Malayalam cinema icon and Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, Mohanlal, arrived in the landslide-stricken area of Wayanad, Kerala, on Saturday to participate in the ongoing rescue operations. The actor, who was appointed as a Lt Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2009, was seen in his army uniform as he joined the search and rescue teams on the ground for the fifth consecutive day of operations.

Upon his arrival at the Meppadi camp, Mohanlal engaged in discussions with the officers coordinating the efforts before heading to the affected zones. “We are going to the affected areas now,” stated the 64-year-old actor-producer, highlighting his involvement in the critical rescue mission.

Wayanad has been severely impacted by devastating landslides triggered by unprecedented rainfall, which experts have partially attributed to climate change affecting weather patterns in the Arabian Sea. The disaster has claimed over 300 lives since it struck the hilly district on Tuesday. Rescue operations have been intensive, with more than 1,300 rescuers from the armed forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state disaster response teams, and volunteers working tirelessly.

Significant efforts include the construction of a 190-foot-long Bailey bridge by the Army, which was completed in record time to reconnect Mundakkai and Chooralmala, two of the villages most affected by the landslides. Despite the challenging conditions, the rescuers have managed to recover 100 bodies from the Chaliyar river, which flows through Wayanad among other districts.

Mohanlal’s participation underscores the widespread mobilization of support for the landslide victims and highlights the critical role of community and national figures in disaster response efforts. His presence is expected to not only boost the morale of the rescue teams but also bring additional attention to the plight of the affected communities, facilitating more support and aid.

Lieutenant General VPS Kaushik has officially taken over as the Adjutant General of the Indian Army, marking a significant transition in his illustrious military career. Prior to this prestigious appointment, Lt Gen Kaushik served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Trishakti Corps. The announcement was made by the additional directorate general of public information on the social media.

As the Adjutant General, Lt Gen Kaushik will oversee several critical functions within the Army, including personnel management, welfare initiatives, and the maintenance of service records, reflecting his deep experience and leadership within the military.

In related news, Lieutenant General Vinod Nambiar has also assumed his new role as the Director General and Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation. During his induction, he paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial and called on all ranks of Army Aviation to maintain their commitment and zeal in serving the nation.

These leadership appointments come at a crucial time and are part of a broader restructuring within the Indian Army, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and adapting to contemporary challenges. Both officers bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of service and dedication, promising a continuation of strong leadership within the Army’s high command.

Mrs. Komal Seth, Regional President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) Southern Star, made a significant visit to the Command Hospital (Southern Command) in Pune on August 2, 2024. During her visit, Mrs. Seth first engaged with cancer patients at the Malignant Disease Treatment Centre and the Southern Star Palliative Care Centre, where she offered words of encouragement and support.

Following her interaction with the patients, Mrs. Seth visited Shravan, the sole facility in the Southern Command Zone dedicated to the early intervention and rehabilitation of children with hearing loss. Here, she witnessed captivating performances by the children, showcasing the progress and success of the rehabilitation programs.

Mrs. Seth concluded her visit by spending time at the Early Intervention Centre, where she interacted with children undergoing various therapies and their parents. This part of her visit allowed her to understand better the challenges and breakthroughs in early medical intervention for children facing diverse health issues.

Throughout her visit, Mrs. Seth praised the tireless efforts of the medical team at Command Hospital (SC) for their exceptional dedication and commitment to patient care. Her visit underscores the AWWA’s ongoing commitment to supporting military families and enhancing the welfare services provided by medical facilities within the army infrastructure.

Lieutenant General Sanjay Mitra, General Officer Commanding of Strike One, recently conducted a visit to various military units stationed in Ladakh. During his visit, Lt Gen Mitra emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and fully prepared for any contingency, reflecting the strategic priorities of the Indian Army in the region.

I Corps, commonly known as Strike One, is a pivotal military formation of the Indian Army. Established on April 1, 1965, and headquartered in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, it functions as a critical strike corps within the Northern Command. Its primary focus is on operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, especially concerning the defense strategies against potential threats from China.

The visit by Lt Gen Mitra underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure that the troops are not only well-prepared but also strategically positioned to respond to any situation. This readiness is crucial given the sensitive nature of the region and the complex geopolitical dynamics involved.

Strike One plays an essential role in India’s military strategy, acting as a frontline formation designed to execute offensive operations if necessary. The corps’ readiness and adaptability are vital in maintaining the security and integrity of India’s borders.

Lt Gen Mitra’s leadership and his call for heightened preparedness come at a time when maintaining a strong defensive posture is increasingly important. His visit and interactions with the troops serve to boost morale and reinforce the importance of readiness in safeguarding national interests.

Lieutenant General Vinod Nambiar has officially assumed the role of Director General and Colonel Commandant of the Army Aviation Corps in India. Upon taking charge, Lt Gen Nambiar paid tribute to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.

During his ceremonial visit, Lt Gen Nambiar addressed the troops of the Army Aviation Corps, urging them to continue serving with the same zeal and fervor. His message emphasized dedication to the nation and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service.

The Army Aviation Corps, critical to a wide array of military operations including combat search and rescue, logistics support, and medical evacuation, relies on a fleet that includes HAL Chetak, HAL Cheetah, and HAL Dhruv helicopters. These aircraft are vital for both wartime operations and disaster response efforts.

Lt Gen Nambiar’s leadership is set to focus on enhancing the operational capabilities and training within the corps. His appointment follows the tenure of Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar Suri, under whose guidance the corps also saw significant advancements.

With Lt Gen Nambiar at the helm, the Army Aviation Corps is expected to continue its vital role in supporting ground operations and strengthening India’s defense capabilities. His extensive experience and dedicated leadership are anticipated to bring valuable developments to the corps and its operations.

Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Air Command, along with Brigadier Salil, Station Commander of Pangode Military Station, recently conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Wayanad. The survey was aimed at assessing the extent of the damage caused by recent flooding and landslides, and to coordinate effective response measures.

During their survey, they were able to gain a comprehensive view of the impacted regions, which is crucial for planning and executing relief and recovery operations. The aerial perspective provided valuable insights into the areas most in need of urgent assistance and the challenges faced by rescue and relief teams on the ground.

In recognition of exceptional service during this critical time, Junior Warrant Officer Amit Kumar was awarded a commendation for his outstanding performance. JWO Kumar’s efforts have been instrumental in the ongoing operations, showcasing the dedication and bravery of the personnel involved in the disaster response efforts.

The Indian Air Force, in coordination with other armed forces, continues to play a vital role in national disaster response, highlighting its capability and readiness to handle emergency situations effectively. The commendation awarded to JWO Amit Kumar and the leadership shown by Air Marshal Manikantan and Brigadier Salil exemplify the forces’ commitment to disaster relief and community assistance.

Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander Northern Command, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding of White Knight Corps, visited the Ace of Spades Division along the Line of Control in the Rajouri Sector. The visit was aimed at reviewing the current operational situation and the readiness of the troops stationed there.

During the visit, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar assessed the defensive and offensive capabilities of the division, which is critical in maintaining the security and stability of the region. The Army Commander commended the troops for their operational readiness and the high state of professionalism displayed in safeguarding the nation’s borders.

Lt Gen Kumar also exhorted all ranks to continue maintaining their discipline and vigilance, emphasizing the importance of readiness in the face of evolving challenges. The visit highlights the Northern Command’s commitment to ensuring robust defense postures along the Line of Control and the support provided to frontline units in executing their strategic objectives effectively.

The Army Commander’s encouragement and recognition of the troops’ efforts reinforce the Indian Army’s resolve to uphold peace and security in the region while being prepared for any contingency.

Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair has made history by assuming the role of Director General Medical Services (Army) on August 1, 2024, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment follows a trailblazing career in the Armed Forces, where she also became the first woman to serve as the Director General of Hospital Services (Armed Forces) after her promotion to Air Marshal.

Lt Gen Nair’s academic journey began at the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, where she graduated with a distinguished record. She was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps in December 1985 and has since acquired a Post Graduate degree in Family Medicine, along with Diplomas in Maternal & Child Health and Health Care Management.

Her training extends to a two-year program in Medical Informatics at AIIMS, New Delhi, and specialized training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Warfare with the Israeli Defence Forces, and Military Medical Ethics with the Swiss Armed Forces in Spiez.

In her impressive career, Lt Gen Nair has served as the first woman Principal Medical Officer of both the Western Air Command and the Training Command in the Indian Air Force. Her expertise in medical education led to her nomination as an expert member of the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee, tasked with drafting the medical education component of the National Education Policy.

Lt Gen Nair’s contributions to the medical field and military service have been recognized with multiple commendations, including those from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, and Chief of the Air Staff, as well as the prestigious Vishisht Seva Medal awarded by the President of India.

Lt Gen Nair’s groundbreaking appointment as DGMS (Army) not only highlights her formidable expertise and leadership in military medicine but also marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance gender equality within the Indian Armed Forces. Her leadership is expected to continue driving innovations and improvements in military healthcare services, ensuring the welfare of all service personnel.

Major Seeta Shelke and her team from the Madras Engineers Group of the Indian Army have achieved a commendable feat by constructing a 190-foot-long bridge with a 24-ton capacity in just 16 hours in Wayanad, Kerala. The bridge construction began at 9 PM on July 31 and was completed by 5:30 PM on August 1, amid the ongoing rescue and relief operations following devastating landslides in the area.

Under the leadership of Major Shelke, the team of combat engineers worked tirelessly to overcome various challenges to ensure the timely completion of the bridge. This strategic infrastructure will significantly aid in the ongoing relief efforts, providing essential access to the affected regions and facilitating the transportation of aid and personnel.

Major Shelke, who was actively involved in leading rescue operations at one of the landslide-hit locations, exemplifies the dedication and bravery of women officers in the Indian Army. Her leadership in the grueling task underscores the critical role that women officers play in complex, high-pressure environments.

The successful completion of the bridge by Major Shelke and her team has been lauded by both military officials and civilians alike. This achievement not only highlights the exceptional engineering skills within the Madras Engineers Group but also demonstrates the Indian Army’s rapid response capabilities in disaster-stricken areas.

Hats off to Major Seeta Shelke and her team for their extraordinary efforts in supporting the disaster relief operations in Kerala, showcasing both their technical expertise and unwavering commitment to the nation.