The raging bulls of the Ministry of Defence strike again
Read more about the treatment meted to our war-injured and disabled soldiers:
Ajai Shukla / New Delhi Feb 21, 2012, 00:26 IST
Instead of safeguarding the welfare of retired soldiers, ministry effectively holds off payment until an ex-serviceman claimant is either dead or broke.
Ajai Shukla’s Opinion in Business Standard : MoD’s farewell to welfare
Report in ‘The Tribune’
This action of MoD was also considered against rules since defence pensionary provisions provide that all personnel released in low medical category were to be deemed as ‘invalided’ for purposes of disability pension.
MOD files plea against rounding off disability
Report in ‘The Hindustan Times’ Click here
It is crystal clear that while the higher echelons of the Ministry of Defence are sympathetic to the needs and requirements of veterans, it is the lower level appointments which twist and turn everything that may otherwise be going in favour of former service-members, and unfortunately the top brass tends to over-rely on such staff and cannot look through the game.
With a new Secretary Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW) at the helm who seems to be genuinely sensitive and is taking much more interest than his predecessor, let us hope for a better future. Though I would not like to sound pessimistic, but it’s nothing short of a mini-revolution that may ultimately be required to make the system accountable and to weed out the sadist elements from appointments at the cutting edge level. Be braced for tumultuous times ahead...
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 10:15 PM
Comment: Maybe MOD needs to post poems in their offices to inspire their negative attitude!
A tribute To The Wounded Soldier
In unity we stand on the battle field
With one common goal
We fight side by side every day
We are attacked but we stand strong
We are tried but true
We will stand
Many people have fallen in battle
It is our duty to reach out to them
To pray for them
To love and provide them
And let god restore them
To fight once again
by Jonathan Poland
A Heroes Deed... Selfless acts of valor
He’ll give his life to save a world that treats him like a failure
A Heroes need, Is not lost in battle
He knows he strives for truth and nothing else will matter
He has a vision, an unending sense of pride
His motivation, born of something deep inside
He sees the news from home; they’re carrying their signs
He wonders if they know they have that right
Because of what the signs decry
by Aaron Letrick
Showing posts with label War Heros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label War Heros. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hooda offers war heroes annuity hike
By Daily PostBhiwani
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda announced to increase the amount of lumpsum financial assistance and annuity of the gallantry award winners of the state. He also announced to get a survey conducted to assess repair and renovation of all the existing Sainik rest houses to be done as per their need and to construct a new Sainik rest house at Dadri.
The CM was speaking as chief guest in the 30th annual Sammelan of All India Ex-services Welfare Association organised at new Anaj Mandi, Dadri, on Sunday. He said the state government had decided to increase the award money of the winners of Paramvir Chakra and Ashok Chakra from Rs 25 lakh each to Rs 31 lakh each, of Mahavir Chakra and Kirti Chakra from Rs 15 lakh each to Rs 25 lakh each and of Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra from Rs 10 lakh each to Rs 15 lakh each.
Similarly, the amount being given to the winners of Vayusena medal, Navsena medal and Sena medal had also been increased from Rs five lakh to Rs 7.50 lakh and the amount for Mention-in-dispatches from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 5.50 lakh.
He said the annuity for the winners of Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Mahavir Chakra had been increased to Rs 2.50 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1.90 lakh respectively.
Besides, winners of Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and Sena medal would get annuity of Rs 1.50 lakh, Rs 70,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively. Annuity for mention-in-dispatches had been increased to Rs 20,000, he added. Hooda said it was a matter of great pride that Haryana with 1.37 per cent of the geographical area of the country was contributing a lot to the Armed Forces of the country.
Every tenth soldier of the Armed Forces belonged to Haryana. The youth of Haryana were safeguarding the borders of the country and the farmers of this sacred land were producing foodgrains for the teeming millions. Despite better availability of employment in the state, the youth of Haryana preferred to join Army.
The number of serving personnel and ex-servicemen of the state stood at 19.38 lakh. The state government was committed to the welfare of serving personnel, ex-servicemen and their dependents. For the welfare of these persons, the state government had made a provision of Rs 33 crore in the annual budget for the year 2011-12.
Citing details of the incentives being given to the serving personnel and ex-servicemen by the state government, Hooda said ex-servicemen above the age of 60 years and their widows, who are not getting any pension, were being given financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month.
The war widows were being given a financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month besides their monthly pension. The ex-servicemen, who took part in World War II and who were not getting any kind of pension, and their widows were being given a financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month by the state government. The blind ex-servicemen and handicapped ex-servicemen, who were not getting any kind of pension, were also being given a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000.
Hooda said 10 per cent residential plots floated by HUDA and 5 per cent houses built by Haryana Housing Board (HHB) have been reserved for ex-servicemen and serving personnel. Defence colonies were being set up at Rohtak, Rewari, Jhajjar, Hisar, Narnaul, Bahadurgarh, Jind, Dadri and Karnal by HUDA.
Hooda offers war heroes annuity hike
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda announced to increase the amount of lumpsum financial assistance and annuity of the gallantry award winners of the state. He also announced to get a survey conducted to assess repair and renovation of all the existing Sainik rest houses to be done as per their need and to construct a new Sainik rest house at Dadri.
The CM was speaking as chief guest in the 30th annual Sammelan of All India Ex-services Welfare Association organised at new Anaj Mandi, Dadri, on Sunday. He said the state government had decided to increase the award money of the winners of Paramvir Chakra and Ashok Chakra from Rs 25 lakh each to Rs 31 lakh each, of Mahavir Chakra and Kirti Chakra from Rs 15 lakh each to Rs 25 lakh each and of Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra from Rs 10 lakh each to Rs 15 lakh each.
Similarly, the amount being given to the winners of Vayusena medal, Navsena medal and Sena medal had also been increased from Rs five lakh to Rs 7.50 lakh and the amount for Mention-in-dispatches from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 5.50 lakh.
He said the annuity for the winners of Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Mahavir Chakra had been increased to Rs 2.50 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1.90 lakh respectively.
Besides, winners of Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and Sena medal would get annuity of Rs 1.50 lakh, Rs 70,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively. Annuity for mention-in-dispatches had been increased to Rs 20,000, he added. Hooda said it was a matter of great pride that Haryana with 1.37 per cent of the geographical area of the country was contributing a lot to the Armed Forces of the country.
Every tenth soldier of the Armed Forces belonged to Haryana. The youth of Haryana were safeguarding the borders of the country and the farmers of this sacred land were producing foodgrains for the teeming millions. Despite better availability of employment in the state, the youth of Haryana preferred to join Army.
The number of serving personnel and ex-servicemen of the state stood at 19.38 lakh. The state government was committed to the welfare of serving personnel, ex-servicemen and their dependents. For the welfare of these persons, the state government had made a provision of Rs 33 crore in the annual budget for the year 2011-12.
Citing details of the incentives being given to the serving personnel and ex-servicemen by the state government, Hooda said ex-servicemen above the age of 60 years and their widows, who are not getting any pension, were being given financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month.
The war widows were being given a financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month besides their monthly pension. The ex-servicemen, who took part in World War II and who were not getting any kind of pension, and their widows were being given a financial assistance of Rs 1500 per month by the state government. The blind ex-servicemen and handicapped ex-servicemen, who were not getting any kind of pension, were also being given a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000.
Hooda said 10 per cent residential plots floated by HUDA and 5 per cent houses built by Haryana Housing Board (HHB) have been reserved for ex-servicemen and serving personnel. Defence colonies were being set up at Rohtak, Rewari, Jhajjar, Hisar, Narnaul, Bahadurgarh, Jind, Dadri and Karnal by HUDA.
Hooda offers war heroes annuity hike
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Saluting our Heros
Dear Friends,
I’m delighted to announce that my compilation of posts featuring Param Vir Chakra awardees is finally complete. The series started with a simple idea on a lazy summer afternoon of 2009 – and soon became a labour of love…I pored over numerous articles and web pages to do my research while writing this series…but not for a moment did I feel that the effort was in vain. Writing about these brave men – and their exploits – was perhaps the most inspiring and motivating thing I have done in a very long time. The “book” is now ready. I intend to formally release it on 26th July, on the occasion of “Kargil Vijay Diwas” which marks the most remarkable week of “Operation Vijay” that ended with the award of four Param Vir Chakras.
Needless to add, writing this series has been an extraordinary and extremely fulfilling experience. Each post reminded me of how fortunate and blessed we are to have people like these defend our borders and our freedoms…Sadly the stories of these “Param Veers” are not widely known. This is a humble effort to change that…
The “book” will be available to purchase online. And you can also download a pdf version for a small modest charge. Details to follow shortly.
All the funds raised from the sale of this book will be channeled into my various activities. I will be seeking donations to help me publish large quantities that can be printed/ distributed locally in schools in various cities across India. If you can help with this (even in terms of just managing logistics etc), pl leave a comment below or email me. I would also like to hear from anyone who can help translate this into Indian languages.
This effort would not have come to fruition without the unstinted support of my wife and daughter – who sacrificed countless hours of their time – so that I could work on these blog posts and help spread awareness about these heroes. This is our very humble tribute to the ones who did not come back. They died so that we can live – in peace. Let us ensure that these men are not forgotten. Let us ensure that the stories of their valour are told and re-told. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!
Shantanu
“Saluting our Heroes” and a labour of love
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Does our President (C-in-C) honour our heroes?
President Obama's remarks awarding the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta and the official citation, as provided by the White HouseWonder if any Supreme Commander in India would ever do such things here?
Dear All,
I am forwarding this link below with my personal comments. When you read the address by the President of USA does it not strike a discordant cord that in our country not one of our Presidents (The C-inC) nor anyone else have ever bothered to honour the heroes with such a touching speech ? I wish we had had at least one top soul who openly expressed the anguish or appreciation of the departed heroes.
It is only the comrades of the fallen who know what the sacrifice means.
I leave it to you to ponder.
With regards,
Harwant Singh
Lt Gen (Retd)
Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff
President Obama's remarks awarding the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta and the official citation, as provided by the White House
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Curtains on Kargil Divas week ending 30 July 2010
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Good number of states and cities organised the Kargil Divas– each one did their best– they all deserve our congratulations. Many of the organisers spent weeks of sleepless nights to organise the functions on Kargil Divas.
I feel the major credit to set the ball rolling for Kargil Divas celebrations, well in time, goes to Col RP Chaturvedi, Member Governing Body IESM and Chief Coordinator of Kargil Divas functions.
On behalf of YOU ALL, ‘i’ congratulate Colonel RP Chaturvedi for this grand success of Kargil Divas in India and abroad.
With cooperation from YOU ALL, we will do still better in the coming years to educate Indian public about the sacrifices being done by the Indian Armed Forces and to make them realise the injustice the nation is doing to us all.
Two emails received from Col Chaturvedi are reproduced below.
I strongly recommend that all the veterans who spoke in schools, or gave speeches on Kargil Divas anywhere else, forward their lecture scripts and further suggestions to Col Chaturvedi rpchaturvediatgmaildotcom, for keeping records which will be shared with all future organisers of Kargil Divas.
Please do oblige.
JAI JAWAN
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
CURTAINS ON KARGIL DIVAS WEEK- DELHI POETREE FUNCTION 30 JULY
We have just returned from the function organized by Delhi Poetree at the American Centre, KG Marg, New Delhi.
A one and half hour of sheer listening joy.
Performed jointly by "Delhi Poetree" and "The Drum Circle", the alternating poetry, patriotic songs and captivating Drum beats kept the 200 audience enthralled. The finale' - ''Kargil' - a composition of mesmerizing drum beats and poetry narrating the scenes of the bloodiest battles during Kargil 99 had the audience join the drums with claps for at least 8-10 minutes. Deeply inspiring. It earned a standing ovation. What Magic.
Gen Satbir (Vice Chairman IESM) was requested on stage, to felicitate a fauji poet, Col Puran SIngh, who recited some of his very inspiring and interesting poems.
We thank Delhi Poetree, and the Drum Circle to have associated with the Kargil Divas activities, and above all, to the ever energetic and dynamic Mr Amit Dahiyabadshah, who made this possible.
This then brings down the curtains on Kargil Divas 2010. Auf Wiedersehen!!
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
ISR AT MOHALI
Heartiest Congratulations General (Maj Gen RS Mehta, Mohali), on the ISR. I read your mail reproduced in Report My Signal. Deeply encouraging.
Such 'Continuous Education Programs' are indeed the right way, for spreading a larger awareness about intrinsic qualities of discipline, perseverance, initiative etc, so ingrained, and the reason for successful military functioning.
Through the base we have built up in schools during our interaction during the Kargil Divas, it is likely we would be able to organize more such periodic interactions, but at the very least these could be focussed around the Vijay and Kargil Divas commemorations. Its just as well that these events fall six months apart. Regularly done, it would be fruitful in bringing independent India's military history into the public psyche.
All the best in your ( OUR) future endeavors.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
Congratulations for the tremendous success of Kargil Divas celebrations in India and abroad thanks to your own personal selfless devotion to the cause and unrelenting hardwork. Of course everyone helped to make the event memorable. But as the main organiser / coordinator, the bouquets are yours as would have been the brickbats.
My personal salaams and gratitude sir to you and to the rest of the IESM community.
Arun
(Cdr Arun Saigal)
KARGIL DIVAS
Thanks to the hearts and souls behind Delhi Poetree for remembering the martyrs and to Col Chaturvedi and Brig Kamboj for letting us know that there are people outside the military fraternity who still have their sense of gratitude in tact.
regards n bw
Maj Ravindran
Jai Hind.
Good number of states and cities organised the Kargil Divas– each one did their best– they all deserve our congratulations. Many of the organisers spent weeks of sleepless nights to organise the functions on Kargil Divas.
I feel the major credit to set the ball rolling for Kargil Divas celebrations, well in time, goes to Col RP Chaturvedi, Member Governing Body IESM and Chief Coordinator of Kargil Divas functions.
On behalf of YOU ALL, ‘i’ congratulate Colonel RP Chaturvedi for this grand success of Kargil Divas in India and abroad.
With cooperation from YOU ALL, we will do still better in the coming years to educate Indian public about the sacrifices being done by the Indian Armed Forces and to make them realise the injustice the nation is doing to us all.
Two emails received from Col Chaturvedi are reproduced below.
I strongly recommend that all the veterans who spoke in schools, or gave speeches on Kargil Divas anywhere else, forward their lecture scripts and further suggestions to Col Chaturvedi rpchaturvediatgmaildotcom, for keeping records which will be shared with all future organisers of Kargil Divas.
Please do oblige.
JAI JAWAN
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
CURTAINS ON KARGIL DIVAS WEEK- DELHI POETREE FUNCTION 30 JULY
We have just returned from the function organized by Delhi Poetree at the American Centre, KG Marg, New Delhi.
A one and half hour of sheer listening joy.
Performed jointly by "Delhi Poetree" and "The Drum Circle", the alternating poetry, patriotic songs and captivating Drum beats kept the 200 audience enthralled. The finale' - ''Kargil' - a composition of mesmerizing drum beats and poetry narrating the scenes of the bloodiest battles during Kargil 99 had the audience join the drums with claps for at least 8-10 minutes. Deeply inspiring. It earned a standing ovation. What Magic.
Gen Satbir (Vice Chairman IESM) was requested on stage, to felicitate a fauji poet, Col Puran SIngh, who recited some of his very inspiring and interesting poems.
We thank Delhi Poetree, and the Drum Circle to have associated with the Kargil Divas activities, and above all, to the ever energetic and dynamic Mr Amit Dahiyabadshah, who made this possible.
This then brings down the curtains on Kargil Divas 2010. Auf Wiedersehen!!
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
ISR AT MOHALI
Heartiest Congratulations General (Maj Gen RS Mehta, Mohali), on the ISR. I read your mail reproduced in Report My Signal. Deeply encouraging.
Such 'Continuous Education Programs' are indeed the right way, for spreading a larger awareness about intrinsic qualities of discipline, perseverance, initiative etc, so ingrained, and the reason for successful military functioning.
Through the base we have built up in schools during our interaction during the Kargil Divas, it is likely we would be able to organize more such periodic interactions, but at the very least these could be focussed around the Vijay and Kargil Divas commemorations. Its just as well that these events fall six months apart. Regularly done, it would be fruitful in bringing independent India's military history into the public psyche.
All the best in your ( OUR) future endeavors.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
Congratulations for the tremendous success of Kargil Divas celebrations in India and abroad thanks to your own personal selfless devotion to the cause and unrelenting hardwork. Of course everyone helped to make the event memorable. But as the main organiser / coordinator, the bouquets are yours as would have been the brickbats.
My personal salaams and gratitude sir to you and to the rest of the IESM community.
Arun
(Cdr Arun Saigal)
KARGIL DIVAS
Thanks to the hearts and souls behind Delhi Poetree for remembering the martyrs and to Col Chaturvedi and Brig Kamboj for letting us know that there are people outside the military fraternity who still have their sense of gratitude in tact.
regards n bw
Maj Ravindran
Kargil war a saga of bravery and courage
A Report on Kargil Day function held on- 26th JULY 2010 at Dehradun
Kargil war was unique saga of bravery and courage in a difficult terrain
Dehradun Ex-Services League arranged a programme where all Ex- Servicemen of Dehradun, irrespective of any affiliations, assembled at old Rangers College hall, 25 Subhash Road on Monday the 26th July 2010 at 1030 hrs to pay tributes to Kargil War Heroes. The Chief Minister Uttarakhand, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was the chief guest on the occasion and shri Ganesh Joshi, MLA Rajpur and an Ex Soldier, the Guest of Honour. The Chief Minister, the Guest of Honour and the Patrons Lt Gen Anand Swaroop, PVSM, MVC, and Air Marshal G Sen PVSM, AVSM, VM, and Lt Gen OP Kaushik PVSM,AVSM,VSM, Lt Gen K.K.Khanna, PVSM,AVSM,VSM, and Brig KG Behl President DESL, laid wreaths at Kargil War Memorial and on behalf of all and came to join the function being arranged at old Rangers College hall to honour the Kargil War Heroes and their families assembled there. A large number of Ex- Servicemen, including Air Martial B.D.Jayal, PVSM,AVSM,VM, Lt GEN CB Jhaldiyal, Maj Gen C Nandwani, Retd Commissioner Shri SS Pangti, participated in the function to pay tributes. Brig Behl presented to the Chief Minister list of demands of Ex Servicemen and requested him to announce acceptance of some of those today.
Welcoming all especially the Chief Minister, guest of Honour, senior officers and invited Veeranganas and members of the families, Brig Behl emphasized the importance of Kargil War which was unique and a saga of bravery and courage. The exemplary courage was shown in a terrain which was extremely difficult with a very steep slope, at a height ranging between 10000 to 18000 feet full of boulders in cold windy weather, on top of which the enemy was spitting fire with full force. To pierce through such a field and capture posts where enemy was fully entrenched, needed lions heart and courage, which our Heroes showed at the stake of their lives to bring honour to the country by fluttering Indian National Flag on those posts.
The honour given to these heroes too was onerous and set tradition for the others to follow. Earlier the bodies of the shahids(dead), used to be cremated in field itself and the kith and kin were informed and their belongings were sent to them. But a new tradition was set in Kargil War and then onwards bodies of all those, who laid their lives in field, are sent to their homes and are cremated with full military honours. It was a big change, which gave satisfaction to the families and units who could perform last rites of their Heroes.
Another important decision was to give pension to the old parents and dependents in addition to the widow and provide job to one of the members where ever possible.
In this war 533 lost their lives and about 3000 were injured. Some of them were honoured with different Gallantry awards which included 4 PARAM VIR Chakras, 9 Mahavir Chakras and many Kirti Chakras, Vir Chakras and other medals and awards and decorations. Air Force played a big role in this war and gave support to destroy enemy positions especially when they had the limitations not to cross LOC. We salute their bravery and courage. It is an occasion to remember all of them and pay our homage.
In this war, quite a large number of soldiers from Uttarakhand(76) showed their valour at the cost of their lives and 18 of them came from Dehradun District alone. We are proud of them and pay our homage. Most of the veeranganas and or members of the families are with us today and the Chief Minister will himself honoured each of them.
The Media too played a big role in this war and took courage to move with troops to forward areas and transmit live action pictures on TV screens at home for all to watch, realise and appreciate how difficult the areas and assaults were. We are really thankful to all those involved and sufferings they faced. We thank Print and Electronic Media who kept us informed of all activities.
As a mark of respect and rememberance to the Kargil War Heroes a candle will be supplied to all participants which they will light at the gate of their entrance to their houses at 8 pm on 26 July 2010.
Mr. Ganesh Joshi, MLA and Guest of Honour, who is an Ex Saervicemen, praised the good work being done by the Chief Minister and his Govt. and high lighted the genuine demands of Ex-Servicemen and impressed upon the chief Minister to make declaration on some of the demands on this historic Day especially of Martyrs Memorial for the State, rebate on the sales Tax on sale of vehicles booked through CSD, and opening of a Gorkha centre .
Major Gen OP Sabarwal, SM former President of DESL, said that the Kargil War took place due to Pakistan Army taking over vacant Indian posts immediately after snow melted. They had plans to cut off the National High way that would have denied access to Ladakh and Siachin. He said that about 66,000, persons have lost their lives due to terrorism. He blamed the Central Govt. for their weak policy on Defence. He pointed out that Rs. 50 crores have been spent on the security of Kasab and 30 crores on Afzal Guru but they have no money when it comes to Defence requirements. Gen Sabarwal wanted Govt. to go offensive rather than defensive every time.
Brig PS Gurung, YSM whose son attained martyrdom, said that the satisfaction which the parents get from the martyrdom of their sons was much greater than the tears they shed in life.
The Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ the Chief Guest apologized for the delay, especially from the senior officers and others who left during the time.. He said that Uttarakhand is like the head of the country and it needs to be treated like that by the every one including the Central Govt. in solving state matters and provide all the assistance needed for its development. Security is most important as it touches the International Boundary. He was happy on the big gathering of Ex-Servicemen and the families of Kargil War Martyrs. He announced that next time onwards Kargil Day will be celebrated by the Govt. as Shaurya, Day, in schools and colleges as well where students should learn from the exemplary bravery, courage and sacrifices made. He announced sanction of Rs. One Crore for the construction of State War Memorial. He also declared exemption of sales Tax imposed by the state Govt. on the purchase of vehicles through CSD for which they go to other adjoining states to save that and in the process the state loses revenue indirectly. On the demand of exemption of House Tax, the CM also assured that he will study the house tax being charged by other states and will ensure that it is least in this state, if not full exemption.
Regarding reestablishment of Gorkha centre at Dehradun, the CM assured that he will personally take up this proposal with the Defence Minister.
The CM said that his Govt. was committed to working for the welfare of the soldiers and their families and the Govt. has taken many steps in this direction. He assured Brig Behl that all demands/ suggestions submitted will be looked into. He said that Uttarakhand had been a land of warriors and its youths always came forward to sacrifice their lives for the Nation. He remarked that though Punjab had the maximum number of casualties during Kargil war but Uattarakhand, keeping in mind the population of the state, had the largest number of Martyrs. He added that when some soldier sacrifices his life for the Nation, he is not lost but becomes immortal.
In his vote of thanks, Brig Behl, thanked all who came to make this function successful, especially Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, for his generous announcements and Mr. Ganesh Joshi and members of the families of Kargil war warriors. He thanked FRI and their staff who helped and made the premises available. He thanked Lt Col BM Thapa, who compered the function and Hon(Capt) AS Gosain as both of them worked hard to make it a success. Brig Behl also thanked his team of officials and heads of Shakhas who helped in organizing it and made it successful.
Kargil war was unique saga of bravery and courage in a difficult terrain
Dehradun Ex-Services League arranged a programme where all Ex- Servicemen of Dehradun, irrespective of any affiliations, assembled at old Rangers College hall, 25 Subhash Road on Monday the 26th July 2010 at 1030 hrs to pay tributes to Kargil War Heroes. The Chief Minister Uttarakhand, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was the chief guest on the occasion and shri Ganesh Joshi, MLA Rajpur and an Ex Soldier, the Guest of Honour. The Chief Minister, the Guest of Honour and the Patrons Lt Gen Anand Swaroop, PVSM, MVC, and Air Marshal G Sen PVSM, AVSM, VM, and Lt Gen OP Kaushik PVSM,AVSM,VSM, Lt Gen K.K.Khanna, PVSM,AVSM,VSM, and Brig KG Behl President DESL, laid wreaths at Kargil War Memorial and on behalf of all and came to join the function being arranged at old Rangers College hall to honour the Kargil War Heroes and their families assembled there. A large number of Ex- Servicemen, including Air Martial B.D.Jayal, PVSM,AVSM,VM, Lt GEN CB Jhaldiyal, Maj Gen C Nandwani, Retd Commissioner Shri SS Pangti, participated in the function to pay tributes. Brig Behl presented to the Chief Minister list of demands of Ex Servicemen and requested him to announce acceptance of some of those today.
Welcoming all especially the Chief Minister, guest of Honour, senior officers and invited Veeranganas and members of the families, Brig Behl emphasized the importance of Kargil War which was unique and a saga of bravery and courage. The exemplary courage was shown in a terrain which was extremely difficult with a very steep slope, at a height ranging between 10000 to 18000 feet full of boulders in cold windy weather, on top of which the enemy was spitting fire with full force. To pierce through such a field and capture posts where enemy was fully entrenched, needed lions heart and courage, which our Heroes showed at the stake of their lives to bring honour to the country by fluttering Indian National Flag on those posts.
The honour given to these heroes too was onerous and set tradition for the others to follow. Earlier the bodies of the shahids(dead), used to be cremated in field itself and the kith and kin were informed and their belongings were sent to them. But a new tradition was set in Kargil War and then onwards bodies of all those, who laid their lives in field, are sent to their homes and are cremated with full military honours. It was a big change, which gave satisfaction to the families and units who could perform last rites of their Heroes.
Another important decision was to give pension to the old parents and dependents in addition to the widow and provide job to one of the members where ever possible.
In this war 533 lost their lives and about 3000 were injured. Some of them were honoured with different Gallantry awards which included 4 PARAM VIR Chakras, 9 Mahavir Chakras and many Kirti Chakras, Vir Chakras and other medals and awards and decorations. Air Force played a big role in this war and gave support to destroy enemy positions especially when they had the limitations not to cross LOC. We salute their bravery and courage. It is an occasion to remember all of them and pay our homage.
In this war, quite a large number of soldiers from Uttarakhand(76) showed their valour at the cost of their lives and 18 of them came from Dehradun District alone. We are proud of them and pay our homage. Most of the veeranganas and or members of the families are with us today and the Chief Minister will himself honoured each of them.
The Media too played a big role in this war and took courage to move with troops to forward areas and transmit live action pictures on TV screens at home for all to watch, realise and appreciate how difficult the areas and assaults were. We are really thankful to all those involved and sufferings they faced. We thank Print and Electronic Media who kept us informed of all activities.
As a mark of respect and rememberance to the Kargil War Heroes a candle will be supplied to all participants which they will light at the gate of their entrance to their houses at 8 pm on 26 July 2010.
Mr. Ganesh Joshi, MLA and Guest of Honour, who is an Ex Saervicemen, praised the good work being done by the Chief Minister and his Govt. and high lighted the genuine demands of Ex-Servicemen and impressed upon the chief Minister to make declaration on some of the demands on this historic Day especially of Martyrs Memorial for the State, rebate on the sales Tax on sale of vehicles booked through CSD, and opening of a Gorkha centre .
Major Gen OP Sabarwal, SM former President of DESL, said that the Kargil War took place due to Pakistan Army taking over vacant Indian posts immediately after snow melted. They had plans to cut off the National High way that would have denied access to Ladakh and Siachin. He said that about 66,000, persons have lost their lives due to terrorism. He blamed the Central Govt. for their weak policy on Defence. He pointed out that Rs. 50 crores have been spent on the security of Kasab and 30 crores on Afzal Guru but they have no money when it comes to Defence requirements. Gen Sabarwal wanted Govt. to go offensive rather than defensive every time.
Brig PS Gurung, YSM whose son attained martyrdom, said that the satisfaction which the parents get from the martyrdom of their sons was much greater than the tears they shed in life.
The Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ the Chief Guest apologized for the delay, especially from the senior officers and others who left during the time.. He said that Uttarakhand is like the head of the country and it needs to be treated like that by the every one including the Central Govt. in solving state matters and provide all the assistance needed for its development. Security is most important as it touches the International Boundary. He was happy on the big gathering of Ex-Servicemen and the families of Kargil War Martyrs. He announced that next time onwards Kargil Day will be celebrated by the Govt. as Shaurya, Day, in schools and colleges as well where students should learn from the exemplary bravery, courage and sacrifices made. He announced sanction of Rs. One Crore for the construction of State War Memorial. He also declared exemption of sales Tax imposed by the state Govt. on the purchase of vehicles through CSD for which they go to other adjoining states to save that and in the process the state loses revenue indirectly. On the demand of exemption of House Tax, the CM also assured that he will study the house tax being charged by other states and will ensure that it is least in this state, if not full exemption.
Regarding reestablishment of Gorkha centre at Dehradun, the CM assured that he will personally take up this proposal with the Defence Minister.
The CM said that his Govt. was committed to working for the welfare of the soldiers and their families and the Govt. has taken many steps in this direction. He assured Brig Behl that all demands/ suggestions submitted will be looked into. He said that Uttarakhand had been a land of warriors and its youths always came forward to sacrifice their lives for the Nation. He remarked that though Punjab had the maximum number of casualties during Kargil war but Uattarakhand, keeping in mind the population of the state, had the largest number of Martyrs. He added that when some soldier sacrifices his life for the Nation, he is not lost but becomes immortal.
In his vote of thanks, Brig Behl, thanked all who came to make this function successful, especially Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, for his generous announcements and Mr. Ganesh Joshi and members of the families of Kargil war warriors. He thanked FRI and their staff who helped and made the premises available. He thanked Lt Col BM Thapa, who compered the function and Hon(Capt) AS Gosain as both of them worked hard to make it a success. Brig Behl also thanked his team of officials and heads of Shakhas who helped in organizing it and made it successful.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Kargil Diwas Bangalore 25 July 2010
The Veterans of Bangalore thank and express their gratitude to the following for all their help, assistance and un-stinted support to the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM) in successfully organizing Kargil Diwas at the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka (National Military Memorial) at Bangalore on Sunday, 25 July 2010:
Shri BS Yeddyurappa, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka.
Dr VS Acharya, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Karnataka.
Shri Ananth Kumar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).
Capt Ganesh Karnik, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Council and Deputy Chairman NRI Forum, Karnataka; and Chief Patron of IESM Karnataka.
Wives of Decorated Soldiers killed in Action.
Mrs Subhasini Vasanth, wife of late Col Vasanth, Ashok Chakra.
Mrs Thomas, wife of late Col JJ Thomas, Ashok Chakra.
Chairman Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Bangalore.
Director Horticulture, Bangalore.
Shri Sanjay Prabhu, Director & COO, India Radio Ventures Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.
Shri V Anand, Principal, Public Affairs, Office of Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament.
Shri Trigam Mukherjee, Media Co-ordinator, Office of Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament.
Shri NR Suresh, ABIDe, Bangalore.
Shri Rohit J Nair, Executive Director, Global Group and Chairman, Bangalore Patriots Society, Bangalore.
Air Mshl VR Iyer, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, AOC-in-C Trg Comd (IAF), Bangalore.
Lt Gen Kamal Mohey, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Comdt ASC College & Centre, Bangalore.
Brig AK Pradhan, SM, Cdr Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area, Bagalore.
Brig Gurdip Singh, SM, VSM, Comdt MEG & Centre, Bangalore.
Brig AK Singh, Comdt Corps of Military Police (CMP) Centre, Bangalore.
Brig Arvind Katoch, VSM, Comdt ASC Centre (South), Bangalore.
Brig YVR Vijay, VSM, Comdt 515 Army Base Workshop, EME, Bangalore.
Col Vineet Seth, Comdt, Para Regimental Training Centre (PRTC), Bangalore.
Col Jasbir Singh, Comdt, Pioneer Corps Training Centre (PCTC), Bangalore.
Capt (IN) NB Nair, Director Naval Project (ALH) and Station Cdr Navy.
Admiral OS Dawson, PVSM, AVSM - former Chief of Naval Staff.
Lt Gen NSI Narahari, PVSM - former Comdt, College of Combat, Mhow.
Air Mshl DG King Lee, PVSM, AVSM - former AOC-in-C.
Air Mshl Keith Lewis, PVSM, AVSM, VM- former Inspector General of Air Force.
Maj Gen MC Nanjappa, AVSM**, YSM.
Rear Adml BR Vasanth, VSM
AVM N Thusu, AVSM, VM.
AVM S Kasinath, VSM.
Brig JS Narasimhan, AVSM.
Commodore Sam Daniel.
Brig MS Parthasarathy, The Bengal Sappers, for the excellent Photo Album.
Col CM Uthiah, Director, Sainik Welfare Dept. Karnataka.
Brig B Chandrashekar, Director Southern Region, Flags of Honour Foundation, Bangalore.
Lt Col GV Sreedhar, Member, Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka Executive Committee, Bangalore.
Last but not the least, Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar, Trustee, Flags of Honour Foundation, Bangalore and the Grand Patron of IESM, Karnataka. Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar was the driving force behind the Kargil Diwas and it was his meticulous planning, enthusiasm & zeal which resulted in the Grand success of Kargil Diwas at Bangalore. Three Cheers & salute to Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar.
2. Sunday, 25 July 2010 was a memorable day as it witnessed a heart warming 1000 strong gathering assembled at the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, Bangalore, to pay their Homage to the Martyrs. The whole place was elegantly & colorfully decorated with flowers & flower pots to suit the solemn occasion. The gathering comprised:
(a) 250 Officers, JCOs & OR from the MEG & Centre, Bangalore.
(b) 150 Officers, JCOs & OR from the ASC Centre, Bangalore.
(c) 150 Officers, JCOs & OR from the CMP Centre, Bangalore.
(d) 100 Officers, JCOs & OR from the Pioneer Corps Centre, Bangalore.
(e) 100 Officers, JCOs & OR from the Parachute Regiment Trg Centre, Bangalore.
(f) 50 Officers, JCOs & OR from 515 Army Base Wksp, EME, Bangalore.
(g) 25 Officers & Seamen of the Navy from Naval Project, Bangalore.
(h) 250 Gaurav Senani (Veterans) comprising Officers, JCOs, NCOs & Sepoys, proudly wearing on their chests, their medals of gallantry and distinguished & meritorious service.
3. At 9.30 AM on Sunday, 25 July 2010, Shri Ananth Kumar, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha), Shri Rajeev Chandrasekar,Hon’ble MP (Rajya Sabha), Capt Ganesh Karnik, Hon’ble MLC and Shri Chi Na Ramu, Chairman, Reservation Research Committee, paid homage to the brave Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen who had laid down their lives in defence of the Motherland, by laying a wreath at the base of the Statue of the Unknown soldier. As they stood up and saluted, the Buglers from the CMP sounded the last post; and, the entire gathering responded by standing at ‘attention’ and saluting the Statue of the Unknown Soldier. It was a solemn moment and a poignant scene.
4. The commemoration ceremony was followed by a meeting and the following dignitaries spoke:
(a) Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar. He on behalf of all Veterans thanked and expressed his gratitude to Shri BS Yeddyurappa, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and to the Govt. of Karnataka for undertaking the construction of the prestigious Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka (National Military Memorial) at a prime location; and said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka when completed would be a cynosure and a precursor for more such Military Memorials to come up in other States, all over the Country.
(b) Shri Ananth Kumar, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha). He said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka at Bangalore, would be a fitting tribute to the sacrifices of Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen who had laid down their lives in Defence of the Motherland; and said that the area of National Military Memorial Park would be greener than Cubbon Park or the Lal Bagh. He said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka would be inaugurated on 16 Dec 2010; and if not, then on 26 Jan 2011.
(c) Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble MP ( Rajya Sabha). He too, thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Govt. of Karnataka for undertaking the construction of the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka; and thus sending out a clear message that the sacrifices of Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen shall not go in vain; and that their memory shall be preserved for posterity.
(d) Shri Rohit J Nair, Chairman, Bangalore Patriots Society. He said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, when completed, would be a pilgrimage centre to people from all walks of life; and would instill a spirit of sacrifice in our young men & women; and would greatly motivate the Youth in taking pride in the Army, Navy & Air Force and in joining them.
(e) Mrs Subhasini Vasanth, w/o late Col Vasanth, Ashok Chakra. She said that she was indeed touched & moved to see such a large number of serving soldiers and Ex-Servicemen paying Homage to the Martyrs; and the sentiments expressed by other dignitaries.
(f) Veterans, Admiral OS Dawson, PVSM, AVSM, former Chief of Naval Staff, Air Marshal DG King Lee, PVSM, AVSM and Lt Gen NSI Narahari, PVSM also spoke on the occasion and thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Govt of Karnataka for their laudable effort in constructing the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka at Bangalore, in memory of the brave soldiers.
5. In conclusion, the 1000 strong gathering was hosted ‘High Tea’, kind courtesy, Flags of Honour Foundation; and thus the proceedings of the morning came to an end.
Kargil Diwas musical nite RSI Bangalore
6. Kind courtesy, Brig AK Pradhan, SM, Commander Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area, Officers & their families were treated to a solemn musical at RSI in the evening of Sunday, 25 July 2010. Miss Superrna Sankaran, (grand daughter of IC-3800 Col GS Viswanath, The Bombay Sappers), won the hearts of all present by singing in her melodious voice; especially Vande Maataram and Mere Vatan ke logo. The curtains came down with the singing of Jana Gana Mana
Col Rajan
IESM Convenor, Karnataka
Photo slideshow
Letters from IESM members
Dear Col Rajan Dai,
We need many in this country like Col S S Rajan Dai for doing such an excellent conduct of A to Z activities of any event at any time 'cos presently it appears that there is only one and only one Col S S Rajan Dai, my course mate, bosom friend and room mate who is so meticulous, dedicated organiser, inspiring administrator and motivator. He has earned full respect not only from entire dignitaries of State Govt , Defence units and all ESM but also from ESM all over India & abroad by working day and night for up keeping the name of the organisation for taking care of all welfare measures of ESM. keep it up Dai. We all are indeed proud of you.
Lt Col B M Thapa, Veteran
General Secretary, Dehradun Ex-Services League
Member of IESM
My dear Col Rajan,
Heartiest Congratulations for precise co-ordination of the solemn Kargil Diwas function, at Bangalore. It was a good show. Our Warm Felicitations to the Organisers, Flags Of Honour Foundation and K & K Sub Area, as well.
With regards,
Col Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandary
Dear Col Rajan,
Your efforts have generated positive support from the Karnataka Government for the causes of ESM. A synergic boost indeed for the IESM!!
Best wishes for all your endeavours.
Warm regards.
Col Sushil Chilimbi
2. Sunday, 25 July 2010 was a memorable day as it witnessed a heart warming 1000 strong gathering assembled at the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, Bangalore, to pay their Homage to the Martyrs. The whole place was elegantly & colorfully decorated with flowers & flower pots to suit the solemn occasion. The gathering comprised:
(a) 250 Officers, JCOs & OR from the MEG & Centre, Bangalore.
(b) 150 Officers, JCOs & OR from the ASC Centre, Bangalore.
(c) 150 Officers, JCOs & OR from the CMP Centre, Bangalore.
(d) 100 Officers, JCOs & OR from the Pioneer Corps Centre, Bangalore.
(e) 100 Officers, JCOs & OR from the Parachute Regiment Trg Centre, Bangalore.
(f) 50 Officers, JCOs & OR from 515 Army Base Wksp, EME, Bangalore.
(g) 25 Officers & Seamen of the Navy from Naval Project, Bangalore.
(h) 250 Gaurav Senani (Veterans) comprising Officers, JCOs, NCOs & Sepoys, proudly wearing on their chests, their medals of gallantry and distinguished & meritorious service.
3. At 9.30 AM on Sunday, 25 July 2010, Shri Ananth Kumar, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha), Shri Rajeev Chandrasekar,Hon’ble MP (Rajya Sabha), Capt Ganesh Karnik, Hon’ble MLC and Shri Chi Na Ramu, Chairman, Reservation Research Committee, paid homage to the brave Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen who had laid down their lives in defence of the Motherland, by laying a wreath at the base of the Statue of the Unknown soldier. As they stood up and saluted, the Buglers from the CMP sounded the last post; and, the entire gathering responded by standing at ‘attention’ and saluting the Statue of the Unknown Soldier. It was a solemn moment and a poignant scene.
4. The commemoration ceremony was followed by a meeting and the following dignitaries spoke:
(a) Air Cmde MK Chandrasekhar. He on behalf of all Veterans thanked and expressed his gratitude to Shri BS Yeddyurappa, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and to the Govt. of Karnataka for undertaking the construction of the prestigious Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka (National Military Memorial) at a prime location; and said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka when completed would be a cynosure and a precursor for more such Military Memorials to come up in other States, all over the Country.
(b) Shri Ananth Kumar, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha). He said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka at Bangalore, would be a fitting tribute to the sacrifices of Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen who had laid down their lives in Defence of the Motherland; and said that the area of National Military Memorial Park would be greener than Cubbon Park or the Lal Bagh. He said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka would be inaugurated on 16 Dec 2010; and if not, then on 26 Jan 2011.
(c) Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon’ble MP ( Rajya Sabha). He too, thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Govt. of Karnataka for undertaking the construction of the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka; and thus sending out a clear message that the sacrifices of Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen shall not go in vain; and that their memory shall be preserved for posterity.
(d) Shri Rohit J Nair, Chairman, Bangalore Patriots Society. He said that the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka, when completed, would be a pilgrimage centre to people from all walks of life; and would instill a spirit of sacrifice in our young men & women; and would greatly motivate the Youth in taking pride in the Army, Navy & Air Force and in joining them.
(e) Mrs Subhasini Vasanth, w/o late Col Vasanth, Ashok Chakra. She said that she was indeed touched & moved to see such a large number of serving soldiers and Ex-Servicemen paying Homage to the Martyrs; and the sentiments expressed by other dignitaries.
(f) Veterans, Admiral OS Dawson, PVSM, AVSM, former Chief of Naval Staff, Air Marshal DG King Lee, PVSM, AVSM and Lt Gen NSI Narahari, PVSM also spoke on the occasion and thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Govt of Karnataka for their laudable effort in constructing the Rashtriya Sainika Smaraka at Bangalore, in memory of the brave soldiers.
5. In conclusion, the 1000 strong gathering was hosted ‘High Tea’, kind courtesy, Flags of Honour Foundation; and thus the proceedings of the morning came to an end.
Kargil Diwas musical nite RSI Bangalore
6. Kind courtesy, Brig AK Pradhan, SM, Commander Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area, Officers & their families were treated to a solemn musical at RSI in the evening of Sunday, 25 July 2010. Miss Superrna Sankaran, (grand daughter of IC-3800 Col GS Viswanath, The Bombay Sappers), won the hearts of all present by singing in her melodious voice; especially Vande Maataram and Mere Vatan ke logo. The curtains came down with the singing of Jana Gana Mana
Col Rajan
IESM Convenor, Karnataka
Photo slideshow
Letters from IESM members
Dear Col Rajan Dai,
We need many in this country like Col S S Rajan Dai for doing such an excellent conduct of A to Z activities of any event at any time 'cos presently it appears that there is only one and only one Col S S Rajan Dai, my course mate, bosom friend and room mate who is so meticulous, dedicated organiser, inspiring administrator and motivator. He has earned full respect not only from entire dignitaries of State Govt , Defence units and all ESM but also from ESM all over India & abroad by working day and night for up keeping the name of the organisation for taking care of all welfare measures of ESM. keep it up Dai. We all are indeed proud of you.
Lt Col B M Thapa, Veteran
General Secretary, Dehradun Ex-Services League
Member of IESM
My dear Col Rajan,
Heartiest Congratulations for precise co-ordination of the solemn Kargil Diwas function, at Bangalore. It was a good show. Our Warm Felicitations to the Organisers, Flags Of Honour Foundation and K & K Sub Area, as well.
With regards,
Col Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandary
Dear Col Rajan,
Your efforts have generated positive support from the Karnataka Government for the causes of ESM. A synergic boost indeed for the IESM!!
Best wishes for all your endeavours.
Warm regards.
Col Sushil Chilimbi
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Rastreeya Sainika Smaraka Bangalore Celebrates Kargil Martyrs' Day
At the feet of the monumental statue of The Unknown Soldier at the Rastreeya Sainika Smaraka Bangalore, a memorable event the Kargil Martyrs' Day was celebrated in the true spirit of the word by Serving Soldiers, Officers, School Children in Uniform, War Widows, Veterans, Members of Parliament and State Council, lot many Ladies and notable Civil Patriots. One thousand strong thronged around the Unknown Statue to pay Homage to all the Brave Hearts who laid down their Lives during the Kargil War of 1999. As one tried to make an entry to the venue was surely surprised to see Military Trucks, Busses, and other vehicles parked in an orderly manner. The decoration of the Gate, the pathway and surroundings decorated with tri-colored balloons all looked like some thing like Fauzi Sports event Venue. The assembly of participants, eagerness on the face of Veterans in ushering Sr Veterans, guests and dignitaries and a horde of Press Photographers, young beautifully dressed ladies waiting to hand over flowers to one and all, other volunteers waiting with wreaths in their hands to be handed over to participants. The pedestal of the Unknown Soldier was decorated suiting the solemn occasion. Well rehearsed Buglers sounded the Last Post brilliantly. Wreath laying ceremony commenced in extreme veneration by Honorable Law Makers, followed by War Widows, veteran Generals, Admirals and Air Marshalls and so on. The entire environment charged with fragrance of flowers and scent, typical cool weather of Bangaluru and the sobriety synergized and so enhanced patriotic fervor all around.All participants of after paying Homage to Martyrs moved on to a well laid out seating arrangement under a beautiful shamiyana. On the dias were Honorable Law Makers Shri Anantha Kumar, Shri Chandrasekhar, Capt Ganesh Karnik, War Widows and Sr Veterans. Air Cmdr Chandrasekhar set the tone, followed by other speakers assuring that the "Memorial will be the greenest spot in Bangaluru", " All our Martyrs who died for our Country loved Greenery Sasya Shyamalam Mataram", " We will do our best to contribute to this Noble cause", " this tribute at the NMM has set the tone, our husbands' sacrifice will not go in vain", " Nobody has done an honor by coming here, We are here to salute our Martyrs for preserving our National Unity", "NMM is a big starter for a greater public involvement", " it will surely be a sacred multi divine temple for all", and much more sweet and endearing words floated in the Honor of our Brave Hearts. After lovely talk was attractively laid out eats and Tea for children, ladies, our men in uniform, the Press and all 900 strong. While departing lots of us were keen to get photographed in front of the Un Known Soldier.
Entire idea, conduct of the celebration, funding and all arrangements were done under the patronage of Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar MP. Staff of Flags of Honor Under Brig Chandrasekhar were the force behind the screen. Efforts of one man army of Col SS Rajan made all the difference in mobilizing Uniformed Men. It goes to the credit of Brig Parthasarathi our Bengal Sapper for capturing lovely scenes through his lens. Press Reporters and Lens men of all News and other Media made their presence felt. Following day all news papers carried the Kargil Day Celebrations at Bangaluru story all in praise of Martyrs. Kudos to last but not the least our ld man the driving force Air Cmdr Chandrasekhar. Our bouquet and love to all these guys.
Veteran Sreedhar.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Kargil Vijay Divas: Homage at Shahid Smarak Noida and India Gate
The Kargil Diwas was once again celecbrated with the same josh and enthusiasm as last year at Shahid Samarak in front of the Army Public School Noida today morning from 1100 Hrs to 1300 Hrs.
A few hundred Veterans of yester years started gathering at the Venue from 1030 AM onwards which included Lt Gen Kala fromer Army Commander from Dehra Dun / Lt Gen Guru Bakshi / Maj Gen Inderjit kashyap / Mag Gen M Bhatia / Maj Gen Sushil Nath / Maj Gen S Bindra/ Maj Gen RN Wadhera / Maj Gen Gurdip Singh / Maj Gen KP Deswal / Maj Gen VS Dhania / Maj Gen Pramod Kapur / Brig Mahalingam / Hony Capt Pande / WO Balakrishnan and many more including the Governing Body members of Maj Gen Satbir Singh /Maj Gen AJB Jaini / Gp Capt VK Gandhi / Col RP Chaturvedi / Col Kirit Joshipura / Wg Cdr CK Sharma and Cdr Sharan Ahuja.
The celebrations started 1115 hrs where in the choir from APJ School Noida including young children sang the valour songs making a tear appear in the eyes of many a veteran making the occasion solemn as intended to be to remember the brave sons of this great nation.The sky was rented with Jai Hinds under the able guidance of Gen Jaini.
The gathered veterans after paying the homage in a orderly manner at the Shahid Samarak which was manned by the school children Nehru International Public School Sec 12 , Noida got together under the Shamiana to have the delicious samosas and Gulab Jamun with chilled Limca to quench the thirst.
The solemn occasion was also used to do Prize distribution to the 3 younsters for the painting competion Nehru International Public School . The prizes were given by Gen Kala / Gen Guru Bakshi and Gen Satbir. These children are bound to remember this event and prize throughout their lives.
Cdr Sharan Ahuja (Retd)
IESM
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Press Note: Kargil Divas
PRESS NOTE KARGIL VIJAY DIVAS 26 JULY 2010
Dated: 18 July 2010
Dear Members of the Media
1. We wish to remind the people of India that eleven years back on 26 Jul 1999, demonstrating courage, valour, grit and determination, our Defence Forces recaptured every inch of our mother land and either killed or threw back every Pakistani infiltrator who had deceptively occupied the heights in Kargil Region while our then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was extending his hands of friendship to Pakistan in Lahore.
2. During this War 543 Jawans, JCOs and Officers achieved martyrdom and over 1200 were seriously wounded. This war was fought at the heights of over 16000 feet in a most inhospitable rugged, stiff and steep mountain ridges. To honour the bravery and valour of our soldiers, the President of India awarded four Pram Vir Chakra (PVC), nine Maha Vir Chakras (MVC) and 55 Vir Chkras (VrC). Capt Vikram Batra, 13 JAK Rif, Lt Manoj Pandey 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav 18 Grenadiers and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar 13 JAK Rif were the recipients of highest Gallantry award of PVC.
3. The Pakistani intruders had positioned themselves on Tololing Top, Tiger Hill, Pt 4875, Pt 4590, Pt 5100 and Pt 5140. The names of these hilltops (points) became familiar to the people of India as these were getting reported in Press and electronic media during successes of Indian Forces. Capt Vikram Batra played a sterling role in the capture of feature Pt 5140, a critical peak from the point of view that it overlooked the Srinagar– Leh highway which was important for logistics and supply of reinforcements for the Indian Army. Its capture facilitated in the capture of other hill tops ie Rt 4750, 4875 and Tiger Hill and finally lead to Indian eventual victory.
4. After the capture of pt 5140, Capt Vikram Batra radioed his commanding officer and said the success signal “Yeh Dil Mange More” The words later went on to become a motivational slogan during the war and is used even now at various occasions like the Vijay Divas.
5. The Defence Forces of India are the most patriotic forces in the world. They have always proved their worth during external and internal threats. They are the strongest pillars of our democracy. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) working for the welfare of Defence Personnel requests all citizens of India to join in commemorating the valour and bravery of soldiers on the Kargil Vijay Divas on 26 Jul 2010. All citizens are requested to light a candle at the main gate of their homes at 8 PM on 26 Jul 2010 and after saying a prayer for those brave hearts who never returned, place a marigold (Genda) next to it as a silent tribute.
6. At National Capital Region (NCR), the people are requested to reach India Gate at the their own time and light a candle there at 8 PM onwards as a mark of respect to the Martyrs. Kargil Vijay Divas is also being commemorated in others parts of the country.
“Lets us join hands to salute the brave soldiers of India”
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Battle for Batalik: During the Kargil conflict, it was in Batalik that the Indian Army faced its toughest challenge. It was also here that it won its first and finest victories, writes Vijay Mohan of The Tribune
Dated: 18 July 2010
Dear Members of the Media
1. We wish to remind the people of India that eleven years back on 26 Jul 1999, demonstrating courage, valour, grit and determination, our Defence Forces recaptured every inch of our mother land and either killed or threw back every Pakistani infiltrator who had deceptively occupied the heights in Kargil Region while our then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was extending his hands of friendship to Pakistan in Lahore.
2. During this War 543 Jawans, JCOs and Officers achieved martyrdom and over 1200 were seriously wounded. This war was fought at the heights of over 16000 feet in a most inhospitable rugged, stiff and steep mountain ridges. To honour the bravery and valour of our soldiers, the President of India awarded four Pram Vir Chakra (PVC), nine Maha Vir Chakras (MVC) and 55 Vir Chkras (VrC). Capt Vikram Batra, 13 JAK Rif, Lt Manoj Pandey 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav 18 Grenadiers and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar 13 JAK Rif were the recipients of highest Gallantry award of PVC.
3. The Pakistani intruders had positioned themselves on Tololing Top, Tiger Hill, Pt 4875, Pt 4590, Pt 5100 and Pt 5140. The names of these hilltops (points) became familiar to the people of India as these were getting reported in Press and electronic media during successes of Indian Forces. Capt Vikram Batra played a sterling role in the capture of feature Pt 5140, a critical peak from the point of view that it overlooked the Srinagar– Leh highway which was important for logistics and supply of reinforcements for the Indian Army. Its capture facilitated in the capture of other hill tops ie Rt 4750, 4875 and Tiger Hill and finally lead to Indian eventual victory.
4. After the capture of pt 5140, Capt Vikram Batra radioed his commanding officer and said the success signal “Yeh Dil Mange More” The words later went on to become a motivational slogan during the war and is used even now at various occasions like the Vijay Divas.
5. The Defence Forces of India are the most patriotic forces in the world. They have always proved their worth during external and internal threats. They are the strongest pillars of our democracy. Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) working for the welfare of Defence Personnel requests all citizens of India to join in commemorating the valour and bravery of soldiers on the Kargil Vijay Divas on 26 Jul 2010. All citizens are requested to light a candle at the main gate of their homes at 8 PM on 26 Jul 2010 and after saying a prayer for those brave hearts who never returned, place a marigold (Genda) next to it as a silent tribute.
6. At National Capital Region (NCR), the people are requested to reach India Gate at the their own time and light a candle there at 8 PM onwards as a mark of respect to the Martyrs. Kargil Vijay Divas is also being commemorated in others parts of the country.
“Lets us join hands to salute the brave soldiers of India”
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Battle for Batalik: During the Kargil conflict, it was in Batalik that the Indian Army faced its toughest challenge. It was also here that it won its first and finest victories, writes Vijay Mohan of The Tribune
Kargil Divas 26 July 2010 at Noida
URGENTLY NEED SPONSORS FOR KARGIL DIVAS ACTIVITIES
I am writing to seek financial support for the Kargil Divas Homage ceremony on 26th July at Noida from 1100 to 1300 hrs at Shaheed Smaarak, Sector 29 NOIDA.
We need sponsorship for tentage and other infrastructure and for refreshments for attendees. We expect around 300- 500 attendees.
Veterans wishing to contribute, may send in the cheque to the IESM Regd Office.
NCR based veterans/ veteran groups can also commit to attend to ONE facet of the event, say refreshment, tentage, printing etc.
Those veterans able to organize sponsorship from corporate may please chip in. Sponsorship banners would be displayed at the Reception counter. This can be good PR for hotel/ restaurant industry like Haldiram, Yo China etc.
Contact undersigned for any clarifications. Thanks.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
IESM
I am writing to seek financial support for the Kargil Divas Homage ceremony on 26th July at Noida from 1100 to 1300 hrs at Shaheed Smaarak, Sector 29 NOIDA.
We need sponsorship for tentage and other infrastructure and for refreshments for attendees. We expect around 300- 500 attendees.
Veterans wishing to contribute, may send in the cheque to the IESM Regd Office.
NCR based veterans/ veteran groups can also commit to attend to ONE facet of the event, say refreshment, tentage, printing etc.
Those veterans able to organize sponsorship from corporate may please chip in. Sponsorship banners would be displayed at the Reception counter. This can be good PR for hotel/ restaurant industry like Haldiram, Yo China etc.
Contact undersigned for any clarifications. Thanks.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
IESM
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The unsung heroes of Indian democracy
The unsung heroes of Indian democracy: Express Buzz
Vir Sanghvi First Published: 27 Jun 2010 01:28:54 AM IST
Do you know the name of the Chief of Army Staff? The Chief of Air Staff? The Chief of Naval Staff? Or, if you want to stick to the army, the most high-profile of the three services, do you know the name of the Deputy Chief of Army Staff?
Okay, I am guessing here but I reckon that you had difficulty naming all three service chiefs and had to struggle with remembering the name of the Deputy Army Chief before giving up.
Is this a bad thing? Well, it is if you look at American parallel. In that country, generals are huge media figures. General David Petraeus, who was behind the surge in Iraq, has been on innumerable magazine covers, takes questions from interviewers on TV on a regular basis and was even cited by John McCain in the Presidential debate as the cure for all of America’s war ills.
Nor is this new. American generals have always been public figures. You could argue, that during the Second World War, America needed to publicise such figures as General Eisenhower (who commanded the D-Day operation and later became President) and General Patton (later the subject of a hit movie starring George C Scott). But in the post-war phase many generals have become household names: Douglas McArthur, William Westmoreland, Norman Schwarzkopf and of course Colin Powell.
Moreover, generals often cross the divide to join politics. Eisenhower and Powell may be among the best known but there are loads of others including Alexander Haig (who died recently) who was Richard Nixon’s Chief of Staff, Ronald Reagan’s secretary of state and who was once regarded as a potential president. The American parallel is significant because of a blow-out that occurred last week. General Stanley McChrystal, commander of US forces in Afghanistan, was profiled by Rolling Stone magazine. In the profile, the General and his staff made several disparaging remarks about the civilians on the administration’s Afghanistan strategy team and sneered at Vice-President Joe Biden.
The quotes were leaked in advance of publication, set off a predictable uproar and led President Obama to take the virtually unprecedented step of calling McChrystal to Washington and firing him face-to-face over a 30-minute meeting at the White House. McChrystal is well-known in the US, has frequently been interviewed and has regularly appeared on TV. Perhaps, as a consequence, Obama made sure that his replacement was even more high-profile: General Petraeus.
What’s interesting is that neither Petraeus nor McChrystal are America’s equivalent of our Chief of Staff. Yet the media profile they enjoy in the US is higher than any Indian army chief (with the possible exception of Sam Manekshaw in the years after the Bangladesh victory) has ever enjoyed. Some of this may have to do with the fact that both Petraeus and McChrystal commanded armies in countries where the US was at war. But it is hard to think of an Indian parallel where Indian commanders (not the Chief himself) are so well-known even during war time.
Nor do our generals become so personally identified with the war effort. Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf became heroes on the back of the first Gulf War while much of the anti-war fervour during Vietnam was focused on William Westmoreland (who even got abused in anti-war-songs) personally.
Maureen Dowd, in the New York Times, suggests that McChrystal was “a product of the warrior-god culture: four-star generals with their own public relations teams.” And it is certainly true that American generals have their own media teams and are frequently advised on how to project their own images. Dowd’s is a recurring theme in US criticism of the army. In the best-selling book, Seven Days in May, a charismatic General (played by Burt Lancaster in the film version) plots to overthrow the President. And when President Harry Truman fired the iconic General Douglas McArthur over differences on policy towards China, there were fears that such was McArthur’s popularity that Truman might damage his own standing by axing such a “warrior-god”.
I have often thought that one reason why Americans find it so easy to do business with military dictators in South America, East Asia and Pakistan is that they are used to the idea of formidable military men. We find soldiers who have seized power faintly repulsive. Americans, on the other hand, warm to them. But when you think about it, there is something intriguing about our refusal to worship “warrior gods” particularly when we contrast it with the US experience. America’s wars (Vietnam, Iraq, Korea, Afghanistan, etc.) are all fought abroad and do not really place its own civilians at risk. Our wars are fought at home and the consequences of defeat can be dramatic: in 1962, we thought we had lost Assam; in 1965, the intention was to wrest away Kashmir. Because there is so much at stake, you might expect us to focus more on the men who command our armies.
Yet, curiously, neither the Indian people nor the Indian army want to change the balance between the profiles of the military and the civilian administration. In 1965, we admired General J N Chaudhuri who commanded the army but within a few years, he had dropped out of sight. In 1971, Western analysts kept suggesting that Manekshaw was popular enough to stage a coup. Not only was this view mistaken, but the General (or Field Marshal as he later became) showed no such inclination.
One of the most interesting things about our commanders is that even those we have held in the highest esteem — men like General Jagjit Singh Aurora or Air Marshal Arjan Singh — have never sought the limelight. In the aftermath of Kargil, General V P Malik could have parlayed that victory into a huge public profile for himself. Instead, he opted for a quiet retirement and now, has to be persuaded to come to Delhi or to talk to the media. Consequently, a situation has developed where Indians are content to let the army be. It is unthinkable for any magazine to want to profile an army commander (below the level of chief) or to assign a journalist to follow him around, the way Rolling Stone did with McChrystal.
And even when journalists do try and get generals to talk most are tight-lipped. (It helps, I think, that most military men have a barely repressed contempt for the press!) Even when they do talk, off-the-record, rarely do senior officers seek any personal publicity for themselves.
Contrast this with McChrystal. According to the Rolling Stone journo who wrote the story, not only did McChrystal make most of the damaging remarks within the first two days of their interaction, but the general’s staff insisted that the journo fly out to Afghanistan. In that sense, the general came across like a movie star eager to secure favourable coverage for his new release.
To the credit of our forces, no Indian general would behave that way.
I’m not sure why this is. It cannot be that our generals are simply respecting British tradition. The Pakistani army also came from the same stock and their generals tend to be megalomaniacs and publicity-hounds.
I suspect that the army’s readiness to remain in the background and the low profile chosen by its generals are both relatively unsung manifestations of the success of Indian democracy. Even in this media-crazy age, our officers have not been swayed by the glory of personal publicity or lusted for fame. One more thing to be grateful to our armed forces for.
— Exclusive to TNSE. More at www.virsanghvi.com. Follow him at twitter.com/virsanghvi
The unsung heroes of Indian democracy
COMMENT
Writing in the TIME magazine at the height of the Emergency in August 1975, Claire Sterling wrote: “Neither development is likely to leave the Indian Army unmoved. And that is perhaps the crux of the situation. India’s standing Army of nearly a million men has been resolutely non-political since Independence. But it is also sensitive to the smallest slight to its honour, dignity and military independence, not to mention the nation’s sovereignty; and it is steeped in loyalty to constitutional principles……”.
The article concludes: “Depending on how fast and how far she goes in changing from a traditional Prime Minister to the one-woman ruler of a police state, the Indian Army ~ the one group with the power to stop the process ~ could intervene. If it were to do so, it would almost certainly be not to replace her with a military dictator , but to restore the institutions it has been drilled in to defending since birth”.
Vir Sanghvi First Published: 27 Jun 2010 01:28:54 AM IST
Do you know the name of the Chief of Army Staff? The Chief of Air Staff? The Chief of Naval Staff? Or, if you want to stick to the army, the most high-profile of the three services, do you know the name of the Deputy Chief of Army Staff?
Okay, I am guessing here but I reckon that you had difficulty naming all three service chiefs and had to struggle with remembering the name of the Deputy Army Chief before giving up.
Is this a bad thing? Well, it is if you look at American parallel. In that country, generals are huge media figures. General David Petraeus, who was behind the surge in Iraq, has been on innumerable magazine covers, takes questions from interviewers on TV on a regular basis and was even cited by John McCain in the Presidential debate as the cure for all of America’s war ills.
Nor is this new. American generals have always been public figures. You could argue, that during the Second World War, America needed to publicise such figures as General Eisenhower (who commanded the D-Day operation and later became President) and General Patton (later the subject of a hit movie starring George C Scott). But in the post-war phase many generals have become household names: Douglas McArthur, William Westmoreland, Norman Schwarzkopf and of course Colin Powell.
Moreover, generals often cross the divide to join politics. Eisenhower and Powell may be among the best known but there are loads of others including Alexander Haig (who died recently) who was Richard Nixon’s Chief of Staff, Ronald Reagan’s secretary of state and who was once regarded as a potential president. The American parallel is significant because of a blow-out that occurred last week. General Stanley McChrystal, commander of US forces in Afghanistan, was profiled by Rolling Stone magazine. In the profile, the General and his staff made several disparaging remarks about the civilians on the administration’s Afghanistan strategy team and sneered at Vice-President Joe Biden.
The quotes were leaked in advance of publication, set off a predictable uproar and led President Obama to take the virtually unprecedented step of calling McChrystal to Washington and firing him face-to-face over a 30-minute meeting at the White House. McChrystal is well-known in the US, has frequently been interviewed and has regularly appeared on TV. Perhaps, as a consequence, Obama made sure that his replacement was even more high-profile: General Petraeus.
What’s interesting is that neither Petraeus nor McChrystal are America’s equivalent of our Chief of Staff. Yet the media profile they enjoy in the US is higher than any Indian army chief (with the possible exception of Sam Manekshaw in the years after the Bangladesh victory) has ever enjoyed. Some of this may have to do with the fact that both Petraeus and McChrystal commanded armies in countries where the US was at war. But it is hard to think of an Indian parallel where Indian commanders (not the Chief himself) are so well-known even during war time.
Nor do our generals become so personally identified with the war effort. Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf became heroes on the back of the first Gulf War while much of the anti-war fervour during Vietnam was focused on William Westmoreland (who even got abused in anti-war-songs) personally.
Maureen Dowd, in the New York Times, suggests that McChrystal was “a product of the warrior-god culture: four-star generals with their own public relations teams.” And it is certainly true that American generals have their own media teams and are frequently advised on how to project their own images. Dowd’s is a recurring theme in US criticism of the army. In the best-selling book, Seven Days in May, a charismatic General (played by Burt Lancaster in the film version) plots to overthrow the President. And when President Harry Truman fired the iconic General Douglas McArthur over differences on policy towards China, there were fears that such was McArthur’s popularity that Truman might damage his own standing by axing such a “warrior-god”.
I have often thought that one reason why Americans find it so easy to do business with military dictators in South America, East Asia and Pakistan is that they are used to the idea of formidable military men. We find soldiers who have seized power faintly repulsive. Americans, on the other hand, warm to them. But when you think about it, there is something intriguing about our refusal to worship “warrior gods” particularly when we contrast it with the US experience. America’s wars (Vietnam, Iraq, Korea, Afghanistan, etc.) are all fought abroad and do not really place its own civilians at risk. Our wars are fought at home and the consequences of defeat can be dramatic: in 1962, we thought we had lost Assam; in 1965, the intention was to wrest away Kashmir. Because there is so much at stake, you might expect us to focus more on the men who command our armies.
Yet, curiously, neither the Indian people nor the Indian army want to change the balance between the profiles of the military and the civilian administration. In 1965, we admired General J N Chaudhuri who commanded the army but within a few years, he had dropped out of sight. In 1971, Western analysts kept suggesting that Manekshaw was popular enough to stage a coup. Not only was this view mistaken, but the General (or Field Marshal as he later became) showed no such inclination.
One of the most interesting things about our commanders is that even those we have held in the highest esteem — men like General Jagjit Singh Aurora or Air Marshal Arjan Singh — have never sought the limelight. In the aftermath of Kargil, General V P Malik could have parlayed that victory into a huge public profile for himself. Instead, he opted for a quiet retirement and now, has to be persuaded to come to Delhi or to talk to the media. Consequently, a situation has developed where Indians are content to let the army be. It is unthinkable for any magazine to want to profile an army commander (below the level of chief) or to assign a journalist to follow him around, the way Rolling Stone did with McChrystal.
And even when journalists do try and get generals to talk most are tight-lipped. (It helps, I think, that most military men have a barely repressed contempt for the press!) Even when they do talk, off-the-record, rarely do senior officers seek any personal publicity for themselves.
Contrast this with McChrystal. According to the Rolling Stone journo who wrote the story, not only did McChrystal make most of the damaging remarks within the first two days of their interaction, but the general’s staff insisted that the journo fly out to Afghanistan. In that sense, the general came across like a movie star eager to secure favourable coverage for his new release.
To the credit of our forces, no Indian general would behave that way.
I’m not sure why this is. It cannot be that our generals are simply respecting British tradition. The Pakistani army also came from the same stock and their generals tend to be megalomaniacs and publicity-hounds.
I suspect that the army’s readiness to remain in the background and the low profile chosen by its generals are both relatively unsung manifestations of the success of Indian democracy. Even in this media-crazy age, our officers have not been swayed by the glory of personal publicity or lusted for fame. One more thing to be grateful to our armed forces for.
— Exclusive to TNSE. More at www.virsanghvi.com. Follow him at twitter.com/virsanghvi
The unsung heroes of Indian democracy
COMMENT
Writing in the TIME magazine at the height of the Emergency in August 1975, Claire Sterling wrote: “Neither development is likely to leave the Indian Army unmoved. And that is perhaps the crux of the situation. India’s standing Army of nearly a million men has been resolutely non-political since Independence. But it is also sensitive to the smallest slight to its honour, dignity and military independence, not to mention the nation’s sovereignty; and it is steeped in loyalty to constitutional principles……”.
The article concludes: “Depending on how fast and how far she goes in changing from a traditional Prime Minister to the one-woman ruler of a police state, the Indian Army ~ the one group with the power to stop the process ~ could intervene. If it were to do so, it would almost certainly be not to replace her with a military dictator , but to restore the institutions it has been drilled in to defending since birth”.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The bizzare attitude of the Armed Forces Medical Board
“A shockingly bizarre incident reflects inhuman treatment which has crossed all boundaries of humanity by superior responsible Armed Forces Medical Officers (AMB), whose actions when resulted into injustice forced the applicant to seek his legal remedy in the form of the present application for grant of disability pension”
Not taking this lightly, the Hon’ble AFT, besides granting him disability pension, has also directed the payment of costs of Rs 100,000/- to the veteran to be recovered from the salaries of the members of the Appeal Medical Board who had declared the disability as NIL and ‘neither attributable to, nor aggravated by service’. The Govt has also been directed to initiate disciplinary action under the Army Act against all three members of the AMB.
Extract of the historic judgement
“What has rankled us more is the callous manner, inhuman approach and failure of performance of duty on the part of the members of the AMB dealing with applicant’s case. The applicant has to be compensated for the travails undergone by him. For this gross negligence, we impose costs of Rs 1,00,000/- (Rs One Lakh only) to be paid to the applicant by the non-applicants but it is to be recovered from the salary of all the three Officers of the AMB i.e. ABC, DEF and GHI jointly and collectively in equal ratio. We also direct that all these three Officers should be subjected to disciplinary action under the Army Act.”
Is AMC treading the MCI footsteps?
A must read click here: Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Comment: The AMC owes an apology to the disabled soldier. The board members must be strictly punished as per Army Act and the officers themselves be boarded out of service. Compare this: A General before retirement has got 100% disability for partial hearing loss? Amazing is it a fiction or fact or hearsay?
Not taking this lightly, the Hon’ble AFT, besides granting him disability pension, has also directed the payment of costs of Rs 100,000/- to the veteran to be recovered from the salaries of the members of the Appeal Medical Board who had declared the disability as NIL and ‘neither attributable to, nor aggravated by service’. The Govt has also been directed to initiate disciplinary action under the Army Act against all three members of the AMB.
Extract of the historic judgement
“What has rankled us more is the callous manner, inhuman approach and failure of performance of duty on the part of the members of the AMB dealing with applicant’s case. The applicant has to be compensated for the travails undergone by him. For this gross negligence, we impose costs of Rs 1,00,000/- (Rs One Lakh only) to be paid to the applicant by the non-applicants but it is to be recovered from the salary of all the three Officers of the AMB i.e. ABC, DEF and GHI jointly and collectively in equal ratio. We also direct that all these three Officers should be subjected to disciplinary action under the Army Act.”
Is AMC treading the MCI footsteps?
A must read click here: Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh
Comment: The AMC owes an apology to the disabled soldier. The board members must be strictly punished as per Army Act and the officers themselves be boarded out of service. Compare this: A General before retirement has got 100% disability for partial hearing loss? Amazing is it a fiction or fact or hearsay?
War Memorial as tribute to our gallant Jawans
The memorial at Neuve Chapelle, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, was unveiled in 1927. Photo by KJS Chatrath. A tribute to 4,700 Indian soldiers in France, who died during the WWI.Brave sons of India. There is a lone memorial at Neuve Chapelle in France, built to honour more than 4,700 Indian soldiers, who died during World War 1: click here to read the Tribune article
Dear friends,
Finalising the location of the War Memorial in New Delhi, to honor those soldiers, sailors and airmen, who paid the supreme sacrifice for defending India. A worthy cause for IESM to take up and expose the callous attitude of the politicians and the bureaucrats. It is their job to reconcile conflicting requirements of different departments/ ministries. The worthy cause cannot be held ransom to such things.
No one less than the Prime Minister should chair a committee to finalise the issue, so that all ministries fall in line.
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd)
Indian Irony
How grateful is another culture that honours the people who fought to defend them and in the process sacrificed their lives in far off lands. And, here in "Mera Bharat Mahan", the ruling coterie of Netas and Babus deny a decent place at Delhi to honour its own soldiers, who died defending this country. What an irony!.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Indian Army– A Glorious Heritage
SATURDAY, 27 March 2010The Indian Army – A Glorious Heritage, Says Kapil Sibal
Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Kapil Sibal released a book titled ‘The Indian Army – A Glorious Heritage’ today at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor, Director, NCERT Prof G Ravindra and other dignitaries from the Army and the ministry were also presented during the function.
The book published by NCERT specifically compiled for the young age group contains authentic inspirational accounts from India’s wars, traces the history, sacrifice and evolution of the Army and provides details on the entry system in to its ranks. The book attempts create an awareness towards army in a readable style.
The minster and the Army Chief both appreciated the effort and reiterated the need of constantly upgrading our military capabilities for the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Gen Kapoor revealed that the book comes as a culmination of sustained effort to reach out to the vast talent pool available at the school level. Through the efforts of NCERT and state boards, photographs and promotional material has been included in text books.
The NCERT, under the aegis of the HRD ministry has always been extremely supportive. The book has been published by the NCERT as a non textual adjunct and is available in all their outlets. Veerendra/RPA/DS
The Indian Army – A Glorious Heritage, Says Kapil Sibal
Friday, December 18, 2009
Are the States honouring their Heros?
Dear veterans,
1. It is the approach that matters. Never thought a day will come when Punjab Government will forget the sacrifices and the war heroes it has produced for the Nation from its soil.
2. Today Harayana has ordered the DC's to represent at Soldiers Funeral but in the neighbouring state of Punjab, DC of Ludhiana (Pb) Mr Vikas Garg forgets to Pay Homage to the Martyrs of the Nation as he was busy with Vidyan Sabha Committee from no other state then that of Punjab (as if a foreign delegation was on the visit).
3. Where is Punjab Heading under the present regime,the Land of Martyr's? A very painful state of affairs and it has hurt the sentiments of all Ex-Servicemen of the region.
Click the Links for more details:
DCs to represent state at soldiers' funerals
Admin forgets war heroes, VijayDiwas sans official function
With Warm Regards
Gen Secy
Ex-Servicemen Joint Action Front. (SANJHA MORCHA)
Major SS Dhillon Ex-Signal Paras, Chairman
1. It is the approach that matters. Never thought a day will come when Punjab Government will forget the sacrifices and the war heroes it has produced for the Nation from its soil.
2. Today Harayana has ordered the DC's to represent at Soldiers Funeral but in the neighbouring state of Punjab, DC of Ludhiana (Pb) Mr Vikas Garg forgets to Pay Homage to the Martyrs of the Nation as he was busy with Vidyan Sabha Committee from no other state then that of Punjab (as if a foreign delegation was on the visit).
3. Where is Punjab Heading under the present regime,the Land of Martyr's? A very painful state of affairs and it has hurt the sentiments of all Ex-Servicemen of the region.
Click the Links for more details:
DCs to represent state at soldiers' funerals
Admin forgets war heroes, VijayDiwas sans official function
With Warm Regards
Gen Secy
Ex-Servicemen Joint Action Front. (SANJHA MORCHA)
Major SS Dhillon Ex-Signal Paras, Chairman
Vijay Diwas 2009: Chennai and Doon Valley
For the first time since I moved into Madras– what has now become Chennai– over a decade and half ago, I was pleasantly surprised to note that the Veteran Officers in the Station had decided to observe the Vijay Diwas. Thanks to the efforts of two untiring persevering determined veterans– Col N Viswanathan and Col TN Raman who against all odds decided to take matters into their own hands and decided to organize the function by themselves. And the resultant was a message sent on late evening of the 12th Dec, to say that it would be observed at 1100hours on the 16th Dec at the War Memorial.
The weathermen had predicted a wet Wednesday, and based on those readings, the local Government had asked all schools to close. Nonetheless, we drove down to the War Memorial with the skies being overcast and thick dark clouds threatening to open up any minute and pour down in all the fury. But the threats did not have any undue effect on all of us, as having been conditioned to commence exercises and operations in such weather, we pressed on regardless. We reached the adjoining MES IB, where arrangements had been made for parking of vehicles. From there we trooped into the precincts of the manicured lawns of the War Memorial. It was heartening to note that in spite of short notice - about 50 personnel from all the three Armed Services had gathered together to pay our humble tributes to all those brave soldiers who had given their all during the 1971 Indo Pak conflict in order that we and the civil society may live a more peaceful and better lives.
The War Memorial was a relic of the Colonial trappings – having been built by the Raj in memory of those of the then Madras Presidency who had fought on behalf of British Empire. Accordingly the letterings on main face were in English, whereas on the other three sides they were in Tamil, Urdu (possibly due to the troops of Arcot who were primarily Muslims) and Telugu. When the British took over Madras, it was ruled by Damarla Venkatapathy Nayak, a Telugu speaking gentleman.
The wording on the Memorial reads as: “To the memory of all those from the Madras Presidency who lost their lives in the service of ‘the Nation’”. To anyone having a closer look it would be obvious that the words ‘the Nation’ had been added later possibly replacing ‘the Empire’. Inscriptions on the four surrounding pillars have now been added. They read as 1947 – 48; 1962 Chinese Aggression; 1965 and 1971 – Indo-Pakistan war.
The function commenced exactly as scheduled at 1100 hours. Lt Gen C Sundara Rao, the Patron of AFVOA was the first to place a wreath on the memorial. He was followed by Maj Gen Chattaraman, the current President of AFVOA, Col TN Raman, Convenor of the IESM, Tamil Nadu, Col A Krishnaswami, VrC, VSM**, RAdm Sivamani and Sqn Ldr J Nagarajan, KC, decorated soldiers of the three services. Thereafter the rest of all the personnel gathered, offered floral tributes to the memory of war heroes.
The function came to a close by sounding of the last post by the soldiers of 5 Jak Rif Regiment.
Brig VA Subramanyam (Retd)
VJAY DIWAS AT DOON VALLEY- DESH KE SHAHID AMAR RAHE
To remember the day of historical and decisive battle fought by Indian soldiers in 1971 for liberation of Bangladesh, homage was paid to MARTYRS at 1545 hrs on 16 Dec 09 at Dakra War Memorial, Dehradun Cantt. Not only all martyrs who sacrificed their life in 1971 war but also all war wounded soldiers of Doonite and their nearest and dearest were remembered on VIJAY DIWAS. Function was organized by Jhanda Committee, Dakra Shahid Chok, Dehradun Cantt which was attended by more 350 Doonites including veterans & their families. Hon’ble Chairman Vidhan sabha Sh Harbans Kapoor was the chief guest and others who attended the Vijay Diwas were Sh Ganesh Joshi, ESM, MLA, Brig KG Behl, Retd, President Dehradun Ex-Services League, Lt Col BM Thapa, Retd, General Secretary Dehradun Ex-services League and Member IESM, Brig P S Gurung,Retd, Lt Col B S Chhetri, Retd, H/Capt P S Rana, H/Capt KB Thapa and many others.
Chief guest and President DESL disseminated the detail information about the VIJAY DIWAS and honoured all war widows, wounded veterans in war and their relatives by presenting souvenirs. Brig K G Behl during his address stressed on OROP and intimated the veterans and their families about all the efforts being taken at every level including by concerned authorities and IESM for an early favorable decision to over come the arouse irresistibility with the Central Govt for which as on today 20000 medals been deposited with President by the veterans.
Lt Col B M Thapa, Retd
Gen Secy, DESL and Member IESM.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
38 years and still waiting for a war memorial
NDTV Correspondent, Thursday December 17, 2009, New Delhi
Today is the 38th anniversary of India's greatest military victory in 1971, but nearly four decades after India won the war against Pakistan, the country is still debating whether there should be a central war memorial.
Defence minister AK Antony with the three service chiefs on Wednesday commemored India's greatest military triumph but 38 years after the 1971 victory, the military top brass still pays homage at India Gate, built as a tribute to soldiers killed defending the British Raj.
India has fought five major wars since 1947 and yet there's no national war memorial for thousands of martyrs, thanks to squabbling between different ministries.
The Defence ministry mooted the latest proposal for a memorial at India Gate, the Urban Development ministry disagreed, now a group of ministers is supposed to take a final decision.
"I hope this time we will be able to find an ultimate solution and we will be able to finally fulfill the long cherished wishes of our country and our armed forces," said Defence Minister AK Antony.
Army chief, General Deepak Kapoor has personally taken up the matter with ministers and even the PMO during the past two years without any result. "It is a must. The earlier it is done, the better it is for the army and for the country," he said.
Distant places like Jammu and Tawang have built local memorials for fallen soldiers but a central memorial continues to elude the Indian armed forces.
38 years and still waiting for a war memorial
Today is the 38th anniversary of India's greatest military victory in 1971, but nearly four decades after India won the war against Pakistan, the country is still debating whether there should be a central war memorial.
Defence minister AK Antony with the three service chiefs on Wednesday commemored India's greatest military triumph but 38 years after the 1971 victory, the military top brass still pays homage at India Gate, built as a tribute to soldiers killed defending the British Raj.
India has fought five major wars since 1947 and yet there's no national war memorial for thousands of martyrs, thanks to squabbling between different ministries.
The Defence ministry mooted the latest proposal for a memorial at India Gate, the Urban Development ministry disagreed, now a group of ministers is supposed to take a final decision.
"I hope this time we will be able to find an ultimate solution and we will be able to finally fulfill the long cherished wishes of our country and our armed forces," said Defence Minister AK Antony.
Army chief, General Deepak Kapoor has personally taken up the matter with ministers and even the PMO during the past two years without any result. "It is a must. The earlier it is done, the better it is for the army and for the country," he said.
Distant places like Jammu and Tawang have built local memorials for fallen soldiers but a central memorial continues to elude the Indian armed forces.
38 years and still waiting for a war memorial
Monday, December 14, 2009
An Army Officer's Daughter laments "Even a Dog will Not come if my father dies"
I am Vaishnavi Prasad, daughter of Colonel K Prasad, whom you would remember from MHOW between 1991-93. I am a student of Journalism in Chennai and am closely following this issue, both on the news and through the email group Report My Signals which my father recieves regularly. You are doing a great service to the armed forces both serving and retired, in fighting the injustice meted out them by the bureaucrats and the politicians.
Here, are my personal views on the same for your reading: Click me
Sincerely & hoping for the best,
A concerned citizen
Vaishnavi
Here, are my personal views on the same for your reading: Click me
Sincerely & hoping for the best,
A concerned citizen
Vaishnavi
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