Lt Gen Sandeep Thareja has officially taken over as the Director and Commandant of the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, one of the premier medical institutions in India. His appointment was warmly welcomed by Lt Gen Daljit Singh, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), along with all ranks of the AFMS.

An esteemed alumnus of AFMC, Lt Gen Thareja returns to his alma mater with a distinguished career in the AFMS that spans over 37 years. Throughout his tenure, he has excelled in various key positions, encompassing administrative, academic, and clinical roles.

His specialization as a gastroenterologist, combined with extensive experience in military medicine, positions him uniquely to lead the institution forward.

Lt Gen Thareja’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the AFMC continues to advance in medical education and research while contributing significantly to the healthcare services of the armed forces.

His profound knowledge and experience are expected to further the college’s mission of excellence in military medical education and its commitment to preparing top-tier medical professionals for the country.

Havildar (Late) Thakur Bahadur Ale of the 5/1 Gorkha Rifles, who tragically went missing following an avalanche on Mount Kun on October 8, 2023, has been laid to rest with full military honors. After a relentless nine-month search, the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) teams based in Gulmarg succeeded in retrieving his mortal remains from the icy slopes of Mount Kun.

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held in Dehradun, attended by Brig Sanjog Negi, Station Commander of Dehradun Station, and all ranks of the 5/1 Gorkha Rifles.

The ceremony paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Havildar Ale, honoring his service and dedication to the nation.

The last rites were conducted with full military honors, reflecting the deep respect and gratitude of the Indian Army for his courageous service. The ceremony provided a moment of closure for the family, comrades, and the community, celebrating his life and legacy as a soldier.

In a pioneering initiative under the banner of #YearofTechAbsorption, the Battle Axe Division conducted specialized training sessions utilizing state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) simulators at Udaipur. These advanced simulators offered immersive scenarios aimed at refining skills, improving decision-making capabilities, and preparing soldiers to tackle a wide array of challenges, thereby significantly enhancing operational efficiency.

The VR-based training modules allowed personnel to engage in realistic simulations of various combat scenarios, providing a dynamic learning environment that mirrors real-world conditions. This initiative underscores the division’s commitment to integrating technological advancements into military training, ensuring that troops are well-prepared to handle complex operational situations effectively.

The implementation of VR simulators represents a significant leap forward in leveraging technology to augment training methodologies within the armed forces. It reflects the division’s proactive approach towards embracing innovative solutions to bolster readiness and proficiency among its ranks.

The Battle Axe Division’s adoption of VR technology marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to infuse cutting-edge technologies into defense strategies, ultimately reinforcing the nation’s defense capabilities in an evolving security landscape.

Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander Northern Command, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps, visited units deployed along the Line of Control to assess their operational readiness. During the visit, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar commended the troops for maintaining high standards of professionalism and urged them to stay prepared for future challenges.

In a significant homage to the heroes of the Kargil War, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar also visited the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. This visit was part of the preparations for the Rajat Jayanti (Silver Jubilee) celebrations of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The Army Commander reviewed the plans for the upcoming event, ensuring that the tribute to the fallen heroes of Operation Vijay is marked with the honor and reverence they deserve.

Adding to the commemorations, an All-Women Motorcycle Rally, which traversed through the Indus and Hanle Valleys and crossed Umling La—the world’s highest motorable pass—made a stop in Leh. Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, alongside the Regional President of the Army Wives Welfare Association and the GOC of the Fire and Fury Corps, met with the riders. They praised the participants for their determination and grit during this challenging journey.

The rally is set to continue to Dras for the final leg of their journey, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the spirit that drives the Indian Army and its community. These events underscore the commitment of the Indian Army to honor its past while continuously preparing for the future, fostering a sense of unity and pride across the ranks.

Lt Gen Shankar Narayan, NM, VSM, has officially assumed the role of Commandant at the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) – the apex medical facility of the Armed Forces Medical Services, as of July 10, 2024. A distinguished alumnus of the 1982 (‘U’) batch from the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Lt Gen Narayan brings with him a wealth of expertise in Pediatrics, having completed a post-doctoral sub-specialization in Neonatology from AIIMS, New Delhi, and further training in Pediatric Liver Transplantation at King’s College Hospital, London.

With extensive experience in patient care, clinical services, postgraduate teaching, and medical administration, Lt Gen Narayan is well-prepared to lead the hospital in its mission to provide exemplary medical services. Upon taking command, he expressed his gratitude towards his predecessors and the senior leadership for their efforts in elevating the hospital to its current esteemed status. He voiced his commitment to building on this legacy to deliver superior patient care within a modern setting.

Lt Gen Narayan outlined his vision for the hospital, focusing on high-quality training and cutting-edge research to keep pace with global advancements in medical science. He also expressed confidence in the hospital’s team, commending their high standards of performance and their significant contributions to the health of the Armed Forces and the nation at large.

Under his leadership, Army Hospital (R & R) is set to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of medical care in the military and for the country.