Report My Signal- Shradhanjli

Lt Gen RS Dayal, MVC

2012-01-30T10:14:00.001+05:30

Lt-Gen Dayal passes away
The Gen was a legend and captured Hajipir Pass in 1965 War. Thanks.
Tribune News Service
Panchkula, January 29

Lt-Gen Ranjit Singh Dayal (retd), a former Lieutenant-Governor of Pondicherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and also former Governor of Goa, breathed his last at the Command Hospital here this evening. A highly decorated officer, General Dayal had been suffering from prostrate cancer, detected a few years ago. He was admitted to the hospital a few days back for terminal care after his condition deteriorated. Born at Kurukshetra on November 15, 1928, General Dayal was selected to the Indian Military Academy in 1946. He was commissioned in the Army. He joined the Punjab Regiment (Para) and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, which took part in the 1948 Indo-Pak war. He was decorated with the Maha Vir Chakra for capturing the strategically important Haji Pir Pass in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. He was survived by his wife and daughter. His cremation would take place with full military honours at the Sector-25 crematorium in Chandigarh at 2 pm tomorrow.

Lt Col MK Mathur

2011-12-09T18:30:00.000+05:30

It is with deep grief to inform that Lt Col MK Mathur (Retd), left for his heavenly abode at 4:30 pm on 3rd Dec at Kailash Hospital NOIDA. The cremation was done at 10:30 AM on 4th Dec at LODHI Cremation Grounds New Delhi.
The Shanti Paath was also held at AVCC NOIDA on the 6th Dec which was attended by large number of signals veterans in NOIDA.
Mrs MK Mathur -- Residential Address 134 Sector 37, Noida Phone 0120-2430021
We pray for peace in heaven for the departed soul and for strength to the near and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
With heartfelt Condolences.
Brig Narinder Dhand

Lt Col SV Bhardwaj

2011-11-26T08:41:00.002+05:30

Very sad to know about the demise of Col Bhardwaj, May GOD rest his soul in peace and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
His son is serving Lt Col Ashwini posted with SWC Sig Regt Jaipur.
Hope to hear more details from our readers.
Narinder Dhand

Lt Col Bhavbhuti Sharma

2011-11-16T06:01:00.000+05:30

Regret to Inform the demise of IC-36706A Lt Col Bhavbhuti Sharma (Retd)
of 74 batch on 10 Nov 2011 at RR hospital.
NOK Mrs Neeta Sharma (Wife)
Address: B-604 Ashadeep Appartments, plot No 38 sector -2, Dwarka.
Mob No 9818501323. Cremation at 1330h at Brar Sqaure on 10 Nov 2011

Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM

2011-08-10T05:03:00.002+05:30

YO 15 Course - Tactical Wing School of Signals 15th Young Officers Course 1955
Sitting -Bhagwan Krishan Mathur, Pran Nath, Capt Sethi, Maj G S Sidhu, Capt George Paisley, Balasunramniana Nagaraj
Standing- RN Pandit, C V S Deshmukh, Inder Raj Anand, Surender Nath Sood, Yesh Pal Gupta, Vinod Kumar Arora, Author, Satish Chandra, BP Nigam Standing rear- G P Rao, MR Iyenger, Vishnu Prakash Singh Srivastava, Gopal Krishan Malik, Divender Singh Cheema, Vyacharya Subrramaniam Balan, RS Dhyani, SK Rawala.

Group Photo taken at the time of posting out of Lt Col GS Sidhu- 1963
Sitting L to R– Capt Gurmukh Singh, Capt Sushil Nath, Maj K S Oberoi, Lt Col A M David, Lt Col GS Siddhu, Maj Dogra, Maj JL Ratan
Standing – Capt V K Pachauri, Author, Capt SN Sood, Capt Raj Saran, Capt DS Cheema.

I knew Brig Sidhu as seen from the eyes of a 2nd lieutenant attending the YO's course when he was officiating wing commander and later on posting as instructor Class C to Tac wing when he was commanding the wing. Some extracts from my books possibly will throw some more light on my prescriptions of Brig Sidhu formed at that time.
The officiating Commander of Tac Wing where we were destined to spend the major portion of the next six months of our stay at Mhow, Major G S Sidhu,…. was not only formidable looking he acted the same keeping us terrorised successfully all the time.
... The confusion created by the mixed lot that we were was further confounded by the fact that the Technical entry was also clubbed with the normal YO course and not the specialised one in Technical Wing as hither-to-fore and what a confusion it was, with Balan, a Bachelor of Engineering and MSc like me and others, Cheema whose only qualification for joining Signals was that he was also an MSc Agriculture; the mixed bag, milling around in the Electricity and Magnetism (E& M) classes and the Laboratories alongwith the other Ex NCC and NDA officers with varying technical background and aptitude was indeed true learning.
The civilian instructors especially the diminutive Mr Murty with his squeaky voice had a harrowing time managing the class with the hare and the hound syndrome. Some like me were pulled up and marched up in the tension filled office of Maj Sidhu, aloof with deep penetrating and withdrawn eyes, for impeding the progress of the class while others for being too slow on the uptake. Extract from 'A Soldiers Journey through Life with Two Wives.'
I was posted to Tactical Wing (TAC Wing) in October 1963, my only qualification for posting, as an instructor to the School of Signals at that time - the involvement of my section in Op Leghorn. Possibly I was also a demonstration piece for the YO’s like the Demo Section which I was given to command to start with. The Commander TAC Wing at that time was Lt Col GS Sidhu.
He also happened to be the officiating OC TAC Wing, when I reported to the School of Signals for attending the YO’s (Young Officers Course) on passing out from IMA Dehradun in Jun 1955. I had done not too well during the portion of the course covered in TAC Wing, I found little interest in the statistical nature of Signal Organisation and Tactics, I was also not very good at games which was considered to be the prime requirement in a young officer. However, I had compensated for that to some extent by my performance during the portion covered in the Technical Wing.
The Technical Wing at that time commanded by Lt Col BS Panwar, was later renamed as FC&VE (Faculty of Communication and Value Engineering), on the School of Signals being upgraded to MCTE. I also had the privilege of later Commanding FC&VE from 1979 to 1982.
I had passed out from the YO’s course with a ‘C’ Grading. Major Sidhu, though a bit surprised with my above average results in Technical Wing had warned me on the day of my final interview with him as the OC TAC Wing, that he would kick me out of the Corps if I did not do well. Possibly it was this threat hanging on my head that made me a reasonable Signals officer. However, I did maintain my record of collecting ‘C’ gradings on all the courses that I attended in MCTE.
Lt Col Sidhu, as Commander of TAC Wing did give me a reasonable ACR (Annual Confidential report), possibly by now he had modified his opinion about me extract from 'Letters From the Border and Other Less Told Stories'
It is also interesting that I followed him all over, though, always a few steps behind. The then Major Sidhu was the BM of 7 Inf Bde before Kharbanda took over from him. I joined as Sparrow 7 Inf Bde soon after he had left. I was also fortunate to command 9 Inf Div Sig Regt of which he was the first CO in the rank of Lt Col. True, but strange, as it may seem. Both of us retired as Brigadiers.
Brig Lakshman Singh VSM (Retd)

Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM

2011-08-10T04:48:00.002+05:30

Veteran Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM, is no more with us; but the Corps will always remember the unique contributions that he made. He left a deep impact on the signalers who were part of his team, his students, and his colleagues in the service, his friends or family members.
I was not lucky to serve under him; for the offer he made to be his SO2, on his way to IV Corps, went to a far superior officer.
Es spirit de corps, professionalism, humane approach and knowledge that he radiated helped me to better myself.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
May God give strength to his family, near and dear ones to carry forward the values he cherished.
With a sense of sorrow, nay a pride that I also served the Corps to which Brig Sidhu is an integral part.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals (Retd)

Maj Sanjay Sharma and Maj A Francis Xavier

2011-08-10T04:47:00.000+05:30

It is with a sense of deep sorrow that I read the untimely departure of Maj Sanjay Sharma, SIGNALS VETERAN at such an young age.
GOD has his ways and we are but actors playing the role that has been destined; we can only pray for the departed soul to rest in peace and give courage & strength to Mrs. Kumud Sharma, Kunal and Sanchita.
It will make me proud to hear from Kunal and Sanchita that they topped the IIT & MBA program, in spite of the set back.
With best wishes to over come the deep sorrow.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals

Very deeply grieved to note the departure of another devoted, humane, friendly, cooperative, understanding, noble veteran from our midst.
MAJOR A FRANCIS XAVIER, leaves behind a fine lesson to all of us, particularly me by willing " that after his death the body should be donated for purposes of medical research."
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
May GOD give strength to Helen and Loreto to bear this irreapaiable loss and to carry forward his ideas and missions that he valued most.
In deep sorrow, but proud of the opportunity that i had to serve with Xavier in the our great Corps.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals

Brigadier Gurdial Singh Sidhu, AVSM

2011-08-09T18:24:00.000+05:30

Remembering Brigadier Gurdial Singh Sidhu, AVSM: Few Glimpses by Brig M R Narayanan, VSM (Retd)
I had the privilege of serving under Brig Gurdial Singh Sidhu during the 1971 operations in the Eastern Sector when hewas the CSO 4 Corps. I was then a major posted to 4 Corps Sig Regt. I distinctly recall the first meeting in his office in early Sep 1971 attended by all OsC of the integral Corps units andComdrs Sigs of the Corps fmns.
The Corps HQ had moved just a week before to the op location in Tripura near Agartala. The signal comn infrastructure available was primitive and 4 Corps Signals had a huge task on hand. The meeting lasted for about an hour; it was all about the Corps operational plan and the signal comn build up and challenges. Brig Sidhu appeared to be cool and composed but towards the end he showed his no-nonsense attitude when he made it clear what he expected from each one of us.
We are here to fight a War. I expect all of you to function as a team. I do not want any accusations or attempts to let down your sister units or your colleagues. Always remember that:
i. Every communication channel has two ends. Never- ever complain about the other end; instead takeresponsibility for the other end too.
ii. If a formation is out of comn for more than 24 hrs, I want your best people at the other end.
Little did I realize then the remarkable power behind this mantra, "take responsibility for the other end", implying "give equal or greater importance to your lower formation end"... click here to read more

IC- 845 Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM

2011-08-08T20:55:00.001+05:30

Dear Chander,
I was aware that Brig Sidhu had been unwell for quite some time. In his demise, we have lost one of the finest signal warriors. For me, it's a great loss; he was always my role model and I am deeply indebted to him for whatever I had achieved during my Army career and later in the Public Sector.
I was in close touch with him in the last three years while I was in the process of writing my book, “When Sparrows flew like Eagles” about how 4 Corps Sigs under Brig Sidhu provided infallible comns to the success of the 4 Corps operations leading to the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.
In fact he had reviewed the early drafts and even corroborated some of the critical events narrated, about some of the outstanding signal comn achievements for instance, about ‘4 Corps HQ move to Comilla on the enemy soil on the night 11/12 Dec 1971 within the enemy shell range and how this was made possible by Brig Sidhu’s 4 Corps Signals'.
Narayanan

Chander,
Just a clarification. My book “When Sparrows flew like Eagles” is yet to be published since War History 1971 is yet to be declassified.
Brig (Retd) M R Narayanan, VSM

Maj Sanjay Sharma

2011-08-08T20:53:00.000+05:30

08 Aug 11. To,
All Members of "Report My Signal".
Dear Signallers, I am sad to inform you about demise of Maj Sanjay Sharma, SIGNALS Veteran, on night 4/5 Aug 2011, at Lucknow. He was commissioned on 16 Dec 1978 and retired on 31 Jan 2001.
Next of Kin: Smt Kumud Sharma (wife).
Please see email received from Col KPM Das, Signals Veteran, appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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: KPM Das
Sent: 08 August 2011 10:15
Subject: Obituary: Major Sanjay Sharma (Retired), SIGNALS
Dear Brigadier,
It is with a deep sense of grief that I have to inform you about the passing away, after a long ailment, of Maj Sanjay Sharma (Retd), on the night of 4/5 Aug at his house, Sharda Nagar Lucknow- 226002.
He last worked at Army School, Lucknow.
Date of Commission : 16 Dec 1978,
Date of Reirement : 31 Jan 2001,
Unit Commanded : EET, c/o 56 APO
Wife and Next of Kin :- Kumud Sharma
Son: Kunal Sharma, doing MTech at IIT Mumbai.
Daughter Sanchita doing MBA at New Delhi.
May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to the family. .
Regards, and in deep sorrow,
Col KPM Das (Retired)

Brig GS Sidhu & Major A Francis Xavier

2011-07-31T02:19:00.000+05:30

Dear Brig Kamboj Sir,
It is so sad to learn of the sad demise of Brig GS Sidhu. He was Commander Tactical Wing when I was doing the YOs course. He was such a fatherly figure and inspired confidence amongst us youngsters (youngsters then). I am eaqually sad of the sad demise of Major A Francis Xavier - though I do not know him personally. On reading these obituaries the following famous lyrics immediately come to my mind: "DEKHI ZAMANE KI YARI, BICHHUDE SABHI BARI BARI". May God rest the departed souls in peace and May the Lord give their nears and dears courage to bear their loss. With kind regards, Madan Gopal Kapoor PS: On advice from the numerologist I have started writing my name in full.
I once again revive my earlier offer to render free legal advice through email to my brother veterans. Since I would be away to London for nearly three months I would perhaps have adequate time to take up as many legal queries as possible.
Madan Gopal Kapoor

Major Francis Xavier

2011-07-30T03:14:00.000+05:30

Loreto Xavier daughter of late Maj Francis Xavier called up a few minutes ago to inform me of the passing away of her dear father – last Thursday – 21 Jul 2011.
Major Xavier was a Special List officer and belonged to the Ciphers. He retired from the Armed Forces in 1984. He was past 82 years of age, and was keeping indifferent health – more so after the death of his wife last year. He is survived by two daughters, Helen and Loreto. After his wife passed away, he was staying with his younger daughter. After retirement he settled down in Madras, which is now Chennai. He had willed that after his death the body should be donated for purposes of medical research. Accordingly the body was handed over to the Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Centre. A part of the body has however been kept back for internment. The burial ceremony will commence at 1000 hours on Saturday, 06 August at the Quibble Island Cemetery, RA Puram.
Contact number of Ms Loreto is: 984 070 1456
Brig VA Subramanyam VSM

IC 845 Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM

2011-07-29T21:55:00.002+05:30

Dear Chander,
I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Brig GS Sidhu. His daughter Dr (Mrs) Phadke lives in Bangalore and I will go and look her up. I had spoken to Brig Sidhu a couple of months back. He spoke in his usual confident and warm tone and said he was getting better. We were both posted in then School of Signals. One of the major events then was the Triangular Meet. Depite my heavy work load (some times all seven periods in a day. teaching the OLT Course) he charmed me into accepting the aqdditional responsibilty of taking over as the secretary of the HQ Mess. The only consession to me was that my request to appoint my former student: then Capt Satish Ahuja (later S O in C) as my deputy. The team came out with flying colours for excellent service on all events through the Meet. I kept in touch with him and met him when he was with Coal India Ltd at Calcutta and later at Chandigarh. I feel very sad and send my condolences.
-Veteran BK Rai
(Col BK Rai
Former Secretary to Government of India

Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM

2011-07-28T23:16:00.000+05:30

Capt Amarinder condoles Brig Sidhu’s death
CHANDIGARH, July 15: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today condoled the death of Brig GS Sidhu, the father of Ms Kusumjit Sidhu, the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab.
In a condolence message to the bereaved family, Capt Amarinder said, he and his party stood by them in this hour of grief. He said, late Brig Sidhu was a great military officer who had imbibed great values among his children.
Capt Amarinder also spoke to Ms Sidhu to convey his condolences.

Brig Sidhu cremated
Chandigarh, July 15, 2011
Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM and father of Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, who died yesterday, after a brief illness at the age of 88, was today cremated at the Sector 25 cremation ground. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
GS Brar, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, laid a wreath on behalf of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Viswajit Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, laid a wreath on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal. Dignitaries from all walks of life, senior serving and retired civil and police officers, including Chief Secretary SC Agrawal, attended the cremation. — TNS
Brig Sidhu cremated

Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM

2011-07-28T23:13:00.000+05:30

Friday, 15 July 2011
CHANDIGARH: Brig G S Sidhu, AVSM father of Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab who died yesterday (14 July), after brief illness at the age of 88, was today cremated at Sector-25 cremation ground. Brig Sidhu is survived by his wife and three daughters.
G S Brar Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister laid wreath on the mortal remains of Brig Sidhu on behalf of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. Viswajit Khanna Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister laid wreath on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. D S Mangat Director, Public Relations Punjab also laid wreath. Daljit Singh Cheema Advisor to Chief Minister also laid wreath. Kusumjit Sidhu accompanied with her two sisters and Great Grandson lit the pyre.
Dignitaries from all walks of life, senior serving and retired civil and police officers including Chief Secretary S C Agrawal attended the cremation.
Prominent among those Civil and Police officers who were also present on the occasion included Rajan Kashyap, Former Chief Secretary, Tejinder Kaur, Gurjit Singh Cheema, NS Kang, R C Nayar, KJS Cheema, Suresh Arora ADGP, Gurinderjit Singh Sandhu, Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Anurag Verma, Sanjay Kumar, Vivek Partap, Gurdev Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioners from various districts and Senior serving and retired army officers from the unit of Brig Sidhu.
Meanwhile, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today condoled the death of Brig GS Sidhu, the father of Kusumjit Sidhu, the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab.
In a condolence message to the bereaved family, Capt Amarinder said, he and his party stood by them in this hour of grief. He said, late Brig Sidhu was a great military officer who had imbibed great values among his children.
Brig G.S.Sidhu father of Punjab CEO cremated- Punjab Newsline Network, Friday, 15 July 2011

Brig GS Sidhu

2011-07-27T22:16:00.000+05:30

Brig GS Sidhu was one of our very senior and outstanding Signals officer. He proved his mettle within and outside the Corps. He commanded 4 Inf Div Sig Regt, raised 9 Mtn Div/ later 9 Inf Div Sig Regt, was BM of a brigade, GSO1 Ops 6 Mtn Div during 1965 War and CSO IV Corps in 1971 War. A number of officers who distinguished themselves later in service learnt the essentials of signalling under him when he was OC Tac Wing in School of Signals, Mhow. Later he also trained the signallers of CRPF.
Those who served with or known Brig Sidhu have the highest regards for his ability, professionalism and humane qualities.
Brig GS Sidhu was one of those who stood firmly for the technical requirements and advice he rendered for providing signal communications to further the operational and logistics plans of commanders. He set very high standards and commanded respect from his seniors, equals and juniors. He was awarded AVSM for his outstanding service.
In his passing away the Corps has lost one of its great Signallers. We share the grief and loss of the bereaved family. May God rest the departed soul in peace.
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh
Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant, 1988-91

IC 845 Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM

2011-07-27T18:25:00.001+05:30

Dear Kandah,
May I request you to kindly convey our deepest condolences to the Family of our revered veteran Brig GS Sidhu, AVSM.
He was one of our very able senior signal officer who served the Army and the Corps in a very distinguished manner during 1965 and 1971 Wars and during his whole service. He was BM of a brigade, later GSO1 Ops 6 Mountain Division in 1965 War and CSO 4 Corps during Bangladesh Liberation in 1971 War.
Kindly intimate to all date of demise of Brig Sidhu.
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen

My dear general,
Thanks for your email. I would like to inform you that the cremation of Brig Sidhu was attended by large numbers of mercury circle officers. wreathes were laid on behalf of so-in-c, cso western command and mercury circle. In addition very large numbers of officers from punjab secretariat also attended the cremation.Bhog was held on 22nd July 2011 at sec 34 gurudwara which was again attended by large numbers of officers and other persons.
IC-845
DOB - 05 Feb 1923
DOC - 10 Oct 1943
DOR - 05 Feb 1975
Nok - Mrs Preetam Sidhu (wife)

Dear Chander,
Permit me to add that after commanding 4 inf Div Sig Regt, many of our generation went thru his able hands when he was Cdr Tac Wing. He also raised 9 Mtn Div Sig Regt at Agra which is now 9 Inf Div Sig Regt. Rare for anyone even of that generation to have commanded two Div Sig Regts. RIP.
Prakash Gokarn

SL-3742N Lt Col Thomas KAO

2011-07-22T21:39:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of SL-3742N Lt Col Thomas KAO (Retd) on 21 Jul 2011, at Pune. He died of Cardiac Death.
Next of Kin Smt Molly Thomas (wife).
Please see email received from Signals Adm, Dte Gen of Signals, appended below. 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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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: sigs adm
Sent: 22 July 2011 14:34To:
Subject: DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
We regret to inform the sad demise of SL-3742N Lt Col Thomas Kao (Retd) on 21 Jul 2011.
Details of illness/ Death: Cardiac Death The details of his family are as follows:
Next of Kin Name and relationship: Smt Molly Thomas (wife)
Name of Children:
(a) Smitha (Daughter)
(b) Mr Sunil (Son)
(c) Mr Suraj (Son)
Cremation date: 25 Jul 2011
Other Information about Officer
Date of Commission: 01 Oct 1983.
Date of Retirement: 01 Feb 2004.
Date of Demise: 21 Jul 2011.

Col Devender Sharma

2011-06-22T05:36:00.001+05:30

Dear Sir,
It is my sad duty to intimate demise of our course mate Col Devender Sharma, Corps of Signals today (19 Jun ) at Fortis Hospital NOIDA. He was afflicted with Cancer of Liver since last one year. Devender was commissioned in Technical -2 Course from OTA, Chennai on 14 March 1971. His date of birth is 01 Jul 1946. He is survived by his spouse Mrs Meera Sharma and their two sons who are working in USA. They can be contacted on 08800136610 and 08800138713. The cremation is taking place at Bulandshahar today. All officers of NT SS-10 and Tech-2 offer their condolences to the bereaved family and pray to The Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and fortitude to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
Maj Gen CD Sawant (Retd) CEO, CFESPL

Lt Col R Narasimhan

2011-06-22T05:34:00.000+05:30

Deeply regret to hear the sad demise of Lt Col R Narasimhan Retd ( Signals);
An officer two decades senior to me.
In those days a Lt Col enjoyed more powers, status and previleges in the society than todays Lt Gens.
In spite of the gap that existed due to the then prevailing formality, the Colonel managed to leave a deep impact on the signallers, he served with. I owe a lot to senior officers' like him, for developing the values and discipline that is so very important for a soldier.
We pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.
It will be with pride that his wife, son, Brig S Rajagopalan, Daughters, daughter-in-law and grandchildren will remember the very close association they had to be a part of him.
May GOD give them strength to carry forward his mission.
Brig. G. Natarajan, Retd, Signals

Lt Col R Narasimhan

2011-06-18T00:45:00.000+05:30

17 Jun 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of Lt Col Narasimhan, a Signals Veteran. Col Narasimhan was DCSO Madras Area during the early 1960s. He passed away on 13 Jun 11, at Chennai. He was around 93 years of age.
Col Narasimhan is survived by wife, son, Daughters, daughter-in-law and grand children.
I am also sad to inform you about the demise of Dr (Mrs) Sarada Malhotra, wife of Col SK Malhotra (20 NDA/29 IMA). She probably passed away on 4th Jun 2011, at Delhi. Col SK Malhotra is settled in Sainik Vihar, New Delhi. We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed souls and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear these irreparable losses. Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on 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.
PS
1. Please read email received from Brig VA Subramanyam appended below for more details.
2. You may also read an email received from Signals Adm regarding the demise of Colonel Narasimhan, a very senior Signals Veteran. Probably you may agree with me that Dte Gen of Signals can certainly do better to show respect to Signals Veterans.

From: Brig V A Subramanyam
Sent: 17 June 2011 10:50
To: sigsadm@indiatimes.com; Brig Chander Kamboj VSM; Maj Gen RN Chakrabarty
Cc: Lt Gen P Mohapatra AVSM, ADC
Subject: obituary
Dear Chander, Forwarding a message received from Brig S Rajagopalan, (12 Tech) EME, and b-in-law of Late Col Narasimhan. Col Narasimhan was DCSO Madras Area during the early 1960s. He was around 93 years of age when he passed away. Other service details may be provided by Sigs Adm. I had informed the other elderly Signal officers in town - such as Maj Gen A Balasubrahmanian and Lt Col PR Gangadharan. Col Ganga will be 90 in a few months from now. He mentioned that Col Narasimhan was senior to him by about a year. Gen Balu knew him quite well as they served together during 1950s in Delhi. Secondly, I also wanted to inform you of the passing away of Dr (Mrs) Sarada Malhotra. She passed away - I think - on the 04th of this month at Delhi. Her husband - Col SK Malhotra (20 NDA/29 IMA) did SODE 16 with me. They got married just before the course finished during mid 1967. After the course he was posted to 1 Corps Sig Regt. He then moved to LRDE, Bangalore during 1970. Sarada did her specialisation as a DGO while they were in Bangalore. He was seconded to DRDO thereafter and much later moved to Delhi, from where he finally retired. She set up a hospital in Delhi, where she continued till her untimely demise. He is settled in Sainik Vihar. They have a daughter - Sonia - a dentist now in Dehra Dun and a son Sunil, a doctor practicing in Delhi. In sorrow-- Suby ---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: S. Rajagopalan
Date: 17 June 2011 09:05
Subject: obituary
Lt Col R Narasimhan Retd ( Signals)passed away at the age of 93 on 13th Jun
Thanks to Brig V A Subramanyam, CSO from TNK & K Area HQ placed a wreath;
Survived by wife, son, Daughters daughter-in-law and grandchildren
Brig Rajagopalan---------------EMAIL RECEIVED FROM DTE GEN OF SIGNALS
From: sigsadm@indiatimes.com [mailto:sigsadm@indiatimes.com]
Sent: 17 June 2011 14:00
Cc: reportmysignalblogspot
Subject: Demise of Lt Col Narasimhan R (Retd) Forwarding a message received from Sigs Br HQ ATNK and K Area Lt Col Narasimhan R was DCSO Madras Area during the early 1960s. He was around 93 years of age when he passed away on 13 Jun 2011 at House No 202, defence Officers Colony, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai-600032. The fuenral was conducted at 1500 h on 13 jun 2011 and a wreath on behalf of SO-in-C was laid by OC ATNK & K Area Sig Coy on 13 Jun 2011. (No forwarded message received from Sigs Adm – Chander Kamboj)

IC 26591K Col Vijaya Chandran Nair

2011-05-16T06:37:00.000+05:30

ear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC 26591K, Col Vijaya Chandran Nair (Retd).He died on 11 May 2011, at Cochin between 4.30 and 05 am. He was suffering from kidney related ailments for some time.
Next of Kin: Mrs Sreekumari Nair Wife
Cremation: At Canannoor, further details not known at present.
Please see email received from Col M A Rasheed, SM (Retd), appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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.

Dear Lt Col Mankoo and others,
I am sad to inform all serving and retired Signals family about the untimely demise of Col Vijaya chandran Nair. Details known to me are as under:
1. IC 26591K, Col Vijaya Chandran Nair
2. Date of commission 06 Aug 1967
3. Died on 11 May at Cochin between 4.30 and 05 am. He was suffering from kidney related ailments for some time.
4. Members of the family

MRS SREEKUMARI NAIR WIFE

MR ABHILASH NAIR SON

MISS MEKHALA NAIR DAUGHTER.
5. The body is being taken to Canannoor for performing last rites
With Prayers
Col M A Rasheed,SM (Retd)
Chief coordinator
KIMS Group of Hospitals
Trivandrum

Deep sense of regret prevails to read the passing away of Col Vijaya Chandran Nair; a signaller who served the corps in an exemplary manner and left a deep impression in those who came his way. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
May God give strength to SREEKUMARI, ABHILASH and MEKHALA to wih stand this deep shock and carry forward the values which VC Nair cherished.
We, in the Corps, will miss him.
Brig G Natarajan (Retd)

Lt Col KS Rao

2011-04-19T17:32:00.000+05:30

Lt Col KS Rao (Retd) and Mrs Shantha Rao occupied the highest place of respect in my mind ever since I had the good fortune to get to know them at MCTE in 1964.
Very unassuming couple, who always looked for opportunities to be of help to others; a highly technical signals expert who never showed off his knowledge. Their contribution to the Corps will ever be remembered.
We miss them. MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE.
May GOD give courage and strength to Dr. K.R.Rao & Mrs Nirmala Ram Mohan to carry fprward, all those values and humanity they stood for and enrich this world.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals

Lt Col Kambal Srinivasa Rao

2011-04-18T07:34:00.001+05:30

Lt Col Kambal Srinivasa Rao (Retd.) SL-00214W left for his heavenly abode on 10th April 2011 at a ripe age of 83 years.
Born on 12th June 1929 in an orthodox Hindu Brahmin family, Kambal, as he was known to many of his colleagues and “Laddoo” to his friends, completed his B.Sc. (Physics) from Madras University and reached Banares Hindu University in a dhoti and shirt (donated by friends) to do research in Atomic Physics. Completing his M.Sc. in Electronics in 1951, he had enrolled for Ph.D. at BHU.
Fate played a hand at this stage in 1957, and requirement of funds for his family prompted him to join the Indian Army through Short Service Commission, when he joined the Corps of Signals. An option to continue with the army was again in store. Kambal found that his knowledge would be far more useful to the country’s needs through the defence services and progressed in the areas of Antenna engineering and Satellite communication – which was new technology during the 70s. After OLT at Mhow, he was sent to Telefunken, Germany to further adopt new technologies for the Army. So obsessed was he with his knowledge that he joined the HAM group with code sign “VU2RW” and was communicating through his personal transmitter (which he constructed on his own) setting an antenna over his residence.
Kambal was famous for his “Fault Dignostic Tester Trainer” which made him choose the pathway of Technical Officer Training (TOT), making the workforce of Corps of Signals more technical through training at STCs at Jabalpur, Goa and MCTE, Mhow.
During his service, his backbone deteriorated as he habitually used to lift his (heavy) paralytic father and keep on him on his scooter to take the aged person for treatment.
He retired from service in 1982 from Goa and joined Coal India Limited as Superintending Engineer (Telecom) providing the telecommunications network for the Coal fields all over India. He retired from Coal India Limited in 1984.
His wife Shantha, was his friend, philosopher & guide. She was adept at designing and creating works of art from waste materials – most popular one being “coconut shells”, of which an exhibition was held in Goa in 1983. She left for her heavenly abode in 2000.
Not undaunted by age and health problems he took up the ardous task of tutoring young students in Science & English, free of cost, only to give up at the age of 79.
Kambal is survived by his only son (Dr. K.R.Rao), daughter-in-law and two grand daughters with whom he was staying. It is as if the soul had quietly slipped into the fog, “Laddoo” is no more, but his memory will stay with us forever.

Bala,
K S Rao, a noble soul, it is unbelievable, has passed away. My close association with him was at Delhi, 1965-66. An affectionate person he was, used to encourage me when I was keen to join Army. Mrs Shantha Rao was equally made for each other with KS and we cannot forget them, the revered couple.Lakshmi and I pray for the soul rest in peace and bless all of us.
I am sure that this message would be read by Ram Mohan Rao. Our heart felt condolences for them.
With grief,
Visweswaran

Lt Col Kambal Srinivasa Rao

2011-04-18T07:28:00.001+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of Lt Col Kambal Srinivasa Rao, TOT, (Retired), on 10 Apr 2011, in a civil hospital at Vadodra.
Lt Col Kambal Srinivasa Rao was the only TOT, who was directly recruited as an officer. He died of acute pneumonia followed by heart attack.
For more details kindly see the email below received from Col VS Balan, Signals Veteran.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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: balan V.S
Sent: 16 April 2011 14:10
My dear Chander,
I came to know on 13th April that Lt Col Kambal Srinivasa Rao, (the only TOT who got directly commissioned as an officer) had passed away on 10th April 2011 at a civil hospital in Vadodara. His wife Mrs Shantha Rao had passed away in May 2000.
Their only son, Dr. Ram Mohan, a senior officer in ONGC was out of the country at that time. It was Col Rao's daughter-in-law, Mrs Nirmala Ram Mohan, who got KS admitted in the Hospital due to acute pneumonia, and after a day or so, he passed away due to heart failure. Ram Mohan was back from Europe in time to perform his Father's last rites.
I have asked Ram Mohan at Ankaleshwar (Phone No 094266 13038) to send me full details by email, and I have just received it. I am enclosing the same as an attachment.
There are many of us of the older lot who knew KS very well. May his soul rest in peace.
With regards,
VS Balan

Brig AS Apte

2011-02-28T15:27:00.004+05:30

Brig APS Apte (Retd) at the E-Seva at Secunderabad
Please convey heartfelt condolesenses to the family of Brig Apte. He was my first coy cmdr in 26 Inf Div Sig Regt in 1961 and I have great regards for him and had learnt a lot from him.
Brig D K Uberoy (Retd)

We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-1720 Brig AS Apte (Retd) on 26 Feb 2011. The details of his family are as follows:
Next of Kin: Mrs Sunanda Apte (Wife)
Children: Mr Ashok Apte (Son) and Mrs Jaisree (Daughter)
Tele/ Mob No: 040-27112585
Postal Address: House No B-138, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad-500594
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of Birth: 20 Sep 1925
2. Date of Commission: 07 Jun 1947
3. Date of Retirement: 31 Aug 1975
4. Date of Demise: 26 Feb2011
5. Last Appointment Held: CSO 15 Corps
With Warm Regards,
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

Brig AS Apte

2011-02-28T06:15:00.002+05:30

Brig AS Apte (Retd), Maj Sastry and Sub Maj Jagdish Raj cut the cake to mark the 93rd Corps of Signals anniversary at the Andhra Sub Area Signal Company at Bolarum

Dear All,
It is sad to hear the sad demise of Brig Apte whom I have known since 1972 and later from 1982 onwards. I called on him on Oct 2010. He was fragile but still in great spirits and was keen to meet over a cup a tea. As a member of our Sainikpuri Society, he did yeomen service to the veterans settled down in and around Sainikpuri society.
1. Worked relentlessly to get the Post Office to the colony.
2. Managed to get Sub-Area Canteen outlet to the Colony.
3. Took great initiative to organise voluntary help at MI room established at Vayupuri colony and also at Sarada Hospital (Under Ramakrishna Mission) opposite our colony
I must share this with all of you for posterity to honour the departed soul where he could deny the privileges for the welfare of junior officers.
When he was our CSO 15 Corps, I was serving in 3 Inf Div Sig Regt during 72-75. I was nominated for Pre-Staff course at Gulmarg and another signal officer Maj Sarna from J Comn Sig Regt was also nominated. He was so kind to allot Mercury hut for both of us breaking all norms for the entire duration of the course so that we both could comfortably stay with family. Having done that, he had to face the crisis of S-O-in-C designate Gen Sapra wanting to stay during that time.
CO of the 15 Corps Sig Regt ordered us to vacate without making any alterante arrangements for us. When he came to know of it, he fired the CO and asked him to make alternate arrangements to the S-O-in-C designate without disturbing us.
I narrated this incident several times to the retired signal officers and sharing with you all now. This is the only way I can pay my tributes to him being in US since December 2010. I am fortunate to have almost 30 years of continuous association with him after his retirement.
Please convey our deep sympathies to Mrs Apte and his daughter and son-in-law Uppal when you meet them.
In Sorrow,
Col (Retd) KP Rao and family

I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Brig Apte. I am writing to Mrs Sunanda Apte and to his younger brother Lt Gen SS Apte (Bapu).
Brig Anand Apte did OLT course together at Mhow and became close friends for life. I last met him when I went to look him up at his house in secunderabad two years back. Anand Apte was one of the most principled and upright persons I have ever met.
-Veteran BK Rai

Brig AS Apte

2011-02-28T06:05:00.004+05:30

It was with deep distress that we learnt of the sad demise of Anand Apte. I have just spoken to his wife and conveyed our deep condolences.
He joined the IMA with the First Post War(1939-45) Course on 18 Feb 1946 and though he was commissioned, six months later than us, in Jun 1947, he was always considered part of the First Course.
Anand served as a colleague with me in the Signals Directorate in the early sixties. He was a fine officer, extremely dedicated to make a thorough job of whatever was assigned to him; a thorough gentleman and a good friend. After retirement he remained in close touch with all Corps events. I am aware he attended every function at which veterans were invited and did all he could to boost the morale of veterans and serving personnel alike.
It may not be well-known but he was so attached to the Corps and the First Course, in particular, that he established contact with GOCinC ARTRAC, during his visit to Secunderabad and followed it up with him, when he became the COAS, to seek concurrence to a Signal officer of the First Course to review the Passing out Parade at the IMA on a suitable date, preferably the 60th Anniversary of commissioning of the First Course in Dec 2006. It was his regret that the request could not be acceded due to prevalent custom and tradition.
We invoke the Blessings of the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and courage to the family to bear the loss with fortitude
With regards
(Lt Gen MS Sodhi, Former SO-in-C)

I offer my Shradhanjli to the departed soul.
It was great to know Late Brig A S Apte. He will be remembered for his great Community Service at Sainikpuri and one of his great writing “A Spiritual Odyssey - An Exploration of the Scriptures of the Nine Living Religions of the World”.
Regards,
Lt Col(retd) V V P Menon

Brig AS Apte

2011-02-28T06:04:00.002+05:30

It is with a sense of deep regret that I read the email that conveys the news of the sad demise of Brig AS Apte (retd).
A great decisive signaller with humane approach, who accepted responsibility for his command and radiated confidence. He will be missed by the lucky ones who got to know him and learn from him.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
I salute the lady who stood by him; Pray to GOD to give her strength to bear this seperation.
Brig. G. Natarajan, Signals

Deepest Condolences on passing away of a stalwart Signaller who was liked & loved by all who came in his contact ...... chandra & latika shukla
Chandra B Shukla

Brig AS Apte

2011-02-27T05:04:00.001+05:30

26 Feb 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of Brig AS Apte, Signals Veteran, on 26 Feb 2011, at Secunderabad. He had been ailing for some time.
Next of Kin: Mrs Apte, (Regret first name not known), Wife – Phone - 040-27112585. B-138, SainikPuri, Secunderabad-94.
I had the privilege of serving under Brig Apte twice. In first tenure with him I was Sublatern A Sec in 26 Inf Div Sig Regt and he was our Company Commander. In second tenure he was commanding the 36 Inf Div Sig Regt at Saugar and I was OC 115 Inf Bde Sig Coy at Dhana.
He was very kind hearted and thorough in professional knowledge. He was very quick in giving decisions and always supported the decisions taken by his subordinates.
Please see email received from Lt Gen SRR Aiyengar, appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on this weblog -
The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to- Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at - reportmysignalblogspot(at)gmail.com
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

From: ranga aiyengar
Sent: 26 February 2011 20:46

Dear Chander,
It is with deep sorrow that i wish to convey the news of the sad demise of Brig AS Apte (Retd). He had been ailing for some time and died at approx 1630 hrs on Saturday, 26 Feb. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter (married).
With deep sorrow
Lt Gen (Retd) SRR Aiyengar

Lt Col Mukesh Sharma

2011-02-20T13:37:00.000+05:30

Lt Col Mukesh Sharma was my immediate junior in the Corps of Sgnals. My association with him has been extremely cordial. He was kind, helpful and cared for his friends always and every time.
I feel the great loss created by his untimely demise.
May his soul rest in peace and let God give strength to Rekha and children to bear the loss.
Lt Col (Retd) S Atholi
[IC 33368H]

Lt Col Mukesh Sharma

2011-02-20T13:36:00.000+05:30

I was deeply shocked by the untimely and sad demise of Lt Col Mukesh Sharma.
Mukesh happened to be the course senior of SSC SODE course in CME way back in 1978-79 where I happened to be his group officer. He was an officer who was extremely mature, much beyond his age and service. He was very caring and always acted as a buffer to safeguard the interests of his fellow students.
Once in 1983, I had to rush my two year old son to Command Hospital Lucknow for an emergency treatment. Mukesh who was posted there came immediately and lent his scooter to me for running around. Next day I saw him walking to the CH to enquire about my son. Mrs Shrama too took extra care of my son while in hospital. Mukesh was without a transport for next four days.
Very few people can have the golden heart like Mukesh.
May God grant peace to the departed soul and give courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Deeply in sorrow,
Lt Gen A K Saini

IC-33370A Lt Col Mukesh Kumar

2011-02-18T10:57:00.000+05:30

Deeply grieved to read that Col Mukesh Kumar, a very young veteran, is NO more.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
May GOD give courage and strength to Mrs Rekha Sharma, Maj Amit Sharma,
Mr Ashish Sharma, and the near and dear ones to bear this irrepairable loss and to carry forward the values he cherished.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals

IC-33370A Lt Col Mukesh Kumar

2011-02-18T10:56:00.002+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC-33370A Lt Col Mukesh Kumar, Veteran Signaller, of SS-14 course, at 3.50 AM, on 17 Feb 11, at his residence in Bhopal.
Next of Kin
Mrs Rekha Sharma (wife),
Land line: 0755-2464747,
Mobile: 9009682225, 7566065660
Postal Address.
G-3, Janki Enclave, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal (MP)-462016
Cremation Was held on 17 Feb 11.
Chautha Ceremony.
Chautha & Uthala will be held on 20 Feb 2011 (Sunday) at 10.00am (tentatively) at his residence G-3, Janki Enclave, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal-462016.
Please see emails received from Dte Gen of Signals and Col Umakant Saxena appended below.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all his near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on 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 Dte Gen of Signals
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-33370A Lt Col Mukesh Kumar (Retd) on 17 Feb 2011.
The details of his family are as follows:-
Next of Kin
Name and relationship: Mrs Rekha Sharma (Wife)
Name of Children: Maj Amit Sharma (AEC), Mr AshisSharma (Son, 26 Yrs Software Engineer Coy, Pune)
Address: G-3, Janki Enclave, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal (MP)-462016
Cremation
Date and Time of Cremation: Subhash Nagar Crematorium, Bhopal (MP) at 1600h on 17 Feb 2011.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of Birth: 20 Oct 1950
2. Date of Commission: 03 Dec 1973
3. Date of Retirement: 31 Oct 2003
4. Date of Demise: 17 Feb2011
AS Mankoo
Lt Col
Dir Sigs Adm
For SO-in-C
Feb 2011
Copy to:-
SO to SO-in-C
Sigs-4
MCTE, Mhow
Sigs-9 (CDM)

From: umakant saxena
Sent: 17 February 2011 22:48
To: CS.Kamboj@yahoo.in
Subject: SAD DEMISE OF LT COL MUKESH SHARMA
Dear Sir,
With profound grief, we inform the sad demise of Lt Col Mukesh Sharma (Retd) of SS-14 course on 17 Feb 2011 at 3.50 am at his residence in Bhopal. He was an officer who lived upto the true definition of brotherhood, compassion and camaraderie. And has roped-in thousands of friends by a single chain of love and affection.
Chauthala & Uthala will be held on 20 Feb 2011 (Sunday) at 10.00am (tentatively) at his residence G-3, Janki Enklave, Chuna Bhatti, Bhopal-462016.
May God give strength to the family members to bear the great loss.
Details of his family:
Mrs Rekha Sharma (wife)
Maj Amit Sharma (Son)
Mr Ashish Sharma (Son)
Regards,
Col Umakant Saxena

Brig Yeshwant Desai, AVSM

2011-02-02T19:26:00.000+05:30

My association with Brig Yeshwant goes back to 1952 when I was posted to the Signals Directorate as GSO3 (Traffic and Procedure) and he was the GSO2(Comns). I can rightly say that he was the one who introduced me to staff work at Army HQ and dealings with the Ministry of Defence, which was to stand me in good stead for my subsequent tenures at the Directorate. It is almost over six decades ago, but I cannot recall any situation that ruffled him. Needless to say there were many, in the early days of establishing procedures and standardising the functioning of Signal Centres'. The General Staff at Army HQ, as we saw it, had little depth of knowledge of communications problems. He, to his credit, resolved almost all of them at his level. His demeanour, as an immediate superior, was polite and understanding. Guidance to junior staff was based on thorough knowledge and clarity of thought. A good lesson to have learnt in one's early years.
I had the pleasure of meeting him at a recent SOinC's Conclave Social a couple of years ago and he was his usual cheerful and affable self. Little did one realise that would be a farewell meet. In him the Corps has lost a veteran whose qualities of an officer and gentleman could and should be well emulated. He and his wife Suhas were a very likeable couple and they made both junior officers and others feel comfortable in their company.
We invoke the Blessings of God for the departed soul and strength and courage to his wife and the family to bear his physical absence with fortitude.
Lt Gen MS Sodhi (Retd)

Brig Yeshwant Desai, AVSM

2011-02-01T20:27:00.000+05:30

I first met Brig Desai in 1970, when he was the Dy Comdt MCTE, and we were doing SODE 22. He had recently come from a foreign assignment (MA in Germany, I think). Mrs Desai soon became a favourite with us bachelors, as she never refused a dance!. Their young daughter too was much in demand as a dancing partner. They were the epitome of grace and gentle behaviour, even with young officers. No wonder, The Deputy Comdt's house was the one where all the YO's went first, to perform the then sacrosanct duty of calling on senior officers.
My last meeting with him was in Defence Colony about two years back, when I met him to get some inputs for the Corps History. As usual, Mrs Desai was the same gracious hostess that she had been almost 40 years earlier.
In his departure, the Corps has lost one of its finest officers. I pray for peace to his departed soul.
Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd)

Brig Yeshwant Desai, AVSM

2011-02-01T15:11:00.001+05:30

Brig Desai Chief Signal Officer 33 Corps

with Maj Saldana OC 164 Brigade Sig CoyBrig Deasi was the the CSO 33 Corps when I was commanding 27 Mtn S Div Sig Regt at Kalimpong during the fateful days of 1971/72
Later we remained in touch at Delhi, having red my first book 'Letters From The Border' he kept goading me to write another which resulted in 'A Soldiers Journey Through Life with Two Wives'. He invited me to Delhi Gemkhana for a cermonial presentation of the book to the club library.
A fine gentleman, will be remembered fondly by all who served under or with him.
Pictures of his visit to 27 Mtn DIv just before the operations of 1971.
Brig Lakshman

Brig YS Desai , AVSM

2011-02-01T14:51:00.000+05:30

I have known Brig YS Desai as an extremely honest officer devoted to his profession. He was loved by juniors and seniors alike, and it was a pleasure to work under his guidance.
I had the privilege of serving under him at the height of Bangla Desh War of 1971 in 33 Corps and shall always remember the support, guidance encouragement I received from him.
Col SK Paranjape, Retd.

Col & Mrs CK SESHADRI note with deep sorrow the sad demise of Brig
Yeshwant Desai. I remember my close association with him and his
family when he was the deputy commandant of MCTE, mhow where i was
posted during 1967-70. He was very humble, gentle and hospitable.
Our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Suhasini Desai, Jyothsna and Mekhala
Col CK Seshadri (Retd)

I feel very proud of the opportunity that i had in my YO days to get to know Brig Yeshwant Desai, AVSM (Retd), He left behind an everlasting pride in the Corps. Deeply regret at his farewell to his human body.May his soul rest in PEACE. May GOD give strength to near and dear ones to bear the loss and Courage to carry for ward the values he stood for.
Brig G Natarajan (Retd)

Brig Yeshwant Desai

2011-01-31T13:49:00.002+05:30

The passing away of Brig Yeshwant Desai is a big loss to the Corps and for those who served with him or knew him. He was an outstanding officer and a thorough gentleman. He had great poise, polished manners, was soft spoken, very mature.. He never got flustered or excited what ever the circumstances. He was also very friendly and approachable.
Brig Desai was a World War II veteran. I had the privilege and pleasure to serve with him when he was Chief Signal Officer 33 Corps in early 1970s. I hold him in very high esteem and feel very sad that he is no more with us.
Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Desai and family members. May God rest the
departed soul in peace.
Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh
Signal Officer-in-Chief and
Senior Colonel Commandant 1988-91

IC-978 Brig Yeshwant Desai, AVSM

2011-01-30T06:20:00.001+05:30

29 Jan 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC-978 Brig Yeshwant Desai, AVSM (Retd), on 29 Jan 2011.
He died of heart attack.
Next of Kin
Mrs Suhasini Desai, Wife. - 09818496544
C-68, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024
Cremation
Electric Crematorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, at 1700h on 30 Jan 2011.
Please see email received from Dte Gen of Signals, appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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: sigsadm
Sent: 29 January 2011 18:07
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: Demise of Retd Signal Offr
Dear sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-978 Brig Yeshwant Desai, AVSM (Retd) on 29 Jan 2011 at New Delhi.
Details of illness: Heart Attack.
Next of Kin: Mrs Suhasini Desai(Wife)
Children: Ms Jyotsna Desai(Daughter) and Mrs Mekhala Singh (Daughter)
Date and time of Cremation : Electric Crematorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi at 1700h on 30 JAN 2011.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 09 Jan 1924.
2. Date of Seniority: 12 May 1942
3. Date of retirement: 31 Jan 1976
4. Date of demise: 29 Jan 2011
With warm regards
Lt Col AS mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

IC-5968 Col SP Choudhary

2010-12-01T23:56:00.000+05:30

It is with a sense of deep regret that I read the SAD DEMISE OF IC-5968 Col SP Choudhary, an out standing officer of the Corps.
His contributions enriched the Corps and I recall with pride the lessons I learnt from him.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE. May GOD give strength to Mrs Harsh Choudhary and all near and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals

I had first met Col Choudhry during 1979 at MCTE MHOW when I was Commander FCE and he was commander All Arms Wing. The next meeting was at RAW where he was holding the fort of the Division that I took over on my posting here. We served together till his superannuation. SP was always well composed, unflappable and a nice colleague.
I pray , his soul may rest in peace.
Brig Lakshman Singh VSM (Retd)

Lt Col K T Bopaya

2010-11-29T21:13:00.000+05:30

Lt Col K T Bopaya (dob: 23.12.1925 dod: 22.11.2010) joined the First Post War (1939-1945) Regular Course at the Indian Military Academy in Feb 1946 and was commissioned on 22 Dec 1946 along with five other officers who joined the Corps of Signals. One of them opted for Pakistan and moved away in 1947.
He joined his first unit, 19 Inf Div Sig Regt in Jun 1948 and got the feel of an active battle front of J&K. He commanded L Comn Z Sig Regt in XXXIII Corps at about the same time in 1967-69, when his course mates Lt Col MS Sodhi and Lt Col KK Poonawala were commanding the Corps Signal Regiment and 23 Inf Div Sig Regt respectively in the same area. It was quite a coincidence for three of the five officers of the First Course to be in the same formation at the same time! He was appointed Dy CAFSO at Air HQ in 1971 and moved to ATN&K Area from where he took premature retirement in 1974, due to domestic reasons and settled in Madikeri, Coorg looking after the family coffee estate. He is survived by his wife Kaveri, son, Iyappa, and family Suchitra and Zubin.
He had a very amiable and pleasant nature which endeared him to his colleagues and superiors alike. He was a fine sportsman who played every game, notably hockey, squash and tennis. Was a keen ‘shikari’. Hunting and angling were popular sports among officers of all ranks of that generation, who had a liking for the outdoor.
He will be missed by everyone who had got to know him in service.
Tel: 08272-228435
mob: 0-9448588040
Lt Gen MS Sodhi (Retd)

IC-5968 Col SP Choudhary

2010-11-27T18:49:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC-5968 Col SP Choudhary (Retd) on 26 Nov 2010. He died of heart attack.
Next of Kin: Mrs Harsh Choudhary, wife
Cremation: Electric Crematorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, at 1100h on 27 Nov 2010.
Please see email received from Dte Gen of Signals, appended below. A copy of a DO letter received from the SO-in-C is also attached.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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.

Subject: Demise of retd Sigs offr
Dear Sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-5968 Col SP Choudhary (Retd) on 26 Nov 2010. The details of his family are as follows:
Details of illness/: Heart Attack
Cause of death and hospital etc if known.
Next of Kin: Mrs Harsh Choudhary(Wife)
Cremation: Electric Crematorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi at 1100h on 27 Nov 2010.
Other Information about Officer
1.Date of birth.- 17 May 1932
2.Date of retirement 31 May 1984
3.Date of demise: 26 Nov 2010
With Warm Regards
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

Lt Col KT Bopaya

2010-11-23T20:56:00.003+05:30

23 Nov 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of Lt Col KT Bopaya, Veteran, on 22 Nov 10, at Mercara Coorg.
He was commissioned on 22 Dec 1946.
He had been ailing for some time but final problem was urinary infaction.
Next of Kin: Mrs Kaveri Bopaya, wife
Son – Monu
Cremation of Late Colonel Bopaya was held on 23 Nov, afternoon.
Please see email received from Lt Gen MS Sodhi, Former SO-in-C, appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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: MS Sodhi
Sent: 23 November 2010 18:51
To: CS Kamboj; CS Kamboj
Subject: Sad demise
Dear Chander,
Lt Col KT Bopaya passed away yesterday in Mercara Coorg. I have just spoken to his wife and son- Kaveri and Monu. He was my senior and a very dear friend since college days in Nagpur.
The other details relevant for circulation by you , as far as I know them, are as follows
Date of commission 22 Dec 1946
Ailment: Was ailing for some time but final problem was a urinary infection
NOK: Mrs Kaveri Bopaya
Funeral took place this afternoon
Regards
In grief
MS Sodhi (Lt Gen MS Sodhi, Former SO-in-C, at Dehra Dun)

OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO Mrs. KAVERI BOPAYA AND HER SON MANU ON THE SAD DEMISE OF LT COL KT BOPAYA. WE PRAY LET HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE AND GOD GIVE THE STRENGTH TO HIS FAMILY.
--- COL & MRS CK SESHADRI

Maj Gen SC Kashyap

2010-11-23T20:52:00.000+05:30

Dear Colleagues,
I have just learnt of the sad demise of one of our dear members, Maj Gen SC Kashyap, AVSM**. He passed away at Chandigarh on 17 Nov 2010. Known for his clarity of thought and conceptual grasp, he was a thinking soldier. He was a very active member of the IESM and contributed greatly to our policies and planning. His departure has left a great void. We pray for peace for his soul. On this sad occasion we fully share the grief of the family.
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM

Dear Sir,
This is regarding passing away of Maj Gen SC Kashyap.
He was a Good man and Excellent officer. I had known him as Cdr 61 Bde at Imphal when I was commanding the Sig Regt in Nagaland and later as GOC Delhi Area when I was commanding the Sig Gp at Delhi.
His son is a Signals officer. They created history when Gen Kashyap was taking the salute and his son was leading the Signals contingent at a Parade in Delhi I think in 2000.
Our condolences to the family .
Madhav Datar
Lt Gen MG Datar (Retd)

IC-17853N Lt Col PN Rai

2010-10-22T01:26:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC-17853N Lt Col PN Rai (Retd) on 05 Oct 10, at Jabalpur.
Next of Kin: Mrs Damainti Rai (Wife)
Please see email received from Dte Gen of Signals appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on 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.

Dear Sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-17853N Lt Col PN Rai (Retd) on 05 Oct 2010. The details of his family are as follows:
Next of Kin
Name and relationship: Mrs Damainti rai (Wife)
Cremation Date and time of Cremation: 05 Oct 2010.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 24 Feb 1942
2. Date of Seniority: 11 Jun 1967
3. Date of retirement: 30 Jun 1998
4. Date of demise: 05 Oct 2010
With warm Regards
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

Mrs Ila Choudhari Wife of Late Brig SKP Choudhari

2010-10-07T05:49:00.002+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform about the demise of Mrs Ila Choudhari Wife of Late Brig SKP Choudhari on 06 Oct 2010.
Next of Kin
Ms Mona Choudhari (Daughter), 011-26273291, 09818316760
I Block-1758, 1st floor, Chittaranjan Park,
Kalkaji, New Delhi-110019
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.
Please also see the email received from Sigs Adm, appended below.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

Demise of Mrs Ila Choudhari Wife of Late Brig SKP Choudhari
Dear sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of Mrs Ila Choudhari Wife of Late Brig SKP Choudhari on 06 Oct 2010. The details of his family are as follows:-.
Name and relationship: Ms Mona Choudhari (Daughter)
Date and time of Cremation: Lodhi Electric Crematorium, Opp Lodhi, Hotel, New Delhi at 1800h on 06 Oct 2010.
With warm regards
Lt Col AS mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

Lt Col Joseph Farias Anselm and Lt Col Rajbir Singh

2010-10-04T19:16:00.000+05:30

It is very sad to note the sad demise of two of our veterans - Lt Col Joseph Farias Anselm (Retd)and Lt Col Rajbir Singh (Retd).
My heratfelt condolences to their families and pray to Almighty to rest their souls in peace.
Col JL CHATTERJI (Retd)

IC-28171H Lt Col Joseph Farias Anselm and IC-35896L Lt Col Rajbir Singh

2010-09-30T19:40:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of two Signals Veterans –
1. IC-28171H Lt Col Joseph Farias Anselm (Retd), who left for his heavenly abode on 24 Sep 2010.
2. IC-35896L Lt Col Rajbir Singh (Retd), who left for his heavenly abode on 10 Sep 2010.
Forgive me for the delay in sending this email as I was off the internet for five days.
Please also see email received from Sigs Adm, appended below.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the two departed souls and strength to all their near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog -
http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

From: sigsadm
Sent: 28 September 2010 16:45
Subject: EMAIL DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
Dear Sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-28171H Lt Col Joseph farias Anselm (Retd) on 24 Sep 2010. The details of his family are as follows:
Details of illness: Heart Attack.
Next of Kin :
Name and relationship: Mrs (Dr) S farias Prabhu (Wife)
Name of Children: Mrs Shalini (Daughter)
Date and time of Burial: 25 Sep 2010.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 21 Apr 1942
2. Date of Seniority: 30 Apr 1969
3. Date of retirement: 30 Apr 1993
4. Date of demise: 24Sep 2010
with Warm Regards
LT Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

From: sigsadm
Sent: 28 September 2010 16:38
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: EMAIL FOR DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
Dear sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-35896L Lt Col Rajbir Singh (Retd) on 10 Sep 2010 at Apollo Hosp, Ahmadabad. The details of his family are as follows:
Details of illness: Heart Attack.
Next of Kin :
Name and relationship: Mrs Shashi Singh (Wife)
Name of Children: Maj PK Malik (Son) Armd Corps
Mrs Neeraj Suree (Daughter)
Mrs Neetu Singh (Daughter)
Cremation
Date and time of Cremation: 10 Sep 2010.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 09 Jan 1951
2. Date of Seniority: 13 Dec 1978
3. Date of retirement: 31 Jan 2004
4. Date of demise: 10 Sep 2010
With warm regards
Lt Col AS mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

IC19750N Lt Col B C Panda - obituary in Signalman finally

2010-08-19T21:46:00.000+05:30

Dear Brigadier Kamboj, Colonel James (and the other esteemed people on the mail)
This is to thank you for the fact that I finally managed to get the Signals folks to publish my dad's obit in the Signalman magazine, a year after his death, even though we informed them within days of his death. Thank you so much. I say this with all the more meaning in these words as I understand how valuable a forum your site is on matters where supposedly official lines of comms exist!! Of course I must mention that the last issue of the magazine reached my mother with a letter saying the copy of the magazine carrying my father's obituary was enclosed - as if it was a favour, and with no reason or apology from anyone for the goof up of not publishing it in the first place on time, whereas my father subscribed for a life membership of the magazine, which is still valid.

I also want to thank you for the fact that I got the SO-in-C's telephone number from your forum and after calling maybe thrice over a period of two months finally managed to speak to the gentleman. He did say that he would try to find out the cause for the slippage and initiate appropriate action, but that is digressing from the reason behind this mail.

To come back to my objective, my heartfelt thanks to you and for me, http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/ is the actual Signalman magazine, and I shall try my level best to spread this message amongst relevant folks.
Thanks so much again
Regards
Satya

Major PN Suri

2010-08-13T21:27:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of Major PN Suri, a very senior Signals Veteran, who had migrated to USA in early 70s.
He died on 10 Jul 10.
Next of Kin: Mrs Mohinder Suri, wife,
Please also see email received from Lt Gen SL Mehrotra, Former SO-in-C, appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog-
The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at - reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

From: S L Mehrotra
Sent: 13 August 2010 07:32
Subject: Sad demise-Maj PN Suri

Dear Chander,
I got the news of sad demise of one of our very old veterans Maj P N Suri from his wife today.He had migrated to USA in early seventies.
Details are as under
Date of death: Jul 10, 2010
wife: Mohinder Suri.
Regards,
Shanker
Lt Gen S L Mehrotra

Col RK Vats

2010-08-10T18:14:00.000+05:30

It is with very deep regret that I read the departure of the senior most veteran, Col RK VATS (Retd) from his earthly obligations.
He made the Corps proud. His contributions to enrich the Corps will ever be remembered.
WE PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED SOUL TO REST IN PEACE.
We share the sorrow of Ms SUHAS & SMITA VATS, AND PRAY GOD to give them courge and strength to bear the loss.
I do take courage to congratulate them for looking after their FATHER so well.
With best wishes.
Brig G Natarajan, Retd

Col RBS Babulkar

2010-08-10T08:10:00.003+05:30

It is tragic to know that Col Babulkar is no more. How can one forget his handsome face with always a smile on it. Popularly known as Babu to some of his friends, he was a thorough gentleman with a big heart. I have very fond memories of him.

Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Corps will miss him.

Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen
SO-in-C and Senior Colonel Commandant 1988-91

Col Raj Kumar Vats

2010-08-10T00:38:00.003+05:30

It is indeed very sad to learn about the passing away of Col Raj Kumar Vats, one of Corps of Signals very senior Veterans. He lived for 95 years out of which he served the Corps and the Army for 34 years, retiring in 1965.

Col Vats was a very unassuming person, a thorough gentleman, mature, friendly, carried himself so well and a soldier's Colonel. He was an excellent sportsman and excelled in soccer (football). As Officer Commanding, Y communication Zone Signal regiment in 1955-56, he played as Center forward for the Regiment's soccer team!!

I had the privilege of serving under him when 168 Brigade Signal Section was directly under Y Communication Zone Signal Regiment in 1955-56.

Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Corps will miss him.

Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen
SO-in-C and Senior Colonel Commandant 1988-91

IC-4132 Col Raj Kumar Vats

2010-08-08T21:59:00.001+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC-4132 Col Raj Kumar Vats (Retd), due to heart attack, on 06 Aug 10, at New Delhi.
Next of Kin: Miss Suhas Vats (Daughter)
Please see email received from Dte Gen of Signals appended below.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog- The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-4132 Col Raj Kumar Vats (Retd) on 06 Aug 2010. The details of his family are as follows:-.
Details of illness/:Heart Attack
Next of Kin: Miss Suhas Vats (Daughter)
Name of Children: Miss Suhas Vats (Daughter), Miss smita Vats (daughter)
Cremation: Lodhi Crematorium, Lodhi Estate at 1800 hrs on 06 Aug 2010.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 13 Jul 1915
2. Date of Commission: 26 Jan 1941
3. Date of retirement: 13 Jul 1965
4. Date of demise: 06 Aug 2010
AS Mankoo
Lt Col
Dir Sigs Adm
For SO-in-C

Col RBS Bablkar

2010-08-08T21:51:00.002+05:30

From: PRAKASH GOKARN
Sent: 05 August 2010 17:23
To: babulkar
Dear Vikram,
We had just returned to Lisbon [Portugal] when we saw your mail on the sad demise of your dear father Col Ramesh Babulkar, SIGNALS of a massive heart attack at Hinduja Hospital. I am trying to inform as many Signallers and others as i know & whose mail I have. I am sure that Neeta or Sumapachi will inform Geeta who is in Mumbai. I have known Col Babulkar for many years & the Corps holds him in highest regard. One of the few Signallers decorated in 1965 operations, a loved & respected CO of 11 Inf Div Sig Regt & CSO M&G Area. KIndly convey the deep sympathies to all of you particularly Mrs Savitri Babulkar of our entire family & from the Retired fraternity of the Corps of Signals in Mumbai, whom I am privileged to represent. May his soul rest in peace. Capt Bharadwaj is requested to intimate DG SIGS Sigs Adm & other Signallers, particularly 11 INF DIV SIG REGT & BRIG RANSOM LOBO whose mail address I do not have.
With our sincere condolences,
Prakash Gokarn (Lt Gen, Former SO-in-C)

From: natarajan vasanta
Sent: 06 August 2010 05:55
Dear Vikram,
I am terribly sorry to hear about the severe heart attack to your daddy at 8 pm last night which took him away from us all. He has an embodiment of love, sincerity, honesty, concern for others. A towering personality whose teachings helped me to live with pride and serve the Corps. His values will be ever remembered.
Please convey my heart felt sorrow to your mother.
MAY THE DEPARTED SOUL REST IN PEACE.
may GOD give you. your mom and all near and dear ones courage and strength to with stand this shock and carry forward his wishes and the image he leaves behind.
with respects to your mother and very warm regards
natarajan

From: harish malhotra
Sent: 06 August 2010 00:45
Dear Chander,
Col RBS Babulkar leaves behind his wife Savitri, son Vikram and daughter Vinita (both married). Vikram is stationed at Mumbai and Vinita is in USA.

From: rs chhikara
Sent: 05 August 2010 23:26
Col Babulkar was Adjt $ Mtn Div Sig Regt !963 -64 and later commanded Air Formation Sig Regt in Guwahati 1973-74 and 11 Inf Div Sig Regt 1975-76. Maj Gen Kirpekar in Pune is likely to have more details.
Chhikara

Col Babulkar was commanding the Air Fmn Sig Regt at Guwahati when I was commanding the S Comn Zone Sig Regt in 1972-75 or so at the same station. He was an upright, correct, formal yet a very friendly officer. We were together almost every other day for some event or the other and have very fond memories of that time. May God give strength to the family to bear the loss and may his soul rest in peace.
Col Shivraj

Col RBS Babulkar

2010-08-08T21:47:00.001+05:30

Dear Signallers,
Reference my earlier email dated 04 Aug 10 US CT (05 Aug IST), regarding Col R Babulkar.
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC-6588H Col R Babulkar, a very popular Veteran Signaller, on 05 Aug 10, at Mumbai.
Next of Kin: Mrs Savitri Babulkar, wife,
More detailed information received from his son, Shree Vikram Babulkar, is appended below.

Please also see emails received from other Veteran Signallers appended.

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", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog - The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator.

In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

Information Received From Shree Vikram Babulkar, Son of Col Babulkar
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-6588H Col R Babulkar (Retd) on
5th August 2010 . The details of his family are as follows:
Details of illness/ hospital: Heart Attack Hinduja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai
Next of Kin: Wife: Savitri
Name of Children Son: Vikram, Daughter: Vinita
Date and time of Cremation: Friday, 6th August, Around 2.00 P.M. at Shivaji Park Crematorium
Prayer Meeting: Tentative on Monday 16th August. Will Inform as and when finalised.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 8th August 1928
2. Date of Commission: August 1950
3. Date of Seniority:
4. Date of retirement: 31st August 1980
5. Date of demise: 5th August 2010
6. Last appointment held: DCSO, Eastern Command- Shillong
7. Any other information: Mention in Despatches 1965, CAS Commendation
1971.

Brig DND Jones

2010-08-03T08:52:00.000+05:30

Courtesy RMS i came to know the sad Demise of my good friend and colleague brig d n d jones.

jones on being granted commission in the army and after the initial training in the then school of signals at mhow, he was posted to our regiment 1 airformation signal regiment. As all officers of the regiment were the members of the then operational command IAF officers mess right at the airport, he was also accommodated with us there. it was virtually home coming for jones as he met his erstwhile fellow cadets at the iaf flying school and in no time very popular in the mess. a very well built and tough officer was a brilliant sportsman who excelled in football. within weeks of his arrival; in our regiment he played for the delhi area and pretty soon inducted into the army football team. he lead the team as its captain in the interservices foot ball tournments. he was soo good that he was given berth in the team india which took part in the first asian football tournzment. his favourite posistion was center forward. i remember his scoring a very remarkable goal lying flat on the ground his head towards the opposite team's goal rocketting the football into the goal as the ball tossed very near his right foot. sports and physical culture was his cup of tea and quite naturally he was transferred to IAPTC. we are happy to note that he rose to become the director of IAPTC
WE ALL PRAY GOD ALMIGHTY TO REST HIS SOUL IN PEACE AND GRANT HIS DEAR FAMILY THE COURAGE AND FORTITUDE TO BEAR THE IRREPARABLE LOSS.
col ns dwarakanath, avsm

SL-596L Brig Devine Jones DN

2010-07-18T11:41:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of SL-596L Brig Devine Jones DN (Retd)(ex Signals converted to APTC)on 11 Jul 10 at 0100 hrs at Pune.
Next of Kin: Mrs Joan Devine (Wife)
Name of Children: Mr Craig Devine Jones(Son), Mr Geossrey Devine Jones (Son)
Date and time of Burial: 17 Jul 10.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog -
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Please also see email below received from Sigs Adm.
Sent: 13 July 2010 04:34

We regret to inform the sad demise of SL-596L Brig Devine Jones DN (Retd)(ex Signals converted to APTC)on 11 Jul 10 at 0100 hrs at Pune.
The details of his family are as follows:-
Details of illness/
Cause of death and hospital etc if known: Old age problems.
Next of kin
Name and relationship: Mrs Joan Devine (Wife).
Name of Children: Mr Craig Devine Jones(Son), Mr Geossrey Devine Jones (Son)
Date and time of Burial: 17 Jul 10.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 15 Aug 1928.
2. Date of Retirement: 14 Aug 1982
3. Date of Demise: 11 Jul 10 at 0100 hrs
6. Last appointment held: Comdt ASPT, Pune (1976-78): Dir APTC AHQ (1978-82).
7. Any other information: Converted to APTC wef 27 Apr 1962.

Maj Gen RK Gupte PVSM

2010-07-18T11:33:00.000+05:30

My wife and I were away in Singapore to attend the graduation ceremony of our grandson from 3 to 10 Jul. We left Dun on the 1st and were thus away from touch with Corps domestc matters.
Very saddened to learn of Gen Gupte's departure from his earthly abode. He was a professionally very competent officer with a pleasing personality. Possessed with great strength of character and high standards of a devoted husband, he looked after his partially disabled wife, without show of any distress.
May God bless his soul,
MS Sodhi
Lt Gen MS Sodhi
Former SO-in-C

Lt Col DAJ Beeby

2010-07-18T11:30:00.002+05:30

I knew Col DAJ Beeby when he was a major in the then School of Signal. An absolute gentleman and wonderful officer. I never had the opportunity of serving under him as I was then in the Tactical Wing. I heard of his untimely and sudden death whilst driving. Luckily he had stopped at a controlled crossing and his wife was sitting at his side. When the lights went green and he did not drive on, she found him to be dead. I got the information from his daughter Christine Witton with whom I am in contact and she informed me. I was so stunned at his passing. We did often exchange emails. He was a wonderful person. May God rest his soul in peace.
Digby

Col DS Ghonkrokta

2010-07-14T06:57:00.000+05:30

My wife Usha and self convey our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Neena. We were together at Pune 4 RMC and had known the family well and felt sad when we read the news of Col's demise. We pray to God for peace to Col's soul and pray for strength to Mrs. Neena & their daughters to bear the loss. They will miss him for he was always affectionate to them and guiding them. It was a happy togetherness we had with them while at Pune (1994-97)

Col was friendly and helpful and we always remember him and his family with fondness. We will get in touch with the family on phone.
Jayaraman
Lt Col(retd)
Ex OC 4RMC

Maj Gen RK Gupte

2010-07-13T06:38:00.000+05:30

Gen RK Gupte was an officer and gentleman in the true sense. Few spouses can emulate the nursing and care he ministered to his wife, when she became a semi-invalid after her accident, selflessly attending to her every need. He carried the same calm and patience to his profession. I never saw him loose his control and his expertise was conveyed more by suggestion and instruction rather than criticism. As one of his corps CSO's I fine tuned many points of Signalmanship, just by observing his conduct.
Our paths crossed on numerous occasions and we remained in touch for many years till we drifted apart after retirement. I cherish our association. OM SHANTI to his soul.
Maj Gen Sushil Nath (Retd)

Maj Gen RK Gupte

2010-07-11T06:19:00.001+05:30

Maj Gen RK Gupte was a highly professional officer who had an outstanding career. Technically very sound, dedicated and forward looking. He was a thorough gentleman, very friendly and helpful indeed. He always measured his words, kept calm and composed but gave his views candidly.

I can say these words because he was our instructor in Degree Engineering Course and subsequently my GSO2 in Sigs Dte. In later years, when I was CSO Southern Command as he was, we reaped the benefits of his long term planning, covering immense area of the desert and schemes set forth for static communications over very long distances in desolate areas.

The Corps and the Army should remember his services and laud them. What the Corps is today is due to hard work, planning and forward thinking of officers like Maj Gen RK Gupte.

May God rest the departed soul in peace and give strength to the family and friends to bear the immense loss.
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd), PVSM
Former Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant

IC-02390M Maj GEN R K Gupte PVSM

2010-07-10T22:21:00.000+05:30

Dear Chander,
As per Apr 1981 Corps List IC-02390M Maj GEN R K Gupte was born on 5 Jan 1928, commissioned on 12 /12/1947 seniority wef 3/5/1947
I hope this will help
He was CSO Southern Command in early 80's swhen i was with CSO Rajasthan/ 14 Sig Gp. He was a Signal Officer who could hold his own in any forum due to his sheer simplicity with which men of deep knowledge distinguish themselves. Besides profession he was a connoisseur of all types arts&music.His remarkable devotion to his wife who needed his constant attention after an accident, was another touching part of his personality. Always at ease with himself he made us all at ease to get the best out of us.
i am sad to hear about his passing away & will cherish my professional association with him as a fortune.
regards,
Col K K Malhotra, Signals

Dear Chander,
Gupte and I had been close friends for six decades. It is indeed very sad. I had lunch with him in his flat at Chalunkye Vihar a couple of years back. He sacrificed his brilliant career to look after his wife. All his friends will miss his brilliance, warmth and caring.
-Bhanu Kumar Rai

IC-02390M Maj Gen RK Gupte PVSM

2010-07-10T22:19:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-2390 Maj Gen RK Gupte PVSM (Retd) on 06 Jul 10 at 0415hrs at CH Pune.
Next of Kin: Mrs Arundhati NK (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.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog -
http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

Signals
We regret to inform the said demise of IC-2390 Maj Gen RK Gupte PVSM (Retd) on 06 Jul 10 at 0415hrs at CH Pune. The details of his family are as follows:-
Details of illness: Old age
Next of Kin: Ms Arundhati NK (Wife)
Name of Children: Anirudh Gupte (Son)
Date and time of cremation: 06 Jul 10 at 1230hrs
1. Date of birth: 05 Jan 1928
2. Date of Seniority: Jun 1948
3. Date of retirement: 05 Jan 1984
4. Date of demise: 06 Jul 10
5. Last appointment held: CSO Southern Comd
(AS Mankoo)
Lt Col
Dir Sigs Adm
For SO-in-C

Rear Admiral SS Jamwal: Rest in Peace

2010-07-10T18:24:00.000+05:30

Thursday, 8 July 2010
Rear Admiral Satyendra Singh Jamwal, one of the Indian Navy's rising stars, died in a range accident in Kochi on the 7th of July when a 9mm pistol that had jammed accidentally discharged in his direction.
When I last spoke to my friend, schoolmate, NDA-mate and fellow-officer, Rear Admiral Satyendra Singh Jamwal, there wasn’t the smallest inkling of the terrible tragedy that lay just ahead. “Jammy”, as he was called in the navy --- or “Tiri” as he was nicknamed by the boys (and girls) at the Lawrence School Sanawar, near Simla --- had rung me up from Kochi to invite me to give his officers a talk on China, a subject that I am co-authoring a book on.
Jammy was his usual cheerful, upbeat self. “Our naval officers have no choice but to be strategic thinkers and I will do what I can to make that happen”, he boomed. There was no way I could say anything but, “finalise the dates and tell me when to come.”
Fate, alas, has ruled out that meeting. For me, the end is more than just professional regret at seeing a future naval chief snatched away by the unstoppable hand of death. For me, this is the shocking end of an association with a slim, small, utterly decent young boy who went on to become a 6 foot, 4 inch bodybuilding champ and professional star in that most demanding of Indian institutions: the military.
That Rear Admiral SS Jamwal was a potential navy chief is, to anyone who knows the Indian Navy, hardly a revelation. Not because he was the ADC to the President; that is a purely decorative job that, given his film star looks, was hardly an accomplishment. But when he was selected to oversee the completion of INS Beas, and to be its commissioning CO, it was clear that Jammy had made a mark as the Executive Officer of the INS Delhi. And, as Naval Attache to Moscow, Jammy left his imprimatur as pointsman during the most contentious phase of the Gorshkov negotiations and the nuclear submarine negotiations.
We talked often over the phone while he was in Moscow and always had a meal together when he travelled to India. Given the man he was, we never ever spoke about the top-secret negotiations that he handled through those years. He was too committed a professional to reveal any secrets and I was too good a friend to pose any dilemmas for him.
I also had the pleasure of hosting his lovely wife, Geeta --- together they made the most striking couple you could imagine. They were always close, shared many interests and were enormously proud of each other and of their two lovely children.
To suggest --- as many newspapers and TV channels are obliquely doing, without the slightest proof --- that Admiral Jamwal had committed suicide is an indicator of how low India’s media has sunk. True, the police have registered a case of “unnatural death”. What else was the media expecting in a death in a range accident?
It is regrettable that we have plumbed such depths that the feelings of a bereaved family --- you can imagine their emotions when they see today’s newspapers --- are not as important as an “interesting” headline.
We were fortunate --- those of us who knew Rear Admiral Satyendra Singh Jamwal as schoolmates in The Lawrence School, Sanawar; brothers-in-arms in the National Defence Academy and the military; and those of us who knew Jammy as a friend or a much-loved relative --- to have benefited from his warmth, honesty and cheerful good nature.
On behalf of all of them, I pray for everlasting peace to his soul.
R.I.P.
Posted by Broadsword at 14:06 Ajai Shukla

Rear Admiral SS Jamwal

2010-07-08T08:02:00.000+05:30

Mystery shrouds the death of a top official of the Southern Naval Command S S Jamwal, who died today after a bullet pierced his skull, with the police suspecting suicide but the navy describing it as a case of "accidental firing"
51-year-old Rear Admiral Jamwal, Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command, the second ranked naval officer here, was at the training establishment's small arms firing range of 'INS Dronacharya' when the accidental firing occurred around 1030 Hours, naval spokespersons said.
The Navy has ordered an investigation into his death but it was tight-lipped about how the accident occurred.
A case of 'unnatural death' has been registered and top police sources said on condition of anonymity that it appeared to be a case of suicide. Family problems could be behind it, they said.
The body of Admiral Jamwal, a highly accomplished officer, was shifted to a hospital and further probe is in progress.
However, the local naval establishment dismissed reports of suicide as speculative.

"If the Chief of Staff wants to commit suicide he need not not go to the firing range. He was accompanied by his entire staff including the staff of Dronacharya. It was an official, planned visit to a firing range to check the progress of training.
"He was accompanied by his full staff including the Executive Officer of Dronacharya, the firing officer, head of the range, everyone prresent," Commodore Ajayakumar told reporters.
Commodore Kumar, Commanding Officer of 'INS Venduruthy' and naval officer in charge of Kerala, said that Jamwal died as a 9 mm pistol he was inspecting accidentally went off.
Jamwal was at 'INS Dronacharya' on an official visit to monitor training of the second batch of 'Sagar Prahatri Bal', the new force being raised by the navy for coastal security in which 24 cadets were undergoing training. The training had commenced on Monday and today was the day for firing practice, he said.
The Rear Admiral, Commodore Kumar said, had said he himself would do some firing practice and first used the Insas and later the 9 mm pistol. Unfortunately the pistol misfired twice.
While he was inspecting it from close range to ascertain the cause of the misfiring, it suddenly went off, he said.
"The muzzle was pointing towards his head and during that time the gun went off accidentally," Commodore Kumar said.
Though he was rushed to the hospital, he was declared brought dead. Jamwal, who hailed from Jammu, leaves his wife, son and a daughter.
Commodore Kumar said a board of inquiry has been ordered to go into the incident to find out the reasons and it would file a report in 10 days.
Ruling out suicide, he said Admiral Jamwal was a very happy man. "I had never seen in despair. There were a lot of trainees there and his staff officer was accompanying him," he said.

Rear Admiral Jamwal was commissioned in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer on July 1, 1980, and had specialised in anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
He was an alumnus of Lawrence School at Sanawar, National Defence Academy (NDA), Grechko Naval War College in the then USSR, Defence Services Staff College at Wellington and Army War College at Mhow.
His appointments included tenures on Indian naval ships -- Taragiri, Atul, Rajput, Ranvijay and Command of Ships Vibhuti and Kuthar, Commissioning Executive Officer of Guided Missile Destroyer INS Delhi and Commissioning Commanding Officer of Guided Missile Frigate INS Beas.
His staff appointments at Naval headquarters included Joint Director of Staff Requirement and Director Naval Operations.
During his training assignments, he was the Executive Officer at Naval Academy in Goa and Instructor at ASW School, Kochi. He has also been the Aide-de-Camp to the President of India between 1983 and 1985.
On promotion to Flag Rank on September 1 last year, he took over as Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command, which also handles all training activities of the Navy.
Prior to this, he was a Naval Attache at the Indian Embassy at Moscow, Russia
Mystery Shrouds Top Naval Officer's Death
Kochi | Jul 07, 2010
Jamwal took over as Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command on September 1, 2009. Earlier, he was naval attaché at the Indian Embassy in Moscow. An alumnus of Lawrence School Sanawar, National Defence Academy, Grechko Naval War College (Russia), Defence Services Staff College (Wellington) and the Army War College, Jamwal had in his 30-year service specialised in anti-submarine warfare to find, track and deter, damage or destroy enemy subs and was now an instructor in the same.
Originally from Jammu, Jamwal is survived by his wife Geeta and two children who live in Delhi. He was commissioned into the Navy on July 1, 1980. His father Major General Jagdish Singh Jamwal (retd) lives in Jammu.
Jamwal’s afloat appointments included tenures on Indian naval ships Taragiri, Atul, Rajput and Ranvijay. He also commanded the Vibhuti and Kuthar and was commissioning executive officer of guided missile destroyer Delhi and commissioning commanding officer of guided missile frigate Beas. He was the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India from 1983 to 85.
Top Naval officer killed in freak firing- It was an accident, says Navy; police suspects suicide: Tribune News Service & Agencies
Rear Admiral Jamwal killed in accidental gunfire S. Anandan The Hindu

Lt Col Beeby

2010-07-01T10:45:00.000+05:30

Just read the Email regarding the demise of Col Beeby. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife HILDA in Australia. Dudley served with me before my retirement in 1976 and I have very fond memories of him.
God bless his soul.
All good wishes.
Major General Krishna Tewari

Col DS Ghonkrokta

2010-07-01T10:42:00.000+05:30

Dear Neena,
All of us feel deeply aggrieved and shocked on hearing of the sad demise of our beloved coursemate Col DS Ghonkrokta, it was only a few days back that we were together, one cannot imagine that the end was so close. He put up a very brave front fighting the disease for almost 21 years,and was cheerful and full of life, it was his will determination,and your looking after, sacrifice,and all out support that helped to sustain. being also my room mate at IMA days I shall always miss him as a true friend and a role model. Not only has the Corps lost a very competent officer its a great loss for the Army as a whole. Nature has been very unkind, at this hour of distress Anju, self, Vinod Ravi Sir we are all with you and pray to the Almighty for the eternal peace of the departed soul, and to give you strength & fortitude to bear this tragic loss. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
In grief
K Dalbir Singh & family

Col DS Ghonkrokta

2010-07-01T10:38:00.000+05:30

I had the privilege of serving with this fine officer in 8 Mtn Div Sig Regt in 1976-77. He was then a young subaltern and I was the 2IC of the Regt. Devinder as he was popularly known in the Regt was one of the finest young officer I have ever come across in my entire service. Extremely energetic and with a good sense of humour, he was loved by all his colleagues. A very fine sportsman too, the fact that the Sig Regt won all Div Tps sport events was due to a large measure his contribution.

He met me again in 1993 when he was diagnosed for Cancer. The mere fact that he lived so many years after contracting the dreaded disease shows his never die and positive attitude to life. I met him last about a year back in RR Hospital Delhi. Even then his broad smile and energy in his manner of speech indicated his positive attitude to life.

I pray to God to give this fine Officer and Gentleman a nice corner in Heaven.

I am sure he would have put all documentation in place so that his wife Neena does not have any problems in her life ahead. In case there are any loose end to be tied, I volunteer to extend help.
Maj Gen L Tahiliani

Col DS Ghonkrokta

2010-07-01T10:36:00.000+05:30

Please convey our condolences to Mrs Neena ghankoktra. Col Ghankoktra was with me, on attachement, at HQ Southern Command where I was Col Sigs in 1992. He was a very bright officer, whose UN Mission Botswana tenure was cut short as he was dignoised as Luekemia. However, with his strong will power and love to live for his two very pretty daughters, that he sustained for next 18 years. He used to take treatment from one Vaid in Noida, Delhi. He was a fine ,simple human being, a typical Himachali Dogra.
God bless his soul.
Col H G Karkare

IC-30721Y Col DS Ghonkrokta

2010-06-30T07:55:00.000+05:30

29 Jun 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-30721Y Col DS Ghonkrokta (Retd) on 28 Jun 2010, at 2145hrs at R & R Hosp, New Delhi.
Next of Kin: Mrs Neena Ghonkrokta (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.

Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog -
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj

PS – Please also see email below received from Sigs Adm.
Sent: 29 June 2010 12:00
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
Dear Sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-30721Y Col DS Ghonkrokta (Retd) on 28 Jun 2010, at 2145hrs at R & R Hosp, New Delhi. The details of his family are as follows:-.
Next of Kin: Mrs Neena Ghonkrokta (Wife)
1. Date of birth: 20 Jan 1953
2. Date of Seniority: 22 Dec 1974
3. Date of retirement: 31 Jan 2001
4. Date of demise: 28 Jun 2010
(MC Joshi)
Lt Col Sigs Adm

Lt Col Beeby

2010-06-29T12:16:00.002+05:30

Sir,
When i took over command of 23 IDSR on 14 Feb 2001, i noticed that the first name on the list of erstwhile COs was that of Lt Col Beeby. As was customary, i sent all the past COs including him a DO letter, giving them an update of the unit, asking for a snap of theirs for the rogues gallery and seeking their blessings. Many COs did not even acknowledge ny DO, but I still remember the touching reply i got from him - " -----. I am in no position to get a snap of mine taken but wish the unit well. I remember, that when i was raisng the unit, we had hardly any regimental funds. Please accept a token amount of 100 dollars (Chq enclosed) towards the regimental fund --------".
Speaks volumes about his character.
May his soul rest in peace.
Rgds
Ramachandran Mahesh

Lt Col DAJ Beeby

2010-06-29T12:15:00.000+05:30

Hi Chander
Details of late Lt Col DAJ Beeby;
Lt Col DAJ Beeby Corps of Signals (Admin Wing, MCTE 1960; C Signals 23 IDSR, 1964?;
SO1 Sigs, West Comd 1968??)
Born: 08.12.1922
Expired: 03 May 2010
NOK: Mrs Hilda Beeby
One child daughter Christine
carl rodrigues

sir,
when i joined 23 Inf Div Sig Regt,in jul 1963 at Rangia, that time, Lt Col DAJ Beeby was our CO from th eregt he was posted as SO-1 Sigs at HQ Western command, Simla, from there he resigned and returned to Australia
Col Prabhu (then Joe Gansalves) should know about him
regards
Brig Shri Krishan

Lt Col DAJ Beeby

2010-06-29T12:12:00.001+05:30

29 Jun 10.
Dear Signallers,
Reference my email dated 25 Jun 10, appended at the end of this email, regarding demise of Col DAJ Beeby. Responses received are being posted in the weblog.
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", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog -
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

25 Jun 10.
Dear Signallers in Australia,
Someone has just informed me that Lt Col DAJ Beeby, who was settled in Melbourne, is no more. He probably expired on 03 May 10. No other information is available.
I request you to kindly let me know the complete details as early as possible –
1. Name of next of kin and relationship.
2. Postal address, email ID and phone and mobile numbers.
3. IC No, Date of Commission etc of Col Beeby.
4. Any other information you may like to share with Signallers.
Please do respond even if you do not have any information about Col Beeby.
Thank you.
In sorrow–
Chander

LT COL DAJ BEEBY
- Hilda, wife
- Mulgrowe, Victoria 3170
- Age 87
- Instructor at MCTE from 1960 to 62. Outstanding at hockey, football and cricket.
- Maj Gen Shyamul Ghosh was his 2IC, and Maj Gen SB Sharma, his Adjutant in 23 Inf Dif Sig Regt.
Affly,
Joe Prabhu

Last I met Col Beeby was in 1998 in Melbourne.
His postal address is MULGRAVE, VICTORIA 3170, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
CHOPRA H R

IC-24720A Lt Col Alok Choudhary

2010-06-24T06:19:00.000+05:30

23 Jun 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-24720 A, Lt Col Alok Choudhary (Retd), SIGNALS, on 20 Jun 2010, at ARTIMES Hosp, Gurgaon.
Next of Kin: Mrs Deepa Choudhary (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.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Please also see email below received from Col LK Das.

Sad Demise of Signal Officer
Dear Col AS Mankoo,
We regret to inform the sad demise of , Lt Col Alok Choudhary (Retd) on 20 Jun 2010, at ARTIMES Hosp, Gurgaon. The details of his
family are as follows:
Next of Kin: Mrs Deepa Choudhary (Wife)
Children: Mrs Shipra and Mrs Shubhra
Cremated on 20 Jun 10
Shradh: 01 Jul 10 around 5 PM at their residence
1. Date of Seniority: 20 Dec 1970
2. Date of demise: 20 Jun 2010
Col LK Das (Retd)

Lt Col Bhasker Chandra Panda

2010-05-22T21:54:00.001+05:30

Dear Mrs. Panda,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of your husband. He was a very hard working person with extremely helpful attitude. We were room-mates for three months in JC(Inf) course at Army War College in 1975. He always prepared thoroughly for next day's discussions with detailed aide-memoires. He would pull me up for not preparing at all when I returned to the room after drinks and dinner. He would leave all his notes on my study table with strict orders to read them, and go to sleep. It was his help which saw me as a DS in JC Wing later in life. As a coincidence, we were back in Mhow in 1976 to attend Sigs CC Course.
After that we never met each other with him being in DRDO and I spending long tenures out the Corps. His memories for that assciation will stay with me. I have our group photo of CC course in my album.
May Col Panda's soul rest in peace and God be with you and the family.
Brig Kirpal Singh Grewal (Retd)

IC 19750N Lt Col Bhasker Chandra Panda

2010-05-21T17:09:00.001+05:30

Dear Mrs Panda,
I was very sad to hear about the untimely demise of Col Panda who was very well known to me as we did the YO's course together in 1968. I retired last year and have not been active with Corps affairs since then. However Col Bhandari has been prompt in reacting to my request as you have noted.

Col Panda was indeed a simple and honest officer and did his work quietly and with dedication. We did meet off and on during our service in the Army.

As for the publication of the obituary, i very much appreciate the write-up given by you but wish to inform you that the Editor of The Siganalman magazine has his limitations of space. As such he would be able to accomodate the obituary details of your late Col Panda on the same lines as you would see for other officers of his rank. Hope you would appreciate this constraint.
With best wishes and regards,
Yati Panwar

Dear Mr Satyabrat,
Now that I have come to know about the sad demise of your Dad, through an email from Gen Y S Panwar, I shall publish his obituary in the June issue of The Signalman. Take care.
Lt Col(Retd)H S Bhandari
Asst Editor & Manager

IC 4827 Lt Col Vinod Kumar

2010-05-21T06:19:00.000+05:30

20 May 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC 4827 Lt Col Vinod Kumar (Retd), SIGNALS, on 20 May 2010, at Kolkata. He was commissioned in the Corps of Signals on 04 Jun 1950.
Next of Kin- Name and relationship: Mrs Channi Kumar, 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.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", 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.
PS – Kindly see the email below received from Colonel Mukesh Kumar from Bhopal.

From: Col Mukesh Sharma colmukesh@gmail.com
Sent: 20 May 2010 14:52
Subject: DEATH RETIRED SIGNAL OFFICER
Respected Brig,
1. It is regretfully intimated that IC 4827 Lt Col (Retd) Vinod Kumar expired on 20 May 2010 at Kolkata at the age of 82 years after a short sickness followed by hospitalization. He was commissioned in the corps on 04 Jun 1950. He commanded 7 Inf Div Sig Regt & 1 RMC and had settled down at KOLKATA. Survived by Mrs Vinod Kumar (CHANNI). His two daughters Kavita & Pinki were with him when he breathed last at BM Birla Heart Research Centre at Kolkata.
2. Date of cremation and dates of ceremonies are NOT known.
Yours sincerely,
Lt Col Mukesh Sharma (Retd)

Col Kuldip Singh

2010-05-21T06:13:00.000+05:30

Col Kuldip Singh was my coursemate. He was a true gentleman to the core. Absolutely unasuming. We pray to ALMIGHTY to grant peace to the departed soul and adequate strength to the near and dear ones to bear the irreparable loss.
OP Saxena
Lt Col (Retd)

IC 19750N Lt Col Bhasker Chandra Panda

2010-05-20T10:28:00.001+05:30

Respected Brigadier Kamboj,
Your words in the mail below brought tears to my eyes, as you were able to see, like a father figure, the pain behind my words and having been compelled to write them, rather than the harshness in the face value of the words. Also, felt pain that senior Signallers like yourselves see yourselves as 'small fries'.

Anyways, the following is what I would request be published as my father's obituary:

IC 19750N Lt Col Bhasker Chandra Panda was commissioned into the Corps of Signals on 09 June 1968 and retired from the Army on 30th June 1996. He served in the Sugar Sector in the Western Command, 4 Corps in Eastern Command, Central Command Signals Regiment and in 19 Infantry Division Signals Regiment. He raised the Air Hq Air Formation Signals Company at New Delhi. He commanded 24 Wireless Experimental Unit in the Eastern Command, where he was able to achieve some major breakthrough. Thereafter he was seconded to DRDO Hyderabad, where he built up a communications network for DRDO from scratch. He thereafter served in Interim Test Range, Chandipur, Balasore in Orissa until retirement from Army in June 1996 and won appreciation from people like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, (the then Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister) for his work contributing to communications for test launches of various missile programmes. After retirement from the Army, he worked 8 years in ITR as a Scientist and retired from there in 2004. A sincere worker and gentleman, equally polite and caring to his seniors as well as his subordinates, he always put the well being of his subordinates as his first priority, above and beyond that of his own and his family and was consistently courageous to speak out for and stand by his men. He always held that there is something to learn from every new experience.
Col Panda passed away on 06 July 2009 at Air Force Hospital Bangalore. He is survived by his wife Mrs Gita Rani Panda and son Satyabrat Panda. May his soul rest in peace.

Next of kin:
Mrs Gita Rani Panda
I shall be grateful for your help to get this published in the Signalman of which my father was a life member. Also, would you have contact details like email ids / phone numbers of the SO-in-C and the Commandant MCTE? Grateful if you could please share these if you have these.

Thanks so much
Satyabrat Panda

IC-19750N Lt Col B C PANDA

2010-05-19T12:38:00.000+05:30

Dear Sir,
I would like to inform you about my father's demise on 06 July 2009 at Air Force Command Hospital, Bangalore. You might wonder why I am mailing about this so late. Fact is, I tripped onto your blogsite purely by accident, while trying to get the mail ids of the MCTE Commandant / and or the SO-in-C, to no avail. After all, it isn't just by mistake that the Corps of Signals is considered the comms / network/internet providing 'arm' of the army.
Here are the facts I would like to be highlighted on your site.
1) Had informed Signals directorate on 20th July 2009 about my father's death and assumed this would mean the info would be passed on to the MCTE guys for publication in the Signalman. Underestimated the bureaucratic mentality of India. After two editions of the magazine which have come out since July 2009, am yet to see my father's name listed in the obits.
2) Tried calling the MCTE landline numbers listed on some site, could not get through to either for days.
3) Called up some extn in AHQ, and spoke to a colonel who said he was an aide to the SO-in-C. This chap, typically, told me the gen was busy, blah blah, and he would ensure the information gets updated by MCTE on the next issue of Signalman. He also said, on my request, that the gen would call me back. (Not so far, it is been 45 days since my call).
It is shameful that this arm of the army which supposedly looks after comms in the 21st century, does not have email ids available for people to reach them. It is a good example to children of Indian Army officers (like me), which tells them how the Army values people who contribute the prime of their lives and take on so many hardships for the army and the country. (I say this because my father was actually a honest, hard working, result achieving officer, not one of the staff- college educated, golf playing, bullshit talking asses).
Grateful if you could please provide me some contact in the Signals directorate/ mcte who shall help ensure my father's obituary is published in the next version of Signalman.
Thanks,
Satyabrat Panda
(Son of Col BC Panda)

Col A K Chaudhari

2010-05-19T12:33:00.001+05:30

Dear Friends,
The news of demise of Col A K Chaudhari is sad and shocking. "Chau" as he was fondly called by his course mates and friends, was an excellent and kind-hearted person gifted with natural and a rare sense of humour. I being from the same 29th Tech Course, IMA and from the same Cassino Company, fondly remember him as an ever cheerful cadet who always gave a helping hand to those in need during academy training days. He had the wits to make you laugh even in most adverse and difficult situations. He was physically tough and an outstanding sportsman. He was complemented in his life deservedly by Vandana, a gracious, and extremely caring lady who always remained calm and cheerful, even in adversity.

We all from the 29th Tech Course and Corps are going to miss "Chau" immensely. May God bless the departed soul and give courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this great loss.
In sorrow,
Lt Gen (Retd) A K Saini

Lt Col Kuldip Singh

2010-05-19T12:31:00.001+05:30

It is sad to learn about the demise of Signals fraternity member - Lt Col Kuldip Singh on 01 May 2010. May his soul rest in peace and God grant strength to the breaved family to bear the loss.
Col JL Chatterji

IC-31611P Lt Col Kuldip Singh

2010-05-19T06:00:00.003+05:30

18 May 10.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-31611P, Lt Col Kuldip Singh (Retd), SIGNALS, on 01 May 2010, at 0130 hrs at IVY Hosp, Mohali.
Next of Kin
Name and relationship: Mrs Satinder Mohan Gill, 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.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Kindly see the email below received from Sigs Adm, Dte Gen Of Signals.

Sent: 18 May 2010 15:05
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
Sir,
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-31611P Lt Col Kuldip Singh (Retd) on 01 May 2010, at 0130 hrs at IVY Hosp, Mohali. The details of his family are as follows:-.
Next of Kin
Name and relationship: Mrs Satinder Mohan Gill (Wife)
Name of Children:
Mr Vikram Singh (Son, 28 Yrs))
Ms Kamal Deep (Daughter, 30 Yrs)
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 01 Dec 1948
2. Date of Seniority: 21 Dec 1975
3. Date of retirement: 30 Nov 2001
4. Date of demise: 0130 hrs,01 May 2010
(AS Mankoo)
Lt Col
Dir Sigs Adm
For SO-in-C

Col AK Choudhary

2010-05-17T13:18:00.000+05:30

It is a great shock to learn about the sad demise of Col AK Choudhary a onetime colleague in 1 Air Fmn Sig Regt during 1984-85 where we had some great time together. He was a fantastic human being, a very lovable character, possessed a wonderful sense of humour and of all an extremely handsome person who used to look and talk like an Angrez and we all loved it. We lived in the same colony too (Palam AF stn Vasisht Vihar) and even our children were great friends. If I know correctly he had even made it to Brig rank but could not put on the rank due to superannuation(pre-97)I believe.
My heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and we pray God Almighty for the soul to rest in peace.
In sorrow
Dr(Col)& Mrs VRK Prasad
Sons: Sudhama and Kartik

Col Anand Kishore Chaudhary

2010-05-15T21:47:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-24462L Col Anand Kishore Chaudhary, SIGNALS, at SMS Hospital, Jaipur on the morning of 15 May 2010.
He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for quite some time.
Next of Kin
Name and relationship: Mrs Vandana Chaudhary, Wife.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", 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 - reportmysignalblogspotatgmaildotcom
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.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Kindly see the email below received from Brig Jagdish Malhotra, SIGNALS.
--------
From: Jagdish Malhotra
Date: Sat, May 15, 2010 at 9:04 AM
Subject: SAD DEMISE OF IC-24462 L COL ANAND KISHORE CHAUDHARY
Dear Brig Kamboj,
I am sorry to inform you of the sad demise of IC-24462L Col Anand Kishore Chaudhary at SMS Hospital, Jaipur on the morning of 15 May 2010. He had been suffering from Parkinsons Disease for quite some time. Details of NOK are as under:
Mrs Vandana Chaudhary, Wife
Mr Avneet Chaudhary, Son
The Cremation is at 1700 hours on 15 May 2010 at Jaipur.
In deep sorrow,
Brig Jagdish Malhotra, (Retd)

Lt Col VG Sowani

2010-05-09T07:01:00.000+05:30

A function was held at the community hall of Signals Vihar on 7 May to pay tribute to the late Lt Col Sowani. It was attended by a large number of retired and serving officers. Mrs Sowani was kind enough to give me some photographs which I am sending for posting in the Shradhanjali section.
Dev Kumar Vasudevan
Mhow

Lt Col VG Sowani, SM

2010-05-04T06:49:00.003+05:30

After getting my commission and completing the YO's course, I was posted to 1 Armd Div Sig Regt, where then Maj VG Sowani was my first company commander. I had my first lessons of officership under him. I always valued his fatherly advice on day to day issues of unit administration. I remember him as a soft spoken and a caring officer who laid great emphasis on training of young officers and gave full scope to their initiative in solving day to day problems. It was a pleasure to go with him on exercises as one learnt a lot in his presence. My thoughts go to Mrs. Sovani whom God may give the strength and courage to bear this loss.

Col SK Paranjape (Retd)

Lt Col VG Sowani, SM

2010-05-03T19:17:00.000+05:30

In the passing away of Lt Col VG Sowani, the Corps has lost a revered Veteran. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
Col Sowani was a highly mature, kind hearted and unassuming officer. He imbibed the British ethos in his life style and functioning. He was a decorated soldier with Sena Medal, who had vast experience in the Corps. After retiring from the Army Col Sowani was with RAW.

I first met him in Srinagar in 1956 when he was commanding the Wireless Experimental Center there. Later he was my company commander in 1 Armoured Division Signal Regiment in 1958-59. During postings to Mhow, the association continued.

The Sowanis have been living on the Mall in Mhow for decades and during every visit to Mhow, meeting them has been a very pleasant event. We are going to miss Col Sowani immensely.

May God grant peace to the departed soul. Deeply in sorrow.

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

IC-3176 Lt col VG Sowani, SM

2010-05-02T18:55:00.001+05:30

02 May
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-3176 Lt Col VG Sowani, SM (Retd), Signls, on 01 May 2010, at 2310h at MH, Mhow, MP.
Next of Kin
Name and relationship: Mrs Vasundhara Sowani (Wife)
Date and time of Cremation: At Peat Cremation Ground, at 1800 hrs on 03 May 2010
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.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Kindly see the email below received from Dte Gen of Signals.

From: sigsadm@indiatimes.com
Sent: 02 May 2010 13:34
To: CS Kamboj; kd arya ddg ss
Subject: DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-3176 Lt col VG Sowani,SM (Retd) on 01 May 2010, at 2310h at MH,Mhow.
Name and relationship: Mrs Vasundhara Sowani (Wife)
Cremation
Date and time of Cremation: At Peat Cremation Ground, at 1800 hrs on 03 May 2010
1. Date of birth: 11 Sep 1920
2. Date of Seniority: 04 Feb 1942
3. Date of retirement: 03 Feb 1970
4. Date of demise: 2310 hrs, 01 May 2010
5. Last appointment held. : -
(AS Mankoo)
Lt Col
Dir Sigs Adm, For SO-in-C

Maj Gen Gopal Das

2010-04-24T19:05:00.000+05:30

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Major General Gopal Das on 20th April 2010, due to a heart attack.

I served under him when he took over as GSO1 Sigs 9 at the Directorate, in 1970/71. He was my last immediate superior officer, before I took premature retirement and moved abroad in September 1971.

My lasting impressions of him are his gentleness, kindness and clear-sightedness – an good boss to work under and an excellent colleague to have!

I shall always remember him for being such a supportive and understanding friend to me, at a rather complex period in my life, when I had to make some very difficult personal decisions!

Having suffered a recent bereavement myself – my son-in-law passed away suddenly at the age of 56, after collapsing from a heart attack – I can understand at least some of the grief Mrs Das and her family must be going through on this sad occasion and would like to extend to them, my most sincere condolences!
May his soul rest in peace!
Yours sincerely,
Major Ossie Pereira (Retired)

Maj Gen Gopal Das

2010-04-23T16:51:00.001+05:30

Sudden demise of Maj Gen Gopal Das at New Delhi on 20 Apr 10 is a very sad happening indeed. Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Gopal Das and family members. We share their immense grief and loss.

He did training with Marconi in England and was one of the highly qualified technical officers of our Corps. The General held prestigious appointments in the Directorate General of Signals, at MCTE and in Commands. I had the pleasure and privilege of working under him in 1968-70 when he commanded Western Command Signal Regiment at Jatogh near Simla.

General Gopal Das was a thorough gentleman, very intelligent, soft spoken, kind hearted, helpful, understanding and God fearing. Due to such qualities of head and heart he was extremely popular. In his passing away the Corps fraternity has lost a pillar. He will be greatly missed by one and all.

We pray to God to rest the departed soul in peace.

Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh
Former Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant

Maj Gen Gopal Das, AVSM

2010-04-22T18:14:00.000+05:30

I am sorry to hear the sad news of the untimely and unfortunate demise of Maj Gen Gopal Das, AVSM. We pray to the Almighty to rest his noble soul in peace and grant courage and fortitude to his near and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.

During service, I too being from Signals, had close associations with the General and had a lot to learn from him while at the MCTE, he as an instructor and I a student. Besides, during service elsewhere also, he was always more than willing to help each one of us out both on and off parade. Indeed, he was a true friend, philosopher and guide to his juniors. I personally had the benefit of his well considered and valuable advice on several occasions. In his death, The Corps too has lost a great compatriot.

Kindly convey our heartfelt and most sincere condolences to Mrs Gopal Das and other members of the family.
Vinod Kumar (Maj Gen, Retd)

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing away of a Pillar of the Corps. May his soul rest in peace.
Col and Mrs Rajesh Dixit

IC-5899K Maj Gen Gopal Das, AVSM

2010-04-22T06:22:00.000+05:30

It is with great sadness the news of demise one of the Signals stalwart comes in. I had worked with him when EDP was in its nascent stage in Army. He was instrumental to get my case through for USA Honeywell's Installation Engineers course. I was in constant interaction with him while posted in 2AHQSR (then located in Signals Enclave). A soft spoken and saintly person who was very focussed and always encouraged youngsters.
Pray to God to rest his soul in peace and grant strength to the bereaved family bear the loss.
Col JL CHatterji

IC-5899K Maj Gen Gopal Das, AVSM

2010-04-22T06:19:00.000+05:30

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-5899K Maj Gen Gopal Das, AVSM (Retd) on 20 Apr 2010, at 1930h at Delhi.
Next of Kin: Mrs Shashi Prabha Das (Wife)
Chautha at Arya Samaj Mandir, F-Block, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi on 23 Apr 10, (Friday) at 1700 hrs.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", 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
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.
In sorrow-
Chander Kamboj

From: sigsadm@indiatimes.com sigsadm@indiatimes.com
Sent: 21 April 2010 10:47
To: CS Kamboj
Subject: DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-5899K Maj Gen Gopal Das, AVSM (Retd) on 20 Apr 2010, at 1930h at Delhi.
Details of illness: Heart Attack.
Next of Kin: Mrs Shashi Prabha Das (Wife)
Children:
Mr Rajiv Das, 52 yrs (Son)
Mr Rakesh Das, 48 yrs (Son)
Mrs Renu Gupta, 54 yrs (Daughter)
1. Date of birth: 02/01/1928
2. Date of Seniority: 31/02/1951
3. Date of retirement: 31/01/1982
4. Date of demise: 20/04/2010
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm, For SO-in-C

Brig RN Kapoor

2010-04-11T10:28:00.002+05:30

I am terribly upset in the sudden departure of my dear friend Brig RN Kapoor. He withstood terrible disease with courage and determination; a quality that he displayed through out his active service. As Brig Kamboj has correctly brought out his noble contribution to IESM will be remembered by veterans for all times to come.
An excellent dependable friend in times of need the signallers who have served with him will always miss him. His dogmatic determination to tackle heavy odds is a lesson to veterans to get on with their mission.
May his SOUL rest in peace. May GOD give strength to Aruna and Arvind to bear this irrepairable loss.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals

Brig R N Kapoor

2010-04-09T17:53:00.000+05:30

1. IC-8246,Brig RN Kapoor expired today-08 Apr 10 at 1700 hrs at Bhardwaj Hosp,Noida.
2. Cremation at Antim Nivas, Noida at 1130 hrs, 09 Apr.Dep fm the house at about 1045-1100hrs.
3. Tentative program for Uthala-10 apr.Details not finalised as yet.
4.NOK-Mrs Aruna Kapoor.
Col VK Sekhri

The date , time and place for the Shanti Paath for Late Brig RN Kapoor, has been changed.
The revised date, time and place for Shanti Paath are as under:
Date – Sunday, 11 Apr 10.
Time – 4.30 to 5.30 PM
Place – Hall No 2, Arun Vihar Community Centre, Sector 37, Noida.
Please also see the email received from Dte Gen of Signals, appended below.
In sorrow.
Chander Kamboj

EMAIL FOR DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
We regret to inform the sad demise of IC-8246 Brig RN Kapoor (Retd) on 08 Apr 2010, at 1700h at Noida.
Details of illness: Blood Cancer
Cause of death and hospital etc if known: Bhardwaj Hosp, Noida
Next of Kin :
Name and relationship: Mrs Aruna kapoor (Wife)
Name of Children: Col Arvind Kapoor (Armd Corps) & Mrs Monika Patel (Daughter)Cremation
Date and time of Cremation: Held at Antim Niwas, Ameity University Rd,
Near Kalandi Kunj, Noida at 1130h on 09 Apr 2010.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 28/09/1935
3. Date of retirement: 30/09/1983
4. Date of demise: 08/04/2010
AS Mankoo

Brig R N Kapoor

2010-04-09T17:24:00.000+05:30

Dear Friends,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-8246, Brig R N Kapoor, SIGNALS, a very keen worker of IESM.
He breathed his last at 1700 hrs on 08 Apr 10, at Bharadwaj Hospital, Noida.
In spite of suffering from cancer, right from the inception of IESM, on 13 Aug 2008, at Noida, he had been attending every rally of IESM in NCR, till his illness made him too weak to attend any further meetings.
He had been writing very useful letters and articles on OROP and had been meeting many politicians, executives in the MoD and officers in the Services HQs to apprise them of the feelings of the ESM and getting useful inputs from the MoD and Services HQs.
We have lost a very sincere ESM who worked silently behind the scenes for the good of IESM and the ESM community in general.
Next of Kin: Mrs Aruna Kapoor, wife.
Cremation
1130 hrs, on 09 Apr 10, at Noida cremation ground.
Please also see the email below, received from Col VK Sekhri.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", 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
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.
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.