MoD lays claim on Skinner Estate

MoD lays claim on Skinner Estate
Raman Mohan/TNS
Friday, August 31, 2012, Chandigarh, India
Hisar, August 30
The Ministry of Defence has laid its claim on the famed Skinner Estate in Hansi, a sub divisional town of the district about 25 km from here. The estate under litigation is located on the Delhi Road. Its commercial value is estimated at Rs 200 crore.
The Defence Estate Officer of the Bathinda circle of the ministry has filed an application in a court at Hansi saying that the land belonged to the Indian Army and its sale by a builder was illegal. It said that the estate was established by Col James Skinner who raised the Skinner’s Horse regiment, a cavalry unit which was now a part of the Indian Army.
Skinner established the regiment’s headquarters on this land measuring 214 kanals of land. The Officers’ Mess and a graveyard to bury the martyrs was also established on this land. Through a lawyer the Defence Estate Officer pleaded that the respondents had accepted these facts in a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He reiterated that the land had historical monuments which are of great importance to the army and these should not be allowed to be demolished.
The estate has been a subject of controversy for three decades now when it was first sold in the late eighties. However, the deal fell through. About two years ago, a group of residents of Hansi led by a politician purchased this land from some of the descendants of Skinner. The legal complications however prevented the group of builders from selling plots carved out from this land.
After reaching a settlement with the company which had purchased the land in the eighties, hundreds of trees inside the estate were cut and plots were carved out for sale.
Some of the other descendants of Skinner filed a suit in a local court against the builder. The Defence Ministry has pleaded in its application that it be made a party to this case.
The land was granted to James Skinner as a ‘jagir’ by the British for the services he rendered to the British in the battle for Bharatpur in 1818. The ‘jagir’ rendered Skinner a revenue of Rs 20,000 a year in those days.
Skinner was born in 1778 in Calcutta to Lt Col Hercules Skinner, a Scottish officer in the British Army. James Skinner’s mother was a daughter of a blue-blooded Rajput zamindar. She was taken prisoner in her teens during a battle. James’s father took her under his care and married her. They had six children. His mother committed suicide when he was 12 years old.
Because of his Indian lineage, Skinner was ineligible to serve as an officer in the British army like his father. So at the age of 16, he joined the Maratha army as an ensign under a French commander of the army of the then Gwalior state. He served the Gwalior army for several years and impressed his superiors to rise in the ranks. However, he was dismissed from the Maratha army after the outbreak of the second Anglo-Maratha War. He was sacked along with all other Anglo-Indians.
He kept trying to join the British Indian Army then commanded by Lord Lake. On February 23, 1803, Skinner raised a regiment of irregular cavalry and named it as Skinner's Horse. The officers and men of the regiment were called the Yellow Boys after the colour of their uniform. The regiment showed its prowess in many battles and ultimately it became the most decorated regiment of light cavalry in the British Indian Army. It is still a part of the Indian Army.
In 1828, James was promoted to the rank of a Lt Col in the British Army, while his brother, Robert was promoted as a Major. Later, James became a Colonel after having been appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath on December 26, 1826.
MoD lays claim on Skinner Estate

13th Kargil Vijay Divas

Massive tricolour hosted at Kargil war memorial Drass
A massive tricolour, was hoisted at the Kargil war memorial in Jammu and Kashmir in Drass sub-sector as part of the celebrations of the 13th anniversary of victory in the 1999 war.
13th Kargil Vijay Divas is being celebrated on Thursday.
The day is being observed as "Vijay Divas".
Various programmes are being organized to mark the occasion.
The successful eviction of Pakistani soldiers from the Indian soil happened thirteen years ago during the Kargil conflict, which began in May 1999, lasted more than two months before Pakistan soldiers were forced to retreat from the mountain tops they had occupied overlooking the Srinagar-Leh highway.
A memorial service was organised at India Gate in New Delhi on the occasion.
Kargil War Memorial

Widows pf ESM get Raksha Mantri's hearing

Dear Colleagues,
A delegation of widows accompanied by some of us (total 12 members) called on the Defence Minister in his office on 14 Nov 2011. This meeting was at the behest of Mrs Sonia Gandhi: a delegation of 200 widows was to meet her Nov 12, but as she is still not fit enough for such commitments, she had advised the Defence Minister to meet their representatives. The meeting aimed at seeking removal of discrimination against the widows and implementing a hike in their pension as was done in case of JCOs and OR following recommendations of the Cabinet Secretary’s Committee.
It was a good, unhurried meeting where the widows had their full say. The Minister sounded very sympathetic and promised to have a meeting of the concerned officials of his Ministry to resolve the issue of widows’ pension. A memorandum was then handed over to the Minster. It ended by saying that in case there was no positive response from the government by end of December 2011, the widows would revive their plans to meet with Ms Sonia Gandhi.
Subedar Major and Hony Captain Hari Singh of 3 GRENADIERS was a hero of the battle of Basantar in 1971 war. He had commanded a platoon in ‘C’ Coy under Major Hoshiar Singh, PVC, had lost a leg and was awarded Sena Medal. (Also had been Commended twice by the COAS). Hari Singh expired on 15 November 2010 and on his first death anniversary, they have installed a statue in his native village Salhawas in Jhajjar District. They had given the honour of unveiling the statue to Chairman IESM. Kameshwar Pandey had accompanied. On the occasion some 250 ESM had gathered from nearby areas and it was a good interaction.
Notably, the politicians were earlier unveiling such memorial statues of our heroes. After the recent awakening among the ESM to assert their rights, the veterans have now started doing this honour.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Floral tributes paid to martyrs at the Veer Smriti war memorial

Friday, September 16, 2011, Chandigarh, India
Western Command marks 64th Raising Day
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 15
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony marked the Western Command’s 64th Raising Day at its headquarters in Chandimandir today.

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen SR Ghosh and Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, the Command’s former GOC-in-C, paid floral tributes to
martyrs at the Veer Smriti war memorial.

A ceremonial guard reversed arms as a mark of respect to the martyrs, while buglers sounded the Last Post. A two-minute silence was also observed. Senior officers were also present on the occasion. Inmates from the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, Mohali, also attended the ceremony as the Army is observing 2011 as the ‘Year of Disabled Soldiers’.

Raised in 1947 as the Delhi and East Punjab Command, with headquarters at Delhi, it was mandated to control formations with an operational role in the territorial areas of the present Western and Northern Commands. It was redesignated as the Western Command in January 1948. In 1954, the headquarters of the command moved to Shimla. After the Indo-Pak Conflict of 1971, the Northern Command, with its Headquarters at Udhampur, was carved out of the Western Command to assume operational responsibility of Jammu and Kashmir. Later headquarters of the Western Command moved to Chandimandir in 1985.

The Western Command was instrumental in effectively blunting the Pakistani aggression in 1947, 1965 and 1971, and subsequently carrying the battle into enemy territory. Its troops, formations and units have always distinguished themselves, winning a large number of gallantry awards, including 11 Param Vir Chakras.
martyrs at the Veer Smriti war memorial

War Memorial: 13 KUMAON

REZANGLA WAR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION STONE LAYING BY CM AT PALAM VIHAR

Dear Sir,
1. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, will lay the foundation stone for the construction of Rezangla War Memorial on 16 Sep 2011 at 1.30 PM at Rezangla Chowk near DSOI Gurgaon in Sector-23,Palam Vihar Gurgaon.
2. You are cordially invited to attend, so that next of kins of martyrs of 13 KUMAON, who sacrificed their lives in Indo-China War in 1962, should feel that Nation salutes their elders and beloved ones.
3. Invitation Card is as above.
With kind regards,
Yours faithfully
Dr TC Rao, Veteran
President
Vijay Diwas & Rezangla Samaroh Shahidi Samiti

Kargil Divas: Report from Mangalore

KARGIL VIJAYA DIWAS - 26 JUL 2011
My dear Brig,
I am submitting a brief account of activities of AFVs of Mangalore, on, Kargil Diwas, with a request to publish the same, in RMS.
We held a press briefing at the Press Club, Mangalore, on 25 Jul 11.
On 26 Jul 11, Radio "Mirchi"( 98.3 MHz ), organised a real time live Radio broadcast, from 0830 - 1100 hrs, where in, three AFVs, my self from Army, W O Radhakrishna Shetty from IA, P O Joachim D' Souza from IN, were interviewed. Two telephone interviews were also conducted with Brig I N Rai, SIKH LI, and Col Prem Kumar Shetty , JAK Rifles. It was well received by the public.
In the evening, at 1700 hrs, four Veterans were honoured at a public function. at the Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore. The AFVs were : Brig I N Rai, Col N S Bhandary, Wg Cdr D R Belle,and Cdr G P Mascarenhas.

Wing Commander D R Belle, Brigadier I N Rai, Colonel N S Bhandari and Lt Commander G P Mascarenhas were felicitated by Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner Dr K N Vijayprakash on the commemoration of Kargil Vijay Divas.
At 2000 hrs, AFVs gathered at the War Memorial, at Kadri Hills, Mangalore. A large number of people including civilians and LIONS club members, attended. LIONS district Governor, Ln J K Rao, graced the occasion.
We all lit a candle each and placed a flower next to it.
It was a solemn and graceful function. There after, LIONS club, hosted a dinner for us.
With good wishes and warm regards,
Your's sincerely,
Col Nitteguthu Sharath Bhandary (Retd)

Ex servicemen observe Kargil Vijay Diwas on Kadri Hills
Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 27, 2011 :The 12th anniversary of the Kargil victory was celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 Tuesday by the DK District Ex Servicemen Association and Lions Club Mangalore on Kadri Hills, during which the soldiers who had laid down their lives while on duty were honored.
The dignitaries and eminent personalities present offered floral tributes to the martyrs at the war memorial. Candles were lit and a minutes silence was observed.
Kargil Vijay Diwas was held in commemoration of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1999. The two-month war, which commenced in May 1999 ended at the end of July when the Pakistani army retreated. The Indian Army lost 543 soldiers during the war, and these soldiers were honored after their death.
Ex servicemen observe Kargil Vijay Diwas on Kadri Hills

Valour is their forte

The Hindu 27 January 2011, by G. Nagaraja
It is a legacy to respond to the call of duty in defence of the motherland that is handed down from generation to generation in this village.

DESERVING HONOUR: The memorial built in commemoration of war heroes killed in World War I and II at Military Madhavaram in West Godavari district.

MILITARY MADHAVARAM (W.G. DT.): The very prefix of this nondescript village, 12 km from Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district, speaks volumes about its key role in the armed forces.

The term ‘military' has become a household name in the village. The imposing war memorial built in commemoration of the ‘sons of the soil' who laid down their lives in the World War I and II in the heart of the village generates an indomitable spirit of bravery that wafts through the ambience.

It is a legacy to respond to the call of duty in defence of the motherland that is handed down from generation to generation in this village. Take the case of 78-year-old Vempali Markhendeyulu for instance.

He joined the military and served the country from 1960-87, drawing inspiration from his grandfather Vempali Venkatachalam Subedar Bahadur, who served in the British army in World War I. “My elder son is an ex-serviceman and my grandson joined the Army recently,” says Markhendeyulu with a sense of pride.

Markhendeyulu fought in the China War in 1962, Indo-Pak war in 1965 and in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Jamedar Bandaru Venkata Satyanarayana (90), the lone survivor among all those who took part in World War II from the village recalls, “The British conducted an army recruitment camp in our village in the run up to World War II and I got selected in that camp.” He served the country on the Burma and China borders, besides fighting in the World War II from 1940 to 1942. As per inscriptions on the war memorial, 90 persons from the village fought in the World War I and 1,110 in the World War II. Eleven personnel were killed in World War II. According to Markandeyulu, the village with a population of 10,000 has 2,400 ex-servicemen and 1,200 serving the military in different capacities. There are 68 in-service men in the village who retired in the rank of ‘Subedar'.

Minister to visit
Impressed by the lofty history of the village, Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju is planning to visit it on February 6 for an interaction with the ‘patriots.'
Patriotism: Valour is their forte

SC sees no valid objections to the military war memorial

Tuesday, August 31, 2010
SC okays the military memorial
Many of those who earlier vehemently opposed the project have since resigned to the construction activity within the park... Bosky Khanna
The legal battle to protect an important and centrally-located park in the city from 'development' came to an end on Monday, as the Supreme Court dismissed the plea against the memorial filed by petitioner Dr Sudhir Pai, secretary of Krishna Apartments Association.
The apex court upheld the decision of the Karnataka high court, which on June 4, had said that the construction of the National Military Memorial within the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park would be in the interest of the general public, and a matter of pride for the city. The high court had also observed that the park would only lose about four eucalyptus trees.
The petitioner had sought the intervention of the apex court against the June 4 ruling of the high court. The Supreme Court bench, comprising justices GS Singhvi and AK Ganguly dismissed the case on Monday. On July 26, the two judges had adjourned hearing of the case by four weeks as the respondents had said that they did not receive the court notice that sought details of the site map.
Responding to the ruling of the Supreme Court, Dr Pai said, "If the court thinks that this is not a violation of the law, then what more can we do? We can do nothing but look on as the construction continues. We hope this won't set a precedent. After this, many other parks in the city could have construction approved for various issues, including emotional ones."
Representing just the opposite viewpoint while reacting to the hearing, Major General MC Nanjappa, sub-committee member for the Rashtriya Sainik Smaraka, said that the ruling brought much joy. This is a national project, and this is one expression of gratitude to the martyrs, he said. "The cause of the construction of the Smaraka was not just an ex-servicemen's battle. It is also a victory for the state government. As ex-servicemen, we have a sentimental attachment to the project. We now hope that all, including the ones who went to court against the project, will now join hands in offering suggestions and seeing to the completion of the project," Major General Nanjappa said.
With regard to the deadline set earlier for the completion of the project, Major General Nanjappa said, "We hope that the major symbolic portion of the proposed project would be completed by Vijay Diwas, December 16. We hope that the Veeragalu and flag post will be ready by then. Minor works like the motivation hall and landscaping could take more time."
Subhashini Vasanth, founder-trustee of Vasantharatna Foundation for Art, also the wife of deceased Col Vasanth Venugopal, who died in 2007 fighting terrorists in Kashmir, said, "I am very happy for this judgment. It was beyond the power of any one person to do this, and there were certain delays, but I am hopeful that the construction of at least the basic structure would be done by Vijay Diwas. Else, it is likely that the project would be completed by Republic Day."
Environmentalists, however, who had earlier opposed construction activity within the park, are now looking forward to the greening of the entire area. Dr AN Yellappa Reddy, a noted environmentalist, said, "Though in principle I was opposed to the construction, now I am resigned to it. I hope the whole area will be made a green space."
What is heartening is that even those who earlier opposed the idea are now pitching in with suggestions. Yellappa said, "I was invited to visit the place a fortnight ago to offer suggestions on greening the area. I suggested that the six acres earmarked for the construction should be developed into a patriotic, spiritual garden."
Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, on July 1, faced with opposition to the project, had declared that construction of the memorial would be dropped; a fortnight later, in a volte-face, he had announced that construction would go ahead. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs15 crore.
SC okays the military memorial

IESL: Meeting with CM of Uttarakhand

ESM Delegation Brig PS Gurung Col VK Sharma MLA Sh Ganesh Joshi Lt Gen GS Negi Lt Gen OP Kaushik

Lt Gen OP Kaushik Lt col B M Thapa with Media

Lt Gen HB Kala Lt Gen OP Kaushik MLA Sh Ganesh Joshi MLA
GOVT DEDICATED TO ENSURE THE WELL BEING OF SOLDIERS
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 13:24:08
CHIEF MINISTER UTTARAKHAND DR RAMESH POKHRIYAL “NISHANK” SAYS GOVT DEDICATED TO ENSURE WELL BEING OF SOLDIERS DURING THE MEETING HELD ON 04 JAN 10 AT BIJAPUR GUEST HOUSE WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY MLA SH GANESH JOSHI (ESM)

A meeting was held with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal on 04 Jan 10 at Bijapur guest house. The delegation of Ex Servicemen (ESM) lead by Lt Gen H B Kala and MLA Sh Ganesh Joshi(ESM) to discuss various welfare issues of Ex-Servicemen of State.

The veterans’ delegation consisted of Lt Gen G S Negi, Lt Gen O P Kaushik, Brig K G Behl, President Dehradun Ex-Services League, Brig N B S Bisht, Brig H C Singh, Lt Col V K Sharma, Lt Col H S Dalal, Lt Col B M Thapa, General Secretary Dehradun Ex-Services League, Capt K B Thapa and Capt A S Gosain .

Lt Gen H B Kala offered New Year’s greetings on behalf of all ESM and congratulated CM on achievements of State being declared one of the top 3 fastest developing state of the country.

The delegation appealed to CM for the following welfare issues:
a) War Memorial to be constructed in the State.
b) Establishment of Industrial Training Institute for providing training to the Ex-soldiers, their dependents and to the families of dead soldiers and serving soldiers.
c) Provision of more job opportunities and employment for ESM in disaster management, Ganga Bachao Abhiyan and in various other State organizations.
d) Appointment of Cabinet Minister with defence background similar to other states in the country. Such an appointment would take care of various welfare and development issues pertaining to ESM.

Chief Minister said that State ESM will be given their due respect, attention and cooperation as their contribution is limitless. Detailed news were published in Garhwal Post and Himanchal Times.
Lt Col B M Thapa, Retd
General Secretary
Ex- Services League

Capt Navpal’s sacrifice remembered

Brigadier DS Chahal salutes at Captain Navpal Sidhu’s memorial at Balidan Divas function. Photo: Raj Sadosh
Sriganganagar/Abohar, December 30
Brigadier DS Chahal was followed by Rajasthan agricultural marketing minister Gurmeet Singh Kunnar, former minister Surinderpal Singh and other dignitaries in offering floral tributes to Captain Navpal Singh Sidhu during the seventh Balidan Divas function of the latter at his memorial in his native village 40 RB, about nine kilometers from Padampur on the Raisinghnagar road in Sriganganagar district today.
Navpal's Sacrifice remembered

Fazilka War memorial: 1971 Indo Pak war

Fazilka, December 8
The war memorial set up by residents of this town in the memory of 82 soldiers of the Indian Army, who laid their lives while protecting the area during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, is being renovated these days.

Mohan Lal Paruthi, who was among those who cremated the bodies of 82 soldiers who laid their lives during the 1971 war, stands outside the war memorial that has been set up in Fazilka as a token of respect to the martyrs.Tribune photo: Pawan Sharma

Read the full article
Fazilka residents donate for face-lifting of war memorial

Vijay Diwas at Navi Mumbai- 15 Aug 2009

Dear All
Over 200 ESM comprising of All Ranks from Army/Navy/Airforce, in Navi Mumbai celebrated VIJAY- DIWAS on 15 Aug 2009 at YMCA Hall CBD Belapur under the aegis of EX-SERVICEMEN LEAGUE, Affiliated to IESM.
This was to provide a platform for exchange of views between Defence & Civil fraternity, on various issues affecting ESM,Defence/Security of Nation,local matters like,naming of roads after the Defence Martyrs/ Hero's, War Memorial, Property Tax exemption & Allotment of accommodation for ESM to meet/ interact etc.
Mr Suresh Haware renowned Social activist, Scientist & Entrepreneur, was the chief Guest,large number of speakers from both sides spoke, including Vice Admiral IC Rao, PVSM, AVSM(Retd) Col DP Singh, President, Ex servicemen League gave out resume of ESM activities in Navi Mumbai including compilation of ESM directory. The meeting ended with National Anthem followed by Tea & snacks. We plan to hold regular meetings to bring all ESM on one platform and Interact with local Civil/ Political entities in the cause of ESM.
Brigadier Dharam Prakash (Retd)

Kargil Diwas: Raipur

JAB SHAHEED KI CHITA JALI THI
SARA GAON WANHI THA
SEENE PAR THE GHAO SABHI
PEETH PAR EK BHI NA THA
EK GHAO MATHE PAR BHI THA
JO ANTIM GOLI THI
JISEY DEKH SHAHEED KI MATA BOLI
GHAO MAT KAHO ISE
TILAK HIMGIRI NE LAGA DIYA
SOYA MERA LAL HAI LEKIN
SARE BHARAT KO JAGA DIYA
This is what was recited by a person during the Kargil Diwas function organised at Raipur. Many luminaries spoke on the Saga of Bravery shown by Indian Soldiers at various operations. The Rotary club honoured the Widows and dependants of Soldiers who laid down their lives.
At 1830 hrs, a silent march with lighted candles started and reached "JAI STAMBH", in the heart of the city and placed the candles with flower petals at the pedestal. Thereafter, a convention was held followed by dinner. Both parties, viz BJP and Congress were represented. Seven e- media and most print media covered it but with the political tint.
Pamphlets were printed and distributed to all and sundry through various means. However, it was a beginning worth the effort. The Rotary Club is now keen to hold many more such events. We must make efforts to have at least one day in the year recognised as "Veteran Day".
Jai Hind
Col Siddhartha Bose
CG State Convener

Kargil Diwas: Twin Cities

Dear Brig Kamboj,
Please find below a short coverage of some activities at Twin Cities.
Regards
Lt Gen KS Rao (Retd)

KARGIL DIWAS- TWIN CITIES-HYD & SEC’BADA solemn function at Basantar War Memorial at Mehdipatam Garrison was organised by 54 Inf Div, where a large number of soldiers (Army, Navy & Air Force), both serving and veterans paid their tributes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the security of our Motherland. The Division had also invited the NOK of the Kargil Heroes and some gallant soldiers who were killed during CI Operations. The ceremony was followed by Tea. Present amongst the NOKs was Mrs Acharya, wife of Maj Acharya MVC (Posthomus) of 2 Raj Rif and also his Father Wg Cdr Acharya. Col PR Rao, SM and self were there.

ISB Pays Tributes to Kargil Heroes
Class 2010 of Indian School of Business organised the function at their Campus Auditorium. The function commenced with the screening of a film on Kargil and was followed by a lecture on Leadership, the Army way. LT Gen SRR Aiyengar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM who was commandant DSSC and NDC was the Chief Guest, delivered the Talk. The Audience Comprising of Dean, Faculty Members and students of ISB, Commandant, Faculty Members and some students( including three officers who participated in Kargil ops) of CDM besides a few others like me were exposed to one of the most enthralling lectures on Leadership. The General, besides quoting examples also touched upon Nation Building. The Dean thanked General for the captivating talk and the audience gave a standing ovation, not common at ISB.

Later during the informal interaction, members of the audience, the majority of ISB were quite convinced that money was not the only thing in life and our Armed Forces had been doing and are doing a magnificent job of keeping the Nation Secure. The class of 2010 interacted with CDM students.

Ex-servicemen denied entry into memorial

Ex-servicemen staging a protest near the Martyrs Memorial in Secunderabad on Sunday.
Express News Service Published: 27 Jul 2009 10:27:59 AM IST
HYDERABAD: AT a time when the nation paid its homage to the martyrs of the Kargil war, exservicemen in the city were denied the privilege. They were stopped from entering the Kargil Martyrs Memorial at Parade Grounds to pay their respects to those who laid their lives fighting the enemy in the hostile terrains of Kargil.

The nation celebrated the 10th year anniversary of the victory of Indian soldiers over their Pakistani counterparts in the Kargil war, on Sunday. Members of the AP Ex-servicemen Welfare Association on Sunday morning arrived at the Parade Grounds to pay their respects to the martyrs who laid their lives down for the country. Army authorities, however, did not allow them to enter the premises.

With the Army authorities unrelenting, the ex-servicemen laid wreaths on the fencing opposite the Martyrs Memorial and squatted on the pavement for sometime. Association president, A Rangaiah Goud, deplored the adamant attitude of the Army authorities and said they were ill-treated by the authorities.

He demanded that the government sack the director of Sainik Welfare Board and appoint an IAS or IPS officer who would work for their welfare.
Ex-servicemen denied entry into memorial

Country’s first military memorial in Bangalore

Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, KarnatakaThe memorial, which is being constructed by the State Government at a cost of Rs. 10 crore, will come up on a seven-acre plot located beside the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain at T. Chowdiah Road, in Bangalore. The memorial will be ready by January 26, 2010.
Foundation stone laid for National Military Memorial

Parents of the slain NSG commando Sandeep Unnikrishnan offering flowers at the newly inaugurated National Military Memorial
Bangalore : In a show of reverence for martyrs and respect to soldiers in the armed forces, the Karnataka government on Tuesday became the first state to have a national military memorial, the first in the country after Independence. The monument, beside the Indira Gandhi musical fountain in the city, represents the spirit and valour of the forces.

Laying the foundation stone, governor Rameshwar Thakur said such memorials were needed to recognise the service of men and women who, despite personal discomfort, relentlessly maintain a vigil. "I have no doubt this memorial will become an inspiration for thousands of young boys, girls, men and women to become committed citizens," he added.

The memorial, to be maintained by a trust set up by the state government, will have a landscape where the only visible elements will be the three displays from the Army, Navy and Air Force. An interior symbolic walk will begin with the Veera-Gallu monument. It will also have an amphitheatre and a museum where film documentaries will be screened, a Hall of Fame, reference material and a memorabilia section. It could be ready by January 26, 2010.

Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, Union minister of state for defence M M Pallam Raju, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Lieut. Gen. A K Lamba, members of Parliament Ananth Kumar, Rajeev Chandrashekar and several ex-servicemen and serving officials attended the ceremony.
TOI- Military memorial ready by Jan next
Express Buzz- Country’s first military memorial in Bangalore

Comments: Cdr Krishnan Punchhi
It is even more significant because this Bengaluru Memorial will be the first instance of a Military memorial being built in Independent India - a fact that sometimes surprises many, given the many conflicts fought by our forces and the many lives laid down and sacrifices made.

The Armed forces are one of them - and the men and women who make up the forces. I strongly believe and have always believed that the forces are the last of the few professional, secular institutions that are still driven by a sense of nationalism and duty and live and die by the simple idea of Nation First! - Values that unfortunately have disappeared or are disappearing from almost all other areas of public service.

I believe that we don't value enough - our living soldiers, serving or retired. You need to only look at the protesting Ex-servicemen in Jantar Mantar, Delhi and see how little the media and civil society has bothered to question, why men of such great honor and record of service, are being forced to return their medals. It's a sign that as a nation we are not caring enough or valuing their service enough. I consider it our duty to protect and nurture the forces and personnel and their families and have worked to the best of my ability in my few years of public service for this and I hope many- many more in civil society and media will be motivated by this memorial to do so today and in the future.

Punjab: War memorial alterations irk ex-servicemen

Jalandhar, January 20
The modern-day need for the railway overbridge across the Lyallpur Khalsa College crossing is leading to the squeezing up of the prestigious Punjab State War Memorial which stands up as an epitome of sacrifices laid down by the valiant soldiers of the region.

Major-Gen G.S. Sohi (Retd) had suggested, “This war memorial is the pride of Punjab and it was not built in a day. It took 26 years to bring it to this level. These things cannot be recreated. So instead of disturbing the memorial, the PWD should look out for some engineering alternatives.”

The plan to set up the Punjab State War Memorial was conceived in 1976 and it was raised in 1982. Though the site belongs to the Jalandhar improvement trust, its maintenance was handed over to the sainik welfare office in 1991 due to poor upkeep by the trust.

However, PWD SE Ram Pal said, “No alternative plan is possible in this case. A portion of memorial has to be covered in the project.”
War memorial alterations irk ex-servicemen

IAF officers call for war memorial at Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, named after the Father of the Nation
Express News Service
Posted: Jan 19, 2009 at 0118 hrs IST

The state capital my soon get a war memorial in memory of the martyrs of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Indian Air Force (IAF) officers called for this at the annual meeting of the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association held at Gandhinagar on Sunday.

Air Marshal K D Singh, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command (SWAC), said the war memorial would remind of the sacrifices made by the IAF during the 1971 war.

The Air Marshal emphasised on the need for spreading awareness about the activities of the IAF. “Like the Army, which regularly conducts the Know Your Army campaign, the IAF also has been undertaking Surya Kiran aerobatic shows for public awareness. Ex-servicemen must also educate the public about the Armed Forces,” he said.

He released a souvenir and honoured mother of (late) Major Joje Joseph, a martyr from Gandhinagar, on the occasion. War widows, widows of Armed Forces veterans and meritorious children of the servicemen were also honoured.

Among others present at the function were Lieutenant General (retd) Mahipatsinhji, president, Gujarat Ex-servicemen League, Air Marshal (retd) P K Desai, president Air Force Association, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) M S Pannu, Lieutenant Colonel Kishore Sinh Gohil, Director Rajya Sainik Welfare and Resettlement Board, KG Vanzara, Director, Developing Caste Welfare-Gujarat, D C Joshi, GM IDEA Cellular, and B P Prajapati, president Gandhinagar Ex-servicemen Association.
IAF officers call for war memorial at Gandhinagar

State War Memorial in Bhopal and Narsingpur stadium to be named after Col Ajay Mushran

I attended a function organised by the Madhya Pradesh Foundation at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi on 10 July 2008. In the presence of Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia MoS for Communications & IT , the Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh Shri Shiv Raj Singh Chauhan (BJP) announced that Madhya Pradesh would take steps forthwith to establish a War Memorial in the state. He also requested Mr Scindia and the former CM of MP, Shri Digvijay Singh to help get the message across to the politicians at the centre regarding the crying need to set up a national war memorial at Delhi.

To my mind it was not an empty promise. It was made in the presence of Army Chief, Vice Chiefs of Army & Navy, DGOS, DGMS(Army) & Brig Tom Pande, Mahavir Chakra - all are sons of Madhya Pradesh except Army Chief whose father in law Brig Tom Pande is from MP. The occasion was the second annual lecture in memory of late Col Ajay Mushran (Roddy's cabin mate at the academy) who served with distinction 26 yrs in the Army & 24 yrs in politics. Col Mushran was the respected Finance Minister in Digvijay Singh's cabinet.

The CM also announced that the stadium at Narsingpur, MP would be named after Col Ajay Mushran. The CM deserves kudos & the gratitude of Veteran soldiers from all over India for speedy implementation of his promise. Last week I came across the Tender notice issued by MP, inviting Expressions of Interest for setting up the War Memorial in the hills around Bhopal.

Incidentally, at the Function, the quote of the day & - one which was echoed by others came from Brig Pande. He said that today's soldier should be given a better quality of life and that the gaurv & samman of earlier days should be returned to him. He elaborated that everyone should realise that soldiers will often risk/ lay down their lives for that one inch of ribbon and not just for money!

Cdr Arun Saigal

SCPC: Protest Rally Report from Bangalore 06 July 2008

Dear ESM,
For those of you who attended- God bless you.
For those of you who could have attended but chose not to- perhaps a little introspection would be in order.

Result- will be disseminated when we obtain information. The CM has announced that a war memorial would be built in Karnataka. If fructified, it will be the first of its kind in the Country.

Pointers- The CM has stated that he will consider our demands. Seperately, he has asked for a short draft/ summary of our demands and the same has been done. It is understood that serious efforts are in progress to ensure that our 4 demands are strongly reccomended by the CM and forwarded to the PM.

Best wishes,
Joe and Norma Prabhu
Bangalore

Indian Army gets respect abroad but faces a siege within

The Defence Minister, Shri A K Antony paying homage to the Indian Soldiers who died during the second World War at the Berlin War Cemetery, in Germany on May 26, 2008. The Air Chief Marshal FH Major is also seen. (Photograph courtesy Press Information Bureau of India)

The visit to the Berlin War Cemetery recently by Indian Defence Minister A K Antony, where amid a sombre mood rich tributes were paid to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War.

As the bugler sounded the “Last Post” at the war cemetery, Antony with senior officials moved towards the memorials built at the cemetery where bodies of 50 soldiers from undivided India were laid to rest during the Second World War. He placed a wreath at the memorial on which “Their Name liveth for ever more” was inscribed. A small detachment of the German Guards stepped forward to aid the minister to place a wreath at the memorial. He showered rose petals as the bugler again blew the “Last Post” signing the end of the mourning period. Two priests chanted prayers as the delegation members placed rose stalks at the graves.

Indian army gets respect abroad, but faces siege within
Antony Pays Homage to Indian war Dead in Berlin

Forwarded by Brig PT Gangadharan (Retd)

Comment: Do we have any worthwhile war memorials to honour our soldiers who gave their lives in the Indo China 1962 war, Indo Pak wars 1965 and 1971, recent Kargil War and for the many who have perished in Insurgency Operations in Nagaland, NE, Assam and Jammu and Kashmir? Does our Nation have any other means of honouring the memory of our Soldiers? Do we have a consolidated list of those who sacrificed their lives for each Campaign published? Should not the Greatest Democratic Country in the world let its citizens know who died safe gaurding the Nation?