War Disabled Marathon Run

Vijay Oberoi
WAR DISABLED PERSONNEL WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE DELHI HALF-MARATHON ON SUNDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 2012
Twenty war disabled personnel of the War Wounded Foundation would be participating in the Half Marathon being organised at New Delhi on Sunday 30 September 2012. The War Wounded Foundation is a registered charitable organisation, set up in 2002, with the intention of creating long - term avenues for the financial independence of all war disabled personnel of the army, navy and air force.
Participation in the Half-Marathon is not for winning medals, but to display the resolve of the war disabled personnel to be part of the mainstream of our society and to emphasise that the fervour of the soldiers does not get diminished because of their disabilities. The war-disabled veterans want to project the reality that their disabilities do not come in the way of continuing to be useful members of the society and creating an honourable niche for themselves.
The war disabled personnel hope that their example would be emulated by the citizens of our great nation, particularly the youth, who need to be motivated to assist in the growth and well-being of the nation.
The team of the Foundation would be lead by its President - Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, former Vice Chief of Army Staff and would comprise two other officers, two JCO’S and 15 Other Ranks, all of whom are associated with the War Wounded Foundation.
War disabled personnel of the War Wounded Foundation have participated in the Mumbai Marathon twice in the past. Photographs are given below.
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM , President; Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM,Vice President; Lt Col Gulshan Kumar, Executive Officer; and seven war disabled members of the War Wounded Foundation, ran in the Mumbai Marathon on 16 January 2011, despite their disabilities.
Maj Gen Ian Cardozo, AVSM, SM, Vice President; Brig Veer Pratap Executive Director; Lt Col. Gulshan Kumar, Executive Officer; and seven war disabled members of the War Wounded Foundation, ran in the Mumbai Marathon on 15 January 2012.

Army Officer honey trapped

An Army Lieutenant Colonel was embroiled in an alleged honey trap and then blackmailed by ISI which reportedly asked him to spy for Pakistan during his posting in Bangladesh. The Army has ordered a Court of Inquiry (CoI) against the officer whose name has been withheld by the Army Headquarters in New Delhi. The Infantry officer was doing his Staff College course in the Bangladesh's Military Academy in Dhaka.

Maharaja of Jaipur Bhawani Singh is dead

17/04/2011
Jaipur: Brig Sawai Bhawani Singh, the last titular maharaja of Jaipur, passed away at a private hospital in Gurgaon, his family said Sunday. He was 79.
In 1951, Bhawani Singh was commissioned into the Indian Army in the 3rd Cavalry Regiment as a second lieutenant. In 1954, he was selected for the Presidents' Bodyguard. In 1963, he was posted to the 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade.
From 1964-1967, he was adjutant at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. In 1967, he volunteered for the new special forces unit and was posted to 10 Para Commando as second-in-command. The following year he became the elite unit's commanding Officer.
In 1970, he helped in training the "Mukti Bahini", the rebel army in Bangladesh against then Pakistani rule.
In 1970, after the death of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the president of India recognized him as the successor and ruler of Jaipur and a notification was issued for this.
During 1971 India-Pakistan war, he was awarded the second highest wartime gallantry award -- the Mahavir Chakra.
His unit, the 10 Para Commando, also received 10 gallantry awards for their action in the war. He took voluntary retirement in 1974.
When the Indian Army was in action in Sri Lanka in the 1980s, Bhawani Singh went to Sri Lanka at the request of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi to boost the morale of the soldiers.
For this the president of India bestowed upon him the rank of brigadier for life.
Bhawani Singh was also the first resident high commissioner to Brunei from 1993 to 1997. Source: IANS
Read more: Maharaja of Jaipur Bhawani Singh is dead

Sinking of INS Khukri

9th December 1971 was the saddest day in the history of Indian Navy as on this day Indian Navy suffered largest wartime causality loosing 178 sailors and 18 officers including Capt. Mahendra Nath Mulla who chose to go down along with ship as an old tradition,-“captains don’t abandon their ships”
One of the survivors COMMANDER Manu Sharma hasn’t forgotten the night ofDecember. Speaking to The Indian Express correspondent he said, “I remember when the ship was sinking after being hit by a Pakistani submarine PNS Hangor, there was a small hatch escape from where we were puling the sailors and everyone was trying to save his life. There was a moment which even made a person like me cry. My captain M N Mulla pushed me and Lieutenant Kundan Mall from the ship and said you go ahead, do not worry about me. When Kundan Mall and I started swimming under water, after a while I lost track of Mall. And I as looked around for him I saw Captain Mulla holding the top of the ship’s railing with a cigar in his mouth. Those were the last minutes for INS Khukri and Captain Mulla, who choose not to abandon the ship,” His daughter Ameeta Mulla Wattal speaking to The Hindu correspondent during release of book The sinking of INS Khukri - Survivors' stories, by Maj.Gen. (retd.) Ian Cardozo, recently, wondered, "I suppose he saw himself as nurtured by the traditions of the sea that required him to stay with his vessel. One such man is enough to bring honour to an entire nation for a life time."

CITATION
Two ships of the Indian Navy under the command of Captain M.N.Mulla, senior officer of frigates squadron, were assigned the task of locating and destroying a Pakistani submarine in North Arabian Sea. During these operations on the night of 9 December 1971,INS “Khukri” was hit by torpedoes fired by enemy submarine and sank. Having decided to abandon the ship, Captain Mulla without regard to his personal safety, supervised the arrangements for rescue of his ship’s company in very cool, calm and methodical manner. Even at later stage whilst the ship was sinking, Capt Mulla showed presence of mind and continued to direct rescue operations and refused to save himself by giving his own life-saving gear to a sailor. Having directed as many of his men as possible to leave the ship, Captain Mulla went back to bridge to see what further rescue operations could be performed. In doing so, Captain Mulla was last seen going down the ship. His action and behavior and the example he set have been in keeping with highest tradition of the services. Captain Mulla displayed conspicuous gallantry and dedication.
Capt Mulla and sinking of Khukri: click here to read comments
Sinking of INS Khukri

Remembrance: Lt Col Nirmal Singh- Veteran and Social Worker

REMEMBRANCE
Great veteran Lt Col Nirmal Singh who rendered his entire retired life of more than two decades for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen of Doon Valley as a Vice President Dehradun Ex Services League, passed away on 18 Dec 09 at the age of 81 years at his residence, 267 Garhi Cantt. As per his real brother Col KS Kambo, Retd who met me this morning at IMA Golf Course, stated that before the last breath of his brother Lt Col Nirmal Singh, had said his prayers and mentioned leaving this world for ever so had a peaceful passing away.

Born in an affluent business family on 23 April 28 at Dakra, Dehradun. He earned his BA degree from the Lucknow University and was commissioned in Indian Army on 12 Jul 1950 and retired on 10 Apr 1979. During his illustrious career he completed his staff college successfully and participated in three wars ie 1962, 1965 and 1971. He commanded the 22 Mountain Regiment during the Indo Pak War of 1971.

After his retirement not only did he devote his entire life for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen but he also played a very active role in public social service constructing Tapkeshwar Cremation Ground and also started a charitable homoeopathic dispensary at Dakra Gurudwara Dehradun. He was a great sportsman and a great golfer with fairly good handicap. He used to coach many a golfer like me to make us better players on the field.

Lt Col B M Thapa, Retd,
Gen Secy DESL, Member IESM

Lt Gen Mote Dar’s works are sheer poetry

Photo: K.V. Srinivasan
FULL OF LIFE Lt Gen Mote Dar and his paintings
He speaks of the wars of 1965 and 1971 in the same breath as the poetry of T.S. Eliot and Kalidasa. He links strategic military command and the creation of art. Meet Lt Gen (Retd) Mote Dar — former Vice Chief of Army Staff and the man who paints — and speaks — like a poet.

Dar was in Chennai recently for the first showing of his exhibition “Inner Vision Outer Truth” at Prakrit Art Gallery.

He’s been painting for a long time — he had his first exhibition as a young captain in the Indian army back in 1965 — but this set of works is almost entirely new, created in the last few months.

“I continued to paint even as a junior and senior officer, but in the last part of my career, when I became General Officer Commander-in-Chief Southern Command, and then basically the number two man in the army, it was very difficult to find the time,” he says.

Now, of course, he has all the time in the world, so he’s chosen to experiment with oils — he did mostly only water colours before, because they were quicker — and with numerous themes, from a depiction of the seasons of the year to surrealist abstracts.

“In Indian poetry, the seasons of the year have been written about from time immemorial — from Kalidasa to Guru Nanak — linking the different months with festivals, with emotions of separation and union,” he says. “So, I thought I’d do a contemporary re-imagining of them.”

The result is a series of radiantly-coloured paintings filled with lively, abstract imagery of flowers blooming in spring and children playing in the monsoon — a joyful celebration of the seasons. On the other hand, his surrealistic ‘On the thorns of memory’ series is more enigmatic, using more light and shade and Freudian symbolism in the midst of swirls of thick, strong colour.

“I see painting more in terms of an inner awakening, as a form of meditation that drives away your stress, and helps in self-actualisation,” says Dar, who was part of the 1965 and 1971 wars, wounded in the latter.

Creative thinking
He adds: “I also believe it aids in the creative, out-of-the-box thinking that’s so essential in strategic military command — when big armies are on the move, you need to be able to envision their movements in time and space.”

Not surprisingly, one of the most powerful series of paintings in the exhibition has to do with war — a pair of abstracts bearing a single inscription across a solid wall of colour. Starkly gorgeous is the one in the vibrant green of the valleys of Kashmir with a quote from Jahangir in Persian above, and a single trail of blood below. “When Jahangir went to Kashmir, he’s supposed to have said, ‘If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here’,” says Dar, who is Kashmiri but has had to leave his troubled home state to live in Pune. “But now, it is all tears and blood and coffins.”

However, the collection of 29 paintings pulses with life, much like the man himself. The exhibition is on until February 27.
DIVYA KUMAR
Art and Awakening: Mote Dar’s works are sheer poetry

Sam Manekshaw: Tribute to the Eternal Soldier

Sam Manekshaw was a soldier of great repute, but he also built a reputation of being no respecter of men lacking integrity. Lt-General A.K. Kalkat, a former army commander in Manekshaw's regiment, remembers a conversation between Manekshaw and a general accused of misusing funds: "Sir, do you know what you are saying?" asked the general. "You are accusing a general of being dishonest." Replied Manekshaw: "Your chief is not only accusing you of being dishonest but also calling you a thief. If I were you I would go home and either shoot myself or resign. I am waiting to see what you will do." The general submitted his resignation.
Sam Manekshaw lives on......
Sam Manekshaw: Tribute to the Eternal Soldier

Comment: Sam Manekshaw's wit and humour alone was enough to accomplish his mission. He hated Court of Inquiries, Court Cases, Procrastinated Bureaucratic Bungling, Career Opportunists and the like. He got rid of corrupt Officers in his own style instantaneously and silently. We need to learn lessons now that so many Officers are under wraps, under media glare, and taking advantage of the loop holes in the legal system.

What the Media has to say, just to recapitulate:
Wallop that WoP: Sam Manekshaw deserved more respect in death By General VP Malik
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Time: Sam Manekshaw
If you have to die, do so around Delhi or Mumbai
Indomitable and inimitable Sam Bahadur fades away by Anil Bhat
Saluting Sam Bahadur
Obama woos Indians with Manekshaw message
India's Warrant of Precedence does not include Marshals?
Manekshaw funeral: Antony's face-saving exercise
Top honours for Sam Bahadur's last journey
With his charm, Manekshaw won hearts more than wars
Lone minister represents govt at Manekshaw's funeral
Farewell Sam Bahadur
Saluting Sam
Sam Manekshaw given final salute
I am always ready sweetie, General Manekshaw told Indira
Bahadur Sam A billion people salute their hero
NDTV: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw dies

We thank all the officers who have kindly sent us the media links and the responses that were generated. In the loss of our legendary hero Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw we have seen the Camaraderie of the Indian Armed Forces. We salute Sam Manekshaw, Eternal Soldier. Please visit: Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Tributes from Officers

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw a Living Legend Passes Away

The Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, is normally close to the heart and valuable memoirs of service officers, particularly, when it comes to fond memories. Sam Manekshaw was appointed as its Commandant from 1959 to 1962. During his tenure, he even asserted against the recommendations of Joint Training Committee on the content of the syllabus for the staff course. Sam's judgment was finally accepted when he expressed "a study of operations of war involving close cooperation and employment of any two or all the three services is essential". This continues even today. For Sam Manekshaw, the Staff College certainly had a very special place. He mentions "it was indeed, an honour and privilege for me to have commanded the DSSC for more than three years". What more after retirement from active service, he decided to settle down in Coonoor.

His bungalow, "Stavka", is now a pilgrimage centre for the officers of his favourite Gorkha Regiment. It was here during his tenure, the then Defence Minister, Mr. Krishna Menon and Lt. Gen. B. M. Kaul had almost ruined his military career. Finally the truth prevailed and Sam Manekshaw emerged as a leading light to guide Indian Army in different important assignments to be the Chief of Army Staff and later as Field Marshal. Indo-Pak war, 1971, revolves around Sam Manekshaw. His brilliant military strategy, decision-making, co-ordinating skills and above all, his generalship were of high order. This success made him a national hero and a recipient of Padma Vibhushan. The task was not easy. There was a difference of opinion between the Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi and Sam Manekshaw on the timing of military action. Manekshaw did not crawl or bend before the political master, rather offered to resign if his military plans were not acceptable. Finally his assertive leadership prevailed and paid dividends. The Prime Minister accepted his plans. The success of the 1971 war was remarkable from many angles.

The grand strategic objectives were achieved within a short span of 14 days with 93,000 enemy soldiers made to surrender. This war also saw a close coordinated action by the three Armed Services. Not only history was created but also the map of South Asia was altered. What more a country can accept from this great soldier? I wish the successive service chiefs followed in his footsteps. For the author it is a rich tribute to his leader, but for an ordinary reader, it is a good insight into Sam's personality. A full biography of Sam Bahadur, it seems, is still in embryonic stage for want of some documents and real accounts. Surely, on completion, it will open the vista vision of a glorious soldier's life.

Sam Manekshaw's contributions to the Indian Army are enormous. But a few are worth mentioning like kit maintenance allowance and participation of army contingent in regimental formation on the Republic Day parade. His hospitality and strict dress code add flavour to his personality. Leadership qualities in service officers are a concern that is deep-rooted in Sam Bahadur's mind and this is amply reflected in his speeches particularly at military institutions. Every significant event and glorified personality will certainly have different voices from the contemporary elite either in the form of mild dissenting views or a full-fledged criticism. Sam Manekshaw and his military decisions in the 1971 war were no exceptions. Whether it was his buddies in uniform or any civilian, none could point out that if Sam was wrong, then what was right? Our pride and a great son of the Mother India, a living legend and a role model for uniform fraternity, Sam Manekshaw, the nation salutes you.

Extracts from Book Review by GOPALJI MALVIYA

Lt Gen Depinder Singh (Retd)
FIELD MARSHAL SAM MANEKSHAW, M C — Soldiering with Dignity: Natraj Publishers, 17, Rajpur Road, Dehradun
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw passes away
Living Legend
NATION HAS LOST A GREAT SOLDIER: ANTONY

Condolence Message from Raksha Mantri
In a condolence message to the bereaved family, Defence Minister A K Antony said "his demise has left behind a void that will be really hard to fill... The nation has lost a great soldier, a true patriot and a nobel son".

He said: "I am deeply grieved to learn of his demise. Manekshaw's nearly four-decade-long career with the army saw him hold several important positions and he was also one of the most decorated officers".

He also lauded the general's "rare knack of motivating the jawans" and being "a man of ideas and action by leading from the front in the 1971 war".
RM condolence Message on passing away of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

PM condoles....
“I Join the people of India in expressing my deepest and heartfelt condolences on the passing away of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, popularly and with great affection called Sam Bahadur. Field Marshal Manekshaw was without doubt one of India’s greatest soldiers and a truly inspiring leader. He served the Indian Army with great distinction for over four decades beginning with the very first military engagement free India was dragged into in the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Sam Bahadur was the architect and the inspiring leader of the operations and the consequent military victory in what is now Bangladesh. Military historians will forever record the strategic brilliance and the inspirational leadership of Sam Bahadur. The people and the Government of India expressed their deepest admiration and their profound gratitude for his inspiring leadership as Chief of the Army Staff by conferring on him the prestigious title of Field Marshal. Field Marshal Manekshaw has inspired several generations of Indian soldiers and officers over the past half a century. I am sure, his legacy will continue to live with us for years to come.”
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh condoles passing away of Sam Bahadur

In conveying his condolences to the family members of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal FH Major said,
“Though we saw it coming, it was with a sense of disbelief that I received the news of the sad demise of the legendary Field Marshal.. An iconic leader, Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, or ‘SAM’ as he is fondly called, will be remembered as a revered leader of the Indian Armed Forces, and indeed of the Nation, who exemplified the true spirit and ethos of a military leader and inspired generations of Indians to stand up and confront adversity in all its forms. Sharp and witty till the end and imbued with an indomitable fighting spirit, he will continue to live on in the minds of committed citizens and will inspire them to take the nation forward. The Indian Air Force mourns his demise and hopes that the family members he leaves behind be given the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace”.
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw will live on in our memory: Air Chief Marshal Fali Major