkeep of flora and fauna.


Tree Plantations by Recruits of Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee

Brig DV Singh, Commandant, Guards Regimental Centre , Kamptee with all the Officials after Tree Plantation


In a display of indomitable spirit and enthusiasm to take on challenges

well beyond the normal, an Army team of 15 members led by Captain Tanveer Singh Maan undertook a Trekking Expedition through the picturesque landscape of Kullu and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh.

The Expedition Team of the BRAGENAR Regiment of the KALA TEER formation of Kharga Corps embarked on this rigorous adventure with intent to pitch exceptionally high physical standard and endurance against the daunting and lofty mountains.

Under the flagship of the Western Army, the fifteen member team was flagged off earlier from Mamun on June 16, 2017 which traversed across multiple ridgelines including the Kalihani Pass to terminate the event at Bir-Billing which is a renowned paragliding site and the venue for the Samsara Festival each year.

The Trekking Expedition took 14

Manali-Bir Trekking Expedition 2017


days to cover the route interspersed with mountain springs, pine forests, steep cliffs and treacherous trails, all in an endeavour to display the spirit of the Army, the utmost determination of each soldier and the continuous quest to undertake formidable challenges. The Trekking Expedition was flagged-in on June 30, 2017 by Brigadier Ashish Shah.



166 Military Hospital is one of the busiest zonal hospital in North

India situated at the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir. This Hospital was raised as MH Jammu in place

Military Hospital Jammu : Medical Care at its Best

of Section Hospital of 148 BH (Base Hospital) (now Command Hospital NC) on July 1, 1970. Renamed as 166 MH in 1978. This 600 bedded hospital acts as a referral hospital

for the patients of Poonch, Rajouri, Akhnoor and Samba, as well as provides cover as garrison hospital for the troops and families of the Army, Air Force and GREF located


morale boosting measure to all the dependent clientele and as on date the only functional MRI in whole Command Zone.

A new AC plant for operation theatre and ICU has been installed providing sterile environment for all major and minor surgical procedures. The piped oxygen, air and vacuum supply to the wards and departments of this hospital has been started which helped in providing prompt oxygen supply in emergency and stopping leakage of oxygen. A new centrifuge machine has been installed in the blood bank of the hospital.

A fully furnished air-conditioned Auditorium with a movie projector and latest sound system for clinical lectures and screening of movies for patients is helpful for entertainment of in-patients.

The whole hospital is connected via campus wide area network, the out patient services, departments. Medical stores of the hospital have been automated in terms of generation and maintenance of patient’s records.


in and around Jammu and Nagrota, in addition causalities of BSF and ITBP are also treated at this hospital. It is strategically located with all specialised and diagnostic services available under one roof, and is the center of medical activity during active operations and hostilities. In the last one year 73 snake bite cases have been treated, in addition 2150 cataract surgeries of Veterans have been carried out. More than 2500 out patients are seen daily, at an average there are more than seven to eight caesarian cases and challenging cases in Orthopedics, Surgery and Medicine department. At any given time the bed occupancy is 95% and above. Keeping pace with rapid technological advances, this hospital has adopted the guidelines of National Accreditation Board of Hospital and in next six months the hospital is likely to get the accreditation. Military Hospital Jammu has left no stone unturned in providing latest specialized medical services.

Brigadier Tathagata Chatterjee, a reputed Haemato-Pathologist, assumed command of this

strategically located hospital in November 2015. In last two years using his administrative acumen, vision and incredible capability of putting in long intense hours of work, he transformed the image of this prestigious hospital.

The hospital is equipped with latest technology state of the art 1.5 Tesla MRI which is a milestone for this hospital in providing all radiological imaging diagnostic services under one roof, thus a great


Sports Festival Jashn-E-Wular

Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Paribal Tekri (under aegis of Watlab Sector)

opened its doors for sports talent (especially rowing), by organising three days of sports activities including kistie race, which featured different categories of single men, three men, five men and for the first time under 18 race categories. The events offered an exclusive opportunity to both sports enthusiasts and those wanting quality time in a picturesque countryside setting.

The three days mega event which was conducted from July 4-6, 2017 was a joint effort by the Army and J&K civil administration, to showcase and harness the unfathomable natural resources in and around Wular Lake. The Wular Festival was also aimed at creating awareness amongst the locals about the tourism and sports potential of the vast natural resources present in the Valley.

The first day saw the local fishing community from 16 villages actively participating in kistie race competitions. The boat races for single men, three men and under 18 categories was flagged off by Commander Watlab Sector. The mega event was witnessed by almost 2000 locals who were cheering for their respective teams.

Further continuing the mega event on July 5, 2017, Jashn-e-Wular run was conducted from Paribal Tekri to Watlab Ghat. Heats of five men and finals of single men kistie races was also organised on the second day.

The locals of Bandipora applauded this effort of Army and turned out in huge numbers to support and witness the event. Jashn-e-Wular was a true reflection of the Kashmiri spirit and normalcy in the area.

- Col Rajesh Kalia


Lt Gen Vinod Vashisht, DGNCC flagged-in the NCC Girls Expedition to Mt Ladakhi on July 13, 2017 at

New Delhi. He congratulated the girl cadets and the support staff for their splendid effort and demonstration of grit and courage to overcome the challenges of rugged terrain and hostile weather conditions in their bid to summit the peak.

Mt Ladakhi is a peak which is technically moderately difficult to climb as per IMF. The Expedition Leader Col Shamsher Singh shared his experience and the challenges faced by the expedition during their difficult

NCC Girls Expedition to Mt Ladakhi, Flagging-In Ceremony

attempt. This Expedition which was above 5345M gave the team of 18 NCC cadets led by their able instructors, a very good exposure to high altitude and extreme weather conditions.

During the interaction, DG urged the cadets to encourage their colleagues also to experience the multitude of adventure and sports activities offered by NCC. He said the expedition will help imbibe the qualities of courage, comradeship, discipline, leadership and a spirit of adventure amongst the NCC cadets.

- Lt Col Umang Kohli

Director General National Cadet Corps (NCC) Lt Gen Vinod Vashisht flagged-in NCC Girls Expedition to Mount Ladakhi (5345

ft) in New Delhi on Thursday, July 13, 2017 The NCC Girls Expedition team on Mount Ladakhi


Passing Out Parade of Military Policemen held

99 trainees from the Corps of Military Police, joined the ranks

of the Indian Army and attained the rank of Lance Naik at an impressive and solemn Passing Out Parade held at the CMP Centre and School in Bangalore. In keeping with the age old Military tradition, the soldier’s were administered the oath of allegiance and devotion of

also presented the Gaurav Padak to the parents of the newly passed out soldiers.

It was a proud moment for the kith and kin of these recruits, who had come from far flung areas to witness the eventful ceremony in which their wards participated.

- Shivaram Pailoor

duty by the Adjutant of the training Centre. The passing out parade-cum-oath taking ceremony marks the culmination of rigorous basic military training and advanced technical training for these soldiers at the centre.

Brigadier N Raj Kumar, Commandant CMP Centre and School reviewed the parade. He


MoU signed between Department of Defence Production and MDL

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a Miniratna Schedule ‘A’ DPSU under

the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the financial year 2017-18 with the Ministry. The annual MoU was signed between Secretary (Defence Production) Shri AK Gupta on behalf of the Ministry and Chairman and Managing Director, MDL Cmde Rakesh Anand. The MoU outlines the targets and various performance parameters for the company. The revenue from operations has been targeted at 4500 crore. Significant milestones to be achieved under Project 75 (Scorpene Submarines) and shipbuilding projects of 15B (destroyers) and 17A (frigates) also form part of the MoU.

- N Ao

MoU signed between Department of Defence Production and Midhani

of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the financial year 2017-18 with the Ministry. The annual MoU was signed by Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta on behalf of the Ministry and Chairman and Managing Director, MIDHANI Dr. D K Likhi.

The MoU outlines targets and various performance parameters for the company. The revenue from operations as per the MoU has been targeted at Rs 780 crore which is significant improvement over the previous years.

- N Ao

Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a miniratna,

Schedule ‘B’ Defence Public Sector

Undertaking under the Department

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri AK Gupta and Chairman and Managing Director, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Cmde Rakesh Anand at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Department of Defence Production and MDL in New Delhi on July 3, 2017. Also seen in the picture (from left) are Director (Finance), MDL Shri Sanjiv Sharma, Additional Secretary Ms Surina Rajan and Joint Secretary (Naval System) Shri Vijayendra

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta and Chairman and Managing Director of Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) Dr. D K Likhi at the MoU signing

ceremony, in New Delhi on July 12, 2017


Dawat-E-Iftaar

Successful Flight Test of QRSAM

Defence Research and Development Organisation

(DRDO) developed Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) was successfully flight tested from ITR Chandipur, off the Odisha

During the holy month of Ramadaan, the close bonhomie

between the Army and the Awam at Srinagar was at its peak with love and commitment towards each other being reaffirmed. In this series, a

from State Government, Civil administration, Defence Officers, educationists, lawyers and prominent personalities who turned up in large numbers highlighting close synergy between the Army and Civil administration in the region.

A unique feature depicting the secular credentials of Srinagar was the participation of members from Sikh, Kashmiri Pandits & Christian communities in the event. Interacting with all the guests the GOC, Chinar Corps wished peace and prosperity for the Kashmiri Awam. The pious and cordial environment to include Iftaar and offering of Nawaz was enjoyed by all wherein everyone prayed for peace and development in Kashmir.

- Col Rajesh Kalia

Dawat-E-Iftaar was hosted by Army at JAK LI Regimental Centre on June 22, for the Awam of Srinagar.

The Chief Host, GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen JS Sandhu welcomed the guests which included Officials

Coast. All the technologies and subsystems incorporated in the missile performed well, meeting all the mission requirements. All the Radars, Electro Optical Systems, Telemetry Systems and other stations

tracked the Missile and monitored all the Parameters. The Missile test met all the objectives.

Director DRDL, Shri MSR Prasad, Director RCI, Shri BHVS N Murthy and Director ITR, Dr BK Das monitored the launch operation in the presence of, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri & DG (MSS) Dr G Satheesh Reddy.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D Dr S Christopher congratulated the scientists on the successful test fire.

The Defence Minister Shri Arun Jaitley congratulated DRDO on the successful trial of QRSAM and said it is an important milestone in the indigenous Surface to Air Missiles (SAM) development.

- N Ao


Medical Camp at Sattowali for veterans

A number of Welfare Schemes are launched by Central/State Government to look after the Veterans, their

widows and the families of the Martyrs. It has been the efforts of Sainik Welfare Department that ESM/Martyrs related events be organised regularly. Director, Sainik

Welfare Department acts as a liaison agency to organise various Welfare related activities for such interactions.

On request by Director Rajya Sainik Board Brigadier Harcharan Singh, Escort Fortis Hospital Group was approached by Brigadier Anil Gupta. Coordination of the Medical Camp and its allotment was done by Mr Yudhvir Sethi and due to their efforts, group of Specialist Doctors was made available by Fortis Hospital Amritsar for Medical Camp, organised for Veterans at RS Pura (Sattowali) on June 24, 2017. The Medical Camp was inaugurated by the Senior Most Veteran/ Veer Nari in the presence of veterans, Army Officers, Specialists of the Escort Hospital Group, Mr Yudhvir Sethi and officials of Sainik Welfare Department.

Veterans were given Medical services and check up by Cardiologist, Orthopedic, Neurologist and Physician. Keeping their advanced age in mind, stalls were set up for Blood Sugar Test, Bone Density Test, and ECG. Dental check up was organised by Indra Gandhi Medical College, Jammu.


Controller of Defence Accounts (CDA), Secunderabad organised

a voluntary Blood donation Camp as a Humanitarian Medical Assistance in coordination with Indian Red Cross Society. The camp was organised as a civic action plan by CDA office to support the patients of Thalassaemia particularly children.

The camp was inaugurated by Shri T Rambabu, IDAS, Controller at CDA premises. In attendance were other officers Shri Siva Sankar Bandi, IDAS, Deputy Controller, Shri Prem Sagar Meena, IDAS, Deputy Controller. The Controller said that the blood donation is a great example of altruism in action and blood donation directly gives life to another human being. Total of 40 blood units were donated by officers and staff for the social cause. The

CDA, Secunderabad Organises Blood Donation Camp

blood donation effort of the CDA, Secunderabad was appreciated by all as a great service to Thalassaemia

patients and was acknowledged by the Indian Red Cross Society.

- B Satheesh Kumar

Shri T Rambabu, IDAS, Controller with officers and Staff, who participated in the Blood donation camp organised as a civic action plan by Controller of Defence Accounts to

support the patients of Thalassaemia in Secunderabad


Motivational talk with NCC Cadets at Camping Ground, Nagrota

Decorated soldier with highest Gallantry award and Son of the

Soil Subedar Major and Honrary Captain Bana Singh, Param Vir Chakra had a motivational talk with the girl cadets of 2 J&K Girls Battalion NCC at the Annual Training Camp on June 27, 2017 organised at Nagarota under the NCC Directorate J&K Jammu. He also gave prizes to winners of the Sketch making competition and interacted with cadets and answered their queries. The cadets were excited to meet their legendary hero. He inspired girl cadets to join the Army.

In the Annual Training Camp various other activities were also conducted in which a declamation competition was also organised.

Tree Plantation

In tune with the call for aforestation by the Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Phadnavis, the NCC Cadet

of 3 Mah Girls Battalion NCC Nagpur, carried out a

tree plantation drive at Dhaba with the cooperation of Peace Foundation. Mr Sharad Pallival introduced a new method of carrying out tree plantation called seed bombing.

Around 400 cadets of 3 Mah Girls Battalion NCC, Nagpur attended the annual NCC Camp at MLA Hostel from June 27 to July 6, 2017. These cadets along with the students of Sarswati Vidyalaya, Shankar Nagar Nagpur, took a pledge to plant trees and help save the ecological balance of the earth by preventing Global Warming. Peace Foundation provided 2000 seeds and the school provided 200 saplings which were planted by the cadets in both the innovative and conventional way.

Eminent civil and defence persons graced the occasion to laud and encourage the children, in this novel gesture. Noted among them were Mr Sharad Palliwal, Mr Prabhu Raman, Principal Saraswati Vidyalaya, Dr & Mrs Bhargav, Mr & Mrs Umesh Sharma and Officer Commanding 3 Mah Girls Bn NCC, Lt Col Pankaj Sharma.


The topic of declamation was use of mobile/ smart phone-boon or ban. The cadets expressed their views on the said topic. A one day awareness programme on First Aid

NCC cadets planting trees

was also organised by Civil Defence Department, Jammu in which they demonstrated several skills to save life.

-Lt Col Manish Mehta


TASA organised Inter School Debate

comprised of three accomplished civilian academicians.

Students from Army Public School (APS) Bolarum, APS Golconda, APS RK Puram, Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) Tirumalagiri and Sainik School Kalikiri participated in the competition. The participants spoke with great confidence and vigour and put up some thought worthy points.

Aman Gupta and Sudeshna Chandra from APS Golconda bagged first and second prizes respectively while the third position was claimed by Ayushmann Josyula from APS RK Puram. APS Golconda was announced as the overall winners of the competition. During the function, the board exam toppers from APS RK Puram and APS Bolarum were felicitated with cash prizes and the schools were praised for their academic excellence.

- B Satheesh Kumar

Medical Camp conducted by Army at Chumar

A medical camp was conducted by the Army in Village Chumar of Eastern Ladakh to

provide essential health care to the villagers. A total of 152 villagers from remote villages of Chumar, Lamsingyak, Tegazong and Karzok participated in the event.

Doctors from Army, ITBP and Nurse from Public Health Centre, Nyoma carried out medical examination and checkups of the villagers. Free medicines were provided to the sick and needy.

It was also an occasion where Army interacted with the villagers, Sarpanchs and Numbardars of the villages over refreshment and lunch. The villagers appreciated the efforts put in by the Army under Sadbhavana programme for the welfare of the region.

- Col Rajesh Kalia

Major General Sharabh Pachory, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Telangana & Andhra Sub Area presenting the Inter School Debate competition trophy to APS Golconda

team at MCEME Auditorium in Secunderabad Cantonment on July 3, 2017.

An inter School debate competition was organised

by HQ Telangana & Andhra Sub Area (TASA) at MCEME Auditorium in Secunderabad Cantonment on July 3, 2017. The topic for the motion was Climate Change. Major General Sharabh Pachory, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of

Telangana & Andhra Sub Area was the Chief Guest on the occasion and distributed the prizes to the winners. Other dignitaries included Brigadier MD Upadhyay, Station Commander and President of Cantonment Board, Colonel SS Deshpande, Colonel GS (TASA) and several other military, Air Force and civil personalities. The jury


BSC Football Players Triumph

The ASC Training Centre (South) BSC Football players participated

in the Oorja Cup Youth Under-19

ASC Training Centre (South) Cricket Team Triumph

The ASC Training Centre (South) Cricket Team participated in the Karnataka State Cricket Association

II Division Cricket Championship-2016-17 held at Bangalore from March 15 to May 9, 2017. A total of 31 teams participated in the tournament. Following

Lt Gen Vipan Gupta, VSM, Comdt AS3C, with ATC (South) BSC Cadets Winner of Oorja Cup Youth Under -19

Brig Ashok Choudhary with ASC Cricket Team Winners of Karnataka State IInd Division Cricket League Championship-2016

Seven Cadets of ATC (South) Boys Football Team represented Karnataka U-19 Football Team in the Championship. Team Karnataka Won in the Oorja Cup Youth Under -19 Football Tournament-2017 at Bangalore, (Karnataka). The team has won a permanent trophy. Rs. 1,00,000/- has been awarded as cash incentive to Karnataka Football Team. Cadet K Premchand Singh was declared Best Goalkeeper of the Championship. The Karnataka Team will now represent Southern Zone in the final league of the Oorja Cup Youth Under -19 Championship at New Delhi.

- Manoj Tuli

held at Bangalore from June 17 to 25, 2017. A total five teams participated in the said tournament.

the rich tradition of the sporting excellence at the ASC Training Centre (South), the ASC Cricket Team emerged victorious as the champion and have consequently qualified for 1st Division.

- Manoj Tuli


Group Captain A Hurtis assumed the command of Mechanical Transport Training Institute, Air Force, Avadi from Group

Captain P V Pawar.

Group Captain A Hurtis was commissioned on October 6, 1992 in the Indian Air Force. He completed BE Mechanical from Mangalore University in 1992 and Master of Science in Quality Management from BITS, Pilani in 2013. He has undergone Methods of Instruction Course, Quality Assurance (Aeronautical) Course, Technical Staff Officer’s course and Human Factor capsule. He is trained on Mig 23 BN and Mig 27 variants.

Prior to assuming the Command of Mechanical Transport Training Institute, Air force, he has held various appointments in operational units.

Appointments

Major General N Srinivas Rao has taken over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Telangana and

Andhra Sub Area (TASA). Major General Srinivas Rao took over the Command from Major General Sharabh Pachory at Headquarters, TASA in Secunderabad .

Major General N Srinivas Rao is a 1981 batch officer. He has done M. Phil from DAVV University and was a resident scholar at Pune University. The officer has vast experience both in operational and instructional fields and has served in various Command and Staff appointments. In his last tenure as Commandant NCC Officers Training Academy, Kamptee, Nagpur, he made impressive improvements in quality of training and living conditions of more than 550 trainee professors, lecturers and teachers of NCC and permanent instructional staff of the three Services deputed with NCC.

The General Officer had his schooling in Wesley High School, Medak and Little Flower High School and Junior College, Hyderabad and graduated from NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune. He has visited several countries as part of Indian Army delegation.

Group Captain Yogesh Pai took over the command of No. 2 (Mah) Air Sqn NCC, Nagpur on July 3, 2017.

Group Captain Yogesh Pai, the new Commanding Officer is a veteran of NCC having earlier commanded No 1 (Mah) Air Sqn NCC, Mumbai. An experienced helicopter pilot he has about 3200 flying hours to his credit. He is a qualified flying instructor and has taught the basics of flying to many a pilot in the Air Force. He was posted to Head Quarters Training Command of IAF at Bangalore, where he was actively involved in supervision of flying training, prior to assuming Command of this unit.

- B Satheesh Kumar, T Shanmugam and Wg Cdr Samir S Gangakhedkar


Sources: - Gp Capt BB Pande and Col M Ramkrishan

PHOTOCALL

A high level delegation from Myanmar visited Gaya from July 6-9, 2017. The delegation included Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander in Chief, Defence Services, Myanmar along with Vice Chief of Air staff and Vice Chief of Naval Staff of Myanmar. They were accompanied by Ambassador of Myanmar to India. The foreign delegation visited Officers Training Academy, Gaya. The COAS welcomed the Commander-in-Chief, Defence Services, Myanmar and hosted an Official Banquet at eh Officers Mess, OTA, Gaya on July 7, 2017.

Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre meeting Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus Mr Vitaly Vovk, in New Delhi on July 4, 2017.

Archery World Cup – 2017 1st stage (Compound team event) was held from May 14 to 22, 2017 at Shanghai, China. Sub C Srither, of Regt of Artillery participated and won the Gold medal in compound team event. In the photo Sub C Srither (Centre) with the medal and Trophy.

Sub C Srither has also won, one Gold medal and two Silver medals in 37th Senior National Archery (Recurve and compound) Championship. He has represented Indian Archery team in various tournaments like Asian Championship 2010 (Gold medal), Commonwealth Games 2010 (Silver medal). By his persistent efforts, he has bought laurels to the Regiment of Artillery and the Indian Army.


sainik 16-31 july.pdf

Documents