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CHIEF’S PAGE
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS paying homage to the
martyrs at Amar Jawan during bi-centenary celebration
of Gorkha Bde on 14 Feb
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with students of
Law College Mumbai on 27 Feb
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS presenting a modified auto
scooter to a veteran at Jhajjar on 14 Mar
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with a veteran
during ESM Rally at Jhajjar on 14 Mar
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with a Veer Nari
during ESM Rally at Jhajjar on 14 Mar
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS congratulating Nb Sub Jitu
Rai on being awarded the “CNN IBN Indian of the Year
(Sports Category)” on 18 Mar
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VISITORS AND AWARDS
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with Gen Sir
Nicholas Patrick Carter, Chief of General Staff, UK
Army on 09 Feb
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with Col Gen
Saylukov Oleg Leonidovich, C-in-C, Russian Land
Forces on 16 Feb
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with Gen Zhang
Youxia, Head of General Armament Department, PLA
on 28 Feb
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS interacting with Gen Jean
Pierre Bosser, Chief of Staff, French Army on 09 Mar
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS, presenting the
President’s Standards to 44 Armored Regt at
Suratgarh Military Station on 25 Feb
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS presenting COAS Trophy
for the Best All Round performance to Col Saurabh
Sharma at CDM on 24 Mar
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5
JAMMU & KASHMIR DIARY
SAILAB SE SALAMATI TAK
The Kashmiri youths’ cycling expedition titled ‘Sailab Se Salamati Tak (from Floods to Safety)
was flagged off from Srinagar by GOC, 15 Corps on 31 Jan. The team comprised of 19
cyclists from the flood affected areas of the Valley, led by Maj Vishesh Arora. They had cycled
a total distance of 1000 Km across Banihal to New Delhi. On 12 Feb, the team interacted with
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS at South Block who commended their spirit and appreciated the role
of Kashmiri youth to spring back to normalcy after the devastating flash floods.
INDIA CHINA BORDER MEET
A ceremonial Border Personal Meeting (BPM) on the occasion of ‘Chinese Spring
Festival was held on 18 Feb to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual
Control (LAC). Delegations led by Brigadier VS Rawat from Indian Army and Senior
Colonel Fanjun from China’s PLA met at Chinese BPM hut in Moldo Garrison of PLA in
Chushul Sector of eastern Ladakh.
AVALANCHE RESCUE OP
Four Locals enroute to their village got trapped in Kawalu area of Khari Tehsil
in Ramban district under heavy snow slide on 21 Feb 2015. On receiving this
information, troops of Delta Force immediately rushed to the incident site with
rescue equipment and managed to extricate them safely after giving them first aid.
ARTIFICIAL LIMB AND BLOOD DONATION CAMP
Distribution of artificial limbs and blood donation camp was organised by Romeo Force at
border village Gambhir of Rajouri district on 19 Jan 15. The camp was inaugurated by Maj Gen
AK Sanyal, VSM, GOC, Romeo Force. During the camp, three artificial limbs were distributed
to the differently abled villagers and to motivate the people the General Officer also donated
blood. Alongside a library consisting of 1000 books was handed over to Government Higher
Secondary School Gambhir under OP Sadbhavana.
NEERAJ SAINIK INSTITUTE
Nk Neeraj Kumar Singh of 57 RR (RAJ RIF) was awarded with ASHOK CHAKRA(posthumous),
for his supreme sacrifice on the line of duty, during a Search and Destroy Operation. Saluting
the martyr , Maj Gen Paramjit Singh, SM, GOC, 28 Inf Div dedicated the Sainik Institute at
53 Inf Bde near, Kalarooch in Kupwara distt to “Vajr Warriors” and christened it “Neeraj
Sainik Institute”.
BANDIPORE’S GOT TALENT
A vibrant multi faceted youth oriented programme organised by Chinar Corps over a period
of ten days culminated at the picturesque Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Bandipore on 25 Mar.
Over 700 youth participated in the programme which showcased the rich traditions of
Kashmir and its cultural ethos by means of folk song performances and music. The Army
dedicated a library to youth of Bandipora which was inaugurated by Lt Gen Subrata Saha,
GOC Chinar Corps. Enthusiastic children of Bandipora added an art gallery to this library.
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NORTH EAST DIARY
ASSISTANCE FOR VILLAGERS
Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, GOC 3 Corps donated two Solar Street Lights
to Chingningkok Village, four computer sets to Andro village and utility items to RUSA
(Rural Service Agency), district Imphal East in a ceremony organised by 30 AR & 40 AR
at Mantripukhri garrison on 13 Jan 2015. The General Officer lauded the Assam Rifles in
restoring normalcy in the area, for undertaking projects to obviate problems of the locals and
also for introducing the existing facility in the erstwhile insurgency inflicted state.
ARMY EQUIPMENT AND BAND DISPLAY
A three day festival was organized by the state of Arunachal Pradesh on the occasion
of the 29th Statehood Day Celebration. Indian Army displayed its diverse weapons and
three Pipe and Drum bands during the celebrations. The stall was visited by Lieutenant
General Nirbhay Sharma, PVSM, UYSM, AYSM, VSM (Retired), the Governor of
Arunachal Pradesh and Chief Minister, Mr Nabum Tuki at Indira Gandhi Park, Itanagar
on 20 February 2015.
EX-SERVICEMEN ANNUAL STATE RALLY
Dr Mukul Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya inaugurated the Exservicemen rally and a Medical Camp on 21 Feb 2015. The rally was organized at
Assam Regimental Centre, Happy Valley Shillong. The Hon’ble Chief Minister assured
the ex-servicemen of all assistance and support from the State Government. He
felicitated eminent ex-servicemen, war widows and all gallantry awardees hailing
from state of Meghalaya.
ASSISTANCE FOR THE HOMELESS
A Fire incident took place at Wokha, Nagaland on 24 Feb 15 leaving a number of residents
homeless, without basic needs like food & shelter. As a humanitarian aid, 17 Assam Rifles
provided assistance to the homeless by providing them tents till such time the families could
repair their houses. They also provided essential food items to overcome their immediate
needs.
MEDICAL CAMP AT CHOWKIHOLA
In continuing with its efforts of ameliorating the condition of the downtrodden by providing
them with health care facilities at their doorstep, the Deithar based Army Camp organised
a Medical Camp at Village Chowkihola in East Karbianglong area of Assam on 14 Mar. The
camp was heavily subscribed with a large number of patients turning up from morning. The
camp was aimed at screening locals for medical problems, treating ailments and creating
health awareness amongst the masses.
ATTESTATION PARADE ASSAM REGIMENTAL CENTRE
186 Recruits of Batch No 312 of the Assam Regimental Centre were attested on 30 March
2015 in a scintillating ceremony conducted at the Parsons Parade Ground of the Assam
Regimental Centre. The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, YSM,
VSM & Bar, Colonel of The Assam Regiment and Arunachal Scouts. The parade ground
was thronged by parents and relatives of the recruits. A large number of Military and civilian
guests were also present.
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7
WW-I CENTENARY CELEBRATIONs
COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
The commemorative events began with The Hon’ble President Pranab
Mukherjee paying homage to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti on 09 Mar 2015
alongwith the three Sevice Chiefs. The highlight of the commemorative event was
the exhibition at Manekshaw Centre in which the moments and conditions of World
War I were recreated. The opening day of the exhibition coincides with the Battle of
Neuve Chapple, marking the British offensive in the Artois region of France, where
maximum Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice.
On 10 Mar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the martyrs at
the Amar Jawan Jyoti. A Veterans Run flagged off by Vice Chief of Army
Staff, carrying the inaugural Heritage Torch from Commonwealth War
Cemetery, Brar Square to Manekshaw Centre kickstarted the exhibition.
The last Veteran Runner Honorary Captain (Retd) Bana Singh, PVC, had
handed over the ‘Heritage Torch’ to the Hon’ble President for lighting the
symbolic ‘flame of Remembrance’ (Inaugural Flame) and inaugurating
the Commemorative exhibition. After which the COAS General Dalbir
Singh addressed the distinguished guests and highlighted the role and
sacrifices of the Indian soldiers during the great war. Some indelible
lines of his speech are quoted here for our readers.
The young men going to
war had only one thought
in their hearts “Who will
remember me if I die
here”
“Very few or almost none
could speak the language
of the lands, yet they did
fight tied to their oath
of allegiance to Naam,
Namak & Nishan’’.
“Wherever our soldiers set
their foot, they have left behind
the legacy of Indian Values’’.
“We stand proud of our
heritage, bow our heads in
respect and reverence to these
men who knew so little about
the world around, yet by their
sheer courage, bravery and
stoic perseverance changed the
destiny of many countries of the
World’’.
On return from the battle fields, these warriors
brought back with them a new awakening, a
scientific aptitude, a willingness to adapt and
most of all the value of knowledge/education
which they imparted in their villages and towns
and the idea of a professional, cohesive and a
well trained ARMY.
Thereafter the President addressed the gathering lauding the high degree of professionalism
and valour, of the Indian soldiers against extremely daunting odds during WWI. He then
released a Commemorative First Day Cover and viewed the exhibition. The modern state of
art Commemoration exhibition was widely spread out over Manekshaw Centre’s Zorawar
Auditorium, Gallantry Hall, Corner of Remembrance, Sacrifice Hall, Commonwealth War
Graves Commission’s ‘Seek Your Hero’s Display’ and the lawns, where a section of trenches
and scenes of Indian soldiers in uniforms of that period were replicated. The descendants of
some of the Victoria Cross and post-Independence Param Vir Chakra awardees invited for
the function interacted with the visitors too.
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WW-I CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the exhibition on 15 Mar
and was briefed in detail on the actions and achievements
of Indian troops in World War 1. Impressed and moved by
the graphic and poignant exposition, he recommended the
duration of the exhibition to be extended, to allow more
people to see and learn from it. He further tweeted: On 23 Mar, Minister of External Affairs & Overseas Indian Affairs, Smt Sushma Swaraj alongwith Raksha Mantri Shri
Manohar Parrikar visited the exhibition and also addressed the distinguished guests representing the international
community in India to this Centenary Commemorative Exhibition. Diplomats from various countries had visited the
exhibition and were given a detailed briefing on India’s role in the war.
Under the aegis of 2 Corps this unique exhibition began on 10 Mar and was extended up to 25 Mar. The central
theme of the pageant which highlighted faith, heritage and sacrifice of the 1.5 million strong Indian Military saw many
visitors and was applauded by all.
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9
WORLD WAR -I CENTENARY EXHIBITION
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXHIBITION
•SHOWCASE OF 13 CAMPAIGNS, WARTIME WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT, MEMORABILIA AND VARIOUS ARTIFACTS.
•‘CORNER OF REMEMBERANCE’-EXHIBIT HAVING OLD LETTERS, OLD HOME IN NEGLECT WITH THE BELONGINGS OF SOLDIERS.
•‘SACRIFICE HALL’- REPLICAS OF AMAR JAWAN JYOTI, INDIAN MEMORIALS, BUSTS AND PAINTINGS OF VICTORIA CROSS WINNERS.
•OUTDOOR EXHIBITS-GLIMPSE OF DRESS, EQUIPMENT, BUNKER AND GUNS.
•MINIATURE BRIGHTON HOSPITAL - DEPICTION OF THE TREATMENT AND THE TRAUMA INDIAN SOLDIERS WENT THROUGH
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RAISING DAYS & ESM RALLIES
Veer Senani Rally at Jhajjar
A Veer Senani Rally was organised on 14 Mar 15 at New Police
Lines, Jhajjar. The rally attracted more than 17000 Veterans
from nine districts of Haryana. Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS, Mr
Depinder Singh, Chief Secretary Haryana and many other
dignitaries were present on the occasion to interact with the
Ex Servicemen. The Rally was aimed to achieve the motto of
providing “SAMMAN, SEHAT, SAHULIYAT AUR SAHAYATA” to
Veterans and Veer Naris. A number of stalls were established
to cater for various aspects of Ex Servicemen viz ECHS, CSD,
Resettlement, Sainik Boards, Helpline, Record offices, etc. A Gen Dalbir Singh the COAS during the Veer Senani Rally at
Jhajjar on 14 Mar
fully equipped Medical Camp was also organized as part of the
rally from 12-14 Mar 2015. While addressing the Veterans at
the Rally, Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS expressed army’s solidarity with its retired fraternity and assured the gathering that the
government and the Army are sensitive to their needs and would take every step to ensure that the Ex-Servicemen and their
families are cared for and looked after well. The COAS then presented 39 Modified Auto-Scooters, six Wheel-Chairs to those
soldiers who had become paraplegic or amputees during various military operations. Besides, a number of Veterans, Veer Naris
and widows received benefits of various grants and aids under various schemes like Resettlement, Educational Scholarships,
marriage grant to daughters and financial aid. 150 shawls were presented to war widows and Veer naris, while 400 blankets
were presented to the veterans and disabled soldiers, as a mark of respect and solidarity. The Rally not only re-touched the lives
of retired army personnel but also enabled provisioning of assistance to a massive population base by arranging benefits of
various welfare schemes of the Government and Army at a single venue.
Lt Gen Nitin Kohli, AVSM, VSM, SO-in-C & Col Comdt,
Corps of Signals paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti
on 15 Feb
Lt Gen Bobby Mathews, AVSM, VSM, GOC 12 Corps
paying homage at Konark War Memorial during the
28th ‘Raising Day’ on 26 Feb
Lt Gen Jagbir Singh, SM, VSM, GOC, Dakshin Bharat
Area felicitating a veer nari at Karwar on 22 Feb
Maj Gen Taranjeet Singh, GOC 4 Rapid interacting
with the veterans at cavalry grounds Kanpur on 22 Feb
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Visit to Aahwan by Lady Louise Anne Carter and Mrs Irina Salukova Vikorovna
Lady Louise Anne Carter, Spouse of Chief of General Staff, UK and Mrs Irina Salukova Vikorovna, spouse of Cdr-in-Chief, Russian
Land Forces visited Aahwan Project Delhi Cantt on 09 Feb and 16 Feb 2015 respectively. The ladies were welcomed by Mrs
Namita Suhag, President AWWA. Later Chairperson Aahwan briefed the guests on the purpose of creation and the functioning
of the project. The efforts for creating self sustained and economically viable model to generate employment for Veer Naris and
other AWWA members, through Aahwan Project was well appreciated by the guests. Thereafter they were shown the products
being fabricated in Aahwan, which were highly commended for their vibrant colours and quality. The noble cause and the idea of
having such a project was well appreciated and the guests purchased a lot of items to carry with themselves.
Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA and Lady Louise
Anne Carter, Spouse of Chief of General Staff, UK
during Briefing at Aahwan on 09 Feb
Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA and Mrs Irina
Salukova Vikorovna, spouse of Cdr-in-Chief, Russian
Land Forces at Aahwan on 16 Feb
International women’s day
International Women’s Day was celebrated by Army Wives Welfare Association on 07 and 08 Mar 2015 at Delhi. Mrs Namita
Suhag, President AWWA planned to org an event with a theme which would directly connect to the concerns of the women
of today. The “Breast Cancer Awareness” theme was found to be an important area of concern, which if not checked now
would be as threatening as it is in countries of the West. The Breast
Cancer Awareness programme was thus planned as an all women’s
programme in association with “Forum for Breast Cancer Protection”,
an NGO of repute. Various events like Screening of movie on “Breast
Cancer Awareness”, Movie on self examination, Motivational talk by
cancer survivors, Entertainment programme by volunteers, Breast
Cancer Screening & Checkup, Allied Checkups like Eye, Sugar, Dental,
Height, Weight and Chest were organised as a part of the International
Women’s Day celebrations. Besides this, all families were given a
“Well Women Card” wherein their details of tests and referral if any
for detailed investigation were recorded.
Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA
at the Dental check up on 08 Mar
Baatcheet Feb-Mar 2015
Mrs Namita Suhag, President AWWA
interacting with families during tea
on 08 Mar
Mrs Namita Suhag, President
AWWA with her ‘Well Women Card’
on 08 Mar
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SNIPPETS
Best Marching Contingents on Republic Day Parade 2015
The Brigade of The Guards and the Sikh Regiment have been Jointly adjudged as the “Best Marching Contingents on Republic
Day Parade 2015”. Capt Aditya Tanwar, the Parade Contingent Commander of The Bde of Guardsalong with Brig DV Singh,
Centre Commandant, the Guards Regimental Centre and Lt Vikram Grewal, Parade Contingent Commander of Sikh Regt along
with Brig KBK Kesab, Centre Commandant, the Sikh Regimental Centre, received the Trophy from the Chairman Chief of Staff
Committee, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, during an award ceremony held at Ministry of Defence, New Delhi on 11 Feb 2015.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, CCSC awarding the Sikh Regt
at New Delhi on 11 Feb 2015.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, CCSC awarding the Bde of
Guards at New Delhi on 11 Feb 2015.
GORKHA BRIGADE
An annual conference of the Gorkha Brigade is held every year in the second week of February and the history dates back to
1952 when the idea of starting a Gorkha Brigade Club was mooted by Col(later) Maj Gen DK(Monty) Palit, VrC, FRGS, duly
supported by the then Gorkha Regimental Centre Commandants. The Gorkha Brigade club was rechristened as the Gorkha
Brigade towards the fag end of the last millennium. This year the conference was headed by Gen Dalbir Singh, PVSM, UYSM,
AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff, President Gorkha Brigade and Col of the Regt, 5 GR(FF).
The COAS Gen Dalbir Singh presiding over the Gorkha
Brigade Conference on 14 Feb
The COAS Gen Dalbir Singh alongwith Col of The Regiments
during the Gorkha Brigade Conference on 14 Feb
INDO US COMBAT FREE FALL JUMP FOR AERO INDIA – 2015
Combat Free Fall Jumps with combat loads was conducted as part of the
ongoing Indo-US Defence Co-operation wef 18 Feb 15 to 22 Feb 15. US
1st Special Operations Group had invited Indian Special Forces and National
Security Guard to carry out Joint Jumps during this Aero India 2015. Four
Officers, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 17 Other Ranks of Indian
Army Special Forces and National Security Guard participated in the same. The US Air Force utilized US Pacific Air Command C-17 Globe Master air craft
to drop these Combat Free Fallers. A total of five CFF jumps were conducted
on a designated Dropping Zone inside the Air Force Station, Yelhanka from a
height of 12000 feet. This further strengthen the Indo-US Special Forces Cooperation and increased synergy.
14
Combat Free Fallers carrying out Joint
Jumps during Aero India 2015
Baatcheet Feb-Mar 2015
SNIPPETS
SHAITAN SINGH CIRCLE
In memory of one of its bravest soldiers, Maj Shaitan Singh, who
hails from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, The Konark Corps inaugurated
an aesthetically designed “Shaitan Singh Circle” at Jodhpur
Military Station. Maj Shaitan Singh, Param Vir Chakra of 13th
Battalion of The Kumaon Regiment, made the supreme sacrifice
while safeguarding the frontiers of our motherland in Chushul
Sector of Jammu and Kashmir during the 1962 War. As a part
of the 28th Raising Day Celebrations of the Konark Corps, Lt Gen
Bobby Mathews AVSM, VSM, GOC 12 Corps inaugurated the
newly designed Shaitan Singh Circle on 26 Feb 2015. The
“Shaitan Singh Circle” has four theme based corners depicting
the battles fought by the Corps at Laungewala, Chushul Sector,
Newly constructed Shaitan Singh circle at Mailitary Station
the peculiar characteristics of the Desert Sector and the Konark
Jodhpur on 26 Feb
Insignia. One corner of the circle has been dedicated to Maj
Shaitan Singh, which has his bust and a brief account of the Valour and Sacrifice made by this brave son of the soil, inscribed
on a stone plaque.
SOUTHERN COMMAND INTER UNIT TANK
BIATHLON
A tank negotiating an obstacle on the test driving track at
Babina on 17 Mar
Southern Command Inter Unit Tank Biathlon was conducted
wef 17-20 March 2015 by 34 Armoured Brigade under the
aegis of White Tiger Division. The event was conducted on
the newly constructed tank obstacle circuit at Babina Field
Firing Ranges The tank circuit is one of a kind in India and
is akin to the circuit at Alabino Ranges, Moscow (Russia)
where World Tank Biathlon is scheduled in August 2015. 16
crews incl 14 crews of Armoured Regiments of Southern
Command and two crews of Armoured Corps Centre and
School, Ahmednagar participated in the competition. The four
day competition culminated on 20 Mar 2015 and the prizes to
best crews in each stage and overall winner and runners up
crews were awarded by Maj Gen Alok Kler, VSM, GOC, White
Tiger Division.
CHIEFS OF DEFENCE CONFERENCE
Gen Dalbir Singh, COAS attended the Chiefs of Defence Conference at the
UN Headquarters in New York on 26 & 27 March 2015. The COAS reiterated
India’s continued commitment to UN Peacekeeping at the Conference. He
referred to India being one of the largest troop contributors, having deployed
more than 180,000 troops so far. India is presently engaged in 12 of the 16
active Peacekeeping Missions. The COAS stressed India’s concerns regarding
consultations with Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) while deciding
on mandates for UN Peacekeeping Operations. He also reiterated India’s
commitment to the cardinal principles of UN Peacekeeping, viz. impartiality,
consent of the parties to the conflict and use of force in self-defence or defence
of the mandate. The Conference provided an opportunity for interacting with
Heads of Defence from across the globe on UN Peacekeeping issues.
Baatcheet Feb-Mar 2015
Gen Dalbir Singh COAS at the Chiefs of
Defence Conference at UN Headquarters on
26 Mar
15
IN FOCUS
EKUVERIN - 14
Ex Ekuverin 2014, fifth in the series of bilateral joint military exercise between
Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) was conducted
from 17 Nov 2014 to 30 Nov 2014 at Maafilaafushi Island in Lhaveyani Atoll,
Maldives. The aim of this joint exercise was to further strengthen existing
affable military relations and achieve interoperability at functional level in
Counter Insurgency/Terrorism operations in urban/semi urban environment. 9
MADRAS (TRAVANCORE) under the aegis of 91 Infantry Brigade represented
IA in this joint exercise. The joint training concluded with a Tac Ex (EX BLUE
MARLIN) which was witnessed by Brig Samir Salunke, Cdr 91 Inf Bde.
Exercise Nomadic Elephant
Tenth Indo-Mongolia Joint Training Exercise/ Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2015
aimed at achieving interoperability between Indian Army and Mongolian Armed
Forces for CI/CT Operation under UN mandate. It was conducted at Gwalior
from 23 Jan to 06 Feb 2015 under the aegis of 72 Infantry Brigade part of 36
RAPID of Southern Command. 18 GRENADIERS (TIGER HILL PVC PALTAN)
of IA and 084 SPL TASK FORCE Bn of MAF participated in the exercise.
The outstanding benchmark set by impeccable conduct of joint training with
International standard was appreciated and commended by observers of IA
and MAF.
GARUDA SHAKTI-III
Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI-III, the 3rd exercise in the ongoing
series of joint exercises between armies of India and Indonesia,
was conducted at the Indian Army’s elite Counter Insurgency
and Jungle Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram from 09 to 21
Feb 15. Indian Army was represented by troops from an Indian
Infantry Battalion and Special Forces unit while personnel from
432 Battalion Kostrad Infantry (Airborne) and Gp I & Gp II of
the Special Forces represented the Indonesian contingent. The
joint training was aimed at enhancing the knowledge of each
other’s military experience, skills and techniques and thereby
enhancing the aspect of interoperability and responsiveness to
a common threat in the future.
EXERCISE SURYA KIRAN VIII
As part of the ongoing Indo-Nepal defence cooperation, Eighth IndoNepal Combined Exercise Surya Kiran VIII was conducted in the foothills
of Salajhandi, Nepal from 23 February to 08 March 15 under the aegis
of Nepalese Army. The two weeks exercise witnessed participation of
Nepal contingent represented by an Infantry Battalion, while Indian side
was represented by an equivalent strength from 99 Mtn Bde of GARUD
DIVISION/ Central Command. Exercise Surya Kiran VIII aimed to create a
greater understanding between Indian Army & Nepalese Army and develop
interoperability in Jungle Warfare and Counter Terrorism operations in
mountainous terrain.
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SPORTS AND ADVENTURE
STATE LEVEL X COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP
13th Uttarakhand State Level X-Country Championship was conducted by 2
GRENADIERS along with Uttarakhand Athletics Association at Tanakpur Sports
Stadium on 04 Jan 2015. Apart from giving an impetus to sports activities the
event was also aimed at engaging youth with the Indian Army and to motivate
them to join the Armed Forces. Approx 410 individuals participated in the
competition which was spread over four categories each for men and women.
X-country teams from Army Units and Uttarakhand police also participated
in the event. First three runners of each category were felicitated with gifts.
Chennai Equitation Show
Chennai Equitation Centre conducted “Chennai Equitation Show” on 08 Feb
2015. A total of seven teams in and around Chennai participated in the said
event. Team from OTA Chennai brought laurels to the Academy by obtaining
over all first position in the championship as per the total points won. Team
OTA was represented by one Offr, one JCO, four NCOs and two Gentleman
Cadets. Dfr TN Daspute won Gold Medal for Show Jumping 90-100 CM, Ris
Chand Khan won Silver Medal for Tent Pegging, LD Jitender won Bronze Medal
for Show Jumping 90-100 CM and GC Prabhjit Singh won Bronze Medal for
Tent Pegging.
Desert Trek Expedition
A Desert Trek Expedition under the leadership of Capt Prateek Singh
commenced at Khajewala on 01 Feb 2015. The expedition team successfully
achieved the maiden feat of trekking its approximately 250 kms in desolate
deserts in Ranjitpura Sector. As per the motto of the expedition “ Sahas aur
Safai” the team ensured zero litter throughout the expedition and carried the
non biodegradable waste back for safe disposal. The trek was flagged in
by Maj Gen Bipin Bakshi, VSM GOC Amogh Division on 12 Feb 2015 at Sri
Ganganagar.
58 GTC WINS THE 101 AREA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
2015-16.
101 Area Volleyball Championship 2015-16 was conducted from 19 Feb to
24 Feb 15 at Gaje Ghale Ground, 58 Gorkha Training Centre, Happy Valley,
Shillong. A total of five teams participated in the Championship. The keenly
contested final between 58 GTC and ARC was held on 24 Feb 2015. The 58
GTC players displayed an enthralling performance to beat ARC by 3-0 sets. In
a befitting ceremony, Lt Gen S P Nawathe GOC 101 Area, the Chief Guest gave
away the prizes to the winners and the runners-up.
ARMY MICROLIGHT EXPEDITION 2015
The Army Adventure Nodal Centre (Microlight & PHG) which functions at Military
College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow organised ‘ARMY
MICROLIGHT EXPEDITION 2015’. This involved cross country flying by a fleet of four
Microlight aircraft and four Powered Hang Gliders over a distance of 1800 kms approx
in ten days of flying; connecting Mhow, Nasik, Ahmednagar, Bhopal, Dhana besides
many other cities and towns en route. During this expedition, eight grand Air Shows
was conducted at Nasik, Ahmednagar, Karjat, Dhule, Khargone, Bhopal, Dhana and
Mhow.
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35th NATIONAL GAMES
National games are held every four years and the 35th edition of the national
games were held in Kerala from 31 Jan to 14 Feb 15. A total of 36 teams(30
states, 5 UTs, SSCB) competed for 1334 medals in 35 sports discps and more
than 7000 athletes took part in this mega event. Meet records tumbled in a heap
where the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB ) teams topped the medal tally.
Services participated in 26 sports discps and notched up a hat trick of overall
titles.In the last two editions of the National Games the Services ended up being
the most dominant force which continued for a third consecutive year.
The Army Sports Control Board(ACSB) fielded 244
sports persons and 40 officials. Army sports persons
proved their mettle by securing 81(20% of total Gold
medals incl women events), 39 Silver (10% of total
Silver medals incl women events), and 42 Bronze(8% of
total Bronze medals incl women events).
COMPARATIVE MEDAL TALLY
NATIONAL GAME
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
TOTAL
33RD
59
46
37
142
34TH
70
50
42
162
35TH
91
33
35
159
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
Hav G. Lakshmanan
pushed the limits to
attain a golden double
and set a new meet
record in 10,000m and
5,000m. He kept up a
comfortably paced race
before stopping the
clock at 29:13.50 and
13:50.05 respectively,
well within the old mark.
Nb Sub Arokia
Rajiv bagged
a gold as he
clocked a
creditable of
46.40 sec
to better his
existing record
in 400 m.
18
Nb Sub Jithin C.
Thomas sailed
past the existing
record in high jump
clearing a height of
2.22m.
The most exciting action took place at the swimming
venue where records were shattered. Hav Madhu PS
snatched 4 Gold out of which he broke two records for
100 m backstroke in 57.62 sec and 200 m backstroke in
2:5.66 sec.
Baatcheet Feb-Mar 2015
35th NATIONAL GAMES
Nb Sub Chain Singh broke
the National Record which
is higher than the Olympic
Record of 1180in 50m
Rifle 3Position event with
a personal best score of
1181 out of 1200. He wins
gold medal in 50m Rifle
Prone Position and 10m
Air Rifle.
Sub Maj Vijay
Kumar, AVSM,
SM won Gold
medal in 25m
Rapid Fire
Pistol and
25m Centre
Fire Pistol.
Nb Sub Jitu Rai,
SM won the Gold
in 10m Air Pistol
event and a bronze
medal in 50m free
pistol. The JCO has
already secured
a quota for RIO
OLYMPICS 2016.
Hav CC Singh Arambam won 4 Gold in Canoe & Kayak
which included 1000,500,200 meter Men Singles Kayak
(K1m) and 200 meter Men’s Double Kayak (K1m).
Hav Naveen Kumar, Hav SS Tomar, Hav Vikal Sarve and Rfn
Sonu Chaudhary bagged three gold medals each in their
respective rowing events.
Sub Gurpreet
Singh won the
Gold in 25m
Standard Pistol
and also had
the highest
qualification score
in 25m Rapid Fire
Pistol
Sub Satyendra Singh continuing his
form from the 58th National Shooting
Championship won the Gold medal in
50m Rifle 3Position event.
Hav Chandan Pathak won a gold in floor
exercise and Hav Dhan Bhadar won a
gold in pommel horse. They bagged
their second gold in Men artistic
gymnastics team event.
Baatcheet Feb-Mar 2015
LDC Seema Tomar clinched Gold in
Trap Women and LDC Varsha Tomar
stood second in Double Trap Women
event
19
SOCIAL MEDIA
1. The policy on use of Social Media by All Ranks in the Indian Army is reiterated.
a) Use of internet & Social Media is permitted for private purpose; however under no circumstance
will Army personnel disclose their official identity on the Social Media. Personal details to include
rank, unit, formations and appoint ments, place of duty on move will not be uploaded on Social
Network sites.
b) Operational or Administrative matters, issues affecting image of Army and comments on
matters related to policies/activities on Indian Armed Forces, MoD, Govt of India will not be
discussed. Photos in uniform/ background depicting Army installations/ equipment must be
avoided.
c) Online participation in polling, campaigns related to Armed Forces or Govt of India are
prohibited. Army personnel must not create or be a member of groups depicting religious sects,
political gps, foreign military networks, hate groups, etc, and are prohibited from circulating chain
mail, messages, posts etc on aspects of Armed Forces.
2. In the recent past there has been a concerted attempt by inimical elements to tarnish the image of
the Army by posting malicious and damaging content based on half truths. Users of social media, both
serving and veterans are cautioned to verify the facts before accepting content circulating in Social
Media as truth and to be more responsible while forwarding mails affecting the image of the Army. 3. Instant Messaging Monitoring Cell. There has been a spate of messages detrimental to the image
of Indian Army on various Instant Messaging platforms. To tackle this spread of disinformation,
messages inimical to the image of the Indian Army may be forwarded to ADGPI for engineering a proper
response. The sender of the message will not be held accountable for the message and complete
confidentiality will be maintained. A monitoring cell has been established under the aegis of ADGPI.
The mobile numbers of the ADGPI Instant Messaging monitoring cell are +91 –9643305334/+919873418112.
ADVISORY FROM PRINCIPAL IFA(ARMY)
ISSUES RELATING TO DGS & D PROCUREMENT
• Vendor Selection Board should keep in mind performance of vendors in
supplying stores before recommending them.
• Non appearance of vendors before the vendor selection board should not
make them ineligible for consideration as it infringes with the Government
approved system.
• The recommendation of vendor selection board shall be based on price
competitiveness with highest technical specifications.
• Items which have been declared BER should be procured as and when next
DGS & D rate contract is available.
• Proposals to be sent to IFA atleast 15 days before the expiry of the Rate
Contract period for objective assessment.
20
Baatcheet Feb-Mar 2015