IC19750N Lt Col B C Panda - obituary in Signalman finally

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

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

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

Major PN Suri

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of Major PN Suri, a very senior Signals Veteran, who had migrated to USA in early 70s.
He died on 10 Jul 10.
Next of Kin: Mrs Mohinder Suri, wife,
Please also see email received from Lt Gen SL Mehrotra, Former SO-in-C, appended below.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog-
The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator at - reportmysignalblogspot@gmail.com
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

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

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

Col RK Vats

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

Col RBS Babulkar

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

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

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

Col Raj Kumar Vats

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

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

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

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

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

IC-4132 Col Raj Kumar Vats

Dear Signallers,
I am sad to inform you about demise of IC-4132 Col Raj Kumar Vats (Retd), due to heart attack, on 06 Aug 10, at New Delhi.
Next of Kin: Miss Suhas Vats (Daughter)
Please see email received from Dte Gen of Signals appended below.
We pray to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to all near ones and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.
Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog- The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator.
In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

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

Col RBS Bablkar

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

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

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

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

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

Col RBS Babulkar

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

Please also see emails received from other Veteran Signallers appended.

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

Those of you who wish to write a "Shradhanjli", may kindly send it for being posted on our weblog - The Shradhanjli be kindly emailed to - Col James Kanagaraj, The Moderator.

In sorrow -
Chander Kamboj.

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

Brig DND Jones

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

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