A landmark passing out ceremony was held at INAS 339 on August 12, 2024, marking the successful completion of training for the first batch of Agniveers, including 71 trainees of whom 11 were women, along with 8 Artificer Apprentices.
This significant event celebrated the culmination of rigorous training for these pioneering recruits in the Indian Navy.
The ceremony was graced by Captain Mukesh Joshi, RCAQA of the RAQAS, who served as the chief guest. During the event, he awarded trophies and acknowledged the impressive technical projects undertaken by the trainees.
A highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of the All-rounder trophy to Priyanka Gandhi, AVR EMA, who distinguished herself amongst all trainees with her exceptional performance.
Captain Joshi lauded the squadron for its outstanding effort in successfully training this maiden batch of Agniveers, noting the program’s critical role in shaping a new, dynamic force for the Indian Navy.
The event not only marked a significant milestone for the trainees but also for the Indian Naval services, setting a new precedent in military training and inclusion.
In the ongoing multinational air exercise Ex TarangShakti-24, the Indian Air Force’s Agniveervayus are playing a pivotal role, engaging in all exercise-related tasks and significantly enhancing their operational skills.
Their active involvement is not only honing their abilities but also contributing immensely to their overall development as professionals within the force.
The Agniveervayus, who are part of a new and dynamic component of the Indian Air Force, are gaining invaluable experience by participating in this rigorous training environment.
The exercise provides them with an opportunity to apply their training in realistic scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges.
The participation of Agniveervayus in Ex TarangShakti-24 underscores the importance of practical, hands-on experience in military training and their critical role in enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
This exposure is expected to be instrumental in shaping them into proficient and skilled professionals, ready to serve and protect the nation with excellence.
In a heartfelt ceremony at the Cadets Training Wing, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, the parents of Captain Shubham Gupta, Sena Medal (Posthumous), proudly unveiled the GLADIATOR TROPHY, now rechristened in honor of their son.
Captain Gupta was a member of the elite 9 PARA (Special Forces) and made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation at the young age of 28.
The ceremony was marked by poignant moments as the parents, surrounded by military personnel and cadets, revealed the trophy that will bear their son’s name — a lasting tribute to his bravery and dedication.
The rechristening of the GLADIATOR TROPHY aims to continually inspire future generations of young officers and military leaders, embodying the spirit and courage of Captain Gupta.
The supreme sacrifice of Captain Shubham Gupta, who laid down his life in service to the nation, was commemorated with full military honors.
His story will serve as a beacon of valor and sacrifice, motivating cadets at MCTE to aspire to the highest ideals of service and leadership in the Indian Army.
Lt Gen Samir Gupta, Director General of Financial Planning, recently visited the prestigious School of Artillery in Devlali. During his visit, the General Officer delivered a comprehensive address to the course students and faculty, focusing on the crucial aspects of financial planning within the Indian Army.
The visit facilitated a valuable exchange of ideas on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations in the Army. Lt Gen Gupta emphasized the importance of robust financial strategies to support the Army’s operational readiness and long-term sustainability.
He also interacted with Lt Gen N.S. Sarna, the Commandant of the School of Artillery, discussing various initiatives and potential improvements in financial management practices.
This visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to strengthening its financial planning capabilities, which are essential for supporting its vast array of operations and strategic objectives.
Major Ignace Tirkey’s journey from a soldier to an Olympic hockey player and now an esteemed officer in the Indian Army is nothing short of inspirational.
Joining the army in 1998 as a soldier, Tirkey’s love for hockey propelled him from the regimental team to the national stage, where he would go on to represent India in the Olympics and other prestigious international tournaments.
A Journey of Grit and Determination
Ignacious “Ignace” Tirkey, born and raised in Odisha, is a name synonymous with Indian field hockey. Tirkey’s early life was shaped by his training at the Panposh Sports Hostel in Rourkela, where his talent on the hockey field caught the attention of the Indian Army.
This opportunity allowed him to hone his skills further, eventually leading him to play for the Regimental team of the Madras Engineering Group, also known as the Madras Sappers.
In February 2001, Tirkey made his debut for the Indian national hockey team at the Akbar el Yom Tournament in Cairo against Belgium. His defensive prowess as a fullback and his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments made him an indispensable part of the team.
Representing India on the Global Stage
Tirkey’s contributions to Indian hockey are legendary. He was a part of the Indian team that competed in the Athens Olympics in 2004, where India finished seventh. His performances were not limited to the Olympics; he also played in the 2002 and 2006 Hockey World Cups, the 2002 and 2006 Asian Games, and was a key player in multiple other international tournaments.
One of his most memorable moments came in the 2003 Asia Cup final against Pakistan. With the score tied at 2-2 in the dying moments of the match, Tirkey scored a goal that would become etched in the annals of Indian hockey history. His strike between the legs of Pakistan’s ace striker Sohail Abbas gave India the lead, and they went on to secure their first gold medal in the Asia Cup with a 4-2 victory.
Tirkey’s career is dotted with such moments of brilliance, including his golden goal in the Muruguppa Gold Cup in August 2001 and his performances at the National Games in Hyderabad in December 2002.
From the Field to the Barracks
Tirkey’s transition from a celebrated athlete to a dedicated officer in the Indian Army is a testament to his character and resilience. Currently holding the rank of Major, he serves in the Madras Engineering Group (Madras Sappers corps of engineers), where he continues to contribute to the nation, this time off the field.
As an officer, he plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of soldiers and athletes, embodying the spirit of the Indian Army’s motto: #DoYouHaveItInYou.
Ignace Tirkey’s story is a shining example of what dedication, hard work, and passion can achieve. From his humble beginnings to his rise as a national sports icon and respected army officer, Major Ignace Tirkey’s life is an inspiration to all those who aspire to serve their nation, both on and off the field.
In a show of collaboration and preparedness, the Ghatak Strikers Brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team from Kishangarh came together for an extensive joint training session at Phool Sagar Lake, Nasirabad.
Themed ‘United for a Safer Tomorrow,’ the exercise aimed to enhance the skills of both military and disaster response teams in critical rescue missions, first aid, and casualty evacuation.
The training was meticulously designed to simulate real-life rescue scenarios, ensuring that all participants could apply their skills effectively in crisis situations. This joint effort not only honed the operational capabilities of the teams but also reinforced their readiness to respond to emergencies swiftly and efficiently.
The rigorous session showcased the commitment of both the Ghatak Strikers Brigade and the NDRF to safeguard lives, highlighting their dedication to building a resilient response framework for future emergencies.
This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between military and civil response teams in enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies across the region.
Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, the Army Commander of Northern Command, recently visited forward locations of the Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) in the Doda and Kishtwar areas. His visit focused on reviewing the ongoing anti-terrorist operations, which have been intensified due to a surge in terrorist activity in these regions.
During his visit, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar assessed the deployment options for additional forces that are being inducted into the area to bolster the current efforts. He emphasized the importance of synergy between the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Paramilitary Forces to effectively counter the insurgent threats.
The Army Commander exhorted all ranks to maintain a high tempo of operations. He highlighted the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the security and safety of the local population, especially during ongoing and upcoming public events.
This visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region by neutralizing threats and enhancing collaborative efforts with other security agencies. The enhanced operations aim to deter further terrorist activities and protect civilians from the impact of insurgency.
Lt Gen Anoop Shinghal, Director General of Recruiting, recently visited an ongoing Agniveer recruitment rally in Varanasi, part of the Indian Army’s #SuryaCommand. During his visit, Lt Gen Shinghal commended the efficiency and transparency of the recruitment process, which aims to enlist young Indians into the Army under the #BharatKeAgniveer initiative.
Following his attendance at the rally, Lt Gen Shinghal also toured the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, where he observed the training facilities and infrastructure.
He praised the high standards of infrastructure development at the center, highlighting the Army’s commitment to providing top-notch training environments for its recruits.
The visit underscores the Indian Army’s efforts to ensure that the recruitment and training processes for the new Agniveers are conducted with the utmost professionalism and rigor.
The Agniveer program is a significant part of India’s defense strategy, aiming to harness the potential of its youth in strengthening national security.
Lt Gen Shinghal’s engagement at the rally and training center demonstrates the leadership’s active involvement in overseeing and supporting the foundational phases of military training and recruitment, ensuring that the forces remain robust and well-prepared.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nashak Navtara Corps recently conducted a visit to frontline formations to review their operational preparedness. During his visit, the GOC also assessed the security situation and the response mechanisms currently in place, in collaboration with the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of the Jammu Zone.
The visit focused on evaluating the readiness of troops and the efficiency of operational strategies to address potential security challenges along the frontlines. It aimed to ensure that the forces are well-prepared to respond to any situation that might arise in the region.
This inspection underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nashak Navtara Corps to maintain a high state of vigilance and operational readiness in critical areas. By collaborating with regional police forces, the corps aims to strengthen the overall security framework and ensure a coordinated response to threats.
The visit by the GOC, along with the ADGP, also highlights the importance of joint operations and mutual support between the Indian Army and local law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Officers undergoing the Defence Senior Technical Staff Course (DSTSC-07) at the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune, recently embarked on an Industrial Demonstration Tour, visiting prominent facilities such as Mahindra Defence Naval Systems and ZF Steering Gear India.
This initiative is part of their curriculum to integrate real-world industrial operations with their academic training.
During their visit, the future leaders of the defense sector were provided with hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge research and development projects. They explored innovative naval defense systems such as the Nandi Marine Winch System, Trigol Torpedo Tube Launcher, and the Mareech Decoy Launcher.
These demonstrations highlighted the advanced technological capabilities being developed within India’s defense industry.
Furthermore, the officers received briefings on the state-of-the-art facilities at ZF Steering Gear India, where they learned about innovations in hydraulic power steering systems that are shaping the future of the automotive industry in the country.
This segment of the tour emphasized the role of advanced engineering and manufacturing processes in driving India’s automotive sector forward.
This tour is a part of the MILIT’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between military training and industrial applications, aligning with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
It aims to provide officers with comprehensive insights into how defense and automotive industries are integrating modern technologies to enhance their products and services, thereby reinforcing the synergy between military advancement and industrial innovation.
