Click here to return to Veteran Blog

Dear Members of the Corps of Signals fratenity,
With grief we are posting details of our colleagues who leave for their heavenly abode. We request members to forward their "shradhanjali". Kindly share with us the photographs, fond memories and association.
We await tributes from associates/ course mates for publication.
Blog Team

RMS Tributes
  • Amar Jawan: Roll of Honour of the Indian Armed Forces
  • The Kargil Memorial
  • Sunday, August 30, 2009

    Brig SP Chowdhary

    Brig SP Chowdhary's sad demise is a great loss to Signals fraternity in particular. We have known him from our YO days in Mhow and had interacted with him at every coveted appointments he has held. It was a real pleasure to meet a person like Brig Chowdhury.
    Our heart felt condolence to Mrs Ila Chowdhary, family members and friends around her. We pray that his soul rests in peace and God grant strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
    Col JL Chatterji

    Saturday, August 29, 2009

    Brig SP Chaudhary

    Dear Signallers,
    I am sad to inform you about the demise of Brig SP Chaudhary, Veteran (1953 seniority). He breathed his last today morning (29 Aug 09) at North Point Hospital, New Delhi.
    The funeral is today, on 29 Aug 09, at 1400 hrs, Lodhi Road Crematorium, New Delhi.
    Please see the email from DDG SS, Dte Gen Of Signals, appended below.
    Next of Kin: Mrs Ela Pal Chaudhary
    We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
    Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Late Brig SP Chaudhary, may kindly send it for being posted to our weblog -
    http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
    The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at - reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
    In sorrow -
    Chander Kamboj.

    From: Kapil Arya
    Subject: DEATH : Brig Sameer Pal Chaudhary (RETD)
    To: kamboj
    Date: Saturday, 29 August, 2009, 7:53 AM
    My Dear Brig Kamboj Sir,

    We are sad to info you that Brig Sameer Pal Chaudhary (RETD) of 1953 seniority expired at Delhi, today morning at North Point Hospital, Panchsheel Park. His cremation will take place at LODHI RD CREMATORIUM at 1400 h today (29 Aug 09).
    NOK: Mrs Ela Pal Chaudhary.
    Brig KD Arya
    DDG SS

    Friday, August 28, 2009

    Maj (Dr) T Thiagarajan

    Thiaga as we called him joined us in 1 Armd Div Sig Regt in 1958 after his Young Officers Course. He was very serious about his work, dedicated and disciplined. Even as a young officer, he would express his opinion with confidence. He was a popular young officer and highly well mannered. Ever smiling, he would measure his words and never speak out of turn. Thiaga was liked by one and all.

    As a young officer in a field unit, one cannot display his academic excellence but it was obvious that Thiaga was highly intelligent and hard working officer.

    Thiaga had an accident in a Jeep in Jhansi area where the Unit was located and had to be hospitalised. But he was so cheerful and made light of the accident.

    Later in Service one came to know of the excellent work he had done in the computer field in NIC and in the Ministry of Science and Information Technology. It is sad to know that he had a number of health problems in later life.

    In Thiaga's untimely demise we all have lost a highly talented colleague and friend. His contributions in the Computer field while in the Army HQ Computer Centre and later at national level will be remembered for years to come.

    Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Thiagarajan and his Family. May God rest the departed soul in peace.

    Harbhajan Singh
    Lt Gen
    Former SO-in-C and Senior Col Commandant

    Thursday, August 27, 2009

    Major (Dr) R Thiagarajan

    I was very sorry to learn of Major (Dr) R Thiagarajan’s passing last Friday. I would have written earlier, but for my Son-in-law (my eldest daughter’s husband) sudden demise, of a massive heart attack, last Wednesday (19th August) – he died within minutes, quite literally and chaos has ensued ever since. The funeral is tomorrow, 27th August at the West Berkshire Crematorium, Thatcham.
    My very good friend, Thiaga and I were born on exactly the same day! We joined the IMA on the same day and commissioned into the Corps of Signals on the same day. We attended the YO’s course together in 1958 and the SODE Course too, in 1962-65. He was a brilliant Mathematician and Engineer – and was so dedicated to his studies that it took us, his coursemates, all our persuasive efforts to get him to apply for married accommodation. His final objection was that he did not have any personal transport – so we coaxed him into borrowing my Royal Enfield motorbike for the duration! This put paid to his last objection. He was eventually allocated family quarters, clearing the way for his new bride’s arrival in Mhow.
    Both of us were retained as Instructors at the MCTE, Mhow, at the end of the SODE course, in 1965. After a year or so, I was posted to Ladakh while he continued at the MCTE.
    Within a few months, however, both of us were detailed to attend a crash three month course in “Automatic Data Processing Systems” at the Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta, based on the IBM 1401 computer system.
    Our careers diverged from then on – while he stayed on at the MCTE I was summoned to Signals Directorate to involve myself in the setting up of a new section – Sigs 9 – dedicated to the development up of “Electronic Data Processing Systems” for the Army.
    We lost touch for a few years, after I took premature retirement to join my wife in the UK. The last time we met in India was in 1980, when he loaned me his car, while my wife and I were on a visit to New Delhi. He called on us on one occasion, in England, when he was enroute to India from the USA, during the early 1980s.
    We remained in touch by post, telephone and e-mail but these contacts progressively decreased in frequency, as his varied illnesses overcame him. We then discovered that both of us suffered from the same underlying disease – Type II Diabetes. Sadly, this was to be his undoing – in his case the disease proved to be very much more difficult to control.
    Tragic as his passing was, it has proved to be a blessing in disguise – ending the intolerable pain and undignified suffering he had to endure for so many years! It has also ended the massive burden his illness and incapacity had placed on his most devoted wife, Indira!
    He was a good man – a warm and wonderful person really – and now he is no more! I feel I have lost my soul mate, my other self! He is, however seldom far from me in my thoughts! We remain kindred spirits forever!
    Fortunately, however, I am still in touch with his daughter, Charu, his sister, Sumathi and her husband Dr Srinivasan and their daughter Dr Lata Srinivasan.
    Sincerely yours,
    Ossie Pereira
    (Major O A Pereira Retired)

    Wednesday, August 26, 2009

    Lt Col KF Thomas

    Dear Signallers,
    I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC 4988 Lt Col KF Thomas, Veteran- age 86.
    He breathed his last on 25 Aug 09. The funeral is on 26 Aug 09 (today).
    Please see the email from Lt Col J Prabhu, appended below.
    Next of Kin: Mrs Daphne Thomas.
    We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
    If you wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Late Lt Col KF Thomas, you may kindly send it for being posted to our weblog -
    http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
    The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to- Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at- reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com

    In sorrow -
    Chander Kamboj.

    From: Joe & Norma Prabhu
    Date: Wednesday, 26 August, 2009, 8:21 AM
    I am sad to inform you that IC 4988 Lt Col KF Thomas (Veteran) - age 86 - expired on 25 Aug 2009 in Bangalore. The funeral is at 11 am on 26 Aug (today).
    He commanded 5 Mtn Div Sig Regt
    Cause- Cancer.
    NOK- Mrs Daphne Thomas
    Affly,
    Joe
    ps: Despite the fact that he knew of his impending demise, he had a smile and expressed his gratitude to friends who visited him.

    Tuesday, August 25, 2009

    Maj R Thiagarajan

    It is with great sadness we learn about the demise of great EDP stalwart - Maj Thygarajan. He was epitome of discipline, hardwork and dedication. He was upright and always stand for the right. I have no hesitation in admitting that but for him, Army HQ EDP Center could not have taken shape. He was instrumental for SA cum Design of ENORB (Enemy Orbat System) & OWNORB (Own Orbat system). He has churned out galore of EDP instructions which became bench mark for operation of the Center.
    I and Deepali have known equally well Madam Indira. Please convey our heartfelt condolence to her. We pray to God for granting strength to the bereaved family to bear this great loss and let his soul rest in peace.
    Col JL Chatterji

    Maj R Thiagarajan

    I learnt the news of Thiagarajan’s death with a deep sense of personal loss. My association with Thiaga dates back to 1960, when he handed over 1 Fd Regt (SP) Sig Sec to me. It was from him that I received my first lessons of handling an independent command, which that unit was. Not only he left in my hands a very ably commanded unit, but the tips that he gave me while leaving were of immense help to me throughout my service. He was himself a very principled, forthright and honest officer and I have known his anguish when he came across insincerity or dishonesty in service life.
    I was fortunate to renew my association with him when he was my instructor in MCTE during my SODE course where he taught us High Power Transmitters. He was one of the first few officers of our Corps to have been deputed for Computer training, way back in mid sixties. Because of his deputation to Department of Electronics, the Corps lost the benefit of his intimate support but his contribution to the development of electronics and technology in his new assignment has been outstanding. I wish God had given him better health in his twilight years, but his courage, tenacity and spirit while struggling with health issues has always been undaunting.
    Ever since 1960 I had been in touch with him from time to time which makes the loss even more unbearable. It is difficult to forget the cheerful and friendly appearance that he presented even while he was dealing with his health issues.
    May God give courage and strength to Indira and his other family members to bear his loss.
    Sharad & Nandini Paranjape

    Monday, August 24, 2009

    Major (Dr) R Thiagarajan

    The very first time that I had the good fortune of meeting Maj Thiagarajan, was when I reported to the then School of Signals, Mhow, for the second half of the course then called Officers Short Telecommunications (OST) course. Since then names have undergone changes – School of Signals was re-christened the Military College of Telecommunications Engineering (MCTE), and the OST has given way to Signal Officers Degree Engineering Course (SODE) That was over forty years ago – to be more precise – it was July 1966. Some periods stay imprinted in the mind, long after the events have finished – July 1966 is one such unforgettable time. That was the time, when Mhow faced unprecedented drought situation. Water was rationed. Water came in by train, and was ferried to the quarters and doled out in measured buckets – one for bachelors and two for married students who had their families staying with them!

    Maj Thiagarajan was a senior instructor in the Faculty of Communication Engineering (FCE), then known as the Technical Wing. On meeting him, I learnt that we hailed from the same college – the Madras Christian College, Tambaram. We were proud of the fact that the first three finance ministers of the country were from our College. In those days, the students of the college were referred to as the “gentlemen of Christian College”, and Maj Thiagarajan epitomized that fact. He was always the perfect gentleman – in fact he probably was more of a gentleman than even the British.

    Maj Thiagarajan, was a dedicated soldier, and was a strict disciplinarian. In those it was not uncommon for officers from Signals to opt for the general cadre and desire to command infantry formations. Thiagarajan, who had topped his degree course and had been retained in the School as an instructor, also dreamt of commanding a division. Thus when he was detailed for the Junior Commanders course at the neighbouring Infantry School, he packed off his wife and child to her parents place, so that he could give his undivided attention and concentrate on the JC course. He did well and secured a good grading.

    He believed in hard work, and he was technically very sound. Hence he was one of the first few officers who were deputed to undergo training in computers at Calcutta (the Computer wing had not started functioning at MCTE). He was posted to a divisional signal regiment to earn his mandatory command report. He took his profession so seriously and worked so hard that his health was affected. He was then posted to the computer centre in Delhi. But then Maj Thiagarajan was not one to keep quiet. He enrolled himself in the MBA evening programme at Delhi University. Once again he completed the MBA with flying colours. I still remember the day that I learnt that he had obtained the second rank in the university. I was commanding the communication company at 4 Corps. I called him up and congratulated him on his excellent performance. He played down his effort, by telling me, that he had not done much – for he had not topped the course but had come only second!

    In view of his expertise in the fledging IT field, he was deputed to the National Informatics Centre (NIC). From there he moved over to the Ministry of Science and Technology. He did not stop his academic activities and earned a doctorate while with the Ministry. He finally retired as Joint Advisor (equivalent to Joint Secretary) from the Ministry of Science and Technology.

    For all his brilliance, hard work and mental agility, his health took a down turn. He suffered from diabetes and that was serious enough to ensure that both his legs were so badly affected that they had to be amputated. His hearing also failed and he had to use a hearing aid, but in spite of being wheel-chair bound, he never lost his spirit, but continued to believe in the Almighty and wrote Tamil verses in praise of Him.

    And in the passing away of Maj Thiagarajan, we have lost a rare officer and a rarer human being. In the words of William Shakespeare, we can justly be proud and say that here was a MAN, who did the country and the Corps proud.

    Brig VA Subramanyam (Retd)

    Maj R Thiagarajan

    Dear Signallers,
    I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC 10059 Maj R Thiagarajan, Veteran.
    He breathed his last around 10.00 PM, on 21 Aug 09, at Chennai.

    Please see the email from Brig VA Subramaniam appended below, for more details.

    I have known Maj Thiagarajan, personally. He was my instructor during the OST 14 (SODE now). He was an excellent and very devoted instructor. The entire course loved him so much. As an officer and gentleman too every one liked him immensely.

    We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.

    If you wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Late Maj R Thiagarajan, you may kindly send it for being posted to our weblog -
    http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
    The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at - reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
    In sorrow -
    Chander Kamboj.

    From: Brig V A Subramanyam
    Subject: passing away of Maj R Thiagarajan, Signals
    To: "Kamboj, Brig Chander"
    Date: Friday, 21 August, 2009, 10:17 PM
    Dear Chander,
    Gen Balasubrahmanian just rang me up, to mention that Maj R Thiagarajan (20th IMA) passed away a few minutes ago.
    He was wheel-chair for quite a while, and was admitted to Sudaram Foundation for some ailment, where he passed away.
    You may recollect that he was an instructor in FCE, when you were doing the degree course.
    His wife- Indira and two daughters and a son survive him.
    Am sure Sigs Adm will have the rest of the details.
    in sorrow
    Brig VA Subramanyam (Retd)

    Thursday, August 6, 2009

    Lt Col RP Sahoonja

    It is extremely sad to learn about the demise of Lt Col RP Sahoonja, a veteran Sigs offr. May his soul rest in peace and enough strength granted to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
    Col JL Chatterji

    Monday, August 3, 2009

    Col R P Sahoonja

    It was very sad to learn about the sad demise of Col R P Sahoonja, He was my coy cdr in 76/77 at Srinagar, and I had a lot to learn from him. May God rest his soul in peace and give strength to the family to bear the loss.
    Maj Gen N V Pande

    Sunday, August 2, 2009

    Lt Col RP Sahoonja

    Dear Signallers,
    I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC - 22238, Lt Col RP Sahoonja, Veteran. He breathed his last at around 8.00 AM, on 02 Aug 09, at Fortis Hospital, Noida. Cause of death being ascertained. The cremation will be held at 4.00 PM, at Noida cremation ground. Next of Kin Mrs Pravesh Sahoonja, wife.
    We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss. If you wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Late Lt Col RP Sahoonja, you may kindly send it for being posted to our weblog -
    http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
    The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at - reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
    In sorrow -
    Chander Kamboj.