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Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Defence village' moms hope for peace
1 2 Berhampur: Brave mothers of Kamalapur village in Odisha's Ganjam district are are hoping the hostilities end over 500 youths from this village in Rangeilunda block are serving in the Indian Army . Popular as the ' defence village ', Kamalapur is small village of 3,500 people located near the Army Air Defence College."As a mother, I worry about my son when he is away at his place of posting, especially when there is a conflict situation," says A Bhanumati, whose son Sanjay Kumar is posted in Srinagar. Bhanumati, 60, lost her husband Havildar A Govind Rao during Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir."I feel proud that my husband laid down his life defending the country. I feel proud that my son serves to defend the country," she 59, mother of two army personnel, shares similar sentiments. "Both my sons are posted in vulnerable areas — one in Amritsar and another in Udhampur. The decision to strike against the terror camps in Pakistan was good," she says, her voice filled with emotion. Her husband B Somaya, 65, is an village entrance features a statue of Rao, a local, who was martyred in the Kargil War, serving as a constant reminder of the village's sacrifices for the nation. "We are very proud of youths of our village who are in the military and working to protect the country," said Kumari, sarpanch of Kamalapur. She said mothers in the village encourage their sons to join the Army though many have lost their husbands during the previous Odisha State Ex-Services League, Kamalapur branch, Balaram Swamy said the village has records of around 420 ex-servicemen. The village regularly holds meetings to address concerns of ex-servicemen families and war widows .
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Army chief empowered to activate 10,000 recruits of Territorial Army
NEW DELHI: The defence ministry has empowered the Army chief to activate 14 of the 32 infantry battalions of the Territorial Army (TA) for deployment across the country till February 2028. The part-time TA supports and supplements the regular Army in static security duties for protection of vital areas and installations, and aids civil authorities in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list "The 14 battalions will constitute around 10,000 personnel," an officer said. The already stretched 11.5-lakh-strong Army currently has a shortage of around 8,400 officers and 93,000 soldiers. Around 60,000 soldiers retire every year but the annual intake under the Agnipath scheme is limited to 40,000 at present. Moreover, 75% of the Agniveers from each batch will be demobilised after four years under the scheme rolled out in June 2022. TA was started on Oct 9, 1949, as a volunteer reserve force of "citizen soldiers". TA units have helped out on several occasions, including the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, during Operation Rakshak in 1980s against insurgents in Punjab and the 1999 Kargil conflict.
NDTV
09-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
India Mobilises The "Terriers": What Is Territorial Army
New Delhi: The Indian Army chief has been given the go-ahead by the government to activate the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or in a support role to the regular army. The government's decision comes amid the conflict with Pakistan. Here's a 10-point explainer on the Territorial Army (TA) There are 32 Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army. Of this, 14 Infantry Battalions (TA) or approximately 14,000 soldiers can be deployed in areas under the Southern Command, Eastern Command, Western Command, Central Command, Northern Command, South Western Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and Army Training Command, the government said. The Territorial Army was inaugurated by India's first Governor General C Rajagopalachari on October 9, 1949. This day is celebrated as 'TA Day' every year in honour of the 'Citizens Army', and the first TA week was celebrated from November 8 to 15, 1952. The TA began with various types of units such as Infantry Battalion (TA), Air Defence (TA), Medical Regiment (TA), Engineers Field Park Company (TA), Signal Regiment (TA), etc. However, these units were disbanded or converted into the regular army by 1972, except for Infantry Battalion (TA). TA units have been part of operations in 1962, 1965, and 1971. The 'Terriers' also went to Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Rakshak, and the north-east region during Operation Rhino and Operation Bajrang. In its present role, the TA is essentially a part of the regular army. The TA can provide units for the regular army as and when needed if the country is threatened. The TA can also relieve the regular army from static duties and help the civil administration in dealing with natural disasters and maintaining essential services during national emergency situations such as outbreak of hostilities with an enemy nation. The TA has 10 ecological battalions sponsored by state governments. These Ecological Task Force Battalions (TA) use the technical expertise of the respective state forest department for afforestation-linked activities, and soil conservation. By virtue of their task and role, the Ecological Territorial Army units are contributing immensely by ecological activities towards disaster mitigation and also be part of nation-building efforts of the Indian Army. There are also departmental TA regiments for oil and natural gas installations and the railways. The Assam agitation of 1980 led to a massive loss in oil production, estimated at over Rs 5,000 crore. Combat Engineer Regiments were deployed to take over oil and gas installations for maintaining production. So, the raising of the oil sector TA units was the result of the lessons learnt during this period. Civilians can apply to become TA officers. In this way, the TA says people can serve the nation in two capacities - as a civilian, and as a soldier. The eligibility conditions include Indian citizenship, age range between 18 and 42 years, graduation from a recognised university, physically and mentally fit, and gainfully employed. Serving members of the regular armed forces and not eligible to apply as officers in the TA.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
A General's grief: COAS Upendra Dwivedi remembers his fallen brother-in-arms
Naib Subedar Baldev Singh funeral. Chandigarh: In a poignant and deeply personal tribute, General Upendra Dwivedi , the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paid homage to Naib Subedar Baldev Singh of 18th Battalion the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (18 JAK RIF), who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while deployed at the formidable Kumar Post on the Siachen Glacier-the highest battlefield in the world. Both the army chief and the soldier had once served closely together. The wreath-laying ceremony was conducted at Shraddhanjali Sthal, Base Hospital, Delhi cantonment, where the Army Chief laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the valiant Junior Commissioned Officer. This was not merely a ceremonial gesture, but a heartfelt farewell by a former comrade-in-arms. Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, a native of Sirsa district in Haryana, was enrolled into the 18 JAK RIF in 2002 during Operation Rakshak in the Kashmir Valley. He first came in contact with General Dwivedi in October 2003, when the present COAS took command of the battalion. At the time, Naib Subedar Baldev Singh was serving in Delta Company. Recognising his potential and spark, the Commanding Officer nominated him for specialist duties in the Battalion's Signal Platoon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Deals Undo The COAS, as then CO 18 JAK RIF, personally mentored Baldev Singh as an Infantry Signaller. The young soldier accompanied the CO in numerous operations, displaying unwavering professionalism, courage, and dedication. Over time, Baldev Singh rose through the ranks and was promoted to Naib Subedar about a year ago. The bond between the two soldiers, built on mutual respect and shared hardships, grew into a familial relationship, making the loss all the more profound and personal. The army spokesperson informed that Naib Subedar Baldev Singh tragically lost his life on 20 April, while serving with the Signal Platoon at Kumar Post in the treacherous terrain of the Northern Glacier, Siachen. 'He will always be remembered as a cheerful, brave, and highly motivated soldier whose commitment to duty and professional excellence were deeply valued. The Indian Army stands in steadfast solidarity with the bereaved family during this hour of grief and salutes the indomitable spirit and devotion to duty of Naib Subedar Baldev Singh,' the spokesperson added.
United News of India
21-04-2025
- General
- United News of India
Army Chief pays homage to Naib Subedar Baldev Singh
New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday paid homage to Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, who laid down his life in the line of duty in the Siachen Glacier. The wreath-laying ceremony took place at Shraddhanjali Sthal, Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt, where the Army Chief laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the valiant Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO). This was not merely a ceremonial gesture, but a heartfelt farewell by a former comrade-in-arms, an official statement said. Naib Subedar Baldev Singh was enrolled into the 18 JAK RIF in 2002 during Operation Rakshak in the Kashmir Valley. He first came in contact with General Dwivedi in October 2003, when the present COAS took command of the battalion. At the time, Naib Subedar Baldev Singh was serving in Delta Company. Recognising his potential and spark, the Commanding Officer nominated him for specialist duties in the Battalion's Signal Platoon. The Army Chief, as then CO 18 JAK RIF, personally mentored Baldev Singh as an Infantry Signaller. The young soldier accompanied the CO in numerous operations, displaying unwavering professionalism, courage, and dedication. Over time, Baldev Singh rose through the ranks and was promoted to Naib Subedar about a year ago. The bond between the two soldiers, built on mutual respect and shared hardships, grew into a familial relationship, making the loss all the more profound and personal. Naib Subedar Baldev Singh tragically lost his life on 20 April, while serving with the Signal Platoon at Kumar Post in the treacherous terrain of the Northern Glacier, Siachen. The Indian Army stands in steadfast solidarity with the bereaved family during this hour of grief and salutes the indomitable spirit and devotion to duty of Naib Subedar Baldev Singh. His legacy of sacrifice and service will continue to inspire generations of soldiers, the statement said. UNI RBE CS
