26/11 hero says his twin-sons are buddies reborn | Naik Satish part of Op Black Tornado at Nariman House | Receipient of Keerthi Chakra wants to get back to NSG

Naik Velu Satish of MEG&C with wife Sumitha and twin-sons Dinakar and Diwakar. (Below) Satish at the War Memorial at MEG&C.

Satish being honoured at MEG recently. (Below) He receiving the Keerthi Chakra from Indian President.

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: “My wife was screaming and couldn't control her pain. She was almost 10-month pregnant. She was holding on to me , when the message came. When I was speaking she had drifted to sleep. It was probably the toughest moment in my life. I did not wake her up. I had to leave her alone. But then she knew what my job was,” Naik Velu Satish, the 34-year-old braveheart from the ranks of Indian Army's MEG & Centre (12 Engineer Regiment), spoke to Express in a mix of Tamil and broken English.
“Bombay Operation Pathi Ethuvum Kekkadeenga (Don't ask anything about the Bombay Operation),” Satish, the 26/11 hero who was part of Op Black Tornado in Mumbai's Nariman House, set the rules straight, when he was cleared for a conditional interaction with Express in Bangalore. Satish, a Keerthi Chakra recipient, was honoured during a Passing out Parade at MEG recently. His family could resemble a mini-battalion, with two of his brothers already in Army, with his late father too serving the nation.
At Nariman House on November 28 (2008), Satish was part of small team from the 51 Special Action Group (SAG) of National Security Guard (NSG), who that took control of the 4th Floor. According to the Defence Investiture Ceremony (2009) citation records, it was Satish's utter disregard for his personal safety that helped locate the terrorists under fierce firing. He helped his Team Commander in creating an entry through the wall by planting improvised explosives. “Immediately after the wall blasted, Satish jumped inside the room and killed a terrorist from close range. He lost one of his buddies in the operation (Hawildar Jittender Singh), but Satish's stunning courage under fire made all the difference,” Army sources said, referring to records.
Back in Delhi after the successful operation, Satish rushed his wife Sumitha to the hospital only to get a mouthful from the doctors as she was already in a very-advanced stage of pregnancy. “I am thankful to God for giving me twin-sons. I strongly believe my buddies (Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Havildar Jittender Singh) are reborn in the form of my kids (Dinakar & Diwakar). I am hoping to get a posting to NSG again,” says Satish.
While his mother Savithri leads the proud soldier-sons at home, she is not happy at heart. “I am supposed to be a Veer Thai (Brave Mother) with three of my sons in the Army. In Tamil Nadu, if a mother sends more than two of her sons to Army, she is eligible for many benefits and I haven't got anything. After Satish got the Keerthi Chakra, we received two cheques (Rs 75,000 and Rs 12,000) from TN government, but no land. Even the Karnataka government didn't congratulate him despite Satish belonging to MEG,” Savithri told this newspaper over phone from Unai Mottur village (Anaicut), in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
None of his villagers, neighbours and teachers at Higher Secondary School in Anaicut know that it was their boy who did the brave deed in Mumbai.

HIS WISH: A photo with Arjun, 5 min with Sachin! 

At the NSG HQ in Manesar, Satish had once interacted with cricketers Sachin, Dhoni and Harbhajan soon after Op Black Tornado. “I am waiting for Sachin to score his 100th Century. I am hoping to have five minutes with him to show him my Keerthi Chakra Medal. Sachin had told me that he was very proud of our achievements. I am a great fan of Tamil actor Arjun who is widely known as Action King. His films Muthalvan and Gentleman are my favourites. I hope to meet him once only to get a photograph clicked along with him,”says Satish with a child-like smile. And for the record, this braveheart can prepare spicy chicken curry in just under 25 minutes!

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Stink & sewage in Ulsoor Lake sink Army's training pattern | MEG Sappers hunting for another water body | Want the BBMP to clean up the filth

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: Indian Army’s woes in Bangalore continue. If the 2 Para Special Forces are waiting for land to set up a safe Drop Zone, the Madras Engineering Group and Centre (MEG&C) has now launched a hunt for a water body to train its men. Reason: Their lone lifeline for ages - the Ulsoor Lake - is filled with sewage, filth and weeds. Aftermath: The sacrosanct Army training schedules have gone for a toss. Solution: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) must step in swiftly and restore the pride of the lake and Army.
Army sources say that they have taken up the matter with the BBMP officials attached to Environment Cell. “We have been told that the tendering work to clean up the lake needs be initiated. The sewage is coming into the lake from nearby colonies. We did the testing of the water and found the sewage content at alarming rates,” sources said.
It is mandatory for the Army to train its men in a water source for Wet Bridging (Floating Bridge) exercise. For many decades, the Ulsoor Lake has been the lifeline for the Sappers, who also undertake training in water sports activities like rowing, sailing and kayaking, canoeing. Men are also trained in combat engineering operations for lagoon patrolling in the lake.
The MEG Sappers are now looking for an alternative area with water bodies for training their men. “We will have to shift the training area and translocate boats, outboard motors, paddles and weight training equipment. We can’t afford to have our training schedules hit like this,” sources said.
The Army is left with no choice but to wait for the BBMP to act. “We have promised the BBMP officials men and material, but the funding has to come from them. There are many successful lake desilting models available with them and it’s a question of putting the right one for Ulsoor Lake,” sources said.
The BBMP has written to MEG in October 2011 promising to take up the works, including rejuvenation of existing Kadarenahalli Lake by desilting, rain water harvesting facilities and construction of a sewage treatment plant in the vicinity.

WE ARE AT IT: BBMP | M K Shankalinge Gowda, BBMP Commissioner told Express that the very size of Ulsoor Lake makes the mission of keeping in clean a Herculean task. "This lake requires extra efforts and we can arrive at a solution only with joint brainstorming sessions with the Army. Coordination is the key and we are at it," Gowda said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Bravehearts want more men join the Army | Double for Maj Rajiv

K B Lava, an instructor at Commando School Belgaum (left); Major Madhusudan B S, gunner with Infantry Battalion and Major Rajiv Shankar (below, passport-size photo) of ASC Bangalore are among the Sena Medal recipients from Karnataka. Photo: MEG

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The real action heroes are here. To get honoured for their valiant efforts that fetched glory to the Nation. Fearless and raring to go, these men have got fame to Karnataka as well, in their missions - be it at Siachen, Assam or Jammu and Kashmir.

In Bangalore to receive the prestigious Gallantry Awards (Sena Medal) during the Investiture Ceremony, these bravehearts spoke to Express on their transformation from boys to men of guts. The daredevils had one message in common – a clarion call on Army Day – to all the sons of soil in Karnataka: “Come and join the Indian Army. We are there for you.”

Major Madhusudan B S holds a Masters in Bio-Technology from Bangalore University and was a lecturer before joining the Army. Inspired by his father, a banker, Madhu graduated his skills as a Scout and later in NCC, before reaching his dream destination. An operation in April, 2010 is the high-point in his career so far, when he took on a militant group in Manipur head-on.

“An ambush was laid to flush out the militants. God is great and the mission was safe. I had earlier eliminated many militants during various operations. But, this one was close. Seeing death from very close quarters. We fired at them with AK-47s. We had gone there to win and we won,” says Madhu, from Bappujinagar in Bangalore. A native of Coorg, Madhu wants more men from Karnataka to join the Army. “The privilege and esteem is more. It is an excellent profession. Give a try, come what may. I am the lone Kannadiga officer in my Artillerymen Battalion,” he said.

K B Lava is an instructor with the Commando School in Belgaum. Sixteen years into Service, Lava is from 19 Karnataka Battalion and was influenced by his NCC teacher Capt Devaiah to join the Army. It took five attempts for Lava to finally make it. “The 5th one was crucial and I was already 21 then. I knew I will and I am proud of my decision,” Lava said.

In Jan 2010, while serving in Assam, Lava's team received an information on an insurgent hiding in a house. “He jumped out of the house and fired at me straight. My life is precious and he was a goner in seconds. I love the religious harmony in the Army. I am already talking to youngsters in Coorg to join the Army,” Lava, whose father is a farmer, said.

Major Rajiv Shankar hails from Thirvananthapuram and now posted at the Army Service Corps Supply Depot in Bangalore . An NDA product, his is a rare case, considering that he is part of a logistic unit of the Army and not combat. This Sunday he will be receiving his second Sena Medal and he has already two Mention in Despatches to his credit. He took on the LeT militants in the Valley in a counter-terrorism operation. “We moved in based on inputs. I am the hunter and got on with the kill-task with no second thoughts,” says Rajiv, who is a fourth-generation solider from his family to Serve the Army.

MEG all geared-up: The MEG & Centre was all decked up on the eve of the 64th Army Day celebrations. The Army conducted a full dress rehearsal on Saturday at the Basantar Auditorium with a host of Army top brass in attendance. The entire area was combed by security experts and restrictions are in place inside the campus on general movements. “Once the Investiture Ceremony is on, there won't be any movement allowed inside the premises. It is a very  captionsolemn event for us. A detailed list of items that are not to be taken inside the premises have been identified,” sources told Express.

Remembering Cariappa: Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark the first Indian taking over the command of the Indian Army of Independent India. It was on this day in 1949 that Lieutenant General (who became Field Marshal later) K M Cariappa took over as the first Commander in Chief of Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, who was the last British Army Chief.

Big boss checks in: Lieutenant General A K Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Southern Command of Indian Army touched down at HAL Airport on Saturday on an official three-day visit to Bangalore. An alumnus from National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the 7th Light Cavalry on 17 Jun 1973. A key think-tank of Indian Army, Singh was earlier Director of the General Perspective Planning, responsible for all future strategies, development of long-term perspective and plan formulation. “Singh commanded the 7th Light Cavalry, an Armoured Brigade during ‘Op Parakram’ which he converted to first T-90 Brigade of the Indian Army and prestigious 31 Armoured Division. He was Commanding General of Strike 1, the main deterrence force of the Army,” sources told Express.

|Copyright@The New Indian Express|

(Tarmak007 welcomes onboard its 500th registered member, Salah Sai.)

Bangalore welcomes Veer Naris with pride ahead of Army Day ceremony | Gallantry Awards (Posthumous) to 5 | Mothers share moving stories about their brave sons

Sepoy Rajesh Kumar Gupta's wife Kiran and son Ayush.

Major Atul Garje's mother Chandra Bhaga, a teacher.

 Sepoy Nagalingam's mother Sellamma.

Sepoy Panneer Selvam's wife Jyothi. 

| Photos Courtesy: Havildar Shivakumar V K, MEG |

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Widows and mothers of brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, share heart rendering stories to Express and hold their head high with pride as they set to receive the prestigious Gallantry Awards posthumously (Sena Medal) from the Indian Army. These Veer Naris, as they are often addressed with honour, have come as far as Ahmednagar in Mahrashtra to attend the Southern Command’s Investiture Ceremony being held at MEG and Centre on January 15.

He loved fish curry & rice: Sepoy Panneer Selvam Rajendran’s (26) father deserted him at the age of two after his mother’s death. Life was tough for him and his brother Shakthivel, until relatives decided to look after them in Thiruvannamala (Tamil Nadu). He was very caring and served the Army for eight years until getting shot on his head during a combing operation in Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir on June 27, 2010. Before succumbing to the bullet, he provided covering fire and ensured the terrorists didn’t have any escape route. “He never told me anything about the operation the day before when he telephoned me. He loved fish curry and rice and praised me how well I cooked last time when he was home. I worship him now every day,” says Jyothi, who lost her husband just two years after the marriage.

A sweater for mom & warm memories:  Twenty-five-year-old Sepoy Nagalingam Panchavarnam’s mother was ready with a suitable girl. After all, he never went against of his mother Sellamma. “He was a great kabadi player and our house is full of his trophies. With his salary, we finished the basement of our house. He got me sarees and a nice brown sweater. He promised three of his friends from Shivaganga (Tamil Nadu) that he would get them into the Army. But..,” said Sellamma, unable to control her emotions. Nagalingam too lost his life in the 2010 operations in Kupwara. The family performs puja every Friday in front of a box that contains Nagalingam’s gold medal, belt, shoes, cap and uniform. “I am very proud of my son, but if I was lucky just one more time to see him,” says Sellamma.

Papa is not at home: Ayush is now four-years-old now and he lost his father Sepoy Rakesh Kumar Gupta while saving civilians from flash floods in Leh in August 6, 2010. He was just over two years then and didn’t know much about what had happened. “Now he tells everyone that his papa is not at home. I am garnering courage to support him and get really worried when Aysh falls sick. I am now living for him,” says Kiran Gupta. She had to take double blow when her second son -- seven-month-old Anus -- succumbed to dengue fever just two months after losing her husband. Rakesh watched an Army recruitment rally and later and began rigorous practice sessions alone only to get into the Army in his first attempt. The family now runs a tea stall in Hyderabad and hopes to make a better living with the benefits from the state government.

The role model lives in their hearts: When Major Atul Garje was three-years-old he used to barge into his mother Chandra Bhaga’s classroom screaming the alphabets. “He was very brilliant. He was the topper in Sainik School, NDA and whatever he did in his live, including squash. He won the Adarsh Vidyarhti (Model Student) title in school and was boy with a huge heart,” says Bhaga. A chopper crash in Nasik took the life of Arm Aviation’s smart instructor at the age of 28, leaving behind his brother, teacher-parents, wife and daughter Taniksha, who recently turned one. His father Uttam Rao is seeking government help following family concerns after his son’s death. (In the same crash, Major Bhau Chandar too died and his family members didn’t arrive in Bangalore while Express put together this piece.)

Important Command duty: Speaking to Express, Brig Gurdip Singh said it is an important Command duty to take care the needs of Veer Naris. “We play the connecting role between state government and these families. Our men also take care of all their needs as a matter of pride and on priority,” Gurdip said, while overseeing the Army Day preparations at Basantar Auditorium at MEG, late on Friday.

|Copyright@The New Indian Express|

Investiture Ceremony: MEG pushes up the tempo ahead of Army Day

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Bravehearts of the Indian Army and families who lost their bread-winners have started to check into Bangalore with emotions, pride and tales of Tricolour triumphs embedded closer to their heart. On January 15 (Army Day), they will be honoured at the prestigious Investiture Ceremony for their priceless sacrifices and valour, during their call of duty. And, for the personnel  of Madras Engineer Group and Centre (MEG& C) – also known as Madras Sappers – the event will be another opportunity to exhibit their matchless hospitality, discipline and determination – a trademark that has often separated them from the rest.

The solemn ceremony being hosted in Bangalore after a gap of nine years, will see Army's Southern Command roping in their best men to ensure that a pin gets into a pinhole itself. It is for the first time in MEG's 232 years of existence that an Investiture Ceremony is being held at their center.

All the formation units under the Southern Command (Maharashtra, Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan and all Southern states) will be part of this solemn ceremony. The Command is headquartered in Pune with Lt Gen A K Singh as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. The Investiture Ceremony is completely choreographed by a team led by Major General A K Pradhan, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area.

The Southern Command has a large mandate to guard areas right from Kanyakumari to parts of Rajasthan, thereby making it a formidable force within the Indian Army. There are two major static formations under the Southern Command – the MG&G (Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa) and ATNK&K (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala).

“The Investiture Ceremony will see equal representation from all the four formations. Army Day is celebrated all over India by having military parades, shows in national capital and all across six Army Commands,” Sitanshu Kar, Principal Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, told Express over the phone from Delhi.

Sources confirm that special security arrangements have been put in and around the ceremony venue (Basantar Auditorium) at MEG, with the sanitisation work being undertaken by counter-improvised explosive device experts. “Close to 1000 people are expected to attend the event and Army has SOPs for security depending on the level of each event,” sources said.

|Copyright@The New Indian Express| 

Myanmar Army surrenders to hot jelabis, lakes & Mysore sarees!

Brig Gurdip Singh, Commandant, MEG&C greets Maj Gen Hla Shwe, Vice Adjutant General of the Myanmar Army in Bangalore on November 25.
Photo: Nagesh Polali

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: They came. They saw. And, they got conquered, literally. There were 33 in all – five officers and 28 soldiers – strong and handsome. While boarding a special flight back home on Saturday evening, ending their five-day sojourn to Bangalore and Mysore, the Myanmar Army delegation had a definite yeh-dil-maange-more-looks written all over. After all, it was not just the warmth of Madras Engineer Group & Centre (MEG&C) that alone floored them. The beautiful lakes, tempting jelabis, Mysore silk sarees and many more!
“Very nice city. This our first visit to Bangalore. We have come to India (Siliguri) before in 2008. We heard a lot about Bangalore. It's the IT city, you know? Nice lakes all around, beautiful people,” Maj Gen Hla Shwe, Vice Adjutant General of the Myanmar Army, told Express in broken English and bold Burmese accent. Stepping in with help and smile was Capt (Dr) Yan Nanny Tun, the interpreter-cum-liaison officer.
Maj Shwe says that Bangalore is very much like Maymyo City in Myanmar. “The weather is same like here. We are at home. Even the Indian Army is like Myanmar Army. Our cultures are similar. Your city is very famous in Myanmar,” he said. “We liked the chapatis, hot-hot jelabis and poori bhaji (laughs). Very tasty it is,” the Major said.
The Major found time to buy silk sarees from Mysore for his wife, while his team bought bagful of handicrafts. “We enjoyed Mysore. We bought horses, elephants and tigers (just toys!). We visited the famous St Philomena's Church too,” said Major Shwe, to whom even the Myanmar air force and navy also reports to.
While his boys had friendly bout of boxing and a game of hockey with the Indian Army team, the Major & Co were given a brief on the training aspects. According to Brig Gurdip Singh, MEG&C  Commandant, the Myanmar delegation was a given a presentation on the philosophy of training in the Indian Army. “Some of the technological advancements in the training by the Indian Army, including NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) warfare, were discussed. These kind of exchanges help increase the bonding between the two countries. We need more such exchanges with world armies,” Brig Gurdip said.
While, Express team was about the leave, Maj Shwe called back and said. “You know... I am a front-line soldier since I was 21 years. I will comeback to Bangalore again,” he said.

Copyright@The New Sunday Express

MEG puts novel philosophies to train young recruits; focus on anger management, stress & firing skills

The Indian army is trying to stay mindful of cultural differences and stress management as it develops training strategies for new recruits. “We are now dealing with new-age soldiers,” says Brig. Gurdip Singh, commandant at the Madras Engineer Group and Centre (MEG&C). Every young recruit enrolled for the 19-week basic military training program at MEG&C needs to undergo a set of e-learning packages. The use of firing range simulators has raised the bar for weapon training. “The standard of firing has gone up,” Singh says. “As we use new firearms, the role of simulators becomes pivotal. For a young recruit, the simulators are like PlayStations. They enjoy it, but at the same time they tune their firing skills. Everything is documented so that they know where they stand.” Instructors also keep an eye on the recruits for proper anger management. (Full report in AW here.)

[Limited updates on blog till June-end] 

MEG@230: Celebrations reach grand finale; Army looks to Sappers for gen-next scholar warriors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Snapshots from MEG 230 Year celebrations. These photos are selected from the events that were held in September in Bangalore. The last man standing is Brig Gurdip Singh, Commandant, MEG, who choreographed the MEG Reunion along with a handful of officers. Photos: Defence PRO/ Bangalore 

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | September 30, 2010 |

The Madras Engineer Group (MEG) of the Indian Army is gearing up against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), especially radio-controlled IEDS. The MEG, which is also known as the Madras Sappers, has crafted a blueprint that is supposed to help boost preparedness for asymmetric warfare, as well as for upgrading equipment.

“Training a scholar warrior of [the] 21st century will be now our priority,” said Colonel Commandant of MEG Maj. Gen. Brajesh Kumar.

He said the MEG is committed to be more effective in meeting the needs of today’s warfighting environment. “As the combat engineering support of the Indian Army, we have a huge role to play,” he said. “Be it the conventional war or the asymmetric one, we have realized that the innovation in training using cutting-edge technology can outsmart the enemy.”

the Aviation Week link below:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2010/09/30/awx_09_30_2010_p0-258577.xml&headline=Indian%20MEG,%20Microsoft%20Effort%20Trains%20Against%20IEDs

Green Army: MEG & Centre launches unique initiative at its firing ranges; used syntax tanks are now improvised targets

PHOTOS: Bhaktar Babu (Bangalore Beat) for AW/Tarmak007
 
Aviation Week | Bangalore | India | August 20, 2010

The Indian army has launched a massive green campaign, and its effects are even being seen on firing ranges. During a visit to the army’s Madras Engineering Group (MEG) and Center, situated near Bangalore’s famous Ulsoor Lake, AVIATION WEEK saw a slew of green initiatives being implemented right from the entry point.

“We are trying to go totally plastic/polythene-free,” says Lt. Col. Tejpal Singh, head of the Chief Instructor Workshop at MEG. “We are educating the army troops and their families and children. We aim to achieve no-plastic soon. During our monthly interaction with our men, we emphasize the need to spread the mission, including tree [planting].”

The initiative includes the target boards used for practice firing sessions. The MEG has moved away from the conventional wood\hardboard-based targets to ones made out of old and used plastic water tanks. “These water tanks are the most hazardous wastes when out of use,” Singh says. “Earlier we had targets made of wood and cardboard. Now these have become useful for our men at the firing ranges. Depending upon the size of the tanks we could make three-four targets [out of one tank].

 For the full story, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

 www.inspiredindianfoundation.org