In a significant appointment within the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Michael AJ Fernandez has taken over as the Commandant of the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The official ceremony saw Lt Gen Fernandez stepping into the role previously held by Lt Gen Sanjeev Chauhan, who has now been posted to New Delhi.

Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOCinC) of ARTRAC, along with all ranks, extended their warmest congratulations to Lt Gen Fernandez on his new role. This leadership transition marks a notable moment in the academy’s history, reflecting its ongoing commitment to excellence in military training.

The Officers Training Academy in Chennai is a premier institution responsible for training the next generation of officers for the Indian Army. Since its establishment, OTA Chennai has been instrumental in shaping the leadership and tactical skills of its cadets, emphasizing discipline, integrity, and a deep understanding of military ethics.

The academy is renowned for its rigorous training programs that not only prepare officers for military engagements but also instill in them the values necessary for effective leadership in various scenarios.

As the new Commandant, Lt Gen Michael AJ Fernandez is expected to uphold the academy’s prestigious reputation and contribute to its legacy by introducing innovative training methods and enhancing the overall training environment to meet contemporary challenges.

In a significant development for the Indian Army’s operational and logistical capabilities, Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh, General Officer Commanding of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, recently visited the Bison Division where he was presented with a range of innovative ideas and technologies.

The focus of these innovations is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the military formation.

During his visit, Lt Gen Singh observed several demonstrations by Hyderabad-based military startups. These included advancements in artificial intelligence, drone technology, 3D printing, and sophisticated communication systems.

These technologies are expected to play a crucial role in modernizing the Army’s operational frameworks and logistical processes.

The event at the Bison Division serves as a platform for military-civil fusion and emphasizes the Army’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technology to maintain a strategic edge.

The participation of startups highlights the growing collaboration between the defense sector and private industry, aiming to foster innovation and deliver superior capabilities to the armed forces.

Mumbai is set to witness the Kargil Vijay Soldierathon Marathon on July 28, 2024, at the Military Station in Colaba as a part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of India’s victory in the Kargil War. This tribute marathon is organized by Fitistan-Ek Fit Bharat in collaboration with Headquarters MG & G Area, honoring the 527 soldiers who lost their lives defending India’s sovereignty in the 1999 conflict.

The event promises participants a unique experience of running alongside soldiers and Kargil war veterans, encapsulating the essence of bravery, resilience, and the patriotic ethos of ‘Country Above All’. The marathon aims to not only challenge the physical endurance of the runners but also to celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Indian soldiers.

Registration for the event is open until July 7, 2024, and includes categories for a 10 km timed run for participants aged 14 and above, and a 5 km non-timed fun run for those aged 10 and above. The race will commence at 0600 hrs from the Military Station Ground, providing a scenic route through the navy and army areas of Colaba.

Kargil Soldierathon Important Details

Participants will receive a variety of benefits including a dry-fit T-shirt, an achiever medal, breakfast, hydration supports, a timed race certificate for the 10 km participants, and a participation certificate for the 5 km fun run, along with a goodie bag, medical support, and event photographs.

However, it is noted that booked tickets are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and non-transferable, and T-shirt sizes selected during registration cannot be changed at the Race/BIB expo.

What is Soldierathon?

Soldierathon is a unique initiative envisioned by Major Dr. Surendra Poonia, VSM, under the mentorship of the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India. The concept was born out of a profound desire to raise public awareness about the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and to provide ongoing support to the families of martyrs and war-wounded veterans. Although Dr. Kalam did not live to see the event come to fruition, Major Poonia committed himself to turning this vision into reality.

The marathon serves several key objectives. It aims to honor the martyrs who have laid down their lives and the soldiers who have sustained injuries in the line of duty. Beyond commemoration, Soldierathon seeks to foster a positive and supportive atmosphere throughout the nation. It is particularly focused on educating the youth about the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces to maintain the nation’s integrity, unity, sovereignty, and safety.

By participating in Soldierathon, citizens, especially the younger generation, are encouraged to develop a deep respect and pride for the soldiers who tirelessly serve the country around the clock. This event is more than a marathon; it is a movement to ensure that the heroic deeds of India’s soldiers are remembered and that their families receive the recognition and support they deserve.

The government has officially approved the appointment of Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani as the next Vice Chief of Army Staff, as confirmed by official sources on Thursday. Lt Gen Subramani, who is currently leading the Army’s Central Command, is set to replace Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi in the role.

Lt Gen Dwivedi will ascend to the position of Chief of the Army Staff following the retirement of the current Chief, Gen Manoj Pande, on June 30.

The decision to appoint Lt Gen Subramani aligns with the government’s adherence to the seniority principle within the military’s hierarchy. Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in 1985, Lt Gen Subramani boasts an extensive and distinguished military career of over 37 years.

A graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, Lt Gen Subramani furthered his education at the prestigious Joint Services Command Staff College in Bracknell, UK, and the National Defence College in New Delhi. He holds a Master of Arts from King’s College, London, and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University.

Lt Gen Subramani’s notable military achievements include commanding a battalion during Operation Rhino in Assam, leading an infantry brigade along the International Boundary with Pakistan, and overseeing the ‘Black Cat’ division in Northeast India. He also commanded the Uttar Bharat Area in 2020 and the prominent Kharga Corps at Ambala.

Throughout his career, Lt Gen Subramani has held several critical positions including brigade major of a mountain brigade, assistant military secretary in the Military Secretary Branch, Colonel General Staff at headquarters Eastern Command, deputy director general of Military Intelligence, and Brigadier General Staff in Eastern Command.

His appointment as Vice Chief is viewed as a testament to his leadership qualities and his significant contributions to the Indian Army.

Lieutenant General Kavita Sahai, Commandant of AMC Centre & College and Officer in Charge of Records & Colonel Commandant, conducted a visit to the medical and dental units at Dimapur military station.

Dimapur Military Station, also known as Rangapahar Military Station, is a significant military base located in Dimapur, Nagaland.

During her visit on Thursday, Lt Gen Sahai engaged in discussions with the General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps.

The General Officer expressed her appreciation for the dedication and selfless commitment of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) personnel who are delivering critical medical support under challenging conditions.

Her interactions highlighted the essential role that AMC staff play in ensuring the health and readiness of military personnel stationed at Dimapur.

The visit underscores the Indian Army’s focus on maintaining high standards of healthcare facilities for its forces, particularly in regions requiring robust logistical and medical frameworks due to their challenging environments.

In a significant achievement, 13 students from Manipur were honored by Spear Corps of the Indian Army for successfully clearing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2024. The felicitation ceremony took place in Bishnupur, where these talented students, who were part of the ‘Red Shield Centre of Wellness and Excellence’—also known as the ‘Manipur Super-50’ classes—celebrated their success.

These students managed to pass the examination on their first attempt, a testament to their dedication and the quality of coaching provided at the centre. The ‘Manipur Super-50’ initiative is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army, the National Institute for Empowerment through Education (NIEDO), and the State Bank of India (SBI), aimed at providing top-notch educational opportunities to the youth of Manipur.

Senior officials from the Indian Army, NIEDO, and SBI were present at the ceremony. They commended the students and their teachers for their perseverance and dedication during these challenging times. Their achievements were highlighted as a source of inspiration for other students in the region, who aspire to excel in their academic pursuits and emulate the success of the ‘Manipur Super-50’ cohort.

In preparation for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, security review meetings were conducted at Chanderkote and Udhampur. The sessions focused on coordinating and enhancing security measures for the significant pilgrimage event.

The meetings saw participation from senior officials of the police and CRPF from Ramban and Udhampur districts, along with representatives from various intelligence agencies. The primary aim was to assess and fortify the security framework to ensure a safe and secure pilgrimage for all attendees.

The Amarnath Yatra, which attracts thousands of pilgrims annually, requires meticulous security arrangements due to its significance and the challenging terrain. The outcomes of these reviews are crucial in planning and executing effective security strategies during the Yatra.

Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Commander of the Eastern Command, visited the Shahjahanpur Military Station in Uttar Pradesh, India. During his visit, he conducted a comprehensive review of the station’s operational preparedness.

Lt Gen Tiwari expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the formations at Shahjahanpur to enhance their operational efficiency. He commended the troops of all ranks for their steadfastness, high morale, and unwavering dedication to their duties.

Shahjahanpur Military Station serves as the headquarters for the 23rd Indian Infantry Division, which includes four infantry brigades. This division has a storied history, having been established on January 1, 1942, in Jhansi, Central India. It notably played a crucial role in World War II, especially during the Imphal campaign in the monsoon season of 1943.

The visit by Lt Gen Tiwari underscores the continued importance of the Shahjahanpur station in the strategic operations of the Indian Army, reflecting its readiness to maintain security and operational effectiveness.