Lohegaon defence land scam

Court summons two officers in Lohegaon defence land scam case
Brigadier Talwar and Colonel Shukla told to be present in court on September 20 in the Rs 800 crore case
Pune Mirror Bureau
Posted On Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 08:42:24 AM
The court of Judicial Magistrate (First Class) M Y Doiphode on Tuesday issued summons to Brigadier Sanjeev Talwar (Corps of Engineers), ex-commander of station headquarters, Kirkee (Aundh), and Colonel Sharad Shukla, ex-commanding officer of Dunkirk Lines- Signals Regiment, Pune, to be present in court on September 20, 2012 in the Rs 800 crore Lohegaon defence land scam case.
City-based builder Harish Milani (57) has alleged in his complaint filed against the duo in court that they misused their authority to show a piece of private land as defence land.
Earlier, Kevin Pinto, who had purchased the land from Milani, as well as then Defence Estate Officer S R Nayyar and Milani were arrested by the CBI for allegedly cheating the Government of India in this matter. They face the charges of falsely claiming ownership of the 69.4 acres of defence land on Survey no 233-A in Lohegaon.
In his complaint filed in May, Milani has stated that based on the land ownership certificate of Dunkirk Lines (dated July 17, 2009), Sector 6, the land (79 acres and 3 gunthas) is not part of the said certificate.
The complaint categorically states, “Talwar misused his official position and prepared a forged land ownership certificate dated July 24, 2009, and included the said land as part of this certificate.
Thus the total area of land jumped to 150 acres and 24 gunthas. This was signed by Shukla and Talwar. They had forced the then DEO to sign the allegedly forged certificate.”
Earlier in this, case Milani had also filed a complaint in the court, alleging that CBI officials and Ramesh Govani, chairman of Kamala Mills Limited had conspired and created fabricated evidence to frame him in the matter. Milani has also demanded Rs 100 crore as compensation for the mental torture he has undergone.
Brigadier Sanjeev Talwar, ex-commander of station headquarters, Kirkee (Aundh), and Colonel Sharad Shukla, ex-commanding officer of Signals Regiment, Pune, to remain present in court on September 20. They had allegedly misused their authority to show a private land in Lohegaon as defence land.

IETE Governing Council

Dear All,
1. We are delighted to learn that certain members of IETE have sought the candidature of Lt Gen SP Kochhar, AVSM**, SM, VSM, ADC our SO-in-C for the election as member of IETE Governing Council 2012-15.
2. We are sanguine that all our esteemed members of IETE will whole heartedly support the election of SO-in-C to the IETE Governing Council.
Visit webpage: IETE
Governing Council 2011- 12
What is IETE?
The Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) is India's leading recognised professional society devoted to the advancement of Science and Technology of Electronics, Telecommunication & IT. Founded in 1953, it serves more than 70,000 members through various centres, whose number is 62, spread all over India and abroad. The Institution provides leadership in Scientific and Technical areas of direct importance to the national development and economy. Government of India has recognised IETE as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) and also notified as an educational Institution of national eminence. The objectives of IETE focus on advancing electro-technology. The IETE conducts and sponsors technical meetings, conferences, symposia, and exhibitions all over India, publishes technical journals and provides continuing education as well as career advancement opportunities to its members.

86-yr-old WW II veteran wins pension

Bhartesh Singh Thakur, Hindustan Times
Chandigarh, February 20, 2012
Providing succor to 86-year-old World War II veteran, Chandigarh bench of Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) allowed his petition and granted him pension.
Ishar Singh, a resident of Yamunanagar, joined signal regiment of Royal Indian Army on December 27, 1942. For serving the nation, he was awarded War Medal and Indian Independence Medal.
Ishar retired on April 12, 1948 as he was declared medically unfit to serve further. He was suffering from osteoarthritis of the spine.
The 86-year-old was granted disability pension at Rs 6 per month. It was stopped on April 12, 1950 as his disability had fallen below 20%.
Ishar made efforts and made representations to Army authorities for continuing his pension but in vain. He was brought before a re-survey medical board in 1989 which also ruled that his disability was lesser than 20%.
He had no source of income as he was illiterate. He was sustaining on agriculture in his village. His service element was not given as he had served for less than 10 years as per the rules when he retired.
"In March 2011, he approached All India Ex-servicemen Welfare Association (AIEWA), which took up its case through its legal aid scheme. In October 2011, the petition was filed. A notice was issued to union government. In its reply, the government replied that there was no record available of the World War II veteran as the same had been destroyed," said Bhim Sen Sehgal, Chairman of AIEWA, who represented Ishar Singh in the court.
He added, "As per the change in the policies in 1968 and then in 1973, invalided soldiers should get service element. And later Supreme Court judgments also put a stamp on it, which removed the cut off dates."
The court took the documents-service record, pension book and certificate issued by re-survey medical board, submitted by Ishar Singh as evidence in the case.
The bench comprising justice NP Gupta and Air Marshal SC Mukul (retd) allowed the service element of disability pension but restricted the arrears to three years from the date of filing the petition in AFT.
86-yr-old WW II veteran wins pension

RMS Volunteers

24 Nov 11
Dear Veterans,
I am happy to inform to you that two veterans have very kindly volunteered to take over the tasks which “REPORT MY SIGNAL” was carrying out earlier.
Those of you who wish to receive emails from these Volunteer Veterans should send their email ID to them:
1. For Signals’ Domestic matters only – Brig NK Dhand, Signals Veteran, email ID - nk.dhand(at)gmail.com
2. For all other ESM topics – The volunteer does not wish to disclose his identity and would prefer to work in an anonymous manner. However, I must inform you that the Veteran is very capable person and is looking after a major website of an important ESM Organisation. His email ID is - veteransindia(at)gmail.com
Those of you wish to be kept informed about ESM matters, should forward their email ID to the above Veteran Volunteer.
I would request all the ESM Organisations also to kindly keep veteransindia(at)gmail.com informed about all information pertaining to welfare of military veterans.
Thank you.
Regards.
Chander Kamboj

Lt Gen Kochhar is new Signal Officer-in-chief

Zee News Friday, September 02, 2011
New Delhi: Lieutenant General S P Kochhar Thursday took over as the Signal Officer-in-Chief of the Indian Army following the retirement of Lt Gen P Mohapatra on August 31 here. Lt General Kochhar has held several important posts in his 38-year career.
As an Additional Director General (ADG) of Personnel Services at Army Headquarters, he also headed the Tri-Services Anomalies Resolution Committee to address anomalies of the Sixth Central Pay Commission.
The General Officer holds two M.Phil degrees and is an M.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and has undergone several in-service professional courses including the National Defence College (NDC) Course and the Army’s Higher Command Course (HCC).
He is a recipient of with the Ati-Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). PTI
Lt Gen Kochhar is new Signal Officer-in-chief

Col Caveeshar Caring for the underprivileged

We published earlier in the Blog about Col KS Caveeshar (Retd Signals Officer), educating the underprivileged children in NOIDA- conducting classes from his own house click here. He is from 1st JSW course. The latest scanned article published in The Hindustan Times dated 11 Mar 2011 is appended below.

click images for enhanced view

Hundred Years of Signalling 1911 to 2011

100 YEARS OF SIGNALLING (1911-2011)-SEMAPHORE TO SATELLITE (Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM)

The journey of Corps of Signals through 100 years of its existence has been aSaga of rich heritage, providing communications often under fire, in hostile climatic and terrainconditions, in undivided India, after independence and in many corners of the world. The Corpshas excelled in fulfilling its role during war, in insurgency milieu, peace, in aid to civil authorityduring man made or natural disasters and for peace keeping under the United Nations in a number of countries. Its performance has stood up to its motto of Certa Cito,Tez-o-Sahi(after Independence) and afterwards Teevra Chaukas. Many brave Signallers paid the supreme sacrifice but kept the communications THROUGH, in the best traditions of the Corps of Signals and theIndian Army. We pay homage to them.The means of signal communications available at various times through these 100 yearsdepended on the technology in vogue, to fulfill the war and peace time requirements of the IndianArmy at different times. Before Independence, the British brought in the technology, ideas andmeans of communications from England, for both military and civil communications in India.After Independence on 15 Aug 1947, the sources of technology and equipment were diversified.While, the Soviet Union became major supplier for lethal weapons and platforms like aircraft, shipsand tanks, the communication equipment bore the stamp of Western countries. Gradually, localassembly and manufacturing capacity was set up in India, mostly in the Public Sector. After theeconomic and industrial liberalization in 1991, the electronics scene in India changed and it became possible for the civil sector to start supplying equipment, at times with foreign collaboration. Thecontributions of our Defence Scientists and the public and private sector companies has been of very high standards.
The Corps has excelled in adapting available technology and modernization/updating of means of communications to meet the changing operational scenarios. Those at the helm in SignalsDirectorate showed great vision and organizational skills to keep the Corps contemporary in itsthinking, communication systems, equipment, training and organizations.The Corps of Signals has also been responsible for introducing new systems likeComputers electronic warfare, signal intelligence in the Army and training personnel of all armsand services as also the Navy and the Air Force.
Read More:
100 Years of Signalling 1911 to 2011 by Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM
Note: A thirteen Paged Article- an abridged version has been published in SIGNALMAN Feb Issue. Download and save it for reading at leisure. This is published in SCRIBD. Use + and - signs to increase/ decrease font and up and down arrows for pages.

Reality- National Geographic Channel Shows Indian Army

Anil Bhat 4/12/2011 10:24:15 PM
“March with the Indian Army and pay tribute to the saga of the unknown soldier with honour and pride” is the slogan of the ten - serial television reality show produced by National Geographic (Nat Geo) and currently being aired extensively on the Star Network.

Having produced Mission Udaan -Inside the Indian Air Force, in 2005 and Mission Navy- Lehron ke Sartaj in 2008, showcasing both the services in their full glory, Nat Geo launched a project to make the same on Indian Army, called Mission Army – Desh ke Rakshak.

Extensive interaction between the Army and Nat Geo resulted in this mega reality show aimed at giving television viewers an insight into the ‘making of an Army officer’ and ‘life in the Army’, through the eyes of a few civilian youth, selected and further trained. The serial showcases the history, values, customs and traditions as also operational and administrative activities of various combat arms and services of the Army, in varied terrain and extremes of climatic conditions.

Three young men and two young women were selected after passing physical, mental and medical tests of actual Army standards during the auditions Chib, a former Army officer of the Kumaon Regiment has as such a great asset to Nat Geo in making such programmes across Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi, for which 30,000 participants from all over India came to try to be a part of this mega reality show. They were, Ela Vohra 23, working at working IBM India, Pune, Priyanka Chand Oswal 19, from Pune College, Rohan Vijay Takalkar 24, running a fitness club in Pune, Rudrashish Sengupta 22, from St Xavier’s college, Mumbai and Kuldeep Rana 24, pursuing MBA from JIMS, Delhi.

Interacting at length with The Asian Age, Mr. Ramon Chibb, Senior Vice President, National Geographic and Fox International Channel, India, said “After grilling 30,000 enthusiastic and patriotic youth applicants across the country, Nat Geo selected the final five who embarked on a journey to win themselves a never before opportunity to experience the life of an Indian Army Officer. National Geographic Channel has taken the viewers to locations and places where none ever has and our Mission properties in the past have lived up to this tradition. We have worked closely with the Indian Army for our biggest Mission property – Mission Army “Desh ke Rakshak” and will take our viewers into the second largest army of the world – The Indian Army. I firmly believe that in the age of scripted reality shows, a docu-reality show like Mission Army will attract millions of people from different age groups across the country. Mission Army- Desh Ke Rakshak is a ten part series which will give us an insight into all arms and services of the Army”

‘Inside the Indian Army’, the first episode starts with a re-created story of Capt Vikram Batra, hero of the Kargil Intrusion of 1999 narrated by his then Commanding Officer, Brigadier Joshi. It is followed by the introduction to the Indian Army, considered as third largest in the world and what it takes to be an officer in it. Through the eyes of young civilians, viewers watch the selection process with high medical fitness standards and the aspirants going through a battle obstacle course at the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre to get their first feel of training in the Army.

In Episode 2, on Indian Military Academy, the Alma Mater of an Indian Army officers, the chosen five go through a tough training schedule of the academy by learning the basics of Army life as Gentleman Cadets and Lady Cadets - of drill, physical training, firing an INSAS rifle, doing night outdoor camping, negotiating the tough Russian obstacle course and finally crossing obstacles while live bullets are fired over their heads as a doze of ‘battle inoculation’.

Episode 3, with the Infantry, shows how it operates in various and toughest of terrains in the country, including the highest battlefield of the world – Siachen- where the temperature can be as low as minus 60 degrees centigrade. This episode covers the training in the Siachen Battle School and the High Altitude Battle School. The five contestants go through commando training at the Infantry school in Belgaum, compulsory for all Infantry officers. This includes unarmed combat, raid, rock climbing, escape and evasion and surviving by living off the land, which also involves catching, skinning, cooking and eating a snake. Their final task is the challenging climb and crawl to a 60 feet high board and jumping from into a swimming pool.

Episode 4, takes the team to the Armored Corps and the Mechanized Infantry Regimental Centres at Ahmednagar, where the contestants learn about customs and traditions of the cavalry and functioning mechanized forces. They get a great opportunity to learn how to drive the state of the art T-72 and the T-90 battle tanks, fire their guns and watch the complex flotation maneuvers by the amphibious Infantry Combat Vehicles in water.

Episode 5, about Artillery and Air Defence involves deployment of these big high-decibel guns in all terrains, learning about the artillery’s role and the performance of Bofors field guns in the Kargil war, the contestants functioning as artillery observation post officers, who guide the firing of guns over long ranges.

Episode 6, on the Army Aviation finds the team in the Army’s helicopters, watching the complexity of flying in high altitude and the role of Army Aviation Corps in support of the combat arms. The indigenously designed Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv and the versatile Cheetah and Chetak choppers are profiled in extremely challenging conditions of flying in inaccessible terrain like the Siachen heights and the scorching deserts. At the Combat Aviation Training School the contestants learn what it takes to be an army aviator, fly the Cheetah simulator and navigate a Chetak helicopter in a casualty evacuation mission.

Episode 7, on the technical arms of the Army, has the team watching the Sappers (Engineers) construct bridges, lay mines and handle high explosives as well as work with sophisticated communication equipment of the Corps of Signals. They get to drive the tank trawler and lay underwater depth charges. Their final task is breaching a minefield and blowing up a railway track with explosives.

Episode 8, covers the Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) and the Army Medical Corps. The team learns how the Army is administered, how it gets its logistics support and how it is kept battle-ready at all times. The contestants get a feel of repairing and maintaining a battle tank with EME.

Episode 9, shows counter terrorist operations in the Kashmir Valley and on the Line of Control(LoC). The Corps Battle School at Srinagar imparting training for counter terrorist operations is showcased, includes fighting a battle in a built-up urban areas, where the margin of error is very small. While here the contestants get trained and tasked to flush out terrorists from a mock village, on the LoC, they learn how the Indian Army soldier is alert 24 x 7.

Episode 10, The Grand Finale, is about Indian Army’s men who spend their lives reinventing themselves to fight in all possible scenarios – the Paratroopers. Specialists of raid and know no obstacle and are trained to operate behind enemy lines. On rare display are some of the unique customs and traditions of this coveted maroon berets regiment, which has tough standards and a probation period, not everybody can pass. The final task for the five contestants is a parachute jump from a helicopter. This episode will also decide the winner of Mission Army, who will have the opportunity to be a part of an overseas Indian military contingent.

Chib, a former Army officer of the Kumaon Regiment and as such a great asset to Nat Geo in producing such monumental programmes, says the viewer ratings on the five episodes broad casted so far have been excellent.

An exciting development for contestant Ela Vohra has been that she has very recently been selected for pre-commission training at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.

While there is no doubt that the serials mentioned and movies like JP Dutta’s Border, LOC and yet to be produced Border II go well with viewers, it remains to be seen how much of a difference they will make in the near future in attracting more academically, physically and mentally fit youngsters to join the Army, which is still short of about 12,000 officers.
REALITY SHOW OF WHAT INDIAN ARMY IS ALL ABOUT

CM gets proficiency certificate from GOC

'Modi has qualities of successful Army commander'
Press Trust of India, Updated: March 14, 2011 18:50 IST
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has all the qualities of a successful Army commander, said General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General I S Singha of the Golden Katar Division here today.
He was speaking at the inauguration of three-day 'Know Your Army' exhibition organised by the Golden Katar Division of the Army.
"Chief Minister Modi has all the qualities of a successful Army commander. His programmes are aimed at development of both the state and the nation," Singha said.
"Like in the Army, he (Modi) keeps deadline for completion of work, and ensures that target is achieved by the set time," he added.
Singha praised Modi and his government for the developmental work in the state.
The Golden Katar GOC also sought land for ex-servicemen housing scheme.
"I would like to request the Chief Minister to provide land to the Army for setting up housing welfare societies for the ex-servicemen in Ahmedabad. Such schemes are available in all other states," Singha said.
The inaugural ceremony saw brilliant performances of Malkhamb, Lazium and Khukri dance by the Army personnel.
The Dare Devils gave a spell-binding performance with stunts on motorcycles.
'Modi has qualities of successful Army commander'

Captains: A lost Commodity

THE LONG AWAITED FIFTH OF FEBRUARY 2011 soon came, a very special occasion, the 100th Anniversary of the Corps and award of the PVSM to the incumbent SO-in-C, and we the veteran Signallers of Greater Noida, piled into the hired cabs for the long journey to Vatika, Signals Enclave: the Dinner invitation in the pocket and the stickers on the windscreens.
I take the front seat, assuming the onerous duty of the co-driver, isolated from the rest, those at the back and in jovial mood, exchanging anecdotes from the past and the woes of the recent move to the still evolving AWHO Township.
We arrive at the venue with high hopes and are not disappointed, saved from the long walk from the parking, by the ferry service, adorned with the Jimmy lapel pin at the entrance, overwhelmed by the long receiving line, officers resplendent in the ceremonial blue patrols; the regimental ladies in colourful Saree's with welcoming handshakes and namastays with folded hands and what not.
I shake hands with Lt Gen Mohapatra, greet him on the Corps Day and congratulate him on the award of PVSM, wish his lady wife and get amalgamated with the milling crowd: a sea of unknown faces.
I pick a glass of Pepsi and start weaving, gingerly through the milling congregation of blue and green of the uniforms and the rainbow of the Saree's. I am confronted by a sea of red tabs: serving Generals, Brigadiers, Colonels, especially Colonels, looks like every one has been promoted to a Colonel, a sprinkling of Lt Cols, and here and there a few Majors. Surprisingly, no Captains, who used to be the bedrock of the corps in the days of yore, are nowhere in sight.
With my random walk, I do come across a few faces from past, hand shake and ‘How are you?’ later, it is a short hi and bye as we part once again.
Surprised by their absence I begin my quest for the Captains, hoping to exchange a few words with the young of the Corps, to get a feel of there aspirations, hopes and apprehensions, if any, share my own experiences of that rank, and get updated with the current Army life, especially Signals.
It was becoming an exercise in futility; I address a nearby Colonel; he looked a bit amused by the query coming from someone out of uniform. ‘I have one back in the Regiment.’ He responded. To me it gave a feeling as if he was alluding to a museum piece and possibly that he was he was.
Frustrated and in desperation I approach the So-in –C, him surrounded by an ever changing kaleidoscope of senior guests, their accompanying wives and senior officers in uniform, all the time trying to get in a word edge wise, getting a chance I manage to ask. ’Where are the Captains?’ ‘They are a lost commodity.’ Was his cryptic reply.
I make a hasty retreat, leaving it at that and a bit more confused, I button hole a group of young Majors, so different from the dominating personalities of yore, whose presence even was enough to instill a feeling of fear in one, while a raised eyebrow, on the other hand could make us tremble, their forte, bereft of much technical knowledge or the science of propagation and the vagaries of ionosphere dependent on season or weather, was managing the communications with a bark and a stick, also blowing both hot and cold as the situation demanded.
Looking amused at my ignorance, there is an effort to educate me, a long winded explanation later, the long and short of which is that Captain to Major was a short distance in time and the three pips of the Captain soon metamorphoses in to the Ashoka Pillar on the shoulder.
Reminiscing with the group with some of my experiences as a Captain, during the 1962 Sino Indian conflict, I was left disappointed with their distorted impressions of the conflict in general and the lack of appreciation of how the insurmountable obstacles faced by the communicator, saddled, those days, with the ‘Second World War’ equipment, were surmounted.
Weaving through and ahead, ‘low and behold’, what do I spy: a Captain and soon ambush the diminutive, apparition in olive green, obviously a SS officer. She equally surprised, is taken aback by my ‘Excuse me.’
It transpires that she is the Adjutant of the Regiment, one of the prized jobs assigned to the senior captain or a major those days, the chair from which one learnt the ropes of how to run a regiment.
Simple girls once married soon acquire the skill to keep the husbands on a short leash, so I presume be the case of female Adjutants: keeping the regiment on a tight leash. It appears to be well worn practice followed by the Regiment as even her predecessor was also an officer of the so called weaker Sex.
Having found the proverbial needle in the haystack, I join the now milling crowed around the heavily laden dinner tables. Partaking the delicacies, satiated and satisfied, in an euphoric state as we prepare to leave, I cannot but help notice some diehards with glasses half full or half empty depending the current perception of the nearly sozzled, still lingering near the bar.
With the ‘See-off’, once again with smiling faces, waiting for the lingering guest to depart, for their long delayed dinner, surely a bit hard on the ladies, shivering in the late night February cold, we set sail for the long journey back to Greater Noida.
As we take the long road back, still suffused with the euphoria from the pleasant evening spent in the company of the old and the new, I could not help but lament for the’ Lost Commodity’.
Brig Lakshman Singh (Retd)

Request from a Signal Officer's Daughter

Dear Signallers,
An email received from Ms Charu Shankar, daughter of Late Maj R Thiagarajan, a very very well known and popular Signaller, is reproduced below. The email is self-explanatory.
Maj R Thiagarajan was my instructor at MCTE (then School of Signals) when I did my degree course.
Kindly do help Ms Charu and vote for her book.
Please do share this email with your friends and request them also to vote.
Thank you.
Teevra Chaukas.
In Service of The Corps of Signals
Chander Kamboj.

From: Charu Shankar
Sent: 22 February 2011 02:53
Subject: my book video, please vote

Hi Ossie & Brig Kamboj,
Just wanted to share I'm writing a book about dad's teachings-Major. R. Thiagarajan who served in the Corps of Signals with Ossie. To get my book published, I need your help to vote.
Just go on this website
http://www.nexttopauthor.com/register_author.cfm?aid=595
1) register on this page by typing your email id & creating a password (I have attached what the pages look like to make it easy for you)
2) then vote
your vote will help me spread dad's teachings to everyone else.
voting deadline is feb 28, so please vote now & let everyone else know in the Armed forces, everyone that dad touched in his work,
warm regards
charu

Amazing Grace: Corps of Signals Pipes and Drum

A photograph of the Bagpipers playing the tune Amazing Grace (Hymn), who form part of Corps of Signals Pipes and Drum, during Centenary Celebrations at Jabalpur on 14 Feb 2011
Corps of Signals Indian Army celebrated its Centenary at Jabalpur, where No. 1 Signal Training Center is located, from 13-15 Feb 2011 in a very beffiting manner.
One of the soul stirring and inspiring event was a Band Concert after dark in the Gowrishankar Parade Ground (named after one of our illustrious Signals general, who earned a Maha Vir Chakra-a very high gallantry award while commanding a brigade in Dera Baba Nanalk Sector, in Punjab, during 1971 War with Pakistan).
A poignant item in the Band Concert was playing of the Hymn 'AMAZING GRACE' by nearly thirty Corps of Signals Bagpipers. They came marching in slow time in two columns well separated by a large screen, each column lit by soft blue light, playing beautifully the haunting tune of the Hymn. As they came nearer, the sound of the bagpipes gradually increasing.
The Pipers formed up in two rows in front of the audience continued to play the tune and then slowly returned the way they had come; the sound fading away in the semi darkness and leaving everyone spell bound and may be with some moist eyes as well!!
A recorded version of the same tune played by US Marine Bagpipers can be seen and heard on this video below:



The Corps of Signals Pipers played absolutely in the same manner and I feel even better, except that the setting was more serene and stirring, being in the quietness of night under subdued light!

WHAT IS AMAZING GRACE HYMN?
"Amazing Grace" is a Hymn written by English poet John Newton in 1973 and published in 1779.
Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He joined the Royal Navy and became a sailor, eventually participating in the slave trade. One night a terrible storm battered his vessel so severely that he became frightened enough to call out to God for mercy. After a few years he quit going to sea altogether and began studying theology.
Ordained in the Church in 1764, Newton began to write hymns with poet William Cower. "Amazing Grace" was written to illustrate a sermon on New Year's Day of 1773.
Gradually it was sung in Churches and congregations and over time set to many types of music. However, perhaps it sounds the best when played by Bagpipers.
Each Regiment and infantry battalion in the Indian Army has a Pipes and Drum Band. Corps of Signals has two such bands, one located with each of its two Signal Training Centers.
All Praise for Brig SK Pillai, Commandant 1 STC and his Team for masterminding and showcasing such amazing events, which make the Corps of yesterday and today so proud.
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen
Former Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant

His Princess Royal- A book by Signal Officer

Dear Veterans,
You may not know nor have heard of me. I am of 1947 batch and retired in Nov 1976. But you and I are related because we both belong to the great Corps of Signals.
I have written a fiction titled, "His Princess Royal" in which the hero is a Signals Officer. The book will be of tremendous reading interest to all Army Officers and Signals Officers in particular, especially those who have served in Army HQ Sig Regt (in the old location near Lok Sabha) and have done their SODE course.
The book is available in all Landmark outlets in all cities. It is priced at Rs 160. If you don't feel like visiting a bookshop you may approach the publisher directly; either send an email or contact on telephone and the publisher will send it to you by courier, of course, after you have made the payment. His postal address is: Ana books, Plot 1352, 19th Main road, Anna Nagar West, Chennai- 600040. Tele:(044) 42611223, 64601100, Cell 9840080014 and e-mail: sales@anabooks.net
Those living in and around Anna nagar, Chennai, may just walk across and collect the copy.
Col Israel Jayakaran (Retd)

Comment: Can anyone send us the Review for the benefit of the readers?

Corps of Signals: 14th Reunion Humour

Reunion Humour
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your Young Officers are running the 'Signal' Corps.
Top 10 Reasons NOT to Miss Corps of Signals 14th Reunion at Jabalpur
1. You'll laugh, cry, and reminisce with some of your old Devils.
2. It's fine to not remember somebody. That's why name tags were invented!
3. Feel better realizing you are not the only one who has been married with grand kids and is still looking. (hmmmm...)
4. Rekindle or begin renewed relationships or exchange notes of yesteryear's.
5. Show everyone how sexy bald is!
6. Even if you had some negative experiences, don't fret about it, you'll most likely laugh about it now.
7. Enjoy an evening out without the kids (or grand kids), as the case might be.
8. Use the Reunion as an opportunity to diet, play golf or shape up. (Okay, maybe it's TOO late for this one...!)
9. Humour the Reunion Committee and Organisers who made it happen- and our 3 days a breeze- we are a bunch of deluded diehards who think everyone should show up to appreciate our efforts. (Uh, yeah!)
10. And finally, studies have shown that those who were initially hesitant about attending their reunions, discover it was the event they wouldn't have missed!

Corps of Signals- The “21st century arm of our forces"

Ministry of Defence 17-February, 2011 18:59 IST
Antony Asks Forces to gear up to Fight Cyber Wars
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has called upon the Armed Forces to be vigilant against emerging cyber threats. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Corps of Signals here today, he called upon the forces to keep abreast of latest technologies. Terming the Corps of Signals as the “21st century arm of our forces”, Shri Antony said it has a major role in promoting inter-Service synergy and joint operations.

“The Corps is at the forefront of transforming the Indian Army to a network-centric force. It must continuously enhance its ability to absorb latest technologies in collaboration with the Industry and R&D establishment. The Corps has done commendable work, be it in fielding futuristic strategic defence communication networks, or development of state-of-the-art tactical communication systems. The contribution of the Corps in enhancing cyber security is worth a mention. However, the Corps needs to be ever vigilant, as cyber threats continue to multiply and intensify by the day,” Shri Antony said.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju said that besides being vital to the Armed Forces, Telecommunication and Cyber Infrastructure is a national and strategic asset as various other key sectors such as the Railways, Airlines, Banks and Industry depend on it. Shri Pallam Raju said that I&CT will be a key factor in reshaping the methodology of war fighting in the future.

“Any serious disruption can jeopardise our functioning including our responses to the war being raised by our adversaries. The ramification of cyber attacks launched by an unknown adversary or individual has necessitated a relook at the planning and security of Command and Control infrastructure at the highest levels of national governance,” Shri Pallam Raju said.

Underlining that the modern warfare has undergone a paradigm shift, the Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh said that the Corps of Signals has emerged as the proverbial “nervous system” of the Armed Forces in contemporary times.

“In all future wars, information superiority will be one of the key battle winning factors and future battlefield milieu would require communication system that are secure, responsive and reliable,” said General Singh. HH/NN (Release ID :69874)
Antony Asks Forces to gear up to Fight Cyber Wars

Definition: Nervous System
System of specialized cells (neurons, or nerve cells) that conduct stimuli from a sensory receptor through a neuron network to the site (e.g., a gland or muscle) where the response occurs. In humans, it consists of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the former consisting of the brain and spinal cord and the latter of the nerves, which carry impulses to and from the central nervous system. The cranial nerves handle head and neck sensory and motor activities, except the vagus nerve, which conducts signals to visceral organs. Each spinal nerve is attached to the spinal cord by a sensory and a motor root. These exit between the vertebrae and merge to form a large mixed nerve, which branches to supply a defined area of the body. Disorders include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chorea, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, neural tube defect, parkinsonism, and poliomyelitis. Effects of disorders range from transient tics and minor personality changes to major personality disruptions, seizures, paralysis, and death.
Read more: Answer. com

Army flags off motorcycle expedition

TEZPUR, Jan 31: The Corps of Signals of Indian Army will be completing 100 years of its service to the nation on February 15. To commemorate the glorious occasion, the Corps is holding various events across the nation with the aim of showcasing its proud history and achievements, according to a press release.

The Mercury Explorer Motorcycle Expedition which is a part of the ongoing centenary celebrations arrived in Tezpur station in the evening from Tenga on January 30, after covering more than 3,000 km. The motorcycle team was flagged off by Lieutenant General Gyan Bhushan, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps on the balance of its expedition in a befitting ceremony. In spite of passing through rugged and difficult hilly terrain the expedition members displayed indefatigable spirit to continue their further journey to Shillong.

Commencing from January 5 from Chandigarh, the motorcycle expedition aims at motivating the youths in Himalayan region to join the Army and also to interact with armed forces veterans to rekindle the nostalgia of their association. The expedition led by Captain KIS Khangura comprising 15-member will cover approximately 6,150 km passing through Himalayan terrain in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It has already covered half the distance and the balance is to be covered in the next fortnight before it’s flagging in at Jabalpur on February 14 by the Signal Officer-in-Chief.
Army flags off motorcycle expedition

Diamond Triangle team: 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations

Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations
Indian Express Mon Jan 31 2011, 03:14 hrs Pune
The National Defence Academy (NDA) stopover of the Diamond Triangle Expedition, which started from Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, was marked by a spectacular 40-minute aerial display.
The aim of the team, which includes 13 pilots and comprises four microlight aircraft and two powered hang-gliders, is motivating more youth to join the Armed Forces
“The lot consists of two Savannah, an X Air and a Hanuman aircraft and Clipper hang-gliders. The whole idea is to expose more youngsters to the glory of the Indian Armed Forces and attract them to join the services,” said Major Ankush Goyal, one of the pilots in the team.
The expedition, undertaken by the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, with participation of the Army Aero Nodal Centre (AANC) — an adventure node run by the Corps of Signals under the Army Adventure Wing—- marks the centenary celebrations of the Corps of Signals.
The next stop is Belgaum on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border. It will touch Goa and head back to Madhya Pradesh. The expedition will cover 2,700 kilometres aerially and the path is roughly a triangular and hence the name.
“...We are heading to Goa followed by Jabalpur on February 11. En route, we are displaying aerial acrobatics at various places,” said Goyal.
The aerial display at the NDA was attended by NDA Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Ajit S Bhonsle and Chief of Administration, Southern Command, Major General Chacko Tharakan besides officers and cadets. The team displayed stunts like low flying, ladder formation, split flying and paradrop.
Diamond Triangle team sparkles at NDA

Corps of Signals’ bike expedition: Centenary Celebrations

Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 6
As part of its ongoing centenary celebrations, the Corps of Signals is undertaking a motorcycle expedition that will traverse 6,150 km through 14 states over a period of 42 days.
Consisting of two officers and 13 other ranks, the “Mercury Explore Motorcycle Expedition” was flagged-off from Chandi Mandir by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen SR Ghosh, today.
The expedition will culminate on February 14 at Jabalpur, where the corps has its training centre.
Known as “Information Warriors”, the corps is completing 100 years of its existence on February 15.
The aim of the expedition is to motivate the youth to join the Army and also to interact with armed forces veterans en route.
To add to the adventure, the expedition is planned to travel across the breadth of country from Srinagar in the North to Arunachal Pradesh in the far East, passing through some of the most rugged and difficult terrain.
Corps of Signals’ bike expedition flagged off

Base Jump: Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations

NEW DELHI: In a daring effort, Lt Col Satyendra Verma is India's first BASE jumper leaping off the 235-metre-tall Pitampura Tower here.
BASE jumping, considered one of the most dangerous adventure sports in the world, differs from the more popular sky-diving in that the former is made from a much lower altitude giving the jumper only a few seconds to deploy the parachute.
An expert
Col Verma is the captain of the Army Sports sky diving team and undertook the BASE jump as part of the centenary celebrations of the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. He has attempted more than 1,200 sky-diving jumps and is an expert in hand-gliding, para-gliding, hot-air ballooning, sky-diving and BASE jumping.
He has participated in World Military Parachuting Championships in Russia and Switzerland. Backed by his massive sky-diving experience which is considered a pre-requisite, Col. Verma trained in Malaysia and the US before venturing on his first BASE jump. He has earlier performed BASE jumps from K L Tower in Kuala Lumpur and Perrine Bridge in the US.
Elated by his success, a proud Col. Verma said he hoped his effort would make sky-diving and BASE jumping more popular in India. “I have done many such jumps outside India but this one being the first in our country makes it truly special,” he gushed. “My attempt reiterates the famed daredevilry of the Army and the Corps of Signals. I hope this invites the attention of youth seeking adventure and inspires them to join the armed forces.”
Corps of Signals, known as the “nerves” of the Indian Army, shoulders the responsibility for providing to the Indian Army peace-time static and combat communication.
Besides providing conventional communication, the Corps is also responsible for IT-related activities including networking, automated message switching and handling system and installation of state-of-the-art exchanges with latest interactive voice response systems.
The Hindu: Armyman dares country's first BASE jump

Corps of Signals: 14th Reunion in 1 STC, Jabalpur

Centenary Celebrations: Photos of Passing out Parade, opening of Girls Hostel and Exibition Hockey Match












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