Lt Col SC Khanna

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of a veteran Signaller, IC- 14297 Lt Col SC Khanna (Retd), on 13 Nov 2009 at Jaipur. He died of lung cancer.
For more details, please see the email received from DG Sigs Adm, 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" for him, 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.


DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
Dear Sir,
We regret to inform about the sad demise of IC- 14297 Lt Col SC Khanna (Retd), on 13 Nov 2009 at Jaipur.
Details of illness: Lung Cancer
Next of Kin: Mrs Meena Khanna (wife)
Cremation
Date and time of Cremation 16 Nov 2009 at Jaipur at 1000hrs.
Last Rites/ Prayer Meeting/ Chautha Not yet known

Information about Officer
1. Date of birth 26 Jan 1938
2. Date of Seniority 19 Dec 1960
3. Date of retirement 31 Jan 1989
4. Date of demise 13 Nov 2009
AS Mankoo
Lt Col
Dir Sigs Adm

Lt Col SC Khanna

I am really sad to learn about sad demise of Lt Col SC Khanna (Retd) on 13th Nov 2009 at Jaipur.
My heartfelt condolences may please be conveyed to Mrs Meena Khnna, his wife and to the whole family.

Col JL Chatterji

Lt Gen (Retd) ID Verma

Lt Gen (Retd) ID Verma, PVSM, ex SO-in-C and Senior Colonel Commandant, passed away on 29 Oct 09 at Delhi. Commissioned in 1940, he became the first Indian officer to head the Indian Signal Corps School at Mhow during Partition (1947) as its Offg Comdt. He came back as Colonel to head the School in 1954 and remained at the helm till 1959. Incidentally, the ISC School was renamed as School of Signals on his bidding and the School became College (MCTE) in 1967 when he was the SO-in-C. As Comdt MCTE, he was instrumental in changing the site of the Corps of Signals HQ Mess from the proposed B I Bazar area to its present location in the Airfield (One Tree Hill).

The Gen Officer became the SO-in-C on 23 Jul 1966 and relinquished this appointment on 02 Jan 1971 when he opted out prematurely to serve in the private sector. He, however, continued to be the Colonel Commandant till 30 Sep 1976. As SO-in-C his most remarkable contribution was the implementation of PLAN AREN which revolutionised the Army communications.

In his passing away the Corps has lost one of its most revered and celebrated compatriot. And, the MCTE mourns his demise that much painfully. (being two-time Commandant with the longest reign)

To pay obeisance a formal condolence meeting was held at the Iyappa Hall, MCTE on 29 Oct 09 which was attended by serving and retired officers and ladies. Lt Gen VK Sharma, Comdt MCTE, Maj Gen (Retd) BS Paintal and Maj Gen (Retd) Yashwant Deva paid the glowing tributes.

May the Almighty grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this loss.

Lt Col (Retd) H S Bhandari
Editor, MCTE Newsletter

Maj TM Krishnan

It is with deep sense of grief I came to know the sad and sudden demise of my dear good friend and colleague- Major TM Krishnan. Krish and myself reported to OTS POONA during September 1948 for military training prior to post commission training at the then School of Signals. Krish had the distinction to be the sword of honour cadet at the passing out parade of ots 1. Even at the school of signals he acquitted well and was fairly high on the merit list.he was a very good hockey and cricket player and a good leader of men, beloved by the troops.

We were a bunch of young officers from 1 Air Formation Sig Regt, AHQ Sig Regt and the then 2 Coy of Western Comd Sig Regt who used to storm into Krish's house at Delhi cantt in weekend days in 1949- 1950. Krish and his dear wife and Rathi were good hosts and we all enjoyed the hospitality extended by them.'

Krish was a cheerful and friendly individual acquitted himself as a good regimental officer. The sudden and sad demise of RATHI, his dear wife coupled with his departure on 2 Nov 2009 has been a severe blow to his children and their family.

We all pray GOD ALMIGHTY to grant ever lasting peace to RATHI and KRISH and give strength and courage to his children to withstand the irreparable loss they have suffered......in deep sorrow
Col NS Dwarakanath AVSM

LT Gen ID Verma and Col Vasudevan Nair

Greetings from Mhow. Having lost my father in May this year I felt very sad to read about the news of General Verma's demise on Report My Signal. I am enclosing a photograph which shows both these veterans. I have been seeing this photograph in our family album for well nigh four decades now. When I asked my mother, Mrs. Ponnamma Vasudevan, about this photograph she told me that this was clicked in Dec 1970. The occasion- my father who was then a major and the senior instructor at the Cipher Wing, MCTE, Mhow was giving a lecture on ciphers and communication security to student officers attending the higher command course at the College of Combat (presently known as Army War College). The SO-in-C Lt Gen I D Verma had also attended this talk along with the then MCTE Commandant Brig Pinto. I am sending this for posting in the blog. I feel it will take many a veteran down memory lane.
With best wishes
Dev Kumar Vasudevan

Maj TM Krishnan

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of Maj TM Krishnan, Signals. The only information available to me is as received vide the email of Brig Sarathy appended below.

I request Signallers at Chennai to kindly get more information about Late Maj TM Krishnan and forward to me.

Kindly also inform the nearest Signal Unit/ HQ, who in turn be requested to inform the Dte Gen of Signals.

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: Brigadier Sarathy
Dear Kamboj Sir,
You may or may not have received the news about the sad demise of Maj(Retd) TM Krishnan (Signals) yesterday(02 Nov 2009) at about 0900 hrs in the morning in Apollo hospital here in Chennai after cardiac arrest
His full name is Thayyari Madabusi Krishnan. He was SO2 Signals in Tezpur (4 Corps) in 1969. The cremation was over on 02 Nov itself. No other details are available.
Brig Sarathy (Retd)

Obituary: Maj TM Krishnan (Retd)- Published in the Hindu dated 03 Nov 2009
Our beloved Father passed away on 02 Nov 2009
May his soul resst in peace
Ranganatan and Shoba (Son and his wife)
Chithra and Prasankumar (daughter and her husband)
Kalpana and Aswanth (daughter and her husband)
Mrs. Rathi Krishnan (Radha), W/o. Major T.M. Krishnan passed away on 28 Aug 2009.
(inserted by Son, daughters and Grand children)

Lt Gen ID Verma

The passing away of Lt Gen ID Verma (Retd), PVSM, former Signal Officer-in- Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant on 30 Oct 2009 has left a great void amongst the Corps fraternity. He was Signal Officer-in- Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant for nearly five years from 1966-71. Joining the Corps in 1940, he superannuated in 1971.

General ID Verma made remarkable contributions to the Corps and the Army with his vision and stellar qualities. He had great ability to influence events with his towering and genial personality. Corps of Signals was able to get a hand on Electronic Data Processing with his persuasive efforts. He also geared up the Corps to a high peak for
1971 War against Pakistan.

He was a thorough bred gentleman with suave disposition and compassion for all. Popular amongst all ranks and his peers, it was always a pleasure to meet him. The General was a role model for all.

The last rites for the General were performed in a befitting manner by the Corps at Brar Square, Delhi Cantt. The Chautha ceremony at New Delhi on 2nd Nov at Lodi Road was a sober and very dignified indeed. The stage was beautifully decorated with flowers and a large portrait of the General. The Kirtan and the brief but very emotional speeches by General's son and daughter made everyone's eyes moist. Hundreds of Signallers as also friends and relatives of the Family attended the Chautha.

General ID Verma leaves behind a great legacy. He will always be
remembered for his contributions to the Corps, professionalism, great personality and friendly disposition. His was a father figure for the Corps for many years after superannuation.

May the departed soul rest in peace and Nimmi Ji and the Family bear the immense loss with fortitude.

Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd) PVSM
Signal Officer-in -Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant 1988-91

Lt Gen ID Verma

General Verma was the Commandant of the School of Signals, Mhow, when I attended the Young Officers’ Course commencing in January 1958. I served under the General again, when he was SO-in-C and I was posted as the first GSO II in the newly formed Signals 9, during the mid 1960s.

It was a pleasure to work at the Directorate during that time, when innovations and new practices were coming in, enabling the Corps of Signals to take the lead in the introduction of computerised procedures into various functions at Army HQ – all managed with such finesse, by the SO-in-C, in the face of strong competition from other quarters!

I have fond memories of those times– of General Verma’s benign hand on the tiller as we progressed from strength to strength, culminating in the establishment of the EDP Centre at Signals Enclave, with the late Brigadier Sandy Sunderam as the first Commandant.

My wife, Major (Dr) Helen Diwan, as she then was, also knew General and Mrs Verma well, as her patients. She used to be the MO at the Armed Services MI Room, in New Delhi, during the mid to late 1960s.

We were very saddened to learn of the passing of Lt General I D Verma earlier today, 30th October 2009. We understand bereavement in the family only too well! Helen was widowed in 1964 when her husband, the late Major Mohan Diwan, was killed in Nagaland – and, more recently, in August 2009, we lost our son-in-law to a sudden and massive heart attack.

Helen and I offer Mrs Verma our most sincere condolences.
Major Ossie Pereira (Retd)

Lt Gen ID Verma

We pray for peace to the departed soul and share the bereavement of the family.
Vijay Mehra

It was with a sad heart that I attended the funeral the former SO-in -C, IC 404 Lt Gen ID Verma. He was the Commandant of the then School of Signals, when I landed in Mhow as a YO in 1955. Despite the very short notice Signals gave a befitting farewell to the General, with most of the former So-in-C's, Lt Gen P Mohaptra, AVSM, So-in -C and other senior serving and retired officers, ladies and relations present at Brar Square cremation ground.
Brig lakshman Singh

IC- 404 Lt Gen ID Verma

Dear Kamboj
It was with a sad heart that I attended the funeral the former SO-in -C, IC 404 Lt Gen ID Verma. He was the Commandant of the then School of Signals, when I landed in Mhow as a YO in 1955. I cannot express my feelings for him any better than given in the extract from my book as given below.
Brig lakshman Singh (Retd)

Brig A C Iyappa the Director Signals on a visit with the Commandant Brig ID Verma.......We would rush to Indore on Sundays and holidays to partake of Dahi-Vadas in Indore Coffee-House, see a movie as also for a change from the sleepy Mhow. Certain protocol in dress and travelling by the train was required yet very seldom followed. On one of such outings, late in the night, while waiting for the train to steam out of the Indore station, without Ties, while strolling up and down the length of the train a shock awaited us; whom do we see! The Comdandant (Brig ID Verma) himself sitting next to the window in a first class compartment, making us beat a hasty retreat. All the fun and joy of the day spent in Indore quickly subsided with our spirits getting deflated fast.

The journey back to Mhow and the sleepless night was spent with visions of being marched up to the Commandant the next day haunting me. Mercifully nothing happened possibly he had not seen us, rather improbable under the circumstances, or he must have remembered his own days as a YO and let it go with a smile to himself.

I am indebted to Lt Gen ID Verma, PVSM, the former SO-in-C for more reasons than one, not only for ignoring the peccadillo of the young YO back then when he was the Commandant of School of Signals but also for very kindly agreeing to preside over the function for the release of my book ‘Letters From The Border and Other Less Told Stories’.

Lt Gen I D Verma

Dear Friends,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of Lt Gen I D Verma, Ex Signal Officer in Chief, who passed away at 5.00 AM on 30 Oct 09, at New Delhi.
Next of Kin: Mrs Nimi Verma
Cremation: The cremation will take place today, 30 Oct 09, at 1200 hrs at Brar Square Cremation Ground, Delhi Cantt.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 16 Feb 1921
2. Date of retirement: 01 Jan 1971
3. Date of demise: 30 Oct 2009
4. Last appointment held: SO-in-C

We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for him, 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

SAD DEMISE OF LT GEN I D VERMA, Ex SO-IN-C
Dear Sir,
We are sad to info you that Lt Gen I D Verma , Ex So - in -C, expired today morning at 0500h. Cremation will be at Brar Square Cremetorium at 1200h on 30 Oct 2009.
NOK: Mrs Nimi Verma
Brig KD Arya
DDG SS

Lt Col VK Khorana

Your first Commanding Officer is always special. When he is someone of the stature and personality of Lt Col VK Khorana, the relationship is even more special. And so, I am deeply anguished to learn that Lt Col VK Khorana is no more. He was my mentor who guided me as I transitioned from GC to Officer. Then, he moved on to his next assignment. But we kept in touch, me forever the callow youngster and he, the Tiger. Over the years, Colonel and Mrs Khorana were a part of every major development that life had in store for me.

When I married, we both happened to be stationed at Mhow. So, soon after we landed there, Benita and I went to pay our regards to them. Among other things, Colonel Khorana, connoisseur and gourmet, taught us about different wine glasses. He shared with us a diagram that we diligently pasted on the inside of the bar cabinet till we realized, years down the line, that we could not rise to his expectations and remember what was sipped from which receptacle. Gracious and generous hosts, their den, resounding with the laughter and shouts of his two young sons Vikram and Nitin, almost became our second home.

Colonel Khorana retired from Goa and settled in his ancestral house in Dehra Dun. We met again when I was posted there. By then, we were a family of three and loved visiting their home, verdant with Colonel Khorana’s amazingly healthy plants. The warmth of Colonel and Mrs Khorana’s welcome was matched by the woofs of Sheena, their affectionate and incredibly intelligent Labrador. With Sheena, we saw a side of Colonel Khorana I had barely noticed before: a keen empathy with animals and the unwavering patience to take her out, every pre-dawn she nudged him awake.

Occasions like birthdays and anniversaries were a special treat since Colonel Khorana would stride into the kitchen and take responsibility for at least one exotic dish. Sir, no one can make fish curry quite like you!

He retired from service but not from being an Armyman. He was always abreast of developments in the Services and especially in the Corps of Signals. He followed with keen interest the career graph of all his cubs and continued guiding me as I grew in service.

In spite of indifferent health, Colonel Khorana never lost his sense of humour. In our conversations, he always referred to Mrs Khorana, who grew up in Kolkata, as his Tigress. That meant, he was her Tiger. Sir, wherever you are, we are sure few can match your roar.

Mrs Khorana, may you find the strength to bear with this loss.
Arup, Benita and Moen
(BRIG ARUP SEN)

Lt Col VK Khorana

Dear Chander,
As I mentioned to you the other day, I had two brothers-in-law in the Corps of Signals. We lost both of them within short period recently.

On October 16, you were kind enough to inform everyone regarding Vijay Khorana's demise. You and several of his friends from the Army were able to attend his funeral and the Uthala ceremony. Needless to say that these personal visits and interactions were a great support to the family, particularly to Vijay's wife Rita, children, and to us.

As you know, Vijay Khorana had commanded 9 Div Sig Regt in 1978-80. A few days ago, Rita received a telephone call from the present commanding officer of the Regiment conveying personal condolences and support. It was a bit of surprise for me. It was not merely a good gesture but also reflected the best of the Indian Army: paying tribute to a Regimental veteran, a spirit of camaraderie, our Regimental spirit and ethos.

Even more touching was a conference call arranged by all officers who had served with Vijay in 9 Div Sig Regt. Each one spoke to Rita personally. They conveyed their respect, condolences, promised to remain in touch with her and to do whatever they could. It made all of us really proud of Vijay, the Corps of Signals, and the Indian Army.

I hope, and wish, we can maintain such an exemplary Regimental spirit in all arms and services of the Army! Thanking you once again on behalf of the family and with best wishes,
Ved Malik
General V P Malik
Former Chief of Army Staff

Lt Col Krishnan Vasudevan Nair

Dev Kumar Vasudevan narrates the story of Late Lt Col Krishnan Vasudevan Nair who was a keen photographer and clicked some rare photos in 1948, when Mountbatten was relinquishing his post as the first Governor General of independent India.

Lt Col Krishnan Vasudevan Nair (1925 - 2009), a senior veteran, expired in Mhow on May 21 after a long and protracted illness. He had served in the Indian Army, Corps of Signals, for 37 years till 1980.

He had run away from his home in Varkala, Kerala to enlist in the British Indian Army. His first attempt to enlist had failed as his father, a prominent landlord, succeeded in convincing authorities in Trivandrum not to select him. He did not return home but succeeded in getting selected from Tamil Nadu, erstwhile Madras Presidency. After his basic military training in Bangalore he was sent to Jabalpur for specialised training in Signals.

Some months before Independence he was among the first batch of Indian signalers who were selected for training in Ciphers. Prior to 1947 only British servicemen were used for Cipher duties. When Independence and partition became inevitable it was decided to impart cipher training to Indian and Pakistani personnel. The first batch was trained in Mhow and Delhi after a rigorous selection procedure.

From December 1945 to June 1949 Nair was posted in GHQ Signals, New Delhi. This was one of few units in which British and Indian soldiers worked together. The meticulousness with which Nair worked ensured his selection in this elite unit. He replied in the affirmative when I asked him whether he and his Indian colleagues interacted with British soldiers and PBOR (Personnel Below Officer Rank). “They would interact with us only at work,” said Nair, “but there were times they would be out of money and would borrow money or cigarettes from us.”

At the time of India’s independence this unit was entrusted with the additional responsibility of looking after the communications of the Prime Minister. They kept the PMO in touch with India and the world. As a young NCO Nair was one among a select few who would encrypt and decrypt messages meant for Pandit Nehru. In Sir Richard Attenborough’s film Gandhi there is a scene in which a young Signals officer is shown handing over a signal to an ashen faced Nehru. This could well be the only instance of a personnel of this unit being shown in a film.

It was a thrilling experience for the young Nair to see Nehru and other national leaders in flesh and blood. When I asked him whether Nehru was hidden under layers of heavy security he smiled and shook his head, “Panditji used to go around Delhi with just one motorcycle outrider.” Those were different times indeed. Nair remembered August 15, 1947 as a very special day. When I asked him about this day he told me that outwardly it felt like any other day. But deep down he and his colleagues were thrilled. He felt lucky that he was there to see all the functions associated with Independence Day 1947. He remembered visiting the Red Fort and Parliament House on that day.

This was a traumatic period in India’s history due to the violence of partition. And Delhi was overflowing with refugees from Pakistan. When asked whether he remembered any interesting incident Nair described an incident when a Signal Centre in a distant part of Delhi was attacked by a mob of rioters. They wanted the small arms that the Signalmen had been issued to protect themselves. The soldiers managed to barricade themselves. As the telephone lines were down they radioed Cairo and informed them of their predicament. Cairo informed London. And London informed Army Headquarters, New Delhi which immediately sent a quick reaction team to save the Signalmen.

Nair also got an opportunity to photograph national leaders like Pandit Nehru, C Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), Indira Gandhi and the last Viceroy Lord Louis Mountbatten. The photographs published here are from the farewell ceremony to Mountbatten in June 1948 when C. Rajagopalachari took over as the first Indian Governor General of India. This post was abolished in 1950.

In June 1949 Nair was a part of a three member team of the Corps of Signals which accompanied Nehru to Leh. During this visit he and his colleagues could interact with Panditji – something which was just not possible in Delhi. Nair cherished the fact that Nehru had borrowed a fountain pen from him to write a note. After the visit Nehru and his team returned to Delhi but Nair trekked from Leh to Kargil. He had been posted to a Para Brigade Signal Company. The walk took him seven days.

Commissioned in 1957, Nair was posted in the Signals Intelligence Directorate as a captain in 1964. In May of that year he, along with thousands of other service personnel, took part in the funeral march of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

He participated in the 1962 and 1971 wars. During the disastrous 1962 war with China he was posted at HQ IV Corps at Tezpur. He was posted in the Western sector as a member of a special team during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. He was also posted as senior instructor, Cipher Wing, MCTE, Mhow from 1968–72.

His last posting was as Commander, Cipher Wing, MCTE, Mhow. At that time he was one of only two Lt. Colonels in the Indian Army from the Cipher department. He has always been seen as a father figure by the officers and men of this department.

After retiring from the Army in 1980 he decided to settle in Mhow. He was among the founder members of the elite colony of Signals Vihar and worked very hard in giving it a concrete shape on paper and on ground. His eyes which scanned thousands of secret documents were rendered sightless during the last years of his life. He was afflicted with glaucoma – the silent thief of sight – and diabetic retinopathy. He is survived by his wife Ponnamma and three sons.

The youngest is a serving Colonel in the Corps of Signals. The second son is working in the private sector after a nine year stint with the 62 Cavalry. The eldest has written this article.

Dev Kumar Vasudevan is currently a freelance writer based in Mhow.
The story of Late Lt Col Krishnan Vasudevan Nair

Lt Col VK Khorana

1. It was a real sad news to learn of the demise of Lt Col VK Khorana. It was a personal loss to me as Lt Col VK Khorana (then Cpl), in 1958, taught us 1st termers(19th NDA) at NDA the values we should imbibe during our training there. Hence his guidance enabled us to take our first correct steps in the Academy & I for one will always remain indebted to him for this.
2. Later too I chanced to meet him in Mhow & found him valuing the pluses of life even though he was passing through a very difficult time health wise. He was a true senior & an organisational officer, whose traits must have enabled many to prosper in their careers. For me he was an Icon in the true sense.
3. In his passing away the Services fraternity has lost an able member & his loss will be felt. My wife joins me in offering our heartfelt condolences to Mrs Rita Khorana & the family. It is also our prayer to the Almighty that HE bless the departed soul with eternal peace & give the family strength & fortitude to bear the immense loss.
With Regards,
Sincerely,
Inderjit Kashyap
Maj Gen (Retd)

Lt Col Vijay K Khorana

Kalyani and I are deeply grieved to learn of the loss of a very dear friend Vijay. Khorana, my course mate, who has been my great friend for decades. We did degree course together at CME, EDPS at Mhow and served in Army HQ. Very seldom one gets such a friend who is a real philosopher and guide. While serving in EME Directorate in Army HQ, he used to advice from his MS 4 desk to go for my command criteria so that I do not miss my opportunities to go on foreign assignments. In fact he was so personally involved and annoyed with me that he used to scold me for not doing my criteria appointment before coming to EME Dte. He came all the way to the Signals Centre Goa, (in spite of his indifferent health) to escort us to his home when we visited Goa, a few years back

It is very difficult to believe that he is not amongst us any more. We feel very sorry that we will not meet him on the IMA Course Golden jubilee reunion next JUNE at Dehradun.

Rita , has been looking after him very well and her support is the major cause for his always being happy and energetic even when he was not keeping well. We convey our heartfelt condolences to Rita and all other family members and pray God to give them enough strength to bear this loss.
May his soul rest in peace.
Thyagu and Kalyani
Brig V Thyagarajan (Retd)

Lt Col VK Khorana

I wish to express my deepest condolences to Rita and the family of Vicky Khorana my dear friend of the last 50 years. I was fortunate to meet Vicky and Rita at their residence in Goa last December, and have been in touch since then. Vicky had a brillaint mind and a great sense of humour inspite of his medical ailments which kept him back from greater glory in the Corps. Especially on behalf of the 16th SODE Course I wish to lay down these few words of remembrances to a wonderful colleague. May God rest his noble soul in peace and give his family the strength to bear this tragic loss.

Col Cyrus Dalal
Bangalore

Lt Col VK Khorana

Pl convey our (my wife's,Mrs Savita Bhutani's, and mine) SINCEREST and heart felt CONDOLENCES to the family of Lt Col VK Khorana, thru' the 'RMS'
It was a very sad news that one of our esteemed Vetern, Lt Col VK Khorana, passed away on 16th Oct 09. May God give peace to the departed soul and sufficient strength to the family, to bear this heavy loss.
Through the 'RMS', we wish to convey to the family that we will go out of our way to DO ANY THING for the family, as and when called up on to do so. Give LOVE to your near and dear ones.
Regards,
Wg Cdr Subhash Bhutani

IC-12044, Lt Col VK Khorana

I am extremely sorry to learn about untimely demise of Col Khurana. Kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of late Col Khurana. May Almighty grant peace to the departed soul. Amen!
Bhupal Singh, Veteran
Australia

Lt Col Vijay K Khorana

Deeply grieved at the tragic loss of Vijay, my charlie squadron course mate from NDA. Vijay was a brilliant professional with a beautiful mind, a wonderful human being and a perfect gentleman whose career was affected by a medical problem and yet continued to live life with a smile. Do convey our deepest condolences to Rita and the entire family. May his soul rest in peace.

Lt Gen Amit Mukherjee (Retd) & Swapna Mukherjee

Lt Col VK Khorana

Dear Friends,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC – 12044, Lt Col VK Khorana, who died of a heart attack, around 6.0 PM on 16 Oct, at his son’s residence in Gurgaon.
Col Khorana and his wife are otherwise are settled in Goa. They had come to celebrate Deepawali with their children at Gurgaon.

Next of Kin: Mrs Rita Khorana, wife.
Cremation: 17 Oct 09, at 4.00 PM, at Lodhi Road Electric Crematorium, New Delhi.
Chautha Ceremony: On Monday, 19 Oct, around 4.00 PM, place not yet decided.

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

Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for him, 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.

Col MV Mogi

Sir,
It is regretfully intimated that COL (RETD) MV MOGI, (June 1974 commissioned), expired at Bhopal today ie 29 Sep 2009.
1. Year of Commission Jun 1974
2. NOK Mrs Nanda (Wife)
3. Cause of Death/Date Heart Attack, 29 Sep 2009
4. Cremation: BAILHONGAL(KARNATKA). Tentatively on 30 Sep 09 or 01 Oct 09. Body flown to Home Town from Bhopal.
Yours sincerely,
Lt col Mukesh Sharma, Retd

Lt Kuldeep Chaudhary

Kuldeep Chaudhary always knew that he wanted to be an army officer and started working towards his one and only goal in his early days. He was brave, courageous and very hard working individual. It is hard to believe that he achieved so much in so little time.
Kuldeep we will always remember you and you will always stay with us in whatever we do. You were and will always be our strength.
May god give the jasba of desh bhakti and selflessness, like yours, to every soldier of India Army.
We salute you every moment of our life and miss you.
love- family and friends
thank you and regards,
Deepak Singh
(Deepak Singh is elder brother of Lt Kuldeep Chaudhary and son of Lt Col B P Singh)
Earlier blog link: click me

Lt Col Manjit Singh

It is sad to learn about demise of Lt Col Manjit Singh at a comparatively young age. We served together in 26 Inf Div Sig Regt, his first unit, during 1971 War, where among others, I was catapulted for six months from SODE-27. He was quite tall, lean built and had a very endearing personality. We never served together thereafter, but had an occasional pleasant encounter recalling our association.
I offer my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and pray that God Almighty gives them strength to bear with the irreparable loss.
Brig Kirpal Singh Grewal (Retd)

Lt Col Manjit Singh

I am very sorry to hear about the demise of Lt Col Manjit Singh. He was my batch mate and we did the YO'S course together.He was a kind and likeable person.I did not have much contact with him thereafter, as I was invalided out of the Army in March 1981.

I pray to God Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss.
Kind Regards,
Captain Mahesh P Nair (Retd)

Brig SK Pal Chaudhary

Brig SK Pal Chaudhary occupies a distinct place in my heart. An unassuming, competent, confident senior who encouraged ordinary mortals like me to express oneself without fear or favour and stand up to what is right. I came close to him since both of us landed up in Tac Wing, immediately after wedding and had our first children almost at the same time. Thus it was a family friendship. Vasanta and Ela got along wonderfully, sharing their experience on the unknown waters of uniform, married life and motherhood. Mona and Shobha enjoyed each others company in their early childhood.

So when I received an email from Col VL Narayan, it was a rude shock; between the couples who were then serving the alma mater ( Pal & Ela/VLN & Shankari/Sathesan & Uma/Nat & Vasanta) Pal is no more.

What cannot be cured has to be endured. MAY THE NOBLE SOUL REST IN PEACE. May GOD give strength to Ela & Mona.
Brig G Natarajan, Signals

Lt Col Manjit Singh

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of Lt Col Manjit Singh, Veteran (Date of commission 06 Sep 1970, date of seniority 03 Nov 1971). He breathed his last on 05 Sep 09, at his home in Bhatinda.
Next of Kin: Mrs Ranjit Kaur- wife Son- Aman, Daughter- Anshoo.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Late Lt Col Manjit Singh, 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

IC 10059 Maj (Dr) R Thiagarajan, MBA (DU), PhD

Thiag was commissioned in Corps of Signals on 15th Dec 1957. His performance in Military College as a direct entry cadet earned him the appointment of JUO.
His dogmatic determination to uphold the highest values of the Corps of Signals and the writing in Chetwode Hall found himself hounded out of Uniform, he prided himself in. But his thoughts helped to enrich the nation to the (then) revolutionary concepts of computers and IT.
As an Instructor at School of Signals, his concepts and teaching techniques found appreciation of all the officers’ who attended courses. His impartiality, willingness to share knowledge won him respect. He took time off in teaching through out his able days, whether it be, telecom, automation, IT, networking, management or culture and thus won well wishers in all walks of life.
He was one of the first to do computer course in Statistical Research Institute Calcutta, where Mr Mahalanobis took a liking to his genious.
His honesty, sincerity, impartiality, fair play, discipline and highest state of signalman ship was not in tune with the then CO 25 IDSR. He had a tough time and was moved to Eastern sector. There his over exertion told on his health and he landed in JCEC. He was not a file pusher and started craving for soldierly activities.
While serving in JCEC he happened to give a talk on automation. Prof MGK Menon (Secretary to GOI/ Cabinet Minister/ and etc) was present and took an immediate liking. MGK rang up Def Secy next morning and asked for the services of Thiag in his dept. MS branch applied their standard formula of QR etc. There was a lull. About a month later MGK bulldozed and the very next day Thiag found himself standing before him.
He retired from the Army on completion of 20 years of Service.
He was the brain behind automation in India. He lectured and demonstrated networking even prior to the concept entered our borders. He was ably guided and encouraged by Maj Gen A balasubramaniam, Brig VM Sundaram and others. Prof Yashpal encouraged him and Seshagiri took his assistance to establish NIC.
Mr Seshan involved him in Planning Commission.
During these periods he found himself invited by international organizations on automation and IT to conduct seminars/present papers/participate in discussions and toured world wide touching every person and city that had interest in computers/IT.
He found himself guiding the likes Nadar, WIPRO, CSI, ministries, universities.
Mr DY Patil and one Mr Kulkarni in Maharashtra took a lot of help from him.
He set up a management training institute with blessing from Shri Shankaracharya of Shringeri Mutt.
His untiring hard work took a heavy toll and he was almost bedridden by the time he reached his date of retirement.
He retired at Addl Secretary level in Ministry of SC & Tech.
He never showed any favours. Even he did not use his clout to settle his children and expected them to grow up on their strength. They struggled for admission to colleges, get jobs, and even to get their passport. He has two daughters and a son who are all married and well settled.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE AND WITH HIS SOUL REMAINS A LOVE TO OUR GREAT CORPS.
Brig G Natarajan (Retd)

Brig SP Chowdhary

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

Brig SP Chaudhary

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

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

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

Maj (Dr) T Thiagarajan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Major (Dr) R Thiagarajan

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

Lt Col KF Thomas

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

In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

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

Maj R Thiagarajan

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

Maj R Thiagarajan

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

Major (Dr) R Thiagarajan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brig VA Subramanyam (Retd)

Maj R Thiagarajan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lt Col RP Sahoonja

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

Col R P Sahoonja

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

Lt Col RP Sahoonja

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

Brig A Basu

It is very sad news to learn about the passing away of Brig A Basu. We thank Reprtymysignal Blog, for letting us know.

Brig Basu was a thorough gentleman and popular officer, who was ever ready to help fellow officers and men. He was a technical entry officer who took his work very seriously and whatever he did, he was so involved in it. An excellent teacher, he would try his best to explain various technical aspects of the topic he was teaching, till everyone understood.

Brig Basu held very important appointments in the Corps. He was instructor in MCTE, as a field officer in 7 Inf Div Sig Regt he took part in 1965 war and had narrow escape when a Pak aircraft strafed the Regiment area, commanded Central Command Signal Regiment, represented the Country in Moscow as Asst Mil Attache, Jun 1966- Feb 1970, was PMO Plan AREN for 5 long years from Jun 1972-Jun 1977 and later CSO 4 Corps.

His contributions to the Corps and the Army were tremendous. In his passing away, we have lost a great signaller, who contributed immensely and did his utmost for the Service. He will be missed by one and all in the Corps.

Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul of our respected colleague.

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

Mrs Abha Saxena

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of Mrs Abha Saxena W/o (IC 35815), Col (Retd) Umakant Saxena (Signals), who expired on 18 Jul 2009 at Pune. The last rites "Tehrivi" will be held on 30 Jul 09. Please see the email received from Lt Col Mukesh Sharma, appended below, for more details.
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: Col Mukesh Sharma
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 1:29 PM
Subject: SAD DEMISE OF MRS ABHA SAXENA W/O COL UMAKANT SAXENA (SIGNALS)
Sir,
With profound sorrow it is intimated that Mrs Abha Saxena W/o (IC 35815), Col (Retd) Umakant Saxena (Signals), expired on 18 Jul 2009 at Pune. Taervee is on 30 Jul 2009.
Lt Col Mukesh Sharma


We convey our heart felt condolence on the demise of Mrs Abha Saxena w/o Col (R) Umakant Saxena.and pray for the peace of departed soul and may almighty give strength to near and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Lt Col(R) Narbir Singh and family

IC-52957N Lt Col VN Srinivasan

DEEPLY GRIEVED TO HEAR THE UNTIMELY LOSS OF LT COL SRINIVASAN. OUR CORPS LOOSES AN EXPERIENCED OFFICER DIFFICULT TO BEAR. LOSS TO UMA AND THE KIDS VIKRAM & SWETA AT A TIME WHEN HE IS NEEDED MOST IS INDEED TRAGIC.
WE PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED SOUL TO REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD GIVE COURAGE AND STRENGTH TO UMA & CHILDREN TO BEAR THIS IRREPAIRABLE LOSS.
IN SORROW
Brig G Natarajan (Retd)

IC-52957N Lt Col VN Srinivasan

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of a serving Signals officer, IC-52957N Lt Col VN Srinivasan on 19 Jul 2009 at New Delhi.
The funeral took place on 20 Jul 09, at Brar Squre, Delhi Cantt.
Next of Kin: Mrs Uma- wife.
Please see the information received from Sigs Adm, appended below, for more details.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Late Colonel Srinivasan, 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.

We regret to inform about the sad demise of IC-52957N Lt Col VN Srinivasan, on 19 Jul 2009 at Delhi.
Details of illness: Cardiac Arrest
Next of Kin: Mrs Uma (Wife)
Name of Children: Vikram (Son), Sweta(Daughter)
Cremation date and time: 1630hrs, 20 Jul 2009 at Brar Square Cremation Ground
Last Rites/Prayer Meeting/Chautha- Not yet known
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 18 Jun 1971
2. Date of Seniority: 11 Jun 1994
3. Date of retirement: NA
4. Date of demise: 19 Jul 2009
5. Unit commanded: NA
6. Last appointment held: Sys Manager, 101 IFSU
7. Any other information: Attached with MI-20
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Sigs Adm

Lt Col Sriniwas

heard one Lt Col Sriniwas (sigs) expired on 20 Jul at Delhi...thought I must inform you. Other details may be found out officially.
Lt Col Sanjay Singh

Brig A Basu AVSM

I am sad to learn about demise of our stalwart - Brig A Basu AVSM Retd, at London (UK) on 13 Jul 2009. I had served with him briefly and in the short spell he was able to create lurking impression. May his soul rest in peace and God give strength to his family to bear the loss.
Col JL Chatterji (Retd)

Brig Aniles Basu

It was sad to learn about the demise of Brig Aniles Basu. I had the opportunity to serve with him as his Adjutant in Central Comd Sig Regt from Jan to Oct 1970. He had returned from Moscow, where he served as an AMA in Indian Embassy for three years. As bachelors we had liberty of enjoying Brig & Mrs Basu's hospitality at a short notice.

He was great CO who had full faith in his team. Though an intellectual he had great regard for the Army. I was selected for PC (being an ex-ECO) and also nominated for SODE 27 through an entrance examination, for which he personally took classes for elecronics in the evenings.

I had also prepared for IAS & Allied Services exam for more than a year. I requested him to get my name withdrawn from SODE to have a crack at the Civil services. He convinced me that there is nothing to beat the Army and Corps of Signals. I changed my mind and tore off my roll No. card in his presence.

Last we met was at the Corps Reunion 1996. He had promised come to Chandigarh and stay with us. That never materialised. He was a great human being and took great pleasure in helping and bringing up young officers.
With regards
Brig Kirpal Singh Grewal (Retd)

Brig A Basu

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-04778W Brig A Basu,AVSM (Retd), on 13 Jul 2009 at London,UK. The funeral is being held at London on 20 Jul 09. Please see the email received from Sigs Adm, appended below, for more details.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Late Brig A Basu, 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.

----- Original Message -----
From: sigsadm@indiatimes.com
To: CS Kamboj
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2009 11:24 AM
Subject: DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
Respected Sir,
We regret to inform you about the sad demise of IC-04778W Brig A Basu,AVSM (Retd), on 13 Jul 2009 at London, UK.
Details of illness: Not known.
Cremation: 20 Jul 2009 at London, UK.
Other Information about Officer
1. Date of birth: 01 Dec 1925
2. Date of Seniority: 06 Jun 1948
3. Date of retirement: 30 Nov 1979
4. Date of demise: 13 Jul 2009
Regards,
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

Lt Col BB Sarin

Dear Ravi,
It is with a sense of deep grief that i received the email about the very highly respected Col Sarin. I had the honour of serving and learning from him on my very first posting after commission in Signals. The lessons that I learnt from him remain the bed rock for my remaining service and till today.
WE PRAY FOR THE DEPARTED SOUL. MAY GOD GIVE ALL THE STRENGTH TO MRS SARIN and family members and the near & dear ones to bear this loss.
Respects to Mrs Madhu Sarin.
Brig and Ms G Natarajan, Signals

Lt Col BB Sarin

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of Lt Col BB Sarin, Signals. He left for his heavenly abode on 15 Jun 09. We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul.

For more details, please see the email appended below, received from Lt Gen SL Mehrotra, Former SO-in-C.

Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for Lt Col BB Sarin, may kindly send it for being posted to our weblog -
http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to- Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at - reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com

In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.
-----------
From: S L Mehrotra
Subject: Sad Demise-Lt Col B B Sarin
To: "chander kambhoj"
Date: Friday, 10 July, 2009, 5:58 PM
Dear Chander,
I am sorry to inform you about the sad demise of Lt Col B B Sarin (IC 08332) on 15 Jun 2009 at Ball Memorial Hospital due to Conjective heart failure. I got the info from his son Dr Ravi Sarin MD, FACP.
The address is Mrs Madhu Sarin, 6055, Pinehurst Lane, York Town, IN 47396 ,USA
Regards,
Shanker

Lt Gen S L Mehrotra

Col Virender Ahuja

It is with great distress the news of sad demise of Col Virender Ahuja comes in the Inbox.
We had served together for couple of years and have known him very well. A thorough gentleman who was more keen on Men's welfare. He had great organizing capability.
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs Ahuja and his son and prayers to God to grant them courage and strength to bear the great loss.
In great sorrow.
Col JL CHATTERJI (Retd)

Col Virender Ahuja

05 Jul 09.
Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of Col Virender Ahuja, Signals. He left for his heavenly abode on 05 Jul 09, around 0730 hrs. Mrs Prem Ahuja and their son who are currently in USA are arriving at Noida on 06 Jul 09. Cremation has been planned on 7th July at Sector 94, Noida cremation ground, at 0930 hrs. For more details, please see the email appended below.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for him, may kindly send it for being posted to our weblog -
http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to- Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at- reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

-----------
From: Sorabh Jain
To: Kamboj CS Brig
Sent: Sunday, July 05, 2009 6:47 PM
Subject: Sad Demise Lt Col Virender Ahuja
Dear sir,
We just spoke. Message
I have just learnt about the sad demise of Col Virender Ahuja, Signals. He passed away at 0730 Hrs on 5th July morning. His wife and son are expected tomorrow night from USA. Cremation has been planned on 7th July at Sector 94 Noida cremation ground at 0930 hrs. You may like to inform all.
Thanks
Col S K Jain

Lt Col Shamsher Singh

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-8820Lt Col Shamsher Singh (Retd). He left for his heavenly abode on 04 Jun 09, at Chandigarh.
Name of NOK: Mrs Amarjeet Kaur, wife.
The Bhog & Antim Ardas will be held in Sector 35 Gurudwara, Chandigarh on the 7 Jun09 Sunday.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli" for him, 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.

Subject: SAD DEMISE OF IC- 8820 Lt Col Shamsher Singh [Retd], Signals
Date: Friday, 5 June, 2009, 9:40 AM
1. It is with great grief I wish to inform about the sad demise of Lt Col Shamsher Singh [Retd] on 02 Jun 09 at Command Hospital, Chandimandir.
2. The cremation was held on 04 Jun 09 at Chandigarh.
3. The Bhog & Antim Ardas will be held in Sector 35 Gurudwara, Chandigarh on the 7 Jun 09 Sunday.
4. The details of NOK:
[a] Wife: Mrs Amarjeet Kaur
[b] Sons: Lt Col Narinderpal Singh[Retd] & Lt Col Inderpal singh[Retd]
In Grief- All Signal Offrs & Families of Chandigarh, Panchkula & Mohali.
Col B S Dhillon Chandigarh

Lt Col Vasudevan Nair

I was very touched (and surprised) at the speed at which my father's demise was posted on reportmysignal. We have received condolence calls from all over India. Many thanks to our family friend Brig Kamboj. I plan to write a detailed shradhanjali to my father which should be with you in a few days.
Regards
Dev Kumar Vasudevan

Lt Col Vinayak Kashinath Apte

I came to know of your blogspot only by chance. On going through the old posts I found that the news of my fathers demise has not reached the Signallers.
I wish to convey through your website the sad passing away of my father, IC 3200 Lt Col Vinayak Kashinath Apte, on 7 May last year (2008).
He was born in 1921, commissioned in 1944 and saw service in (as far as I know) Persia (Iraq), MCTE, 19 Div Sig Regt, 23 Div Sig Regt, commanded an Exptl Wireless Unit in Srinagar, then served in the CMO Directorate, HQ Southern Command, and HQ Maintenance Comd (AF). He retired in 1973 but was re-employed till 1977. He had settled in Pune and passed away after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Mrs Sharavati Apte, and two sons (Chidanand and Chandrashekhar).
I do appreciate the good work your blogspot is doing.
Lt Col Chandrashekhar Apte, MBBS, MD (Retd)

Lt Col K Vasudevan Nair

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of SL-217 Lt Col K Vasudevan Nair (Retd) on 21 May 2009 at 1200h in Mhow.
Next of Kin: Wife: Mrs. Ponnamma Vasudevan
Sons: Mr Dev Kumar Vasudevan, Capt V Mahesh Kumar (Ex-62 Cavalry), Lt Col Ashok Kumar Vasudevan (Corps of Signals)
Cremation- At Mhow on 22 May 09 (F/N)
For more details please see the email received from Sigs Adm, 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" for him, may kindly email it to - Col James Kanagaraj, reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com .
The Shradhanjli will appear at our weblog at http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

From: sigsadm@indiatimes.com
To: CS Kamboj
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 5:52 PM
Subject: DEMISE OF SIGNAL OFFICER LT COL KV NAIR (Retd)
We regret to inform you about the sad demise of SL-217 Lt Col K Vasudevan Nair (Retd) on 21 May 2009 at 1200h in Mhow.
Details of illness/ cause of death and hospital: Cardiac arrest at Bombay Hospital, Indore
Next of Kin: Mr. Dev Kumar & Lt Col Ashok Vasudevan Nair (Son)
Cremation- At Mhow on 22 May 09 (F/N)
Date of retirement 01 Aug 1980
Date of demise 21 May 2009

Lt Col RK Pateriya

With great great shock we learn about the sad demise of our veteran Sigs officer - Lt Col Pateriya on 12th May 2009. We pray to Almighty God to let his soul rest in peace and give strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.

Col JL Chatterji (Retd)

Lt Col RK Pateriya

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-3995 Lt Col RK Pateriya (Retd) on 12 May 09 in R&R Hospital, New Delhi.
His both kidneys had failed.
Next of Kin
Name and relationship: Kusum Pateriya (wife)
Cremation- 14 May 2009 at 11.00 hrs at Lodhi Road Crematorium, New Delhi.
Choutha- 15 May 2009 at 1700 hrs – 1800 hrs at Arya Samaj Mandir, Greater Kailash-2, New Delhi. For more details please see the email received from Sigs Adm, 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" for him, may kindly email it to - Col James Kanagaraj, reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
The Shradhanjli will appear at our weblog at http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

From: sigsadm@indiatimes.com
To: CS Kamboj
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:01 AM
Subject: demise of signals officer Col RK Pateriya on 12 May 09

DEMISE OF SIGNALS OFFICER
We regret to inform you about the sad demise of IC-3995 Lt Col RK Pateriya (Retd) on 12 May 09 in R&R Hospital, New Delhi.
Details of illness/ cause of death - Failure of both kidneys

Next of Kin
Name and relationship - Kusum Pateriya (wife)
Children
(i) Mrs Rachna Kamra (Daughter)- 48 yrs
(ii) Rajiv Kumar (Son)- 45 yrs
Cremation - 14 May 2009 at 11.00 hrs in Lodhi Road Crematorium
Choutha - 15 May 2009 at 1700 hrs – 1800 hrs in Arya Samaj Mandir, Greater Kailash-2, New Delhi
Information about Officer
1. Date of birth- 03 Sep 1928
2. Date of commission- 1947 (03 Course)
3. Date of retirement- 30 Mar 1970
4. Date of demise- 12 May 2009

Col VD Deshpande

Col VD Deshpande was Officer Commanding Tactical Wing in 1953 when we, the YO's 10 came to the School of Signals at Mhow. We found him to be a very mature, sober, understanding and efficient Officer. The Course carries very fond memories of him.

Col VD Deshpande was commissioned in the Corps on 6 Apr 1943 and retired on 25 Apr 1972, after rendering yeoman's service to the Corps, the Army and the Nation, for 29 years.

In the passing away of Col VD Deshpande, the Corps has lost one of our stalwarts.

Our deep condolences to the bereaved family.

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

Adm SM Nanda

We are very sorry to learn about the passing away of the brave Admiral who led the Navy to Victory in 1971. I remember him as a great hero who planned and conducted operations of both fleets, organised, trained and led the Naval elements of Mukti Bahini. All this with the threat of US Seventh Fleet lurking close by.
May his soul rest in peace.
Lt Gen KK Khanna, PVSM, AVSM** (Retd)

Dear Sir,
All officers/ members of Retired Defence Officers Association (RDOA) deeply mourn the loss of Admiral SM Nanda. May GOD give strength to the family members to bear the loss.
In sorrow
On behalf of RDOA
Secretary RDOA

Adm SM Nanda

12 May 2009, 0605 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: Former Naval chief Admiral S M Nanda, a veteran of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, died on Monday evening in the national capital.

93-year-old Nanda, a Padma Vibhushan award winner, was admitted to a city-based hospital on Monday morning and breathed his last around 11 pm. He is survived by his two sons and wife besides grandchildren, family sources said.

Nanda was admitted to Fortis, Vasant Kunj with complaints of fever and breathlessness, Navneet Singh, a physician of the hospital who treated the former Navy chief, said.

Nanda, who was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM) for his distinguished service, was appointed the Chief of Naval Staff on March 1, 1970. He retired in 1973.

His legendary command of the Navy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and his success in steering it to a resounding victory is the high-water mark of the modern Indian Navy.

The funeral will take place on Saturday with full military honours at Brar Square Crematorium here at 1600 hrs.
Former Naval chief Admiral S M Nanda passes away
Read More:
Adm SM Nanda
bharat rakshak: Adm SM Nanda
The man who bombed Karachi
Photo Courtesy PIB
The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sureesh Mehta laying the wreath as a mark of respect to Admiral S.M. Nanda, at Brar Square, in New Delhi on May 12, 2009
Readers of Report My Signal Forum and Veterans offer their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members of Adm SM Nanda.

Col VD Deshpande

I had the privilege of serving with late Col VD Deshpande in 2 STC, Goa, some 45 years ago, where he was Dy Comdt and also the Dy Station Commander of Goa. First as SSO Goa and later as Centre Adjutant (then called Major (SD), I had an opportunity to interact closely with him on many issues concerned with training, administration and consolidation of Ex Portuguese assets in whole of Goa. I remember him as a person with a great problem solving acumen and rare negotiating skills whether with formation staff, MES or the Civil Govt. He had a knack of bringing an amicable end to an ugly administrative situation by carrying all the team members along with him. If I remember correctly he was Military Attache in Turkey before coming to 2 STC. Professionally a stickler, but off parade he was a very sociable person with a subtle sense of humour. May God give peace to his soul.
Col Sharad K. Paranjape.

Col VD Deshpande

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC 1102, Col VD Deshpande, on 01 May 09, at Kolhapur.
Next of Kin: Mr. Vinay Deshpande, Son.
For more details please see the email received from Brig SR Luktuke, 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" for him, may kindly email it to - Col James Kanagaraj, reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
The Shradhanjli will appear at our weblog at http://reportmysignal-shradhanjli.blogspot.com/
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj

Subject: Sad Demise - Col V D Deshpande
Sir,
Very sorry to inform you that Col (retd) V D Deshpande, Signals expired on 01 May 2009 (Fri) at 13.30 hours in Kolhapur.
NOK: Mr. Vinay Deshpande (Son)

Regards,
Brig Sharad Luktuke (Retd)

Lt Kuldeep Chaudhary

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of a young serving Signaller- SS-42958H Lt Kuldeep Chaudhary, on 11 Apr 09, due to a road accident in Mhow. The officer was attending the Signals YO Course - 132.
Next of Kin: (Father) Lt Col BP Singh, SO 1, (C & SS) HQ 33 Corps.
For more details please see the email received from DG Sigs Adm, 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" for him, 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.

Respected Sir,
We regret to inform you about the sad demise of SS-42958H Lt Kuldeep Chaudhary Attending YO 132 on 11 Apr 2009.
Details: Road Accident cause of death at MH, Mhow (MP)
Father: Lt Col BP Singh, SO 1 (C & SS) HQ 33 Corps
Cremation Location: Baghpat (UP)
1. Date of birth: 15 Apr 1984
2. Date of Seniority: 22 Mar 2008
3. Date of demise: 11 Apr 2009.
Attending YO 132 at MCTE, Mhow
Regards
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

Col GT Vazirani

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about the demise of IC-10458X Col GT Vazirani (Retd). He left for his heavenly abode on 23 Mar 2009. Name of NOK: Mrs Kusum Vazirani, wife.
For more details please see the email received from DG Sigs Adm, 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" for him, 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

Respected Sir,
We regret to inform you about the sad demise of IC-10458X Col Vazirani GT (Retd)on 23 Mar 2009 at 1245h.
Details of illness: Brain Hemorrhage
Next of Kin: Mrs Kusum Vazirani
Name and relationship: Wife
Name of Children: Mrs Ritika Kotwani (Daughter)
Cremation date and time: 23 Mar 09 Electric Crematorium Yerwade
Information about Officer:
1. Date of birth.: 28 Oct 1937
2. Date of Seniority: 08 Jun 1958
3. Date of retirement: 31 Aug 1978
4. Date of demise: 23 Mar 2009
Regards
Lt Col AS Mankoo
Dir Sigs Adm

Col Girish N Purandare - Down Memory Lane

...photographs - of happier times.
Col C Mani

Lt Col Kalyan Singh

Dear Signallers,
I have just received a telephone call from Mrs Minu Sundaram, w/o Late Brig Sundaram, that Signals Veteran, Lt Col Kalyan Singh, 3 IMA Course, left for his heavenly abode on 07 Mar 09 (AN).

The only details available with me at present are:
Cremation likely around 1.00 PM at Pankha Road Cremation Ground (Opposite Supply Depot Pankha Road) New Delhi. Exact time can be known after the body is received from RR Hospital.

Name of wife of Col Kalyan Singh - Mrs Bhupinder
At the time of initiating this email there is no one answering this phone - probably all family members have gone to RR Hospital.

Other close friend of Col Kalyan Singh's family keeping track of information-
Col Madan - and Mrs Madan, Som Vihar. Mrs Madan is trying to get more information regarding exact time of cremation.

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

The cremation will take place at 2.30 PM, on 08 Mar 09 at Pankha Road Cremation Ground, opposite the Supply Depot, New Delhi. (Going from Army Golf Course towards Delhi Cannt Railway Station after you go pass the Kirby Place Crossing, just before the flyover near Delhi Cantt Railway Station, take the road going to left).
In sorrow
Chander Kamboj

Lt Gen K Chandrasekharan

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Condolence emails received for that great soul - Lt Gen K Chandrasekharan, MD AGI, who left for his heavenly abode on 02 Mar 09, are reproduced in the blog
May God give peace to the departed soul.
In Service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.

Lt Gen K ChandraSekharan

Date: Thursday, 5 March, 2009, 12:16 PM
Deeply grieved to read the loss of Lt Gen K ChandraSekharan.
MAY THE DEPARTED SOUL REST IN PEACE.
No amount of words can convey the full meaning and gratitude of what the SERVICES owe to the contribution made by the far reaching vision of the departed general.
HIS PRESCENCE will remain part & parcel of every soldier/veterans' prosperity and welfare for all TIMES.
MAY GOD give strength for his near and dear ones and also to the AGIF to bear this and face future.

Brig G Natarajan (Retd)

Lt Gen K Chandrasekharan

Date: Friday, 6 March, 2009, 11:32 AM
It was with utmost sorrow that read your mail regarding the sad demise of General Chandrashekaran. I knew him rather well in my service days when I learnt many things about GIF when I was overseeing NGIF. The PPOC meetings which we attended are still vivid. I was happy when the Army retained him after retirement for continnuity and experience. He showed that the Army officers are quite capable of running large financial institutins
May his soul RIP
Vice Admiral Barin Ghose (Retired)
Member Core Group IESM

Lt Gen K Chandrasekharan

Date: Thursday, 5 March, 2009, 11:00 AM

Gen Chandraseharan was more than a soldier. He was an institution. Here is what I know about him.

He began his life as an assistance in CME, Dapodi. Obtianed an Engineering degree through the AMIE route.

Was commissioned as a Technical graduate , in the Corps of Engeineers; with the age on his wrong side.

That notwithstanding, he rose to command a Mountain Brigade in the High Altitude Areas in Sikkim. And that is where I first met him in 1982.

We were both posted to the AG's Branch in 1983, he in the PS Dte and self in the Pay Cell.

Gen Chandrasekhar was promoted, but with the age against him, he was not given a Div. Instead, he was absorbed in the AHQ itasel.

And then began a journey which has few parallels. He joined the AGIF in around 1986 and remained there for a record 22 years. He was granted the Hony rank of Lt Gen. In sheer ability to work hard and go into details, he has no equal. As a footnote to this obituary, permit me to add that only a few days ago, I saw him in my dreams and he looked askance towards me, when I enquired about his retirement plans. His body language showed that he planned to go with his boots on.

In all probability, he holds an unbeatable record for the number of years spent in the service of the Army. By my calculation, it is over 56 years! (counting the initial period in the CME)
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

Lt Gen K Chandrasekharan

Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
I am sad to inform you about the demise of Lt Gen K Chandrasekharan, MD AGIF.
The Army All Ranks would know that he performed outstanding service in managing the Army Group Insurance Funds and the quality of customer service for which AGIF is so well known.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul.
For more details you may kindly contact Lt Col HM Joshi, DD Systems, AGI. His contact details are given in the email appended below.
In sorrow
Chander Kamboj.

Date: Wednesday, 4 March, 2009, 9:19 AM
Dear Sir,
With profound grief I put across the news that Lt Gen K Chandrasekharan, MD AGIF, has passed away on 02 Mar 2009 at 1930H in RR Hospital.
Lt Col H M Joshi (Retd)
DD Systems
AGI Bhawan, Rao Tula Ram Marg,
PO Vasant Vihar, New Delhi- 110057

Col Girish N Purandare

The sad news of sudden demise of Col Girish Purandare has come as a rude shock to us. Destiny has dealt a grave blow to his family by snatching him away from them in the prime of his life. I am writing these lines to pay my homage to Girish who was a great human being and an excellent Signaller. His early departure is a great loss not only to his family but to the Corps of Signals too.
Although I had not been in regular touch with Girish for many years now (having taken early retirement 9 years ago), I had been hearing about his steady success in the Corps through others. I recall those CME days in 1986 -87 when he was a student of SODE 56 course and I happened to be their Instructor teaching some Electronics subjects. He was one of the brightest and liveliest students of the course and a good sportsman too. I remember, there was a healthy competition for the top position among 3 - 4 students in the course - Girish being one of them . Girish raised the bar for others also. Those youngsters could give tough times to an instructor if he did not come well prepared and I enjoyed teaching them. In the end , it was Girish who pipped others by his sheer brilliance and hard-work. He stood first in the CME leg of the course and later in MCTE leg too . Even in his success, he was a symbol of humility and was well liked by all his friends and colleagues.
May God Almighty bless his noble soul.
Mrs Purandare, we are with you in this hour of your grief. You can depend upon us, this fraternity of Signallers, for any support required any time. May God give you courage to bear this great personal loss and strength to shape the lives of your young children in the mould of their brilliant father.

Col Niranjan Pandey (Retd)

Col GN Purandare

Col Purandare was admitted in the Comd Hospital, Calcutta just about a month plus ago. He complained of persistent fever at his place of duty and was transferred here.
I must say he was most cheerful till the very last day and was willing to fight it out. Even while in the hospital he always spoke to the doctors most cheerfully, and with respect to the senior doctors when they met him. He had high fever in the last few days and passed away on the 26th evening.
Mrs Purandare was with him throughout the hospital stay and so were his brother and sisters who were here whenever they could. The family support system was most remarkable.
Mrs Purandare was sad but most composed even during this phase. Purandare was a fine officer and will be missed by all of us. We extended all the support that we could while the family was here.
May God rest his soul in peace.
Maj Gen NV Pande
Col Comdt

Col GN Purandare

.....thoughts on passing away of our brethern

Birth was not our choice
Death will not be our choice
But the way we live our life is our choice.
Absolutely our choice.
Live today fully and
Strive to learn something new today.
Do Not take Life for Granted.
May Yours be filled with LOVE and Happiness…
ALWAYS...

Brig VA Subramanyam

Col GN Purandare

The Mahabharata is replete with stories of human foibles, daring and endeavour. But my favourite story was the one that my friend, Girish Purandare, often recounted to me during the heady days when we did the Young Officer’s Course at Mhow. Girish was a strapping young lad of physically immense proportions but with a heart of gold. Now for the story. Dharmaraj Yudhishtra and his brothers are making the long arduous trek to heaven, and one by one his brothers fall. Finally, only Yudhishtra and his dog reach the gates of heaven. While the dog is allowed entry Dharmaraj has to see hell for a day for having told a truth with bad intent that caused the death of Dronacharya. During his brief sojourn in hell, he finds all his brothers including Krishna’s favourite Arjuna undergoing the torments of hell. When he finally enters heaven, who should he find there but his arch enemy Duryodhana. A nonplussed Dharmaraj is told by Yama, the God of Death that Arjuna could’nt get over the failing of pride over his prowess as an archer. And Duryodhana? Simple, he died on the battlefield fighting for his mother land. Having divine sanction for our sinful actions as young officers we willfully entered into an orgy of pleasure, wining dining and wooing in Mhow. Given the hostile neighbourhood of India our chances of doing a Duryodhana– Houdini escape act was rather bright.

We were again together during the three year long degree engineering course at Pune and Mhow. After the dusty UP towns where our regiments had been stationed, Pune was like heaven on earth. We were virile energetic young bachelors packing in as much action as we could into every minute of the day. The Course itself was academically demanding and it was an exciting time to be in the field of telecommunications. The possibilities of telecommunications and computers converging into cyber space was close to becoming a reality. We were the best of friends playing squash, wining and dining together, but it soon became clear that we would both be vying for the top honours. For a while, it seemed that I would give him a good run for his money until he went and fell in love with a tall beautiful engineering student Radhika, from a local College. Before, you could blink your eyes he was married and well settled while I continued on my philandering ways. After that there was no contest and he was cantering away. By the time I got hitched to Jayanti in the final semester at Mhow it was too late and I had to settle for second spot while Girish walked away with the Gold Medal. Jayanti of course always made me choose ‘the harder right instead of the easier wrong’ but that is another story. I had the minor satisfaction of giving him a good hiding in the squash finals and to his eternal mortification our names as winner and runners up for 1988 still stands in the Walker Squash Courts. We were both nominated for Post graduation studies at the IITs. Again he chose the more difficult field of computer sciences while I settled for telecommunications. Meanwhile, we had both been blessed with lovely daughters quickly followed by a strapping boy each. Life was full of promise.

The first hint of our rivalry not going the full distance came when it was time to appear for the prestigious Staff College Entrance examinations. I opted only for the Technical Staff course while he duly got selected for the Staff College. He scolded me,’ I thought we would fight to the finish, and you did’nt even turn up at the start line’. After the course, we went our respective ways, he to the troubled Kashmir Valley and me to Shimla. He again distinguished himself when leading an adhoc operation by knocking off three terrorists. Fate willed that we be brought together again and we were both posted to Delhi. Here he created a software package for qualitative analysis that would provide decision support for procurement of weapon systems, for which he was commended by the Chief of Army Staff, while I slaved away at the Postings Branch an object of much criticism. The powers that be however felt that we were both eligible to command units and detailed us for the Senior Command course at Mhow. As India progressed on the vehicle of Manmohanomics, Mhow seemed to have been left behind.. Except for a few grey hairs on the moustaches of our favourite tailors and an odd sign board advertising mobile service providers Mhow seemed to exist in a time warp. Our respective bosses had exhorted both of us to come back with flying colors, but the soothing environs of Mhow coupled with the absence of our nagging spouses made us regress back to our Young Officer days. Come the post lunch hour and a keen look would appear on Girish’s face. ‘ Can you hear it?’ he would ask much as the Gopis longed for the sweet strains of Krishna’s Flute. He was of course referring to the aged lambretta of the Kulfi wala who knew where the connoisseurs of his wares lived. We muddled through the Course, reveling for once in the anonymity of mediocrity. Not for long though, as we were again forced to rise to the challenge of commanding units in the backdrop of OP PARAKRAM. Apparently we had both been good commanding officers as we found ourselves nominated for the Higher Defence Management Course at the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad. The competition here was much stiffer as the course had the best and brightest officers from the three Services. Girish, however still excelled coming second on the course as also receiving the second prize for his dissertation on The Indo US Nuclear Deal. I had to remain content with the first prize for the best case study. After, the course while I stayed back as an Instructor he was posted on staff to the North East. He had by now left his squash playing days behind and become an enthusiastic Golf player outdriving other more skilled players by using his sheer physical strength. Which was why it was such a shock seeing him lie comatose in the Command Hospital at Kolkatta, his body racked by the low grade fever that characterizes Leukemia.

The first round of chemotherapy had thinned his hair, darkened his face and enlarged his spleen distending his stomach. He had undergone severe bodily discomfort including blister like eruptions and a debilitating diarrhea due to the side effects of chemotherapy. His defences having been laid low he was susceptible to infections, and no visitors were permitted to meet him. I had to pull strings to meet him, the sanctioning authority being his wan but resolute life support system, Radhika. She warned me not to speak of his illness, but true to his great fighting spirit he was confident of his chances and getting ready to move to Delhi for two more rounds of chemotherapy to be followed by a bone marrow transplant. I assured him our rivalry would continue as he was certain to make it in the Brigadier’s promotion board scheduled in Apr 2009. He could’nt talk for too long as he tired quickly. Now, I am no Reiki Master, but when he asked me for therapy to ease the pain, I called upon all the healing powers in the Cosmos to descend on my feeble palms. When he seemed at peace I left the room. Later, that evening Radhika told me that he had benefited from my touch but could’nt see me as the fever had returned. As darkness descended, Girish again demanded to see me. I walked in not knowing what to expect. True to form, there was soft music playing and Girish was conducting an invisible orchestra as the soulful hindi numbers of our youth filled the room. We listened in silence as Kishore, Lata and Mukesh expressed all that we couldn’t say. He soon began speaking of how he had not let down the Corps of Signals when called upon to analyse the Chinese threat, of how proud he was to be a Signals officer and of how much he owed to the Corps. He had written a poem on the day he was diagnosed of blood cancer and was keen on circulating it to his course mates and obtaining their opinion on it. The poem was remarkably moving expressing the paradox of surrender to the almighty while simultaneously being engaged in a pitched battle with him for the gift of life. He was determined not to give up.

But as the John Lennon song goes,’ Life happens when we are busy making plans’. Or, as in this case, death happened. That great heart was stilled by a cardiac arrest at 1800h on 26 Feb 2009. The cancer had insidiously eaten into his vital organs. Girish had fought his final battle, and here he was wrapped in the tricolor, lying lifeless as the buglers played the Last Post. The crematorium was a sea of green as the arms guard gave him their ‘Salami Shastra’. His beloved Corps of Signals was represented in full strength. I was not in green however, for, you see one can’t cry in uniform.

I don’t know if his battle for life meets the exacting requirements of Yama, but the courage with which he fought the good fight could not have escaped the notice of the Great Reaper. The religious teacher who performed the last rites, seeing my tears told me, ‘Ab woh sare bandhan se mukt ho gaye hain’. It was then that it hit me. In the race that mattered his soul had made it to the finish line before mine.

Colonel C Mani