My SSB experience was exciting as my group mates and I enjoyed a lot together. Starting from screening day! We were divided into freshers, screen out and repeaters. I was a bit nervous as I didn’t come so much prepared as other’s were. I did my OIR and time for PPDT came .. the picture was a blur, but group almost predicted the same story, my individual narration was good and participated well into a group discussion, after the PPDT we were waiting outside for our results and planning to visit places around GANDHINAGAR if we got screenout ..but luckily most of my friends and people in the group got screen in , then whole day was consumed in filling documents and we were allotted new chest no and were allowed to rest in the night
Day2: That day psychology test and interview was planned by the board ..i saw various people preparing for it ..they were revising so i too wrote my self description for practice ..and it helped me a lot in psychology ..after some time we were called for an interview …as my first interview i was bit nervous but interview was mostly related to my personality , daily activities , parents , friends & NCC it lasted up to 45 min approximately and all the testing that day ended
In the free time we used to enjoy with friends in room , we shared food , thoughts , even told ghost Stories & played pranks with each other for fun . I made memories & friends for life
Day 3: Today we were called for group task everyone were excited ..day begin and gto made us very comfortable and told about various tasks ..group discussion , military planning were all good but main things which i enjoyed were progressive group task & individual task it was all like a game with rules and regulations to keep in mind ..in group task many candidates got some injuries, even i got an injury on my back now it has become like a mark and a memory i will carry in future ..my advice is to keep yourself physically fit before you go to SSB and do the task properly !
Day 4: Other groups had their interview and group task ..amd we were free in the room ..we played games and talked about various things the whole day ..after that we were told to pack the bags ..and be ready for conference the next day
Day 5: Conference day – everyone was bit nervous ..i and my friends were guessing and making assumptions who would be recommended just to pass the free time we had …in the conference, I had common questions about the stay there and related to activities I had there. After the lunch, we settled again for the results and the first chest no they said was mine ..and for few seconds I got a shock and looked towards my friends, it was the moment I couldn’t understand .. then I was called ahead on the stage with other recommend candidates.
After that, I was told to bring my bags and documents for documentation in the evening we were dropped at the bus stand ..where I met my other friends. The journey was very exciting after that as we had to go for CPSS /PABT in Dehradun.
There also I was accompanied with other candidates and we all cleared the test and for medicals in Banglore and then merit list in Jan. In the end, I want to convey this message to all that always believe in yourself stay motivated and work hard for their aim then they will definitely achieve someday.
Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu was born on 13 Feb 1983 in Suryapet, District – Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). He completed his schooling from Sainik School, Korukonda and joined the National Defence Academy on 27 December 2000. He was commissioned from Indian Military Academy on 10 December 2004 into 16 BIHAR. During his illustrious career, he tenanted all important appointments. A thorough bred regimental &soldier Col Santosh Babu had been Gnatak Platoon Cdr, Anti Tank Platoon Cdr and Rifle Company Cdr during his regimental service in the unit. He was posted as Divisional Officer and Instructor class ‘B’ at the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and General Staff Officer Grade I of headquarters 35 Infantry Brigade. He did exceedingly well in all army courses. He also attended the prestigious defence service staff course and the senior command course before assuming the command of 16 BIHAR on 02 December 2019.
A born leader, Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu’s tactical acumen and flair for doing well in active operational areas got due recognition when he was awarded Chief of Army Staff commendation card for gallantry in Tangdhar (Jammu & Kashmir).
On 15 June 2020 as Commanding Officer Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu was deployed in Galwan Valley (Eastern Ladakh) in Operation Snow Leopard. He was tasked to establish an Observation Post in the face of the enemy. Undaunted by the violent and aggressive action by an overwhelming strength of enemy soldiers, he in the true spirit of service before self, continued to resist the enemy’s attempt to push back the Indian troops. Despite being grievously injured, he led from the front, in hand to hand combat till his last breath.
He is survived by his wife Smt Bikumalla Santoshi, daughter Miss Bikumalla Abhija and son Master Bikumalla Anirudh Teja. His father Mr Bikumalla Upender is a teacher and mother is a housewife. His family is presently residing at Hyderabad.
Major (Late) Anuj Sood was born in Bangalore, Karnataka on 17 Dec 1989. He was a second generation army officer. His father Brig CK Sood (Retired) was from the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and his mother was (Late) Mrs Ragini Sood. He was bought up in an Army environment and imbibed the zeal to dawn the olive greens from his father. From an extremely young age he showed an inclination and proclivity to serve in the Indian Army and due to his determined efforts to serve the motherland he joined the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla in May 2008 and was commissioned from the Indian Military Academy Dehradun on 09 June 2012.
After commissioning, he joined 19th Battalion of Brigade of The Guards in Counter Insurgency (Operations) environment and performed regimental duties in appointments like Adjutant and Platoon Commander. His acumen, skill, intelligence led to the officer being selected as Aide de Camp to General-Officer-Commanding 14 RAPID for a period of 13 months and he performed exceptionally well in the appointment. He was subsequently detailed for the Junior Command Courses, at Army War College, Mhow where the officer obtained at A (I) grading. The officer was posted to 21 Rashtriya Rifles (GUARDS) in an intense Counter Insurgency (Operations) environment on 04 March 2018. He was highly motivated and inspired confidence in his command as a Company Commander. He established his credentials within no time and always demonstrated unflinching loyalty toward the organisation. Untiring efforts of the officer produced strong and effective human intelligence input and ensured conduct of incident free Lok Sabha Elections in his Area of Responsibility in April 2019. The Officer handled the situation post the abrogation of Article 370 with immense maturity and steadfastness wherein he played a stellar role in keeping the volatile situation under control in his Area of Responsibility.
Major (Late) Anuj Sood was leading the men of his Company during `Operation Chanjimula’ on 02 May 2020. During the operation the officer laid the cordon at the suspected house with his Combat Action Team. Unmindful of his personal safety he along with the Commanding Officer and three other individuals moved inside the house to evacuate the civilians trapped inside and being taken as hostages by the terrorists. The Gallant officer in the ensuing fire fight with the terrorists showcased utmost grid, valour and bravery and made the supreme sacrifice by laying down his life in the finest traditions of the Indian Army and injured the terrorists with nefarious designs. The officer was laid to rest in with full military honours at Panchkula and is survived by his wife Mrs Aakriti Singh Sood. His supreme sacrifice will be proudly remembered by the nation for times immemorial.
Subedar Sanjiv Kumar was born on 05 December 1977 at Dehra (Himachal Pradesh). He completed his 12th from HP Board of School Education, Dharamshala and thereafter he enrolled into The Parachute Regiment on 30 August 1996. During the training at The Parachute Regiment Training Centre where he excelled in sports and training. The Junior Commissioned Officer has had multiple tenures along the Line of Control and has also served with the elite National Security Guard. On 04 April 2020, Subedar Sanjiv Kumar was the leading squad commander of the Special Forces detachment which was helidropped in Keran Sector to intercept and eliminate an infiltration track of Pakistan sponsored terrorists. After being helidropped in the General Area of Rangdori Spur, Subedar Sanjiv Kumar along with his squad began to track the foot trails of the infiltrating terrorists.
After wading through waist deep snow for over five hours, his squad homed on to the likely location of the terrorists. As the squad was discreetly closing in towards their target, the leading scouts of the squad stepped on an ice ledge which gave in and both the scouts fell into the nallah where hiding terrorits opened indiscriminate fire injuring both scouts. Subedar Sanjiv Kumar along with his buddy immediately surged ahead into the nallah to rescue them. While his buddy provided covering fire, Subedar Sanjiv unmindful of his personal safety, under intense fire from the terrorists evacuated one of the scouts from the contact site. He then moved forward to retrieve the other scout when he came under intense fire from the hiding terrorits. Realising the imminent danger to his squad members, Subedar Sanjiv charged towards the hiding terrorists and neutralised one terrorist at very close range.
Thereafter, Subedar Sanjiv in a daring act crawled towards the other terrorists and engaged them in a hand to hand combat seriously injuring them. In the intense close quarter fight that ensued Subedar Sanjiv Kumar sustained a gun shot wound from which he later succumbed. Subedar Sanjiv Kumar sacrificed his own life in highest traditions of the Indian Army.
NEW DELHI, INDIA - JANUARY 12: Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane addresses the Army Day annual press conference ahead of Army Day celebrations at NCC Auditorium, Delhi Cantt on January 12, 2021 in New Delhi, India. Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane said that the forces are ready to take on any kind of external and internal threat.(Photo by Mohd Zakir/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
India will celebrate her 72nd Republic day on 26 January 2021. On this occasion, a few Junior Commissioned officers in the Army will be awarded the Honorary Ranks i.e. Honorary Lieutenant and Honorary Captain rank. Below you can find the full list of JCOs who are awarded the honorary ranks on 26th Jan 2021. Honorary rank is merely gives a title and precedence, without any command being attached to that rank.
India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress will be on display during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Rajpath in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. Representing India’s strides in indigenous defence technologies, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) contingent this year consists of two tableaux depicting among others Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – Navy – Take off from INS Vikramaditya. Indian Army will display Main Battle Tank T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP-II) – Sarath, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system, Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System and Samvijay Electronic Warfare System among others. Indian Navy in addition to tableaux murals depicting Pakistan Army surrendering, a Petya class ship and Operation X undertaken by divers of Indian Navy and Mukti Bahini and some other ships which took part in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase among others Mi-17 V5, Chinook and Apache helicopters.
Thirty-two tableaux –17 from States & Union Territories, nine from various Ministries/Departments and Paramilitary Forces and six from Ministry of Defence, depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess will roll down the Rajpath. School children will perform folk arts & crafts displaying skills and dexterity handed down from generations; Bajasal, one of the most beautiful folk dances of Kalahandi, Odisha; Fit India Movement, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The 122-member proud contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising of soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force will lead the contingent march on the Rajpath. The Bangladesh contingent will carry the legacy of legendary Muktijoddhas of Bangladesh, who fought against oppression and mass atrocities and liberated Bangladesh in 1971. The grand event will culminate with Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900 kilometre per hour carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’.
The Republic Day Parade ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries will head to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.
As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. The parade will commence with President Shri Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, Ati Vishisth Seva medal, General Officer Commanding Delhi Area. Major General Alok Kacker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area will be the Parade Second-in-Command.
The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards will follow. They include the winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra. Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and Subedar Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winner Lieutenant Colonel D Sreeram Kumar will follow the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps. The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.
The first domestic contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers will be 61 Cavalry led by Captain Deepanshu Sheoran. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on August 01, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces’ cavalry units.
The Indian Army will be represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, seven mechanised columns, six marching contingents and fly-past by Rudra and Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation.
Indigenously-developed Main Battle Tank of the Indian Army, T-90 Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP II)-, Brahmos Weapon System, Pinaka Bridge Laying tanks T-72, Samvijay Electronic Warfare System and Schilka Weapon system will be the main attraction in the mechanised columns.
The other marching contingents of the Army will include the Jat Regiment, the Garhwal Regiment, the Mahar Regiment, the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, the Bengal Sappers and the Territorial Army. The Combined Band of the Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre, Para Regimental Centre & JAT Regimental Centre; Sikh Regimental Centre, Assam Regimental Centre, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regimental Centre; Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre and Artillery Centre (Nasik Road) will also march past the saluting dais.
The Naval contingent will comprise of 96 sailors and 04 officers led by Lieutenant Commander Lalit Kumar as Contingent Commander. It will be followed by the Naval Tableau titled ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. The fore part of the tableau showcases the Indian Navy’s attack on Karachi harbour in the night of December 04-05, 1971 by missile boats. On the sides of the tractor, the route taken by the attacking units will be depicted.
The Air Force contingent, comprising of 96 airmen and four officers, will be led by Flight Lieutenant Tanik Sharma. It will be followed by the Air Force Tableau titled ‘Indian Air Force: Touch the Sky with Glory’. The Air Force tableau showcases scaled down models of Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Su-30 MK-I aircraft and Rohini radar against a sky-blue background. The smartly attired officers in their flying overalls will stand alongside the models.
One of the main highlights will be the marching contingent of DRDO that will showcase Anti-Tank Guided Missile systems, which play a crucial role in defeating armoured tanks. The operability of the missile from a tank is a key feature and challenging task in modern armoured warfare. The ATGMs Tableau of DRDO is showing full-scale models of Nag, HELINA, MPATGM, Sant and Laser Guided ATGM missiles.
The Indian Coast Guard marching contingent will be led by Deputy Commandant Ashish Nagar. The motto of the ICG is ‘Vayam Rakshamah’ meaning ‘We Protect’. The Indian Coast Guard keeps our maritime frontiers safe and secure. The force comprises 155 surface units and 62 air assets.
The contingents of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Delhi Police, Border Security Force (BSF) Camel Contingent and National Security Guard (NSG) popularly known as the Black Cat Commandoes will also march past the saluting dais. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Boys Marching contingent will be led by Commander Senior Under Officer Ranjeet Singh Gurjar of NCC Directorate Rajasthan, while the Girls contingent will be headed by Senior Under Officer Samruddhi Harshal Sant of NCC Directorate, Maharashtra. The National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent comprising 100 volunteers will also take part led by Shri Abhijit Bhuin from West Bengal Directorate. The Massed Pipes and Drums Band of the Indian Army will also be on display.
Seventeen tableaux from various states/union territories, namely, Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Tripura, West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Ladakh will be showcased during the parade, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country.
These tableaux will be the ‘Vision’ for Ladakh to be Carbon neutral, the Sun Temple at Modhera in Mehsana District of Gujarat, ‘Tea-tribes’ of Assam, ‘Shore Temple’ and other monuments of Pallava Dynasty in Tamil Nadu, ‘Bhakti Movement’ & Saints of Maharashtra, ‘Dev Bhoomi’ – The Land of the Gods, Kedarnath, Splendorous Sounds of Chhattisgarh’s Folk Music, 400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, promotion of eco-friendly tradition for achieving self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar) in Tripura, Sabooj Sathi – Wheels of Change in West Bengal, Pang Lhabsol Festival of Sikkim, Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh, Redevelopment of Shahjahanabad in Old Delhi, Vijayanagara- The city of Victory, Coir of Kerala, Lepakshi – Architectural Monolithic Marvels of Andhra Pradesh and East meets West theme of Arunachal Pradesh.
Nine tableaux from different ministries/departments and Paramilitary Forces will also be on display, showcasing Digital Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Four Labour Codes that depict the guiding philosophy of ‘Mehnat ek Samaan, Adhikar ek Samaan’, One Nation, One Sign Language, Ojo Bharat, Tejo Bharat: Immune India, Active India, CRPF: A Professional Ops Force with Humane Sensitivity, Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID, Samudra Prahri Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s New India: ‘Vocal for Local’, Border Roads Organisation: Connecting Places, Connecting People, ‘Amar Jawan’ and Heralding 75th Year of Indian Independence.
This year’s children’s pageant will comprise of around 400 participants. The colourful cultural show will be performed by Delhi Tamil Association Schools depicting Tamil Nadu Folk Dance, Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Yamuna Vihar, Delhi staging Hum Fit Toh India Fit, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata showcasing Bajasal – one of the most beautiful folk dances of Kalahandi, Odisha and Mount Abu Public School & Vidya Bharti School, Rohini, Delhi presenting Aatmanirbhar Bharat – the Vision for a Self-reliant India.
The grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade, the Fly Past, will consist of the Rudra Formation comprising a Dakota aircraft flanked by two Mi-17 IV helicopters flying in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the Sudarshan formation consisting of one Chinook and two Mi-17 IV Helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation. Rakshak attack helicopter formation consisting of one Mi-35 helicopter and four Apache helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation will come next. Bhim formation comprising of three C-130J aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation will then rule the sky. Behind Bhim formation will be Netra, the ‘Eye in the Sky’. It is an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft with state of art Early Warning radar and a host of advanced Electronic Warfare equipment, all indigenously designed and developed by DRDO. It will be followed by Garuda formation comprising of one C-17 Globemaster with two MiG-29s & two Su-30 MKI aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. The C-17 is a heavy lift; long range strategic airlift aircraft. Induction of C-17 aircraft has changed the dynamics of strategic mobility and reach of the Air Force.
The next formation will be one of the awaited attractions of the event, one Rafale with two Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft and two MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters in ‘Vic’ formation at the height of 300 metre and a speed of 780 kilometre per hour. It will be followed by the Trinetra formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs and the penultimate formation will be Vijay comprising of three Advance Light Helicopters which are part of the acclaimed Sarang Display Team of the IAF.
The penultimate culmination of the parade will be a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900 kilometre per hour carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft will be piloted by Group Captain Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Squadron Leader Kislaykant. The craft will go up vertically carrying out a series of rolls and giving a befitting salute to the motto of the Indian Air Force ‘Nabha Sparshan Deeptam’.
The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and the release of Tri-colour balloons.
JYOTI NAINWAL wife of NAIK DEEPAK NAINWAL 1 RR – 1 MAHAR will be joining OTA Chennai on 29th January. Naik Deepak was hit twice in a 17 hr long operation at Kulgam and immortalized himself 40 days later in 2018.
Indian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Swati Rathore, who hails from Rajasthan, will script a new chapter in the history of woman empowerment by becoming the first woman to lead the flypast on the main Republic Day parade at Delhi’s Rajpath. Her proud father, Dr Bhavani Singh Rathore said: “My daughter has let me hold my head high. I am overwhelmed as the dream which she saw has turned into reality.”
Born in a small village in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, Swati did her schooling from Ajmer. During her childhood, she made a tricolour in a painting competition, making evident her ardent love for her nation. Eventually, her parents pushed her to realise her dream and post schooling, she joined the NCC Air Wing. Swati had cherished the dream to become a pilot and was selected in the IAF in her first attempt in 2014. Her brother is posted in the Merchant Navy.
Her mother Rajesh Kanwar says that she never treated her son and daughter differently, and this is the reason that her daughter is going to create history. In 2013, Swati appeared in the Air Force Common Admission Test. After clearing it, she was called for an interview by the Air Force Selection Board, Dehradun, in March 2014.
According to Swati, there were around 200 female students from all over the country, out of which 98 were screened-in. Only five aspirants were recommended, in which she was selected for the flying branch.
Commissioning ceremony of the 3rd Batch of B Sc (H) Nursing, College of Nursing was held on 23 Jan 2021 at Ayurvigyan Auditorium, Army Hospital(R&R) Delhi Cantt. Commandant, AH(R&R)Lt Gen Joy Chatterjee was the chief guest for the ceremony. The chief guest, in his address congratulated the newly commissioned Nursing Officers and their parents, though they were not present due to pandemic. He urged the newly commissioned nursing officers to nurture the ethics of MNS and uplift the tradition of service. He advised the young lieutenants to keep abreast with the latest developments in the field of medicine and nursing as well as to provide care with compassion and dedication to the patients under their care. The General Officer emphasized the role of frontline COVID warriors during this difficult time faced by the country.
Addl Director General of Military Nursing Service Maj Gen Sonali Ghosal, administered oath to the newly Commissioned Nursing Officers. Principal Matron, Army hospital (R&R) Maj Gen SmitaDevrani, welcomed the dignitaries.Principal College of Nursing Col Rekha Bhattacharya, presented the batch report.
During the ceremony, 29 young nursing cadets were commissioned as Lieutenants into Military Nursing Service and would be posted to various Armed Forces Hospitals.
Lt Anju Yadav was awarded Gold medal for securing first in merit and Lt Spriha Jana received silver medal for securing second position in Delhi University final Examination. Lt Shabnam Chandel was adjudged the best student clinical nurse. Lt Shalu Sharma was the best all- rounder of the batch (2016-2020).
