http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090730/nation.htm#7
The Tribune
30 July 2009
‘No one rank, one pension for officers’
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 29
There would be no one rank-one pension (OROP) scheme for retired commissioned officers of the armed forces. Nor would there be any further improvement in the pension of officers after some recent modifications.
The recommendations of the high-level committee led by the cabinet secretary that looked into the disparities in pension of ex-servicemen that have been forwarded to and accepted by the government, do not include OROP for officers, highly placed Defence ministry sources revealed.
This revelation is contradictory to Defence Minister AK Anthony’s recent statement reported in certain sections of the media that the recommendation of OROP for officers, too, had been accepted.
Modifications carried out in pension regulations post Sixth Pay Commission (SPC) implementation have brought in parity in the pension of personnel below officer rank (PBOR), but officers have been left out. The government letter notifying the recommendations of the committee is expected to be issued shortly.
Pensions of pre-2006 PBOR will now be computed by taking into account the top end of Fifth Pay Commission scales and notionally configuring it within the SPC pay bands instead of basing the same on the minimum of the new scales.
This implies that a jawan who retired before 2006 and was getting a basic pension of Rs 3,700 would now be granted a basic pension of approximately Rs 5,500.
Upgrading the pensions of pre-06 lieutenant generals to Rs 36,500 per month is also among the accepted recommendations.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Kargil Divas at Pune by Ms Vinita
Dear Friends,
While the government decided to ignore the supreme sacrifice of our soldiers and officers of the Indian Armed Forces on the occassion of the 10th anniversary of the Kargil War - with even Pratibha Patil, President of India and supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces not having time to pay her homage to the war martyrs, we in Pune commemorated the historic day with utmost dignity and solemnity. More than 400 citizens were present on this citizen initiative undertaken by the Intelligent Pune weekly tabloid and members of the Kargil Action Committee. Pl wait for a few seconds for the photopgraphs to be visible. Also enclosed in attachemnt are photo captions as i could not attach them to the pics but they are in order of the pics.
I have also enclosed the cover story which we are carrying in Intelligent Pune of July 31-Aug 4 issue. Pl see it online from tommorow on www.intelligentpune.org as this issue will be uploaded tommorow.
Please forward to as many and pl upload on ur blogs/discussion groups
cheers and warm rgds
vinita
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Kargil Divas Tricity by Brig Kiran Krishan
_Brig_Kiran_Krishan,_Lt_Gen_Harcharan_Singh,_Sh_Shyam_Chand_Former_minister,_Col_SS_Kalia.jpg)
_Krishna_H__Singh_inaugurating_Medical_%26_Dental_Camp_at_Satluj_Public_School,_On_July_26,_2009.jpg)
The 10th Anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas was commemorated in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali & Chandigarh) on Sunday, JULY 26, 2009 as per programme below:
(a) Homage Ceremony 10.30 to 11.30 a.m. At Major Shankla Memorial, Sector-2, Panchkula
(b) Lighting of Candles 8 p.m. At Major Shankla Memorial, Sector-2, Panchkula
(c) Medical & Dental Camp 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Satluj Public School, Sector-2, Panchkula
About 350 ex- servicemen, and civilians participated in the homage ceremony which was led by Lt Col JS Kanwar, father of the late Major Sandeep Shankla, Ashok Chakra, three Kargil war widows, and Brig Sant Singh, MVC and Bar, President of the War Decorated India. Poet laureate Padma Bhushan Sardar Anjum recited a poem in honour of the Kargil martyrs. Many civil dignitaries, and, local municipal councillors were present. Many senior retired service officers including former Army Commanders, Lt Gen PN Hoon, Lt Gen Depinder Singh, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Air Marshal GS Punia, and Capt (IN) AS Johar graced the occasion, in addition to a large number of ex- servicemen who had come from far off villages.
The evening Candle Lighting Ceremony was started off with reading of odes to the martyrs. Shri Shyam Chand, a former Haryana minister was present alongwith many patriotic civilian friends.
The Medical & Dental Camp was led by ex AMC husband & wife duo Lt Gen Harcharan Singh, PVSM, PHS (Retd.) and Mrs Krishna H Singh. They had put together a team of seven retired AMC doctors. In addition, a fully equipped dental van complete with doctors, staff, and medicines was made available, kind courtesy National Dental College & Hospital, Dera Bassi (Punjab) being run by Lt Col GS Sandhu (Retd from AOC in 1997). Approx 300 patients utilised the camp. Mohali Brigade was present in strength, and lent full support. A few of the photos taken are attached.
Brig Kiran Krishan, SM (Retd)
Coordinator, IESM
Panchkula
Capt Vikram batra by his younger twin Kush
When I talk about Luv, I don’t know where to begin. Capt. Vikram Batra PVC (posthumous) is Luv, and I, his younger twin, Kush. His identical twin. Ours was a childhood spent in the hills of Palampur making the most of our identical looks—playing pranks, filling in for each other and at times even getting punished for one another’s mistakes. The similarity ran deeper than looks. We also had the same interests. Both of us started playing table tennis at the age of ten. It’s another story that Vikram went on to become the school champion for five consecutive years. But I’d like to believe that I had a big hand in that. After all, I chose to lose to him in the semi-finals in the fifth year so that he could make the school record. But deep in my heart, I know that my brother—Shershah of Kargil—was a winner right from the start.
Shershah of Kargil. That’s what the enemy too called Vikram. That’s the mark he made on them on those unforgiving mountains of Kargil. I don’t know at what stage Vikram marched on way ahead of all of us. We’d grown up as regular kids, making our choices as we went along. The first different choice that I remember is when our father started giving us Rs 50 a month for the school bus fare. I chose to travel to school by bus. Vikram opted to walk it and instead spend those rupees in the canteen. As we grew up, Vikram opted for the Army, and I, rejected thrice by the Services Selection Board, settled for business administration. How thrilled he was when he made it to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
It was 6 December 1997. Vikram Batra’s dream came true. He took the oath as an Officer of the Indian Army:
The Safety, Honour and Welfare of your country comes first, always and every time / The Honour, Welfare and Comfort of the men you command comes next / Your own Ease, Comfort and Safety comes last, always and every time. /
Mom and Dad pinned up the stars on his shoulder. He stood there smiling from ear to ear in his crew cut and several kilos thinner after the rigorous training. It was a grand moment. But it wasn’t going to be an easy life and Vikram knew that.
When he’d come home on annual leave, we would talk for hours about the challenges he faced in Sopore—the strife-torn town in Jammu & Kashmir’s Baramulla district—which was his first posting. He had been commissioned into 13 JAK Rif.
We would dream of the day he would command his regiment and I would get a chance to attend some of the regimental functions with his family and children. That dream is lost now.
Never could I have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that the stories we saw in the famous TV serial, Param Vir Chakra, which we watched at a neighbour’s house in 1985 (we didn’t have a TV at home back then) would one day become so real for me. And Vikram would be the hero. Vikram was awarded the country’s highest gallantry award, posthumously. He was only 24. His famous words from the height of 18,000 feet: “Yeh Dil Maange More,” after victory over the enemy, still ring in my ears.
It’s been ten years. A lot has changed. And a lot has remained the same. I have many more grey strands in my hair. Vikram is as youthful as ever. Time cannot touch him. In these last ten years, I have longed to visit those mountains that he conquered. And then suddenly, out of the blue, I got a call to travel to Kargil and Drass. It was as if Vikram was calling me to have a chat with him. I didn’t look back, packed my bags and set out to meet him.
I landed in Leh at 10:30 in the morning on 2 July, five days before Vikram’s tenth death anniversary. The valley was more beautiful than it is made out to be in books. From the snow-capped hills surrounding it, I could almost sense Vikram looking at me. I then began the road trip to Drass to meet him. The mountain wind blew faster than the speed of the car and in my mind there was just one picture—of the bearded young man who had become a legend for pushing the enemy back at insurmountable heights where even life does not exist.
A little outside Leh, we reached Gurdwara Pathar Sahib. I said a prayer for Vikram and for all those great soldiers guarding those mountains and our motherland. I recalled what Vikram had written in one of his last letters before the attack: ‘Life is at total risk. Anything can happen here. Take care of yourself and Mom and Dad… My picture has appeared in The Times Of India. Keep a copy for me. I want to see it once I’m back.’ The picture had appeared on the front page of The Times of India on 2 July 1999. It showed him standing with an anti-aircraft gun and weapons he had captured from Pakistani soldiers. This was after the first ferocious attack on Peak 5140 launched after they performed pooja at the Ghumri Base Camp with the call of “Durga Mata Ki Jai”.
Vikram and his men captured point 5140 on 20 June 1999, and two weeks later, when his company launched the attack on point 4875 on 5 July, Vikram was fatally wounded—hit by sniper fire. The company captured the peak, but after 11 casualties. Vikram was one of them.
It was months later, at the Western Command headquarters, when I met the junior commissioned officer (JCO) who was with Vikram the day he was fatally wounded. He was the last man to speak with Vikram. Sub Major Raghunath Singh started wailing when he saw me. He solved the mystery of my twin’s death for me: a young officer, Vikram’s junior, was hit and crying for help. The JCO wanted to go out to help but Vikram stopped him. “The enemy was firing heavily. ‘You have a family and children back home, I will do this,’ saahab said. He stopped me with these words and went out,” Raghunath Singh told me as he wept like a baby, inconsolably. But Vikram was hit by sniper fire. Having realised that, the charged company went berserk, mad with rage at their leader being hit, and killed the enemy soldiers. The tricolour was planted atop point 4875—they call it Batra Top now. Vikram reached Palampur before the sun rose on 11 July 1999. He was wrapped in the tricolour, lying calm almost as if he was trying to catch up on sleep he had lost during these arduous assaults on those treacherous peaks.
Was I really so close to those peaks that I could almost see him fighting there? I wanted to reach up there as fast as possible, but the track was treacherous—the rocky mountain on one side and the sheer fall on the other. In some time, we had left the Indus River behind.
It was a breathtaking journey. A place so beautiful and yet caught in the crossfire of war a decade ago. Midway, at one of the military posts, we had lunch with the commanding officer of 4 JAK Rif. I also met an officer six months senior to Vikram—now a major—and a JCO, both of whom had fought the war together with Vikram. “You look so much like Vikram Sir,” the JCO said and hugged me. I’ve been told that a billion times in the last ten years. There are people now who know me as Captain Vikram Batra’s brother. Many of them even walk into my office at ICICI Bank in Delhi and stare at me as if they know me. Some of them even say, “We’ve seen you somewhere.” When I tell them I’m Captain Batra’s twin, they say, “Oh, ‘Yeh Dil Mange More,’” and shake my hand.
My dream of visiting Vikram as a commanding officer of a regiment couldn’t come true. But Vikram still commands. He’s there in the hearts of the soldiers posted in Kargil and Drass. In that mountain named after him (the Batra Top). And in the transit camp in Drass, called Capt Batra Transit Camp, where weary soldiers break their journey in the call of duty.
‘Call of duty’, the mention of these words takes me back to the days he was to be commissioned as an officer. When he was in the IMA, the footnote of Vikram’s letter pad read, ‘If Death comes to me before I prove my blood, I promise I’ll kill Death.’ You kept your word, Vikram. My Brother, My Twin, I salute you.
An article by Maj Gen surjit singh
Dear Brig Kamboj and Friends,
I recently did a bit of research on the life and times of Chetwode. What I find is contained in a brief note, attached with this mail. I feel that we often quote Chetwode out of context.
Regards,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh
REMEMBERING CHETWODE
I owe a personal debt of gratitude to Chetwode. His credo guided me throughout my service. Early during my military career I learnt that the more I cared for the quality of life of the troops placed under my command the greater was the loyalty and willing obedience of my orders which I received in return. I find that his message has made deep inroads into our psyche and I do not know any army officer who has forgotten what he read on the Chetwode building at the time of passing out of the Indian Military Academy.
In an idle reverie, I decided to find out a bit more about the man who wrote those three sentences and what he did to translate them into action during his own service. A quick search of the Internet revealed that Field Marshal Philip Walhouse Chetwode was the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army during 1930-35. The IMA was raised during this period and the C-in-C inaugurated the Academy in 1932. This eternal advice was contained in his address to the cadets, and that has given to him his name and fame. But I could find nothing in his biography to substantiate any of his actions to improve the ‘safety and welfare’ of men whom he commanded during his service. He was the second most powerful man in India, next only to the Viceroy. And so his word meant a lot. Specifically in terms of the salaries of the soldiers under his command, I observe that what we have done can put his creed to shame.
By a quirk of fate, I discovered a booklet entitled “Regulations for the Pay and Allowances for the Army in India” in my father’s collection. It is published in 1932 and all amendments up to 1942 are inscribed in manuscript on the first few pages. The pay at the cardinal points are as follows:
Lt Gen (in command) Rs 4,500
2nd Lieut(married) Rs 490
2nd Lieut (unmarried) Rs 405
Subedar Major Rs 250-15-310
Sepoy (Infantry) Rs 16 (fixed)
There is no mention of the pay of the C-in-C, but I have read somewhere that he was given an annual salary of Rs 100,000 during that period. My father used to tell me that getting a man enrolled in the army was easy. The spoken word of a Subedar Sahib or a letter of recommendation from an officer was all that a man needed to become a recruit. The soldiers were enlisted for seven years with the colors and a ‘reserve’ liability of eight years. To earn a pension the soldiers had to rise to the rank of a Naik, and that was not easy. They had to undergo a stiff ‘umeedwar’ cadre and only those who qualified on this course could rise to NCO ranks. The army did not grant pension to all the men, and so the pensioners could be well looked after. Thus, getting in was easy but climbing up in the hierarchy was tough. And as far as I could see, Chetwode did nothing to change this format. Incidentally, the officers who passed out of the Academy which he inaugurated were called ICOs and they did not get the KCIO rates of pay. An ICO 2nd Lieut started was granted Rs 300 only.
In sharp contrast to the above competitive format, we now start a Sepoy on Rs 10,250 with a DA @22% and give him 3% compounding increments with three assured career progressions, and every entrant is entitled to a pension, hedged against inflation. Is it a surprise that there was a virtual stampede at a recruiting center in Rajasthan and the crowd of military service aspirants had to be fired upon in UP a few months ago? I myself have been approached by men from our village to help them get their wards recruited. They are willing to pay as much as 1.5 lac rupees if they can be assured that the job will be done.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the personality of Field Marshal PW Chetwode, kindly turn to the web pages. To me it seems that he was a blue blooded soldier whose performance was mediocre as a young officer and average as a middle level officer. His rise to the apex ranks is due more to his lineage than anything else. In the British social order he is referred to as 1st Baron & 7th Baronet of Oakley. As for the matters related with determination of wages and salaries, the British depended on the principles enunciated by Lord Islington.
I strongly urge my friends to quote Chetwode only after getting to know more about the man and his work. Three clever sentences do not tell the whole story!
Field Marshal Philip Walhouse Chetwode, 1st Baron Chetwode, 7th Baronet of Oakley GCB OM GCSI KCMG DSO (21 September 1869 – 6 July 1950) was a British cavalry officer who became Commander in Chief in India. Read more:
Philip Chetwode, 1st Baron Chetwode
I recently did a bit of research on the life and times of Chetwode. What I find is contained in a brief note, attached with this mail. I feel that we often quote Chetwode out of context.
Regards,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh
REMEMBERING CHETWODE
I owe a personal debt of gratitude to Chetwode. His credo guided me throughout my service. Early during my military career I learnt that the more I cared for the quality of life of the troops placed under my command the greater was the loyalty and willing obedience of my orders which I received in return. I find that his message has made deep inroads into our psyche and I do not know any army officer who has forgotten what he read on the Chetwode building at the time of passing out of the Indian Military Academy.
In an idle reverie, I decided to find out a bit more about the man who wrote those three sentences and what he did to translate them into action during his own service. A quick search of the Internet revealed that Field Marshal Philip Walhouse Chetwode was the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army during 1930-35. The IMA was raised during this period and the C-in-C inaugurated the Academy in 1932. This eternal advice was contained in his address to the cadets, and that has given to him his name and fame. But I could find nothing in his biography to substantiate any of his actions to improve the ‘safety and welfare’ of men whom he commanded during his service. He was the second most powerful man in India, next only to the Viceroy. And so his word meant a lot. Specifically in terms of the salaries of the soldiers under his command, I observe that what we have done can put his creed to shame.
By a quirk of fate, I discovered a booklet entitled “Regulations for the Pay and Allowances for the Army in India” in my father’s collection. It is published in 1932 and all amendments up to 1942 are inscribed in manuscript on the first few pages. The pay at the cardinal points are as follows:
Lt Gen (in command) Rs 4,500
2nd Lieut(married) Rs 490
2nd Lieut (unmarried) Rs 405
Subedar Major Rs 250-15-310
Sepoy (Infantry) Rs 16 (fixed)
There is no mention of the pay of the C-in-C, but I have read somewhere that he was given an annual salary of Rs 100,000 during that period. My father used to tell me that getting a man enrolled in the army was easy. The spoken word of a Subedar Sahib or a letter of recommendation from an officer was all that a man needed to become a recruit. The soldiers were enlisted for seven years with the colors and a ‘reserve’ liability of eight years. To earn a pension the soldiers had to rise to the rank of a Naik, and that was not easy. They had to undergo a stiff ‘umeedwar’ cadre and only those who qualified on this course could rise to NCO ranks. The army did not grant pension to all the men, and so the pensioners could be well looked after. Thus, getting in was easy but climbing up in the hierarchy was tough. And as far as I could see, Chetwode did nothing to change this format. Incidentally, the officers who passed out of the Academy which he inaugurated were called ICOs and they did not get the KCIO rates of pay. An ICO 2nd Lieut started was granted Rs 300 only.
In sharp contrast to the above competitive format, we now start a Sepoy on Rs 10,250 with a DA @22% and give him 3% compounding increments with three assured career progressions, and every entrant is entitled to a pension, hedged against inflation. Is it a surprise that there was a virtual stampede at a recruiting center in Rajasthan and the crowd of military service aspirants had to be fired upon in UP a few months ago? I myself have been approached by men from our village to help them get their wards recruited. They are willing to pay as much as 1.5 lac rupees if they can be assured that the job will be done.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the personality of Field Marshal PW Chetwode, kindly turn to the web pages. To me it seems that he was a blue blooded soldier whose performance was mediocre as a young officer and average as a middle level officer. His rise to the apex ranks is due more to his lineage than anything else. In the British social order he is referred to as 1st Baron & 7th Baronet of Oakley. As for the matters related with determination of wages and salaries, the British depended on the principles enunciated by Lord Islington.
I strongly urge my friends to quote Chetwode only after getting to know more about the man and his work. Three clever sentences do not tell the whole story!
Field Marshal Philip Walhouse Chetwode, 1st Baron Chetwode, 7th Baronet of Oakley GCB OM GCSI KCMG DSO (21 September 1869 – 6 July 1950) was a British cavalry officer who became Commander in Chief in India. Read more:
Philip Chetwode, 1st Baron Chetwode
Ex-servicemen denied entry into memorial
Ex-servicemen staging a protest near the Martyrs Memorial in Secunderabad on Sunday.
Express News Service Published: 27 Jul 2009 10:27:59 AM IST
HYDERABAD: AT a time when the nation paid its homage to the martyrs of the Kargil war, exservicemen in the city were denied the privilege. They were stopped from entering the Kargil Martyrs Memorial at Parade Grounds to pay their respects to those who laid their lives fighting the enemy in the hostile terrains of Kargil.
The nation celebrated the 10th year anniversary of the victory of Indian soldiers over their Pakistani counterparts in the Kargil war, on Sunday. Members of the AP Ex-servicemen Welfare Association on Sunday morning arrived at the Parade Grounds to pay their respects to the martyrs who laid their lives down for the country. Army authorities, however, did not allow them to enter the premises.
With the Army authorities unrelenting, the ex-servicemen laid wreaths on the fencing opposite the Martyrs Memorial and squatted on the pavement for sometime. Association president, A Rangaiah Goud, deplored the adamant attitude of the Army authorities and said they were ill-treated by the authorities.
He demanded that the government sack the director of Sainik Welfare Board and appoint an IAS or IPS officer who would work for their welfare.
Ex-servicemen denied entry into memorial
Kargil divas Sec'bad and Hyd'bad by Lt Gen KS Rao
Dear Brig Kamboj,
Please find below a short coverage of some activities at Twin Cities.
Regards
Lt Gen KS Rao (Retd)
KARGIL DIWAS- TWIN CITIES-HYD & SEC’BAD
A solemn function at Basantar War Memorial at Mehdipatam Garrison was organised by 54 Inf Div, where a large number of soldiers (Army, Navy & Air Force), both serving and veterans paid their tributes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the security of our Motherland. The Division had also invited the NOK of the Kargil Heroes and some gallant soldiers who were killed during CI Operations. The ceremony was followed by Tea. Present amongst the NOKs was Mrs Acharya, wife of Maj Acharya MVC (Posthomus) of 2 Raj Rif and also his Father Wg Cdr Acharya. Col PR Rao, SM and self were there.
ISB Pays Tributes to Kargil Heroes
Class 2010 of Indian School of Business organised the function at their Campus Auditorium. The function commenced with the screening of a film on Kargil and was followed by a lecture on Leadership, the Army way. LT Gen SRR Aiyengar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM who was commandant DSSC and NDC was the Chief Guest, delivered the Talk. The Audience Comprising of Dean, Faculty Members and students of ISB, Commandant, Faculty Members and some students( including three officers who participated in Kargil ops) of CDM besides a few others like me were exposed to one of the most enthralling lectures on Leadership. The General, besides quoting examples also touched upon Nation Building. The Dean thanked General for the captivating talk and the audience gave a standing ovation, not common at ISB.
Later during the informal interaction, members of the audience, the majority of ISB were quite convinced that money was not the only thing in life and our Armed Forces had been doing and are doing a magnificent job of keeping the Nation Secure. The class of 2010 interacted with CDM students.
Please find below a short coverage of some activities at Twin Cities.
Regards
Lt Gen KS Rao (Retd)
KARGIL DIWAS- TWIN CITIES-HYD & SEC’BAD
A solemn function at Basantar War Memorial at Mehdipatam Garrison was organised by 54 Inf Div, where a large number of soldiers (Army, Navy & Air Force), both serving and veterans paid their tributes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the security of our Motherland. The Division had also invited the NOK of the Kargil Heroes and some gallant soldiers who were killed during CI Operations. The ceremony was followed by Tea. Present amongst the NOKs was Mrs Acharya, wife of Maj Acharya MVC (Posthomus) of 2 Raj Rif and also his Father Wg Cdr Acharya. Col PR Rao, SM and self were there.
ISB Pays Tributes to Kargil Heroes
Class 2010 of Indian School of Business organised the function at their Campus Auditorium. The function commenced with the screening of a film on Kargil and was followed by a lecture on Leadership, the Army way. LT Gen SRR Aiyengar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM who was commandant DSSC and NDC was the Chief Guest, delivered the Talk. The Audience Comprising of Dean, Faculty Members and students of ISB, Commandant, Faculty Members and some students( including three officers who participated in Kargil ops) of CDM besides a few others like me were exposed to one of the most enthralling lectures on Leadership. The General, besides quoting examples also touched upon Nation Building. The Dean thanked General for the captivating talk and the audience gave a standing ovation, not common at ISB.
Later during the informal interaction, members of the audience, the majority of ISB were quite convinced that money was not the only thing in life and our Armed Forces had been doing and are doing a magnificent job of keeping the Nation Secure. The class of 2010 interacted with CDM students.
Kargil Divas at Raipur by Col Siddhartha Bose
JAB SHAHEED KI CHITA JALI THI
SARA GAON WANHI THA
SEENE PAR THE GHAO SABHI
PEETH PAR EK BHI NA THA
EK GHAO MATHE PAR BHI THA
JO ANTIM GOLI THI
JISEY DEKH SHAHEED KI MATA BOLI
GHAO MAT KAHO ISE
TILAK HIMGIRI NE LAGA DIYA
SOYA MERA LAL HAI LEKIN
SARE BHARAT KO JAGA DIYA
This is what was recited by a person during the Kargil Diwas function organised at Raipur. Many luminaries spoke on the Saga of Bravery shown by Indian Soldiers at various operations. The Rotary club honoured the Widows and dependants of Soldiers who laid down their lives.
At 1830 hrs, a silent march with lighted candles started and reached "JAI STAMBH", in the heart of the city and placed the candles with flower petals at the pedestal. Thereafter, a convention was held followed by dinner. Both parties, viz BJP and Congress were represented. Seven e- media and most print media covered it but with the political tint.
Pamphlets were printed and distributed to all and sundry through various means. However, it was a beginning worth the effort. The Rotary Club is now keen to hold many more such events. We must make efforts to have at least one day in the year recognised as "Veteran Day".
Jai Hind
Col Siddhartha Bose
CG State Convener
SARA GAON WANHI THA
SEENE PAR THE GHAO SABHI
PEETH PAR EK BHI NA THA
EK GHAO MATHE PAR BHI THA
JO ANTIM GOLI THI
JISEY DEKH SHAHEED KI MATA BOLI
GHAO MAT KAHO ISE
TILAK HIMGIRI NE LAGA DIYA
SOYA MERA LAL HAI LEKIN
SARE BHARAT KO JAGA DIYA
This is what was recited by a person during the Kargil Diwas function organised at Raipur. Many luminaries spoke on the Saga of Bravery shown by Indian Soldiers at various operations. The Rotary club honoured the Widows and dependants of Soldiers who laid down their lives.
At 1830 hrs, a silent march with lighted candles started and reached "JAI STAMBH", in the heart of the city and placed the candles with flower petals at the pedestal. Thereafter, a convention was held followed by dinner. Both parties, viz BJP and Congress were represented. Seven e- media and most print media covered it but with the political tint.
Pamphlets were printed and distributed to all and sundry through various means. However, it was a beginning worth the effort. The Rotary Club is now keen to hold many more such events. We must make efforts to have at least one day in the year recognised as "Veteran Day".
Jai Hind
Col Siddhartha Bose
CG State Convener
Kargil Divas at Raipur by Col Siddhartha Bose
JAB SHAHEED KI CHITA JALI THI
SARA GAON WANHI THA
SEENE PAR THE GHAO SABHI
PEETH PAR EK BHI NA THA
EK GHAO MATHE PAR BHI THA
JO ANTIM GOLI THI
JISEY DEKH SHAHEED KI MATA BOLI
GHAO MAT KAHO ISE
TILAK HIMGIRI NE LAGA DIYA
SOYA MERA LAL HAI LEKIN
SARE BHARAT KO JAGA DIYA
This is what was recited by a person during the Kargil Diwas function organised at Raipur. Many luminaries spoke on the Saga of Bravery shown by Indian Soldiers at various operations. The Rotary club honoured the Widows and dependants of Soldiers who laid down their lives.
At 1830 hrs, a silent march with lighted candles started and reached "JAI STAMBH", in the heart of the city and placed the candles with flower petals at the pedestal. Thereafter, a convention was held followed by dinner. Both parties, viz BJP and Congress were represented. Seven e- media and most print media covered it but with the political tint.
Pamphlets were printed and distributed to all and sundry through various means. However, it was a beginning worth the effort. The Rotary Club is now keen to hold many more such events. We must make efforts to have at least one day in the year recognised as "Veteran Day".
Jai Hind
Col Siddhartha Bose
CG State Convener
SARA GAON WANHI THA
SEENE PAR THE GHAO SABHI
PEETH PAR EK BHI NA THA
EK GHAO MATHE PAR BHI THA
JO ANTIM GOLI THI
JISEY DEKH SHAHEED KI MATA BOLI
GHAO MAT KAHO ISE
TILAK HIMGIRI NE LAGA DIYA
SOYA MERA LAL HAI LEKIN
SARE BHARAT KO JAGA DIYA
This is what was recited by a person during the Kargil Diwas function organised at Raipur. Many luminaries spoke on the Saga of Bravery shown by Indian Soldiers at various operations. The Rotary club honoured the Widows and dependants of Soldiers who laid down their lives.
At 1830 hrs, a silent march with lighted candles started and reached "JAI STAMBH", in the heart of the city and placed the candles with flower petals at the pedestal. Thereafter, a convention was held followed by dinner. Both parties, viz BJP and Congress were represented. Seven e- media and most print media covered it but with the political tint.
Pamphlets were printed and distributed to all and sundry through various means. However, it was a beginning worth the effort. The Rotary Club is now keen to hold many more such events. We must make efforts to have at least one day in the year recognised as "Veteran Day".
Jai Hind
Col Siddhartha Bose
CG State Convener
KARGIL DIVAS REPORT Palakkad by Maj Ravindran
KARGIL DIVAS REPORT
PALAKKAD
From: Ravindran Major majorravi@gmail.com
Subject: Kargil-10th anniversary
To:
Date: Sunday, 26 July, 2009, 2:56 PM
A commemoration parade was held at the Martyrs' Column at Fort Maidan today, on the 10th anniversary of the Kargil war, in honour of those who had laid down their lives for protecting the integrity and honour of the nation. The function was held under the aegies of the District Committee of the Indian Exsevicemen League (IESL), Palakkad. A wreath was laid at the memorial by M P Chandramohan, President of the District Committee.
Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the Indain Exservicemen Movement (IESM) by Maj Gen (Dr) P Subhas, VSM and on behalf of the Defence Service Officers' Institute, Palakkad by Brig M P G Menon, AVSM. Satbir Singh laid a wreath on behalf of Palakkad Vividh Bharathi. Thereafter, Chandramohan narrated the issues related to Op Vijay and said that 527 brave sons of the nation had sacrificed their lives and 1000s had become handicapped. Unfortunately both the authorties and majority of the people have forgotton those sacrifices.
Brig Menon and Gen Subhas also recollected the peculiar conditions under which the operation was conducted where the armed forces were not allowed to cross the border as in an all out conventional war and the price we had to pay for it had been heavy. Both the veterans highlighted the fact that 'men and God people adore in times of crisis, crisis over, God is forgotten and soldier slighted'. This they said is not good for the country and people should be encouraged to serve the country through its armed forces which, like the national flag, is a symbol of honour and privilege.
Maj P M Ravindran requested the gathering to light a lamp/candle in front of their houses at 8 pm today in honour of those who had sacrificed their
lives so that their countrymen could sleep in peace.
Jai Hind !
P M Ravindran
PS:Photograph of Maj Gen P Subhas, VSM laying the wreath is attached.
Kargil divas at Dehra Dun by Lt Col Brij Thapa
From: Brij Thapa col_thapa_engrs@hotmail.com
Subject: HOMAGE TO MARTYRS OF KARGIL WAR BY DEHRADUN EX-SERVICES LEAGUE ON 26 JUL 09
To: "Brig C S Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Monday, 27 July, 2009, 6:04 PM
HOMAGE TO MARTYRS -KARGIL HEROES
ON TENTH ANNIVERSSARY OF KARGIL WAR BY DEHRADUN EX-SERVICES LEAGUE
As per the scheduled programme on 26 Jul 09, Lt Gen M S Gosain , PVSM,AVSM,VSM,, Brig K G Behl, President Dehradun Ex-Services League, Brig P S Gurung,YSM, Lt Col B M Thapa, Gen Secy DESL, Dr B K Nautiyal,PRO,Lt Col R P Jairath, Treasurer DESL, Lt Col S S Thapa Lt Col P S Bisht, Lt Col S B S Thapa,Col P D Kudiyal, Lt Col U S Thakur, H/Capt B S Thapa, H/Capt K B Thapa,Hav B P Sharma and many others paid floral homage to martyrs of Kargil War and laid wreath and flowers on Kargil War Memorial at Gandhi Park Dehradun along with large number of Ex-Servicemen.
Keeping the back ground song as ” Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon--” function started. First of all two minutes silence was observed by all.
Speaking on the occasion Brig K G Behl, President Ex Services League said that Kargil War known as “Operation Vijay” was fought by Indian Soldiers on most difficult terrain, having peak heights from 12000 to 18000 ft with heavy boulders and steep slopes. Indian soldiers showed great bravery and pushed the enemy out of occupied Indian territory showing great bravery and valour. Doon Valley lost 18 soldiers and Uttarakhand lost 75 soldiers and country lost 533 soldiers where more than 3000 soldiers were wounded in Kargil War. Nation is proud of such heroic sacrifice. The Uttarakhand State Govt. has recently raised the emoluments for all the Gallantry Awards winners which has become the highest in the Country and we are thankful to them.
Brig Behl said that the Kargil war was unique and a saga of bravery and courage, not only by few but practically all of them, especially the younger lot who showed their mettle. To fight and recapture those hills under the enemy fire in that difficult terrain is a real hard task which our heroes performed at the stake of their lives to bring honour to the country. Bofor Guns showed their mettle and they not only destroyed the enemy locations but provided suitable cover to troops to march forward. The honour given to these heroes too was onerous and set tradition for the others to follow. Earlier the bodies of the dead, mostly, used to be cremated in field itself and the kith and kin were informed but now onwards bodies of all were sent to their homes and were cremated with full military honours. It was a big change,satisfaction and honour which all appreciated and thanked Govt. and authorities for that. Another important decision was to give pension to the old parents and dependents in addition to the widow and provide job to one of the members where ever possible.
In this war 533 lost their lives and about 3000 were injured. Some of them were honoured with different Gallantry awards which included four PARAM VIR Chakras, 9 Mahavir Chakras and many Kirti Chakras, Vir Chakras and other medals and awards and decorations. It is an occasion to remember them and pay our homage.
Air Force played a big role in this war and gave support to destroy enemy positions especially when they had the limitations not too cross LOC. We salute their bravery and courage.
The Media too played a big role in this war and took courage to move with troops to forward areas and transmit live action pictures on TV screens at home for all to watch, realise and appreciate how difficult the areas and assaults were. We are really thankful to all those involved and sufferings they faced. We thank Print and Electronic Media who kept us informed of all activities.
The President said that we pay homage to our war Heroes and pledge to look after their families and try to solve their problems to the extent possible.
Before the programme of Dehradun Ex-Services League started, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” Chief Minister Uttrakhand also paid homage to the Martyrs of Kargil War at Kargil War Memorial at Ghandhi Park which was attended by Lt Gen M S Gosain, Brig K G Behl, Brig P S Gurung, Lt Col B M Thapa and many other Ex-Servicemen of Doon valley. C M said that the Government will give all possible help to the families of soldiers who had lost their life in Kargil war and also all problems of Ex-Servicemen of Uttarakhand will be solved.
In Put By Lt Col B M Thapa
General Secretary
Dehradun Ex-Services league
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
kargil diwas at calicut kerala
From: prem menon
To: Kamboj Chander
Cc: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 5:25 PM
Subject: Re: kargil diwas at calicut kerala
Dear Sir
I had a keen intrest in celeberating this function.
I was in contact with Col RP Chaturvedi and before conducting i had taken all suggestion.
MY profile is : EX-NK From AMC and at present working as Asst Manager in a Pvt Ltd Coy
Any more if required pl do scrap
thanks
Kargil Divas Expenses at Noida on 26 Jul 2009 by IESM...Zero Budget
KARGIL DIVAS CELEBRATIONS AT NOIDA
EXPENSES REPORT FOR KARGIL DIVAS ON 26 JUL 09
BY
IESM KARGIL DIVAS CELEBRATIONS CO-ORDINATOR
COLONEL RP CHATURVEDI, MEMBER IESM STEERING COMMITTEE
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi rpchaturvedi@gmail.com
Subject: Kargil Divas- Statement of Expenses and Sponsorships
To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL CS Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Wednesday, 29 July, 2009, 6:33 AM
Sir,
Details of expenses incurred and sponsorship received for the Kargil Divas activities in NCR are given below.
Thanks to the voluntary and positive assistance of 19 NDA/ 28 IMA course and that of M/s Brijbasi Hi Tech Udyog Ltd, I am delighted to report it IS zero budget !
Part 1. Expenses.
· Banners. 6. Rs 1051.
· Backdrop for 26th. Rs 666.
· Leaflets. 5000. Rs 1300.
· Stationary/ courier etc Rs 170
· Photographer Rs 1400
· Flowers Rs 1200
· Catering, Tentage etc Rs 17800.
· Backgrounders (Pamphlets)
Sponsored by M/s Brijbasi HI Tech Udyog Ltd.
Part 2. Sponsorship.
· Printing of 5000 Kargil Backgrounders-glossy pamphlets. Courtesy BRIJBASI HI-TECH UDYOG LTD.
· Other Expenditure - Courtesy 19thNDA/ 28 IMA Course.
Part 3. Details of Contributions made by Sponsors of 19thNDA/ 28 IMA course. We gratefully acknowledge the voluntary contributions of following officers of the course.
· Col KD Bagga. Rs 10000.
· Brig Arvinder Singh Rs 2500.
· Brig MM Dewan. Rs 2500.
· Maj Gen AJRSB Bhalla Rs 2500.
· Maj Gen RK Batra. Rs 1000.
· Maj Gen Inderjeet Kashyap Rs 2500.
· Brig LK Ahuja Rs 500.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
EXPENSES REPORT FOR KARGIL DIVAS ON 26 JUL 09
BY
IESM KARGIL DIVAS CELEBRATIONS CO-ORDINATOR
COLONEL RP CHATURVEDI, MEMBER IESM STEERING COMMITTEE
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi rpchaturvedi@gmail.com
Subject: Kargil Divas- Statement of Expenses and Sponsorships
To: "REPORT MY SIGNAL CS Kamboj" kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Date: Wednesday, 29 July, 2009, 6:33 AM
Sir,
Details of expenses incurred and sponsorship received for the Kargil Divas activities in NCR are given below.
Thanks to the voluntary and positive assistance of 19 NDA/ 28 IMA course and that of M/s Brijbasi Hi Tech Udyog Ltd, I am delighted to report it IS zero budget !
Part 1. Expenses.
· Banners. 6. Rs 1051.
· Backdrop for 26th. Rs 666.
· Leaflets. 5000. Rs 1300.
· Stationary/ courier etc Rs 170
· Photographer Rs 1400
· Flowers Rs 1200
· Catering, Tentage etc Rs 17800.
· Backgrounders (Pamphlets)
Sponsored by M/s Brijbasi HI Tech Udyog Ltd.
Part 2. Sponsorship.
· Printing of 5000 Kargil Backgrounders-glossy pamphlets. Courtesy BRIJBASI HI-TECH UDYOG LTD.
· Other Expenditure - Courtesy 19thNDA/ 28 IMA Course.
Part 3. Details of Contributions made by Sponsors of 19thNDA/ 28 IMA course. We gratefully acknowledge the voluntary contributions of following officers of the course.
· Col KD Bagga. Rs 10000.
· Brig Arvinder Singh Rs 2500.
· Brig MM Dewan. Rs 2500.
· Maj Gen AJRSB Bhalla Rs 2500.
· Maj Gen RK Batra. Rs 1000.
· Maj Gen Inderjeet Kashyap Rs 2500.
· Brig LK Ahuja Rs 500.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
Monday, July 27, 2009
Kargil diwas at Dehra Dun by Lt Gen KK Khanna
From: kamal khanna
To: Kamboj Chander
Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:37 PM
Subject: Kargil Divas Activities
Dear Brig Kamboj,
I thought I will share with you my little contribution on the Day.
The first part of my article 'Remembering Kargil - Essentials of OP VIJAY' was published in Garhwal Post, Dehradun this morning. Other portions will be published over the next two days.
Gave a power point Presentation on Kargil to about four hundred children at the Police lines this morning. Two mins silence was observed, thereafter.
In a seminar organised by the Institution of Engineers (India) and The Indian Association of Teacher Educators I presented the Kargil War again. Since the Chief Secy was present I requested him to ask the audience to observe a two min silence. 'Push ki abilasha' and 'Ae mere watan ke logon' were sung.
My intention was to make maximum civs aware and to make them remember our heroes of Kargil.
Wishing you all the best.
KKK
Lt Gen KK Khanna, PVSM, AVSM** (Former Commandant IMA)
To: Kamboj Chander
Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:37 PM
Subject: Kargil Divas Activities
Dear Brig Kamboj,
I thought I will share with you my little contribution on the Day.
The first part of my article 'Remembering Kargil - Essentials of OP VIJAY' was published in Garhwal Post, Dehradun this morning. Other portions will be published over the next two days.
Gave a power point Presentation on Kargil to about four hundred children at the Police lines this morning. Two mins silence was observed, thereafter.
In a seminar organised by the Institution of Engineers (India) and The Indian Association of Teacher Educators I presented the Kargil War again. Since the Chief Secy was present I requested him to ask the audience to observe a two min silence. 'Push ki abilasha' and 'Ae mere watan ke logon' were sung.
My intention was to make maximum civs aware and to make them remember our heroes of Kargil.
Wishing you all the best.
KKK
Lt Gen KK Khanna, PVSM, AVSM** (Former Commandant IMA)
Kargil Diwas by Lt Gen VijayOberoi
(Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS)
(Due to heavy email load, this email from Gen Oberoi was missed out earlier)
...
KARGIL DIWAS - TENTH ANNIVERSARY
The Government Remains Unconcerned
By
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
This year’s Kargil Diwas, on 26 July, is special as it is the 10th anniversary of the day when the last of the Pakistani intruders were killed or chased out of the Kargil Sector, by the doughty brave hearts of the Indian Army and Air Force. The Kargil Sector is actually a swathe of real estate along the Line of Control (LC) in J&K, stretching north east from the steep glaciated heights north of Drass and extending to the general area of Turtok, just short of the Siachin Glacier.
I do not intend to cover the factual details of the various battles fought in the sector, but will highlight some nuances. Kargil had caught the imagination of every citizen of our country during those tumultuous summer months of 1999, from the time the intrusion was first discovered in early May, till the last of the Pakistani soldiers were neutralized and the entire area on our side of the LC was sanitized by 26 July.
The various battles fought in the sector were a series of tactical level offensive operations, conducted at battalion and brigade levels. These were essentially marked by two important features - the formidable nature of the terrain and the sheer bravery of the officers and men of the Indian Army, who scaled those formidable and razor sharp sheer heights, unmindful of their lives and limbs. They did so in many a hand to hand battle and won victories on the high peaks, where the defenders-the Pakistani troops, had all the advantages. The nation lost 527 valuable lives, all brave young men, who sacrificed themselves, with grit written large on their determined visages and a fierce fire burning strong in their bellies.
Why is such unparalleled bravery forgotten by our countrymen within a span of a mere 10 years? Have our nationalistic feelings atrophied that we have no time to remember the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and airmen, who fought so valiantly to restore the sanctity of the motherland? Is it the government, which needs to be reminded to take the lead, or the military or the people?
I recall, with a great deal of nostalgia, the Vijay Diwas of 2000, one year after the Kargil operations. It was an event to remember. I was then commanding the Western Army at Chandimandir. At my instance, an extremely well attended remembrance cum homage function was organized by the army at Chandigarh. Governors and Chief Ministers of both Punjab and Haryana had led the people in paying tributes to the Kargil warriors. The inhabitants of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali came in their thousands to pay homage and to remember the warriors, who had fought and conquered both the hazardous terrain and the well-entrenched enemy. As the ceremony ended, thousands of candles lit the entire ground; it was a sight that set the adrenalin pumping. Sadly, in the years that followed, Kargil disappeared from the radar screens of the government, the people and sadly even the media. Only the military remembered their comrades and held ceremonies and commemoration events, but only within the confines of their cantonments!
The media and the ex-servicemen (ESM) have taken a lead this time in generating enthusiasm for the 10th anniversary of the Kargil Diwas, but alas there is not even a squeak from the government so far. On 26 July, a ritual and token ceremony will no doubt be held at the India Gate, with the Raksha Mantri and the three service chiefs laying wreaths and only a few media cameras in attendance. In our democratic country, the ‘Aam Aadmi’, whose paeans we sing these days, is not even permitted to come within 100 metres of such ceremonies. At best, they can view them on TV, but only fleetingly as the electronic media is stingy in airing such bytes! This must change, not only in the case of the Kargil Diwas, but on the few commemorative military events we still observe, even perfunctorily.
Ours must be the only country in the world where decisions to commemorate military events are based on which political party is in power! One national political party celebrates Kargil Diwas because that military victory took place when theirs was the ruling party. The other does not, but celebrates Vijay Diwas instead, as it was their party which was in power when the Indian Military did the country proud by their resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971. A third category popular with the government is when no event is celebrated on the specious plea that it may adversely affect the peace process with a particular country! The end result of such a lackadaisical attitude on the part of the government is that the military, which is proud of its brave military heritage, is forced to have such celebrations and remembrances in the confines of their military stations and cantonments, with no participation by the civil populace, the political leaders or the government. What a dismal and farcical situation?
The present government, in accordance with their party’s election pledge, had carved out the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare from within the Ministry of Defence in 2004. It is this Department that should take a lead in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Kargil victory in a befitting manner, but it seems to be wallowing in indecision, waiting for a cue from the political leaders. Despite its existence for almost five years now, no worthwhile welfare measures have been instituted by this organization. The reason is simple. This organization, from its inception, should have been manned by military officers who understand the problems of serving personnel and ESM, as well as their ethos and culture. The result of such pusillanimous behaviour by this organization is further disillusionment of the military.
The government would do well to keep in mind what the famous military strategist, Carl von Clausewitz, had expounded on the remarkable ‘trinity’ of the government, the military and the people, that is essential for victory for a nation. It is equally applicable to the nation even in non-war situations. Will the government take a lead and bring them together?
------------
(Due to heavy email load, this email from Gen Oberoi was missed out earlier)
...
KARGIL DIWAS - TENTH ANNIVERSARY
The Government Remains Unconcerned
By
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
This year’s Kargil Diwas, on 26 July, is special as it is the 10th anniversary of the day when the last of the Pakistani intruders were killed or chased out of the Kargil Sector, by the doughty brave hearts of the Indian Army and Air Force. The Kargil Sector is actually a swathe of real estate along the Line of Control (LC) in J&K, stretching north east from the steep glaciated heights north of Drass and extending to the general area of Turtok, just short of the Siachin Glacier.
I do not intend to cover the factual details of the various battles fought in the sector, but will highlight some nuances. Kargil had caught the imagination of every citizen of our country during those tumultuous summer months of 1999, from the time the intrusion was first discovered in early May, till the last of the Pakistani soldiers were neutralized and the entire area on our side of the LC was sanitized by 26 July.
The various battles fought in the sector were a series of tactical level offensive operations, conducted at battalion and brigade levels. These were essentially marked by two important features - the formidable nature of the terrain and the sheer bravery of the officers and men of the Indian Army, who scaled those formidable and razor sharp sheer heights, unmindful of their lives and limbs. They did so in many a hand to hand battle and won victories on the high peaks, where the defenders-the Pakistani troops, had all the advantages. The nation lost 527 valuable lives, all brave young men, who sacrificed themselves, with grit written large on their determined visages and a fierce fire burning strong in their bellies.
Why is such unparalleled bravery forgotten by our countrymen within a span of a mere 10 years? Have our nationalistic feelings atrophied that we have no time to remember the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and airmen, who fought so valiantly to restore the sanctity of the motherland? Is it the government, which needs to be reminded to take the lead, or the military or the people?
I recall, with a great deal of nostalgia, the Vijay Diwas of 2000, one year after the Kargil operations. It was an event to remember. I was then commanding the Western Army at Chandimandir. At my instance, an extremely well attended remembrance cum homage function was organized by the army at Chandigarh. Governors and Chief Ministers of both Punjab and Haryana had led the people in paying tributes to the Kargil warriors. The inhabitants of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali came in their thousands to pay homage and to remember the warriors, who had fought and conquered both the hazardous terrain and the well-entrenched enemy. As the ceremony ended, thousands of candles lit the entire ground; it was a sight that set the adrenalin pumping. Sadly, in the years that followed, Kargil disappeared from the radar screens of the government, the people and sadly even the media. Only the military remembered their comrades and held ceremonies and commemoration events, but only within the confines of their cantonments!
The media and the ex-servicemen (ESM) have taken a lead this time in generating enthusiasm for the 10th anniversary of the Kargil Diwas, but alas there is not even a squeak from the government so far. On 26 July, a ritual and token ceremony will no doubt be held at the India Gate, with the Raksha Mantri and the three service chiefs laying wreaths and only a few media cameras in attendance. In our democratic country, the ‘Aam Aadmi’, whose paeans we sing these days, is not even permitted to come within 100 metres of such ceremonies. At best, they can view them on TV, but only fleetingly as the electronic media is stingy in airing such bytes! This must change, not only in the case of the Kargil Diwas, but on the few commemorative military events we still observe, even perfunctorily.
Ours must be the only country in the world where decisions to commemorate military events are based on which political party is in power! One national political party celebrates Kargil Diwas because that military victory took place when theirs was the ruling party. The other does not, but celebrates Vijay Diwas instead, as it was their party which was in power when the Indian Military did the country proud by their resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971. A third category popular with the government is when no event is celebrated on the specious plea that it may adversely affect the peace process with a particular country! The end result of such a lackadaisical attitude on the part of the government is that the military, which is proud of its brave military heritage, is forced to have such celebrations and remembrances in the confines of their military stations and cantonments, with no participation by the civil populace, the political leaders or the government. What a dismal and farcical situation?
The present government, in accordance with their party’s election pledge, had carved out the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare from within the Ministry of Defence in 2004. It is this Department that should take a lead in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Kargil victory in a befitting manner, but it seems to be wallowing in indecision, waiting for a cue from the political leaders. Despite its existence for almost five years now, no worthwhile welfare measures have been instituted by this organization. The reason is simple. This organization, from its inception, should have been manned by military officers who understand the problems of serving personnel and ESM, as well as their ethos and culture. The result of such pusillanimous behaviour by this organization is further disillusionment of the military.
The government would do well to keep in mind what the famous military strategist, Carl von Clausewitz, had expounded on the remarkable ‘trinity’ of the government, the military and the people, that is essential for victory for a nation. It is equally applicable to the nation even in non-war situations. Will the government take a lead and bring them together?
------------
Maj gen pension latest orders...
The orders for implementing Hon'ble Supreme Court's judgement in UOI Vs SPS Vains case can be accessed by clicking here. These instructions were issued by the PCDA(P) yesterday in pursuance of the Govt sanction released on 15 July 2009.
The issue was widely covered by the media last year. Interestingly, the PCDA(P) circular suo-moto interprets the order of the Hon'ble SC by stating the following in Para 2 of the implementation circular :
" All retired Major Generals and equivalent in Navy and Air Force who were in receipt of pension as on 1st October 2001 are required to apply to their respective Pension Disbursing Agency for revision of his/her pension in terms of these orders in the prescribed form as per Annexure-I attached with Govt. letter dated 15.07.2009 immediately but latest within one month from the date of issue of the Government letter i.e. by 14.08.2009 positively. Affected pensioners not applying within stipulated time will not be entitled to interest @ 10% per annum for the period by which submission of application beyond the stipulated period is delayed. "
Well, someone should advise the PCDA(P) not to indulge in self-interpretation of court directions even while the Respondents have not yet been discharged from the contempt proceedings. It is the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court followed by the Presidential sanction letters which have to prevail, and such imposition of a self-initiated suo-moto stipulation is void ab initio. Firstly, How would all affected parties get to know of these GoI / PCDA(P) instructions and the one month condition ? Are they going to inform each and every person or issue a press release ?. Secondly, such riders can never be initiated from the date of issuance of letters, if at all such a rider was conceptualised, it could have only been done from the date of communication to the affected parties. Thirdly, the Hon'ble SC had not imposed any such stipulation and this clearly amounts to interfering in the administration of justice. Fourthly, on 04 May 2009 while hearing the contempt petition, the Hon'ble SC had directed the release of arrears within a period of 3 months, that is, by 03 August 2009, while the authorities concerned have completely vacillated on the issue since the time of the dismissal of the Review Petition filed by UOI in February 2009, they expect our old veterans to complete the formalities now at the speed of the sound. Very unfortunate indeed.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 7:20 AM 20 comments
Labels: law, Pension
Monday, July 20, 2009
The issue was widely covered by the media last year. Interestingly, the PCDA(P) circular suo-moto interprets the order of the Hon'ble SC by stating the following in Para 2 of the implementation circular :
" All retired Major Generals and equivalent in Navy and Air Force who were in receipt of pension as on 1st October 2001 are required to apply to their respective Pension Disbursing Agency for revision of his/her pension in terms of these orders in the prescribed form as per Annexure-I attached with Govt. letter dated 15.07.2009 immediately but latest within one month from the date of issue of the Government letter i.e. by 14.08.2009 positively. Affected pensioners not applying within stipulated time will not be entitled to interest @ 10% per annum for the period by which submission of application beyond the stipulated period is delayed. "
Well, someone should advise the PCDA(P) not to indulge in self-interpretation of court directions even while the Respondents have not yet been discharged from the contempt proceedings. It is the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court followed by the Presidential sanction letters which have to prevail, and such imposition of a self-initiated suo-moto stipulation is void ab initio. Firstly, How would all affected parties get to know of these GoI / PCDA(P) instructions and the one month condition ? Are they going to inform each and every person or issue a press release ?. Secondly, such riders can never be initiated from the date of issuance of letters, if at all such a rider was conceptualised, it could have only been done from the date of communication to the affected parties. Thirdly, the Hon'ble SC had not imposed any such stipulation and this clearly amounts to interfering in the administration of justice. Fourthly, on 04 May 2009 while hearing the contempt petition, the Hon'ble SC had directed the release of arrears within a period of 3 months, that is, by 03 August 2009, while the authorities concerned have completely vacillated on the issue since the time of the dismissal of the Review Petition filed by UOI in February 2009, they expect our old veterans to complete the formalities now at the speed of the sound. Very unfortunate indeed.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 7:20 AM 20 comments
Labels: law, Pension
Monday, July 20, 2009
Recent announcements : A dissection by Navdeep
Friday, July 24, 2009
Recent announcements : A dissection
Well, the public at large has been talking of the recent sops announced for defence pensioners. The starting point was the Union Budget speech. The following are the major ‘steps’ that have been taken to address the issues :
1. Bridging the gap between pre-Oct 1997 and post-Oct 1997 pensioners
2. Removal of 33 years’ qualifying service condition for earning full pension
3. Grant of a separate scale for Lt Generals
But the truth is somewhat like this:
Point No 1 is a resultant of an order of the Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court which has been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court so there was no escaping this by the Govt.
Point No 2 is a resultant of the recommendations of the 6th CPC and the same has also been accepted for civilians, so what extra has been initiated for faujis in this ?
Point No 3 is also a resultant of a Finance Ministry missive by way of which the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) on the civil side has been upgraded to Rs 67000-79000, something that has been applied to our Lt Generals too in a parallel fashion, so again what's special for faujis ?
I would again reiterate, that this play of words is the work of some lower level spin doctors who do not let our Ministers, Parliamentarians, top bureaucrats and top brass understand the minute modalities of such matters. They have led the top echelons to believe that much special has been done for defence pensioners but the truth is quite removed from reality. It is not an obligation that Hon’ble SC orders have been implemented and again not quite an ehsaan that the changes such as removal of 33 years’ service requirement for full pension or grant of HAG, changes which as it is have been initiated in the universal pension and pay regime, have been duly extended to the defence services. I say it again, it’s time for the higher civilian and military establishment to wake up before the army of promoted lower bureaucracy takes the system and the nation for a ride. Information which should ideally reach top political, civil and military echelons is filtered by the heavy tentacles and thick mesh of lower bureaucracy, a malaise which is eating into whatever progress we are making.
There is only one answer to this : proper application of mind on file notings and minute sheets initiated from below. Let us stop affixing ghuggis and start imposing our grey matter on the notings of the supervised staff.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 7:42 AM 21 comments
Labels: law, Misc, Pay Commission, Pension
Recent announcements : A dissection
Well, the public at large has been talking of the recent sops announced for defence pensioners. The starting point was the Union Budget speech. The following are the major ‘steps’ that have been taken to address the issues :
1. Bridging the gap between pre-Oct 1997 and post-Oct 1997 pensioners
2. Removal of 33 years’ qualifying service condition for earning full pension
3. Grant of a separate scale for Lt Generals
But the truth is somewhat like this:
Point No 1 is a resultant of an order of the Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court which has been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court so there was no escaping this by the Govt.
Point No 2 is a resultant of the recommendations of the 6th CPC and the same has also been accepted for civilians, so what extra has been initiated for faujis in this ?
Point No 3 is also a resultant of a Finance Ministry missive by way of which the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) on the civil side has been upgraded to Rs 67000-79000, something that has been applied to our Lt Generals too in a parallel fashion, so again what's special for faujis ?
I would again reiterate, that this play of words is the work of some lower level spin doctors who do not let our Ministers, Parliamentarians, top bureaucrats and top brass understand the minute modalities of such matters. They have led the top echelons to believe that much special has been done for defence pensioners but the truth is quite removed from reality. It is not an obligation that Hon’ble SC orders have been implemented and again not quite an ehsaan that the changes such as removal of 33 years’ service requirement for full pension or grant of HAG, changes which as it is have been initiated in the universal pension and pay regime, have been duly extended to the defence services. I say it again, it’s time for the higher civilian and military establishment to wake up before the army of promoted lower bureaucracy takes the system and the nation for a ride. Information which should ideally reach top political, civil and military echelons is filtered by the heavy tentacles and thick mesh of lower bureaucracy, a malaise which is eating into whatever progress we are making.
There is only one answer to this : proper application of mind on file notings and minute sheets initiated from below. Let us stop affixing ghuggis and start imposing our grey matter on the notings of the supervised staff.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 7:42 AM 21 comments
Labels: law, Misc, Pay Commission, Pension
Do not disown your own by Navdeep
Monday, July 27, 2009
Do not disown your own
There is an increasing tendency amongst us to disregard and disrespect our past and present comrades, and I do not have to amplify this further since most of us would understand what I am pointing at. Let us make it a point to help out our officers, soldiers and their families, past and present in whatever little way we can, let us not treat petty inconsequential requests as liabilities. Before pointing fingers at outside agencies, let us first look within. We should go all out to provide all assistance that we can and get out of this I, me, myself mode.
Which brings me to one point. We all are aware that the govt has been trying hard to attract and retain talent in the services. One such move has been to promote the concept of Short Service Commission and arm released SSCOs with a good corporate career after their stint with the services. As has been discussed earlier on this blog, the central govt through a Presidential sanction had removed the pre-condition of being a ‘pensioner’ to avail limited medical facilities in military medical establishments and had ordained that all personnel granted the status of ex-servicemen would be entitled to such medical facilities. Still, in blatant contravention of govt orders and missives by the Army HQ, non-pensioner ex-servicemen were denied their rightful dues ostensibly now since the matter had attained the proportions of a ‘prestige issue’ for a limited few. Even today these limited few are treating the matter of medical care to our old veterans very lightly. In a welcome move, the Punjab Sainik Welfare Directorate has now written to all concerned highlighting how this attitude is leading to failure of GoI medical schemes which were specially designed for non-pensioners. For a non-pensioner (non-ECHS member) ex-serviceperson to avail medical re-imbursement from the central govt under GoI schemes, a certificate is to be issued by an MH that the facility is not available in that particular hospital, hence when in the first instance there is reluctance in even accepting non-pensioner ex-servicemen at MHs, the second step of issuance of such a certificate never materialises. And who are these non-pensioners ex-servicemen readers may ask. Well, the definition has been altered from time to time but this category includes our ECOs who are in their late 60s to late 70s and World War II veterans in their 80s to 100s who were released due to reduction in establishment, besides SSCOs who are not re-employed. To disown them at this stage by blatantly ignoring GoI and Army Orders for medical facilities is not only illegal but also unethical.
While the office of the DGAFMS makes out a claim for DACP with the Army HQ and the Govt of India, it should first clean up its own house and ensure that already existing govt sanction letters are not consigned to files and bins in M-Block.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 7:37 AM 0 comments
Do not disown your own
There is an increasing tendency amongst us to disregard and disrespect our past and present comrades, and I do not have to amplify this further since most of us would understand what I am pointing at. Let us make it a point to help out our officers, soldiers and their families, past and present in whatever little way we can, let us not treat petty inconsequential requests as liabilities. Before pointing fingers at outside agencies, let us first look within. We should go all out to provide all assistance that we can and get out of this I, me, myself mode.
Which brings me to one point. We all are aware that the govt has been trying hard to attract and retain talent in the services. One such move has been to promote the concept of Short Service Commission and arm released SSCOs with a good corporate career after their stint with the services. As has been discussed earlier on this blog, the central govt through a Presidential sanction had removed the pre-condition of being a ‘pensioner’ to avail limited medical facilities in military medical establishments and had ordained that all personnel granted the status of ex-servicemen would be entitled to such medical facilities. Still, in blatant contravention of govt orders and missives by the Army HQ, non-pensioner ex-servicemen were denied their rightful dues ostensibly now since the matter had attained the proportions of a ‘prestige issue’ for a limited few. Even today these limited few are treating the matter of medical care to our old veterans very lightly. In a welcome move, the Punjab Sainik Welfare Directorate has now written to all concerned highlighting how this attitude is leading to failure of GoI medical schemes which were specially designed for non-pensioners. For a non-pensioner (non-ECHS member) ex-serviceperson to avail medical re-imbursement from the central govt under GoI schemes, a certificate is to be issued by an MH that the facility is not available in that particular hospital, hence when in the first instance there is reluctance in even accepting non-pensioner ex-servicemen at MHs, the second step of issuance of such a certificate never materialises. And who are these non-pensioners ex-servicemen readers may ask. Well, the definition has been altered from time to time but this category includes our ECOs who are in their late 60s to late 70s and World War II veterans in their 80s to 100s who were released due to reduction in establishment, besides SSCOs who are not re-employed. To disown them at this stage by blatantly ignoring GoI and Army Orders for medical facilities is not only illegal but also unethical.
While the office of the DGAFMS makes out a claim for DACP with the Army HQ and the Govt of India, it should first clean up its own house and ensure that already existing govt sanction letters are not consigned to files and bins in M-Block.
Posted by Navdeep / Maj Navdeep Singh at 7:37 AM 0 comments
IESM Network.by..DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN RETD
From: DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN
Subject: hard copies of the articles
To: ""REPORT MY SIGNAL" (CS Kamboj)"
Date: Friday, 24 July, 2009, 8:58 PM
dear kamboj sir
there are some wonderful articles and writeups which are appearing in IESM network during the last year . some of them are unparalleled.
however the contents are not reaching the PBOR due to lack of access to internet and being in english
i request the core group to kindly have a hard copy published through a reputed publication in english with the title " The IESM struggle 2008-2009" and in the next stage have it translated in hindi.
i am sure the civilian population will also get to know more about what all of u are doing for the veterans
regards
ramanan
28 staff course
--
REGARDS AND BLESSINGS ASAP
DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN RETD ;
Ph D , M Sc, MBA,LLB ( Hons) DHRM DCA MIMA;
PROFESSOR AND HOD ; DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES . IIST INDORE MP 07314205547 (O) AND
MRS SWARNA RAMANAN MA ENG MA ECO B Ed
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH FACULTY
26 Sai Vihar Kishan Ganj Mhow M P 453446
Subject: hard copies of the articles
To: ""REPORT MY SIGNAL" (CS Kamboj)"
Date: Friday, 24 July, 2009, 8:58 PM
dear kamboj sir
there are some wonderful articles and writeups which are appearing in IESM network during the last year . some of them are unparalleled.
however the contents are not reaching the PBOR due to lack of access to internet and being in english
i request the core group to kindly have a hard copy published through a reputed publication in english with the title " The IESM struggle 2008-2009" and in the next stage have it translated in hindi.
i am sure the civilian population will also get to know more about what all of u are doing for the veterans
regards
ramanan
28 staff course
--
REGARDS AND BLESSINGS ASAP
DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN RETD ;
Ph D , M Sc, MBA,LLB ( Hons) DHRM DCA MIMA;
PROFESSOR AND HOD ; DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES . IIST INDORE MP 07314205547 (O) AND
MRS SWARNA RAMANAN MA ENG MA ECO B Ed
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH FACULTY
26 Sai Vihar Kishan Ganj Mhow M P 453446
IESM Network.by..DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN RETD
From: DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN
Subject: hard copies of the articles
To: ""REPORT MY SIGNAL" (CS Kamboj)"
Date: Friday, 24 July, 2009, 8:58 PM
dear kamboj sir
there are some wonderful articles and writeups which are appearing in IESM network during the last year . some of them are unparalleled.
however the contents are not reaching the PBOR due to lack of access to internet and being in english
i request the core group to kindly have a hard copy published through a reputed publication in english with the title " The IESM struggle 2008-2009" and in the next stage have it translated in hindi.
i am sure the civilian population will also get to know more about what all of u are doing for the veterans
regards
ramanan
28 staff course
--
REGARDS AND BLESSINGS ASAP
DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN RETD ;
Ph D , M Sc, MBA,LLB ( Hons) DHRM DCA MIMA;
PROFESSOR AND HOD ; DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES . IIST INDORE MP 07314205547 (O) AND
MRS SWARNA RAMANAN MA ENG MA ECO B Ed
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH FACULTY
26 Sai Vihar Kishan Ganj Mhow M P 453446
Subject: hard copies of the articles
To: ""REPORT MY SIGNAL" (CS Kamboj)"
Date: Friday, 24 July, 2009, 8:58 PM
dear kamboj sir
there are some wonderful articles and writeups which are appearing in IESM network during the last year . some of them are unparalleled.
however the contents are not reaching the PBOR due to lack of access to internet and being in english
i request the core group to kindly have a hard copy published through a reputed publication in english with the title " The IESM struggle 2008-2009" and in the next stage have it translated in hindi.
i am sure the civilian population will also get to know more about what all of u are doing for the veterans
regards
ramanan
28 staff course
--
REGARDS AND BLESSINGS ASAP
DR BRIGADIER V RAMANAN RETD ;
Ph D , M Sc, MBA,LLB ( Hons) DHRM DCA MIMA;
PROFESSOR AND HOD ; DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES . IIST INDORE MP 07314205547 (O) AND
MRS SWARNA RAMANAN MA ENG MA ECO B Ed
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH FACULTY
26 Sai Vihar Kishan Ganj Mhow M P 453446
Tamil nadu Veterans lit up candles
dear cdr sharan sahib
i had requested all naval vetarans settled in tamilndu to litup candle at 8.00 pm to pay mark of respect to kargil heros who laiddown their life for national cause.please send us a copy of all letters issued by ihq/mod/nhq etc on service and pension matters
with regards
for NAVAL ASSOCIATION
V A THEVAR
i had requested all naval vetarans settled in tamilndu to litup candle at 8.00 pm to pay mark of respect to kargil heros who laiddown their life for national cause.please send us a copy of all letters issued by ihq/mod/nhq etc on service and pension matters
with regards
for NAVAL ASSOCIATION
V A THEVAR
IESM Pb & Hry Paid homage to Martyrs
Dear Friends/ Sirs,
1. We the IESM Pb & Hry Paid homage to Martyrs 1030 to 1130am.
2. More than 400 ESM joined up from all over around, of all ESM NGOs/ Org.
3. Whole lot of TV & Print media of Tricity covered the event, very effectively
and will be relaying/ Publishing it too. No Govt Official joined, except rep of
CM Pb (Dir sainik Welfare Pb) & Army Cdr.
4. Some Civil dignitaries also joined up, actively and shared cup of tea.
5. More than 350 Civ & ESM made use of the Medical & Dental Camp and took
medicines free of cost.
6. Over all Kargil Celebrations went on very well.
7. Panchkula ESM will light candles at same Memorial & others at their
residents all over places in Pb.
With regards. Col Sohi. Coord IESM Pb. 9815107744.
1. We the IESM Pb & Hry Paid homage to Martyrs 1030 to 1130am.
2. More than 400 ESM joined up from all over around, of all ESM NGOs/ Org.
3. Whole lot of TV & Print media of Tricity covered the event, very effectively
and will be relaying/ Publishing it too. No Govt Official joined, except rep of
CM Pb (Dir sainik Welfare Pb) & Army Cdr.
4. Some Civil dignitaries also joined up, actively and shared cup of tea.
5. More than 350 Civ & ESM made use of the Medical & Dental Camp and took
medicines free of cost.
6. Over all Kargil Celebrations went on very well.
7. Panchkula ESM will light candles at same Memorial & others at their
residents all over places in Pb.
With regards. Col Sohi. Coord IESM Pb. 9815107744.
Friday, July 24, 2009
THANJAVUR ESM MEET – 19 JULY 2009 by Col TN Raman
THANJAVUR ESM MEET – 19 JULY 2009
Col (Retd) TN Raman
1. Further to my mail on IESM Meet in Chennai on 12 July 09, it is important for us to know about the Meeting of ESM conducted by IESL Thanjavur, to celebrate its 33 rd year of Raising.
2. From the IESM side, Col S Rajan & Col TN Raman were present on special invitation from Col CT Arasu, President of the Executive Committee, Thanjavur IESL & OIC, ECHS Polyclinic Thanjavur. Cdr Vaidyanathan, Convener IESM Trichy & Lt Col RR Jai Ram Convener IESM Thanjavur, were also present. The Meeting was presided over by Maj Gen RN Radhakrisnan, who is the President of Tamilnadu IESL.
3. The Meet was attended by over 500 ESM, including ladies. Four Ladies also spoke. Mrs Vijay Lakshmi, whose husband was present in a wheel chair, spoke with confidence & condemned the general trend of ESM to keep begging the Govt for even petty things. Instead, she advocated the ESM Organisations to encourage self help groups of ESM & their families with all available resources with them. Since maximum ESM live in villages, self help, according to her was the best way to ensure the prosperity of the ESM community. I was told that she was practicing what she was preaching. The same view was echoed by a few more speakers including Cdr Mayil Vaganan, who said that these ESM Self Help Groups should be formed on Taluk basis & registered with the State DSS& A Board.
4. The general trend of most of the speeches was on Unity of ESM. Cdr Mayil Vaganan, Senior Vice President of the Association, was proud in pointing out the fact that he attended the Hunger Strike organised by Col S Rajan in Bengaluru on 15 Mar 09, along with 10 members of IESL from Thanjavur. Many more from Madurai & Trichy also took part in the agitation headed by Air Marshal (Retd) Keith Lewis (pardon me if I had misspell his name). He along with 9 other members from Thanjavur deposited their medals. This, according to him was done to show the solidarity with the IESM, who had taken up the cause of ESM & was fighting for justice. Similarly, he had organised 10 ESM from IESL to take part in the Maha Rally in Delhi, along with the Convener IESM Tamilnadu, Col TN Raman. It was with the same spirit, he attended the recent Meet of IESM Tamilnadu, held in Chennai on 12 July 09.
5. We owe our thanks to Lt Col R Sadhasivam, President Thanjavur IESL, Lt Col RR Jai Ram & Col CT Arasu, all from IESL, to have encouraged their cadres in lending support to the agitations organised by the IESM. Not only that. Similar agitations were also carried out by their own affiliated Associations through out the District.
6. Later Col S Rajan addressed the Meet in his own inimitable style, which evoked spontaneous appreciation from all those who were present, including Gen Radhakrisnan. He chronologically traced the plight of ESM & the achievements of IESM. Col TN Raman highlighted the efforts of IESM & the Core issues. He said that, due to the increased educational qualifications of the recruits, the rehabilitation & a second career should not pose a problem, provided they are well equipped before release from the Armed Forces. Why not demand Study Leave of two years for the PBOR before their retirement. This would enable them to improve their qualifications so that they can compete in the civil job market with more confidence & skill.
7. Some of the Resolutions passed by the Thanjavur District IESL may be relevant to all ESM Associations. They are listed in brief below:-
a. ESM Welfare should be part of Concurrent List.
b. Guaranteed Second Lateral Employment up to 60 years of age.
c. Pre-Recruitment Training to be provided by the DSS& A Board to the dependents of ESM.
d. Co-Locate ECHS Poly Clinic, ESM CSD (I) Canteen, Office of the Assistant Director ESM Welfare & Community Hall.
e. Restoration of commuted portion of the Pension in 12 years instead of 15 years.
8. Maj Gen RN Radhakrisnan, then gave his closing address. In a lucid style he captured the attention of the audience with a couple of Tamil Poems. He explained the statement of the Govt on OROP in the Parliament & how it was falling far short of our expectations. He assured that no effort would be spared in getting the justice for the ESM which was long over due.
Conclusion
9. By now, it may be abundantly clear to the readers that, like the aim of all religions is to identify one with the supreme being, the aim of all ESM Associations is to improve the conditions of the ESM, especially the PBOR. The methods used may have been different. But every one in Thanjavur & in Chennai agreed with the reality, that it was the advent of IESM which gave a fillip to the ESM & focused the attention of the entire Nation on to the issues relating to them.
10. Return of Medals was one of the issues, which created discard in April this year, before the Maha Rally. The same action was being spoken with pride by some members of IESL, in Thanjavur. It does not mean that hundred percent approval was there for all forms of agitations & policies carried out by IESM, in the past few months. There were dissentions even within the ranks of IESM. So why blame other organisations for the failure to reach consensus & unity.
11. Col S Rajan, Lt Col RR Jai Ram & Cdr Vaidyanathan would bear me out that at the grass route level, there is a yearning for able leadership to guide them. That leadership is available in IESL as well as IESM. Therefore, the tussle is not the question of leadership. But of Unity. For example, the IESL Thanjavur leadership is willing to offer unconditional support to our Movement. The same may be the case all over India. The requirement is to harness such a strength in the form of a Federation, in which all units are treated at par.
Jai Hind
Veteran Raman
Col (Retd) TN Raman
1. Further to my mail on IESM Meet in Chennai on 12 July 09, it is important for us to know about the Meeting of ESM conducted by IESL Thanjavur, to celebrate its 33 rd year of Raising.
2. From the IESM side, Col S Rajan & Col TN Raman were present on special invitation from Col CT Arasu, President of the Executive Committee, Thanjavur IESL & OIC, ECHS Polyclinic Thanjavur. Cdr Vaidyanathan, Convener IESM Trichy & Lt Col RR Jai Ram Convener IESM Thanjavur, were also present. The Meeting was presided over by Maj Gen RN Radhakrisnan, who is the President of Tamilnadu IESL.
3. The Meet was attended by over 500 ESM, including ladies. Four Ladies also spoke. Mrs Vijay Lakshmi, whose husband was present in a wheel chair, spoke with confidence & condemned the general trend of ESM to keep begging the Govt for even petty things. Instead, she advocated the ESM Organisations to encourage self help groups of ESM & their families with all available resources with them. Since maximum ESM live in villages, self help, according to her was the best way to ensure the prosperity of the ESM community. I was told that she was practicing what she was preaching. The same view was echoed by a few more speakers including Cdr Mayil Vaganan, who said that these ESM Self Help Groups should be formed on Taluk basis & registered with the State DSS& A Board.
4. The general trend of most of the speeches was on Unity of ESM. Cdr Mayil Vaganan, Senior Vice President of the Association, was proud in pointing out the fact that he attended the Hunger Strike organised by Col S Rajan in Bengaluru on 15 Mar 09, along with 10 members of IESL from Thanjavur. Many more from Madurai & Trichy also took part in the agitation headed by Air Marshal (Retd) Keith Lewis (pardon me if I had misspell his name). He along with 9 other members from Thanjavur deposited their medals. This, according to him was done to show the solidarity with the IESM, who had taken up the cause of ESM & was fighting for justice. Similarly, he had organised 10 ESM from IESL to take part in the Maha Rally in Delhi, along with the Convener IESM Tamilnadu, Col TN Raman. It was with the same spirit, he attended the recent Meet of IESM Tamilnadu, held in Chennai on 12 July 09.
5. We owe our thanks to Lt Col R Sadhasivam, President Thanjavur IESL, Lt Col RR Jai Ram & Col CT Arasu, all from IESL, to have encouraged their cadres in lending support to the agitations organised by the IESM. Not only that. Similar agitations were also carried out by their own affiliated Associations through out the District.
6. Later Col S Rajan addressed the Meet in his own inimitable style, which evoked spontaneous appreciation from all those who were present, including Gen Radhakrisnan. He chronologically traced the plight of ESM & the achievements of IESM. Col TN Raman highlighted the efforts of IESM & the Core issues. He said that, due to the increased educational qualifications of the recruits, the rehabilitation & a second career should not pose a problem, provided they are well equipped before release from the Armed Forces. Why not demand Study Leave of two years for the PBOR before their retirement. This would enable them to improve their qualifications so that they can compete in the civil job market with more confidence & skill.
7. Some of the Resolutions passed by the Thanjavur District IESL may be relevant to all ESM Associations. They are listed in brief below:-
a. ESM Welfare should be part of Concurrent List.
b. Guaranteed Second Lateral Employment up to 60 years of age.
c. Pre-Recruitment Training to be provided by the DSS& A Board to the dependents of ESM.
d. Co-Locate ECHS Poly Clinic, ESM CSD (I) Canteen, Office of the Assistant Director ESM Welfare & Community Hall.
e. Restoration of commuted portion of the Pension in 12 years instead of 15 years.
8. Maj Gen RN Radhakrisnan, then gave his closing address. In a lucid style he captured the attention of the audience with a couple of Tamil Poems. He explained the statement of the Govt on OROP in the Parliament & how it was falling far short of our expectations. He assured that no effort would be spared in getting the justice for the ESM which was long over due.
Conclusion
9. By now, it may be abundantly clear to the readers that, like the aim of all religions is to identify one with the supreme being, the aim of all ESM Associations is to improve the conditions of the ESM, especially the PBOR. The methods used may have been different. But every one in Thanjavur & in Chennai agreed with the reality, that it was the advent of IESM which gave a fillip to the ESM & focused the attention of the entire Nation on to the issues relating to them.
10. Return of Medals was one of the issues, which created discard in April this year, before the Maha Rally. The same action was being spoken with pride by some members of IESL, in Thanjavur. It does not mean that hundred percent approval was there for all forms of agitations & policies carried out by IESM, in the past few months. There were dissentions even within the ranks of IESM. So why blame other organisations for the failure to reach consensus & unity.
11. Col S Rajan, Lt Col RR Jai Ram & Cdr Vaidyanathan would bear me out that at the grass route level, there is a yearning for able leadership to guide them. That leadership is available in IESL as well as IESM. Therefore, the tussle is not the question of leadership. But of Unity. For example, the IESL Thanjavur leadership is willing to offer unconditional support to our Movement. The same may be the case all over India. The requirement is to harness such a strength in the form of a Federation, in which all units are treated at par.
Jai Hind
Veteran Raman
CNN-IBN on Fri 24 jul and sat qt 2000 Hrs on Kargil
Dear all,
A program has been recorded by CNN-IBN on 21 July the subject is 'DO WE CARE FOR INDIAN SOLDIER'. The program would be aired on CNN-IBN on FRIDAY 24 JULY AT 2030H, SATURDAY 25 JULY AT 2000H and SUNDAY 26 JULY AT 1200H. All those interested may tune and watch the show.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
A program has been recorded by CNN-IBN on 21 July the subject is 'DO WE CARE FOR INDIAN SOLDIER'. The program would be aired on CNN-IBN on FRIDAY 24 JULY AT 2030H, SATURDAY 25 JULY AT 2000H and SUNDAY 26 JULY AT 1200H. All those interested may tune and watch the show.
Regards
Gp Capt VK Gandhi VSM
Gen Sec IESM
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Kargil by Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
· Vijay Oberoi
(Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS)
...
KARGIL DIWAS - TENTH ANNIVERSARY
The Government Remains Unconcerned
By
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
This year’s Kargil Diwas, on 26 July, is special as it is the 10th anniversary of the day when the last of the Pakistani intruders were killed or chased out of the Kargil Sector, by the doughty brave hearts of the Indian Army and Air Force. The Kargil Sector is actually a swathe of real estate along the Line of Control (LC) in J&K, stretching north east from the steep glaciated heights north of Drass and extending to the general area of Turtok, just short of the Siachin Glacier.
I do not intend to cover the factual details of the various battles fought in the sector, but will highlight some nuances. Kargil had caught the imagination of every citizen of our country during those tumultuous summer months of 1999, from the time the intrusion was first discovered in early May, till the last of the Pakistani soldiers were neutralized and the entire area on our side of the LC was sanitized by 26 July.
The various battles fought in the sector were a series of tactical level offensive operations, conducted at battalion and brigade levels. These were essentially marked by two important features - the formidable nature of the terrain and the sheer bravery of the officers and men of the Indian Army, who scaled those formidable and razor sharp sheer heights, unmindful of their lives and limbs. They did so in many a hand to hand battle and won victories on the high peaks, where the defenders-the Pakistani troops, had all the advantages. The nation lost 527 valuable lives, all brave young men, who sacrificed themselves, with grit written large on their determined visages and a fierce fire burning strong in their bellies.
Why is such unparalleled bravery forgotten by our countrymen within a span of a mere 10 years? Have our nationalistic feelings atrophied that we have no time to remember the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and airmen, who fought so valiantly to restore the sanctity of the motherland? Is it the government, which needs to be reminded to take the lead, or the military or the people?
I recall, with a great deal of nostalgia, the Vijay Diwas of 2000, one year after the Kargil operations. It was an event to remember. I was then commanding the Western Army at Chandimandir. At my instance, an extremely well attended remembrance cum homage function was organized by the army at Chandigarh. Governors and Chief Ministers of both Punjab and Haryana had led the people in paying tributes to the Kargil warriors. The inhabitants of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali came in their thousands to pay homage and to remember the warriors, who had fought and conquered both the hazardous terrain and the well-entrenched enemy. As the ceremony ended, thousands of candles lit the entire ground; it was a sight that set the adrenalin pumping. Sadly, in the years that followed, Kargil disappeared from the radar screens of the government, the people and sadly even the media. Only the military remembered their comrades and held ceremonies and commemoration events, but only within the confines of their cantonments!
The media and the ex-servicemen (ESM) have taken a lead this time in generating enthusiasm for the 10th anniversary of the Kargil Diwas, but alas there is not even a squeak from the government so far. On 26 July, a ritual and token ceremony will no doubt be held at the India Gate, with the Raksha Mantri and the three service chiefs laying wreaths and only a few media cameras in attendance. In our democratic country, the ‘Aam Aadmi’, whose paeans we sing these days, is not even permitted to come within 100 metres of such ceremonies. At best, they can view them on TV, but only fleetingly as the electronic media is stingy in airing such bytes! This must change, not only in the case of the Kargil Diwas, but on the few commemorative military events we still observe, even perfunctorily.
Ours must be the only country in the world where decisions to commemorate military events are based on which political party is in power! One national political party celebrates Kargil Diwas because that military victory took place when theirs was the ruling party. The other does not, but celebrates Vijay Diwas instead, as it was their party which was in power when the Indian Military did the country proud by their resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971. A third category popular with the government is when no event is celebrated on the specious plea that it may adversely affect the peace process with a particular country! The end result of such a lackadaisical attitude on the part of the government is that the military, which is proud of its brave military heritage, is forced to have such celebrations and remembrances in the confines of their military stations and cantonments, with no participation by the civil populace, the political leaders or the government. What a dismal and farcical situation?
The present government, in accordance with their party’s election pledge, had carved out the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare from within the Ministry of Defence in 2004. It is this Department that should take a lead in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Kargil victory in a befitting manner, but it seems to be wallowing in indecision, waiting for a cue from the political leaders. Despite its existence for almost five years now, no worthwhile welfare measures have been instituted by this organization. The reason is simple. This organization, from its inception, should have been manned by military officers who understand the problems of serving personnel and ESM, as well as their ethos and culture. The result of such pusillanimous behaviour by this organization is further disillusionment of the military.
The government would do well to keep in mind what the famous military strategist, Carl von Clausewitz, had expounded on the remarkable ‘trinity’ of the government, the military and the people, that is essential for victory for a nation. It is equally applicable to the nation even in non-war situations. Will the government take a lead and bring them together?
------------
(Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS)
...
KARGIL DIWAS - TENTH ANNIVERSARY
The Government Remains Unconcerned
By
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
This year’s Kargil Diwas, on 26 July, is special as it is the 10th anniversary of the day when the last of the Pakistani intruders were killed or chased out of the Kargil Sector, by the doughty brave hearts of the Indian Army and Air Force. The Kargil Sector is actually a swathe of real estate along the Line of Control (LC) in J&K, stretching north east from the steep glaciated heights north of Drass and extending to the general area of Turtok, just short of the Siachin Glacier.
I do not intend to cover the factual details of the various battles fought in the sector, but will highlight some nuances. Kargil had caught the imagination of every citizen of our country during those tumultuous summer months of 1999, from the time the intrusion was first discovered in early May, till the last of the Pakistani soldiers were neutralized and the entire area on our side of the LC was sanitized by 26 July.
The various battles fought in the sector were a series of tactical level offensive operations, conducted at battalion and brigade levels. These were essentially marked by two important features - the formidable nature of the terrain and the sheer bravery of the officers and men of the Indian Army, who scaled those formidable and razor sharp sheer heights, unmindful of their lives and limbs. They did so in many a hand to hand battle and won victories on the high peaks, where the defenders-the Pakistani troops, had all the advantages. The nation lost 527 valuable lives, all brave young men, who sacrificed themselves, with grit written large on their determined visages and a fierce fire burning strong in their bellies.
Why is such unparalleled bravery forgotten by our countrymen within a span of a mere 10 years? Have our nationalistic feelings atrophied that we have no time to remember the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and airmen, who fought so valiantly to restore the sanctity of the motherland? Is it the government, which needs to be reminded to take the lead, or the military or the people?
I recall, with a great deal of nostalgia, the Vijay Diwas of 2000, one year after the Kargil operations. It was an event to remember. I was then commanding the Western Army at Chandimandir. At my instance, an extremely well attended remembrance cum homage function was organized by the army at Chandigarh. Governors and Chief Ministers of both Punjab and Haryana had led the people in paying tributes to the Kargil warriors. The inhabitants of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali came in their thousands to pay homage and to remember the warriors, who had fought and conquered both the hazardous terrain and the well-entrenched enemy. As the ceremony ended, thousands of candles lit the entire ground; it was a sight that set the adrenalin pumping. Sadly, in the years that followed, Kargil disappeared from the radar screens of the government, the people and sadly even the media. Only the military remembered their comrades and held ceremonies and commemoration events, but only within the confines of their cantonments!
The media and the ex-servicemen (ESM) have taken a lead this time in generating enthusiasm for the 10th anniversary of the Kargil Diwas, but alas there is not even a squeak from the government so far. On 26 July, a ritual and token ceremony will no doubt be held at the India Gate, with the Raksha Mantri and the three service chiefs laying wreaths and only a few media cameras in attendance. In our democratic country, the ‘Aam Aadmi’, whose paeans we sing these days, is not even permitted to come within 100 metres of such ceremonies. At best, they can view them on TV, but only fleetingly as the electronic media is stingy in airing such bytes! This must change, not only in the case of the Kargil Diwas, but on the few commemorative military events we still observe, even perfunctorily.
Ours must be the only country in the world where decisions to commemorate military events are based on which political party is in power! One national political party celebrates Kargil Diwas because that military victory took place when theirs was the ruling party. The other does not, but celebrates Vijay Diwas instead, as it was their party which was in power when the Indian Military did the country proud by their resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971. A third category popular with the government is when no event is celebrated on the specious plea that it may adversely affect the peace process with a particular country! The end result of such a lackadaisical attitude on the part of the government is that the military, which is proud of its brave military heritage, is forced to have such celebrations and remembrances in the confines of their military stations and cantonments, with no participation by the civil populace, the political leaders or the government. What a dismal and farcical situation?
The present government, in accordance with their party’s election pledge, had carved out the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare from within the Ministry of Defence in 2004. It is this Department that should take a lead in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Kargil victory in a befitting manner, but it seems to be wallowing in indecision, waiting for a cue from the political leaders. Despite its existence for almost five years now, no worthwhile welfare measures have been instituted by this organization. The reason is simple. This organization, from its inception, should have been manned by military officers who understand the problems of serving personnel and ESM, as well as their ethos and culture. The result of such pusillanimous behaviour by this organization is further disillusionment of the military.
The government would do well to keep in mind what the famous military strategist, Carl von Clausewitz, had expounded on the remarkable ‘trinity’ of the government, the military and the people, that is essential for victory for a nation. It is equally applicable to the nation even in non-war situations. Will the government take a lead and bring them together?
------------
IESM Tamil Nadu Meeting by Cdr Sharan ahuja
From: Cdr Sharan Ahuja
To: ramantn sarma ; nviswanathan@gmail.com ; ltcolpaddy@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:33 PM
Subject: IESM Tamilnadu- Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 July 2009..Well done Tamil Nadu.
Dear All,
Pls read the minutes of the meeting held in Chennai IESM.
Thank Col Raman for the efforts in conducting the same.
It is indeed heartening reading each and every para of the same. The good will of IESM in the hearts of the people who attended and spoke for the future course would go a long way in getting more and more Veterans from the south joining the IESM.
2. Congrats to Col Raman also for being renominated to carry on the Convener's job for Tamil Nadu and bridging the link so nicely between Delhi and the South.
Am sure many more Conveners would in other cities would now emulate the Tamil Nadu efforts..
3. Have put the minutes on the web site
www.iesm.org under Flash News ..IESM Desk.
Regards
Cdr Sharan Ahuja (Retd)
Member Core Group IESM
************************************
IESM TAMILNADU
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 JULY 2009
1. In the month of July there were two Meetings of ESM in Tamilnadu. The first was in Chennai, by the IESM. The second was by the IESL in Thanjavur.
2. I am forwarding the minutes of the IESM Meeting. In a couple of days I will forward a brief on Thanjavur Meet.
3. Contributions for the conduct of the Meet were received from the following Veterans:-
Cdr PV Francis, Col Ram Gulrajani, Lt Col N Padmanabiah, Col KV Balakrishnan, Lt Col R Rajakumar--- Rs 5,00/- each.
Lt Col C Sundaramurthy, Nb Sub(Hony) V Sitaram, Lt Col TPK Sundaram, Capt (Hony) R Ponnuraj----Rs 1,00/- each.
4. My sincere thanks to all the donors who volunteered to share the expenses of the Meeting.
5. The Meeting was chaired by Col (Retd) TN Raman, Convener IESM, Tamilnadu.
6. The Convener, at the outset clarified that the Meeting was organised to bring all the ESM of the State under one Umbrella & there was no tussle with the older organisations like IESL or FIESA. There definitely was a requirement to boost the membership of the IESM, since it was the only ESM Organisation, which took the Govt to task after the Sixth Pay Commission & focused the attention of the entire Nation on issues affecting the ESM Community. Though it spear headed the Movement, official recognition has been denied. The Govt’s announcement in the Parliament a few days back that the OROP issue has been resolved was far from the truth, which all ESM will realise sooner than later. He then requested the ESM from out stations to present their views.
7. JWO Kasi Viswanathan from Kunrakudi said that though he had been a member of FIESA affiliated ESM Association for more than a decade & half, this was the first time he found a credible leadership being provided for the ESM, in the form of IESM. His Association would always back the just cause of IESM. He thanked the IESM for giving an opportunity for airing his views.
8. W/O Shivraj from Coimbatore. (Chairman FIESA Tamilnadu). He said that he had already joined IESM as a member & many more like him from Coimbatore had done so, due to the efforts of Col A Sridharan. He pointed out the statement from Sgt Vasudevan who had exhorted the PBORs from accepting the increased pension unless the same was granted to the Officers also. He assured that the Officers need not take to the streets. They had to only guide from behind & all the PBORs would execute their orders. The Convener intervened at this stage to clarify that as per the ethos of Army, the Officers at the command level lead from the front. This was no different. All the agitations carried out so far by the IESM had full participation of the Officers, who led from the front. This was the main reason for the popularity of the IESM. At the same time, the contribution from the PBOR side had been overwhelming, which had left deep impression amongst all the Officers. As the time progresses, we would find all ranks of ESM of all the three Services, would be proud to call themselves simply as veterans.
9. Veteran Shivraj wanted to know whether IESM had any more agenda than the OROP. Similar query was also raised by ESM Sundarrajan, Secretary, Thiruvallur District ESM Association of FIESA. The Convener pointed out that there were four Core Issues including the OROP. Besides that, there were a number of side issues which had to be resolved. The IESM was here to stay on a permanent basis & had resolved to settle all the injustices & anomalies.
10. Then Sundarajan requested that the IESM should take up the following issues on Op Immediate basis.
a. Pay Disparity.
b. Pension Disparity.
c. Interpretation of Rules.
d. Improvement of the Morale of ESM & ECHS.
e. Lack of strength of ESM in an organised way.
11. The Convener assured the gathering that the following measures would be taken up forth with, by the IESM Tamilnadu.
a. A Pension Cell would be functional under Col N Viswanathan.
b. Cdr Vaidyanathan, from Trichy, volunteered to head the ECHS Cell.
c. The Convener pointed out that lack of resources would preclude opening of any Office at present. However, since most of the members know AWHO Parameswaran Vihar, an Office would be created in his own residence. The email ID & Phone Nos are already well known.
d. Regarding the strengthening of the Movement, the FIESA can help us out in a big way. The Core Group IESM had confirmed that the Associations forming part of FIESA could carry their own banners as well as operate with their own Office Bearers. They were requested to send Official Letters of confirmation for their support to IESM & also their affiliation.
12. Cdr Vaidyanathan brought out that FIESA had been in existence for more than 25 years & had 24 Associations affiliated to it in Tamilnadu. Similar was the case with IESL but none of them could make an impact at the Capitol. What Col Raman could achieve in a span of few months, others could not. Similar view was echoed by Nk JP Balakrishnan, from Thanjavur, who claimed that the IESL had nearly 15,000 members in Tamilnadu. Veteran Sundaramurthy also said that the FIESA did not enjoy the confidence of Delhi. The affiliation with IESM would prove beneficial for the ESM community.
13. Cdr Vaidyanathan stated that every Association must follow the democratic norms. Though the Agenda included the Election of New Office Bearers, considering the present strength of local members, he suggested that Col TN Raman to continue with his portfolio for the time being. Brig NL Narayanan supported the motion & the resolution was passed unanimously.
14. Then Col KS Chakravathy, effectively put across the points regarding the lack of unity amongst the ESM, which had encouraged the Govt to keep up their policy of divide & rule. He emphasized the need for IESM to be absolutely non political in its approach. He also brought out how disgraceful it was to read some Veterans casting aspersions on fellow veterans, just because they had different views. He emphasized that such unhealthy criticisms should cease forthwith.
15. Col P Radha Krishnan then summarised the decisions taken for the benefit of all:-
a. Increase the membership of IESM by fresh initiative.
b. All ESM should come under IESM either as members or by affiliation.
c. ECHS Cell & Pension Cell must be created.
d. The comments about the Budget & our Pensions must be made only after a careful study.
e. The present set up in Tamilnadu to continue.
16. The Convener in his closing remarks said that every nascent organization would have to go through the stages we were experiencing now. Inadequate resources or finance would not be a constraint to our growth. The very fact that representatives from far off Districts like Thanjavur, Trichy, Coimbatore & many places had come to attend the Meeting, spending from their own resources was a testimony to that fact. Unity of ESM was the crying need of the hour. IESM would not rest till every aspect of the ESM Welfare had been addressed to by the Govt & the results achieved.
17. He thanked the entire gathering for their cooperation & support.
Conclusion
18. There being no other points the Meeting was declared closed.
Col (Retd) TN Raman
Convener IESM Tamilnadu
E5/230, AWHO Parameswaran Vihar,
28, Arcot Road, Chennai- 600093
Ph: 044-42013210, 0 9840033326
***********************************
------------
From: Rangaraj Jairam jairamrr@yahoo.com
To: ramantn sarma ; nviswanathan@gmail.com ; ltcolpaddy@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:33 PM
Subject: IESM Tamilnadu- Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 July 2009..Well done Tamil Nadu.
Dear All,
Pls read the minutes of the meeting held in Chennai IESM.
Thank Col Raman for the efforts in conducting the same.
It is indeed heartening reading each and every para of the same. The good will of IESM in the hearts of the people who attended and spoke for the future course would go a long way in getting more and more Veterans from the south joining the IESM.
2. Congrats to Col Raman also for being renominated to carry on the Convener's job for Tamil Nadu and bridging the link so nicely between Delhi and the South.
Am sure many more Conveners would in other cities would now emulate the Tamil Nadu efforts..
3. Have put the minutes on the web site
www.iesm.org under Flash News ..IESM Desk.
Regards
Cdr Sharan Ahuja (Retd)
Member Core Group IESM
************************************
IESM TAMILNADU
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 12 JULY 2009
1. In the month of July there were two Meetings of ESM in Tamilnadu. The first was in Chennai, by the IESM. The second was by the IESL in Thanjavur.
2. I am forwarding the minutes of the IESM Meeting. In a couple of days I will forward a brief on Thanjavur Meet.
3. Contributions for the conduct of the Meet were received from the following Veterans:-
Cdr PV Francis, Col Ram Gulrajani, Lt Col N Padmanabiah, Col KV Balakrishnan, Lt Col R Rajakumar--- Rs 5,00/- each.
Lt Col C Sundaramurthy, Nb Sub(Hony) V Sitaram, Lt Col TPK Sundaram, Capt (Hony) R Ponnuraj----Rs 1,00/- each.
4. My sincere thanks to all the donors who volunteered to share the expenses of the Meeting.
5. The Meeting was chaired by Col (Retd) TN Raman, Convener IESM, Tamilnadu.
6. The Convener, at the outset clarified that the Meeting was organised to bring all the ESM of the State under one Umbrella & there was no tussle with the older organisations like IESL or FIESA. There definitely was a requirement to boost the membership of the IESM, since it was the only ESM Organisation, which took the Govt to task after the Sixth Pay Commission & focused the attention of the entire Nation on issues affecting the ESM Community. Though it spear headed the Movement, official recognition has been denied. The Govt’s announcement in the Parliament a few days back that the OROP issue has been resolved was far from the truth, which all ESM will realise sooner than later. He then requested the ESM from out stations to present their views.
7. JWO Kasi Viswanathan from Kunrakudi said that though he had been a member of FIESA affiliated ESM Association for more than a decade & half, this was the first time he found a credible leadership being provided for the ESM, in the form of IESM. His Association would always back the just cause of IESM. He thanked the IESM for giving an opportunity for airing his views.
8. W/O Shivraj from Coimbatore. (Chairman FIESA Tamilnadu). He said that he had already joined IESM as a member & many more like him from Coimbatore had done so, due to the efforts of Col A Sridharan. He pointed out the statement from Sgt Vasudevan who had exhorted the PBORs from accepting the increased pension unless the same was granted to the Officers also. He assured that the Officers need not take to the streets. They had to only guide from behind & all the PBORs would execute their orders. The Convener intervened at this stage to clarify that as per the ethos of Army, the Officers at the command level lead from the front. This was no different. All the agitations carried out so far by the IESM had full participation of the Officers, who led from the front. This was the main reason for the popularity of the IESM. At the same time, the contribution from the PBOR side had been overwhelming, which had left deep impression amongst all the Officers. As the time progresses, we would find all ranks of ESM of all the three Services, would be proud to call themselves simply as veterans.
9. Veteran Shivraj wanted to know whether IESM had any more agenda than the OROP. Similar query was also raised by ESM Sundarrajan, Secretary, Thiruvallur District ESM Association of FIESA. The Convener pointed out that there were four Core Issues including the OROP. Besides that, there were a number of side issues which had to be resolved. The IESM was here to stay on a permanent basis & had resolved to settle all the injustices & anomalies.
10. Then Sundarajan requested that the IESM should take up the following issues on Op Immediate basis.
a. Pay Disparity.
b. Pension Disparity.
c. Interpretation of Rules.
d. Improvement of the Morale of ESM & ECHS.
e. Lack of strength of ESM in an organised way.
11. The Convener assured the gathering that the following measures would be taken up forth with, by the IESM Tamilnadu.
a. A Pension Cell would be functional under Col N Viswanathan.
b. Cdr Vaidyanathan, from Trichy, volunteered to head the ECHS Cell.
c. The Convener pointed out that lack of resources would preclude opening of any Office at present. However, since most of the members know AWHO Parameswaran Vihar, an Office would be created in his own residence. The email ID & Phone Nos are already well known.
d. Regarding the strengthening of the Movement, the FIESA can help us out in a big way. The Core Group IESM had confirmed that the Associations forming part of FIESA could carry their own banners as well as operate with their own Office Bearers. They were requested to send Official Letters of confirmation for their support to IESM & also their affiliation.
12. Cdr Vaidyanathan brought out that FIESA had been in existence for more than 25 years & had 24 Associations affiliated to it in Tamilnadu. Similar was the case with IESL but none of them could make an impact at the Capitol. What Col Raman could achieve in a span of few months, others could not. Similar view was echoed by Nk JP Balakrishnan, from Thanjavur, who claimed that the IESL had nearly 15,000 members in Tamilnadu. Veteran Sundaramurthy also said that the FIESA did not enjoy the confidence of Delhi. The affiliation with IESM would prove beneficial for the ESM community.
13. Cdr Vaidyanathan stated that every Association must follow the democratic norms. Though the Agenda included the Election of New Office Bearers, considering the present strength of local members, he suggested that Col TN Raman to continue with his portfolio for the time being. Brig NL Narayanan supported the motion & the resolution was passed unanimously.
14. Then Col KS Chakravathy, effectively put across the points regarding the lack of unity amongst the ESM, which had encouraged the Govt to keep up their policy of divide & rule. He emphasized the need for IESM to be absolutely non political in its approach. He also brought out how disgraceful it was to read some Veterans casting aspersions on fellow veterans, just because they had different views. He emphasized that such unhealthy criticisms should cease forthwith.
15. Col P Radha Krishnan then summarised the decisions taken for the benefit of all:-
a. Increase the membership of IESM by fresh initiative.
b. All ESM should come under IESM either as members or by affiliation.
c. ECHS Cell & Pension Cell must be created.
d. The comments about the Budget & our Pensions must be made only after a careful study.
e. The present set up in Tamilnadu to continue.
16. The Convener in his closing remarks said that every nascent organization would have to go through the stages we were experiencing now. Inadequate resources or finance would not be a constraint to our growth. The very fact that representatives from far off Districts like Thanjavur, Trichy, Coimbatore & many places had come to attend the Meeting, spending from their own resources was a testimony to that fact. Unity of ESM was the crying need of the hour. IESM would not rest till every aspect of the ESM Welfare had been addressed to by the Govt & the results achieved.
17. He thanked the entire gathering for their cooperation & support.
Conclusion
18. There being no other points the Meeting was declared closed.
Col (Retd) TN Raman
Convener IESM Tamilnadu
E5/230, AWHO Parameswaran Vihar,
28, Arcot Road, Chennai- 600093
Ph: 044-42013210, 0 9840033326
***********************************
------------
From: Rangaraj Jairam jairamrr@yahoo.com
The Pioneer ::Cong’s martyrs and BJP martyrs by Sidharth Mishra
the pioneer
Monday, July 20, 2009
http://www.dailypioneer.com/190382/Cong%c3%a2%e2%82%ac%e2%84%a2s-martyrs-and-BJP-martyrs.html
Cong’s martyrs and BJP martyrs
Sidharth Mishra
July 26 is just a week away. Many may ask what's so important about July 26. To remind the nation — July 26 is Kargil Vijay Diwas. The day symbolizes emphatic Indian victory in a high altitude war show-casing unparalleled bravery and chivalry of Indian soldier. Unfortunately Kargil War has been treated by the Congress leadership with lot of caution always careful about not allowing the rival BJP-led National Democratic Alliance the unbridled credit for an emphatic victory.
Since Independence India has faced aggression on five occasion — 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999. On four occasions — 1948, 1962, 1965 and 1971 — there was a Congress Prime Minister at the helm. In 1999 Atal Bihari Vajpayee of the BJP held charge. The war took place after his Government had lost majority on the floor of the House. Despite being in the caretaker capacity, Vajpayee showed exemplary statesmanship and effectively mobilized national efforts to record an emphatic victory.
Though this war was won at high rate of casualty of human life but at the end it led to India emerging a stronger nation not being forced to a negotiation table under pressure from super-powers and being made to cede advantages, something which so visibly happened during the 1948 and 1965 operations. Several historical documents have recorded Jawaharlal Nehru's folly in approaching the United Nations when Indian forces had reached dominating position in the 1948 war. Similarly Lal Bahadur Shastri was forced into signing the Tashkent Agreement after effectively winning the 1965 war.
Though 1971 once again had the Indian armed forces recording emphatic victory leading to the creation of Bangladesh, Simla Agreement has come in for criticism. It's said that despite the emphatic victory and a visibly beaten Pakistan, Indian did not push hard diplomatically to resolve the Kashmir issue once for all. In 1962, India faced a rout at the hands of Chinese and in 1987, the Congress Government launched operation in Sri Lanka, which turned out to be an absolute fiasco.
In the post-Independence military history, Kargil War stands out as a shinning star. Kargil also happens to be the best documented war. The presence of large media contingent especially television ensured that the vibrations of the war was even felt in the urban drawing rooms and rural chaupals. The 50-day war turned soldiers and their units into household names. To the credit of then Defence Minister George Fernandes, body of every Indian martyr was flown to his home and given ceremonial funeral. The Indian countryside is replete with the statutes of Kargil heroes standing in the middle of lush green fields. Even the Pakistani soldiers, whose body the enemy country refused to accept were given decent burial by the Indian establishment.
Kargil war did not end into an internationally monitored summit between Indian and Pakistani leadership. Indian leadership had shown the maturity of not crossing the Line of Control (LoC) though the temptation for the same must have been substantial. The Indian positions were cleared of illegal Pakistani occupation and war gains restricted to the restoration of Indian control. The event had huge political repercussions with Vajpayee-led NDA recording a huge victory in the Lok Sabha polls, which followed. Vajpayee's Pakistani counter-part Nawaz Sharif lost job to his Chief of Army Staff General Parvez Musharraf.
Kargil came to be celebrated in contemporary art inspiring Bollywood block-busters like LoC: Kargil, Lakhsya and Dhoop and several films in regional languages. There have been several theatre productions on Kargil operations and also television serials. But despite this, the UPA Government has been cagey in celebrating the Kargil success ever since it came to power in 2004. It's true that Kargil played an important role in the defeat of Congress party in 1999 but it should also be realised that one of the major factors for the same was the cantankerous posturing its spokesperson Ajit Jogi took on the television.
The present Congress leadership has shown a pragmatic approach on many issues. It has accepted that its adventures in Golden Temple and Sri Lanka were uncalled for. It has gone to the extent of apologising to the Sikh community for Operation Bluestar. It should now come to accept the Kargil victory as Indian victory and not that of a BJP-led Government. There are no Congress martyrs and BJP martyrs. In war with enemy country there are only national martyrs.
------------
Monday, July 20, 2009
http://www.dailypioneer.com/190382/Cong%c3%a2%e2%82%ac%e2%84%a2s-martyrs-and-BJP-martyrs.html
Cong’s martyrs and BJP martyrs
Sidharth Mishra
July 26 is just a week away. Many may ask what's so important about July 26. To remind the nation — July 26 is Kargil Vijay Diwas. The day symbolizes emphatic Indian victory in a high altitude war show-casing unparalleled bravery and chivalry of Indian soldier. Unfortunately Kargil War has been treated by the Congress leadership with lot of caution always careful about not allowing the rival BJP-led National Democratic Alliance the unbridled credit for an emphatic victory.
Since Independence India has faced aggression on five occasion — 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999. On four occasions — 1948, 1962, 1965 and 1971 — there was a Congress Prime Minister at the helm. In 1999 Atal Bihari Vajpayee of the BJP held charge. The war took place after his Government had lost majority on the floor of the House. Despite being in the caretaker capacity, Vajpayee showed exemplary statesmanship and effectively mobilized national efforts to record an emphatic victory.
Though this war was won at high rate of casualty of human life but at the end it led to India emerging a stronger nation not being forced to a negotiation table under pressure from super-powers and being made to cede advantages, something which so visibly happened during the 1948 and 1965 operations. Several historical documents have recorded Jawaharlal Nehru's folly in approaching the United Nations when Indian forces had reached dominating position in the 1948 war. Similarly Lal Bahadur Shastri was forced into signing the Tashkent Agreement after effectively winning the 1965 war.
Though 1971 once again had the Indian armed forces recording emphatic victory leading to the creation of Bangladesh, Simla Agreement has come in for criticism. It's said that despite the emphatic victory and a visibly beaten Pakistan, Indian did not push hard diplomatically to resolve the Kashmir issue once for all. In 1962, India faced a rout at the hands of Chinese and in 1987, the Congress Government launched operation in Sri Lanka, which turned out to be an absolute fiasco.
In the post-Independence military history, Kargil War stands out as a shinning star. Kargil also happens to be the best documented war. The presence of large media contingent especially television ensured that the vibrations of the war was even felt in the urban drawing rooms and rural chaupals. The 50-day war turned soldiers and their units into household names. To the credit of then Defence Minister George Fernandes, body of every Indian martyr was flown to his home and given ceremonial funeral. The Indian countryside is replete with the statutes of Kargil heroes standing in the middle of lush green fields. Even the Pakistani soldiers, whose body the enemy country refused to accept were given decent burial by the Indian establishment.
Kargil war did not end into an internationally monitored summit between Indian and Pakistani leadership. Indian leadership had shown the maturity of not crossing the Line of Control (LoC) though the temptation for the same must have been substantial. The Indian positions were cleared of illegal Pakistani occupation and war gains restricted to the restoration of Indian control. The event had huge political repercussions with Vajpayee-led NDA recording a huge victory in the Lok Sabha polls, which followed. Vajpayee's Pakistani counter-part Nawaz Sharif lost job to his Chief of Army Staff General Parvez Musharraf.
Kargil came to be celebrated in contemporary art inspiring Bollywood block-busters like LoC: Kargil, Lakhsya and Dhoop and several films in regional languages. There have been several theatre productions on Kargil operations and also television serials. But despite this, the UPA Government has been cagey in celebrating the Kargil success ever since it came to power in 2004. It's true that Kargil played an important role in the defeat of Congress party in 1999 but it should also be realised that one of the major factors for the same was the cantankerous posturing its spokesperson Ajit Jogi took on the television.
The present Congress leadership has shown a pragmatic approach on many issues. It has accepted that its adventures in Golden Temple and Sri Lanka were uncalled for. It has gone to the extent of apologising to the Sikh community for Operation Bluestar. It should now come to accept the Kargil victory as Indian victory and not that of a BJP-led Government. There are no Congress martyrs and BJP martyrs. In war with enemy country there are only national martyrs.
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