2020

16-31 March
SAINIK
Samachar
Vol 67 No 6 ` 5

IAF Providing Care and Support

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh receiving cheque for Rs 100.518 crore as interim dividend from
CMD of Bharat Dynamics Limited Commodore Siddharth Mishra (Retd), in New Delhi on March 5,
2020. Also seen is Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Raj Kumar.

Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) Shri MV Gowtama calling on
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during interim dividend presentation, in New Delhi on
March 12, 2020.
 In This Issue
Since 1909

$5 Trillion EconomyCELEBRATIONS
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY Target can be
4
achieved by increased Private…

(Initially published as FAUJI AKHBAR)

Vol. 67 q No 6
26 Phalguna -11 Chaitra 1941 (Saka)
16-31 March 2020
The journal of India’s Armed Forces published every fortnight in thirteen
languages including Hindi & English on behalf of Ministry of Defence. It is not
necessarily an organ for the expression of the Government’s defence policy. The
published items represent the views of respective writers and correspondents.

Editor-in-Chief
Ruby Thinda Sharma
Senior Editor Manoj Tuli
Sub Editors
Coordination
Sub Maj Baiju G
Kunal Kumar
58th NDC, M Phil 6 POP of Integrated 8
Convocation Ceremony Officer Trainees’ Course
Business Manager Dhirendra Kumar

Our Correspondents
DELHI: Col Aman Anand; Gp Capt Anupam Banerjee; Cdr Vivek Madhwal; Nampibou
Marinmai; Divyanshu Kumar; Savvy Hasan Khan; Michael JS; Azhagudurai;
BENGALURU: Guru Prasad HL; CHANDIGARH: Anil Gaur; CHENNAI: M Ponnein
Selvan; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr Puneet Chadha; GUWAHATI: Lt Col P Khongsai;
IMPHAL: Lt Col M Vaishnava; JALANDHAR : Gagandeep Kaur; JAMMU: Lt Col
Devender Anand; JAIPUR: Lt Col Sombit Ghosh; KOCHI: Cdr Sridhar E Warrier;
KOHIMA: Lt Col SK Sharma; KOLKATA: Dipannita Dhar; LUCKNOW: Gargi Malik
Sinha; MUMBAI: Cdr Mehul Karnik, Himanshu Singh; NAGPUR: Gp Capt BB Pande;
PALAM: Gp Capt Anupam Banerjee (Offg.); PRAYAGRAJ: Gp Capt BB Pande
(Offg.); PUNE: Mahesh Iyengar; SECUNDERABAD: G Surendra Babu; SHILLONG; 7 Ministry of Defence puts its might…
Wg Cdr Ratnakar Singh; SRINAGAR: Col Rajesh Kalia; TEZPUR: Lt Col Harsh 9 Rice Handing Over Ceremony…
Wardhan Pande; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ms Dhanya Sanal K; UDHAMPUR: Lt
Col Abhinav Navneet; VISAKHAPATNAM: Capt CG Raju.
10 AFMC Hosts Armed Forces Medical… IAF C-17 Evacuates 18
12 POP of CG Law and Operations Course 58 Indians from…
Published by: 13 International Search and Rescue…
14 Inauguration of Renovated Animal…
A Bharat Bhushan Babu, ADG (M&C)
S Subramanian, Director (PR) 15 IAF Commanders' Conference…
16 Adventure Camp to Chokramudi…
Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, 17 Passing Out Parade at OTA, Chennai
Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-110011 20 Vajra Corps Celebrates Platinum…
Editorial Office:
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Telefax : 23094668 Telephone : 23092768 22 Bicycle Expedition in Memory of…
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On front cover: IAF made all necessary operational and medical

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from Iran.
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$5 Trillion Economy Target can be achieved by increased
Private Sector participation in Defence Manufacturing: RM

R aksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh

has called for an increased
participation of the private sector
in defence manufacturing to realise
the Government’s vision of making
India a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
In his address at the Global Business
Summit on March 7, 2020, Raksha
Mantri said, the manufacturing
sector has the potential to reach $1
trillion by 2025 and the Government
is striving to achieve the goal
by implementing key flagship
programmes like ‘Make in India’,
besides building policies relevant to
the digital-economy and fostering
human-capital.
Urging the defence industry
to make best use of the emerging
opportunities, Raksha Mantri said,
a slew of structural reforms has
been taken by the Government to efforts to secure a place in global the said target,” he added.
create increased synergy between supply chains,” Shri Rajnath Singh
the industry and the public sector to Highlighting the Government’s
said. He added that the necessity decision to enhance foreign equity
overcome the challenges of private of becoming internationally
investment in defence. He listed cap from earlier 26 per cent to 49
competitive, globally innovative and per cent under the automatic route
out several steps taken under the
structurally efficient demands that and beyond 49 per cent to upto
‘Make in India’ initiative, including
the private sector plays a crucial role 100 per cent under the government
greater scope for domestic industry
in defence production. approval route, Raksha Mantri said,
in defence tenders, simplification
of the industrial licensing process, Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the increase in FDI cap has begun to
hike in FDI cap, making defence that while the primary aim of Defence show results. “Till December 2019,
export less stringent, streamlining production is to cater to the needs the defence and aerospace sector
the defence offset policy, opening of the Armed Forces, thrust is also has received inflows of over Rs 3,155
the government-owned trial and being given for enhancing exports. crore. Of this, Rs 1,834 crore have
testing facilities for the private He said, Defence Public Sector been received since 2014. I am sure
sector; setting up of two defence Undertakings have been encouraged that the volume of investment will
industrial corridors and promotion to increase their export portfolio to increase many-fold when some of
of innovation through participation 25 per cent of their turnover and the major programmes, which are in
of start-ups and small and medium the Government is willing to extend the pipeline, move into the execution
enterprises. Lines of Credit and grants to friendly phase,” he added.
“In our envisaged Defence foreign countries over the next five Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that
Production Policy, we have clearly years. “The government aims to the intention of the government is
spelt out our goal to achieve a achieve exports of defence goods & not just limited to bringing reforms
turnover of $26 billion in aerospace services to the tune of $5 billion in but to act as an incubator, catalyst
and defence goods & services next five years. All possible support and facilitator for promoting
by 2025. This will have huge would be extended to the private investment and achieving self-
implications for India’s endeavours sector so that they can contribute reliance in defence manufacturing.
to promote R&D, innovation and its significantly to enable us to achieve “We understand that Defence R&D

4 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

in private sector will take time to
establish itself. To give a boost
to this process, we have opened
opportunities through DRDO with a
zero fee for Transfer of Technology
(ToT), free access to over 450
patents, access to test facilities and
an upfront funding of up to Rs 10
crore. More than 900 licensing
agreements for ToT have been
signed with industries,” he said.
Raksha Mantri also mentioned
about the opportunities being
provided by the Government for
the manufacture of mega defence
programmes including fighter
aircraft, helicopters, tanks and
submarines through the Strategic
Partnership Model that will allow
private companies to grow in stature
and become global giants in the
coming years.
Shri Rajnath Singh said, "Buy
(Indian–IDDM) [Indigenously
Designed Developed and
Manufactured], Buy (Indian), and
Buy & Make (Indian)" are the three
most preferred categories for
procurement for Ministry of Defence.
“By prioritising these categories over
direct import, we want to provide
greater scope to the local industry,
including the private sector, to
March 16-31, 2020
participate in defence contracts
and contribute to the self-reliance
and employment generation,” he
added. Shri Rajnath Singh expressed
appreciation that during the last
five years, Government accorded
approval to more than 200
proposals worth Rs four lakh crore
in which Indian Industry would be
engaged in defence manufacturing
either directly or in collaboration
with foreign Original Equipment
Manufacturers.
Describing the Micro, Small
and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
as silent performers, Raksha Mantri
said, efforts are being made to
double their base in defence and
aerospace from 8,000 to 16,000.
He added that Innovations for
Defence Excellence (iDEX) was
formulated with the objective to
bring start-ups to innovate, develop
technologies and solve problems
related to Defence and Aerospace.
Shri Rajnath Singh voiced the
Government’s aim to double the
size of Aeronautics Industry from Rs
30,000 crore to Rs 60,000 crore
by 2024 and provide increased
opportunities to global aerospace
industry to become supplier of Aero-
components. He said, a number of
major platforms are envisaged in
defence aerospace sector including
India’s 90-seater civil aircraft,
developing civil helicopter industry
of $5 billion in PPP model, and New
Aero Engine Complex in Defence
Corridor with industry participation.
Raksha Mantri told the gathering
that the Government has prepared a
road map for Artificial Intelligence
in national security to make India
a significant power in defence. He
said, there is a plan to develop at
least 25 Defence specific Artificial
Intelligence products by 2024.
Shri Rajnath Singh assured
the industry that the Government is
open to new ideas and committed
to fully harness the energies,
entrepreneurship spirit and enterprise
of private sector in the defence
sector. He expressed confidence
that the industry will contribute even
more to the Government’s efforts
towards indigenisation of defence
production.
Various policy makers,
academicians and corporate heads
were among those present on the
occasion.
- PRO Defence
Sainik Samachar 5
58th NDC, M Phil Convocation Ceremony
T he National Defence College
(NDC), New Delhi is a premier
institute on the highest seat of
strategic learning of the country. The
prestigious and much sought-after
Course at this college provides a
trans-disciplinary and comprehensive
approach to all aspects of national
security and strategy. Each course
comprises of a hundred one-star
rank and equivalent from the Indian
Armed Forces, Civil Service and
also officers from friendly foreign
countries.
The one-year course also
enables the officers to qualify for
a M Phil degree in Defence and
Strategic Studies from the prestigious
University of Madras, Chennai. Sixty
graduates of the 58th NDC Course
(2018 Batch) were awarded degrees
in an impressive convocation
ceremony held at the college on
March 7, 2020.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath
Singh, as the Chief Guest for the
occasion, delivered the valedictory
address while awarding the
parchments to the officers in the
presence of Commandant NDC Air
Marshal D Choudhury and Prof (Dr)
Utham Kumar Jamadhagni, HOD
(Department of Defence Strategic
Studies) University of Madras.
In his address, Raksha Mantri
6 Sainik Samachar
congratulated the Commandant
and Staff of the National Defence
College on completing sixty years
of dedicated service to the nation.
He appreciated that the college
has consistently produced strategic
leaders & practitioners and many
alumni have risen to occupy high
positions and even Heads of their
respective countries and their Armed
Forces, such as Lt Gen Frederick
William Kwasi Akuffo, former Head
of the State of Ghana, Lt Gen
Hussein Muhammad Ershad, the
former President of Bangladesh and
His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel
Wangchuk, the King of Bhutan. Some
of the prominent Indian alumni are
Shri Ajit Doval, General Bipin Rawat
and Shri Lavasa to name a few.
Shri Rajnath Singh said, in today’s
dynamic security environment, we
need to be prepared to deal with
not only the traditional threat but
also the new non-traditional threat
to our Nation’s Security. While
congratulating the recipients of the
MPhil degree he had no doubt that
having under gone this course they
would be well equipped to not only
handle all challenges of the future
but also enable all elements of
state power to synergies and work
together.
In his welcome address, Air
Marshal D Choudhury asserted that
on completion of the NDC course,
the graduates actually adopt a
multi-disciplinary and out-of-the-
box approach to national issues,
both in policy matter as well as
its execution in a comprehensive
manner, something that Kautilya
thought almost 2,000 years ago.
He also reiterated that with a greater
understanding of comprehensive
national power and the role it plays
in nation building, they would be
able to contribute and make a
difference. The Commandant also
expressed his gratitude to Raksha
Mantri for honouring the National
Defence College and the degree
recipients with his presence.
- PRO Defence
March 16-31, 2020
Ministry of Defence puts its might behind efforts to contain Coronavirus Disease
W orld Health Organisation
has declared Coronavirus
Disease (COVID-19) a global
pandemic. Till March 12, 2020 a
total of 70 active cases have been
confirmed. Three patients from
Kerala have recovered and been
discharged.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi is constantly monitoring
and reviewing the situation with
the top officials of the concerned
Ministries/Departments and
States/Union Territories. A
Group of Ministers constituted to
continuously monitor the situation
and evaluate preparedness and
formulate measures regarding
management of COVID-19 in the
Assistance to Indian Citizens for Quarantine at AFS, Hindan
D ue to the large scale
prevalence of Corona Virus
around the world, Indian citizens
who were in countries like China
(Wuhan) and Iran were evacuated
by Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft
on two occasions. On the second
occasion, a total of 57 pilgrims
from Ladakh region who had
visited Quom, Iran for pilgrimage,
were brought by C-17 aircraft
on March 10, 2020 to Air Force
Station Hindan. These consisted
of 33 women, 2 children and 22
men.
A quarantine facility has
been established at Air Force
Station, Hindan for these pilgrims
March 16-31, 2020
country. The GoM has met 6 times
so far including twice on March
11, 2020; guiding, reviewing and
monitoring the situation.
Ministry of Defence (MoD) has
assisted in evacuating 900 Indian
nationals along with 48 belonging
to other countries like Maldives,
Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, US,
Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Nepal,
South Africa and Peru from Corona
virus affected countries such as
China, Japan, Italy, Iran, etc.
Indian Air Force has made many
sorties to affected countries to
bring back these stranded Indians are being provided healthcare
and nationals of friendly countries. and are reported to be stable.
Some of these Indian nationals
which has all required facilities
for rest and recuperation. The
administrative arrangements
(identification of buildings,
perimeter security, food and water
supply, bed and linen, laundry,
housekeeping, entertainment,
sewage disposal, transportation
etc) has been organized at the
camp and the medical support
(daily examination, lab testing,
advise on disinfection and bio-
medical waste management, public
health measures, management of
symptomatic patients, surveillance,
creation and referral to isolation
wards at nearest hospital) has
been organized by Indian Air Force
authorities in liaison with local
have been quarantined at facilities
of Directorate General Armed
Forces Medical Services (DG
AFMS) in Hindon. In addition, 83
evacuees from Italy who arrived
on March 11, 2020 have been
quarantined at Manesar facility.
More quarantine centres have
been identified at Jaisalmer, Jhansi
and Mumbai for contingency.
The MoD has communicated
guidelines issued by Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare on
containing COVID-19 to all its
service personnel.
All patients in the hospitals
- PRO Defence
civil administration. The detailed
protocols for patient transportation
and referral to nearest designated
/ identified isolation ward of
service / civil hospitals has been
kept ready.
Detailed guidelines as
mandated by Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare for quarantine
in suspected COVID-19 cases
has been implemented. The total
period for quarantine is 14 days.
The Indian Air Force, as part of
the defence services support to
civil authorities, would continue
unabated relief measures till the
situation is normal.
- PRO Palam
Sainik Samachar 7
POP of Integrated Officer Trainees’ Course
T he Passing out Parade of the
94th Integrated Officer Trainees’
Course was held at the Naval
Base on February 28, 2020 and
reviewed by Cmde NAJ Joseph,
VSM, the Commanding Officer INS
Venduruthy. A total of 173 trainee
officers successfully completed their
Sub-Lieutenant (Technical) courses
under the aegis of the Southern
Naval Command and moved on to
their final phase of training onboard
ships of the Eastern and Western
Fleets to earn their ‘Watchkeeping’
Certificates. The 34-weeks Sub-
Lieutenant (Technical) courses
are coordinated by the Centre of
Excellence in Ethics, Leadership
and Behavioural Studies (CELABS)
and are conducted across 14
professional schools located at
Jamnagar, Lonavala, Mumbai and
Kochi. In addition to the theoretical
training, the trainees are exposed
to intense practical learning
environment through Outward
Bound Exercises, Waterman ship,
Sports, Cultural activities, Drill
parade, Safety lectures and practical
demonstrations to name a few.
8 Sainik Samachar
During the Passing out Parade,
meritorious officers were felicitated
with various awards and prizes. The
Chief of Naval Staff Gold, Silver
and Bronze Medal, awarded to the
officers standing first, second and
third in the Sub Lt (Afloat) Phase were
awarded to, Sub Lieutenant Sanyam
Dwivedi, Sub Lieutenant Suyash
Singh and Sub Lieutenant Nitin
Yadav respectively. Sub Lieutenant
RK Raj Kumar was awarded the
Sword of Honour, for standing first
in Officer Like Qualities during the
Sub Lt (Afloat) Phase of training.
The Flag Officer Commanding-in-
Chief Southern Naval Command
Trophy, was awarded to the officer
standing 2nd in overall order of
merit during the Sub Lieutenant
(Technical) courses was awarded to
Sub Lieutenant RK Raj Kumar while
the Chief of Naval Staff Trophy was
awarded to the officer standing
first in overall order of merit to
Sub Lieutenant Dhruv Sharma. The
Admiral Ram Das Katari Trophy with
silver medal, awarded to the officer
standing first in overall order of merit
from induction to completion of ab-
initio training was awarded to Sub
Lieutenant Suyash Singh.
The Chief Guest, Cmde NAJ
Joseph gave away the prizes,
congratulated the officers on
completion of an important phase of
their training and exhorted the young
officers to aspire to maintain the
highest standards of professionalism
and uphold the Navy’s core values
of Duty, Honour and Courage.
- PRO Navy
March 16-31, 2020
Rice Handing Over Ceremony Onboard INS Shardul in Madagascar

Indian Naval Ship Shardul entered Port Antsiranana,

Madagascar on March 10, 2020. The ship was carrying
600 tons of rice as per directives of Govt of India. An
official ceremony for handing over the rice from the
Government of India to Government of Madagascar
was held onboard INS Shardul on March 12, 2020.
The ceremony was attended by the Madagascar Foreign
Minister, Dr Tehindrazanarivelo Djacoba and various
high-ranking officials from the Madagascar Defence
forces and civilian organizations. The Indian side was
represented by the Ambassador of India to Madagascar,
Mr Abhay Kumar and the ship’s Commanding Officer,
Cdr Abhishek Pathak.
The Foreign Minister of Madagascar appreciated
the assistance provided by India and the Indian Navy.
He described India as a true friend who is always there
during the time of need. He wished that the ties between
the two countries will reach newer heights in the days to
come.
A ‘Certificate of Endowment’ was signed by the
dignitaries to mark the handing over of rice to the
Government of Madagascar.
- PRO Navy

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 9

AFMC Hosts Armed Forces Medical Conference
A rmed Forces Medical College,
Pune organized the 68th Annual
Armed Forces Medical Conference
and the 58 th Armed Forces Medical
Research Committee (AFMRC)
meeting from February 5 to 7, 2020.
Medical professionals of the Armed
Forces are now collaborating with
the leading medical research centers
of the country and undertaking
cutting edge medical research which
is of relevance not only within the
Armed Forces but also to the society
at large. The three day conference,
organized by AFMC Pune under the
overall supervision of Lt Gen Nardeep
Naithani, Director & Commandant,
discussed a wide spectrum of
professional issues concerning the
Armed Forces Medical Services
(AFMS). The conference, which
is the highpoint of the annual
academic calendar of AFMS, was
formally inaugurated by Lt Gen Anup
Banerji, Director General Armed
Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS)
& Senior Colonel Commandant.
Awards for academic excellence in
post graduate and in-service training
courses, MJAFI best paper and best
10 Sainik Samachar
reviewer awards were presented by
the DGAFMS. The AFMRC projects
by Col D Mukherjee (Retd), Brig
Shivinder Singh, Lt Col Kanchan
Kulhari, Brig VS Syed, Maj Sampann
Chowdhary were adjudged as
award winning AFMRC completed
projects for this year. The projects
included research on establishing
protocol for ABO incompatible
transplants, Microalbuminuria as a
prognostic marker for severe sepsis,
rapid detection of gene mutations in
MDR TB, efficacy of Phase Change
Material (PCM) cool vests on Military
personnel in desert climates and
Randomised controlled trial using
multifile rotary endodontics in
endodontic treatment. The Chief of
Army Staff Award for best research
paper in Pathology & Allied Subjects
was presented to Lt Col Santosh
Karade for study on “absence of
integrase strand transfer inhibitor
associated resistance in anti
retroviral therapy naive individuals”.
The Chief of Naval Staff Award for
best research paper in Medicine
& Allied subjects was presented to
Air Cmde Shankar Subramanian
for developing “a stochastic model
with Monte Carlo simulation for
cost effective strategy for HIV/ AIDS
care”. The Chief of Air Staff Award
for best research paper in Surgery
& Allied subjects was presented to
Wg Cdr Avadesh Oli for work on
“efficacy of red contact lens incolor
vision test performance”. In-house
March 16-31, 2020

AFMS innovations and creative ideas
were displayed for the delegates and
the best innovation adjudged by the
panel of judges. The response of this
event was overwhelming with around
35 shortlisted entries from all over
India participating in the event. The
innovations from undergraduates,
post graduate residents, Medical
Officers & Nursing officers were
solicited. The innovations and
creative ideas included were simple
modifications to surgical instruments
and medical gadgets, developing
mobile applications, innovative tools
for medical record keeping, low cost
innovations & various prototypes
for effective medical management
in special scenarios. Almost all
modifications passed the crucial
innovator’s filter; namely they were
faster, better and cheaper than their
predecessor. The award winning
entries included innovations in hair
restoration surgery, prototype of
nebulizer for asthamatic patients
& modified endotracheal tube to
reduce complications related to
anesthesia. Display on Chemical,
March 16-31, 2020
Biological, Radiological & Nuclear
(CBRN) warfare and combat
medical support in tri-services was
a highlight during the conference.
At the core of the deliberations was
58th Annual Meeting of Armed
Forces Medical Research Committee
(AFMRC) on February 6-7, 2019.
The AFMRC provides a platform
to the AFMS researchers posted all
over the country to meaningfully
contribute and be a valuable part
of this enormous research and
learning process. This year 180 new
research projects were discussed.
The projects were approved taking
into consideration their relevance
to the Armed Forces, originality and
adherence to ethical guidelines.
MJAFI the official publication of
the Armed Forces Medical Services
of India publishes high quality
biomedical multispeciality research
from doctor, scientists & other health
care professionals across the world
on a quarterly basis. This year’s
MJAFI oration was delivered by Dr
Camilla Rodriques on Tuberculosis
Diagnostics: What’s new & where
we are today. Guest speakers of
eminence Dr Shakti Gupta, MS,
AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr Vijay Trehan,
Director & Professor, Dept of
Cardiology GBPIPMER, New Delhi,
Dr AK Cruz, Director Oncology,
Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai & Dr
Uma Nambiar, Executive Director,
Genesis Hospital, Kannur shared
their insight on varied & important
topics like challenges in Hospital
administration, perspectives in
Cardiology, Digital Health, Complex
& Simple Low risk indicated
procedures. DGAFMS & Senior
Colonel Commandant in his address
to the young budding medical
cadets emphasized the importance
of medical profession and need
for updating skills with changing
technologies. He emphasized that
a good medical professional keeps
himself up to date with the newer
information and should strive to
learn, innovate and be a part of
the research which has positive
outcome for the society at large. The
Armed Forces Medical Conference
provides an excellent platform for
deliberations in the field of clinical
medicine, military medicine and
combat medical support. The
conference witnessed clinicians,
researchers, academicians and
medical administrators deliberate
on current and emerging areas
of importance in health care and
preparation of a roadmap for
medical research and research
collaborations for Armed Forces
Medical Services. For the first time
video conferencing of AFMRC
sessions was conducted with other
major service hospitals to foster
a spirit of research & innovation
amongst Armed Forces doctors &
nurses.
- PRO Pune
Sainik Samachar 11
POP of CG Law and Operations Course
4 8 Assistant Commandants of
the 69th Batch passed out
of the portals of Indian Coast
Guard Training Centre, Kochi on
successful completion of CG Law
and Operations Course on February
11, 2020. On this occasion, an
impressive Passing Out Parade was
held at Indian Coast Guard District
Headquarters No. 4, at Fort Kochi
which was reviewed by Inspector
General AP Badola, Commander
Coast Guard Region (West).
During the ceremonial review,
the chief guest awarded book prizes
to the meritorious trainee officers.
Assistant Commandant Pradeep
Singh Kharayat was awarded 1st
prize for scoring highest marks
in the passing out batch. The
coveted “Director General Sword
of Honour” for the previous batch
(68th Batch) was awarded to
Assistant Commandant Suraj Rawat
for standing first in overall order of
merit.
Speaking on the occasion,
Inspector General AP Badola while
congratulating the award winners,
advised the trainees to continue
to learn and become a thorough
professional. He reminded the
adage, “the more you sweat in
peace, the less you bleed in war”
and exhorted them to always
Assistant Commandant Pradeep Singh Kharayat was awarded 1st
prize for scoring highest marks in the passing out batch.
12 Sainik Samachar
Inspector General AP Badola reviewing the Parade.
strive to keep the flag of Coast
Guard flying high. IG Badola also
congratulated the Officers and Staff
of CGTC for successful conduct of
the Course through high-quality and
standardised training and for the
parade.
POP marked the successful
culmination of the Technical
Courses for the trainee officers.
During the 10 weeks CG Law and
Operations Course, the officers
were imparted instructions on Coast
Guard specific subjects such as
Maritime Law, Search and Rescue,
Boarding, Fisheries Monitoring &
Control, Prevention and Control of
Marine Pollution etc. The trainees
also underwent capsule courses at
Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical
and Engineering Training (CIFNET)
on Fisheries Technology and at
Assistant Commandant Suraj Rawat receiving the Director General
Sword of Honour for the 68th batch.
National Academy of Customs,
Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN)
in Customs, Rummaging and
Narcotics Control. The training at
CGTC (K) has been conducted with
due impetus to build up professional
calibre, practical broad base
knowledge and critical thinking
skills in the officer trainees which
are the key requisites for manning
state of art platforms of Indian Coast
Guard, handling critical & dynamic
situations at sea, besides also for
grooming them for a career with the
Indian Coast Guard.
POP was witnessed by a large
number of senior Coast Guard
and Naval officers as well as civil
dignitaries.
- PRO Kochi
March 16-31, 2020
International Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX- 20)
Indian Coast Guard conducted
a two day National Maritime
Search and Rescue Workshop and
Exercise-2020 (SAREX-20) on March
5-7, 2020 at Goa with participation
of 24 overseas partners from 19
countries. Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary
(Defence), Ministry of Defence,
inaugurated SAREX-20. This is for
the first time the 3 pillars of national
SAR mechanism i.e. Ministry of
Shipping, Ministry of Civil Aviation
and Ministry of Defence took part
in SAREX-20 which had the theme
of Harmonization of Maritime
and Aeronautical Search and
The SAR Workshop and exercise disaster management response on a
Rescue code named ‘HAMSAR’.
SAREX-20 witnessed the largest focused on Mass Rescue operation large scale.
ever participation from international (MRO) scenario consequent to SAREX-2020 tested the
delegates including 38 national simulated ditching of a passenger efficiency of operations and
observers and representatives of aircraft at sea off Goa. During the coordination of the stakeholders
7 commercial airlines including 2 simulated exercise mass rescue involved in Search and Rescue in
helicopter operators. operations were demonstrated with Indian Search and Rescue Region.
participation of 7 ships, 10 aircraft of The proactive approach adopted
SAREX-20 included conduct
of workshop and table top exercise various resource agencies including on SAR particularly for ensuring
on March 5, 2020 followed by a Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, safety of fishermen and mariners
sea exercise on March 6, 2020. Indian Air Force and vessels from at sea has yielded positive results
SAREX exercise is being conducted Goa port. Airport Authority of Indian, and contributed towards growing
biennially by Indian Coast Guard State Administration, Indian Mission confidence among the fishing
under the aegis of National Maritime Control Centre, Indian Space community and the mariners. Indian
Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB) Research Organization and various Coast Guard since inception have
since 2003 under the Chairmanship other stake holders participated saved 9701 lives at sea translating
of Director General K Natarajan, in the sea exercise along with to approximately more than one life
Indian Coast Guard and this was the local administration, designated being saved every second day.
9th edition of the series of SAREX. Hospitals, Port Authorities for - PRO ICG

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 13

Inauguration of Renovated Animal War Memorial
L t Gen Milind Hemant Thakur,
the Director General of Supply
and Transport Corps of the Indian
Army unveiled the renovated Animal
Memorial at Agram Grounds in
ASC Centre & College, Bengluru on
March 7, 2020. Erected in 2006, the
first of its kind animal memorial in
Asia signifies the pivotal role played
by the mules and horses of the Indian
Army. These animals belonging
to the Army Service Corps, who
have rendered a yeoman service in
relentlessly hauling war stores up
the goat tracks of the treacherous
Himalayas, often paying the highest
price of sacrificing their life in the
line of duty have been chronicled in
the Memorial.
Their saga of relentless service,
unfailing resilience, commitment and
ASC Centre & College, Bangalore gallantry awards won by the brave
unflinching loyalty of the muleteers
on December 06, 2006, first of its muleteers, 49 battle casualties since
and their mules has created for
kind in Asia. Independence, 14 gallantry awards
itself a prodigious reputation and
This animal transport memorial to mules since Independence and
place of pride in the history of the
has now been extended by 5 military recognitions bestowed by
Indian Army. To ensure that these
constructing two walls supported by the Chief of the Army Staff and other
hoof prints do not get obliterated,
Roman pillars on either side. These Army Commanders on AT units, who
on approval by the Government of
walls chronicle the role played by have been relied upon heavily to fill
India, this saga was brought to life in
the form of a sculptured monument the animals in the Indian Army since an important niche in the logistics
in the Equestrian Training Area of the the British Raj, gives details of 637 networks of the Indian Army.
Lt Gen Thakur also declared that
26 September each year has been
nominated as the AT Remembrance
Day as it was on this day in 1914,
that 9th mule Corps, as part of the
Indian Expeditionary Force, landed
at Marseilles in France, to a most
hearty and enthusiastic welcome by
the French to support the British and
allied armies in World War One.
145 such AT units were to serve
during the war in France, Belgium,
Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine and Sinai
and helped the allied forces turn
the tables on the Germany led axis
powers.
- PRO Bangalore

14 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

IAF Commanders' Conference at Eastern Air Command
A ir Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria,
Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air
Force accompanied by Smt Asha
Bhadauria, President AFWWA visited
Headquarters Eastern Air Command
(EAC) at Shillong from March 4-5,
2020 for the Annual Commanders'
Conference. They were received
by Air Marshal RD Mathur, Air
Officer Commanding-in-Chief, EAC
and Smt Shipra Mathur, President
AFWWA (Regional).
In his address, the CAS
congratulated the Eastern Air
Command for completion of 60
years of glorious service to the
nation. During the conference, the
CAS highlighted the operational
importance of EAC and emphasised Maintenance and Administration. Air undertaken for the welfare of
upon the need to concentrate on Force Station Tezpur was awarded Sanginis and their families in Eastern
operational training and operational the trophy of Best Flying Station Air Command. Smt Asha Bhadauria
readiness tailored towards a quick Pride of EAC and Air Force Station
also interacted with the Sanginis
and effective response to a rapidly Laitkor Peak was declared as the
Best Non-Flying Station. and wives of Defence Service
changing threat scenario.
Corps personnel during a specially
The CAS awarded trophies During the conference, Smt
to the Commanders for achieving Asha Bhadauria, President AFWWA organised meeting.
excellence in the fields of Operations, reviewed various welfare activities - PRO Kolkata

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 15

Adventure Camp to Chokramudi, Munnar - NIAT
T he Naval Institute of Aeronautical
Technology (NIAT) is one of
the largest Aeronautical Training
Establishment in the country and
is recognised as the ‘Centre of
Excellence for Aeronautical Science
and Technology’. It imparts ab-
initio training to officers, Air Artificer
Apprentices and Senior Secondary
Recruits (SSRs) sailors.
As a part of the training
curriculum, an Adventure Camp
to Chokramudi, Munnar was
organised from March 7-9, 2020 to
instill a spirit of adventure and team
spirit among the staff and trainees. A
total of 20 trainee officers,45 trainee
sailors with 10 staff personnel
participated in the camp.
The event was flagged off by
Director, NIAT early morning on
March 7, 2020. The camp included
various adventure activities such
as tent pitching, night march,
josh run and troop games. A trek
to Chokramudi Peak was also
undertaken on March 8, 2020 with
great zeal and enthusiasm.
Most significantly, team NIAT
undertook green initiatives on
lines of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
by carrying out a cleanliness drive
in and around the surrounding
areas. The camp worked towards
improving camaraderie, imbibing
in personnel care and concern for
our environment, strengthening
discipline and aspects related to
military leadership among the
trainees. The event culminated with
a camp fire followed by cultural
performances by the trainees and
a prize distribution ceremony. The
entire team returned on March 09,
2020.
- PRO Navy

16 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

Passing Out Parade at OTA, Chennai
A n impressive Passing out Parade on the occasion of
the commissioning of 136 Gentleman Cadets and
31 Lady Cadets of the SSC-109 and SSC(W)-23 Course
respectively was held at the Officers Training Academy
(OTA), Chennai on March 7, 2020. In addition to the
above, 8 Gentleman Cadets and 3 Lady Cadets from
Friendly Foreign Countries (5 Gentleman Cadets and 3
Lady Cadets from Bhutan, 2 Gentleman Cadets from Fiji
and 1 Gentleman Cadet from Papua New Guinea) also
graduated on the occasion.
The Parade was reviewed by Admiral Karambir
Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, who also presented the
Sword of Honour and Gold Medal to ACA Harpreet
Singh, Silver Medal to AUO Vaibhav Mahajan and the
Bronze Medal to BUO Varun Pratap Singh.
During his address, the Chief Guest complimented
the Cadets and Staff of the OTA on the excellent
standard displayed by all. He exhorted the Cadets of the
Passing Out Parade to always adhere to the core values
of the Indian Army and strive for excellence in all the
endeavours to successfully meet the security challenges
being faced by the Nation.
- PRO Chennai

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 17

IAF C-17 Evacuates 58 Indians from Coronavirus-hit Iran

A C-17 'Globemaster' Aircraft of

the Indian Air Force took off from
Hindan Airbase for Tehran on March
9, 2020 to airlift Indian citizens.
IAF's medical team and support staff
was onboard the aircraft for the
humanitarian assistance mission.
The aircraft returned with Indian
citizens on March 10, 2020.
- PRO IAF

18 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

Indian Navy Sets Up Covid-19 Quarantine Camp at Mumbai
In accordance with a Department of Health & Family
Welfare, Government of India directive of setting up
COVID -19 quarantine facilities in the vicinity of 30
major airports, the Western Naval Command (WNC) of
the Indian Navy has set up a 100 bed quarantine camp
within the premises of Material Organisation Ghatkopar,
Mumbai.
On March 13, 2020, on directives received from
Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, the team from
WNC received an Air Iran flight at Mumbai airport and
shifted 44 Indian nationals to the quarantine facility.
These evacuees will be kept under medical observation
for two weeks.
The Western Naval Command remains committed
to provide all possible assistance to the National/State
authorities in the campaign to control the COVID – 19
pandemic.
- PRO Mumbai

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 19

Vajra Corps Celebrates Platinum Jubilee
Indian Army’s Vajra Corps - the first
Corps raised post independence
on March 1, 1950 celebrated its
Platinum Jubilee at Jalandhar Cantt.
Raised by Lieutenant General
Kulwant Singh at Ambala, the
Corps was relocated to Jalandhar
in July 1951. Since then the saga
of the Corps is replete with acts
of exceptional valour, courage &
sacrifice and is epitomized in various
battles fought along the western
front.
From the graveyard of Patton Corps Commander on behalf of all
our motherland. The Vajra Corps
Tanks at Asal Uttar to the ruins of the ranks of Vajra Corps assured
was also bestowed with the Theatre
Barki and Dograi, numerous acts
Honour ‘Punjab’ and Battle Honours that the Vajra Warriors will continue
of individual and collective bravery,
‘Dograi’, ‘Barki’, ‘Asal Uttar’, to perform their duties as “Defenders
gallant sacrifices and inspiring
leadership ensured that Vajra Corps ‘Sehjra’ and ‘Dera Baba Nanak’. of Punjab” both in peace and war
played a pivotal role in shaping the with absolute sincerity and resolve.
On this historic occasion,
history of the Nation. The sacrifices Lieutenant General Sanjeev Sharma, As part of the celebrations, many
of CQMH Abdul Hamid, Major Asa General Officer Commanding Vajra events to include Cycling Expedition,
Ram Tyagi, Lieutenant Colonel Satish Corps, former Corps Commanders, Walkathon, Blood Donation Camp,
Chandra Joshi, Lance Naik Shangara Cultural Programmes and Light &
Veterans and Gallantry Award
Singh and many other bravehearts Sound Show depicting the illustrious
Winners participated in a wreath
have inspired generations of Vajra
laying ceremony on March 1, 2020 journey of Vajra Corps were
Warriors. 1832 Soldiers of Vajra
held at Vajra Shaurya Sthal to pay organised.
Corps have laid down their lives in
upholding the territorial integrity of homage to our brave martyrs. The - PRO Jalandhar

20 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

IA and NCC participate in ISRO Science Exhibition at Surendranagar, Gujarat
Indian Army and NCC units of
Gujarat Directorate participated
in the science exhibition by ISRO,
Ahmedabad which was organized
at Surendranagar and supported
by Dr Mahendra Munjpara, MP,
Surendranagar for the benefit of
students. More than 3000 students
from various schools and colleges of
Surendranagar witnessed the event.
Konark Gunners of Indian
Army conducted a multifaceted
awareness event Student Outreach
Campaign in the exhibition. The
campaign conducted by Army
include equipment display, join
Indian Army awareness drive and
lastly screening of a theme based
motivational movie about Army for
students. At the equipment display,
an Artillery Medium Gun alongwith
March 16-31, 2020
its prime mover was displayed and
the students were briefed about the
equipment and its capabilities. Army
persons with the help of boards
depicting various avenues to Join
Indian Army explained in detail about
the various ways to join Army. The
students also freely and informally
interacted with the army persons.
To leave a lasting impression on
the students, a motivational movie
showing the history, tradition and
glory of the Army was screened. The
events by the Army not only spread
awareness about various schemes
to join Army but also gave a good
insight about the Army.
NCC cadets of 26 Gujarat
Bn from Surendranagar and 3
Gujarat Air Squadron & 3 Gujarat
Naval unit of Rajkot Group from
Bhavnagar also actively participated
in the exhibition by establishing
information, aeromodelling and
shipmodelling stalls. Various
activities were conducted by the NCC
Cadets including aero modelling
display and drills.
The efforts of Double One Six
gunners based at Military Station
Dhrangadhra and NCC units to ignite
young minds and hearts received an
overwhelming response from the
students, teachers and accolades
from the civil administration and
local populace.
- PRO Ahmedabad
Sainik Samachar 21
Bicycle Expedition in Memory of Fallen Aircrew
A ir Headquarters Communication
Squadron, a unit under the aegis
of Western Air Command, Indian Air
Force conducted a cycle expedition
to commemorate the supreme
sacrifice made by the Air Warriors
of the unit on November 4, 1977.
On the ill-fated day, five air warriors
of the IAF’s elite Communication
Squadron sacrificed their lives saving
the life of the then Prime minister
Morarji Desai on crash landing the
TU-124 jet while flying from Delhi
to Jorhat. The pilots were Wg Cdr
Clarence D’Lima , Wg Cdr Joginder
Singh , Sqn Ldr Mathew Cyriac, Sqn
Ldr VVS Sankar and Flt Lt OP Arora.
The expedition was flagged-
off from the crash site in Jorhat
on January 27, 2020 by Gp Capt
Saurabh Shiv, Commanding Officer,
Air Headquarters Communication
squadron and Ex-MP Mr RK Khrimey,
Member National Foundation for
Communal Harmony MHA, who
was a survivor of the crash.
The team led by Wing
Commander Irfan Washid Khan the Indian Air Force. The spirit of station Palam by Commodore
Jarial, alongwith Sqn Ldr A Sahu adventure portrayed through the Commandant of the Squadron,
and eleven other air warriors of expedition was a befitting tribute to Air Commodore SP Singh in the
the unit, who traversed through commemorate the ultimate sacrifice presence of Air Cmde Alok Sharma,
five states cycled a distance of Air Officer Commanding, Air Force
made by the Men in Blue.
approximately 2500 kms. Along the Station Palam and Mr RK Khrimey
route, the team interacted with local The team was flagged-in on and veterans of the unit.
youth to create awareness about February 14, 2020 at Air Force - PRO IAF

22 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

409 Gallantry and other Defence Decorations Announced
…Continued from the last issue
102. 15499623K SOWAR RAMAN KUMAR, THE ARMOURED CORPS / 22ND BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY
103. 16118936H SAPPER VIPIN KUMAR UPADHYAY, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS/44TH BATTALION THE ARMY
RASHTRIYA RIFLES
104. 16120559W SAPPER NAGENDRA UDYAGOL, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS/44TH BATTALION THE ARMY
RASHTRIYA RIFLES
105. 16121821A SAPPER ELUMALAI R, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY
106. 16124415LSAPPER ARJUN M, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS / 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY
107. 2713069F GRENADIER HARI BHAKAR, 4TH BATTALION THE GRENADIERS (POSTHUMOUS) ARMY
NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
1. COMMODORE JYOTIN RAINA (03556-F) NAVY
2. LT CDR RAVINDRA SINGH CHAUDHARY (07270-Y) NAVY
3. LT CDR VIKRANT SINGH (06046-R) NAVY
4. LT CDR SHAILENDRA SINGH (05982-W) NAVY
5. SUSHIL KUMAR, LS (GW), 230617-F NAVY
VAYU SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
1. WING COMMANDER DALER SINGH BILLING (26516) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
2. WING COMMANDER RAJESH AGARWAL (27197) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
3. SQUADRON LEADER NINAD ANIL MANDAVGANE (30820) FLYING (PILOT) (POSTHUMOUS) AIR FORCE
4. SQUADRON LEADER SIDDHARTH VASHISHT (31131) FLYING (PILOT) (POSTHUMOUS) AIR FORCE
BAR TO SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)
1. IC-50961X BRIGADIER AMIT KABTHIYAL, SM, THE GARHWAL RIFLES ARMY
2. IC-60744P COLONEL CS PARMAR, SM, 9TH BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY
3. IC-61342K COLONEL SANJAY SINGH KARKI, SM, 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT ARMY
(SPECIAL FORCES)
4. JC-521742W SUBEDAR BALWANT SINGH, SM, THE DOGRA SCOUTS ARMY
SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)
1. IC-41530K MAJOR GENERAL MANDIP SINGH, VSM, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY ARMY
2. IC-42915N MAJOR GENERAL RAJ VIJAYENDRA SINGH, VSM, THE ARMY SERVICE CORPS ARMY
3. MR-04091K MAJOR GENERAL REENA BHARADWAJ, VSM, THE ARMY MEDICAL CORPS ARMY
4. IC-47011X BRIGADIER VINAYAK SAINI, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY
5. IC-49013F BRIGADIER HARDEV SINGH SOHI, THE GORKHA RIFLES ARMY
6. IC-49139F BRIGADIER NEERAJ GOSAIN, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY
7. IC-49764H BRIGADIER RAJESH KUMAR SHARMA, THE CORPS OF SIGNALS ARMY
8. IC-50700K BRIGADIER MAN RAJ SINGH MANN, THE GORKHA RIFLES ARMY
9. IC-50730F BRIGADIER MOHIT SETH, VSM, THE MADRAS REGIMENT ARMY
10. IC-50888K BRIGADIER TRAILOKYA MOHAN PATTANAIK, THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY ARMY
11. IC-51506F BRIGADIER SAUMYA BANERJEE, THE MADRAS REGIMENT ARMY
12. IC-53154N COLONEL RAHUL THAPIYAL, THE REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY ARMY
13. IC-53924P COLONEL ALOK DASH, 9TH BATTALION THE GORKHA RIFLES ARMY
14. IC-54003F COLONEL NAGARAJ MOHAN BENDIGERI, THE DOGRA REGIMENT ARMY
15. IC-55030X COLONEL PANKAJ SETHI, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY
16. IC-59485L COLONEL PUSHPAM KUMAR, THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY ARMY
17. IC-60787K COLONEL ANKUSH MARKAN, THE ASSAM REGIMENT/ 4TH BATTALION THE ASSAM RIFLES ARMY
18. IC-61401L COLONEL SANJU MATHEW, 7TH BATTALION THE 11TH GORKHA RIFLES ARMY
19. IC-62332M COLONEL VIJAY PAL SINGH JAMWAL, 7TH BATTALION THE ASSAM REGIMENT ARMY
20. IC-62532H COLONEL KAPIL MOHAN SEHGAL, THE MAHAR REGIMENT / FIRST BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY
21. IC-64868F COLONEL RAJEEV DHINGRA, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY
22. IC-65572P COLONEL ARINDAM BARDHAN, THE GORKHA RIFLES / 9THBATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY
23. IC-62986W LIEUTENANT COLONEL BISWAS RAMACHANDRAN NAMBIAR, THE ARMY AVIATION CORPS ARMY

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 23

24. IC-66206X LIEUTENANT COLONEL VIVEK KUMAR JHA, THE SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY ARMY
25. IC-68925P LIEUTENANT COLONEL IROM CHINGKHEINGANBA, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY
26. IC-68859X MAJOR AASHISH KUMAR, 21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY
27. IC-72265A MAJOR GAURAV DAHIYA, THE PUNJAB REGIMENT ARMY
28. IC-74833Y MAJOR KSHETRIMAYUM BIKRAM SINGH, THE DOGRA REGIMENT ARMY
29. IC-79396N CAPTAIN GOURAV KUMAR PRASHAR, THE GRENADIERS ARMY
30. SC-00958F CAPTAIN NAGA MALLIKARJUNA RAO B, THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS ARMY
31. JC-235059H RISALDAR MAJOR & HONORARY LIEUTENANT KULDIP SINGH, THE PRESIDENT’S BODY GUARD ARMY
32. 4007576Y NAIK DINESH KUMAR, THE DOGRA REGIMENT ARMY
33. 4196498F NAIK INDAR SINGH ADHIKARI, 16 KUMAON REGIMENT ARMY
34. 4197755M NAIK NARAYAN SINGH, THE KUMAON SCOUTS (POSTHUMOUS) ARMY
35. 4090162H LANCE NAIK JAYPAL SINGH, 13TH BATTALION THE GARHWAL RIFLES ARMY
36. 2703899K GRENADIER DEEPAK KUMAR, 11TH BATTALION THE GRENADIERS ARMY
NAO SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)
1. COMMODORE JAIDEEP AVINASH MAOLANKAR (02872-A) NAVY
2. COMMODORE SUNDEEP KUMAR VERMA (03883-Z) NAVY
3. COMMODORE CHEMPAKVILAS RAMMOHAN PRAVEEN NAIR (03756-K) NAVY
4. COMMODORE GURCHARAN SINGH (03594T) NAVY
5. COMMODORE PC MARAGATHAVELAN (41357-T) NAVY
6. COMMODORE MP ANIL KUMAR (03329-R) NAVY
7. SURGEON COMMODORE SS KHANUJA (75440-B) NAVY
8. COMMODORE R VIJAY SEKHAR (51116-Y) NAVY
BAR TO VAYU SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)
1. GROUP CAPTAIN SUBHASH SINGH RAO VM (25827) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
VAYU SENA MEDAL (DEVOTION TO DUTY)
1. GROUP CAPTAIN SATISH KUMAR GUPTA (23739) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
2. GROUP CAPTAIN ANIRUDDHA NANDAN KARULKAR (24166) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
3. GROUP CAPTAIN PRABHAT MALIK (24494) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
4. GROUP CAPTAIN ROHITH VIJAYADEV (24507) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
5. GROUP CAPTAIN KOSANA RAMA RAO (25286) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
6. GROUP CAPTAIN PROMEET BOSE (25292) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
7. GROUP CAPTAIN GIRISH DANTALE (25822) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
8. GROUP CAPTAIN TARUN GUPTA (25824) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
9. GROUP CAPTAIN SUMIT GARG (26085) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
10. GROUP CAPTAIN MANDETIRA MEDAIAH BOPANNA (26092) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
11. GROUP CAPTAIN PARIJAT SAURABH (26280) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
12. GROUP CAPTAIN NEETIN KUMAR VATSYA (26283) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
13. GROUP CAPTAIN SAMIT GUPTA (26289) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE
Besides these, 20 personnel from Army and Air Headquarters have been awarded ‘Mention-in-Despatches’ by the President.
President approves Tatrakshak medals to Indian Coast Guard personnel
The President has approved Tatrakshak Medals to the following personnel of the Indian Coast Guard for their
act of conspicuous gallantry/meritorious service on the occasion of Republic Day 2020.
Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service)
• Dy Comdt Abhishek Kumar (4233-S) • Subhash, P/Nvk(QA), 05655-H • DIG Mukul Garg (0260-P)
• Sanjay Kumar Singh, Adh(ME), 04217-P • IK Balan, P/Adh(AH), 01608-L
These awards are being given to the personnel of Indian Coast Guard on Republic Day and Independence Day
every year since January 26, 1990.
- PRO Defence

24 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

Indian Army Conducts Self Defence Training for Women

A s part of International Women's Day and conscious to

the increasing danger to the safety of women in our
society, a unit of Indian Army under Red Horns Division
organised a demonstration on Self Defence themed
“Stronger You Stronger Society” for the local womenfolk
at Dhamdhama Anchalik College in Nalbari District of
Assam. The demonstration intended to address fear and
empower the girls morally, mentally and physically to
defend themselves in any situation. The demonstration was
conducted by a soldier who is an international taekwondo
player of Indian Army along with two local girls, Priyanka
and Jinti Rajbonshi, players of International repute from
local region. As an embodiment of the government’s
She Inspires Us campaign, a senior lady officer from the
Indian Army and Smt Juppi Bordoloi, DSP from Nalbari
Police were felicitated as women achievers of our nation.
They also gave a motivational lecture replete with personal
examples to the students exhorting them to do well in life.
Girl students of college and NCC were also exposed to
various opportunities for employment in Indian Defence
Forces by newly created RAVI or Recruitment Awareness
Vehicle of Indian Army.
The demonstration was attended by 250 girl students
and staffs from Dhamdhama Anchalik College, Luit
Academy, Dhamdhama High School, Nalbari Girls High
School, Dhamdhama Girls School. The event propagated
a feeling of care and safety among the locals and further
imbibed the sense of Stronger Women Stronger Society
within them.
- PRO Guwahati

Civil Military Liaison Conference at Pune

A Civil Military Liaison Conference,
was held at district level between
Army and Civil authorities at
Headquarters Dakshin Maharashtra
and Goa Sub Area on February 29,
2020. The conference was chaired
by Maj Gen Navneet Kumar, GOC,
Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa
Sub Area and was attended by
Dr Deepak Mhaisekar, Divisional
Commissioner, Pune, Mr Shekhar
Gaikwad, Municipal Commissioner,
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC),
Mr Santosh Patil, Additional Municipal
Commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad
Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and
various other civil administration and
Army authorities. The conference was
third in the series of conferences aimed
at following upon actions by different
agencies on matters raised during
the previous conferences and further
create synergy amongst military and
civil authorities on issues concerning
security, land, civic amenities, health,
law and order of all citizens and
welfare of serving and ex-servicemen
residing in and around of Pune.
The highlights of the conference
were enhanced security mechanism,
intelligence sharing, traffic
management, land cases, cantonment
boards, Pune Metro, water scarcity,
retaining wall at Military Hospital
Cardio Thoracic Centre underpass,
Shradhanjali Sthal at airport,
publicity of National War Memorial
and welfare of serving and ex-
servicemen. Addressing the gathering,
Maj Gen Navneet Kumar brought
out that there is a need of frequent
interaction at various functional
levels to achieve greater cooperation
for the benefit of citizens including
defence personnel and their families.
Divisional Commissioner, Municipal
Commissioner and Additional
Municipal Commissioner appreciated
the effort by the Army authorities of
Pune.
- PRO Pune

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 25

Roll out of Schilka Mount
S chilka a tracked Air Defence
Weapon System designed
to provide Air defence during
Mechanised Warfare, were
procured in early 70’s and early
80’s from erstwhile USSR. The
vintage equipment was decided
to be upgraded as there has been
exponential development in strategic
and cutting edge technologies. The
contract between Bharat Electronics
Limited and Ministry of Defence
was signed to upgrade 48 Schilka
mounts.
510 Army Base Workshop
(Corps of EME) having domain
expertise in automotive, hydraulics
and armament systems, became
the obvious choice as partner in
this project with Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL), Bengaluru for
overhaul of automotive portion.
GOC-in-C Southern Command visits Dakshin Bharat Area
T he Southern Army Commander,
Lt Gen CP Mohanty commenced
his visit with a courtesy call on
Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri
Banwarilal Purohit and discussed
the issues of mutual interest and
welfare of Veer Naris and Veterans.
26 Sainik Samachar
Schilkas were upgraded for Radar,
Navigation System with new Thermal
Imager & Charged Couple Device
and Laser Range Finder. It also has
Commander’s console with map
display and real time recording.
Army Base Workshop and BEL
Thereafter, he inaugurated a state
of the Art Military Dental Centre
built at a cost of Rs 3.75 crore. The
Centre extends services to thousands
of uniformed personnel of the Army,
Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard
including their Veterans/dependents.
together have been able to roll out
34 in last three year i.e. between
2017-2020. On February 28, 2020
the last of the Upgraded Schilkas
rolled out of 510 ABW.
- PRO Army
The Army Commander visited
HQ Dakshin Bharat Area where he
was briefed by Lt Gen PN Rao, GOC,
Dakshin Bharat Area on operational
and administrative preparedness.
The Army Commander
appreciated the efforts of Dakshin
Bharat Area in Aid to Civil Authority
in the recent floods. He emphasized
on operational preparedness with
realistic training to achieve a high
level of military professionalism in the
command theatre. Army Commander
highlighted the constantly changing
dynamics of modern warfare and
emphasised that the forces should
be prepared at all times to deal with
all contemporary security challenges
arising in the recent times.
- PRO Secunderabad
March 16-31, 2020
Army enables visit of farmers from Poonch (J&K) to Pantnagar & Haldwani
A group comprising of 20 young
enterprising livestock bearers
and farmers belonging to Gujjar
and Bakkarwal communities from
Poonch (J&K) was flagged off by Maj
Gen Sandeep Jain, GOC Counter
Insurgency Force (Rajouri) on March
1, 2020 from Palma, Rajouri district.
The group visited Krishi Vishwa
Vidyalaya at Palampur and textile
mill at Ludhiana on March 2-3,
2020 before arriving at Pantnagar.
The aim of the tour is to provide
exposure and raise awareness about
Animal Husbandry, Farming and
impart knowledge about the process
of conversion of raw material into
finished products by organising
their visit to prominent agricultural
universities at Palampur & Pantnagar
and textile mill at Ludhiana.
At Pantnagar, the group
members interacted with Vice
POP at Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee
T he Recruits of the 123rd Course
at the Guards Regimental Centre,
Kamptee were attested as soldiers of
the Indian Army. The occasion was
marked by an impressive Passing
Out Parade at the Centre, where,
the recruits took the solemn oath to
protect the nation even at the peril
March 16-31, 2020
Chancellor of GB Pant University
and were shown the modern
techniques/tools of farming. A
sightseeing tour was also organised
for the 20 member farmers in the
town of Haldwani and Pantnagar.
The Army conducts such tours
for the people from the remotest
of their life. The event was witnessed
by senior military and civil officials,
veterans and family members of the
recruits.
The Parade was reviewed by
Maj Gen Raju Chauhan, General
Officer Commanding, 31 Sub Area.
The General Officer congratulated
part of the country to provide them
exposure to the development of the
nation in other parts of the country
and develop sense of belongingness
and pride for the nation.
- PRO Lucknow
the Young Soldiers for their
immaculate parade and exhorted
them to commit themselves to the
service of the Nation physically,
mentally and in all dimensions. He
exhorted everyone to live up to the
ethos of the Regiment in letter &
spirit.
The Young Soldiers who
distinguished themselves in varied
factes of training were also felicitated
by Maj Gen Raju Chauhan. Recruit
Mannu Vishwakarma was the
Best Recruit. As a mark of respect,
gratitude and recognition of
contribution made by the parents of
these young soldiers, they were also
presented with the ‘Gaurav Padaks’
instituted by the Army.
- PRO Srinagar
Sainik Samachar 27
Southern Command Investiture Ceremony
T he Southern Command Investiture
Ceremony was conducted at the
iconic Gateway of India, Mumbai
on February 20, 2020. Lt Gen
CP Mohanty, General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief, Southern
Command presented gallantry and
distinguished awards to 51 Army
Persons and 22 Units of Southern
Command for their outstanding
contribution in various fields. A total
of four Army personnel presently
serving in Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh were felicitated during the
ceremony. Bar to Sena Medal was
awarded to Maj Girish Sharma of
Armed unit and Vishisht Seva Medals
to Maj Gen Raju K Subramani (Retd)
of EME Corps, Maj Gen Manjinder
Singh of Madras Regiment and Brig
Rajiv Kumar of EME Corps.
While addressing the audience
on the occasion, the Army
Eastern Command Investiture Ceremony
T he Eastern Command Investiture
Ceremony was conducted
on February 14, 2020 at Albert
Ekka Auditorium in Fort William,
Kolkata to confer various awards to
personnel who have distinguished
themselves by acts of individual
gallantry and exceptional dedication
to duty. Events such as these are
important part of Army tradition
28 Sainik Samachar
Commander congratulated the
awardees and recipients of unit
citations and exhorted all ranks to
emulate the awardees and give
their best to make the nation proud
of its Army. The Army Commander
interacted with the media as well as
the award winners and their families
after the presentation Ceremony
wherein he said that “Recognition
of such acts of selfless service,
motivates the rank and file in the
Army, to draw inspiration and re-
that recognizes and celebrates
outstanding performances by serving
personnel who have distinguished
themselves in their professional
domain. This year the event was
presided over by the GOC-in-C
Eastern Command, Lt Gen Anil
Chauhan and attended by senior
military officers, award winners and
their families. During the solemn
dedicate themselves to uphold the
honour and dignity of our great
nation in the best traditions of the
Indian Army”. He further highlighted
the importance of jointness with
other services and civil agencies in
11 States and four Union Territory of
Southern Command while remaining
operationally geared up to face
all security challenges and fulfill its
assigned mandate at all times.
- PRO Secunderabad
occasion which commemorates the
gallantry and dedication to duty of
service personnel a total of 18 Sena
Medals (Gallantry), One Sena Medal
(Distinguished) and Six Vishisht
Seva Medals were presented to the
deserving personnel by the Army
Commander. On this occasion 17
units of various arms and services
who have performed exceedingly well
during their deployment in Eastern
Theatre were also awarded with the
coveted Unit Appreciation by the
General Officer Commanding-in-
Chief, Eastern Command. The Army
Commander later interacted with
the award winners and their families
and acknowledged their invaluable
contribution in upholding the highest
standards of professionalism of the
Indian Army.
- PRO Kolkata
March 16-31, 2020
Attestation Parade of Paratroopers
A n Attestation Parade, was held where 78 recruits
passed out from the Parachute Regiment Training
Centre after successful completion of 34 weeks training
and joined the folds of the Parachute Regiment as
Paratroopers in Bengaluru. The Parade was reviewed
by Brigadier KP Singh, Commandant, Parachute
Regiment Training Centre. In his address, Brigidier KP
Singh urged the new recruits to imbibe and follow the
basic solidierly ethos of Imandari, Wafadari, Bahaduri
and complimented the paratroopers on their impressive
turnout and impeccable drill.
The Parade was commanded by Recruit Lanchungrei
Gonmei. Among the award winners were Recruit Harsh
Thakur who won the Gill Medal and Commandant’s
Endurance Medal for overall Best Recruit and Best in
Endurance. The Ghadge Medal for best in firing and
weapon training was won by Recruit Ashish Kumar. Recruit in Drill was awarded to Recruit Lanchungrei
Cheema Medal for best Recruit in Physical Training was Gonmei.
awarded to Recruit Vivek and Chhetri Medal for Best - PRO Bengaluru

Know Your Forces event at AFS, Sarsawa

A ir Force Station, Sarsawa
organised a mega display of
military assets for the school students
of Saharanpur area on February 14,
2020. The students also witnessed
various tactics of the helicopter flying
by Air Force pilots.
The event was inaugurated
by the Divisional Commissioner,
Shri Sanjay Kumar and Air
Commodore Ajay Shukla, Air Officer
Commanding, Air Force Station,
Sarsawa.
The aim of the programme
was to reach out to the youths of
Saharanpur area and familiarize
them with the Indian Armed Forces
in general and Indian Air Force in
particular. More than 3000 school
children of various age group
participated in the event. They
were briefed about the role of IAF
and various career opportunities
available in the IAF. They were also
apprised about the importance of
maintaining the cleanliness in the
area to avoid birds’ menace, for
safe flying. The event generated
remarkable interaction and
excitement among the students to
learn about the military aircraft,
equipment and the life in IAF
- PRO IAF

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 29

Naushera Day Celebration
N aushera Day is celebrated every year to
commemorate the victory in 1947-48 at Naushera
Sector and also in remembrance of the martyrdom
of Naik Jadunath Singh, PVC who attained supreme
sacrifice in service of the nation.
Prior to the cultural programme at Butalia
Auditorium, wreath laying ceremony was held at
Jadunath Memorial . The wreath laying was followed by
a cultural event highlighting the victory of Indian Army
in Naushera Sector through a light and sound show,
group dance performance by the students. A large
number of dignitaries from both Army and civil attended
the functions.
Also multi-specialty Medical Camp and Artificial
Limb Donation Camp was organized wherein 30 Wheel
Chair, 6 Crutches, 10 Hearing Aids and 10 Blind Sticks
were donated to beneficiaries including men and women
from the Naushera Tehsil. Doctors from Army and Civil
attended the patient’s alongwith the supporting staff.
Army Law College, Kanhe visited by GOC-in-C Southern Command
L t Gen CP Mohanty, Army Commander, Southern
Command visited Army Law College to witness
the progress of ongoing projects and interacted with
students and staff of the Army Law College, Kanhe on
February 19, 2020. The prestigious Army Law College,
Pune came into existence on July 16, 2018 at Kanhe
on a land donated by Radha Kaliandas Daryanani
Charitable Trust, one of the largest donations to the
Army by any private player. In last two years, the institute
has undergone transformation and has increased intake
of students and infrastructure development activities.
Staff and students were enthralled by the interaction
with the General Officer. During the interaction the Army
Commander emphasised that being the Pioneer batch
of the college the students have a major role to play
30 Sainik Samachar
The multi-specialty Camp was augmented by Shri Mata
Vishno Devi, Narayana Super-Specialty Hospital, Katra
by providing state of art mobile screening buses for
Mammography, ECG, Lab investigation and on spot
X- Ray facilities. The event highlighted the bonhomie
between the Military, Civil administration and the local
populace, which shall always be a guiding beacon for
all.
- PRO Jammu
in enhancing the reputation and image of the college
by showing their high professional standards and legal
expertise attained during training at the college. The visit
by Lt Gen CP Mohanty to Army Law College, Kanhe
was soon after his assuming command of the prestigious
Southern Army Command. He highlighted his focus area
to enhance the standard of various educational institutes
working under the Army Welfare Educational Society in
Southern Command Theatre.
The Army Law College is a residential institute
affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, offering
five years integrated BBA LLB course. This is the second
professional college to be established in Pune, under the
aegis of Army Welfare Education Society, after the Army
Institute of Technology. The institution aims to prepare
students to pursue a career at the Bar, Judicial Services,
Armed Forces, Civil Services, Corporate Houses and
other reputed organisations. The infrastructure being
constructed presently includes a State of the Art and
Eco-friendly Academic Block, Administrative Block,
Auditorium with 500 seating capacity, Boys Hostel and
a Girls Hostel.
- PRO Pune
March 16-31, 2020
Fifth Annual Memorial Lecture
T he Fifth Flying Officer Nirmaljit
Singh Sekhon Param Vir Chakra
Annual Memorial Lecture under
the aegis of Air Force Association,
Gujarat Branch was organized at
Knowledge Consortium Auditorium
of Gujarat University on February
9, 2020. Flying Officer Nirmaljit
Singh Sekhon is the sole member of
the Indian Air Force to be awarded
Param Vir Chakra, in the honour of
his courage, valour and flying skill
in engaging Pakistan F-86 jets in
unequal combat during the 1971
war.
AFA Gujarat was established
in 2007 and looks after the welfare
of Ex-Air Force personnel and
their families including widows
and children settled in Gujarat,
in the form of financial and legal
assistance.
The AFA works towards building
awareness in the general public
about the Defence services as a
career option. The Annual Memorial
lecture series has, over the past
five years, established itself as the
Pipe Band of Gorkha Rifles under Red Horns Division Adjudged Best
P ipe band of 5/5 Gorkha Rifles
(FF) of Red Horn Division was
part of the Indian Army's elite band
March 16-31, 2020
event that creates awareness on the
subjects of Indian Defence and the
associated domains.
The lecture series cover issues
of National Security with its focus on
Gujarat. Each year the lecture series
is also dedicated to an individual
who has contributed immensely in
the area of aviation or to an event
which is special in the context of the
Indian Air Force. This year the event
was dedicated to “IAF - Coming of
age - Striking beyond LOC”, the
contingent which gloriously played
inspiring martial tunes as it marched
on Rajpath for the Republic Day
Balakot strike at the terrorist Camps.
This was one of the rarest of times in
which the IAF had flown across the
line of control in peacetime.
Veteran Air Chief Marshal BS
Dhanoa President AFA and former
Chief of the Air Staff was the Chief
Guest of the function. Air Marshal S
Prabhakaran, Senior Air Staff Officer
HQ South Western Air Command
was the Guest of Honour.
- PRO Ahmedabad
parade, performed at Beating the
Retreat Ceremony and displayed
a spectacular performance for all
people at Red Fort for the Bharat
Parv. The band was adjudged as
the Best Infantry Battalion Pipe Band
and Runners-up among all the
bands participated in the Adjutant
General's Band Competition. The
Band was felicitated by Gen MM
Naravane, COAS for their musical
flair and exceptional performance in
the Republic Day Parade.
- PRO Guwahati
Sainik Samachar 31
POP of Hull Artificers from INS Vishwakarma
T he Passing Out Parade of 58
Hull Artificer (HA) Apprentices
comprising 51 Indian Navy HA
sailors and seven Coast Guard
Yantriks was conducted at INS
Vishwakarma on February 20,
2020. The Passing Out Parade
reviewed by Commodore Sanjiv
Kapoor, Commanding Officer,
INS Vishwakarma marked the
completion of two and a half year
long professional ab-initio training
that comprised of both theoretical
and practical training on various
Hull Systems and Equipment.
Jatin Kumar, HA Apprentice
was awarded the FOC-in-C SNC
Gold Medal for standing First in
Overall Order of Merit. Aman
Yadav, HA Apprentice was awarded
Indian Naval Symphonic Orchestra
T he Indian Naval Band captured
the hearts and minds of the
music enthusiasts during the Indian
Naval Symphonic Orchestra held at
Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium,
Lodhi road, New Delhi on February
21, 2020. The world famous
band, which in the recent past has
performed at renowned military
band festivals like Royal Edinburgh
Military Tattoo, Scotland, Spasskaya
Tower International Military Music
32 Sainik Samachar
the Vishwakarma Trophy for Best in
Parade Training and VNK Varma,
Yantrik HA stood first in academics
amongst the Coast Guard trainees.
A Valedictory function was also
Festival at Moscow and Russian
Federation Navy Day Parade at St
Petersburg, Russia, regaled and
enthralled the audience with a wide
range of repertoire of stirring Martial
Music, arrangements of Western
Classical, Indian Classical and other
forms of contemporary popular and
folk Music.
During the melodious evening
the band related closely to the
audience, incorporating varied
organised for all the trainees, guests,
ship's company and their families.
All passing out sailors will shortly
assume their appointments onboard
frontline warships.
- PRO Vizag
choices like swing, waltz, movie
theme, disco, funk, popular, and
patriotic music, displaying their
talent and keen professionalism. The
Naval band had also participated
in the recently conducted Beating
Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk on
January 29, 2020 with their upbeat
compositions, intricate formations
including a Sail boat. The band
performed admirably under the
baton of Commander VC D'Cruz,
Director of Music (Navy), who is
an alumnus of Pilar Music School,
Goa and Trinity College of Music,
London.
The musical evening was
organised as part of the Navy Day
Activities and was hosted by Admiral
Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval
Staff. The Lieutenant Governor of
Delhi, Shri Anil Baijal graced the
occasion as the Chief Guest.
- PRO Navy
March 16-31, 2020
Unit Appreciation : DSC Centre
T he DSC Centre was awarded
the “Unit Appreciation” by Lt
Gen CP Mohanty, General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief Southern
Command during the Southern
Command Investiture Ceremony
held in front of the iconic Gateway
of India at Mumbai on February 20,
2020. Since its raising in 1947, this
is the first time DSC Centre has been
conferred with this award as a result
of the unmatched work done during
the floods in Kerala in the year 2018
& 2019. On behalf of the DSC
Centre Col Pushpendra Jhinkwan,
Comdt DSC Centre and Sub Maj
(Hony Capt) Shri Bhagwan received
the award.
- PRO Army

National Biathlon Championship 2020 :Gulmarg

N ational Biathlon Championship
was held at Gulmarg from
March 5-7, 2020. The event was
organised by Biathlon Association
of India supported by Gulmarg
Development Authority. Total of
eight teams participated in the
and three disciplines for men (10
km, 12.5 km and 15 km). The events
comprised of cross country (Nordic)
Championship.
skiing culminating in shooting from
The Championship comprised of
50m. Biathlon is an Internationally
4 disciplines - one for women (5 km)
recognized event and forms an
integral part of the Winter Olympics.
The conduct of such an event at the
National level apart from identifying
potential biathletes provides a
platform for tremendous exposure to
the youth and for showcasing their
talent and promotion of the sport.
It was a clean sweep for the
Indian Army team in the medals tally,
wherein the Army athletes won 3
golds, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals
- total 9 medals (in all 3 discipline
of mens events) thereby lifting the
overall Championship Trophy. The
women team of ITBP won the three
medals in the 5 km event.
- PRO Army

March 16-31, 2020 Sainik Samachar 33

PHOTOCALL
The IA launched a major civic
action operation in Arunachal
Pradesh at an altitude of
approximately 14000 ft and rescued
390 civilians and 175 civil vehicles
stranded in heavy snow on the night
of March 7-8, 2020. The rescued
civilians, who were also provided
with immediate medical support and
hot snacks, expressed their gratitude
towards Indian Army. Besides saving
precious lives, this 16 hours long
operation in sub zero temperature,
strengthened the bonhomie and
bonding between Indian Army and
civilians.

A series of cricket matches between IAF and UK Armed Forces was conducted from March 4-6, 2020 at Sports
Complex, Air Force Station Palam, New Delhi. IAF won the tournament and Air Marshal Rana awarded the coveted
trophy to the winner.

11 Wireless Experimental
Unit was awarded the GOC-
in-C Eastern Command Unit
Appreciation on January 15,
2020 by Lt Gen Anil Chauhan,
GOC-in-C Eastern Command
for outstanding contribution,
professional excellence and
highest standard of devotion to
duty in providing timely strategic
and technical intelligence for
counter intelligence and counter
terrorism operations throughout
the year.

34 Sainik Samachar March 16-31, 2020

 Command Hospital (NC), Udhampur in preparedness.

Specialist doctors to manage patients.

Isolation wards established using crisis Equipped with Life-saving medical equipment,
expansion beds. hazard suits, N95 masks & protective equipment.
SAINIK SAMACHAR 16-31 March 2020 Postal Regd. No. DL(ND) 11-6075/2018-20
R.N.I. Regd. No. 800/57 English Licence No. U(C)-50/2018-20
Licenced to post without pre-payment
Published on 16 Posted on 19-20 March 2020

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Government of India

NOVEL
(COVID-19)

Protect yourself and others!

Follow these Do's and Don'ts
Practice frequent hand wash-
Cover your nose and Throw used
ing. Wash hands with soap
mouth with tissues into closed
and water or use alcohol
handkerchief/tissue while bins immediately
based hand rub. Wash hands
sneezing and coughing after use
even if they are visibly clean

If you have these

See a doctor if you feel unwell signs/symptoms please
(fever, difficult breathing and call State helpline number Avoid participating
cough). While visiting doctor or Ministry of Health & in large gatherings
wear a mask/cloth to cover Family Welfare’s 24X7
your mouth and nose helpline at 011-23978046

Have a close contact

with anyone, if you’re Touch your eyes, Spit in public
experiencing cough nose and mouth
and fever

Together we can fight Coronavirus

For further information:
Call at Ministry of Health, Govt. of India’s 24X7 control room number
+91-11-2397 8046
Email at ncov2019@gmail.com

mohfw.gov.in @MoHFWIndia @MoHFW_INDIA mohfwindia

- PIB