Indian Army: News and Discussion

[12arya]

PN Thapar also spawned Karan Thapar and his niece is one Romila Thapar.

What do they say about apples and trees?

what????

never knew this! I guess that explains romila thappar denying many historical facts to appease minorities.

 

[vampyrbladez]

........................................

Forgive me friends but I see this as a lobbying attempt to sow division in our ranks.

 

[Mikesingh]

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/sto...-kashmir-not-to-play-golf-1279240-2018-07-06?

FEELING PISSED OFF AFTER READING THIS.
the so called senior officers playing golf while the soldiers mortal remains where brought in!!!!
the fu*k**s shud be demoted outright. this type of seniors r the ones who bring a bad name to the entire army officer cadre. this damned golf should be banned wholly in the army; only team games should be allowed and make it mandatory for seniors to play in mixed teams consisting of jawans and officers.

Why General Bipin Rawat told Army officers in Kashmir not to play golf

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gen Rawat saw officers playing golf in a Srinagar cantonment: Army sources
• This happened last year, when bodies of martyred soldiers were being brought in: Sources
• Golf course in the cantonment has been closed for a year: Sources

Army sources said that last year, General Bipin Rawat (in photo) saw a few senior officers playing golf at a Srinagar cantonment, while bodies of martyred soldiers were being brought in. (Photo: Twitter/@adgpi)

General Bipin Rawat, the chief of the Army staff, told officers in Kashmir not to play golf, after he saw a few senior ones do so in a Srinagar cantonment while bodies of martyred soldiers were being brought in, Army sources say.

The sources say this happened when Rawat visited the headquarters of the 15 Corps, part of the Army's Northern Command, in Badami Bagh. They say he sent out an internal communication.

And the golf course in the cantonment has been closed for a year, they say.

I think this is total bullshit news. Who are these so called 'sources'? Who is 'they'?? FAKE! And there's nothing wrong in playing golf so long as they play games with troops too at the HQ in Srinagar, though troops at HQs are few in number and not like units.

 

[12arya]

I think this is total bullshit news. Who are these so called 'sources'? Who is 'they'?? FAKE! And there's nothing wrong in playing golf so long as they play games with troops too at the HQ in Srinagar, though troops at HQs are few in number and not like units.

@Mikesingh
first i too thought it was fake news. then i saw it was from supposedly "respectable" press, aka, INDIA TODAY.
that's y i posted it...thinking it is real and got very pissed off reading it. wanted to burn couple of "evil" seniors i had also read another piece by a retd brigadier/maj gen(i had posted it here once) where he stated with pics that showed senior officers showing off their ranks even while playing golf. hence the outburst against golf.

at this rate, is there a single media house we can trust in India!!! don't know which one to post and which one not to.
FEELING VERY ASHAMED. plz report the post.

 

[12arya]

army enthusiasts here, do take up the opportunity. all the best guys.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...st-3-to-12-in-rohtak/articleshow/64868352.cms
Indian Army to conduct mega recruitment rally between August 3 to 12 in Rohtak

The Indian Army has issued a notification seeking candidates to take part in a mega recruitment rally in Rohtak's Rajiv Gandhi Stadium between August 3 and 12. To take part in the rally, interested candidates will first have to get themselves registered online, latest by July 18.

Candidates would have to appear for a physical fitness test- the date and schedule for which will be shared with the applicant after the process of online registration has been completed. An admit card will be generated though the official website at WWW.JOININDIANARMY.NIC.IN. Do not forget to carry a copy of this at the rally site and follow the instructions shared in the notification.

Education Qualifications & other criteria
The minimum qualification for Soldier General Duty post is a Class X degree with an aggregate score of 45% and at least 33% marks in each subject. For Gorkha candidates, a Class X degree would be enough.

Candidates applying for the post fo a Soldier Clerk/Store Keeper Technical will need to have a minimum of 60% aggregate score and at least 50% marks in each subject.

Entrance exam
A common entrance examination (CEE) will be conducted after the physical test and only those who would qualify the latter would be eligible to sit for CEE. Admit cards for the same would be given at the rally site.

Important dates
Date of exam: October 28
Venue: Hisar Military Station
Last date for online registration: July 18

Note:
Those aged below 18 need to signed affidavit by parents or guardians, as instructed in the notification.
Candidates have to report at the main gate of Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex (Rohtak) at 2:00 am.
Please carry all necessary documents, as mentioned in the job notification, to avoid disqualification.
Mobile phone are not allowed at rally site.

 

[12arya]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...indian-army/story-4XEJKH90mf9V2s83Vc7PfP.html

Chinese transgressions on LAC down by 20% this year: Indian Army

The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have noticed a drop in incursions from the Chinese side, particularly after the informal summit between PM Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping at Wuhan.

Members of the People's Liberation Army march in China . As per records, there have been around 118 PLA incursions this year, a drop from the same period in 2017.(Bloomberg File/ Representative image)

The number of transgressions by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) thus far this year along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC) has dropped by at least 20% from 2017, with the Chinese and Indian Armies holding more flag meetings to peacefully resolve boundary issues, two senior armed forces officials familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity, underlining the growing warmth in the relationship between the two countries after a tense standoff in Doklam last year.

There is increased PLA activity in Demchok in Eastern Ladakh across the LAC, the officials admit, but both Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have noticed the drop in incursions from the Chinese side, particularly after the April 27-28 informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s paramount leader Xi Jinping at Wuhan. As per records, there have been around 118 PLA incursions this year, a drop from the same period in 2017. The other significant achievement of Wuhan is that the behaviour of both armies in the LAC is no longer as aggressive as it used to be, the officials said.

Hindustan Times learns that the Indian Army has told the visiting PLA delegation led by Lt Gen Liu Xiaowu of Western Theatre Command that it is ready to participate in the “hand in hand” annual counter-terrorism exercise in China towards the end of the year and has left it to PLA headquarters to propose the dates. The exercise did not take place last year due to the 73-day standoff between the two armies on the Doklam plateau in Bhutan.

While Prime Minister Modi will meet his Chinese counterpart both at the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit In South Africa in July and the East Asia summit in Singapore in November, the Wuhan understanding has set the cooperative agenda between the two nations.

The build-up to the pathbreaking Wuhan summit took place at the Astana SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit on June 8, 2017, when PM Modi decided to take things in his own hands and reach out to President Xi with a proposal of the apex leadership driving the tedious relationship. PM Modi made it known that if both President Xi and he speak from written notes given by the mandarins, then it is the notes that would do the talking and not the leaders. China experts confirmed to Hindustan Times that PM Modi singularly reached out to President Xi who directly responded within a day saying that he was open to dialogue with the Indian leader.

Even when the tense Doklam standoff was on from June to August last year, the Indian leadership was assured that President Xi’s word would prevail and the crisis would not result in a military skirmish. At the G-20 summit in Germany in July 2017, PM Modi again reached out to President Xi and the two leaders gave categorical instructions to the national security planners that the standoff should be resolved diplomatically. The informal summit between the two leaders was delayed due to President Xi’s preoccupation with the Communist Party Congress and then PM Modi’s focus on the Gujarat assembly elections. The Wuhan understanding, according to top national security experts, is not a compromise but a resolve that both countries will not needle each other on core national issues, maintain peace on the LAC with each side being allowed to build border infrastructure, and yet cooperate at a bilateral and global level on issues of convergence such as trade and climate change.

 

[12arya]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...-found-dead/story-YC8vPUP9uyKdSeSUzVA7eK.html
Jammu and Kashmir cop abducted by militants in Shopian found dead
Javed Ahmad Dar was abducted at around 9:30 pm on Thursday from his home at Vehil Chatwatan.

Javed Ahmad Dar was abducted by militants in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday.(HT Photo)

The body of a policeman abducted by militants was found on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, police said.

Javaid Ahmad Dar, 27, was abducted around 9.30 pm on Thursday from his home in Shopian district’s Vehil village. A photo, apparently of a shirtless Dar suspected to have been taken by the abductors, was circulated on social media. Dar’s body was found in Kulgam’s Pariwan village, the police said.

In another incident, militants fired at Muhammad Ashraf Thoker, a cleric, in Pulwama district’s Parigam village. His condition is said to be critical.

Last month, senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari and rifleman Aurangzeb were killed by militants in separate incidents.

 

[12arya]

https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/in...h-anniversary-sher-shah-of-indian-army-451538

From inspiring many with 'Yeh Dil Maange More' to becoming Kargil War hero-Remembering Capt. Vikram Batra, 'Sher Shah' of Indian Army
On the 18th death anniversary of Captain Batra, the Kargil War hero, here are some of the facts about the valiant leader.

Capt. Vikram Batra
Some people are born to be heroes. Some others are destined for excellence. History has been full of tales of many such great people-men and women who were born to achieve something great. Without no doubt, Captain Vikram Batra was surely one among them. In a life, that spanned just 24 years, he achieved what many could just dream of. His life is a personified testament to the spirit of the Indian Army. On the 18th death anniversary of Captain Batra, the Kargil War hero, here are some of the facts about the valiant leader.

Captain Batra was born on September 9, 1974 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Having received his primary education from his mother, who herself was a teacher, Captain Batra then went to DAV public school. He excelled in various sports activities in school and even played table tennis at the national level.

At college, he joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC)-the beginning of his journey to serve the nation.

Soon after he joined the Indian Military Academy ane was commissioned as a lieutenant.

Capt. Batra's first posting was in the town of Sapore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district. He was also in line to be shifted to Shajahanpur in Uttar Pradesh. But then came the 1999 Kargil War and Capt. Batra was deployed in Kargil.

On June 19, Captain Batra's troop snatched point 5140 from right under Pakistan's nose during heavy shelling. This point was very important for Indian Army's victory in the war.

In the early hours of July 7, he was commanding a mission to rescue an injured officer during which he pushed aside his Subedar, asking him to step aside because he has children. Moments after taking the Suberdar's place, Batra was killed.

In his honour, the Indian Army uses his name in constructions and cantonments. The historic capture of point 4875 led to the mountain being named 'Batra top' in his honour. A hall at Service Selection Center Allahabad is named 'Vikram Batra Block', a residential area in the Jabalpur Cantonment is called 'Captain Vikram Batra Enclave' and the combined cadet's mess at the IMA is named 'Vikram Batra Mess'.

Capt.Batra reinvigorated fearlessness among his troops with his free-spirited nature and valour. Known for his courage and valour, he was often referred to as 'Sher Shah' in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan Army. He used the slogan 'Ye dil maange more' to communicate mission successes.

Known for his courage and valour, he was often referred to as 'Sher Shah' in the intercepted messages of the Pakistan Army.
His courage and the love for his nation can be encapsulated in his own words."I'll either come back after raising the Indian flag in victory or return wrapped in it, but I will come for sure." Captain Batra was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honour on August 15, 1999, the 52nd anniversary of India's independence.

Captain Batra has references in the popular culture also. In the 2003 Hindi movie, 'LOC Kargil', based on the entire Kargil war, Abhishek Bachchan essayed the role of Capt. Batra.

For us, he will be always known as the fearless leader who displayed the most conspicuous bravery and leadership of the highest order and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

 

[Mikesingh]

at this rate, is there a single media house we can trust in India!!! don't know which one to post and which one not to.
FEELING VERY ASHAMED. plz report the post.

Relax buddy! Nowadays a lot of fake stuff is doing the rounds especially in WhatsApp groups and internet tabloids like the Quint etc. We need to weed out the wheat from the chaff.

Here...Check this out....https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/how-fake-news-spreads-in-india/

 

[Jumbo]

Relax buddy! Nowadays a lot of fake stuff is doing the rounds especially in WhatsApp groups and internet tabloids like the Quint etc. We need to weed out the wheat from the chaff.

Here...Check this out....https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/how-fake-news-spreads-in-india/

Nearly, every one used it, whenever it helps them and when it hurts them, only and only at that time they cry.

That is the problem.

Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[12arya]

Relax buddy! Nowadays a lot of fake stuff is doing the rounds especially in WhatsApp groups and internet tabloids like the Quint etc. We need to weed out the wheat from the chaff.

Here...Check this out....https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/how-fake-news-spreads-in-india/

i hate posting crap things on our army, they don't need it from any of us; libtards r there for that. and this news sort of pissed me off and believed it to be true. what pissed me off is that i seem to fall for it .

it seems next to impossible to discern which is real and which is fake.may be people in the services can help to bring clarity to all armed forces related stuff. and i do not know which one is tabloid and which one is not. we here in kerala mostly read the regional newspapers. regarding stuff i post...its from online searches.

anyway i have reported post.

 

[Jumbo]

http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2018/07/in-big-shift-defence-uniforms-by.html

In Big Shift, Defence Uniforms By Private Companies Available At Army Canteens

Monday, July 09, 2018 by Indiandefense News

NEW DELHI: Private companies can now manufacture uniforms for the defence services.
Branded fabric and fashion retailer Raymond has begun supplying uniform cloth to the defence ministry’s Canteen Stores Department (CSD) for Indian Air Force and Indian Army, the army has said.
Raymond cloth is now available for army’s olive green uniform, commonly known as OG, and IAF’s summer dress...…..

 

[Adioz]

http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2018/07/in-big-shift-defence-uniforms-by.html

In Big Shift, Defence Uniforms By Private Companies Available At Army Canteens

Monday, July 09, 2018 by Indiandefense News

NEW DELHI: Private companies can now manufacture uniforms for the defence services.
Branded fabric and fashion retailer Raymond has begun supplying uniform cloth to the defence ministry’s Canteen Stores Department (CSD) for Indian Air Force and Indian Army, the army has said.
Raymond cloth is now available for army’s olive green uniform, commonly known as OG, and IAF’s summer dress...…..

They need to regulate the combat dress / Jungle dress. It should only be available to the authorised personnel i.e. Army guys. I once saw a Bihar Police commando wearing Army fatigues as his "uniform". Its disgusting really.
The best way to do that is to update the camo pattern and then only release that dress in the CSD. The camo needs to be distinct from all other camo patterns in use with out CAPFs so that the media guys and laymen civilians can differentiate between Army and CAPF. Also, we need to make wearing Army camo pattern or to selling it on the open market illegal and punishable for unauthorised personnel.

 

[indiatester]

They need to regulate the combat dress / Jungle dress. It should only be available to the authorised personnel i.e. Army guys. I once saw a Bihar Police commando wearing Army fatigues as his "uniform". Its disgusting really.
The best way to do that is to update the camo pattern and then only release that dress in the CSD. The camo needs to be distinct from all other camo patterns in use with out CAPFs so that the media guys and laymen civilians can differentiate between Army and CAPF. Also, we need to make wearing Army camo pattern or to selling it on the open market illegal and punishable for unauthorised personnel.

Doesn't it come under the impersonation of an officer offense?
While that is there, some camo patterns should be encouraged even for civilians I guess. Not sure if we should have strict restriction on even someone wanting to put on a particular uniform.

 

[12arya]

They need to regulate the combat dress / Jungle dress. It should only be available to the authorised personnel i.e. Army guys. I once saw a Bihar Police commando wearing Army fatigues as his "uniform". Its disgusting really.
The best way to do that is to update the camo pattern and then only release that dress in the CSD. The camo needs to be distinct from all other camo patterns in use with out CAPFs so that the media guys and laymen civilians can differentiate between Army and CAPF. Also, we need to make wearing Army camo pattern or to selling it on the open market illegal and punishable for unauthorised personnel.

can't remember if it was Delhi HC or the SC itself, that gave an earful to the GoI regarding this same issue.
it was after one of the army base attacks and on the news that jihadis were wearing army camos....the court had asked the govt to needful; don't think any thing has changed/done at all, to control the illicit sale.

read that the camo is easily available in stores all over India!!! also, common citizens too shud do their part and stop buying army camos. after all public demand drives productions right.

 

[12arya]

http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/i...a-University-to-collaborate-with-Army-/396691

Andhra University to collaborate with Army

The Andhra University and Indian Army will have joint collaborative academic and research programmes for the army personnel, Prof G Nageswara Rao, Vice-chancellor, AU, announced here on Monday. The Vice-Chancellor held discussions with Indian Army officials and University officials on the possible academic collaborations between the University and Army.

Brigadier J K Rao, Brigadier B S Rawat from Sena Bhavan, New Delhi, participated in the discussions with the AU officials on the possible collaborations. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said that Andhra University has already entered into an agreement with the Indian Airforce and Indian Navy and offering courses in engineering, diplomas in sciences and social sciences for their personnel. The university had already established the Centre for Defence Studies, the Vice Chancellor added.

The Indian Army officials have invited the Vice-Chancellor and his team to visit New Delhi to meet the Chief of Indian Army. Prof P Mallikarjuna Rao presented on AU-Defence research activities and Ujjwal Kumar Ghatak has given a presentation on the MOUs during two academic years. Brigadiar J K Rao presented a proposal of 5 MoUs to be signed with AU by July-end.

Brigadier Kumaran, Chief Engineer (Navy), Brigadier Girish Joshi of DGNP, Deputy Inspector General of Indian Coast Guard Headquarters, Col A K Roy of NCC group Headquarters were also present in the discussion.Prof K Gayatri Devi, Rector and Prof K Niranjan were also present.

 

[12arya]

https://swarajyamag.com/magazine/kings-and-soldiers-the-story-of-some-exceptional-men

Kings And Soldiers: The Story Of Some Exceptional Men
Kamalpreet Singh Gill

Brigadier Bhawani Singh, Mahavir Chakra – Maharaja of Jaipur

Snapshot

• Read about a few exceptional men who wore the scars of battle and the rank on their uniforms with the same pride as the titles they inherited.

When Prince Harry walked down the aisle with his bride at the most talked about wedding of the decade, a fair amount of attention went to the attire he chose to get married in – the uniform of his regiment, The Blues and Royals. As a prince of England, he could’ve chosen to wear the most expensive clothes that money can buy, for an occasion he knew the whole world would watch. Instead he chose the uniform in which he served 10 years and two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

The spectacle of the royal wedding drew its fair share of cynics and pop culture critics, who questioned whether such relics of a colonial and feudal past should be allowed to occupy so much of our attention in this day and age. The prince and his uniform however remind us of the other side of royalty in which entitlement goes alongside a culture of service - usually military. As leaders of men in an era when war was a constant, kings and princes were expected to be exceptional warriors. Military duty further instilled values of service and humility in the future leaders.

In India, Capt Amarinder Singh of Patiala and Maj Jaswant Singh of Jasol are among the last of that breed of men who, though born to royalty, chose to serve in the uniform. This was not always the case. There was a time, till not too long ago, when it was a custom among the famed maharajas and princes of India to serve with their men in the mud and trenches of the battlefield, often leading from the front in the face of danger. This is about a few such exceptional men who wore the scars of battle and the rank on their uniforms with the same pride as the titles they inherited.

Brigadier Bhawani Singh, Mahavir Chakra – Maharaja of Jaipur

The rulers of Jaipur hold the hereditary title of Sawai. According to legend, the word Sawai comes from the Hindi Sawa - one and a quarter (1+ 1/4th). The title was given to a man who was believed to exceed other men by one and a quarter in qualities of bravery, strength, and intelligence. Brigadier Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh was one such man.

The military career of Brigadier Bhawani Singh was exemplary and there are many tales to tell. But the feat that he is best known for is the Chachro Raid during the 1971 war in which the 10 Para, under the leadership of (then) Lt Col Bhawani Singh penetrated deep into Sindh in Pakistan, destroying multiple targets and returning home without a single casualty. All this was done without the help of a GPS or any other communication device to guide them.

The 10 Para are known as the Desert Scorpions because the officers and jawans of the 10 Para are trained specially for desert warfare. Its gruelling training regimen includes learning to survive without water in the Thar desert for days by collecting early morning dew from blades of desert grass, and being able to navigate the desert using only a compass.

It was this ability of the 10 Para that allowed them to strike 80 kilometres inside Pakistani territory in Sindh, despite having no knowledge of the terrain or the enemy positions. So effective were the 10 Para under Lt Col Bhawani Singh that they sliced through Pakistani defences like a hot knife through butter, capturing one town after with minimal fighting and suffering zero casualties. Each captured town was subsequently handed over to the Infantry that followed in the wake of the 10 Para. Though the initial objective of the raid was to capture Chachro, the Paras ended up capturing the towns of Islamkot and Nagarparkar as well, leaving the enemy vulnerable.

For his inspiring leadership in one of the most famous operations by the Indian Army, Lt Col Bhawani Singh was awarded the Mahavir Chakra. As the Maharaja of one of the largest, and arguably the most well-known of all princely states of India, Bhawani Singh could well have chosen a life spent in Parisian ball rooms and polo grounds. But as a Sawai, he was a cut above other men by one and a quarter.

Brigadier Sukhjit Singh, Mahavir Chakra – Maharaja of Kapurthala

Brigadier Sukhjit Singh is the reigning Maharaja of Kapurthala, a Sikh princely state in Punjab with a rich and inspiring history of valour. The Kapurthala royals are descendants of Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, the 18th century leader of the Ahluwalia Sikh Misl and 5th Jathedar (head priest) of the Akal Takht – the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs.

As one of the most important Sikh chiefs, Baba Jassa Singh had fought in the Sikh battles against Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, while throwing off the remnants of Mughal authority over the Punjab in a series of pitched battles fought against numerically superior opponents. As a 21 year old, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia achieved fame when he fearlessly attacked the entourage of Nadir Shah and freed the prisoners he was taking with him to Tehran as spoils of war after plundering Delhi.

Coming from such a line of warriors, the Kapurthala royals were a justifiably proud lot. Brigadier Sukhjit Singh chose to follow the path of his ancestors and was commissioned into the Scinde Horse, a tank regiment of the Indian Army. He had distinguished himself as an officer during the 1965 war. However, it was in 1971 that the finest moment of his military career was to come



Brigadier (then Lt Col) Sukhjit Singh was commanding a tank regiment in the Shakargarh sector on the Punjab border. On 10 December 1971, the enemy launched an attack under cover of intense artillery and mortar fire. Though outnumbered, Lt Col Sukhjit Singh exhorted his men to hold their ground, personally placing his own tank in the most threatened sector to lead from the front. Despite being under heavy fire, he opened the cupola of his tank to better observe the enemy positions and direct the fire of his tanks more effectively. Galvanised by his fearless presence – a commander with his head out, surveying the battlefield as if the exploding shells and flying bullets all around him did not matter – the Indians rallied. The battle ended with eight Pakistani Patton tanks destroyed and the capture of a number of Pakistani soldiers.

For his inspiring leadership and resolute courage under fire, Lt Col Sukhjit Singh was awarded the Mahavir Chakra – India's second highest gallantry award.

The Kapurthala royals’ service to the Indian Army does not stop here. The family donated their erstwhile residence – the famous Jagatjit Palace – to the government of India after Independence. Designed along the lines of Versailles Palace of France, the Jagatjit Palace was built in 1908 to serve as the residence of the Kapurthala royals by the then Maharaja Jagatjit Singh. In 1961, it came to house the Sainik School Kapurthala that prepares students for entry into the elite National Defence Academy at Khadakvasla. Brig Sukhjit Singh continues to remain the patron of the school and takes an interest in its functioning.

Flt Lt Karan Sher Singh Sandhu, Kirti Chakra (Posthumously) – Raja of Kalsia

Flt Lt Karan Sher Singh, erstwhile Raja of Kalsia, is the only ruling head of a princely state to have died in action while serving the Indian armed forces.

Tucked away in the Himalayan foothills with the river Yamuna to one side, Kalsia was the smallest of the Sikh princely states of Punjab. It was founded by Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, an enterprising warlord of the Karora Singhia Sikh Misl who broke away from the main body of Sikh fighters battling it out with the Mughals and the Afghans over control of the Punjab in the 18th century. With a band of his loyal followers, Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu moved southwards towards the Yamuna and founded the kingdom of Kalsia.

Flt Lt Karan Sher Singh Kalsia was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in April 1953. On 19 January 1961, while flying a regular sortie over Jamnagar, Gujarat, Flt Lt Karan Sher Singh found that his plane had developed a snag. As he was at considerable altitude, he had plenty of time to bail out as per procedure, and parachute to safety. He also knew that if he evacuated, the plane would crash into the densely populated Jamnagar city leading to extensive loss of life and property. As the aircraft plummeted towards the city, Flt Lt Kalsia instead of evacuating turned the burning plane away from the city. While he succeeded in this, in his struggle to direct the plane, he had also lost considerable altitude. His plane crashed in the fields outside Jamnagar city, killing him instantly.

By opting to not evacuate and turning his aircraft away from the densely populated Jamnagar city, Flt Lt Karan Sher Singh Kalsia had saved numerous lives, but lost his own. For his selfless act of courage he was awarded the Kirti Chakra - India's second highest military decoration awarded in peacetime.

The citation on his award reads:

Flight Lieutenant Kalsia displayed courage of a very high order and gave his own life to avoid an accident, which might have resulted in the loss of several other lives. His gallant action was in the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Lt Gen Hanut Singh, Mahavir Chakra – Thikana of Jasol

Jasol is a principality located in the Barmer district in the Thar desert. The rulers of Jasol held the title of Rawal and were feudatories of the larger kingdom of Marwar that had its capital at Jodhpur.

Lt Gen Hanut Singh was the son of Lt Col Thakur Arjun Singh Ji, brother of the Rawal of Jasol, who had served with the Jodhpur Lancers, famous for their liberation of Haifa during the Second World War. Maj Jaswant Singh, Minister of External Affairs in the Atal Behari Vajpayee government is a first cousin of Lt Gen Hanut Singh.

Lt Gen Hanut Singh was commissioned into the 17 horse, also known as Poona Horse, a tank regiment of the Indian Army. During the famous Battle of Basantar in the 1971 war, (then) Lt Col Hanut Singh was commanding a tank regiment that had been tasked with supporting infantry troops. As the forces came across a heavily mined field, the infantry managed to get across, leaving the tanks behind, waiting for engineers to clear the field. This, however, rendered the infantry sitting ducks against the enemy counter attack – precisely what the enemy had planned. Time being at a premium, Lt Col Hanut Singh took the decision to cross the field without waiting for the mines to be cleared, deftly leading his men from the front. It was perhaps a miracle, or the exceptional skill of a man born for war that not a single mine came in the way of the regiment. For his fearless leadership, Lt Col Hanut Singh was awarded the Mahavir Chakra.

Besides being a fearless soldier, Lt Gen Hanut Singh was also known to be an ardent student of military history who had devoted himself to the study of war campaigns of famous generals such Rommel, Montgomery, and Patton.

The Indian Army is now building a memorial at Jasol to one of its finest soldiers and greatest tacticians.

General Maharaj Sri Rajendrasinhji Jadeja, Chief of Army Staff – Nawanagar State (now Jamnagar)

The only member of a princely state to have headed the Indian Army, General Rajendrasinhji Jadeja was a nephew of K S Ranjitsinhji, the legendary cricketer and the Maharaja of Nawanagar after whom the Ranji Trophy is named. He was also a cousin of K S Duleepsinhji, another cricketing luminary produced by the Nawanagar royal family. Another cousin was Maj Gen Kumar Himmatsinhji Jadeja, a first class cricketer, and the first Lt Governor of Himachal Pradesh.

Born on 15 June 1899, at the village of Sarodar in Gujarat’s Kathiawar region, General Rajendrasinhji was the first Chief of Army Staff, and the second Indian after Field Marshal K M Cariappa to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. (The first three army chiefs were called Commander-in-Chief, and starting from 1955, the title Chief of Army Staff was introduced, while the President of India was designated the Commander-in-Chief).

General Rajendrasinhji was the first Indian to be awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) medal in 1941 during the Mediterranean campaign of the Second World War where he commanded a tank squadron and led them to safety after being outnumbered and encircled by German tanks. At Independence, Gen Rajendrasinhji was among the senior most Indian officers in the army and had to shoulder a number of responsibilities including commanding the crucial Delhi and East Punjab Command during the critical months of Partition.

Gen P P Kumaramangalam, Chief of Army Staff – Zamindari of Kumaramangalam

Gen Paramasiva Prabhakar Kumaramangalam was born in the prominent Zamindari family of Kumaramangalam in the erstwhile Madras Presidency. The Kumaramangalam estate, spread over the Salem and Namakkal districts of Tamil Nadu, was one of the largest Zamindaris in the Madras Presidency.

Kumaramangalam Zamindars have for long been influential in the public life of Tamil Nadu. Gen Kumaramangalam’s father Paramasivam Subbarayan served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from 1926-1930 and later as the Union minister for Transport and Communications in the Nehru cabinet. His mother Radhabai Subbarayan, an Oxford graduate, was a social reformer and one of the earliest advocates of reservation for women in Indian legislature. In 1938, she became the first woman member of the Council of States, the predecessor of the Rajya Sabha. Both of Gen Kumaramangalam’s siblings – a brother and a sister – served as Members of Parliament while a nephew, Rangarajan Kumaramangalam served as a cabinet minister in the Narasimha Rao and the Vajpayee governments.

As a young officer in Second World War, Gen Kumaramangalam had been taken prisoner by the Italians in 1942 before escaping from the PoW camp, only to be captured again, this time by the Germans. He served three years in Axis prisons before finally being released at the end of the war, only to jump right back into action in 1947-48 war with Pakistan. This dogged perseverance came to define his career and his legacy as a soldier.

Gen Kumaramangalam did not possess the swagger of his predecessor, Gen Jayonto Nath Chaudhuri or the flamboyance of his successor, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. He was more the silent, untiring workhorse who went about his work with a relentless devotion. When he took over the reins of the Indian army, its morale was perhaps at its lowest. The 1962 war against China had been an unmitigated disaster, while the 1965 war against Pakistan had been a narrow, hard fought victory. It is to his credit that by the time he relinquished charge to (then) Gen Manekshaw, the Indian Army had been transformed into a force that would achieve one of the most decisive military victories of the post Second World War era in 1971.

Gen Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, Chief of Army Staff – Zamindari of Haripur

Gen Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri served as the fifth Chief of Staff of the Indian army from 1962-1966. A distinguished soldier, who had served in the Second World War as well as the war with Pakistan in 1948, Gen Chaudhury is best remembered for the surrender of the Nizam of Hyderabad during Operation Polo. The picture of Major General Ahmed El Adroos, the Arab commander-in-chief of the Nizam’s armies surrendering to (then) Maj Gen Chaudhuri is now part of military folklore. As the Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Chaudhuri commanded India’s war efforts during the 1965 war against Pakistan.

Gen Chaudhuri was born in the Zamindari family of Haripur in present day Bangladesh. The Zamindars of Haripur have been an important part of the upper crust of Bengali elite who dominated its political and social affairs for centuries. Gen Chaudhuri’s maternal grandfather was W C Bannerjee, the first president of the Indian National Congress, while his cousin Devika Rani Rai Roerich was a famous actress who is often called the First Lady of Indian Cinema for her contribution to Indian cinema during its formative years. Through his uncle, Pramatha Chaudhuri – one of the most influential Bengali writers of the early 20th century – Gen J N Chaudhuri was also related to Rabindranath Tagore. Two of his brothers, Brigadier Dilip Chaudhuri and Wing Commander Hem Chaudhuri served in the armed forces too. Brigadier Dilip Chaudhuri had served as a defence attaché in Washington and played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for establishing defence ties between India and the US in the years following Independence. Through his brother Wing Commander Hem Chaudhuri, Gen J N Chaudhuri was also distantly connected to Keshub Chandra Sen, the famous Bengali reformer whose great grand daughter was the wife of Wing Commander Hem Chaudhuri. Another notable family member was the legendary pilot of the Indian Air Force, Wing Commander Karun Krishna Majumdar who, at the time of his death in a plane crash in 1945 was the highest ranked Indian officer in the Air Force. He was a cousin of Gen J N Chaudhuri.

Though a rugged and imposing soldier, the strain of literary refinement of Bengali intelligentsia of which he was part, was unmistakable in Gen Chaudhuri. He was the first Indian Army Chief to pen an autobiography in 1979, besides authoring two other books on military affairs.

Admiral Madhavendra Singh, Chief of Naval Staff – Thikana of Chomu

The Thikana (principality) of Chomu in Rajasthan is renowned for producing some of the finest soldiers in the history of Indian sub-continent dating back to the 16th century. Chomu was the largest of the 12 Kotris or principalities that made up the kingdom of Jaipur, with its ruler holding the title of Thakur. Chomu not only contributed the most in terms of revenue but the Thakur of Chomu also held the honour of leading the armies of Jaipur in battle.

This unbroken legacy of soldiering is being carried down to the present day by the Thakurs of Chomu. Admiral Madhavendra Singh of Chomu was born to Maj Gen K Bhagwati Singh, the first Indian Commissioned officer to graduate from the Indian Military Academy in Dehra Dun. As a result, Maj Gen K Bhagwati Singh became the proud possessor of, perhaps, the most unique identification number in the Indian army – IC No 1.

Another unique distinction that the family holds is that the Maj Gen K Bhagwati Singh and Admiral Madhavendra Singh are the only father-son duo to have had the honor of reviewing the passing out parade at the IMA. While Maj Gen K Bhagwati Singh reviewed the 25th passing out parade, Admiral Madhavendra Singh reviewed it in 2002. This event is said to be unique in military history.

Admiral Madhavendra Singh is a nephew of Lt Gen Umrao Singh of Chomu, who famously refused to carry out orders given by Defence Minister Krishna Menon in the 1962 war against China, citing the gross military unpreparedness of the Indians compared to the Chinese. The outcome of the war vindicated his stand. Several of Admiral Madhavendra Singh’s cousins have held senior positions in the armed forces, including Group Captain Kanwar Bharatendra Singh, a recipient of Vayu Sena Medal.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1963, Admiral Singh saw action in both the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan besides the 1987 Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka.

Admiral Madhavendra Singh is married to Rajkumari Kaumudhi Kumari, daughter of Maharaj Kumar Balendu Shah of Tehri Garhwal.

Flt Lt Samar Bikram Shah, Vir Chakra, Vayu Sena Medal – Rajkumar of Tehri Garhwal
Flt Lt Samar Bikram Shah is the son of Lt Col Maharajkumar Shardul Bikram Shah and the nephew of Lt Col Manabendra Shah Bahadur, the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, a princely state in Uttarakhand. Rajkumari Kaumudhi Kumari, wife of Admiral Madhavendra Singh of Chomu is his first cousin.

Rajkumar Samar Bikram Shah was born on 21 April 1945 at Mussoorie. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 16 May 1965 just as the India-Pakistan war broke out and was attached to the famous Flaming Arrow Squadron in Halwara, Punjab. In March 1970, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal when at great personal risk he successfully landed his aircraft which had developed a snag and had begun to plummet. Flt Lt Shah chose not to evacuate and through the sheer dint of force managed to land his aircraft safely. This strength of character would be on display once again during the 1971 India-Pakistan war when he shot down an enemy aircraft in a head-to-head battle and frustrated the attempts of other enemy aircrafts to sabotage the mission that Flt Lt Shah was charged with escorting. For this he was awarded the Vir Chakra.

He later served as the ADC to the COAS and retired from service in 1975.

Maj Rajakumar Chikka Desraj Urs – Mysore

Major Rajakumar Chikka Desraj Urs was the grandson of one of the most renowned members of the Mysore royal family – Col J Desraj Urs. Col J Desraj Urs was the brother-in-law of Maharaja of Mysore Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodiyar 4th. A respected officer and an accomplished horseman, Col J Desraj Urs served as the commander-in-chief of the Mysore state forces that distinguished themselves during the First World War as defenders of the Suez Canal and Palestine. The Mysore Lancers under Col J Desraj Urs were to be immortalised in history as the defenders of Haifa when the royal 2 headed Mysore Eagle – the mythical Ganda-Bherunda that serves as the emblem of Mysore – flew over Haifa as the Mysore Lancers, as part of the 15th Imperial Cavalry Brigade, marched in to evict German and Ottoman Troops.

Born on 16 June 1928, Major Rajakumar Chikka Desaraj Urs was commissioned into the Hodson’s Horse, a tank regiment of the Indian Army that took part in the now famous Battle of Phillora. The battle of Phillora was one of the three major tank battles fought during the 1965 war, the other two being the Battle of Assal Uttar and the Battle of Chawinda.

Phillora is a village near Sialkot district on the Pakistani side of the border in Punjab. The Indians, having entered Pakistani territory were making a go for Lahore. The resistance from Pakistanis was fierce, which made Phillora one of the most remembered battles of the Indian Army. The Indian 1st Armored Division squared up against the Pakistani 6th Armored Division that had additional air support from the Pakistani Air Force. As the Indians advanced into Pakistani territory, they faced stiff resistance at a large village called Rurki Kalan. Here the Pakistanis had dug trenches and the Pakistani army backed by artillery was stalling the Indian advance.

Major Rajkumar Chikka Desraj Urs of Mysore was commanding a squadron charged with capturing Rurki Kalan when a shell hit his tank, severely wounding him. Maj Desraj Urs lost one eye in which shrapnel hit him, but he still refused to be evacuated and gallantly led his men till the village of Rurki Kalan was captured.

Fighting in the same battle with Maj Desraj Urs of Mysore was Maj K S Dhillon, brother-in-law of Capt Amarinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala. Maj Dhillon was wounded by shell splinters and was rendered permanently disabled. The sacrifices of the Indian officers did not go in vain. After three days of intense fighting, the Pakistanis withdrew with a loss of 66 tanks. Indians lost six in comparison. The Battle of Phillora ended in a decisive Indian victory.

Maj Kunwar Ravinder Singh Bedi, Vir Chakra – Jagirdar of Kallar

Maj Kunwar Ravinder Singh Bedi is a direct descendant of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. He represents the 16th generation down from the Guru. His father, Kunwar Surinder Singh Bedi was a renowned IAS officer who was in-charge of the border areas of Punjab during the 1965 and 1971 wars and contributed towards the war effort by streamlining the cooperation between the military and the civil administrations. For his efforts, he was awarded the Padma Shri as well as the Padma Bhushan.

The family was hereditary Jagirdars of Kallar in Rawalpindi (present day Pakistan), with additional Jagirs held in Montgomery district (present day Pakistan) and in Una district in Himachal. These Jagirs had been bestowed upon the family by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for displaying conspicuous bravery on the battlefield in the Sikh battles against Afghans in which the Bedis had served as Generals of Ranjit Singh. After the British conquest of Punjab, several of these Jagirs were confiscated by the East India Company, but the family continued to remain one of the most important Jagirdars in British India with Raja Baba Khem Singh Bedi, the great grandfather of Kunwar Ravinder Singh Bedi having served as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council.

The head of the family held the title Raja along with Baba to denote the spiritual authority the family commanded as descendants of Guru Nanak Dev. After Partition though, the family lost most of its holdings but continued to serve the nation in various capacities.

Kunwar Ravinder Singh Bedi joined the Army in 1963 as a 2nd Lt and was commissioned in the Scinde Horse, a tank regiment of the Indian army. On 17 September 1965, 2nd Lt Ravinder Singh Bedi had been ordered to clear out the village of Jhuggian in the Lahore sector to prepare the advance of the Indian Army. The village was defended by enemy tanks, infantry as well as recoilless guns. Advancing under heavy fire, 2nd Lt Bedi succeeded in knocking out several tanks when his own tank was hit by a shell from the recoilless gun and caught fire. Though severely wounded, 2nd Lt Bedi continued to advance with his burning tank until the stored ammunition inside the tank began exploding. When eventually he was forced to abandon his tank under heavy enemy fire, he kept his calm and helped his men out, despite being severely wounded, himself. For his bravery, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third highest gallantry awarded

 

[12arya]

I do not know what to make of this move. Probably forum experts can discuss this.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...ments-to-save-funds/articleshow/64968270.cms?
Army mulls abolishing all cantonments to save funds

 

[sthf]

I do not know what to make of this move. Probably forum experts can discuss this.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...ments-to-save-funds/articleshow/64968270.cms?
Army mulls abolishing all cantonments to save funds

While I agree with the move, excuse given by army is pretty lame. Rs 476 crore spent annually on maintainance is not exactly a massive sum and the amount saved from closure will be paltry.

On the other hand, MOD and IA have some of the best located lands in the country much of which is being wasted and can fetch a lot of moolah.

One solution for the inevitable bellyaching of the opposition is to club it with smart cities initiative and instead of privatising the land, MOD should commertialise the properties by themselves.

 

[tharun]

Which frame does our army use for it's backpacks.

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