Major General Ashok Kumar Pradhan sets new benchmarks for troops welfare

Express Buzz 08 Mar 2012 09:04:48 AM IST
BANGALORE: Major General Ashok Kumar Pradhan, the man who unleashed a silent revolution in Indian Army, by inspiring his men through a slew of HR-centric measures is bidding goodbye to Karnataka.
Pradhan, currently the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Head Quarters, Karnataka and Kerala (K&K) Sub-Area, will hand over the baton to Maj Gen K S Venugopal.
Army sources told Express on Wednesday that Venugopal had till recently handled the operations and logistics of the Indian Army at the Southern Command. The man of the moment touched down in Bangalore on Wednesday and will take over the reins of Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area on March 9 at a ceremonial event.
Pradhan will move to the prestigious Infantry School in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) as the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor.
Venugopal, an alumni of the National Defence Academy, joined the Army in 1976 and took part in a number of counter-insurgency operations over the years. A recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Venugopal comes with loads of expertise executing numerous critical missions and projects for the Army.

Pradhan, the first Major General of K&K Sub-Area, is being credited with many initiatives that set new benchmarks for the welfare of troops. “His biggest weapon is patience and won many ‘battles’ and hearts by being a down-to-earth soldier. We were given absolute freedom, and he set himself high standards of integrity. Welfare of Ex-Servicemen was paramount and he kept reminding every solider that they too will join the ranks of retired men one day,” a senior serving official with Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area said.

While it is seldom that a serving official gets such accolades in the Army, considering the highly politicised set-up within the ranks and among the units, Pradhan executed most of his missions as a silent soldier. In a recent interaction with Express, Pradhan had said: “If you want your troops to follow you, then you will have to be closer to them.
Venugopal Sub-Area GOC

Kargil Diwas, Tuesday, 26 July 2011 at Bangalore

KARGIL DIWAS : TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2011
Respected Sir,
Jai Hind. I shall be obliged if you could please put out the following in REPORT MY SIGNAL.
Regards,
Col Rajan

COMMEMORATION CEREMONY ON KARGIL DIWAS AT BANGALORE: TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2011 Veteran Admiral OS Dawson, PVSM, AVSM (Former Chief of Naval Staff) Veteran Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major, PVSM, AVSM, SC, VM (Former Chief of Air Staff)
Veteran Lt Gen (Army Cdr) Ravi Eipe, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Former GOC-in-C Eastern Command)
Veteran Lt Gen NSI Narahari, PVSM( Former Corps Cdr and Comdt, Army War College, Mhow)
request the kind presence of Ex-Servicemen & Defence Family Pensioners at the Commemoration Ceremony on Kargil Diwas at 9.15 AM on Tuesday, 26 July 2011at the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, Bangalore, adjacent to Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain on Chowdiah Road,Opp. Nehru Planetarium, near Raj Bhawan, Bangalore.

PROGRAMME ON KARGIL DIWAS
TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2011
09.15 AM: Assembly at Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka.
09.30 AM: Laying of wreaths. 1
0.30 AM: Tea, kind courtesy Govt of Karnataka.
WEDNESDAY, 27 JULY 2011
07.30 PM: KARGIL DIWAS MUSICAL NITE at RSI Bangalore for Officers & Families.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Ex-Servicemen may be dressed in suit/ combination with regimental tie or National Dress (bandh gala) or shirt & regimental tie or just open collar; with miniature or full medals. The head gear could be a beret, a cap (like the Thambi cap or a Nepali cap), a side cap, a hat, a turban or a turban with ‘thura’.
2. Defence Family Pensioners shall be suitably attired, befitting the solemn occasion.
3. Cars & vehicles will be parked only in the designated Car Park, at the rear of Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, entry to which is from Asgar Ali Road.
4. The entire proceedings shall be conducted as a solemn event with dignity & decorum.
5. Ex-Servicemen & Defence Family Pensioners are requested to be in possession of their Identity Cards issued by the Defence Department

National Military Memorial Bangalore

KIND PRESENCE OF VETERANS REQUESTED AT BANGALORE ON 16 & 17 DEC 2011 INAUGURATION OF NATIONAL MILITARY MEMORIAL AT BANGALORE ON FRIDAY, 16 DEC 2011 AND SEMINAR ON MATTERS RELATING TO MILITARY VETERANS ON SATURDAY, 17 DEC 2011
Respected Mentors, Seniors & Peers,
Jai Hind & my salute to you all. It is thanks to the stupendous efforts of Veteran Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM and his noble son- Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and kind courtesy, Govt of Karnataka, that a grand National Military Memorial is under construction at Bangalore, that would be a cynosure of all eyes and envy of other States in the Country. The foundation stone for the National Military Memorial at Bangalore was laid on 9 Feb 2009, by Shri TN Chaturvedi, the then Governor of Karntaka; and two service chiefs, viz. the CAS & the CNS and the Adjt Gen, representing the COAS, attended the Foundation laying ceremony. God willing & with the best wishes of one & all, the National Military Memorial at Bangalore would be ready by 30 Nov 2011; and shall be inaugurated with due solemnity & decorum, with Military Bands playing martial tunes, on Vijay Diwas, Friday, 16 Dec 2011.
In order to make the event a truly memorable one; the Military Veterans of Bangalore shall feel honored & privileged if you could please grace the occasion; if need be, by rescheduling your engagements & appointments during that period; and, book your tickets now itself.
On Saturday, 17 Dec 2011, a Seminar on matters relating to Military Veterans, viz. Military Pensions and Meaningful resettlement of Ex-Servicemen, is scheduled from 9 AM to 5 PM; and we the Military Veterans of Bangalore shall feel honored & privileged if you could please make it convenient to attend the Seminar. A Musical Nite is also being planned to be held either in the evening of Friday, 16 Dec or on Saturday, 17 Dec 2011. I am now eagerly looking forward to a positive response from you all.
Regards,
Col SS Rajan (Retd)

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

ISRO’s new `satellite’ called `scam band’

By R Shankar, India Syndicate, 08/02/2011
India’s premier space organisation is in the eye of a storm over allocation of S band to a pvt company

Bangalore-based Indian Space Research Organisation, that is busy planning to send another satellite to the moon and take a shot at Mars, is now caught in an orbit of a scam that is of astronomical proposition.

In a season that has made scams highly infectious, the `virus' of scandals orbiting huge chunks of money has touched India's premier research organisation, once considered to be sanitised from the influence of politics or purse.

The latest scam involves ISRO's deal with a Bangalore-based company called Devas Multimedia Private Ltd. This company got the scarce S-band spectrum for 20 years for a pittance. The company, not surprisingly, is owned by M G Chandrasekhar, a former scientific secretary at ISRO. Deutsche Telekom is a minority equity stakeholder.

ISRO managed to hide the agreement entered into by the space agency's commercial arm Antrix Corporation Ltd and Devas for six long years until the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) smelt a rat and called for the files. The media then scooped it out into public space, forcing ISRO and the Prime Minister's Office scramble for an explanation.

The estimated loss, according to The Hindu which exposed the deal, is a whopping Rs 2 lakh crore!! By comparison, the presumptive loss incurred in the allocation of 2G spectrum by the DoT, as estimated by the CAG, is Rs 1.76 lakh crore.
ISRO’s new `satellite’ called `scam band’

Vijay Diwas- Report from various cities

Click here to read report from various cities
Vijay Diwas is commemorated every 16 December in India as it marks the decisive military victory over Arch-rival Pakistan achieved on 16 December, 1971. The anniversary of Vijay Divas is observed across India by paying rich tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation. Most important celebration is held in nation's capital New Delhi where Defense Minister and head of all three wings of the armed forces pays homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

BANGALORE: Thursday is Vijay Diwas. The National Military Memorial (NMM) park in the Indira Gandhi musical park premises originally scheduled to be completed by this day is still under construction. Though work is going on at a brisk pace, the memorial will be delayed by atleast a month. Which means it will not be ready even by Republic Day, the second deadline. Work on this Rs 15-cr memorial park started in August first week. More than a month was lost on legal issues. When work resumed, rainy days followed.

"There is some delay due to the rains. The pits dug up for the underground motivation hall were inundated. It's a nine-month contract that's on till May, 2011. But we had planned to finish it by January 26. But now, it might extend to February end,'' a BDA engineer told TOI. According to BDA estimates, 30% of the project is completed.

"We are sure not happy with the delay. We still hope to dedicate the memorial to the martyrs and their families on the Republic Day,'' Rajeev Chandrasekhar, chairman, National Military Memorial Committee, said.
Read more: The Times of India War memorial may open only after R-Day

IESM Karnataka Activity Report

EX-SERVICEMEN BARAKHANA AT BANGALORE ON SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2010
Expression of Gratitude
1. At the very outset, Col SS Rajan, as IESM Convenor Karnataka wishes to thank and express his gratitude to:
(a) Brig AK Pradhan, SM, Cdr Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area for being kind to make available the Pioneer Corps JCOs & OR Institute as venue for the Ex-Servicemen Barakhana; and, also for his generosity in donating Rs. 5,000/- (Rs. Five thousand) towards the Barakhana.
(b) Comdt, Pioneer Corps Training Centre, Bangalore, for his help, assistance & adm sp in hosting the Barakhana in their JCOs & OR Institute.
(c) AVM Dr AK Behl, AVSM, Comdt, Comd Hosp Air Force Bangalore for being gracious to accept the invitation to attend the Barakhana.
(d) Col Mukesh Rastogi, SM, Col ‘A’ representing Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area for attending the Barakhana; and for announcing donation of Rs. 5,000/- (Rs. Five thousand) on behalf of Cdr Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area.
(e) Capt Ganesh Karnik, Hon’ble Member of Karnataka Legislative Council for participating in the Barakhana as Host; and, for generously contributing Rs. 5,000/- (Rs. Five thousand) towards the Barakhana.
(f) All Veterans & their families and Defence Family Pensioners for enthusiastically participating in the Barakhana.
(g) Veteran Hav Shanthaseelan, Madras Sappers, for enthralling all Veterans & their families with his spell binding Magic show. (All Veterans are requested to encourage & promote Hav Shanthaseelan, by recommending the Magic Show to the Principals of Schools & Colleges. Veterans may contact Hav Shanthaseelan on his Cell No. 8861063951 ).
(h) Adml OS Dawson, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM (former Chief of Naval Staff), Air Mshl Douglas King Lee, PVSM,AVSM,VM,VSM (former AOC-in-C) and Lt Gen NSI Narahari, PVSM for their Greetings & Best Wishes on the occasion of Ex-Servicemen Barakhana. The three Veterans had conveyed their regrets to attend the Barakhana, owing to their ill health.
(i) Col Ashok Kumar, IESM Dy Convenor Andhra for his participation in the Barakhana.
(j) Col Balbir Singh Gill from Sikkim and four Veterans from Maharashtra for their participation in the Barakhana. The Veterans from Sikkim and Maharashtra after enrolling themselves as Members, collected 50 Membership Forms for their respective states.
(k) Brig MS Parthasarathy ; for being ever considerate & helpful in taking the photographs and posting them as an Album.
(l) Veteran Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar, VSM, for all his sp & encouragement.(m) Brig B Chandrashekar, VSM, Col AJ Bhandary, Sub Balachander and Sub Ram Mehr for their help, assistance & sp in organizing the Barakhana.
Monetary Contribution
2. Veteran Officers led by Vice Adml RN Ganesh, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM (former FOC-in-C Southern Naval Comd) generously contributed over Rs.50,000/- (Rs. Fifty thousand) for the Barakhana. Details of Contribution from Veterans and expenditure statement are as attached).
Address by Veterans
3. A number of Veterans incl Vice Adml RN Ganesh, PVSM, AVSM, NM, VSM, Rear Adml BR Vasanth, VSM, Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar, VSM and Brig JS Narasimhan, AVSM, appreciated the hosting of Ex-Servicemen Barakhana by retired Officers of all three services at Bangalore; thus paving the way for Veterans all over the Country to emulate. Such Barakhanas would greatly help in further strengthening the bonds of brotherhood & camaraderie amongst the Veterans of all ages, ranks & services. They exhorted the Veterans present to work with renewed vigour for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen and form Cells that would attend to problems of Pension, etc. especially those of Defence Family Pensioners, who more often than not, have no one to look after them.
Participation of Veterans in funerals of Veterans who pass away at Bangalore
4. Col SS Rajan, the IESM Convenor Karnataka stated that daily, one or two Ex-Servicemen, of the rank of Officer or JCO or an NCO or a Sepoy of the Army, Navy & Air Force or Defence Family Pensioner pass away due to old age, sickness or other causes; and, it would be a humanitarian gesture, displaying solidarity, if at least ten Ex-Servicemen, comprising all ranks, of all three Services attend the funeral services; and, where required, give a helping hand to the next of kin of the deceased Ex-Servicemen or Defence Family Pensioner. The suggestion was widely welcomed by all Veterans present, with an applause.
IESM as a Federal Organisation comprising of autonomous State Units
5. The very first sentence or the opening sentence in the Memorandum of Association (MoA) of IESM states: “The Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement, hereafter referred to as IESM, is an all India Federation of Ex-Servicemen’s organizations”. In the interest of spreading IESM all over the Country and for strengthening the Movement; evolution of IESM as a truly federal org is a must; with structured autonomous state units, viz. IESM Kerala, IESM Karnataka, IESM Punjab, IESM Nagaland & IESM J&K, etc. all coming under one umbrella and the banner of IESM. Pursuant to resolutions passed during the South Zone Military Veterans Meet at Bangalore on 27 June 2010, the autonomous State Units of IESM declare allegiance to come under one umbrella and the banner of IESM; and, would willingly transfer 20% of their collection on account of Membership Fees (as was accepted & agreed upon by the Founder Members of IESM, at its very inception); and, also 20% of their collection on account of Donations to HQ IESM.
Formation of IESM Karnataka
6. Pursuant to resolutions passed during the South Zone Military Veterans Meet at Bangalore on 27 June 2010; in the interest of spreading IESM all over the State and for strengthening the Movement; IESM Karnataka would come into being as a structured autonomous registered organization after the Annual General body Meeting (AGM) scheduled at Delhi on 27 Nov 2010.
MoA and Election of Office bearers of IESM Karnataka
7. IESM Convenor Karnataka informed the gathering that a common MoA to be adopted by Kerala, Karnataka & Andhra was being drafted by IESM Kerala; and, the same would be sent for discussion and ratification by the AGM on 27 Nov 2010. In the meantime, Convenor Karnataka requested Veterans present to volunteer for election as Office bearers of IESM Karnataka. The Convenor Karnataka expressed his satisfaction at the positive response of a number of Officers, JCOs, NCOs & Sepoys of all three services and Defence Family Pensioners volunteering their services to shoulder the responsibilities as Office bearers on formation of IESM Karnataka.
Barakhana
9. Veterans numbering around 500, comprising Officers:100; JCOs & OR: 350 and Families and Defence Family Pensioners: 50, then moved to have their lunch. There was all round bonhomie with Ex-Servicemen of all ranks & services participating in the Barakhana in a spirit of brotherhood & camaraderie.
Regards,
Veteran Col SS Rajan
IESM Convenor Karnataka
Click here for Slideshow of Photographs

Time to Plan and Act: Ex Servicemen Barakhana at Bangalore

TIME TO PLAN AND ACT- EX-SERVICEMEN BARAKHANA ON 2 OCT 2010
An Officer’s responsibility towards his Men does not end with his retirement; it is a lifelong commitment. We, Officers, owe it our Men, whom we had the honour & privilege to lead, while in service.
Respected Veterans,
Jai Hind.
1. We, the Veteran community in Bangalore, had been organizing various Veterans’ activities & events, since April 2008, showcasing the strength of Gaurav Senanis (Ex-Servicemen) by reaching out to our retired JCOs, NCOs & OR and families, enabling their participation in large numbers. With this in mind I had been hosting Lunch for retired JCOs, NCOs & ORs during the last two years at my residence, on 2 Oct. They in return had expressed their happiness and gratitude in being so honoured. Witness to such sincere sentiments, I decided that through the rest of my life, on 2 Oct, I would invite them to participate in lunch at my home.
2. After seventeen Gaurav Senanis, a few of them with their spouses, participated in lunch at my home on 2 oct 2009, such involvements have become routine every two or three months, strengthening our bonds of brotherhood & camaraderie. In reciprocation, when Gaurav Senani L/Nk Naidu suggested a couple of months ago, that we have a luncheon meeting at his residence, we all agreed; and seventeen of us incl Brig Reddy & myself had lunch at Naidu’s residence; with positive impact on bonhomie and mutual respect & regards amongst the retired veteran community.
3. Come 02 Oct 2010. We, the retired Officers at Bangalore, plan to host a lunch for all retired JCOs, NCOs & OR of the Army and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force and Defence Family Pensioners at the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka site, Bangalore. The Barakhana with 1000 Gaurav Senanis participating is to be a great event; further strengthening bonds of brotherhood & camaraderie amongst retired Defence community. We plan to invite the local Fmn Commanders of the Army, Navy & Air Force, the CDA (Pension), Defence Pension Disbursing Officer (DPDO) and a few Civilian Dignitaries; to thank them for their assistance & unstinted support to the community.
4. I now appeal to all Veteran Officers across Bharatvarsh, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Arunachal, Nagaland & Manipur to Punjab, Rajasthan & Gujarat to PLEASE consider hosting a Barakhana for all retired JCOs, NCOs & OR of the Army and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force, at their respective cities, towns & villages on 2 Oct every year. The impact of such yearly activity, would strengthen the bonds of brotherhood & camaraderie within the veteran community and enable rendering a helping hand to the needy and not so fortunate ones.
Regards,
Col Shaitan Singh Rajan of Jingergacha
A son of an Infantryman (a Garhwali) and A Bombay Sapper

AN APPEAL TO ALL RETIRED OFFICERS OF THE ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE AT BANGALORE
PLEASE JOIN HANDS IN HOSTING A LUNCH FOR RETIRED JCOs, NCOs & OR OF THE ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE AND DEFENCE FAMILY PENSIONERS AT BANGALORE AS PER DETAILS GIVEN BELOW:
Retired Officers of the Army, Navy & Air Force at Bangalore cordially invite retired JCOs, NCOs & OR of the Army, Navy & Air Force and Defence Family Pensioners for BARAKHANA (Lunch) at 12 Noon on Saturday, 02 October 2010 at the RASHTRIYA SAINIKA SMARAKA site, Bangalore adjacent to Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain on Chowdaiah Road
Opposite Nehru Planetarium, near Raj Bhawan, Bangalore.
Please confirm your participation by Post Card or Email
RSVP
Veteran Col SS Rajan, IESM Convenor Karnataka & South Zone
77, 1st Cross Shankarpuram, Opp. Shankar Mutt, Basavanagudi – 560 004

From: yoginder sharma
Date: 15 September 2010 18:04
Subject: AN APPEAL TO ALL RETIRED OFFICERS OF THE ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE AT BANGALORE
To: Colonelrajan Srinivas
Dear Rajan,
What a noble, admirable and thoughtful initiative!
My congratulations- Bless you, Sir.
We talk; you act and how!!!
Am not in Bangalore or else would have joined up.
Will anyone take up the 'challenge' here (Hyderabad/ Secunderabad).
Don't know; not likely if 'past' is an indicator?
Let hope run eternal in human heart-some 'selfless- live-wire' may yet emerge!
Compliments and best wishes.
Yogi
Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander

Rastreeya Sainika Smaraka Bangalore Celebrates Kargil Martyrs' Day

At the feet of the monumental statue of The Unknown Soldier at the Rastreeya Sainika Smaraka Bangalore, a memorable event the Kargil Martyrs' Day was celebrated in the true spirit of the word by Serving Soldiers, Officers, School Children in Uniform, War Widows, Veterans, Members of Parliament and State Council, lot many Ladies and notable Civil Patriots. One thousand strong thronged around the Unknown Statue to pay Homage to all the Brave Hearts who laid down their Lives during the Kargil War of 1999. As one tried to make an entry to the venue was surely surprised to see Military Trucks, Busses, and other vehicles parked in an orderly manner. The decoration of the Gate, the pathway and surroundings decorated with tri-colored balloons all looked like some thing like Fauzi Sports event Venue. The assembly of participants, eagerness on the face of Veterans in ushering Sr Veterans, guests and dignitaries and a horde of Press Photographers, young beautifully dressed ladies waiting to hand over flowers to one and all, other volunteers waiting with wreaths in their hands to be handed over to participants. The pedestal of the Unknown Soldier was decorated suiting the solemn occasion. Well rehearsed Buglers sounded the Last Post brilliantly. Wreath laying ceremony commenced in extreme veneration by Honorable Law Makers, followed by War Widows, veteran Generals, Admirals and Air Marshalls and so on. The entire environment charged with fragrance of flowers and scent, typical cool weather of Bangaluru and the sobriety synergized and so enhanced patriotic fervor all around.

All participants of after paying Homage to Martyrs moved on to a well laid out seating arrangement under a beautiful shamiyana. On the dias were Honorable Law Makers Shri Anantha Kumar, Shri Chandrasekhar, Capt Ganesh Karnik, War Widows and Sr Veterans. Air Cmdr Chandrasekhar set the tone, followed by other speakers assuring that the "Memorial will be the greenest spot in Bangaluru", " All our Martyrs who died for our Country loved Greenery Sasya Shyamalam Mataram", " We will do our best to contribute to this Noble cause", " this tribute at the NMM has set the tone, our husbands' sacrifice will not go in vain", " Nobody has done an honor by coming here, We are here to salute our Martyrs for preserving our National Unity", "NMM is a big starter for a greater public involvement", " it will surely be a sacred multi divine temple for all", and much more sweet and endearing words floated in the Honor of our Brave Hearts. After lovely talk was attractively laid out eats and Tea for children, ladies, our men in uniform, the Press and all 900 strong. While departing lots of us were keen to get photographed in front of the Un Known Soldier.

Entire idea, conduct of the celebration, funding and all arrangements were done under the patronage of Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar MP. Staff of Flags of Honor Under Brig Chandrasekhar were the force behind the screen. Efforts of one man army of Col SS Rajan made all the difference in mobilizing Uniformed Men. It goes to the credit of Brig Parthasarathi our Bengal Sapper for capturing lovely scenes through his lens. Press Reporters and Lens men of all News and other Media made their presence felt. Following day all news papers carried the Kargil Day Celebrations at Bangaluru story all in praise of Martyrs. Kudos to last but not the least our ld man the driving force Air Cmdr Chandrasekhar. Our bouquet and love to all these guys.
Veteran Sreedhar.

Corps of Signals: Down memory lane Bangalore

The Hindu archives: Life in Bangalore: Evening to remember- 21 Feb 2003

Col. K. Raghunathan (left) and Hema Raghunathan (centre), who hosted the 92nd anniversary celebrations of the Corps of Signals, seen with Ms. S.L. Kapoor (second from left), Sudha Hiremath, and Maj Gen (retd.), Suresh Hiremath.

IT WAS an evening to remember for serving officers and retired veterans of the Corps of Signals. The birthday bash to celebrate 92 years of the Corps' official existence saw a large gathering of officers and their wives on the lawns of the Officers' Mess on Cubbon Road.

Col. K. Raghunathan and his wife, Hema, played hosts, taking time off to introduce the few media personnel to the officers. There was a lot of swapping of stories about shared experiences. Those with claims to musical talent were invited to take the mike. There was also the ceremonial opening of bottles of champagne with spirited toasts to the Corps, an organisation which keeps the Indian Army's communication lines going.
Evening to remember

IESM: Meet at Bangalore on 27 June 2010

South Zone Military Veterans Meet
Vidhan Soudha Bangaluru, India
Jun 27, 2010
by Partha
South Zone Military Veterans Meet, convened by veteran Col SS Rajan (South Zone & Karnataka State Convener IESM was held at Banquet Hall of Vidhan Sudha, Bangaluru on Sunday the 27th June 2010. The Meet was attended by more than 350 Gourav Senani representing not only the four southern states, but few from Assam, Delhi, J&K, Meghalaya, Maharastra & Tripura. It is noteworthy that Hon'ble Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr V.S Acharya had graced the Meet. Please have the pleasure of viewing them.
Photo Slideshow

IESM: South Zone Veterans Meet at Bangalore

Dear Veterans,
My salute to Col Rajan and his team for organising the SZMV meet on 27 June in a professional manner and their commitment to the cause of ex-servicemen and their dedication to strengthen the roots of IESM movement. The honourable home minister Karnataka Dr Acharya also graced the meeting with his presence. He heard various speakers and aslo addressed the gathering. He confirmed that Karnataka Govt will take up the issues concerning the ex-servicemen with Central Govt.

Many speakers expressed their views in a friendly atmosphere on number of issues. The main thrust of all speakers was to improve the condition and Izzat of ex-servicemen all over India. The speakers also expressed their resolve to strengthen the IESM and wished this movement to spread all over India to help solve all problems of ex-servicemen.

Vice Chairman and Gen Sec addressed the meet and stressed on the strengthening the IESM to ensure that all ex-servicemen get the due respect and lead a respectable life as responsible citizen of India. He confirmed that views expressed in the meeting have been noted and will be put up for discussion in the GB and subsequently to all members of the core group and all state conveners. A consensus decision will be arrived at keeping in mind the views of all conveners. The decision of the IESM head office will be communicated to all soon. In the mean time all conveners were requested to maintain status quo and follow the latest instructions of the IESM head office.

All present confirmed in one voice their resolve to strengthen the IESM.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM

SEMINAR AT BANGALORE
Dear Rajan
On my return late last night, I would like to thank you for organising the seminar on sat & Sunday at Bangalore. The manner of conduct of the whole show speaks volumes of your and your band of ESM.

The presence and speech of the State Home Minister was exceedingly significant.

The points made by the various speakers were valid indeed especially with regard to organisation of IESM, membership, pension dues, donations and membership etc. I am sure that all the proposals would be considered seriously once your report of the meet is received.

I would like to specifically mention the three conveners from the NE states who for a change were made to feel a part and parcel of the IESM family. I would be wanting if I also did not mention the lady who single handedly pursued the recruitment drive successfully for Convener Mysore.

Finally I would be failing if did not thank my host Admiral Vasanth who not withstanding his age and work pressure went out of his way from recieving and seeing me off at the airport and lookong after every requirement of mine in between.
Congrats once again.
Regards,
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Head Pension Division
Indian Ex Servicemen Movement

Governance: Finance Minister to dedicate IT CPC to the Nation

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will dedicate the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) of the Income Tax department at Bengaluru to the nation today on 29th May 2010.

The Income Tax department has set up the Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) at Bengaluru for bulk processing of income tax returns. The CPC will process all electronic tax returns of the entire country, and physical returns of Karnataka and Goa regions. It is equipped with a dedicated call centre, where taxpayers can enquire about the status of their returns and refunds, and also has a remote record storage unit, which would reduce congestion in the IT offices.

The CPC is a flagship e-governance project of the Government of India. It promises to significantly improve delivery of citizen-centric services in line with best international practices. DSM/BY
FM to Dedicate I-T Department’s CPC at Bengaluru to Nation

National Military Memorial Bangalore

Dear Military Veterans,
This is a digital signature campaign to pledge support to the construction of National Military Memorial (NMM) planned and being executed by Govt of Karnataka at Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain and Park in the heart of the city near Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore. However, some civilian groups residing around the memorial site are opposing the creation of NMM at the present site in the name of 'Environmental Destruction' and gone to the Court with a PLI.
Please support this noble cause and sign the petition.
With best regards,
Brig B Chandra Shekar, Veteran

A FIRST in Independent India! Karnataka the first state… and Bengaluru the first city… to have the National Military Memorial Park to honour our Martyrs
Amidst a beautiful garden, the National Military Memorial Park is a gesture by the people of Bengaluru to honour the men and families of the brave hearts from Karnataka, who have served and lost their lives for the nation in various conflicts since Independence. This sacrifice shall be remembered by generations to come, while the National Military Memorial Park will stand as a witness to all their sacrifices, which is the reason why we have our freedom today.

This Memorial will be a peaceful, somber and inspirational space - a lush and forested Park with additional 45-50 trees being planted inside the Park to increase the greenery and foliage. And the least WE Garden Citizens can do is to support the noble cause!

SIGN the Petition!
Save paper, sign the digital petition! Click here

IESM: Bangalore Protest Rally for Pension Parity

EX-SERVICEMEN RALLY AT BENGALURU ON SUNDAY, 14 MARCH 2010
1. An EX-SERVICEMEN RALLY was held at Bengaluru on Sunday, 14 March 2010; whereat, 250 Ex-Servicemen led by Veteran Rear Admiral BR Vasanth, Brig JS Narasimhan, Brig Sudandiram and Brig B Chandrashekar signed in Blood, a Memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, in support of their demand for grant of MILITARY PENSION by way of ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.

2. ‘One Rank One Pension’ implies that uniform pension be paid to Armed Forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, irrespective of their date of retirement and any future enhancement in the rates of pension be automatically passed on to the past pensioners. Military Service is UNIQUE, with a highly demanding 24 by 7 work culture under hostile environments; and secondly, Military Service is the only Service wherein a Jawan is bundled out at the young age of 35, when he has a wife, two small children, unmarried sisters & parents to be taken care of; without the STATE bothering to give him an alternative employment. It is absolutely callous. A young man who joins Govt. service in civil as a LDC or a Police constable; serves comfortably till the age of 60 years and retires in a much higher position with a good amount as pension. Not so in the case of a Jawan. 85% of the Sepoys retire as Sepoys only after 15 years service. Most civilians who retire at 60, would live to see only one Pay Commission after retirement, considering their longevity to be 70-75 years and may be a few, two pay commissions; but a Sepoy would live to see nothing less than four Pay Commissions after retirement. ‘ONE RANK, ONE PENSION’ is equally applicable to Officers, as bulk (85%) retire in the rank of Colonel, at the age of 54 years; thus losing out on pay for six years & enhanced pensionary benefits. It is the older pensioners of the Army, Navy & Air Force who are the worst sufferers. It is not only the serving soldier that the STATE is duty bound to take care of; but also the Veterans who have sacrificed their youth in service of the Nation with no other thought but, DUTY, HONOUR and COUNTRY.

3. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, comprising 44 eminent Members of Parliament, had in their Report to Lok Sabha on 19 Aug 2003, strongly recommended the grant of ONE RANK ONE PENSION (OROP) to Ex-Servicemen. Para 99 of the said Report is reproduced below:
“The Committee has been recommending grant of `ONE RANK ONE PENSION’ to the armed forces personnel time and again. The Committee observes that successive Governments and Pay Commissions have made improvements in the pension structure keeping in view the cost of living index. This has accentuated the disparity of pensionary benefits between pensioners of the same rank. The older pensioners who have become infirm in ability and capability and burdened with a larger social obligation receive pension calculated at the rate of pay at the time of their retirement in 1950s or 1960s or 1970s, which is quite paltry and the Dearness Relief quite inconsequential in today’s context of inflation and shrinking purchasing value of money. The nation must repay its debt to those Defendents of the motherland with gratitude and humility. We should, instead of, looking for precedents in this regard, create precedents for the others to emulate. Any amount paid in this regard would be small token of our gratitude to them. The Committee, therefore, once again reiterates their earlier recommendation for providing `ONE RANK ONE PENSION’ to the armed forces personnel”.

4. The Ex-Servicemen in their Memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Prime minister have requested convening of a JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE [JPC] by 15 Apr 2010, to study the subject matter in its entirety and submit its Report within sixty days (ie. by 15 Jun 2010).

5. Col Rajan, the IESM Convenor said that the Memorandum is being signed by Ex-Servicemen in their own BLOOD, to impress upon the Hon’ble Prime Minister that Ex-Servicemen are indeed anguished & pained; and to request him to initiate immediate steps to ameliorate their problems of Pension and Re-settlement. The Ex-Servicemen in their Memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister have clearly stated that that in case their request for amelioration of our problems relating to Pension and Resettlement are not suitably addressed, the Ex-Servicemen, all over the Country, will be forced to further intensify their struggle; and the next and final step would be to launch a nation wide Satyagraha, undertaking FAST UNTO DEATH, commencing on 02 Oct 2010.
Regards,
Col S Rajan (Retd)
IESM Convenor Bangalore

Vijay Diwas at Bangalore- Report

At the very outset, I wish to place on record my gratitude to Veteran Air Cmde MK Chandrsekhar and Veteran Capt Ganesh Karnik, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Council of Karnataka, for their invaluable help, assistance & support in organizing VIJAY DIWAS at Bangalore; and, in making it a grand success. It was due to the indomitable spirit of Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar that the statue of the Unknown Soldier, erected at Minsk Square by the British after the first World War, was shifted to the area of Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, in time, for the Chief Minister to lay the wreath on 16 Dec. And, it was on account of Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar speaking to the AOC-in-C Training Comd (IAF) that a contingent of 25 AF Officers & 150 Airmen in uniform came to Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, in the morning of Vijay Diwas. The entire credit for the grand success of Vijay Diwas goes to Capt Ganesh Karnik; for it was he who was responsible in getting the Hon’ble Chief Minister to pay Homage to the Martyrs; and, also hosting of Tea & Lunch for the Ex-Servicemen, that too in the Banquet Hall of the Vidhan Soudha. It was an honour bestowed on the Ex-Servicemen. Three Cheers to Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar. Three Cheers to Capt Ganesh Karnik. I also place on record my gratitude to Brig Parthasarathy and Wg Cdr Mohan Rao for taking pains to take photographs on Vijay Diwas and for posting them on the Net. I also wish to thank Col AJ Bhandary for his support and Sub N Balachandran, ASC, for all his help & assistance.
Col SS Rajan (Retd)
Detailed Report and Proceedings click link below
Report: Vijay Diwas at Bangalore- 16 Dec 2009

Bangalore Command Hospital bags Defence Minister’s trophy

NEW DELHI: The Command Hospital (Air Force) in Bangalore was on Monday presented the
Defence Minister’s trophy for the Best Command Hospital for the year 2009. The trophy, along with a purse of Rs.5 lakh, was presented by Defence Minister A.K. Antony to Air Vice Marshal AK Behl, Commandant of the hospital, at a function here.
The Command Hospital, Eastern Command, Kolkata, was adjudged the Second Best Command
Hospital. Commandant of the Hospital Major General YS Sarma received the trophy.

Vijay Diwas at Bangalore

Pictures of Vijay Diwas 16 DEC 2009 At Banquet Hall of Vidhan Soudha, Bangalore

Dear IESM friend,
It was, indeed, my greatest pleasure meeting you during 'VIJAY DIWAS' event @ B'Lore. The fact that we could share & exchange thoughts about our IESM Movement & the way 'Fwd' in it, has given me an all the more innate feeling of satisfaction.
We do hope that we shall be able to remain in contact with each other & together work unceasingly for the betterment of our Ex-Serviceman & the success of our IESM Movement.
With sincerely spirited & highly motivated people like Capt GANESH KARNIK - who is fortunately there at the helm of Governmental affairs, we can breathe a sigh of comfort. We can also feel proud that in KARNIK we have OUR 'Man Friday ' to assist us on the Political front. His inclination & indulgence is undaunting.
As a Member of the Governing Body/ Steering Committee & Core Gp of the IESM, I seek your kind & personal indulgence in lending your fullest support to Col RAJAN who is working like a 'Missionary'- doing so much in every way to ammeliorate the problems of our ESM & working for their welfare. It is Only by enlarging our Membership of the IESM that we can develope a meaningfull 'Voice' & look fwd to achieving our AIM. Your willingness in this regard has been so very assuring.
If ever I could do anything for YOU fm Delhi, do please let me know as it shall be our proudest pleasure.
Above all, please remain in ' touch '
Wishing U & your family a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR & ALL the VERY BEST of EVERYTHING in 2010.
Yours Affly
Major General A.J.B.Jaini, AVSM
Member Governing Body/Steering Committree & Core Gp of the IESM

IESM: Report from State Convenor Bangalore

Date: Wednesday, 18 March, 2009, 10:32 PM
Respected Veteran Brig Kamboj Sir,
Jai Hind. I shall be obliged if you could please put out my Report in REPORT MY SIGNAL.
Regards,
Colonel Rajan

EX-SERVICEMEN* MARCH FOR JUSTICE
AND SURRENDER OF MEDALS AT MAHATMA GANDHI STATUE, ON MG ROAD, BANGALORE
AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 2009
Ex-Servicemen, comprising of retired Officers of the Army, Navy & Air Force and retired JCOs, NCOs & OR of the Army and their equivalents in the Navy & Air Force

300 Ex-Servicemen assembled at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue on MG Road, Bangalore, at 10 AM on Sunday, 15 March 2009, and undertook a MARCH FOR JUSTICE and thereafter surrendered their Service medals for despatch to her Excellency The President Of India, as a mark of Protest for the pain & anguish caused to the Ex-Servicemen by the Govt. of India in not granting ONE RANK, ONE PENSION.

The IESM State Convenor of Karnataka is grateful to Ex-Servicemen from Tamil Nadu as per details given below who joined their brethren at Bangalore in the MARCH FOR JUSTICE and thereafter surrendered their Service medals:
(a) Capt (IN) Hariharan Balakrishnan from Chennai.
(b) Eleven Ex-Servicemen from TANJAVOOR led by Lt Cdr T Mayil Vahanan.
(c) Five Ex-Servicemen from Trichy led by Cdr V Vaidhyanathan.
(d) N/Sub S Alagu and Nk Mani from Madurai.

The IESM State Convenor of Karnataka is thankful and expresses his gratitude to Shri Rajeev Chandrashekar, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) for his unstinted support to IESM in their quest for Justice and for leading the MARCH FOR JUSTICE. We also express our thanks to Mr TV Mohandas Pai, Infosys HR director and Mr RK Misra, Lead India winner, who came and lent their support by taking part in the MARCH FOR JUSTICE.

18 Ex-Servicemen, as per details given below, surrendered their medals at Bangalore on 15 March 2009:

(a) Air Mshl KDK Lewis, PVSM,AVSM,VM
(b) Brig S Narasimhan, AVSM
(c) Brig DK Gunjal, UN Medal
(d) Brig CN Satya Murthy
(e) Brig DA Reddy
(f) Brig CA Govindraj
(g) Capt (IN) Hariharan Balakrishnan, Chennai.
(h) Col SS Rajan
(i) Col BN Kakde
(j) Col AJ Bhandary
(k) Lt Col PB Chengappa
(l) Lt Col Anand Laksmaiah
(m) Cdr BB Khilari
(n) Wg Cdr CAV Murthy
(o) Wg Cdr BJ Vaz
(p) CM EL(P) S Sethuram
(q) N/Sub S Alagu, from Madurai
(r) Sep M Thyagarajan from Mannargudi, TN

Colonel SS Rajan
IESM State Convenor Karnataka

IESM: Surrender of Medals in Bangalore

Ex-servicemen wage a different BATTLE
Bangalore: A medal is perhaps the only symbol of recognition and honour that a soldier gets after facing death in the eye, on the frontier. With their names engraved, the medals gleam in the light of the gallant lives they have led. But hundreds of ex-servicemen in Delhi surrendered their medals on March 8, and on Sunday in Bangalore, as a mark of protest to the present dispensation on their pension, as per the 6th Pay Commission. Since their pension amounts vary according to the year in which they have served, and not according to the period of service, they are demanding ‘one rank, one pension’. A total of 582 medals were surrendered on Sunday.

‘GOVT DOESN’T RESPECT US’
“Medals are most precious to a soldier. But today, we are ready to part even with that sole piece of honour because we realize that the government has no respect for soldiers. I might have retired long ago but if I have to live comfortably, then I should get pension equal to those who retire now. The police, MPs, everyone has ‘one rank, one pension’ system, then why discriminate us?” said Colonel Cyrus Dalal, who retired from the Corps of Signals. Ex-servicemen from different parts of South India like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tanjavur and Vellore were also present, and surrendered their medals. Service medals, including medals for gallantary in wars, will be sent back to President Pratibha Patil, who is also supreme commander of the Army.

UNITED THEY STAND
Some who have also served as major generals in different parts of the country, dropped their numerous medals. Infosys HR director T V Mohandas Pai, who supported the ex-servicemen at the protest, said: “These are the people who have been protecting us. They leave their families and personal lives for the country. It is shameful that we are forcing our brave soldiers to take this extreme step.” Lead India winner R K Misra regretted that there were no civil society members supporting the soldiers on Sunday. “What is the point of giving us these medals when you don’t respect us? War widows and mothers who have lost their sons in the wars have given back their medals in Delhi. Today, many soldiers from South India have surrendered their gallantry medals, some who had even won even nine medals,” said state convener, Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement, Colonel S S Rajan.

THEIR PRIVATE WAR
Ex-fighter pilot Keith Lewis surrendered the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VSM), Brigadier Narasimhan surrendered one AVSM and one Vishisht Seva Medal, and many others surrendered stars they had received during the 1971 war.
Navigate to TOI Bangalore, 16 March 2009, Page 2
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