Independence Day Gallantry Awards

Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations
AUGUST 15, 2010
The President has approved 114 gallantry awards to Armed Forces, Paramilitary and police personnel. This includes one Ashok Chakra, two Kirti Chakras, two Bar to Shaurya Chakras, nineteen Shaurya Chakras, two Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), eighty Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and five Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
ASHOKA CHAKRA
MR-08609 MAJOR LAISHRAM JYOTIN SINGH ARMY MEDICAL CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL (POSTHUMOUS).
KIRTI CHAKRA
IC-70151 CAPTAIN DAVINDER SINGH JASS 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS), SHRI VINOD KUMAR CHOUBEY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, RAJNANDGAON CHHATTISGARH POLICE (POSTHUMOUS).
BAR TO SHAURYA CHAKRA
IC-58637 MAJOR THONGAM JOTEN SINGH, SHAURYA CHAKRA, 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), SS-39651 MAJOR AJAY SINGH, SHAURYA CHAKRA 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY.
SHAURYA CHAKRA
IC-55217 LIEUTENANT COLONEL ADITYA NEGI, SENA MEDAL 3 GORKHA RIFLES / 32 RASHTRIYA RIFLES , IC-61307 MAJOR DEEPAK YADAV ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL(POSTHUMOUS), IC-61324 MAJOR NITESH ROY ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL(POSTHUMOUS), IC-66201 CAPTAIN SUNIL YADAV PUNJAB REGIMENT / 37 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-68043 CAPTAIN AMIT KUMAR SINGH, SENA MEDAL 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, IC-69150 CAPTAIN SUNIL NARANG 4TH BATTALION THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY, SS-42657 LIEUTENANT NAVIN NIROLA 4TH BATTALION THE KUMAON REGIMENT, JC-413360 NAIB SUBEDAR INDER KUMAR 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-560161 NAIB SUBEDAR SHIV PUJAN SHARMA 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, JC-2300474 NAIB SUBEDAR RANG BAHADUR YADAV 23 ASSAM RIFLES, 13621161 LANCE HAVILDAR RAJAN 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 2602065 NAIK BAIJU B 7TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, 4366857 LANCE NAIK NENGMAITHEM RAJESH SINGH 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 4001514 SEPOY RAVI KANT DOGRA REGIMENT / 11 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS), 4002995 SEPOY SURENDER KUMAR DOGRA REGIMENT / 62 RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS), 13627069 PARATROOPER MAKUNG SARANG HUCHONG 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 15619321 GUARDSMAN KRISHAN KUMAR BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS / 21 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS), COMMANDER DILIP DONDE, (03593-T), COMMANDER NITEEN ANANDRAO YADAV, (03965-K).
Click link for complete list
Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations

Independence Day Greetings

I LOVE MY NATION............
Jana gana mana adhinayaka jaya he
Barata bagya vidata
Punjab sindu Gujarat Marat
Dravida utcla Banga
Vindhya himachala Ganga
Ucchala jaladi taranga
Tubh shuba name jagr
Tubh shuba ashisha manga
Gahe tubh jaya gade
jana gana mana adhinayaka jaya he
Barata bagya vidata
Jaya he ! Jaya he ! Jaya he!
Jaya jaya jaya jaya he
........JAIHIND
RMS Team wishes all the Readers
A Happy Republic Day

Freedom fighters of a different genre

The Tribune Wednesday, June 22, 2011, Chandigarh, India by Harwant Singh
The freedom movement was fast gaining momentum and all of the military could not remain totally unaffected. During leave, members of the regiment came in contact with Congress workers and some revolutionaries. On return, they disseminated what was picked up during leave. A few nationalist newspapers too were secretly being brought into the regiment. Since all ranks, to the exclusion of British officers were in it, this development remained under warps. There were a few secret meetings where nationalist feelings were expressed openly and vociferously, by the more vocal.
World War II had started and Indian troops were being moved to check the Italian offensive in North Africa. Soon this regiment too, received orders to move to that theatre of war. At one of the secrets meetings in the regiment it was unanimously decided by all personnel that they will decline to board the ship for move to North Africa to fight Britain’s war.
The regiment was moved to Bombay, on way to the war zone. At Bombay it was ‘formed-up,’ by squadrons, on the railway platform to be taken by train to the dockyard for further transportation by sea. There was a light drizzle and the atmosphere was surcharged with expectations of frightful consequences, as squadrons waited to defy orders. Then the adjutant gave orders to the troops to board the train. The Dogra and Jat squadrons mounted the train, forgetting the collective decision not to go abroad to fight Britain’s war, while the Sikh squadron personnel kept standing and did not react to the adjutant’s order. The adjutant repeated the order and still the Sikh squadron did not respond.
This disobedience by the Sikh squadron came as a great shock and surprise to the British officers of the regiment. The Sikh squadron had an enviable service record, spread over nearly a century, including during World War I and its personnel were considered fine soldiers, valiant, imbued with the spirit of sacrifice, loyal and true to their cause and oath.
The squadron was ordered to ‘ground arms,’ which the personnel dutifully did. Thereafter they were marched off to the barracks and placed under arrest. Several court martials were held. The charge was one of mutiny. Many were sentenced to be hanged, more were sentenced to life imprisonment, some others to varying lengths of prison terms. The remaining cashiered from service and the squadron was disbanded.
At the centenary raising day celebrations of the regiment in the late fifties, some from that squadron too came to join in the activities. Most amongst them had served life imprisonment and some others lesser terms, while the remaining had been cashiered from service. They had no regret for their action, nor any bitterness or rancour towards those, who had betrayed the collective decision not to fight Britain’s war, or remorse for the sufferings they had to undergo. They had acted according to their light, suffered much, lost everything and wanted no recompense for their tribulations. They too were freedom fighters, but of an altogether different genre.
Freedom fighters of a different genre

Happy Republic Day

Lt Gen Nathu Singh's Appreciation of Land Forces for Defence of India in 1948

From: vinay singh
Sent: 14 September 2010 09:58
Subject: GEN NATHU SINGH
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
Thank you for posting Sarojini Naidu’s letter to Nathu Singh. Here is something else on the same lines, which is as relevant today as it was then. In January 1948, soon after taking over as GOC UP Area in Lucknow, Gen Nathu Singh wrote an Appreciation on the Defence of India, and forwarded it to Army HQ. He was greatly perturbed by a directive issued from the office of the C-in-C, which sought to reduce the size of the Regular Army to 150,000 - during World War II, it had risen to 2.5 million - with an annual budget allocation of 45 crore rupees for the next three years.

In the preamble, he wrote:
"We as soldiers must approach our leaders and submit our minimum requirements and make it clear that if funds are not provided for such a force, the responsibility will be upon them. A soldier is but a servant of the State. He must however, point out any weaknesses in the defensive structure of the country with all the emphasis at his command. In order to arrive at a correct appreciation, we must consider both military and allied factors and not be swayed by any notions of idealism or allow political considerations to affect our judgment...
A NEWLY CREATED NATION WHICH HAS ONLY JUST THROWN OFF HER BONDAGE OF FOREIGN RULE OF 200 YEARS AND MORE CANNOT RISK A REVERSE ALMOST AT HER REBIRTH.
...We must NOT decide on the size of our Defence Service on what we can financially afford but on what we need in the form of a Modern Defence based on the following considerations:
(a) What is the strength and armament of present and potential enemies of India?
(b) What is the force required by India to meet this threat
(c) What will be the cost of maintaining such a force?
(d) What is the maximum amount the country can afford to pay for its Defence Forces?
(e) To arrive at a compromise between (b), (c) and (do above, consistent with the safety of our land.
Keeping the above in view, the Land Forces which India should maintain are given in the enclosed appreciation. They are only my first thoughts."

Nathu Singh proceeded to list out the frame work of the Indian Army, for the future. By present standards, he was extremely conservative - he asked for one corps headquarters, one armoured division, two infantry divisions, one parachute brigade, one armoured brigade, and the associated complement of Artillery, Engineers and Signals. The number of infantry battalions was only 28. However, he advocated a large complement of territorial army, which would provide the second line of defence, and boost the resources of the regular army, during war.
In April 1948, Nathu Singh was promoted to the rank of Lt Gen and appointed GOC-in-C Eastern Command, at Ranchi. He continued his efforts to convince the political and military leadership of the necessity of maintaining a strong Army. When asked for a run-down of the Army, he wrote to Army HQ on 24 October 1950:
"...The situation facing the country from the military point of view is today virtually the same if not worse because, although Pakistan outwardly appears to be fraternising with our country, recent speeches of their leaders leave no room for doubt that they are preparing for a show-down with our country over the KASHMIR issue.
...Communist China's complete success over the KUOMINTANG and the establishment of the Peoples' Government, their recent activities, their declared policy towards liberation of Tibet, and the recent Mission from the latter country clearly indicate the writing on the wall. The Communist menace is gradually spreading towards the very borders of India.
...To ensure the security of our borders and our State, the Defence service ratio between INDIA and PAKISTAN should be two to one . If this is reduced, we will be laying our country open to an ever present danger of a major war."

Nathu Singh's remarks, especially with reference to Pakistan and China, display an insight of international affairs which very few Indians had, at that time. Even Nehru, who orchestrated India's foreign policy for almost two decades following Independence, failed to grasp the nuances which Nathu Singh had perceived. As a result, the Defence Forces were neglected, with disastrous results in 1962. An intimate knowledge of military affairs is important for those who decide the fate of peoples, and nations. Among his contemporaries, such as Churchill, Stalin, Chiang Kai Shek, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Tito, and Nasser, Nehru was one of the few who had never worn an uniform.

This applies even to our present day political masters. Not one of our Prime Ministers or Defence Ministers, from 1947 till now, has ever worn an uniform.
Maj Gen VK Singh

Readers Remember Lt Gen Nathu Singh

References and earlier posts:

Gen Nathu Singh & AFSPA: Readers Views

Lt Gen Nathu Singh: Courage and Candour has few equals or parallels

Lt Gen Nathu Singh's short bio- data by Maj Gen VK Singh

Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
I am attaching two photos of Gen Nathu Singh
Regards
VK Singh (Maj Gen VK Singh)

From: Sureshwar Sinha
Sent: 07 September 2010 10:40
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: GEN NATHU SINGH … edited …
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
Having read the above messages, I could not resist mentioning the interview General Thakur Nathu Singh gave me for my book, 'Sailing and Soldiering in Defence of India'. Earlier we had had many informal chats, as his son the late Rear Admiral R.V. Singh, {who was my course mate in the 2nd JSW now N.D.A. course}, along with another course mate, Captain R.N.Singh, had brought back a Land Rover from London for the General, by driving it all the way to Delhi. Though the vehicle was in pretty bad shape after the trip, the General did'nt bat an eye lid, and simply said that he was glad we had a nice and adventurous trip.
Coming back to my formal interview with him. It is well known that he was favoured by Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck to be the first Indian Army Chief and had made his recommendation accordingly. But in converstions with the then DM, Sardar Baldev Singh and the PM Mr. Nehru, Gen. Nathu Singh had said that it might not be fair to supersede General Cariappa. He was still young and could have been a Chief later, but his frank and honestly argumentative nature was not liked by his political bosses.
He recalled that at the time of the Chinese invasion of Tibet, he was the GOC-in-C of the Eastern Command, and had suggested that to the powers that be that one of his brigades could hold up the Chinese at the fort of Chamdo, whilst two more in reserve, could have prevented any breakthrough by them, as forces available to them then were far less in those days. But he was ignored. Our history and present security scenario would have been far different had he been listened to
As regards Kashmir, we had a first hand account of events from General Thymayya, when after relinquishing command in Kashmir, he came as our Commandant of the integrated academy, composed of the Military Wing {IMA} and the JSW.
But have we learnt the lessons even today?
Cmdr SD Sinha {Retd)

From: Yati Panwar
Sent: 07 September 2010 01:51
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ON GEN NATHU SINGH
Dear Brig Kamboj,
Many mails are coming in talking about Gen Nathu Singh. I have never met the gentleman in real life but gleaned a lot about his towering personality from his ACR's (dating back to 1920's) that are preserved in the Archives of the MS Branch. I glanced through those captivating accounts while reorganising the archives in 1995. I do not recollect the exact contents but the British Officers were rather piercing in their description of him - they were certainly as much in awe of him as they were unable to see him straight in the eye.
Perhaps (...) one may be asked to revisit the MS Archive to retrieve the contents for the benefit of all of us- i am sure they would be as much revealing as they would be inspirational.
Best regards,
Yati Panwar
Lt Gen YS Panwar, Former Commandant MCTE

From: Krishan K Punchhi
To: vinod pasricha
Sent: Tue, September 7, 2010 10:13:05 PM
Subject: Re: Gen Nathu Singh
Dear Pasha,
I'm glad you sent your mail to me. I was just wondering whether I should share my thoughts with others and now I will. This mail will eventually be copied to all my friends. I'm glad you want to include the reference to Lt Gen Thakur Nathu Singh in the book you are writing about Indian Navy's 300 Sqn.
Yes, our friend and colleague, Ranvijay Singh, was the second son of Lt Gen Thakur Nathu Singh. This is the first time that I too have heard of their surname Rathore. RV or Ranu was 2 JSW and I belong to 7 JSW.
I first came to know about Lt Gen Thakur Nathu Singh when we were told that he was going to take the salute at the passing out parade at JSW. I have taken part in four parades, 4JSW to my own 7JSW. Sh. Surjit Singh Majithia took our salute. So, Thakur Saheb must have taken the salute of 4th, 5th or 6th course. This happened in mid fifties and I hope my memory is not playing tricks with me. I also remember that he had a religious scripture ( Bhagvat Gita? ) in his hand and he read out and translated a shloka out of it. That is how he ended his lecture. This was most unusual. Here was a high ranking officer who was not fully anglicised, who valued and cherished Indian philosophy.
When I joined the Seahawk Sqn in the UK, RV was already there and so was Kumud, his wife. Kumud Bhabhi was a very fine and gentle lady and it was a pleasure interacting with both of them. That is when I came to learn that RV's father was that famous Thakur Nathu Singh. Later on when RV became the Sqn Cdr and we all embarked on VIKRANT, Kumud Bhabi took all the wives under her wings and really looked after them. Indu, my newly married wife, received special attention.
Years later, I think it was in Delhi that RV held a dinner party to which we were also invited. That is where I had the proud privilege of meeting the General. I think the elder son was also there. We all found him to be a grand old man, down to earth with no airs, very proud of his sons and very nice to all of their friends. During the talks, we learnt about Ranu's naval trg in the UK and his jeep trip back to India. Gen sahib wanted a brand new jeep and sent the money to his son. He bought the jeep and, as agreed to, he drove it back to India. Another friend and course mate ( Gokhale? ) was with him. Somewhere in the Middle East, the jeep went out of control and rolled over. Luckily, no one was hurt and the jeep was drive-able. So, they continued and entered Pakistan. There they were stopped and questioned. Once their identity was established, the MP pilot jeep and outriders were lined up. Thakur Nathu Singh had requested his old friend Gen Ayub (?) to look after RV and ensure he had no problems in Pakistan. So, a battered jeep was piloted and escorted like a VIP vehicle and came to Wagah in grand style. In that party, there was much lighthearted banter about RV's driving prowess.
We had to leave the party early as our very small son was alone at home under ayah's supervision. The general made it a point to come to the main door and see us off with all the love and affection that you show to a son and bahu. That family was full of decent sanskars. It is a pity that Kumud bhabhi and RV are no more. edited...
I close with best wishes and kind regards ...mac.
Cdr KK Punchhi
President Indian Navy Foundation, Canada

From: MG Kapoor
Sent: 07 September 2010 01:32
To: Kamboj Chander
Subject: Re: ON GEN NATHU SINGH
Dear Brig Kamboj Sir,
I have read with great attention officer's tributes to Gen Nathu Singh. It really fills one with pride that our great Indian Army can boast of having such great Generals. It was very satisfying.
I have a suggestion. We do have many more great leaders of whom the present generation may know very little but nonetheless they need be remembered. Why not to start similar tributes to such great leaders? Amongst others, one such leader who comes to my mind is great Lt General Bikram Singh. Others are Lt General Kulwant Singh, Lt General PS Bhagat, Lt Gen Harbux Singh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjun Singh, and so on and so forth. Such like tributes to them would kindle the flame of patriotism amongst us all and in particular the present generation of the armed forces who are the pillars of our armed forces in times to come.
With kind regards,
MG Kapoor

Gen Nathu Singh & AFSPA: Readers Views

Dear Chander,
1.Seen a series of 'hagiographic' / hard line mails related to these unrelated topics. Did not wish to follow the long trails, and unable to resist a comment, am resorting to this device.
2. Have interacted- a fairly intense exposure in 1988/89- with the formidable General and admired his overpowering personality and principles even at that stage. Also recall an informal moment with Bipin Joshi in the Chief's office wherein he declared Gen Rajendrasinghji as his most admired Chief.At that time I thought that he was over-indulging his Regimental loyalty! However, the character and selflessness shown by these stalwarts in the 'succession stakes' makes them stand very tall; notwithstanding any warts.
3. The moot point is as to why is this 'model' out of date now-at least in the essential numbers required. Are we not selecting right or developing wrong? I don't buy the line that the 'manufacture' has stopped. My considered view is that, in our obsession with numbers/quantification, we have discounted/ under weighted the non-quantifiable core character values.We tried, not very successfully, to remedy the balance and others have since followed up- but the present systems need radical tweaking. And for that you need creative Leadership like Gen Nathu'- the kind not chained by 'conventional/received wisdom'.
4. Which brings me to AFSPA - the rash of 'conventional' defence of, the content and need for this Act, is getting 'dyspeptic'. Ironically, highly respected and admired colleagues have plugged this line. By definition, LICO are politico-military in nature; the strategic space/objs are public sp vs alienation- the existing CONTEXT can, therefore, not be disregarded.The Valley and Manipur are getting alarmingly alienated.
5. No one can question the need for legal/ prophylactic cover for tps; the issue is how best to package it. Justice REDDY Report provides a take-off platform-but all heels are dug deep in the conventional rut/ turf battles? Also, the lack of synergy and the blame-games are no longer amusing. One hopes that the Army will ultimately play the salvager as always,through some innovative thinking and leadership.
Yogi
Lt Gen YN Sharma, Former Army Commander

I never had the good fortune of knowing the famous and gallant general (Lt Gen Nathu Singh), the account by VK was absolutely spellbinding!
When Gen Nathu Singh was Army Commander, Brig (later Lt Gen K Umrao Singh) was, (perhaps) Chief of Staff. I used have daily and leisurely chats with Gen Umrao on the Ham Radio. I had my 'home brew rig in the corner first floor room in Central Vista Mess (Air Force).
His call sign was VU2US and was popularly know by his 'handle' Uncle Sam (U for uncle and S for sam). We were all very pally and while discussing something, unwittingly, I cracked an old Army joke: Sant Singh is better than Natha Singh (Something is better than Nothing).
Uncle Sam retorted seriously, Rai do'nt repeat that ever because Gen Nathu Singh has just been succeeded by Gen Sant Singh!
Col BK Rai
Former Secretary to Government of India, 3rd Graduates Course of the IMA, Premature Retirement in 1970

Dear Sir,
I had had the privilege of meeting General Thakur Natu Singh at his younger son, Cmde. Ranvijay Singh's residence in Delhi in the mid seventies. He took me into his study and gave me a glass of beer while my wife chatted with pretty Kumud, his daughter-in-law, in another room.
He told me that, contrary to general belief, he was from a humble background. One day when he was playing with other children, the Raja come riding and the other kids ran helter-kelter but he did not. The Raja approached him and asked sternly, " Why have you not run away like the others?" Natu Singh replied that he had done no wrong so why run away. The Raja was impressed by his candour and gave orders to have him brought to the palace and requested his parents to allow their son to be brought up by him. He was first sent to Mayo College and then to Sandhurst.
Hearing this frank admission, and the manner in which he told me made me feel very privilaged to meet a great gentleman. Regrettably, both Ranvijay, a fine Navy pilot, and Kumud, a lovely lady, are no more. As also General Thakur Natu Singh.
Regards,
Hirak Nag
Cdr HK Nag, Joined JSW in August 1952

Dear Chander,
I would like to add that Lt Gen Nathu Singh had two sons in the Services. Pratap Singh the elder, joined our Course- 1st Course (JSW) NDA, while Ranvijay joined the Navy in the 2nd Course. Pratap was commissioned in the Infantry and took premature retirement as a Major to join the tea gardens. I haven't met him since commissioning but about two years ago he had long chat with me on telephone, while staying with Ranvijay at Sainik Farms. No contact with him since. Both the brothers are thorough gentlemen.
SK Bahri
Lt Gen SK Bahri, 1st JSW Course, Former MGO, Army HQ

Lt Gen Nathu Singh: Courage and Candour has few equals or parallels

Dear Brig Kamboj.
1... edited... I have read with great care to what has been written about Lt Gen Nathu Singh. He was a great son of India, nationalist to the core and a true patriot. He was fortuitous that he had the benefit of a Royal and of the Nehru till he fell foul with Pandit Nehru post Independence.
2. His 2nd/3rd Son-Ran Vijay Singh as a Rear Admiral from the Navy. He was 1st/2nd JSW and was a Flier. Post Retirement, Family stays at Sanik Vihar Delhi. His Wife her Son to play with our Son at Vizag and the remain friends. I believe his Eldest Daughter is married Shri Arjun Singh. There would be many Naval Officers who can brief you better. Commader KK Punchi an Aviator for one.
3. History would record that one of the great blunders of UPA-2 would be not to grant OROP, indifference to difficulties of Veterans-particularly of Junior Officers and Other Ranks. Their this action has allowed IESM to be born. This Movement has created a forum and a platform for personal accounts, the real happening of historical events which were suppressed or not aired by ESM themselves in the best traditions of the yore. Whilst still remaining apolitical, they have been forced to demand their rights. But most importantly in this age of Internet and TV, they have united the ESM as never before. Not putting Henderson Brooks Report or the military history in public domain has become irrelevant. Sardar Patel's Letters and Gen Thakur Nathu Singh have found their rightfull place in military folk lore.
4. Lastly permit to say whilst doing invaluable service, IESM is still to attain full contours of democracy and inclusiveness and functions more like Mini Army Headquarters with writings in the-President is pleased--style. Of course there are many distinguished Air Force and Naval Officers on your honour rolls but few writes come from them. It cannot be that they do not know English. Similarly like Parliament the Other Ranks should be writing like US Army. Vernacular Languages can be accommodated in your signals with Computer translations. Then it would be become truly representative.
With best regards,
Cdr Prem P Batra Retired

Dear Brig Kamboj,
I do not know how many of you readers have had an opportunity to meet Gen Nathu Singh in person. I consider it my privilege to record my meeting with this illustrious soldier. It was in the year 1987. I was a Col in the Pay Cell. One fine morning, I was summoned by the Adjutant General, and told to go to the MH in Delhi Cantt and 'brief' Gen Nathu Singh on the effect of the Fourth Pay Commission on the pension of the KCIOs. Armed with all the details and the relevant files, I went to the Senior Officers' ward and reported to the general. The next two hours were moments to remember. I have not forgotten a word of what he said.
His pension meant nothing to him. He was an angry old man. He just did not like the way service officers were treated by the nation. What he said about about Field Marshal Cariappa is unprintable. According to him, the down slide of the service officers in the table of precedence started during that period. But the words which have got etched in my memory are the concluding part of the meeting. Gen Nathu Singh asked me if my 'Joru' ( wife ) was employed somewhere. When I answered in the affirmative, he said, "Chhore, too eik joroo ke liye nahiN kamaa sakta. Hamaare time meiN ham chaar joru ko samhaal sakte thei!" ( My dear child, you are not able to earn enough for just one wife. In our times, the salary was sufficient to support FOUR wives!"
When I debriefed my boss, his reaction was, "Forget what he says. the old man has gone senile". Be that as it may, I think he was a fine soldier. I will write some other time, about why some British officers had to be retained to provide leadership to our armed forces for several years after our Independence . Many of us remember RSM Ayeling in the NDA, and it is common knowledge that the Chiefs of the Air Naval and the Air Staffs were British until long after Aug 1947.
So much for Gen Nathu Singh. As per him, the history of the Indian Army would have been different if the first COAS was some one else.
But as Ghalib says:
Hui muddat ki Ghalib mar gaya par yaad aata hai,
Voh har ik baat par kehna ki yoon hota to kya hota!"
With fond regards,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)
PS
The first two lines of the above ghazal are even more poignant for the Ghalib fans let me record them:
Na thaa jab kuchh, Khudaa tha,kuchh na hota to Khudaa hotaa
Duboya mujh ko honee ne ,na maiN hota, to kya hotaa?

NATHU SINGH AND CARIAPPA
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
I was Gen Oberoi's CSO in Western Command, and I dare not contradict him. But since this concerns military history, I can't let it pass.
The story about Nathu Singh being offered the post of C-in-C is true. But it was not Nehru, but Sardar Baldev Singh who did it. Nehru did not like Nathu one bit. In the meeting that Gen Oberoi mentions, Nathu Singh objected to his proposal of keeping British officers in India, I am giving below extracts from Nathu Singh's biography that is part of my book LEADERSHIP IN THE INDIAN ARMY - BIOGRAPIHES OF TWELVE SOLDIERS. I have copies of the correspondence between Nathu Singh and Nehru and Baldev Singh.,The original Nathu Singh papers are with his son, Th. Amarjeet Singh, in Jaipur. Colonel Guman Singh, his son in law, has also given me some papers.
I have met Gen Nathu Singh. In fact I spent two weeks in MH Jodhpur in 1993, when we were both in adjoining rooms, but shared the same bathroom. I am attaching his biography, to give the real story.
regards,
VK Singh
Lt Gen Nathu Singh- A short resume by Maj Gen VK Singh

Order your copy of LEADERSHIP IN THE INDIAN ARMY- BIOGRAPIHES OF TWELVE SOLDIERS
Pulse of profound Patriotism and Professionalism vibrates in Lt Gen Nathu Singh's Nationalism exibited through his courage and candour that has few equals or parallels...
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The Indian soldier who dies for you

The Asian Age Aug 15th, 2010 - Kamal Davar.
During the 175 years of British rule in India, many pan-India institutions were created by the British to serve their imperial interests in the subcontinent. These included the railways, police, the revenue, postal and telegraph departments, a sound judicial system, roads and bridges linking ports to the hinterland and, above all, the Indian Army, both for enforcing their writ within India and for operations in their overseas territories.
Nearly 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in World War I (1914-1918) and over 2.58 million Indian soldiers fought for the Allies in World War II (1939-1945). During the latter period, under the leadership of the legendary Subhash Chandra Bose, an Indian National Army (INA) comprising deserters from the British Indian Army, was formed to fight the British to hasten the Independence of India. The INA, however, had no impact apart from cautioning the British Raj and re-kindling national awakening among some youth in India. But it is interesting to note that the decline of the British empire commenced with the Independence of India and its forfeiture and subsequent division of the formidable British Indian Army into the Indian and Pakistan armies.
Homogenous units, some of them nearly 150-years-old, were bifurcated with Hindu and Sikh- majority units coming to India and Muslim troops dispatched to Pakistan. Little did these troops, who had lived and fought together for decades, know that Partition of India would soon, and thence frequently, bring to battle old comrades.
British Viceroy Lord Wavell, prior to handing over charge in March 1947, outlined the centrality of the Indian Army to the about-to-be-formed new Indian nation-state in his farewell speech: “I believe that the stability of the Indian Army may perhaps be the deciding factor in the future of India”.
The significance of the Indian Army (used generically to include the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy) and its contribution to the sacred concept of Indian nationhood cannot and must never be diluted. For all Indians, except a few cynics, the Indian armed forces symbolise not just blood and guts, fidelity and honour, but also “Loyalty unto Death” to the nation.
Since Independence, the Indian Army has been involved in four wars against Pakistan and one with China in 1962, apart from other major operations like Operation Cactus Lily in April 1965 against Pakistan, Operation Meghdoot in 1986-88 in aid of Sri Lanka, Operation Prakaram (massive mobilisation against Pakistan after the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001) and various counterinsurgency operations within the country. The 1971 operations against Pakistan, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh, will remain one of the major historic military victories in the annals of warfare.
Apart from active conflicts, the Indian Army has also rendered matchless service in humanitarian activities during various natural calamities in the country, like currently in Leh. Its services in various United Nations peacekeeping missions has won it accolades all across the world.
Immediately after Independence, the existence of the powerful Indian Army was a potent contributor in all but three states joining India of their own accord. The state of Hyderabad, under the rule of the Nizam, refused to join. In September 1948, the government ordered the Indian Army which launched Operation Polo led by Maj. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri (later to be Army Chief) to secure the state. It took the Army just five days to amalgamate the state to the Indian Union. The tiny state of Junagadh too fell in line. However, the reluctance of Maharaja Hari Singh of the strategic state of Jammu and Kashmir to decide whether to join India or Pakistan led to Pakistan Army regulars and tribals invading parts of Kashmir to annex the state by force. As soon as the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession, Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar airport. It was at Badgam, a few miles from the Srinagar airport, that the hastily-airlifted Maj. Somnath Sharma of 4 Kumaon became free India’s first Param Vir Chakra winner. The last wireless message of this daring soldier to his brigade commander was “…enemy are only 50 yards from us — we are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw but will fight to the last man and last round”. Three days later the badly mutilated body of this valiant soldier, alongwith bodies of his men, was found. It was identified only because of some pages of the Gita he used to keep in his pocket. The exemplary valour and sacrifice of these soldiers saved the Kashmir Valley from falling into Pakistan’s hands. The Pakistanis known for their unsoldierly traits, in similar fashion during the Kargil War in 1999 in the Ladakh sector, brutally tortured the young Lt. Hanifuddin before killing him. On the other hand, when the Pakistanis refused to take over their own dead soldiers’ bodies, the Indian Army gave them a proper burial with full religious rites.
Can anyone forget the valiant Kumaoni company led by Maj. Shaitan Singh at Rezang La in eastern Ladakh in 1962 fighting against Chinese hordes in far greater numbers — the entire company of over a 100 men fought to the last man. Similar valour was displayed by the resolute Sikh platoon under Subedar Jogindar Singh at Bumla during the same 1962 operations.
There are countless such soldiers in Indian Army’s battle histories. The nation must never forget the supreme sacrifice of thousands of others who have shed their blood for the nation’s integrity. India is powerful and resilient enough not to succumb to pressure from any quarter, for the last bastion of the state is always at the nation’s beck and call and will never be found wanting to confront any challenge to India.
Lt Gen Kamal Davar (Retd) was the founder Director-General of the Defence Intelligence Agency
The Indian soldier who dies for you

64th Independence Day: Bollywood Songs

Indo-Asian News Service Mumbai, August 14, 2010First Published: 18:54 IST(14/8/2010)

Bollywood songs have always stirred patriotic sentiments among listeners. Come Sunday and India's 64th Independence Day, and one may soak in the national fervour with IANS's list of 20 evergreen patriotic songs from Bollywood.

Aao bachchon tumhe dikhaye: Composed in the year 1954 by Hemant Kumar, the song tries to inculcate patriotism among children. The fast-paced number was crooned by Pradeep in the film Jagriti.

Hum laayein hain toofan se: This track also belonged Jagriti and was equally popular. The slow-paced track was sung by legendary Mohammad Rafi.

Yeh desh hai veer jawanon ka: This energetic and upbeat song is one of the most popular patriotic songs, owing to its tempo and fervour. Composed by O.P. Nayyar and voiced by Rafi, the song was from the film Naya Daur that released in 1957. The Punjabi tone and the beats in the song lend a very rural setting.

Chhodo kal ki baatein: From the 1960 film Hum Hindustani, this track was composed by Usha Khanna. It depicted a feeling of patriotism, optimism and free thinking. It was sung by Mukesh.

Aye mere pyare watan: This track from the film Kabuliwala (1961) had all the ingredients of a legendary song. It was composed by Salil Choudhury, with Manna Dey behind the mike.

Nanha munna rahi hun: This song from the 1962 film Son Of India brings forth love for the country through a child. Crooned by Shanti Mathur, the simple and endearing composition was made by Naushad Ali.

Apni azadi ko hum: This song gave the message of toughness and a strong will. It brought forward the sentiments of people who were not ready to bow down under any circumstances. From the film Leader (1964), it had brilliant vocals by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi.

Ab tumhare hawale watan saathiyon: This beautiful and soul-stirring track from 1964 film Haqeeqat, depicted the feelings of the soldiers of the country. The song, synonymous with patriotism in India, was sung by Rafi with Madan Mohan as the music director.

Jahan daal daal par: From the film Sikandar-e-Azam, this Rafi sung and Hans Raj Bahal composed song talks about the beauty of our country. It sings praises in honour of the country and makes the listener proud of India.

Mera rang de basanti chola: The song depicts the life of freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh. From the film Shaheed (1965), it was sung by Rafi and Mahendra Kapoor and was composed by Prem Dhawan.

Aye watan aye watan: The song, again from Shaheed, talks about the secularity of our nation and the patriotic feelings of the people towards our mother land. It instils a sense of pride among the countrymen. Like most patriotic songs of that period, this too has been crooned by Rafi while the composition is of Prem Dhawan.

Mere desh ki dharti: No Independence Day celebrations are complete without this iconic number. The song, from the film Upkar, featured Manoj Kumar. This melodious track talking about the fertility of the Indian land was composed by Kalyanji-Anandji and was sung by Mahendra Kapoor.

Dil diya hai: Music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Karma released in 1986 and belted out this melodious patriotic song. Sung by Kavitha Krishnamurthy, it was a big hit.

Bharat humko jaan se pyara hai: Composed by Oscar winning composer A.R Rahman, this song from the 1992 film Roja was sung by Hariharan. It advocates the feeling of brotherhood between people and its sudden change of tempo gives it an edge.

It happens only in India: This song was sung in a lighter vein by Anand Raj Anand for the film Pardesi Babu that released in 1998. It talks about the various traditions and cultures of the country.

Zindagi maut na ban jaaye: This is one of the new age patriotic songs. Featured in 1999 film Sarfarosh, this song that urges people to stand against terrorism and other issues was sung by Sonu Niigaam and Roop Kumar Rathod and composed by music director duo Jatin-Lalit. The song in the genre of a qawwalli is quite impressive.

Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani: This song from the film of the same name that released in 2002 is a fun song. It brings forth the positives and negatives of the country in an amusing manner. It has a hummable melody created by Jatin-Lalit and has been sung by Udit Narayan.

Desh mere desh mere: The Legend of Bhagat Singh, yet another film on Bhagat Singh, offered this song which was passionate yet hard-hitting. It brought forward the sentiments of people who were ready to do anything for the country. It was composed by A.R. Rahman and was voiced by Sukhwinder Singh and the composer himself.

Yeh jo desh hai tera: Swades, that released in the year 2004, boasted of this track that was meant for Indians who live away from their country. The song reminds them about their association with their homeland. It is sung and composed by A.R. Rahman.

Khandon se milte hain khande: From the Hrithik Roshan starrer Lakshya, the song brought forward the sentiments of our soldiers. It was composed by music director trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and was sung by a host of singers like Sonu Niigam, Shankar Mahadevan, and Hariharan.
64th Independence Day: Bollywood Songs

Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations

Saturday,14 August 2010 13:43 IST
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / BROADCAST BEFORE AUGUST 15, 2010

The President has approved 114 gallantry awards to Armed Forces, Paramilitary and police personnel. This includes one Ashok Chakra, two Kirti Chakras, two Bar to Shaurya Chakras, nineteen Shaurya Chakras, two Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), eighty Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and five Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

ASHOKA CHAKRA
MR-08609 MAJOR LAISHRAM JYOTIN SINGH ARMY MEDICAL CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL (POSTHUMOUS).

KIRTI CHAKRA
IC-70151 CAPTAIN DAVINDER SINGH JASS 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS), SHRI VINOD KUMAR CHOUBEY SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, RAJNANDGAON CHHATTISGARH POLICE (POSTHUMOUS).

BAR TO SHAURYA CHAKRA
IC-58637 MAJOR THONGAM JOTEN SINGH, SHAURYA CHAKRA, 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), SS-39651 MAJOR AJAY SINGH, SHAURYA CHAKRA 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY.

SHAURYA CHAKRA
IC-55217 LIEUTENANT COLONEL ADITYA NEGI, SENA MEDAL 3 GORKHA RIFLES / 32 RASHTRIYA RIFLES , IC-61307 MAJOR DEEPAK YADAV ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL(POSTHUMOUS), IC-61324 MAJOR NITESH ROY ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL(POSTHUMOUS), IC-66201 CAPTAIN SUNIL YADAV PUNJAB REGIMENT / 37 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-68043 CAPTAIN AMIT KUMAR SINGH, SENA MEDAL 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, IC-69150 CAPTAIN SUNIL NARANG 4TH BATTALION THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY, SS-42657 LIEUTENANT NAVIN NIROLA 4TH BATTALION THE KUMAON REGIMENT, JC-413360 NAIB SUBEDAR INDER KUMAR 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-560161 NAIB SUBEDAR SHIV PUJAN SHARMA 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, JC-2300474 NAIB SUBEDAR RANG BAHADUR YADAV 23 ASSAM RIFLES, 13621161 LANCE HAVILDAR RAJAN 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 2602065 NAIK BAIJU B 7TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, 4366857 LANCE NAIK NENGMAITHEM RAJESH SINGH 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 4001514 SEPOY RAVI KANT DOGRA REGIMENT / 11 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS), 4002995 SEPOY SURENDER KUMAR DOGRA REGIMENT / 62 RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS), 13627069 PARATROOPER MAKUNG SARANG HUCHONG 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 15619321 GUARDSMAN KRISHAN KUMAR BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS / 21 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS), COMMANDER DILIP DONDE, (03593-T), COMMANDER NITEEN ANANDRAO YADAV, (03965-K).

BAR TO SENA MEDAL(GALLANTRY)
IC-50367 LIEUTENANT COLONEL THANGJAM TIKENDRA SINGH, SENA MEDAL, GRENADIERS / 16 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-64395 CAPTAIN BASANT SEWADA, SENA MEDAL ARMOURED CORPS / 8 RASHTRIYA RIFLES.

SENA MEDAL(GALLANTRY)
IC-51955 COLONEL KOLANKARA MOHAN NAIR 7TH BATTALITON THE MADRAS REGIMENT, IC-57241 MAJOR VINOD KUMAR MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY / 56 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-57884 MAJOR SURISETTY RAMESH REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 871 FIELD REGIMENT, IC-61427 MAJOR TATHAGATA DUTTA ARMOURED CORPS / 53 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-62075 MAJOR KULDEEP SINGH ARMY SERVICE CORPS / 61 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-62121 MAJOR NEERAJ KOTWAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS / 12 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-62225 MAJOR ANIL GAUTAM REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 12 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-62371 MAJOR AMIT KUMAR SINGH ARMY SERVICE CORPS / 53 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-63968 MAJOR KAMLESH KUMAR REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 13 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-64024 MAJOR KUBER SINGH KARKI KUMAON REGIMENT / 50 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-64108 MAJOR UPINDER PAL SINGH ARMOURED CORPS / 46 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-64894 MAJOR SANDEEP SINGH KUMAON REGIMENT / 26 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-65235 MAJOR ADITYA KUMAR DEVRANI, SHAURYA CHAKRA, REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 29 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-65403 MAJOR FARID UR REHMAN BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS / 61 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, IC-65674 MAJOR PUNEET SINGH ATWAL 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), IC-66827 MAJOR JOG ABHISHEK SURESH JAT REGIMENT / 12 ASSAM RIFLES, IC-67973 MAJOR KULDEEP KUMAR DABRAL 4/8 GORKHA RIFLES, IC-68743 MAJOR AVINASH RANA 7TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, SS-41214 MAJOR JUGMAL SINGH VAGHELA, SHAURYA CHAKRA, 11TH BATTALION THE JAT REGIMENT, SS-41839 MAJOR TEJ PRATAP SINGH 8TH BATTALION THE SIKH REGIMENT, WS-00458 MAJOR MITALI MADHUMITA ARMY EDUCATION CORPS / EMBASSY OF INDIA, KABUL, IC-67760 CAPTAIN SHAHZEB SHABIH CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 54 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, SS-41660 CAPTAIN BLESSON K DANIEL ARMY AIR DEFENCE / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, SS-42448 CAPTAIN GAUTAM KUMAR 12TH BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, IC-69699 LIEUTENANT SAMBHAV SAGAR 19TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, IC-70331 LIEUTENANT RAHUL RANA 3RD BATTALION THE KUMAON REGIMENT, IC-70923 LIEUTENANT SOURABH SIROHI 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, JC-412867 SUBEDAR ANAND SINGH 4TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-413027 SUBEDAR DALVIR SINGH MALHOTRA 4TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-559562 SUBEDAR BASU DEO TURI 2ND BATTALION THE BIHAR REGIMENT, JC-413372 NAIB SUBEDAR BALVIR SINGH 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), JC-623840 NAIB SUBEDAR RAJESH THAPA 4/8 GORKHA RIFLES, 2785965 HAVILDAR PANCHAL IRAPPA DHANAPPA 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, G/3400147 HAVILDAR RAMESH CHAND 34 ASSAM RIFLES, 2793555 LANCE HAVILDAR RAJESH BS 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 2792488 NAIK SIRSAT BHANUDAS EKNATH MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY / 56 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2796299 NAIK MORE BAJARANG NARAYAN 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 2998657 NAIK GIRVAR 19TH BATTALION THE RAJPUT REGIMENT, 3187880 NAIK KULJEET KUMAR DOGRA REGIMENT / 62 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 4187374 NAIK BHIM SINGH KUMAON REGIMENT / 50 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 13622515 NAIK SELVA KUMAR P 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS), 13623415 NAIK MANOJ KUMAR 4TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 2605201 LANCE NAIK PRINCE JOSEPH 7TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, 2691126 LANCE NAIK TEJ RAM MEENA GRENADIERS / 39 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2803900 LANCE NAIK PUNDKAR SANDIP GANPATRAO 12TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 3193999 LANCE NAIK MANA RAM JAT REGIMENT / 61 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 4478918 LANCE NAIK BAPUKAN DAS 9TH BATTALION THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY, 12944107 LANCE NAIK DES RAJ 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 11 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12944336 LANCE NAIK AJAZ HUSSAIN 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 26 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12944663 LANCE NAIK NISAR AHMED 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2496006 SEPOY JASVIR SINGH PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2498188 SEPOY BALWINDER SINGH PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2499738 SEPOY LAKHVIR SINGH PUNJAB REGIMENT / 22 RASHTRIYA RIFLES (POSTHUMOUS), 2607537 SEPOY SINUMON S 19TH BATTALION THE MADRAS REGIMENT, 2607994 SEPOY G PRABU MADRAS REGIMENT / 54 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2804362 SEPOY PANDHARE MARUTI MAHADEV 11TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY, 2997779 SEPOY PARVESH KUMAR RAJPUT REGIMENT /10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 3001111 SEPOY RISHI RAJ SINGH 19TH BATTALION THE RAJPUT REGIMENT, 3003613 SEPOY SHRAWAN SINGH 9th BATTALION THE RAJPUT REGIMENT (POSTHUMOUS), 3202943 SEPOY ATUL KUMAR 11TH BATTALION THE JAT REGIMENT, 4427932 SEPOY LONGJAM RAM SINGH ASSAM REGIMENT / 42 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12944396 SEPOY AJNAITA LAL 159 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) DOGRA / 11 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 13624561 SEPOY AVINASH KUMAR RAJPUT REGIMENT / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 14935024 SEPOY PURNA LIMBOO MECHANISED INFANTRY / 9 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2896969 RIFLEMAN SHREE KANT 5TH BATTALION (NAPIERS) THE RAJPUTANA RIFLES, 5756850 RIFLEMAN NARENDRA SAUD KCHHETRI 4/8 GORKHA RIFLES, 9103699 RIFLEMAN SUNIL KUMAR JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY / 10 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12974266 RIFLEMAN MOHAMMED ABASS TANTRY 162 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY / 42 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 12974408 RIFLEMAN MOHAMMED AMIN GANIE 162 INFANTRY BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) (HOME & HEARTH) JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY / 42 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 16013463 RIFLEMAN RAMENDRA SINGH BAISH RAJPUTANA RIFLES / 9 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 16014974 RIFLEMAN AJAY KUMAR RAJPUTANA RIFLES / 18 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, G/2502052 RIFLEMAN SANGLUNG MUANA 25 ASSAM RIFLES, G/2701836 RIFLEMAN MANSA KUMAR OJHA 46 ASSAM RIFLES, G/5000272 RIFLEMAN KSH SANAYAIMA SINGH 21 ASSAM RIFLES, 9113216 PARATROOPER IMTIYAZ AHMAD THOKER 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) (POSTHUMOUS), 13626673 PARATROOPER HAJARI LAL GURJAR 1ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES), 13626875 PARATROOPER LAKHWINDER PAL SINGH PARACHUTE REGIMENT / 31 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2693614 GRENADIER HARDEV SINGH GRENADIERS / 39 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 2695623 GRENADIER JAI DEV GRENADIERS / 12 RASHTRIYA RIFLES, 15168087 GUNNER FALTANKAR DIVAKAR DADURAM REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY / 32 RASHTRIYA RIFLES(POSTHUMOUS).

NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
COMMANDER GANGUPOMU MURALI, (03943-K), LIEUTENANT COMMANDER AJAY KANWAR, (05240-H), RAJAN SINGH, SEA I CD III, (214217-H).

VAYU SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
WING COMMANDER SAGAR SINGH RAWAT (22711) FLYING (PILOT), SQUADRON LEADER ASHOK KUMAR (24900) FLYING (PILOT), SQUADRON LEADER AMIT SHARMA (26545) FLYING (PILOT), SQUADRON LEADER VISHAL MOHAN (27475) FLYING (PILOT), FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ROHIT RAI (27992) FLYING (PILOT). N Ao/DM/ RAJ
Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations

Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

Saturday,14 August 2010 15:51 IST
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will unfurl the National Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2010 to celebrate the 64th Independence Day. After unfurling the Tricolor, Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the nation.

On arrival at Lahore Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju and Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar.

The Defence Secretary will introduce General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Major General Manvender Singh to the Prime Minister. The GOC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guard will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, Dr. Manmohan Singh will inspect the guard of honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

This year, Air Force being the coordinating agency, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wg Cdr P Panda. The Army contingent will be commanded by Maj Anindya Chatterjee, Naval Contingent by Lt Cdr DK Shrikantha and Delhi Police contingent by ACP Romil Baniya.

The Army contingent for PM’s Guard is from 15th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles. The battalion was raised on January 01, 1976 at Dhana (Madhya Pradesh). Soon after it was raised, it was inducted in Counter Insurgency Operations in Manipur, where it proved its mettle by capturing 55 hard core insurgent, including Chirom Ranjit Singh, 2IC PLA. During its first field tenure, the unit was awarded two Shaurya Chakra, four Sena Medals, two Vishist Seva Medal and one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card. Over the years the unit has had the opportunity to serve in varied terrain conditions. The unit has always performed to the satisfaction of its cadres wherever it has been deployed.

As with its Counter Insurgency tenure (1978-82), the unit once again excelled during its Line of Control / Counter Insurgency Operations tenure in Poonch (2001-04) where it was instrumental in the elimination of 77 terrorists without any threats, inflicted casualties and also causing immense damage to Pakistani military infrastructure and troops across the Line of Control. For the perseverance, grit and devotion to duty the battalion has also been awarded four Shaurya Chakras, nineteen Sena Medals, fourteen Chief of Army Staff Commendation cards and two General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Cards, in addition to individual award, the unit was also awarded Chief of The Army Staff Unit citation in “Op RAKSHAK & Op PARAKRAM 2001-03”.

The unit has the rare distinction of once again being awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation ‘Op Meghdoot and Op Falcon 2007-09’ for its successful tenure in Central Glacier (Op Meghdoot) & Eastern Laddakh (Op Falcon) without any casualty. It has also received one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card and three General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Card for its individual outstanding performance.

The battalion is presently the ceremonial battalion of the Indian Army, deployed in Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate and other important places in the capital. The Army Contingent is led by Maj Anindya Chatterjee.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts where he will be greeted by Defence Minister, the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.

The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronize with the 21 gun salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 299 Field Regiment. The battery will be commanded by Lt Col Hemant Kumar Sah and the Gun Position Officer will be Sub (AIG) Gurappadu R.

The National Flag Guard comprising 32 men and one officer each from Army, Navy Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Wing Commander J Christopher will command the Guards. The Naval Contingent for National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Cdr Amit Sood, the Army contingent by Captain Vikram Singh and Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP B Shanker Jaiswal.

The Air Force Band Number 6 will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashtriya Salute’ while unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Air Force Band will be commanded by Warrant Officer PN Yadav. Two Air Force Officers, Flying Officer A Vashishtha and Flying Officer Pankaj Gupta will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the PM for AsDC duties. Flt Lt Neha Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag.

The Army contingent for National Flag Guard is from the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, which was raised on November 30, 1798 at Badgaon. The Battalion designation was altered eight times, since the raising and finally rechristened as the 2nd Bn of the Rajput Regiment (Kalichindi) on independence. The Battalion has the distinction of having nine battle honours and two theatre honours and has taken part in 1947, 1962 and 1971 operations, where officers and men have exhibited extraordinary courage and valour. The Bn has been awarded Chief of Army Staff commendation for serving with distinction in ‘Op Rakshak’ in J&K in 1995. Before Independence, for showing perseverance and sacrifice the battalion got several awards to its credit which include one Victoria Cross. After independence, the battalion has been awarded with one MVC, ten VrC, three SC, two Param Vishist Sewa Medal, two Ati Vishist Sewa Medal, one Yudh Seva Medal, two Vishist Seva Medal, eleven Sena Medal and numerous Mention-in-Despatches and Commendation Cards.

The Battalion also has the honour to serve in Sudan as part of United Nation Peace Keeping Mission in 2007-2008. The smartly attired contingents of the 2nd Battalion, The Rajput Regiment comprises of two officers and 32 OR and is led by a very inspiring Capt Vikram Singh.

After unfurling the National Flag, the Prime Minister will address the nation. After the Prime Minister’s address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing National Anthem.

About seven hundred Junior Division Cadets of the National Cadet Corps from Delhi Directorate comprising Army, Navy and Air Force wings are participating in the flag hoisting ceremony this year. The cadets will also participate in the singing of patriotic songs along with school children. Three thousand five hundred girl students from 39 government and government-aided schools under the Directorate of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi will sing the National Anthem. They will also sing patriotic songs in different regional languages before the start of the Independence Day ceremony. These children dressed up in red, saffron, green and white colour will re-create the image of Red Fort and the National Flag.
Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

Father of the Nation: Inspirational stories

GENEROSITY
Mahatma Gandhi went from city to city, village to village collecting funds for the Charkha Sangh. During one of his tours he addressed a meeting in Orissa. After his speech a poor old woman got up. She was bent with age, her hair was grey and her clothes were in tatters. The volunteers tried to stop her, but she fought her way to the place where Gandhiji was sitting. "I must see him," she insisted and going up to Gandhiji touched his feet. Then from the folds of her sari she brought out a copper coin and placed it at his feet. Gandhiji picked up the copper coin and put it away carefully. The Charkha Sangh funds were under the charge of Jamnalal Bajaj. He asked Gandhiji for the coin but Gandhiji refused. "I keep cheques worth thousands of rupees for the Charkha Sangh," Jamnalal Bajaj said laughingly "yet you won't trust me with a copper coin." "This copper coin is worth much more than those thousands," Gandhiji said. "If a man has several lakhs and he gives away a thousand or two, it doesn't mean much. But this coin was perhaps all that the poor woman possessed. She gave me all she had. That was very generous of her. What a great sacrifice she made. That is why I value this copper coin more than a crore of rupees."
For more INSPIRING STORIES FROM GANDHIJI'S LIFE: click here

Jana Gana Mana - National Anthem

World marks Gandhi's 140th anniversary

One hundred forty years ago this month Mohandas K. Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India -- destined, as no one could have guessed, to restore "the jewel in the crown" of a foreign empire to its homeland. We join many in celebrating the birth -- or what the Mahatma himself wanted to call "spinning wheel birthday" -- that shows, on the one hand, the unlimited potential of a human being to become a force for lasting change and reminds us, on the other hand, how much further the change he launched has got to go. We invite you to join us for that celebration and continue the work.
Celebrate 140 years of Gandhian Nonviolent Resistance

2:33pm Friday 2nd October 2009
Political leaders paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the 140th anniversary of his birth today, which is also World Non-Violence Day.

India’s prime minister Manmohan Singh joined the leader of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party L K Advani in New Delhi at Rajghat, the memorial to the Mahatma (meaning Great Soul).

Others who attended included the country’s vice president and leader of the main ruling Congress Party Sonia Gandhi.

The event is also celebrated as World Non-Violence Day and Mr Obama urged all nations to “live his ideals and celebrate the dignity of all human beings”.

On the day marking the birth of a man who gave up everything to live an austere life, German luxury penmaker Montblanc unveiled a limited edition fountain pen in honour of Gandhi.

Only 241 pens, each with a price tag of 17,000 euros (£15,600), will be manufactured - one for each mile he walked to the shore in Dandi where he protested a colonial tax on salt.

Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the man characterised by his dhoti - a loose cloth around his waist - and spectacles, was the pioneer of a mass civil disobedience movement based firmly on total non-violence which led to the end of British colonial rule and independence for the country in 1947.
World marks Gandhi's 140th anniversary
Nation pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 140th birth anniversary

CNN IBN Programme Citizen’s Journalist on 15-16 Aug 2009

Dear Friends,
1. CNN IBN is doing a programme on 15 Aug 09 on Defence Forces. The title of the programme is “Citizen’s Journalist”. The programme is anchored by our Veteran Col Anil Kaul as his contribution towards the Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM). The programme will be telecast at 9.30 PM on 15 Aug 09 and again at 5.30 PM on 16 Aug 2009.
2. You are requested to pass on this information to others.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

India's First Independence Day Celebrations In Delhi AUGUST 15,1947

click on photos for enlarged view
Pictures kind courtesy Veteran Arun Saigal

Contribution of the Armed Forces to the Freedom Movement

Dear Friends,
This to inform you of the publication of my latest book, CONTRIBUTION OF THE ARMED FORCES TO THE FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN INDIA. This was the result of project that I did in 2007-08 for the USI.
I am attaching the front and rear jacket and a copy of the contents page.
Regards
Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd)


Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research
United Service Institution of India New Delhi
Contribution of the Armed Forces to the Freedom Movement in India
Maj Gen VK Singh
knowledge world
KW Publishers Pvt Ltd
New Delhi
Contents
List of Abbreviations v
Glossary of Hindustani Terms vii
Prologue ix
1 The Vellore Mutiny –1806 1
2 The Barrackpore Mutiny – 1824 11
3 The Great Indian Mutiny – 1857 19
4 The Singapore Mutiny – 1915 55
5 The Peshawar Mutiny – 1930 69
6 Mutinies and Revolts During World War ii81
7 The Air Force Mutiny - 1946 91
8 The Naval Mutiny – 1946 105
9 The Jubbulpore Mutiny – 1946 131
10 Nationalism in the Armed Forces 151
11 The Soldier’s Contribution to Indian Independence 167
Bibliography 185

REAR JACKET
The saga of India’s independence movement has been documented by scores of Indian and foreign authors, but none has documented the role of the Indian soldier in the struggle for freedom from British rule. The general public remains unaware and the nation’s leaders have never acknowledged or appreciated the part played by the military in this important chapter of our history. Some lost their lives, while many were deprived of their livelihood and liberty, without recognition or compensation. This book attempts to undo this injustice and acquaint the nation with the soldier’s contribution to the freedom movement.

Except for the Great Indian Mutiny of 1857, also called the First War of Indian Independence, historians have virtually ignored the uprisings by soldiers that occurred during the British Raj, many of which were politically motivated and inspired by a spirit of nationalism. Though the mutiny of 1857 was quelled, the spirit of nationalism that it kindled could not be extinguished. A number of smaller mutinies and revolts took place during the next 90 years, especially during the two World Wars and immediately after wards. These rebellions were instrumental in the decision of the British Government to pull out of India in August 1947.

The non violent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi is universally credited for India’s independence in 1947. However, documentary evidence of that period conclusively proves that the crucial factor in the British decision to quit India was the realization that they could no longer trust the Indian military to maintain control over India. Had the Indian Armed Forces remained staunch, British rule would have continued for at least another 10 to 15 years.

Major General VK Singh is career soldier who was commissioned into the Corps of Signals on 27 June 1965. He served in the Army for 37 years, his last appointment being Chief Signal Officer of the Western Army. In November 2000 he joined the Cabinet Secretariat, (R&AW), where he served up to June 2004, when he retired from government service.

Major General VK Singh’s varied interests include adventure sports, military history and journalism. A regular contributor to magazines and journals, many of his short stories and poems were published in the Illustrated Weekly, Filmfare, Femina and Eve’s Weekly in the seventies and eighties. In later years he took to professional writing and has authored four books. His previous books are Through – Saga of the Corps of Signals (2001); Leadership in the Indian Army - Biographies of Twelve Soldiers, (2005); History of the Corps of Signals, Volume II, (2006) and India’s External Intelligence – Secrets of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in 2007.

Order the Book
Delhi: KW Publishers Pvt Ltd, 4676/21, Ansari Road, New Delhi - 110002.
tel 23289555, 23264676 e mail mail@kwpub.in and knowledgeworld@vsnl.net
Bombay: 15 Jay Kay Industrial Estate, Linking Road Extn., Santa Cruz,(W), Mumbai 400054

Army an unattractive career option: Kapoor

Press Trust of India
Monday, February 09, 2009, (New Delhi)
Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor feels the armed forces are an "unattractive" career option for the country's youth and is looking at steps to counter that image.

"It does worry the Army chief....very much," he said when asked about the Army's plans to fill up the 11,000-odd vacancies in the officer cadre and the dwindling number of youth wanting to join the armed forces.

"The armed forces have, after a study, come to the conclusion that the army is not too attractive as a career for a young man, who is looking for employment...for good productive life," Kapoor said in an interview.

To reach out to the youth, the Army has in the recent times proposed to make the Short Service Commission (SSC) an attractive option for the youth by encouraging them to go for additional qualification such as a Doctorate or an MBA to enhance opportunities in the private sector when they leave the force.

It had also moved another proposal to send the SSC officers for higher command courses to enable them to continue as permanent officers. These courses were hitherto offered only to regular officers.

Another plan was to provide the SSC officers 'gratuity' for the 14-year service in the Army that would make some funds available to them as a buffer when they left the service.

Patriotism as a motivation for the youth is not so strong today as it was soon after the country's independence, Kapoor said, pointing out that priorities of the youth were very different now.
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