Report from Dehradun Ex Services League

22 July 2011 11:15
Subject: Dehradun Ex Services League Governing Council quarterly meet held
DEHRADUN EX SERVICES LEAGUE GOVERNING COUNCIL QUARTERLY MEET
A meeting of Dehradun Ex Services League (DESL) governing Council was held on 21 July 2011 at 61F Subash Road(Opposite CMI- Haridwar Road
Dehradun) under Brig K.G.Behl, President DESL and was attended by the following:
Lt Col B.S,Chhetri- Senior Vice President, Lt Col R.K.Arya- Vice President, Lt Col B.M. Thapa- Secretary, Lt Col R.P.Jairath - Treasurer, Col G.R.Bharadwaj, Lt Col U.S.Thakur, Sub B S Thakur, H/B S Thapa, H/Capt Neel Kumar Thapa Harrawala, H/Capt S S Thapa, Jaitanwala, H/Capts B.S.Thapa, Sub Maj P S Gurung, Hav R.S.Gurung, and Hav B P Sharma.
Lt Col B.M. Thapa welcomed the members and read the salient features of last meeting report. Lt Col Thapa told members about the writings of the President Brig K.G.Behl on different topics and how the hasbeen honoured by the Intellectuals and Technocrats guild of India affiliated with UNESCO, appreciating hid association with a number of social societies and his work of projecting various social topics with solutions to create awareness in public and prompting concerned officials to take action. This was appreciated by one and all and gave him a standing ovation and presented a flower bouquet in their appreciation.
Brig Behl welcomed the participants and thanked them for their gesture. He said that he had been working on social uplift from 1993, when he retired and it gives him lot of satisfaction. Through out our lives we take help from society but we must try to pay back, after retirement, in whatever way we can.
Brig Behl told about the coming Kargil Day on 26th July, which is being elebrated by the Govt. of Uttarakhand as Shauriya Divas. Acultural Programme is being is being arranged by their cultural Directorate in the Auditorium of Survey of India, Hathibarkala on 25th July from 6 to 8 PM. The entry is through pass due to limited accommodation and those who are keen should give their names. On 26TH July wreaths will be places at the Kargil War memorial by the CM and other senior dignitaries only between 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs. in a solemn ceremony with full Military Honours. However the main function will start at 1100 hrs at Venkateshwara wedding Hall where the Kargil War Heroes/ Veer Naaries and other Gallantry award winners will be honoured by the Chief Minister. It will be followed by lunch.
Those who wish to participate must give the numbers attending to the secretary so that necessary arrangements could be made for their
seating and transport.
Brig Behl pointed out that we are celebrating AGM on 31st July at 0930 hours at Gurkhali Sabha Hall, Garhi Cantt. Transport is being arranged for which necessary data be provided to officers concerned. We will be honouring one person from each Shakha and the name be give by the president of Shakha. Desired material for publication of Annual News letter be supplied in time.
Brig Behl gave salient features of their presentation made before the Rajya Sabha Petitions Committee on ‘One Rank One Pension’ where he was called to make a presentation. He was accompanied by Brig R.S.Rawat and Col MMP Kala.
Brig Behl said that our Sr Vice President had resigned when he was to fight election to the post of chairman of Gorkha Sudhar Sabha. He congratulated him on his election but asked him to continue till next election, if it does not interfere with his duties.
Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy DESL

Uttarakhand leads the Nation in welfare measures for Retired Defence Personnel

Gen VK Singh calls on CM Saturday, 11.06.2011, 11:52am (GMT+5.5)
Need special package for border areas: Nishank
Dehradun, 10 Jun: Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh called on the Chief Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, at his official residence on Friday. During his courtesy call, General Singh congratulated Nishank for Uttarakhand extending facilities to ex-servicemen that were not being provided by any other state in the country.

Welcoming General Singh on his visit to Uttarakhand, Nishank said that the state government had launched many welfare schemes for the welfare of ex-servicemen, soldiers’ widows and their family members. He added that the children of the soldiers were being provided reservations in government services. An Eco Task Force had been constituted in the state for environment conservation and the ex-servicemen had been associated with it.

Recalling that Uttarakhand has been a land of warriors, with an average of every family of the state having someone serving in the armed forces, he asserted that Uttarakhand had become the state that the provided the highest grants by increasing the amount paid to the gallantry award winners. Ex-servicemen had also been appointed as Block Representatives. Such ex-servicemen were also getting an honorarium of Rs 4,000 per month, each. The CM added that land for developing residential colonies for the families of the soldiers and ex-servicemen in Dehradun (17 acres), Kotdwar (5 acres), and Haldwani (3 acre), etc., had also been allotted by the state government. The purchase of vehicles in CSD canteens had been kept free from VAT.

Nishank CM reiterated that the state government was committed to ensuring the welfare of the soldiers. As a strategically sensitive state with two international borders, he added, the Ministry of Defence ought to give a special package for the frontier regions. Nishank also presented General Singh with a ‘Navgrah Vatika’ as a souvenir. General VK Singh applauded the state government’s decision to provide the families of the ex-servicemen with free-of-cost land to develop residential colonies for the families of soldiers and ex-servicemen. He exhibited special interest in the ‘Navgrah Vatika’ plantation initiated in Uttarakhand.
Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar and Secretary to CM, Dr Umakant Panwar, were also present on the occasion.
Gen VK Singh calls on CM

Maharaja of Jaipur Bhawani Singh is dead

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

Dehradun Ex Services League celebrates its 10th Annual Day.

Shyampur Shakha of Dehradun Ex-Services League, situated beyond Prem Nagar, celebrated its 10th Annual Day on 20th January 2011 with great pomp and show at the premises of Sangam Public School. Brig(Retd) K.G.BEHL, President DESLwas the chief guest on the occasion and Brig P.S.Gurung, vice President State Minority Commission was the Guest of Honour , Smt.Manju , Gram Pradhan Arcadia,was special guest besides Shri D.S.Batola, Principal Sangam School, Lt Cols B.S.Chettri, Lt Col R.K.Arya, and Lt Col B.M.Thapa, Secy. DESL, Lt Col R.P.Jairath, the Treasurer. Vir Naries of the area. were especially invited.
The programme started with the lighting of lamp by the chief guest and others followed by Saraswati Vandana and welcome song by students and ESM ,especially composed by CPO C. B.Gurung.
The President of Shakha H/Capt. B.S.Thapa, welcomed the guests and the audience and reported about all welfare activities carried out during the year. He expressed his gratitude to Brig K G Behl for attending the function as a Chief Guest in spite his ill health.
In his address Brig Behl, President DESL congratulated the members of the shakha on their raising Day and wished them a very happy and prosperous New Year 2011. He was glad that the day was a Sunny Day and a large number of ex-Servicemen have assembled in colourful dresses. He expressed satisfaction that the Shakha is carrying on various activities and taking up cases for the welfare of the Ex Servicemen residing in that area. He said that DESL keeps on publishing relevant orders in their Annual Pamphlet published at the time of AGM, copies of which are supplied to all those who attend besides some copies to Shakha HQ . He expressed his happiness on govt. agreeing to resolve some of the anomalies pointed out earlier but final orders are not yet out specially raising pension at the time of retirement from 50% to about 80%, which has to be maximum, to get One Rank One Pension. We have taken up the case with the PCDA and all others concerned for fixing pension on the basis of Pay as arrived by multiplying what one was drawing before 1.1.2006, as being done for fixing regular officers Pay and not the minimum of the scale as done now. It makes a big difference in pension.
Regarding ‘One Rank One Pension’ for which a large number of ESM have returned their medals and the agitation is going on at Delhi we have expressed our full support and a large number of ESM from Dehradun have become members there also. He pointed out that for OROP two factors are required viz. to retire at the highest of the scale and must have completed 33 years of service to earn full pension. In case of Jawans and Jcos the service has been brought to 30 years by giving different weightage and can be brought to 33 years by the method given by the 5TH CPC, due to raising age in civil to 58 years then which has later been raised to 60 years.

As you all know, during 3rd CPC, all ranks including officers were being retired at the maximum of the scale which can be revived. If the above two factors are fulfilled it automatically becomes OROP. This will be in consonance with the civil where most of the employees retire after completing maximum of the service required to earn full pension and automatically retire at the maximum of the scale they draw at that time due to length of service. Govt. should think on this line. Since in case of JCOs and Ors, they have already brought them nearer to the desired amounts it will not require much of funds to grant OROP to all and the problem can be solved once for all. Brig Behl also explained about the progress being made in the working of ECHS and efforts being made to start shortly two Dispensaries sanctioned at Vikasnagar and Haridwar Road. Keeping the strength of Ex Servicemen at Clement Town, a case for a full fledged dispensary is being mooted. It will lessen the load at ECHS Dehradun.

Regarding CSD he appreciated the efforts and improvements being done by the GOC, Uttarakhand Sub Area and how Vikasnagar problem has been saved. He hoped that soon the facilities will improve. He pointed out that though the state Govt. has issued orders regarding granting same concession on purchase of vehicles through CSD, as by adjoining states but they have put certain limits which are not in order and need to be removed. He had discussed the matter with the State Chief Secretary Shri Subash Kumar and also pointed out to the Hon’ble Chief Minister who agreed to get those right but the fresh orders are yet to come and the system needs to be streamlined . We hope it will be done soon. Regarding other points announced by the CM, for War Memorial and House Tax, the matter is being pursued and data being collected.

He later replied to the queries made by the members regarding various problems being faced and promised to take up the issues with the concerned authorities. He announced the sanction of Rs. 2000/- for the welfare activities. It was followed by a colourful cultural programme which included songs and dances by the youngsters, mostly students of the Sangam School, in Hindi, Gorkhali, Garhwali, Kumaoni and Punjabi which were very much appreciated by the large gathering there.

Brig PS Gurung was honored and so also 95 years old Major Narian Singh Thapa with Shawl and Wall clock. These were compered by Hon Lt Hari Singh Gurung, which was highly appreciated by all. It was organized very well by Capt B.S.Thapa and his team. Lt GB Gurung proposed the vote of thanks. It was followed by delicious lunch.
Lt Col B M Thapa, Veteran
General Secretary
Dehradun Ex-Services League
IESM Member

1st JSW-NDA COURSE Website

Veterans of the Three Defence Services of India, Serving Fraternity, the Nation at large and readers of the Blog www.reportmysignals.blogspot.com.

A large number of officers of the Indian Defence Services have had the privilege of being trained at the National Defence Academy Clement Town, Dehardun and later after the Academy shifted to Khadakvasla, in Dec 1954.

The First Course/Batch of any training institution has a special place in its history and progress. We from the First Course JSW/NDA are lucky to have this privilege as far as NDA is concerned.

It is my added privilege and pleasure to have conceptualized, worked on the content and get a website designed for our Course. The website can be seen at the link: National Defence Academy: 1st course JSW

The authorities in the Ministry of Defence and Services Headquarters, before and after the Independence and Partition of India on 15 Aug 1947, did a commendable job in raising this Institution, the First of its kind in the World, where officer cadets of the three Services were to be trained together. This was more so, considering that the Nation was in turmoil due to the partition of the Country, there were riots and brutal violence, migration of millions from one part of united India to the other and millions of refugees were to be settled.

The Website explains the process of planning and establishing the Joint Services Wing at Clement Town and the beginnings and experience of the First Course for two years while they were under training there. Details of subsequent pre commission training of the Army Cadets at IMA Dehradun, the Naval Cadets in England and India and of the Air Force Cadets at Air Force Academy at Jodhpur and Begumpet are also included. An overview of the performance of the Course while in Service is also covered.

Hopefully, after seeing this website, some other NDA courses and courses from other such training establishments will be motivated to have websites of their own.

This website will be linked to the official website of the NDA, shortly.

Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd) PVSM
Signal Officer-in-Chief Indian Army, 1988-91
Member of the First Course JSW/NDA

Indomitable Spirit Lives on for Eternity

I fell in love with the perceived image of Jeet,(my late wife) even before I saw her. I had been sent a small a photograph small print with all the seven sisters jostling for space. Travelling all the way from Jalandhar to Dehradun I was trying desperately to solve the riddle of identifying my prospective bride, I had been given no clue in the accompanying letter about her identity. Any way I saw her and was conquered on the spot.

Our parents also decided to make the love bond stronger and made us take the vows twice in 12 hours by having two separate and different wedding ceremonies. Army also helped, those days it firmly believed in the adage; ‘Separation makes the Love Bond Stronger’ and promptly posted me to a field station far away from her, where even letters took ten days or so to reach.

In due course the children followed making the bond even stronger.

Nature also decided to chip in and one day the sky fell on us, her biopsy result came out positive. That started our long fight, lasting for more than 8 years with the most dreaded enemy one can have, Cancer, she bravely and I patiently. Many battles were won and lost by both of us over the period. We came even closer to each other, the love bond becoming stronger, she worried of my future without her and I fearful of loosing the battle, holding her hand tight to prevent it slipping away.

Alas one day the hand did slip away, leaving her frail body in my hands, both of us speechless, she permanently, with just a half shed tear hanging precariously to the eyelid. Was there a last unspoken message in the tear for me?

Her illness was our second and longer Honeymoon, at least in terms of the time, now, together. To me she, even with her now frail body, was still as attractive as before, may be more especially with the fear of loosing her looming large all he time. The Army once again proved right, now that we are so far away from each other the bond is the strongest

We lost the battle but won the war, possibly because of the love, concern and empathy for each other, proving that these are equally important to a terminally ill, possibly more, as is appropriate medical care.

A combination of the two does make a formidable and powerful weapon in the fight against Cancer irrespective of the fact that one wins or looses the fight.

Brig Lakshman Singh, VSM (Retd)

Report My Signal Team grieves the loss of Jeet who bravely shared the travails of a Soldier. Her spirit and embodiment of immortality transcends time and space.