Beating Retreat fanfare captivates audiences

Smriti Kak Ramachandran The Hindu- 30 Jan 2010
The colourful ceremony with bands marks the end of Republic Day celebrations
— Photo: Shanker Chakravarty
TRADITION AND GLORY: A view of the Beating Retreat, at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi on Friday.
NEW DELHI: In the light of the setting sun, men in regalia made music with military precision as they marched down the Raisina Hill on Friday to mark the closure of the Republic Day celebrations.

Under a clear sky and in a patriotic ambience, captivated audiences sat and watched Beating Retreat, the ceremony that dates back to the time when sounding retreat pulled to a halt the day’s fighting.

Led by President Pratibha Patil, also the Supreme Commander of the three Forces, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, the audience sat through a ceremony that elicits a common response of nationalism and pride.

As men on foot and on horse back marched to the beats of drums and pipes, the air was filled with the rendition of different tunes.

Thirty-five bands from the Army, the Navy and the Air Force took part in the ceremony that began with the arrival of the President marked by fanfare by the buglers.

The first march of the massed band was the popular Sam Bahadur followed by the adroit performance of the pipes and drums which had the audiences tapping the feet with their Surya, Sky Boat Song, Pipers Cave, Highland Laddie and The Marquis of Huntly, among others.

The Naval and Air Force Bands, striking in their appearance and confident in their bearing, charged the atmosphere with their repertoire that included Ocean’s Splendour, Bharatiya Navsena, Sky Hawks, Nocturnal Cry, Swatantra Bharat ki Shan and Subroto.

Their tempo set the pace and had the audience applauding several times. Out in the open the acoustical performance was an experience unmatched.

The military bands with their Hanste Lushai, Gangotri, Abhinandan, Dhola-Re-Dhola were as spectacular to the eye as they were an aural treat. Next it was the massed bands again enthralling the audiences that included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Vice- President Hamid Ansari and his wife, Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi and a host of dignitaries. Their quick march to the tunes of Saare Jahan Se Acha brought the curtains down on the ceremony.
Beating Retreat fanfare captivates audiences

Territorial Army (India) recruits men as Officers

Territorial Army (India)

The Territorial Army in India (commonly referred to as TA in India) is an organization of volunteers who receive military training for a few days in a year so that in case of an emergency they can be mobilized for the defence of the country.

It is a second line of defense after the Regular Indian Army; the Indian Territorial Army is not a profession, occupation or a source of employment. It is only meant for those people who are already in mainstay civilian professions, in fact, gainful employment or self-employment in a civil profession is a pre-requisite for joining the Territorial Army.

Join as an Officer in Territorial Army (India)

Selected candidates will be posted in the Lieutenant Rank. This will be treated as a part time job.
Last date for receipt of request for Application – February 15
Last date for receipt of completed Application – March 15
Eligibility
Age – 18 to 42 years
Education – Graduation

How to Apply
Applications are to be sent to the concerned TA Group Headquarters. After processing of applications, the eligible candidates are called for Preliminary Interview Boards held at respective TA Group Headquarters (Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Lucknow). Selected candidates go through the SSB Interview, Medical Board & Police Verification. The successful candidates are granted commission by the President of India.

Ex – Defence service officers may also join the TA. The required to apply directly to Additional Directorate General of Territorial Army and appear before the Board of Officers presided by the Additional Director General of Territorial Army at New Delhi . Selected Officers are to be cleared by the Medical Boards before the officer’s ar granted commission in the TA. All such officers are given the credit of their previous commissioned service on joning the Territorial Army.

Those from Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Lakhdives may apply to

Commander TA,
Group Head Quarters,
Southern Command, Pune.

The request for application shall accompany a self addressed stamped post cover sized 28 x 12 cm enclosing a DD for Rs. 10. The Bio-data indicating the present employment details and monthly remuneration may also be enclosed.
For full procedures and Application Form Click here

Attempt to subvert the Army Judicial & Disciplinary System

Dear Chander,
Sending herewith a link from The Hindu Online, January 29, 2010 for your perusal and dissemination: Antony’s advice to Army Chief irks ex-servicemen - The Hindu Online, January 29, 2010.

Gen Satbir has, indeed, done everyone of us proud in articulating the attempt to subvert the Army Judicial & Disciplinary system. It was very timely and had to be done to support and boost the personal morale of the Army Chief, who has been under tremendous pressure from all quarters.
Regards,
Chris D'Silva
(Capt Christopher Lucian Newman D'Silva IN, Watertown MA 02472, USA)

The Sukhna Episode- the legal issues

The Sukna episode– it is not a SCAM, irrespective of what the media says- needs to be examined dispassionately, from the legal angle. This is especially so after the Defence Minister’s ‘advice’ to the COAS to court martial the present MS, Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash. Before discussing the issue, let us get some facts right...

Unlike other Class 1 Officers of the central services, officers of the Armed Forces are not government servants. In fact, they are the ‘first’ public servants of the Union. (Their commissions are signed personally by the President). According to the Defence Services Regulations, Regulations for the Army, Para 4 (b), ‘The Chief of Army Staff is responsible to the President through the Central Government for the command, discipline, recruitment, training, organisation, administration and preparations for war of the Army.’ (Though the COAS is responsible to the President through Government, it is not the same thing as to the Government).

The Defence Minister has no power of command over the COAS. There have been instances in the past when the COAS has disregarded the advice of the Defence Minister. I am giving below an extract from the biography of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw that forms part of my book Leadership In The Indian Army– Biographies Of Twelve Soldiers:

Sam was due to retire in June 1972, but was given an extension of six months. He was not keen to continue and had made known his desire to the Prime Minister. However, she wanted him to stay on and told Sam that he would not be allowed to proceed on retirement. When Sam told her that he had no intention of staying on and there was no law under which he could be forced to do so, there was some consternation. Finally someone found a way out. It was reasoned that if Sam received a direct order from the President who was also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he would have to obey. The President's consent was obtained and his directions published in the Gazette of India, indicating that Sam would continue to hold the office of Chief of Army Staff till the President was pleased to dispense with his services.

A court martial sometimes benefits the accused officer. In such cases, summary punishments or administrative action is the preferred option. Under Army Act 84, officers of the rank of major and below can be awarded up to one year forfeiture of seniority, subject to the right of the accused to elect to be tried by court martial. In many cases, officers choose this option. Why? Because it difficult to secure conviction in a court martial, in the absence of strong evidence. In the case of Gen Avadesh Prakash, all that he is being blamed for is sifarish (recommendation), which will be charged under Section 45 (Unbecoming Conduct). Usually, this section is invoked in cases of moral turpitude, which cannot be proved in the present case. All that he did was make an improper recommendation. There was no element of coercion, since he was not the superior officer of GOC 33 Corps, the latter could have refused to comply with his recommendation.

Coming to General Rath, the charges against him are even more difficult to prove. As the GOC, he was vested with the authority to give the NOC. There was no obligation on him to take the concurrence of the Army Commander, as is being made out. The bogey about National Security is misplaced. Surely, as the senior military officer on the spot, he is best suited to decide on the issue. Is the media more competent to decide this or even the Army Commander or COAS? The Corps HQ is nothing but an office. It is not really a ‘sensitive’ place, like a nuclear establishment or missile facility. In fact, Delhi has several places that are much more sensitive close to civil areas. A high tech facility of the Army is in Anand Parbat. The British High Commissioner lives within a stone’s throw of Sena Bhawan, below the offices of the Military Intelligence and Signal Intelligence Directorates. With the technology available today, even normal conversations can be picked up from window pane vibrations.

It will be extremely difficult to secure convictions through courts martial. Even if the concerned officers are convicted, they will certainly appeal to the Armed Forces Tribunal, or the High/ Supreme Court, which is likely to set aside the judgment. According to Para 103 (a) of the Regulations for the Army, the President may call upon any officer to retire or resign his commission at any time without assigning any reason. Why was this option not adopted by the Defence Minister? After the 1962 debacle, the COAS General PN Thapar was reportedly asked to quit as was the Corps Commander, Lt Gen BM Kaul. Surely, their actions, which cost us hundreds of lives and national ignominy, were graver.

Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd)

National Security: In- House Expertise

If the armed forces are to remain apolitical (and they must), the government has to provide them a layer of insulation, not just from the rough and tumble of politics, but also from the barbs of some sections of an ill-informed media. The best way to achieve this would be to do what the other democracies in the world have practiced for decades: subsume the armed forces headquarters within the central bastion of the government by making them an integral part of the Ministry of Defence. This is a huge breach in our national security edifice that the new NSA must redress at the earliest.

Our bureaucracy and diplomats are fond of blaming the Indian politician’s limited horizon for their failure to evolve a long-term vision in any area. While the democratic process in our country does demand that a politician devotes sufficient time to micro-issues relating to party, Parliament and constituency, it is for this reason that huge bureaucracies exist to deal with issues such as intelligence, foreign affairs and security.
Adm Arun Prakash (Retd)
Read the full article:
In- House Expertise

Sundial at No. 1 EME Center, Secunderabad

Dear Friend,
The above picture is of a Sundial erected at the EME Centre and inaugurated recently. This is quite similar to the one created by XIX Course at the NDA in 2007.
So the Sundial cult has caught on!!
Regards,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

Disability and War Injury: Revised Pension Orders

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Revised orders regarding Disability/ War Injury Element of Pension have been issued by Government of India vide their letter dated 19th Jan 2010. The copy of the letter and its annexure floating on the internet is not very legible. I have typed this letter and its annexure for the benefit of affected personnel. Click Here

While lot of care has been taken by me to check and recheck the contents of the version typed by me but some minor error somewhere cannot be ruled out. I have the MS Word version of this letter now available with me. Those who need the MS Word version may kindly write to me.

Please give widest possible publicity to this letter. Kindly have it displayed at ECHS Polyclinics, CSD Canteens, Officers Clubs and Community Centres etc.

If you need any clarifications on the subject, you may kindly refer it to the IESM Pension Cell - pension@iesm.org. I am not in a position to give any clarifications on the subject.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj

Sukhna Land Scam takes a new dimension

GETTING STRICT: Defence Minister Antony steps in to ensure action in cantonment land scam.
New Delhi: Defence Minister AK Anthony on Wednesday recommended court martial of Lt. Gen. Awadesh Prakash for his alleged involvement in a land scam in Sukhna cantonment in West Bengal.

Antony made the recommendation after Army chief General Deepak Kapoor ordered administrative action against Prakash while another officer held guilty in the scam, Lt. Gen. P K Rath, was ordered to be court martialled.

"The Defence Minister has recommended for disciplinary action against Prakash also and this includes court martial," said a senior defence official on Wednesday.

The Defence Minister's recommendations reached the army chief on Wednesday.

Kapoor had submitted his action-taken report in the scam to the defence ministry early this month.

Prakash, the current military secretary, was found guilty by a court of inquiry of using his position to influence granting of a no-objection certificate by Rath -- who was commander of 33 Corps in Sukhna -- to a private realtor.

The Eastern Army Commander, Lt.Gen. V K Singh, who convened the inquiry, had recommended court martial of the two officers.

Meanwhile, Prakash was asked to proceed on leave. Prakash is to retire on January 31.

An Army court had indicted the two officers for their role in issuing of a no-objection certificate to a private establishment that falsely claimed to be setting up an affiliate of the well-known Ajmer-based Mayo College on a plot adjacent to the Sukhna military station in Darjeeling district.

Prakash is one of the eight Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Army Headquarters and acts as adviser to the army chief.

As military secretary, Prakash was responsible for the promotions and postings of army officers.

Rath was the deputy army chief-designate but his appointment was cancelled after the scam was exposed.
Sukhna Land Scam: Court Martial Senior Officer
Daily Mail Report
Fort Williams boss wins the War of Generals in Indian Army
Land Scam: Army Chief Gen Kapoor caught at crossroads

India celebrates 61st Republic Day

Media Reports
Military might, cultural heritage on display at Republic Day parade
Obama greets India on 61st Republic Day
India celebrates peaceful 61st Republic Day
United colours of India unfurl again on 61st Republic Day

Gist of Life

1. ATTITUDE IS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT...
SOLDIER: SIR WE ARE SURROUNDED FROM ALL SIDES BY ENEMIES.
MAJOR: EXCELLENT! WE CAN ATTACK IN ANY DIRECTION.

2. EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL WHO INVENTED THE TELEPHONE, BUT HE NEVER MADE A CALLTO HIS FAMILY, BECAUSE, HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE DEAF. THAT'S LIFE "LIVE FOR OTHERS" .

3. THE WORST IN LIFE IS "ATTACHMENT" IT HURTS WHEN YOU LOSE IT. THE BEST THING IN LIFE IS "LONELINESS" BECAUSE IT TEACHES YOU EVERYTHING AND, IF YOU LOSE IT, YOU GET EVERYTHING.

4. LIFE IS NOT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO ACT TRUE TO YOUR FACE... IT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO REMAIN TRUE BEHIND YOUR BACK .

5. IF AN EGG IS BROKEN BY AN OUTSIDE FORCE... A LIFE ENDS. IF AN EGG BREAKS FROM WITHIN... LIFE BEGINS. GREAT THINGS ALWAYS BEGIN FROM WITHIN .

6. IT'S BETTER TO LOSE YOUR EGO TO THE ONE YOU LOVE, THAN TO LOSE THE ONE YOU LOVE ... BECAUSE OF EGO.

7. A RELATIONSHIP DOESN'T SHINE BY JUST SHAKING HANDS ATTHE BEST OF TIMES. BUT IT BLOSSOMS BY HOLDING FIRMLY IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS .

8. HEATED GOLD BECOMES ORNAMENTS. BATTED COPPER BECOMES WIRES. DEPLETED STONE BECOMES STATUE. SO, THE MORE PAIN YOU GET IN YOUR LIFE THE MORE VALUABLE YOU BECOME.

9. WHY WE HAVE SO MANY TEMPLES, IF GOD IS EVERYWHERE? A WISE MAN SAID: AIR IS EVERYWHERE, BUT WE STILL NEED A FAN, TO FEEL IT .

10. WHEN YOU TRUST SOMEONE TRUST HIM COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY DOUBT... AT THE END YOU WOULD GET ONE OF THE TWO: EITHER A GREAT LESSON FOR YOUR LIFE OR A VERY GOOD PERSON.

SCPC: Pension disparity- JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys

The pension paying banks are finding it very difficult to understand the special features of Defence Pension. The rank structure of PBORs, of the three services, their service conditions, the terms used in Defence Pensions are not understood by the Bankers.

Identifying a Special Family Pension, Liberalised Family Pension, Disability Pension, Constant Attendance Allowance, War Injury Pension, monetary allowance to gallantry awards etc., etc., are very difficult even to the concerned pensioners.

Many family pensioners of the PBORs don’t know the ranks of their husbands. In the circumstances, how can one expect the bank to pay correct pension. There is no compilation of a single comprehensive book on Defence pension.

Unfortunately, none of the ex-servicemen organizations have come forward to publish a book on this subject. There may be some here and there. But if it was worth referring, many banks would have come across such books and solved the problems to some extent.

The CDA (P) Allahabad, Ministry of Defence (Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare) and some recognized ex-servicemen associations are responsible for this state of affairs. Recently you may find lot of Websites and Blogs started by defence personnel. But they are not much useful to the Banks.

I regret to publish that one of the richest ex-servicemen organization like the Indian Ex-services League, so far neither started a Website nor published any book on Defence Pension.

It is a matter of great concern that the Indian Ex-services League, which was founded in the year 1964 by late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, recognized by the Government of India and claim to be having membership of over two lakh of ex-servicemen, is keeping silent over the genuine demands of the ex- servicemen for the ONE RANK ONE PENSION.

If the term OROP is confusing the finance ministry, at least get some improvement in pension for the PBOR specially the lower ranks i.e. Sepoys, Naiks and Havildars & equivalents in other services.

Posted By Muthukrishnan to indianexserviceman at 1/26/2010 06:36:00 PM

Corps of Signals: Honorary Commissions for JCOs

SIGS- SUB MAJ & HONY LT
368149 J P SINGH, 368588 R C MAHTO, 370694 R SINGH, 368190 S R VERMA, 368429 T N UPADHYAY, SUB & HONY LT:- 372703 A SINGH, 372916 B SINGH, 373457 G CHANDR, 371877 M NAIR D, 374366 P S THAKUR, 374509 P C SINGH, 372984 R KUMAR, 375310 THYAGARAJAN K.

SIGS- SUB MAJ
370602 ADURTI R K P SATYANA, 370599 A BEHERA, 369941 A K SRIVASTAVA, 370696 B SINGH, 367256 B PRASAD, 368116 C PRASAD, 369339 D P SHARMA, 370470 D PAL, 368512 G SINGH, 131987 H S DANGWAL(RT), 370732 JAIVIR, 368434 JAYAPRAKASH K M, 370651 M S GOVIND, 370582 M CHOUDHARY, 370593 N K AMBASTHA, 368191 N C PAL, 370687 R SINGH, 124891 R K DWIVEDI(RT), 370369 RAMESH, 370728 R L ZOOD, 130070 R N MISRA(RT), 368199 R R GUPTA, 370615 S SUNDAR, 367097 S SINGH, 368657 U CHAND, SUB:- 372899 A S SUNDARAM, 374198 BABU K, 374178 B S RANA, 374888 B SINGH, 375813 D KUMAR, 374963 D PRASAD, 371698 H S NEHRA, 374570 J N ROY, 372555 J PAL, 374527 K N SINGH, 372972 K SINGH, 371648 K MISHRA, 375557 K SINGH, 375106 M M SINGH, 374585 M AJMERI, 373521 M C S BAIDYA, 374569 N S RANA, 375212 N SINGH, 374761 N KUMAR, 374334 P DEY, 373164 P K DAS, 374281 P KUMAR, 373499 R K RANA, 372981 R K SINGH, 374222 R B SINGH, 372552 R G DWIVEDI, 371866 R N KUMAR, 372087 RAVEENDRAN R, 374239 R K SINGH, 372735 S KUMAR, 368442 S N TIWARI, 371649 SUBBURAJ A, 372926 S S BARWAL, 375165 S D SINGH, 374738 V SINGH.

61st Republic Day Gallantry Awards- 26 Jan 2010

SHAURYA CHAKRA : MAJOR AKASH SINGH
On 08-09 Sep 2009 intervening night on receiving information of infiltration attempt Major Akash Singh quickly laid and ambush at Rocket Support by 2210 hours. He sprung ambush at 2330 hours achieving complete surprise, single handily killed one terrorist and injured other (later reported dead as per EWCP Int Input), displaying utmost courage beyond the call of duty. In ensuing fierce and close Gun Battle, even after being grievously injured brought effective and accurate fire on terrorist, saving lives of five comrades. The op resulted in three terrorists killed and recovery of huge cache of war like store. In doing so the Gallant and Brave Officer in highest tradition of sacrifice laid down his life for the nation, successfully foiling a major infiltration bid on Line of Control.

SHAURYA CHAKRA : MAJOR JUGMAL SINGH VAGHELA
Based on specific input regarding impending infiltration attempt by a group of terrorists, Major Jugmal Singh Vaghela led by example the team that foiled infiltration bid by three armed foreign terrorists. The officer on observing three heavily armed terrorists in area astride Green Patch retained wits and let them move 30 meters into the killing area. Displaying perseverance, composure and maintaining complete surprise the officer killed one terrorist with first aimed shot followed by heavy volume of fire. Two terrorists ran and took cover behind thick trees and boulders and continued retaliating with indiscriminate firing. Completely undeterred and disregarding his personal safety the officer displaying highest standards of field craft crawled under hostile fire to block terrorist’s escape route towards line of control. After closing in, he lobbed hand grenades on terrorists from an advantageous position resulting in elimination of another terrorist in close quarter battle.

Maj Vaghela displayed conspicuous bravery and valour in the highest traditions of the Army coupled with tactical acumen, tenacity, exemplary courage and leadership qualities in the face of heavy odds.

SHAURYA CHAKRA : CAPTAIN TUSHAR DHASMANA
On Night 06 Aug 2009, based on intelligence inputs, he moved with his party and laid a Ambush in general area Sangam Nala. On 07 Aug 2009 at 1830hrs he and his buddy picked up movement of few terrorists at very close range. He and his buddy side stepped from their location and sprung a surprise on the terrorist. The terrorist opened fire and attempted to escape. The officer held on to his nerve and expeditiously returned fire instantly killing one terrorist. The remaining terrorists ran downstream taking cover of foliage. The officer sensing the need for exceptional courage jumped out from his position and fearlessly moved with his buddy to cut off the escaping terrorists. Displaying exemplary calmness and steely grit he closed in with the terrorists and shot dead a second terrorist at extreme close range. Just at that movement the third terrorist attempted to target the officer from his rear. With lightening reflexes the officer lobbed a grenade onto the hiding terrorist and followed it by a volley of fire resulting in his elimination.

SHAURYA CHAKRA : LIEUTENANT SATBIR SINGH
On 18 Mar 2009, when the Mobile Check Post laid by his patrol was fired at by the terrorists travelling in a jeep, Lieutenant Satbir, not only directed the fire of the troops at the fleeing vehicle but also killed an armed terrorist. He was injured grievously trying to pull his injured buddy Sep Chandrakant Dukare, to safety. Despite bleeding profusely and being seriously wounded, he refused to be evacuated and continued to engage the terrorists. Lieutenant Satbir Singh however succumbed to his injuries and laid down his life in the highest traditions of Indian Army.

SHAURYA CHAKRA : COLONEL SANJAY KAUSHIK
On 01 Jul 2009 at 1300h, Lt Col Sanjay Kaushik leading the Battalion Ghatak column, moved on reliable input about presence of four terrorists in house of the suspect at village Nilsu. On spot interrogation provided input that the terrorists were likely hiding in the adjoining forest. The officer displayed tactical acumen by immediately resiting the cordon and coordinating a two pronged probe to locate terrorists in the forest which had dense foliage and steep slopes. On being probed, the terrorists fired on own parties and spread along a nala, covered with big boulders and dense foliage. The fire fight continued in heavy rainstorm for approx two hours, when the officer anticipating approaching fading light, crawled forward from a flank against heavy fire and charged after throwing grenades. Disregarding personal safety, he closed in and killed two terrorists from point blank range and facilitated neutralization of the third terrorist.

SHAURYA CHAKRA : RIFLEMAN SURAJ PRAKASH
Rifleman Suraj Prakash was employed in Battalion Ghatak Platoon. He has been part of various ops during his tenure with 10 RR (RAJPUT). Some of which are as under :-

(a) 12 Dec 09 (OP MALHORI) – Two terrorists apprehended and one Rifle AK 56 and 20 rounds of AK Ammunition recovered.

(b) 19 Apr 09 (OP HADSING) - Two terrorists killed and one Rifle AK -56, 04 Magazine AK and 10 rounds of AK Ammunition recovered.

Late Rifleman Suraj Prakash is survived by wife Smt Sanjeeta Devi and son Master Akshit Shan, aged 02 years.
PIB- S Om Singh/Rajendra
Gallantry Awards for Army Personnel announced

62 Presidential Awards for IAF this year, PVSM for six Air Marshals

Shaurya Chakra for Naval MARCO killed in Counter Insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir Valley

The list of Army personnel who have been honoured with honorary commissions on the occasion of Republic Day - 2010

Gallantry Awards for Army Personnel announced

The President has approved awards of 442 gallantry and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others. This includes one Ashoka Chakra, six Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras, three Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 118 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry),three Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), 28 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, one Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, 50 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 16 Yudh Seva Medals, two Bar to Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), 38 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), eight Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), 14 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), two Bar to Vishisht Seva Medals and 119 Vishisht Seva Medals.
Republic Day Gallantry and other Defence Decorations: ASHOK CHAKRA AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY TO HAVILDAR RAJESH KUMAR

Ashok Chakra Awarded posthumously to Havildar Rajesh Kumar

Republic Day 2010 – a curtain raiser

What the Army has given you?

Reference: What has Army Given You?
A very good response indeed. Talking about "Çomradery", I remember being at a dinner where I met someone who was going to retire as Managing Director of an old Canadian MNC in India.We were talking about being able to meet and visit our regts or formations after retirement. I asked him if he has a lien on his company facilities like holiday homes and guest houses. His reply was "Not a chance. They have seen alot of me, think they are happy to see the back of me." There is no such thing in the corporate world where retired people are still given due respect and you belong somewhere.
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)

What has Army Given You?
Army is a way of life. It is not about making a living. As far as supersession is concerned, lady, that is way of army life. You can’t complain just because your personal interest, as you perceive it, has not been looked after. Army has wonderful, time-tested evolved systems. You don’t fight personal battles for the heck of it. And it is about selfishness, dear – Service Before Self is our motto. Remember it is a Service (seva). There are no expectations of rewards in Seva, for Seva is considered its own reward. ‘What has Army given me?’, you asked. It has given me a glimpse and understanding of dimensions you, in the civil sector, can only wonder and feel over-awed about.
Have you any idea of camaraderie? When you see a soldier brave the shower of artillery shrapnel’s to rush to rescue his bleeding colleague just wounded in the shelling you KNOW the meaning of the word ‘camaraderie’. When you are lying in a hospital on a DI List, and there are 20 blood donors of your blood-group spending the cold night in the verandah of the hospital, just so that any emergency call for blood to save your life may be attended to, that is camaraderie. Camaraderie implies selfless help and support to someone who is not necessarily a friend. You have to cross Banihal, my dear, to understand all this.
Col Abhay Gupta
Read the full article
What has Army Given You?
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The battle Hymn

Republic Day Greetings and Good Tidings for Lt Gens

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
“REPORT MY SIGNAL”
WISHES ALL ITS MEMBERS
VERY HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY
HAVE A NICE DAY
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj

Good tidings for Lt Gens
Monday, January 25, 2010
Pre-06 Lt Gens shall now draw Rs 36,500 as basic pension
The much awaited orders for revision of pension of Lieutenant Generals (Non-Army Commanders) have been issued.

Basic Pension of Lt Gens (pre 1-1-06 retirees) would now be :
From 01 Jan 2006 to 31 Aug 2008 : Rs 33,500/- basic per month.
From 01 Sep 2008 onwards : Rs 33,500/- + MSP fitment of Rs 3000/-, that is, a total of Rs 36,500/- basic per month.
Other pending issues shall also be cleared very soon.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh

Sukhna Scam, Military Leadership and Blinkered Vision

Sukhna Land Scam
My dear Chander,
I sent this article titled Sukhna Scandal: click here to a leading news paper, now about two weeks back. It has neither been published nor the paper have had the courtsy to inform me of its use or oherwise.
I am therefore, noting this article, incase you think proper to circulate it on 'Report My Signals.'
Regards and best wishes.
Harwant
Lt Gen Harwant Singh, Former DCOAS, currently visiting USA

Military Leadership
Dear Chander,
Thank you for your mail. Yes, my talk was listened to with attention, but as I had to catch my train, I hurried out as soon as Shri Sangma the Chief Guest had spoken and thus missed the chat and interaction that usually accompanies tea. The function was very well organised and the military touch was quite eveident.

Please click the link for the soft copy POLITICAL DIRECTION, MILITARY LEADERSHIP AND MORALE; on account of time constraints, I had to leave out/ modify some paras, but the essence was not changed.

Warm regards.
Vijay Oberoi
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi Former Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS)
Former Director Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)

Pitfalls of a Blinkered Vision
THE PITFALLS OF A BLINKERED VISION by Adm. Arun Prakash (Retd)

Jana Gana Mana - National Anthem

IESM: Surrender of Medals on 14 Mar 2010

Dear Colleagues,
In view of the continued spell of cold wave and fog over Delhi and taking into consideration the frequent cancellation or inordinate delay in the running of trains, the Governing Body has decided to postpone the depositing of medals from 31 January to Sunday, 14 March 2010. This may kindly be disseminated to all ESM that need to be informed.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM,
Chairman IESM