IAS officer Manivannan all set to become a Lieutenant

IAS officer from Karnataka cadre P Manivannan is all set to become a Lieutenant. Photo: Nagesh Polali

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Territorial Army (TA) hopes to bolster its image with the commissioning of P Manivannan, an IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre, into its fold. Currently posted as the Chief Project Officer with the Karnataka State Highways Improvement Project, Manivannan will be soon commissioned into the rank and file of the Army as a Lieutenant. To be attached with the 106 Infantry Battalion (TA) Parachute Regiment, Bangalore, he is the first IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre to join the TA.

Manivannan has already completed a month-long training module with the Parachute Regiment. "I have come through the selection process like any other recruit. I have already undergone some basic weapon training. I was part of the NCC while in school and always wanted to join NDA. But my parents insisted that I join a professional course," Manivanna told Express. Hailing from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, he cleared the Civil Services exam in 1998 and has held various positions in Karnataka in the last 15 years. 

He said he was inspired to join the TA by Capt Pradeep Arya, an IRS officer from the Karnataka cadre, now working as the Joint Commissioner, Income Tax in Belgaum. "Captain Pradeep has helped me to know more about Indian Army. He gave me the insights into TA and I couldn't wait for long before taking the plunge," says Manivannan.

He first cleared the written test by the Preliminary Interview Board in Pune and later the Staff Selection Board formalities in Bhopal. He says he had to wait for sometime before the Karnataka government finally agreed to grant him the mandatory No-Objection Certificate (NoC). "The government wanted to confirm first whether I was serious. It was in the third interview I was given the NoC by I S N Prasad, former Principal Secretary to the chief minister," says the 42-year-old officer. 

Manivannan, post-commissioning, will head to Nasik for a three-month training and later to Agra for a one-month rigorous session in para-jumping. He is also likely to have a three-month tenure with the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. "This one month has been a trailer of sort and I am looking for more tactical training. Being in the Army is a very serious business than I thought. My alertness has increased and after wearing the uniform, the 'country-first' feeling has increased by many folds," says Manivannan. 

He said if more government officers joined the TA, then the Army-civil relationship will increase further. "I am aware that many IAS officers are preparing to join the TA in future," he adds.

Minister happy: Public Works Department Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa told Express that he is happy that an officer attached to his department is all set to join the ranks of Indian Army. "If any officer is willing to serve the nation, I am happy to extend all the support. It is the primary duty of every minister to back such initiatives. For me, it's a matter of great pride that Manivannan has taken an inspiring step," Mahadaeveppa said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Cricketer to Colonel! Dhoni to report to Territorial Army in Bangalore?

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Lt Col (Hon.) Mahindra Singh Dhoni, India's Cricket team captain and lone gloveman, might soon land in Aviation Capital spotting the olive green. It might also be his first official roll call to a regiment as an Army man. Dhoni was pipped-in by Army Chief Gen V K Singh on November 1 and commissioned to Territorial Army (TA). Along with Dhoni, ace shooter Abhinav Bindra too had joined the ranks as TA's brand ambassador.

Army sources told Express that in all likelihood Lt Col (Hon.) Dhoni will 'report' to 106 Infantry Battalion  (TA) Parachute Regiment in Bangalore. “We have got nothing in writing, but there are very high chances that he will be reporting to TA Para here. Since his is an honorary appointment by President, he doesn't come under the SOPs (standard operating procedures) of Indian Army,” sources said.

Army had officially communicated that Dhoni set an example through his unstinted hard work, discipline and supreme dedication.  “His leading the team from the front, remaining ultra cool in adversities, maintaining excellent physical standards, and giving all credit to his teammates, is very synonymous to the Army way of leadership,” Army spokesperson had said in a release on November 1.

Dhoni had said that he always wanted to join the Indian Army and his long-cherished dream came true with the TA call along with Bindra, who is posted to the TA battalion of the Sikh Regiment. An Army spokesperson who spoke to Express from Delhi on Thursday wasn't sure about Dhoni's place of posting. “Is it not Agra?” he asked.

While TA is confident that Dhoni will inspire youngsters, what remains to be seen is whether 'Captain Cool' will find time to propagate TA's mission. “We are hoping that Dhoni will devote some time soon after the West Indies tour. We are excited roping in a true leader and TA needs more inspiring souls,” Army sources said. The WI tour in India ends on December 11 and India's tour to Australia begins on December 26.

A soldier in TA is known as a 'Terrier' and any Indian between the age group of 18-42 is eligible to be inducted after finishing the mandatory formalities. Popularly called as Citizen's Army, TA job is a part-time opportunity to serve the Indian Army, purely undertaken on a voluntary basis. The primary job of Terriers is to back Indian Army during natural calamities, emergencies and internal conflicts. The Bangalore unit of TA is situated in Benson Town and comes under Zone-IV, headquartered in Pune.

Whether Dhoni reports to Bangalore or elsewhere, TA has got a precious catch after Kapil Dev as its brand ambassador.

(Copyrigtht@The New Indian Express)

TA show at India Gate

Territorial Army's Symphony Orchestra touched  the hearts and souls of civilians by their unique performance at India Gate on March 25. Photo MoD