1962 war: Governance of the Mughal style caused the defeat

‘Few lessons learnt from 1962 war’
by F wire Oct 13, 2012
New Delhi, Oct 13 (IANS) India was engaged in a bruising war with China in 1962 because the apparatus of the state was at fault but no lessons seem to have been learnt from this, diplomatic, military and media veterans of the “humiliation” that the country suffered 50 years ago lamented.
“The 1962 conflict occurred because the apparatus of the state was at fault but we still don’t take structured decisions,” former top diplomat K.Shankar Bajpai said at the second round table discussion on “50 Years After 1962: India-China Relations” organised by the India International Centre, the Subbu Forum and the Society for Policy Studies (SPS) Friday evening.
“The 1962 conflict was a total example of what a government should not do. It was governance of the Mughal style,” Bajpai, a former ambassador to China, US and Pakistan who was also the convenor of the National Security Advisory Board contended and then posed a question: “Have we learnt from it?”
He left the answer hanging but the implication was quite clear: that 50 years down the line, no lessons had been drawn from the conflict.
Another security expert, Brig (retd) Arun Sehgal, echoed Bajpai.
“Their is talk of jointmanship but there is no thinking on integrated joint operations. Because of this, there is no common operating picture,” he said.
Sehgal also rued that the Indian establishment continues to think that China will follow “the attritional policy of 1962″, while in reality it was “enhancing its capabilities for asymmetrical attacks”.
Lamenting the “casual decisions taken in Delhi”, Mohan Guruswamy. a China expert of the Observer Research Foundation, said: “In 1962, there was no coordination, there was casual decision-making. Are we condemned to repeat it?”
Inder Malhotra, veteran journalist who covered the war, said it was a result of a “total misreading of the situation” by prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who never thought the Chinese would make an all-out assault but only resort to “small skirmishes” to settle their territorial claims.
“Indian forces at the time were hopelessly unprepared, Malhotra said. He said if the Indian Air Force was used to give air cover to the Indian Army – a flawed decision that has been rued by military experts since then – the results of the war would have been totally different.
However, Arvinder Singh Lamba, former vice-chief of army who retired recently, dismissed such fears saying “there was no scope for any surprises (from China) in future.
“We have come a long way,” he said, in terms of enhancing border surveillance and intelligence and fortifying border infrastructure.
C Uday Bhaskar, former director of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), added that the much expected ‘Asian Century’ of the 21st century would be determined by the texture of the Sino-Indian relationship over the next two decades. Enhancing comprehensive national power is imperative , he added, but bemoaned the fact that the Indian political establishment has little time or comprehension of complex national security issues.
‘Few lessons learnt from 1962 war’
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Ref: Poor military leadership, not equipment, led to 1962 debacle: Report under wraps by Pranab Dhal Samanta Posted online: Sun Oct 14 2012
Tribune Response

TRIBUNE SPECIAL: 1962 WAR: LEADERS FAILED INDIA- II

TRIBUNE SPECIAL: Why India and China went to war in 1962-I

Readers Comments
Dear All,
I have info that Shekhar Gupta does not have access to Handerson-Brooks Report. As usual he is bluffing and continues to belittle the Army as he did in the non-existant 'Coup' report.
M.G.Devasahayam

Dear Mr Gupta,
You have once again demonstrated your pathological dislike for military men. On whose instructions have you cherry picked portions of the Henderson Brooks report to pillory the army higher command which was in saddle in 1962? You have conveniently omitted mention of the misdeeds of the bureaucrats and political actors in the fiasco of 1962.
Do you think that if only the generals were to be blamed this report would have been kept under wraps for over 50 years? I will give you an instance which I witnessed as a Maj Gen when I was serving in Army HQ in 1986. The Army under Gen Sundarji was then working on a 15 year perspective plan. After a draft plan had been made the Chief held a conference in his office which was attended by Mr Arun Singh, MOS Defence at that time, and all concerned officers upto Maj Gens and MoD officers upto Joint Secretary level, to explain the Plan and get addl inputs from participants.
Having attended a number of meetings in the Chief's office earlier I was rather surprised to see a tape recorder in the middle of the table. Its presence was soon explained by Mr Arun Singh. He revealed that he had just completed reading the Henderson Brooks report (he had been in the job a few months only) and he wanted that in future all such important deliberations be recorded. I can vouch for it, which can be confirmed from Mr Arun Singh, that there were a number of interventions/ suggestions by the gens present but there was not a word recorded that had been uttered by the bureaucrats. Reason being that they either had nothing to contribute or they were too scared that any foolish utterance would be held against them.
Being ADG (Fin Plg) at Army HQ I attended a few meetings with the Chief at the Cabinet Secretariat to discuss the 15 Year Perspective Plan with the CCPA consisting of secretaries of the most important ministries of the govt. The inputs from the honorable participants were pathetic even if one is most charitable. Firstly, a member had come without even reading the Plan document. Secondly, they would behave like a housewife bargaining in the vegetable market. The plan outlay was a few thousand crores rupees and their only input was that we should cut Rs 50 crores off the amount earmaked for armoured vehicles and or Rs 600 crores out of the ammunition outlay- no reasons being given. It was really shocking for me, a first timer at Army HQ, to see how our higher defence planning was being done. The Henderson Brooks Report must have exposed where the politico-bureaucratic combine had let the Army down; but, with your help, it only wants to give out the portion which the Army was honest enough to reveal to learn lessons from its mistakes. Will the other half be half as honest for the sake of the country?
We have still not been told why the IB/RAW were totally blind in 1962, about LTTE's intentions in 1987, before the IC 814 Hijack, the 27/11 and many other humiliating faux pas where the players were only civilians? The trouble is that there were no Tape Recorders and nobody wants to learn from his mistakes.
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)

Dear Mr. Shekhar Gupta,
Please see the coverage below by The Tribune vis a vis what your worthy Newspaper headllined on the very Front Page two days ago regarding !!
One fails to understand what grouse a person of your eminence and experience has against the generals and what has the Nation gained by reading the headlines in your Newspaper!!
1962 War was primarily failure of political leadership headed by Pt Nehru and his favorite Krishna Menon. Mr. Mullick, the Intelligence Zar also played a key role. Generals like Kaul were thrust on the Army by the politicians, Maj Gen Pathania was brought in by Gen Kaul to command 4 Inf Division at the last moment when it was under attack by the Chinese and one of its brigade annihilated. A division is not a machine whose commander can press a few buttons and start commanding and leading it in battle. He has to know his brigadiers, battalions, troops, the terrain and vice a versa if the division has to face an enemy like the Chinese. The debacle had to happen.
Politicians and the bureaucrats must not interfere overly with the functioning of the Armed Forces. They seem to have learned nothing from 1962 debacle. How can they, when newspapers like Indian Express dish out such headlines on the 50th Anniversary of a monumental historical event!
There is no other organization as professional, dedicated, nationalistic and prepared to give sacrifices as the Armed Forces. There are some bad apples, as in any organisation but the Armed Forces are the only organisation which take strict action in this country.
Elders like you in the media should nurture the Armed Forces. Your mature critique is most welcomed. But not denigrating the Armed Forces please! They are the last bastion in our beloved country along with the judiciary and the media and have risen to the occasion in war and peace. Anyone who derides the generals does a great disservice to the Army and the Nation.
You are fully aware of the tough selection for the officer cadre and their training through out their careers. You also know about the very narrow and steep pyramid to reach the top rung. Only the best that the system selects become flag rank officers. The system is by and large fair.
MR. GUPTA, THIS IS THE BEST INDIA CAN PRODUCE. IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY, THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY. LIKE FOREIGN COACHES FOR HOCKEY, CRICKET, BOXING YOU MAY SUGGEST TO THE GOVT TO GET FOREIGN GENERALS ESPECIALLY FROM ITALY TO COMMAND THE ARMY!!
Sincerely,
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen, PVSM

1971 POW discovered in Oman Jail?

By IDR News NetworkIssue Net Edition | Date : 22 Sep , 2012
An eyewitness Sukhdev Singh claims Prisoner of 1971 War Sep Jaspal Singh of Punjab Regiment is still alive in OMAN (Masira Island, jail). It appears that Pakistan had shifted all POWs to different such places/ jails like Masira Island, forever. Copy of letter from Baljit Kaur w/o Sep Jaspal Singh is reproduced below, as received. Is this true? If the answer is ‘Yes’, in such an eventuality the government of India needs to investigate and take action — Indian Defence Review.

Ref: ESM/GC-M/12/54 Dated: 8 Sep 12.
To
1. Gen Bikram Singh, PVSM,UYSM,AVSM,SM,ADC. Chief of the Army Staff, Intg HQ of MOD (Army), South Block, New Delhi-110011.
2. Adjt Gen Branch, ADG- MP, Sena Bhawan, Intg HQ of MOD (Army), New Delhi-110011. 3. Comdt, The Punjab Regt, Ramgarh-829122.
Prisoner of 1971 War Sep Jaspal Singh of Pb Regt, still alive in OMAN (Masira Island, jail)* (No.2452388, of 15 Punjab Regt wef 5/8/63, r/o VPO Pamour, Distt Fatehgarh Sahib, Pb)
Sir,
This is to report & request you that, Smt Baljit Kaur (65) w/o Sep Jaspal Singh (70) approached this NGO along with *eye witness Sukhdev Singh* r/o Vill Dubri, Boormajra, Chamkaur Sahib, Ropar, stating that Sep Jaspal Singh is still alive in OMAN Jail of Masira Island, along with 2 more Prisoners of War (POW). Sukhdev Singh had gone to OMAN for job on visa in May 2010 for 2 years and he returned to home in July 12. During his hunt for carpenter job, he was sent from Gala City to Masira Island by ship for kitchen services in Jail for 10 days in Aug 2010. Where, he says that Sep Jaspal Singh approached him secretly, recognizing him as Punjabi & disclosed about his family details. Sukhdev Singh had traveled 2 hrs in ship & 6 hrs by road taxi to reach Masira Jail. This is an isolated Island, about 300 sq km, housing about 2500 prisoners.
Now one can link up as to why Gen Musharraf had been inviting India to search its Pak jails for 54 missing soldiers/ POWs. It appears that Pakistan had shifted all POWs to different such places/ jails like Masira Island, forever.
2. Sukhdev Singh further told that, Sep Jaspal Singh had narrated him the incident of 4 Dec 1971 war action when, he along with 4 more soldiers of 15 Punjab Regt, were captured by Pak Army from Ferozpur border action. All 5 POWs were kept in Pak jails for 5-6 years and then transferred to Masira jail & else where. Jaspal said that he does not know of other POWs, but 2 (one of Moga Distt) are with him in the same jail. Jaspal Singh was looking old but healthy, half baldy & grey hairs”. Jaspal Singh had quietly appealed for contacting his family & help to free him. That jail is under very strict vigilance. Baljit Kaur is getting special Family Pension & other benefits regularly.
3. After talking to then CO 15 Punjab Lt Col AS Cheema, it is confirmed that there was an enemy attack on 15 Pb at Hussainiwala Border on 3 Dec 71, in the evening. Where Bn suffered losses/ killed/ missing, including 3 Offrs, many JCOs & ORs. Some of them came back. Maj Warraich (15 Pb) POW’s case was alive in media for long. Even this NGO had been pursuing case of Maj JS Malik (of 8 Raj Rif, I being eye witness) and 53 other POWs for long w/o result, till Gen Musharaff finally denied at Agra during PM’s meeting. Now one can link up as to why Gen Musharraf had been inviting India to search its Pak jails for 54 missing soldiers/ POWs. It appears that Pakistan had shifted all POWs to different such places/ jails like Masira Island, forever.
4. Therefore, it is humbly prayed that the case of Sep Jaspal Singh and 54 POWs may kindly be reopened and pursued with OMAN Govt and all other such possible countries & places. We are sure, God willing, of some positive output. We shall be highly obliged for your kind gesture and early helpful action please.
Your’s Sincerely,
(Sign of Baljit Kaur w/o Sep Jaspal Singh)
(Lt Col SS Sohi, Retd), President,
Copy to:
Ex-Servicemen Grievances Cell (Regd)
1. CO 15 Punjab Regt & all concerned.
(Sign of Sukhdev Singh s/o Nachhatar Singh)
An eye witness to the case.

Antony reveals War Memorial at India Gate

Antony reveals War Memorial at India Gate finally on anvil
By ANI | ANI – Fri 17 Aug, 2012
New Delhi, Aug.17 (ANI) Defence minister A K Antony on Friday said that most of the hurdles coming in the way of the construction of the national war memorial next to India Gate have been cleared.
Talking to media persons after attending a function to felicitate London Olympic silver medalist Subedar Major Vijay Kumar here, Antony said:"Most hurdles are over now."
Sources in the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the war memorial will be constructed near India Gate only, as that is the place demanded by the three services.
After a proposed meeting on the issue on August 21 of the Group of Ministers (GoM), a final meeting shall take place and and then cabinet approval will be sought, they added.
The armed forces had submitted a proposal three years ago to construct a war memorial within the India Gate complex, but after the initial rejection of their proposal by the Government recently, they are now looking at new locations for it. The government had earlier decided against the proposal after certain objections were raised by the Urban Development Ministry.
The military's demand for a national war memorial to honour the 20,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen who have sacrificed their lives while defending independent India has been a longstanding one. A broad section of the urban public echoes this plea. The demand is for a prominent memorial on New Delhi's Central Vista, which can be visited freely by the Indian public, and where wreathes can be offered by national leaders on occasions like the Republic Day, and by visiting foreign dignitaries who choose to do so.
The current memorial, the Amar Jawan Jyoti, is merely an add-on to the India Gate, an imposing 42-metre high British structure, built in 1921, to honour the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War and the third Anglo-Afghan War. India finds it bothersome to suitably commemorate those who fell in service of the republic.
Anyone who has travelled along India's borders with China and Pakistan cannot have missed the lonely memorials at the places where Indian troops fought and died. Amongst them, is the stark monument to Major Shaitan Singh and his 111 Kumaoni soldiers who battled to the last, holding up a major Chinese advance on the desolate, windswept plateau of Chushul.
Major Shaitan Singh is a winner of the Param Vir Chakra, and is honoured only in that unvisited war memorial near Chushul. No national memorial is inscribed with the name of Major Shaitan Singh.
According to an article written by former army officer-turned journalist Ajai Shukla a couple of years ago, the proposal for a National War Memorial predates independent India.
According to Shukla, a confidential memo, issued on March 3, 1945, from the War Department in New Delhi (in File No. 110-C/45, entitled "Indian National War Memorial", in the Governor's Secretariat, Confidential Branch) declares that the Government of India (GoI) has been examining "the question of the form that an Indian National War Memorial should take".
The memo orders that "the establishment of a Military Academy on the lines of the United States Military Academy at West Point for the education and basic training together of future officers of the Royal Indian Navy, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force would be the most suitable form for the memorial to take". In short, according to Shukla, New Delhi proposed that what was to become the famous National Defence Academy (NDA), which is still the bedrock of Indian officer training, would also serve as India's National War Memorial.
Till date, India does not have a memorial for post-independence martyrs.(ANI)
Antony reveals War Memorial at India Gate finally on anvil
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Army Chief General VK Singh retires

Army Chief General VK Singh retires, lays wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti
NDTV Correspondent | Updated: May 31, 2012 11:28 IST
New Delhi: General VK Singh retires as army chief today. His term began in May 2010. General Bikram Singh will replace him as the Chief of the Army Staff today.
The out-going chief laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial for the Indian soldiers. He will then be given a guard of honour in the lawns of South Block. After this, he will be treated as an ordinary citizen.
General Bikram Singh will formally begin his tenure a little after 11 am.
General VK Singh's last year in office saw an unprecedented tension between the government and the army. General Singh became the first serving chief to take the government to court to demand that his records be corrected to reflect that he was born a year later than documented in some papers. He dropped his case in the Supreme Court after judges indicated they would not rule in his favour. Had he won his case, General VK Sing would have been eligible for another year in office.
In the last three months, a confidential letter from him to the PM, warning of serious deficiencies in the equipment used by the defence forces was leaked. General VK Singh has said that the leak was not orchestrated by the army. Early inquiries by the Intelligence Bureau seem to support this. Another whopper of a storm was created when General Singh said in an interview that he had been offered a bribe of Rs. 14 crores, just months after he took office, to clear "sub-standard" trucks for purchase by the army.
General VK Singh also faces a defamation suit for a press release that he sanctioned earlier this year which alleged that a retired officer, Tejinder Singh, had circumvented guidelines needed to order of-the-air monitoring equipment. The same statement said that Tejinder Singh was offering bribes on behalf of Tatra and Vectra, which supplies trucks to the army. The press release was issued amid reports that the army had tried to spy on the Defence Minister's office in the weeks before General VK Singh took the government to court. Tejinder Singh has sued the army chief over the press release. And 24 hours before he retired, the Defence Ministry authorized a detailed inquiry into the incident, suggesting that the confrontations between General VK Singh and the government will continue.
Army Chief General VK Singh retires, lays wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti

Remembering a great soldier

Udhagamandalam, April 3, 2012 by D. Radhakrishnan of The Hindu

Defence Minister A.K. Antony signing the Visitors Book at Zoroastrian Cemetery in Ooty on Tuesday. Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was a legend and the government will not forget his leadership and contribution to protect the sovereignity and prestige of the country, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said at the 98th birth anniversary of the Field Marshal here on Tuesday.
Army Chief General V.K. Singh joined the Defence Minister in paying floral tributes to the Field Marshal at the Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery where he was laid to rest on June 28, 2008, but both of them steered clear of making any statement to presspersons on the controversy over the Tatra trucks.
Mum is the word
When The Hindu asked the Minister whether a joint statement could be expected, Mr. Antony only smiled and declined to respond. On whether Manekshaw would be conferred Bharat Ratna, Mr. Antony said he was not the authority to take a decision on that. In the visitors' book, Mr. Antony wrote: “I salute the respectful memory of Field Marshal Manekshaw”.
General Singh wrote: “A homage to a great soldier of the country. A great man who led the nation and its Army to a great victory. We salute the Field Marshal.”
Apart from the Defence Minister and the Army Chief, those who placed wreaths at the cemetery were Manekshaw's daughters Sherry Batliwala and Maja Daruwala, Lieutenant General Bikram Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command and Army Chief Designate, Lieutenant General S.K. Singh, Vice Chief of Army Staff and Colonel of the 8th Gorkha Rifles, which the Field Marshal was part of, Lieutenant General A.K. Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command and the Nilgiris Collector Archana Patnaik.
‘An honour for family'
Ms. Daruwala said that it was an honour for the family to be remembered in such a manner. The people who should be here were here. Many of those present recalled their association with the Field Marshal. Some of them adverted to the different ways in which he had made his presence felt in Coonoor where he had settled after retirement. They also remembered his funeral ceremony at Coonoor at which the government was represented only by the Union Minister of State for Defence, Pallam Raju.
Remembering a great soldier

Antony to make amends, give legendary Sam his due

Author: Ashok K Mehta The Poineer 03 April, 2012
Today at a special ceremony at the Zoroastrian Parsi Cemetary at Ootacamund, Nilgiris, India’s first Field Marshal and one who bestowed on the country its first military victory in a thousand years, Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, will be commemorated by laying his gravestone next to that of his wife, Siloo.
Rectifying the grave error of not according appropriate protocol on June 27, 2008, when Field Marshal Manekshaw died at Wellington Military Hospital, this time Defence Minister AK Antony will be present. Also attending the wreath-laying ceremony are Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh; Army chief designate Lt-Gen Bikram Singh; VCOAS Lt-Gen SK Singh; president of the Gorkha Brigade and from Sam’s own 8 Gorkha Rifles, and officers of the other two services.
“This is a very private occasion but the Army has been kind to help us with the military ceremonial which my father always relished,” said Maja Daruwalla, younger daughter of Sam and Siloo. Sam’s gravestone bears the inscription: “It is a Life Well Lived” with Siloo’s reading “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds”. The combined inscriptions encapsulate their lives — well lived and spreading goodwill.
The Government was very niggardly in recognising Sam’s unprecedented achievements: Stemming the rot in 4 Corps after the catastrophic debacle in the high Himalayas, Sam saying: “Gentlemen, there will be no more withdrawals”; deterring the Chinese in Eastern Command during the 1965 war; and comprehensively defeating the Pakistan Army in East Pakistan in 1971.
But for Mrs Indira Gandhi, Sam would not have been made a Field Marshal in 1973 as Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram and the bureaucracy had opposed it. At the time, the Army had suggested that the Field Marshal’s appointment should be equated with Bharat Ratna. But this was turned down. Mrs Gandhi promised to make him the Chief of Defence Staff, but the offer evaporated mysteriously. He was sent home unsung, officers being forbidden to see him off in the special train from Delhi to Coimbatore.
The Government’s loss was the corporate world’s gain. He was on the board of a dozen private companies like Britannia, Bombay Burma, Harrison Malyalam, Nagarjuna Fertilisers and the Oberoi Group. A charismatic personality and gift of the gab made the Field Marshal Sam Bahadur to his Gorkhas who were with him all the time that he lived and died in Coonoor.
He won his Military Cross in the Battle of Sittang in 1942 — so spectacular was his action that GoC 17 Infantry Division Maj Gen Punch Cowan, thinking his wounds were fatal, pinned his own MC on Sam’s chest. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1968 and after 1971, Padma Vibhushan. The Padma series of awards for the military was soon stopped on the advice of the bureaucracy.
His lectures on leadership are stuff of legend and laced with illustrations from his career and peppered with humour. My favourites are: “My trouble is, I have too much energy and I don’t know what to do with it. I keep thanking the almighty for making a man out of me and not a woman. If I’d been a woman, since I cannot say no, I would have always been in trouble. I’d either be in the maternity home or on the pill.” The other: “Whoever says he knows no fear is either lying or a Gorkha.”
Two years from now, Sam would have turned 100. The Government must make him a Bharat Ratna as no one deserves it more than he — with a life well lived.
Antony to make amends, give legendary Sam his due

Strategic communications only way to enhance Indo-Pak ties

The Hindu Business Line
Kochi, Jan. 25: Lt General Prakash Menon (Retd), former Commandant NDC, military Adviser in the National Security Council Secretariat, New Delhi, has said that strategic communication is the remedy for enhancing cordial relationship between India and Pakistan.

He was speaking at a meeting on Indo-Pak Relations- Balance of emotions and its economic impact organised by Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in association with ‘TIE' here.

Elaborating the significance of strategic communication, he said that communication is a much faster than decision making from the Government and hence has a great influence on the people. Even the decision making process by the Government is influenced by the public opinion shaped through media. The emotions which prevail on the people of India are hope where as the people in Pakistan are confronted by fear and humiliation. For both the countries to have a friendly relation, it is very essential to overcome these apprehensions for which strategic communication plays a pivotal role, he said.

He also proposed the idea of opening the educational institutions in India for Pakistani students.
Strategic communications only way to enhance Indo-Pak ties

Congo, Pakistan, and the Indian Army Chief imbroglio

Congo, Pakistan, and the Indian Army Chief imbroglio
Sandhya Jain
09 Jan 2012
The scandalous conduct of some Indian members of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, under the command of the then Major General Bikram Singh, may translate into major embarrassment for India at various international forums if the government abides by a covert ‘line of succession’ hinted by the Attorney General in his rather vacuous ‘opinion’ on the matter.
Islamabad (with helpful nudges from Beijing and other capitals reworking their ‘interests’ in the Asia-Pacific region) can be expected to exploit all propaganda about human rights violations in India – particularly in Jammu and Kashmir – to the hilt.
New Delhi should, in the circumstances, consider if the J&K Government’s decision to demand and continue to push for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State has been externally inspired by forces hoping to take advantage of Indian discomfort in the human rights arena.
Pertinent in connection with the ‘line of succession’ school of thought is the fact that the next in the line of succession, Lt Gen Bikram Singh, has a Pakistani daughter-in-law. While the lady may now be a naturalized Indian citizen (like Congress president Sonia Gandhi), the fact remains that Lt Gen Bikram Singh has had Pakistani relatives at critical phases of his service, and will continue to have Pakistani relatives at the peak of his career and beyond. This is not to cast any aspersions on the highly respected soldier, but it would be an understatement to say that the issue is causing grave concern in many quarters.
The Centre would in fact do well to review its whimsical policy on the matter of officers of the diplomatic and military services having foreign wives/spouses. In an era when the intelligence agencies of major nations are actively pursuing their strategic goals, the presence of foreign spouses entrenched in establishments where they have official duties is most undesirable.
As for Congo, it is a blot on the Indian Army’s glorious tradition of valour and gallantry in foreign lands, especially in UN Peacekeeping Missions. In 2007-08, the UN complained of the 6 Sikh Battalion fathering children with “distinctive Indian features,” which were reportedly confirmed by DNA tests conducted by UN in Durla, Congo. The allegations of misconduct cover 12 officers and 39 jawans, who reportedly paid minor girls in North Kivu for sex. The Congolese government further alleged that some Indian peacekeepers, instead of helping to protect civilians from violent militias, fraternized with rebel Tutsi general Laurent Nkunda.
The matter now rests with an army court of inquiry (CoI) in Meerut, which will share its findings with the UN as per rules. Army sources say a separate inquiry is going on against the unit’s commanding officer for failure to maintain discipline.
Chronicle of a Date of Birth: click here
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UN: Tackle Wrongdoing by Peacekeepers

Tailpiece
How was Gold and Ivory Smuggled? Through diplomatic bags and cipher couriers? In connivance with unscrupulous MoD bureaucrats and Army Brass- earlier 2 chiefs are accountable? The enquiries will make a scapegoat of a few down the rung "Jawans". The real culprits who smuggled and made illegal money will go Scot free! The Commanding Officer and senior Commanders- The so called UN Peace Keepers must be brought to book. A committee comprising a Brigadier and two Colonels had been tasked to investigate 6th Sikh Battalion. UN has reported involvement of Indian contingents in sexual abuse not only in Congo but also in Sudan, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone. Other than that, Indian soldiers have been involved in smuggling of narcotics and weapons. What is the outcome of the enquiry?

Brig Rattan Nath Sharma, MVC- war hero dies in road mishap

War hero dies in road mishap
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 25, 2011
For a soldier who braved enemy bullets and was decorated with the nation’s second highest gallantry award, losing his life while merely standing on the roadside is a strange twist of fate.
Brig Rattan Nath Sharma was killed after being allegedly hit by a speeding vehicle while he was waiting for a bus near Kharar, near here, yesterday. He succumbed to his injuries today while being taken to the PGIMER.
On a complaint by his son-in-law, Gurpreet Singh, the Kharar police has registered a case of negligent driving against Pankaj, driver of the vehicle. A case under Sections 279 and 304-A, IPC, has been registered at the City Kharar police station.
According to information, Brigadier Sharma belonged to Palampur and had come to Kharar for some property matter. He was knocked down by the vehicle yesterday and rushed to a local hospital. It was only after the police found a diary on his person containing the telephone number of a CSD in Palampur that his identity could be ascertained.
He is survived by his wife, a son, who looks after the family estate in Palampur, and two daughters, both doctors. His daughter and son-in-law reached here at around midnight after the family was informed about the mishap.
Brigadier Sharma was commissioned into the Punjab Regiment in August 1949, and decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra for commanding a battalion of the Punjab Regiment in the Poonch Sector of Jammu and Kashmir during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He had been tasked to capture a strong and fortified enemy post situated on a dominating feature. The then Lt-Col Sharma encouraged his men by his presence and courage to achieve the given task.
His cremation is scheduled to take place with full military honours at his native place in Palampur on December 26.
War hero dies in road mishap
Gazette Notification: 18 Pres/72,12-2-72
Operation: 1971 Cactus Lily
Date of Award: 10 Dec 1971
Citation
Lieutenant Colonel Rattan Nath Sharma was commanding a battalion of the Punjab Regiment in the Poonch area in the Jammu and Kashmir Sector. His battalion was assigned the task of capturing an important enemy locality situated on a dominating feature. This was a well-prepared locality held in strength by the enemy During the assault, the enemy brought down intense artillery and small arms fire inflicting heavy casualties on our troops. Undeterred and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Colonel Sharma encouraged his men by his presence and cool courage inspired them to achieve the objective.
During this action, Lieutenant Colonel Sharma displayed exemplary courage and outstanding leadership.

Vijay Divas Celebration on 17 Dec 2011

Dear Veterans,
1. This is to remind you again that National Veteran Association, will be celebrating a function on 17 Dec 2011 at 10 AM at Air Force Golden Jubilee Auditorium, Subroto Park, near R&R Hosp, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantt to commemorate the historic victory of Indian Armed Forces against Pakistan, under the dynamic leadership of Late Smt Indira Gandhi, Bharat Ratna.
2. The gathering would include War Veterans of 1971, War Widows, Ex-Servicemen, most of retired Chiefs of Armed Forces and retired General Officers. Defence Minister, Raksha Rajya Mantry, Chief Minister of Delhi, President DPCC, Cabinet Ministers, MPs & National leaders would also grace the occasion.
3. War Widows & 1971 War Veterans would be honoured in the function.
4. Gen (Retd) OP Malhotra, Gen (Retd) NC Vij, Admiral RH Tahiliani,Air Chief Marshal(Retd) SK Kaul, and other retired Chiefs have confirmed to join the function. Besides ex Chiefs large number of general officers will be attending the function.
5. You are cordially invited to join the function.
With regards,
Dr TC Rao, Veteran
Convener

Comment: National Veteran Association sounds to be a new set up. One hopes it is a registered organisation under the Indian Society Act 1860.

Major General Ian Cardozo : A war hero remembers

Gen Cardozo was the Chief of Staff 4 Corps when I was the Col GS ops.
A remarkably enthusiastic and hands on 'lead by example' person I would like to be with in any war.
Always spoke his mind out. Boldly too.
Has a way with children. The WHOLE lot of the Tezpur kids simply LOVED him. Swimming galas, sports, outings, camps....... you thought of it and the General made it possible.
What's more, he JOINED Them !! I particularly remember him splashing in the swimming pool, at times racing with guys years younger.
A couple of years ago, post retirement, he was invited by some organization to be Chief Guest for a swimming event for the disabled. He refused and opted to participate instead. AND WON in some events.
In the Rediffmail reportage below, a reader comments that he would make a good President. I agree. Would at least impart a no nonsense, optimistic, 'never say die' attitude to the country.
Here's to You Ian Sir, MY vote for YOU as Prez. I know you have a way with children, and out there you WOULD have to deal with a lot of 'grown up children'.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,

Dear Sirs,
Cardozo told me about it in passing a few years back when we got talking in USI. He was a course junior to me at NDA, A very polite, soft spoken and polished cadet with command over English Language. He went on to become Academy Cadet Captain [ACC] in his 4th Term. He was definitely healthy with baby chubby cheeks. He wrote book on PVC Recipients.
I could not at that point in time gauge that he would be so courageous with steely nerves and determined beyond human determination.
Later he told me that he had joined Ms Sonia Gandhi's NAC during UPA-1 for rehabilitation of war injured. I do not know how far he succeeded.
I applaud him fully.
With best regards,
Commander Prem P Batra Retired

'I cut my leg off and ordered: 'Go and bury it'
Last updated on: December 8, 2011 15:54 IST
Claude Arpi

Image: Major General Ian Cardozo served the Indian Army with distinction and was the first disabled officer to command a battalion and a brigade.
Major General Ian Cardozo was a young major in the 5 Gorkha Rifles in the 1971 war with Pakistan. In a swift military offensive, India defeated Pakistan within 13 days, liberated a region and led to the creation of Bangladesh.
In the war, the then Major Cardozo stepped on a landmine and had to cut off his badly wounded leg with his own khukri.
Yet, through sheer will power and determination, he did not let his disability come in the way of his duty as a soldier and went on to become the first disabled officer in the Indian Army to command an infantry battalion and a brigade.
Awarded a Sena Medal for gallantry, General Cardozo spoke to Claude Arpi about the historic war and how he conquered his disability in the second part of a fascinating interview.

Part I of the interview: 1971, A War Hero Remembers
Tell us about your wound.
At that time, I was still not wounded.
There was a BSF commander who got panicky when he saw all these fellows (prisoners) and asked: "Please send someone here." I told the CO that I would go. I did not know that I was walking on a minefield. I stepped on a mine and my leg blew off.

A Bangladeshi saw this happening, he picked me up and took me to the battalion headquarters. They were feeling bad. I told the doctor, 'Give me some morphine.' They had none- it had been destroyed during the operations. 'Do you have any Pethidine?' 'No'
I told him: 'Could you cut this off?'
He said: 'I don't have any instrument.'
I asked my batman: 'Where is my khukri?'
He said: 'Here it is, Sir.'
I told him: 'Cut it off.'
He answered in Gorkhali: 'Sir, I can't do it.'
I told him: 'Give it to me.' I cut my leg off and ordered: 'Now go and bury it.'
You tell people that you are embarrassed to tell the story because it was nothing at all. What was your first thought?
My first thought was for her (pointing to his wife, Priscilla). I thought, 'What a stupid thing happened to me. It was beyond my control, it just happened.'
Then the doctor came and tied it up. My CO also came: 'Ian, you are very lucky, we have captured a Pakistani surgeon. He will operate on you.'
'Nothing doing, Sir, I don't want to be operated by a Pakistani doctor. Just get me back to India,' I answered.
By that time Dhaka had fallen and there was no chopper available.
I then told the CO: 'Two conditions.' He immediately said: 'You are not in position to put conditions.'
I told him: 'OK, two requests. One, I don't want Pakistani blood.'
He retorted: 'You are a fool.' I said: 'I am prepared to die a fool. My second request, Sir, I want you to be present when they operate on me.' The CO asked: 'Why?' I answered: 'You know why.' (There had been cases of torture). So, he agreed.
Anyway, the Pakistani surgeon did a good job. His name was Major Mohamed Basheer. I have never been able to say, 'Thank you.' I owe him a thank you, but it is not easy (to find someone in Pakistan].

Image: The War Memorial in Jammu
'I wanted to prove that a person with a wooden leg could do as well, if not better'
What did you feel when you cut your own leg?
People are giving more credit than I do. Actually I just felt deeply embarrassed because my leg was in a terrible state. I did not want to look at it and others to look at it. I wanted to get rid of it. Nobody wanted to do it, so I did it.
You have said that you always dream that you have two legs.
Yes, in my dreams, I have two legs, no artificial leg.
How did you manage to get a promotion after being disabled?
One has to accept that the army puts a great amount of emphasis on physical fitness. One has to be fit to be a commander at any level.
From my side, I felt that the doctors were unfair to me to say that I could not perform as well as anybody else.
With my wooden leg, I was determined to prove to the army as well as to the world in general, that a person with a wooden leg could do as well, if not better, than a two-legged person. I resolved to keep myself physically fit.
I woke early morning, did some exercises and went for a run. I did the battle physical test. I had a problem with the officer in charge of the test who refused to allow me to pass the test. He said he would not let me go through that test because a year earlier someone physically unfit had gone through the test and died.
I told him I was fit, but he answered that he would arrest me if I do the test. I told him: 'You can put me under arrest only after I commit the offense. So let me do the test and you can arrest me after.'
So I did the test and left seven officers with two legs behind me. The officer was a good man, he said, putting his arm around my shoulder: 'Well done, Sir, good job.'
I later went to the vice-chief and asked him, what else should I do? He said: 'Come with me to J&K.'
He came by helicopter to a place at 6,000 feet. I climbed from the road to the helipad. When he arrived, he asked me: 'How did you come here?' thinking I had used my contacts to fly with a chopper. I told him: 'Sir, I climbed from the road.'
He was surprised: 'You can climb!' I told him: 'What I can or can't do is the minds of my senior officers.'
He said 'Alright' and put up my case to the army chief (General T N Raina) who asked me to accompany him to Ladakh. I walked in mountains in snow and ice. General Raina saw this and when he returned to Delhi, he asked for my file and wrote: 'Yes, give him a battalion and to all other officers who are not taking shelter behind their wounds.'
For me, it only meant that one has to do what is required by one's job. I was the first disabled officer to be approved to command a battalion.
The same thing happened when I was to take command of a brigade. The bureaucracy said: 'No, you can't command a brigade.' I wrote to the army chief that I had proven that I could command a battalion; there was no reason why I should be demoted in a staff job.
The chief said: 'Why do you harass this man, give him the command of a brigade.'
Later three disabled officers became army commanders. One even became vice-chief: he had earlier had both his legs amputated.
What would you tell the youth of this country?
I have many things to say: You have only one life to live, live it to the full.
You have 24 hours in a day: Pack it up.
The other thing is 'Never give up.'
If you believe in something, do it in a right way at the right time.
I must say I had always the support of my wife for whatever I did in my life.
'I wanted to prove that a person with a wooden leg could do as well, if not better'
Click here to read more

Generation shift in army

New Delhi, Oct. 31: When the new vice-chief of the Indian Army takes charge tomorrow, he will herald a generational change in the top brass as he will be the first officer commissioned after India’s last full-fledged war in 1971 to rise to the post.Lt Gen. S.K. Singh takes over from Lt Gen. A.S. Lamba who retired today after 40 years in service. As a young officer, Lt Gen. Lamba became a war veteran within a couple of months of being commissioned in 1971.
He was a second lieutenant in his artillery unit that gave fire support to the Indian infantry in its dash through the Pakistani ranks on the Jessore-Khulna-Dhaka axis as the Indian Army charged into the then East Pakistan capital and forced the surrender on December 16 that year and midwifed the birth of Bangladesh.
With Lt Gen. Lamba retiring today, there are only four more officers in the Indian Army — including the chief, Lt Gen. V.K. Singh — who were commissioned into service in the year of India’s last full-fledged war.
Generation shift in army- click here to read more

Rezangla War Memorial

Dear Veteran,
1. I take pleasure in informing you that foundation stone for Rezangla War Memorial has been laid by Ch Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana on 16 sep 2011 at Rezangla Chowk near DSOI Gurgaon in Sector-23 of Palam Vihar:
(a) The construction of the same has started and Memorial will be inaugurated on 18 Nov 2012 conciding with 50th year of Battle.
(b) The function had the presence of almost entire Haryana cabinet & Gen (Retd) NC Vij, Admiral (Retd) RH Tahiliani & Air Chief Marshal (Retd) SP Tyagi & Sh AS Bhatotia Ex DGP, and large number of retd Lt Gens, Maj Generals & other high officials of Armd force and civil services.
(c) It was a touching scene to meet widows & next of kins of ‘C’ company of 13 KUMAON who were invited. They were honoured during the function.
(d) Military band was also in attendance and played the patriotic tunes.
(e) Hon’ble Chief Minister while addressing the gathering said that Dr TC Rao has taken a noble task to pay tribute to the Martyrs of Rezangla battle. The memorial will give a feeling to next of kins that Nation salutes them. CM added that he is aware of the difficulties faced by Ex-Servicemen and Govt of Haryana will do his best to look after them. He assured the martyrs widows & next of kins that he is always approachable for their difficulties.
(f) Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Power, Forests & Environment, who is also an Ex-Servicemen assured the next of kins that Haryana Govt will always be concerned for Ex-servicemen difficulties.
(g) Dr TC Rao, while thanking the Hon’ble CM & Minister & Ex-Chiefs said that Rezangla War Memorial of Gurgaon will be land mark in Delhi, Gurgaon & NCR which will be decorated with Tank & Guns & will inspire the youth to join Armed Forces & we will always salute the martyrs. The function ended with Nation Anthem.
Jai Hind
Dr TC Rao, Veteran

Kargil Diwas: Remembering the Heroes

Respected Sir/Ma'am,
The following report -- released by the United News of India news agency on July 25, 2011 -- is for your kind perusal.
With regards
Abhi
DEFENCE-KARGIL ANNIVERSARY-EVE
Kargil anniv eve: Nation readies to remember the martyrs
Bhopal, July 25 (UNI) The worst fallout of war is that it reverses the course of nature, as fathers bury sons, and the heaviest burden in this world is a young man's corpse on an old father's shoulder.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas tomorrow, tributes will be paid at the District Sainik Board premises here to the indomitable courage of the nation's military officers and men who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
The District Ex-Servicemen's Welfare Officer has appealed to all ESM to take part in this function in large numbers. The programme will commence at 1130 hrs sharp.
Amongst all military actions since Independence, this conflict was not only the longest but the ferociousness brought about heavy casualties. As many as 527 personnel were martyred and 1,363 severely wounded. Four Param Vir Chakras were awarded, two posthumously and nine Maha Vir Chakras were awarded, six posthumously besides 55 Vir Chakras.
Operation Safed Sagar was the codename assigned to the Indian Air Force's sorties to support the ground troops during Op Vijay -- which witnessed successful dislodging of a well-entrenched enemy that had the tactical advantage of higher ground -- while Op Talwar referred to deployment of the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea.
Among the lasting images of the conflict is the photograph of Army Medical Corps Captain Rajshree Gupta saluting the Tricolour-draped coffin of her husband Major Vivek Gupta, 2 Raj Rif (the Second Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles Regiment).
DEFENCE-KARGIL ANNIVERSARY-EVE TWO BHOPAL
On May 19, 1999, Mechanised Infantry officer Maj Ajay Prasad -- who was from the Madhya Pradesh capital -- fell fighting Pakistani regulars in Avantipur area of Kargil Sector. A local park was named after the martyr. Several households -- both military and non-military ones -- have appreciatively adopted the poignant ceremony of lighting candles at home in the past two years.
Citizens across India are requested to light a candle each at their residences' entrances and lay a marigold each by its side at 2000 hrs tomorrow after saying a prayer for those who did not come back. This may additionally be done at offices.
The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement appeals to media and the people of India to join in commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas to generate the spirit of Bharat. Chief ministers of all states and lieutenant-governors of Union territories are requested to observe the anniversary in a fitting manner.
"An anti-India strategy is an indelible part of the Pakistani mindset and generations of that country's military officers and civilians alike have been raised with it. At any point in the future, Pakistan will never stop short of exploiting any chink in the Indian armour to stage a Kargil-type offensive," a veteran told UNI.

The Kargil intrusion was "tactical lunacy but a strategic masterstroke" for Pakistan's General, later President, Pervez Musharraf as it brought the Kashmir issue centrestage with the backdrop of two South Asian nuclear neighbours.

Kargil Diwas- Noida

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
In keeping with its traditions, IESM organised the Kargil Diwas at Noida on Sunday, 24 Jul 11. While all members of the IESM Governing Body and many volunteers from Noida helped in organising the function, main credit for its grand success goes to Col RP Chaturvedi, Member Governing Body IESM.
Every detail was well thought off, very well planned and executed with perfection. RP – great as always. Heartiest congratulations.
Photographs were taken by me today at the Noida War Memorial.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
slideshow click here for enlarged photos

Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations, New Delhi

Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations 25 Jul 2011
Dear Friends,
Kargil Vijay Diwas (26 Jul) is here, We celebrate on 25 Jul (as hall available that day). You are all requested to come and pay homage to our defenders of Motherland (martyrs and living), in this case on the icy and daunting heights of Kargil.
This was a task of such magnitude that the world held its breath when we battled the Pakis, and perhaps few believed that we would be able to achieve this, but the indomitable spirit and valour of the Indian soldier led by the best trained cadre of NCOs, JCOs and Officers made it look so easy.
We need to bring this feat home to the nation every year in the same way we do for the glorious victory of 1971 when Indian arms carved out a new nation in just 14 days.
Both these victories stand out as the great feat of our arms and national victories uncomparable to any in the past 2 millenium. So as inheritors of that glory, let us celebrate these two in big way, and bring these home to our youth so taht they emulate these feats of valour in whatever field they be engaged.
We look forward to welcome you at the Deputy Speaker hall Constitution Club Rafi Marg, New Delhi on Monday, the 25th July 2011 at 3.30 pm. Gen KM Seth, Gen Chandra Shekhar and Shri Jaswant Singh will be speaking on this occasion to bring home the military, political and diplomatic efforts behind the victory.
We have requested Gen Mohinder Puri, then GOC 8 Mtn Div that broke the back of the enemy and fought the hardest battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill to give us his thoughts, worries, grief and happiness in those momentous days. But even more important, 'can we be warned and prepared for another Kargil in one form or the other to our coming generation and leadership' that is the challenge.
So COME ONE , COME ALL. LET US CELEBRATE OUR GREAT VICTORY OF KARGIL. 25 Jul 2011 3.30 pm at Deputy Speaker Hall Constitution Club Rafi Marg New Delhi. Constitution Club is just 200 M away from the Patel Chowk metro station on the Rajiv Chowk- Gurgaon Metro line.
PS It would be wonderful if we can all be in our uniform, with a side cap, regimental tie or cumerband or any regimental or military signia.
Niranjan Malik
Lt Gen NS Malik, PVSM

Homage to Kargil Martyrs on 24th July 2011

Dear Veterans,
26 July 1999 is a very important day in the history of India and specially for Indian Armed Forces. On this very day, our valiant armed forces drove out Pakistan army intruders from unauthorised occupation of Indian territory of Kargil and Drass. Indian Armed Forces had a difficult task of uprooting and throwing out the well trenched Pakistan army from Indian territory. The job was difficult and was made near impossible by the strict orders of GOI that Indian Armed Forces were not to not cross the LOC while recapturing Indian territory from unauthorised occupation of Pakistan army.
Indian Armed Forces rose to the occasion, with impeccable coordination between Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and attacked the hills facing volleys of bullets from enemy and drove out the Pakistan army from the Indian territory. Indian Navy successfully blocked the sea routes to Arabian sea thus depriving Pakistan of all supplies during the these operations. Last hill was captured on 26 July 1999. This was an example of great courage,valour, comradeship and leadership on the part of Indian Armed Forces that this near impossible task was completed with great finesse and Indian territory was liberated from unauthorised occupation.

Indian Armed Forces paid a heavy price for the Kargil victory in the true spirit of Armed forces motto of "Nation before Self". 527 brave soldiers sacrificed their life and 1363 soldiers were seriously wounded in achieving this victory on 26 July 1999. Armed forces were awarded following medals for their extreme bravery and valour in the face of enemy:

Paramvir Chakra 4

Mahavir Charkra 9

Vir Charkra 55
IESM has been paying homage to the brave soldiers for the last two years. IESM had organised blood donation camps, organ pledging camps and encouraged public participation in nation building while remembering the sacrifice of the young soldiers. IESM has also been organising interaction with students to inculcate the value of discipline and sacrifice in them. This is a small step on the part of veterans (IESM) in building character of young of India.

IESM would be paying homage to the martyrs on 24 July 2011 from 1100h to 1230h at Shaheed Smarak, Sector 29 Noida. The date 24 July 2011(Sunday) has been selected for convenience and maximum participation all civilian friends. The week would start with interaction with students of different schools to educate them about the military way of life and the sacrifices of the soldiers. This will be a subtle way to teach them leadership qualities and educate about them their duties to our Motherland. Some social programs have also been planned. The details of these programs would be sent separately. All are requested to come to Shaheed Smarak, Sector 29 Noida at 1100h on 24 July 2011 to pay homage to the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the true tradition of Indian Armed Forces. Light refreshments would be served after the homage ceremony.

All are also requested to light a candle at their doorstep at 2000h on 26 July 2011 to remember the sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War. All core group members are requested to arrange similar homage ceremony in their towns. Funds for the homage ceremony are to be arranged through local contribution.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM

Saluting our Heros

2 July 2011
Dear Friends,
I’m delighted to announce that my compilation of posts featuring Param Vir Chakra awardees is finally complete. The series started with a simple idea on a lazy summer afternoon of 2009 – and soon became a labour of love…I pored over numerous articles and web pages to do my research while writing this series…but not for a moment did I feel that the effort was in vain. Writing about these brave men – and their exploits – was perhaps the most inspiring and motivating thing I have done in a very long time. The “book” is now ready. I intend to formally release it on 26th July, on the occasion of “Kargil Vijay Diwas” which marks the most remarkable week of “Operation Vijay” that ended with the award of four Param Vir Chakras.

Needless to add, writing this series has been an extraordinary and extremely fulfilling experience. Each post reminded me of how fortunate and blessed we are to have people like these defend our borders and our freedoms…Sadly the stories of these “Param Veers” are not widely known. This is a humble effort to change that…

The “book” will be available to purchase online. And you can also download a pdf version for a small modest charge. Details to follow shortly.

All the funds raised from the sale of this book will be channeled into my various activities. I will be seeking donations to help me publish large quantities that can be printed/ distributed locally in schools in various cities across India. If you can help with this (even in terms of just managing logistics etc), pl leave a comment below or email me. I would also like to hear from anyone who can help translate this into Indian languages.

This effort would not have come to fruition without the unstinted support of my wife and daughter – who sacrificed countless hours of their time – so that I could work on these blog posts and help spread awareness about these heroes. This is our very humble tribute to the ones who did not come back. They died so that we can live – in peace. Let us ensure that these men are not forgotten. Let us ensure that the stories of their valour are told and re-told. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!
Shantanu
“Saluting our Heroes” and a labour of love

War Veteran passes away

MHOW (M.P.): War veteran Prithvi Raj, who headed the 12th Infantry division under the command of which the Pokhran nuclear test was conducted in 1974, died here on Tuesday due to old age-related problems.

The 87-year-old retired Major-General, who commanded an infantry brigade in the Shankargarh sector during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, was cremated with full military honours here in the presence of Army officers and jawans.

The illustrious officer is survived by son Lt Gen Deepak Raj, commandant of Army War College. — PTI
War Veteran passes away