President's Secretariat
14-August, 2015 19:18 IST
President’s address to the nation on the eve of India’s 69th Independence Day
The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressing the Nation on the eve of 69th Independence Day, in New Delhi on August 14, 2015.
Fellow citizens:
1. On the eve of 68th anniversary of our Independence I extend warm greetings to you and to all Indians around the world. I convey my special greetings to members of our armed forces, paramilitary forces and internal security forces. I also congratulate all our sportspersons who have participated and won laurels in various tournaments in India and abroad. My congratulations to Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2014, who has done the country proud.
Friends:
2. On 15th August 1947, we won political freedom. The birth of modern India was a moment of historic exhilaration; but it was also tinged with the blood of unimaginable suffering along the length and breadth of our country. The ideals and convictions, that had held through the travails of an epic struggle against British rule, were under strain.
3. A great generation of supreme heroes faced this formidable challenge. The sagacity and maturity of that generation saved our ideals from deviation or degeneration under the pressure of emotion, including rage. India’s pride, self-esteem and self-respect, born from a civilizational wisdom which inspired the renaissance that won us freedom, was distilled into the principles of our constitution by these extraordinary men and women. We have been blessed by a constitution that launched India’s march towards greatness.
4. The most precious gift of this document was democracy, which reshaped our ancient values into a modern context and institutionalized multiple freedoms. It turned liberty into a living opportunity for the oppressed and impoverished, offered equality and positive discrimination to the many millions, who had suffered social injustice, and instituted a gender revolution that has made our country an example of progress. We abolished archaic customs and laws, and ensured change for women through education and jobs. Our institutions are the infrastructure of this idealism.
Fellow citizens:
5. The finest inheritance needs constant care for preservation. Our institutions of democracy are under stress. The Parliament has been converted into an arena of combat rather than debate. It is time to recall what Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, said while making his closing speech in the Constituent Assembly in November 1949 and I quote:
“The working of a constitution does not depend wholly upon the nature of the constitution. The constitution can provide only the organs of state, such as the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the state depends are the people and the political parties they will set up as their instruments to carry out their wishes and their politics. Who can say how the people of India and their parties will behave?” (unquote)
If the institutions of democracy are under pressure, it is time for serious thinking by the people and their parties. The correctives must come from within.
Fellow citizens:
6. Our country's rise will be measured by the strength of our values, but it will equally be determined by economic growth and equitable distribution of the nation's resources. Our economy promises much hope for the future. The new chapters of the ‘India Story’ are waiting to be written. ‘Economic reforms’ is a work-in-progress. Our performance over the last decade has been commendable; and it is most heartening that after a dip, we have recovered to 7.3% growth in 2014-15. But the benefits of growth must reach the poorest of the poor much before they land in the bank accounts of the richest of the rich. We are an inclusive democracy, and an inclusive economy; there is place for everyone in the hierarchy of wealth. But the first call goes to those who suffer on the brink of deprivation. Our policies must be geared to meet the ‘Zero Hunger’ challenge in a foreseeable future.
Fellow citizens:
7. The symbiotic relationship between man and nature has to be preserved. A generous nature when violated can turn into a destructive force leading to calamities resulting in huge loss of life and property. Even as I speak, large parts of the nation are barely recovering from floods. We need immediate relief for the afflicted as well as long-term solutions for the management of both, water deficiency and excess.
Fellow citizens:
8. A nation which forgets the idealism of its past loses something vital from its future. Our educational institutions multiply as the aspirations of generations continue to exceed supply. But what has happened to quality, from base to apex? We recall the guru-shishya parampara with legitimate pride; why then have we abandoned the care, devotion and commitment that is at the heart of this relationship? A guru much like the soft and skilful hands of a potter, moulds the destiny of shishya. The student with devotion and humility acknowledges the debt of the teacher. Society respects and recognizes the merit and scholarship of the teacher. Is that happening in our education system today? Students, teachers and authorities must pause and introspect.
Fellow citizens:
9. Our democracy is creative because it is plural, but diversity must be nourished with tolerance and patience. Vested interests chip away at social harmony, in an attempt to erode many centuries of secularism. In an age of instant communication through ever-improving technology, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the devious designs of a few never overcome the essential oneness of our people. For both government and people the rule of law is sacrosanct, but society is also protected by something greater than law: humanity. Mahatma Gandhi said and I quote: “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty” (unquote).
Friends:
10. Peace, friendship and cooperation bind nations and peoples together. Recognizing the shared destiny of the Indian sub-continent, we must strengthen connectivity, expand institutional capacity and enhance mutual trust to further regional cooperation. As we make progress in advancing our interests globally, India is also engaged in pro-actively promoting goodwill and prosperity in our immediate neighbourhood. It is heartening that the long pending land boundary issue with Bangladesh has been finally resolved.
Fellow citizens:
11. While we offer our hand willingly in friendship, we cannot stay blind to deliberate acts of provocation and a deteriorating security environment. India is a target of vicious terrorist groups operating from across the borders. Except the language of violence and the cult of evil, these terrorists have no religion and adhere to no ideology. Our neighbours must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India. Our policy will remain one of zero tolerance for terrorism. We reject any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Infiltration into our territory and attempts to create mayhem will be dealt with a strong hand.
12. I pay homage to the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives defending India. I salute the courage and heroism of our security forces who are maintaining an eternal vigil to safeguard the territorial integrity of our country and the safety of our people. I also specially commend the brave civilians who boldly detained a hardened terrorist ignoring the risk to their own lives.
Fellow citizens:
13. India is a complex country of 1.3 billion people, 122 languages, 1600 dialects and 7 religions. Its strength lies in its unique capacity to blend apparent contradictions into positive affirmations. In the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, it is a country held together and I quote: “by strong but invisible threads….. About her there is the elusive quality of a legend of long ago; some enchantment seems to have held her mind. She is a myth and an idea, a dream and a vision, and yet very real and present and pervasive” (unquote).
14. On the fertile ground laid by our Constitution, India has blossomed into a vibrant democracy. The roots are deep but the leaves are beginning to wilt. It is time for renewal.
15. If we do not act now, will our successors seven decades hence remember us with the respect and admiration we have for those who shaped the Indian dream in 1947? The answer may not be comfortable, but the question has to be asked.
Thank you.
Jai Hind!
Vice President's Secretariat
14-August, 2015 10:23 IST
Vice President Greets People on Independence Day
The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has greeted the people of our country on the joyous occasion of our Independence Day. In his message, he has said that on this auspicious occasion, we take pride in the achievements of our nation and salute the sacrifices of our valiant freedom fighters. This Independence Day let us resolve to strive towards attaining social equality and dignity for every citizen of India.
Following is the text of the Vice President’s message :
“I extend my warm greetings to the people of our country on the joyous occasion of our Independence Day.
On this auspicious occasion, we take pride in the achievements of our nation and salute the sacrifices of our valiant freedom fighters.
This Independence Day let us resolve to strive towards attaining social equality and dignity for every citizen of India.”
*****
Ministry of Defence
14-August, 2015 12:38 IST
Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / BROADCAST BEFORE 0000 HRS ON AUGUST 14/15, 2015
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will unfurl the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort, tomorrow to celebrate the 69th Independence Day. After unfurling the Tricolour, Shri Narendra Modi will address the nation.
On arrival at Lahori Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh and Defence Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar.
The Defence Secretary will introduce the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Lt. Gen Rajan Ravindran to the Prime Minister. The GoC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined Inter-Services and Police Guards will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, Shri Narendra Modi will inspect the Guard of Honour.
The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.
This year, Navy being the coordinating Service, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Commander Yoginder Sharma of the Indian Navy. The Army Contingent in the Prime Minister’s Guard will be commanded by Major Sumiran Vyas, the Navy contingent by Lt Cdr Chanoraveer Singh Yadav, while Sqn Ldr Shakthi Vigneshwar will lead the Air Force contingent and the Delhi Police contingent by SDPO Shri Rohit Meena.
The Army contingent for Prime Minister's Guard is drawn from the 8th Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (Siachen). The battalion was raised as the First Battalion Border Scouts by volunteers who took up arms in the aftermath of communal passion and the smouldering embers of partition to check the multitude of Kabailies intruding into Poonch on 18 December 1947. Born in Battle and Purified in Blood, the battalion was re-designated as 08th Jammu & Kashmir Militia on 15 April 1948.
In 1971 war, the battalion was outnumbered but never outclassed in valour and fought the defensive battle successfully despite enemy’s passion for Chhamb. For this the battalion was awarded Battle Honour – Laleali and Piquet 707. The Regiment was rechristened Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry on 27 April 1976.
During the Siachen tenure in June 1987, the battalion created history by capturing ‘Quaid Post’ at an altitude of 21,153 feet, the highest battlefield in the world. The post was renamed as ‘Bana Top’ in honour of Naib Subedar Bana Singh, Param Vir Chakra. The battalion was awarded COAS Unit Citation in 2001 for its sterling performance in Jammu & Kashmir, Poonch Sector. The Battalion established the United Nations Mission in Sudan 2006 and was conferred with United Nations Unit Citation in the year 2007 for handling the bloodiest of clashes ever in the history of Sudan.
The battalion yet again proved its mettle during its 2008 tenure at Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir when Naib Subedar Chuni Lal, Vir Chakra, Sena Medal, who laid down his life following the highest traditions of Indian Army while fighting terrorists, was bestowed with the highest peacetime gallantry award, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous). With this, the battalion joined the elite group of ‘Bravest of the Brave’ battalions. Apart from this, the battalion was once again conferred with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Unit Citation in 2009 for its splendid performance on the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Battalion is presently one of the most decorated battalions of the Indian Army with Naib Subedar Chuni Lal, Ashok Chakra (Posthumous), Vir Chakra, Sena Medal as one of the most decorated soldier. Presently, the Battalion is performing the prestigious duty of Ceremonial Army Guard to the President of India.
After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts of the Red Fort where he will be greeted by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.
The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronize with the 21 Gun Salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 871 Field Regiment. The ceremonial battery will be commanded by Lt. Col Aditya Kumar Devrani, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal and the Gun Position Officer will be Regiment Havildar Major (Assistant Instructor in Gunnery) Sonu Yadav.
The National Flag Guard comprising 32 men and one officer each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Commander Harpreet Singh from Indian Navy will be in command of this Inter-Services Guard and Police Guard. The Naval Contingent for the National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Cdr Adil Mohideen, the Army contingent by Maj Kundan Singh, Air Force contingent by Sqn Ldr Himanshu Singh and Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP Shri Deepak Gauri.
The Naval Band will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashritya Salute’ while unfurling the National Flag by the Prime Minister. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Band will be commanded by S Jankiraman, Master Chief Petty Officer Musician 2nd Class.
Two Naval Officers, Lieutenant VSSG Rao and Lieutenant Pramod will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the Prime Minister for ADC duties. Lt Commander Deepika Choudhary will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag.
The Army contingent for the National Flag Guard is drawn from the 9th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles. The Battalion was raised on 01 January 1965 by Late Lt Col PGR Nair. Since then, the Battalion has served in varied terrain, participated in numerous operations and has distinguished itself in all spheres. The Battalion has completed 50 years of distinguished and dedicated service to the nation on 01 January this year. Ninth Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles is the only battalion of the Garhwal Rifles to have been awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award in 1985. The Battalion is one of the first units of the Indian Army to be awarded the Chief of the Army Staff’s Unit Appreciation in 1992. The Battalion has so far been awarded two Kirti Chakras, three Shaurya Chakras, seven Sena Medals, one Vishist Seva Medal, one Jeevan Raksha Padak, two Mention-in-Despatches, 21 Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards, one Vice Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card and 27 GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
After unfurling the National Flag, the Prime Minister will address the nation. After the Prime Minister's address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing the National Anthem.
Seven hundred cadets of the National Cadet Corps coming from 20 schools of Delhi Directorate comprising Army, Navy and Air Force wings are participating in the flag hoisting ceremony this year. The cadets will take part in the singing of patriotic songs along with the school children. In total, three thousand five hundred girl students from 45 government schools of eastern, north-eastern, northern, north-western, and central zones of Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi will sing the National Anthem. They will also sing patriotic songs in different regional languages during the celebrations. On this occasion these school children will display the formation of ‘Jai Bharat’.
Ministry of Defence14-August, 2015 12:43 IST
Independence Day Gallantry Awards and other Decorations
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / BROADCAST BEFORE 0000 HRS ON AUGUST 14/15, 2015
The President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has approved 67 Gallantry Awards to Armed Forces Personnel and members of Paramilitary Forces which include two Kirti Chakras, 10 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 49 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and three Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Sl. No. - RANK AND NAME - Service
KIRTI CHAKRA
1.
IC-61357M LIEUTENANT COLONEL NECTAR SANJENBAM, SHAURYA CHAKRA
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
ARMY
2.
JC-571195H NB SUB RAJESH KUMAR, MAHAR, 30 RR,
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
SHAURYA CHAKRA
1.
IC-55822X COL MUNINDRA NATH RAI, YSM, GORKHA RIF, 42 RR
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
2.
IC-69288W MAJ TANUJ GROVER, ARMD, 22 RR
ARMY
3.
IC-73653K CAPT VARUN KUMAR SINGH, RAJPUT, 44 RR
ARMY
4.
G/144175X HAV MAN BAHADUR CHHETRI, 44, ASSAM RIFLES
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
5.
9421485H HAVILDAR TANKA KUMAR LIMBU
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
ARMY
6.
CDR MILIND MOHAN MOKASHI (04755-F)
NAVY
7.
WING COMMANDER SANDEEP SINGH (25336) FLYING (PILOT)
AIR FORCE
8.
LATE MOHD SHAFI SHEIKH HEAD CONSTABLE J&K POLICE,
DISTT HANDWARA (POSTHUMOUS)
MHA
9.
LATE SHRI REYAZ AHMAD LONE CONSTABLE (307/H (EXK – 055949)
J&K POLICE, DISTT HANDWARA (POSTHUMOUS)
MHA
10.
LATE SHRI HIRA KUMAR JHA SECOND-IN-COMMAND
7 BN, CRPF (POSTHUMOUS)
MHA
BAR TO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
1.
IC-73414P MAJ RAKESH RADHAKRISHNAN, SM, MADRAS, 26 ASSAM RIFLES
ARMY
SENA MEDAL(GALLANTRY)
AR-276W SHRI JASMER SINGH MALIK, DY COMDT, 27 ASSAM RIFLES
ARMY
IC-63648L MAJ BHARAT ARUN, MAHAR, 1 RR
ARMY
IC-63910H MAJ MANISH DAHIYA, 2 RAJPUT
ARMY
IC-66140M MAJ MANEESH MISHRA, GORKHA RIF, 1 ASSAM RIFLES
ARMY
IC-67031M MAJ RAVINDRA SHANTARAM KOKANE, ASC, 44 RR
ARMY
IC-67210M MAJ PRATUL DAVID SINGH, ARTY, 31 FD REGT
ARMY
IC-67893L MAJ SIDDHARTH RAO, 3 PARA (SF)
ARMY
IC-67972A MAJ RANVIJAY SINGH PATHANIA, ARMD, 22 RR
ARMY
IC-68093Y MAJ VINEET SHARMA, PUNJAB, 22 RR
ARMY
IC-69973F MAJ GAJDEEP PAL, ARTY, 43 ASSAM RIFLES
ARMY
IC-71524L MAJ RAKESH KUMAR, MARATHA LI, 38 ASSAM RIFLES
ARMY
IC-72438M MAJ VIKAS GURUNG, 2 DOGRA
ARMY
IC-73425F MAJ ARVIND KUMAR SHIVRAIN, MECH INF, 13 ASSAM RIFLES
ARMY
IC-75232A MAJ JASHANDEEP SINGH SOHAL, 14 GARH RIF
ARMY
IC-73203M MAJOR PRASHANT YADAV
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
ARMY
IC-77668K CAPT DEEPAK KUMAR BHAGWANI, INT, 14 GARH RIF
ARMY
IC-75301L CAPT SUVEER RATHORE, 1 PARA (SF)
ARMY
SS-45717N CAPT NAVEEN KUMAR, ARTY, 159 FD REGT
ARMY
SS-47112L LIEUTENANT KRISHAN KANT
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
ARMY
JC-550121A SUB LILA KANTA KAKATI, 8 ASSAM
ARMY
JC-278851H NB SUB GURPREET SINGH, ARTY, 31 FD REGT
ARMY
JC-441024M NB SUB REMESH BABU P, 12 MADRAS
ARMY
JC-531522A NB SUB LAL SINGH, 14 GARH RIF
ARMY
2599491W HAV MALLAPPA CHANNALLI, 11 MADRAS
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
- ]
4186324A HAV CHANAR SINGH, 21 PARA (SF)
ARMY
4365075H HAV LALDINPUIA, ASSAM REGT, 42 RR
ARMY
9421309L HAVILDAR RAJ BAHADUR TAMANG
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
ARMY
G/95698K HAV DURNA KANTA DOLEY, 44 ASSAM RIFLES
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
13623652H NAIK MANOJ KUMAR
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
ARMY
13625402A NK KALYAN SINGH, 4 PARA (SF)
ARMY
13759898F NK JASWINDER SINGH, JAK RIF, 52 RR
ARMY
15561614N NAIK BHUPINDER SINGH
21ST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES)
ARMY
2894815L NK NARENDRA SINGH GOUR, 7 RAJ RIF
ARMY
3000927K L/NK JAI RAJ, RAJPUT, 44 RR
ARMY
4001680W L/NK SANSAR CHAND, 9 DOGRA
ARMY
4373439Y L/NK TUALLAWAT ZONUNTLUANGA, ASSAM REGT, SIACHEN BATTLE SCHOOL
ARMY
12924296H L/NK TERSEM LAL, 157 INF BN (TA) (H&H) SIKH
ARMY
15573117W L/NK JAGGA SINGH, 107 ENGR REGT
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
15700156W L/NK J HARI KRISHNA, SIGS, 42 RR
ARMY
15486543N ALD TOYAJ MISHRA, 81 ARMD REGT
ARMY
13014379A SEP ABU BAKKAR BARBHUIYA, INF BN (TA)(H&H) ASSAM, 7 JAT
ARMY
5352141X RFN KAMAL PURJA PUN, GORKHA RIF, SIACHEN BATTLE SCHOOL
ARMY
5457331H RFN ROMAN SINGH ALE, 5/5 GR (FF)
ARMY
9927618M RFN MAQBUL ANSAR, 5 LADAKH SCOUT
ARMY
16017793M RFN DINESH KUMAR, RAJ RIF, 18 RR
ARMY
G/5012490A RFN MADANE AMOL BABAN RAO, 43 ASSAM RIFLES
ARMY
15218627Y GNR GURSAHIB SINGH, ARTY, 30 RR
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
15215846P PTR KESHOR BASUMATARY, 3 PARA (SF)
ARMY
15693135P SIGMN SAHAB SINGH, SIGS, C COMPOSITE SIG REGT
(POSTHUMOUS)
ARMY
NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
CAPTAIN RAJESH DHANKHAR(03587-A)
NAVY
CAPTAIN PRADEEP SINGH (03702-N)
NAVY
VAYU SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
SQUADRON LEADER S SELVAKUMAR (28716) FLYING (PILOT)
AIR FORCE
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT GANDIKOTA JAGAN MOHAN (30835) FLYING (PILOT)
AIR FORCE
776027 SGT MUKESH KUMAR TIWARI FLIGHT GUNNER
AIR FORCE
The President has also awarded 20 Mention-in-Despatches to Army & Para Military personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations which include three for ‘Operation Meghdoot’, 12 for ‘Operation Rakshak’, one for ‘Operation Orchid’, one for ‘Operation Hifazat’ and three for ‘Operation Rhino’.
*****************
Ministry of Defence14-August, 2015 16:33 IST
Gallantry Awards (Navy)
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/ BROADCASTED
BEFORE 2359 HOURS 14 AUGUST 2015
SHAURYA CHAKRA
FOR BRAVERY AND COURAGE WHILE EVACUATING INDIAN & FOREIGN
NATIONALS DURING ‘OPS RAHAT’ FROM YEMEN
CDR MILIND MOHAN MOKASHI (04755-F)
Cdr Mohan Milind Mokashi, Commanding Officer INS Sumitra, while carrying out Anti-Piracy Operations in the Gulf of Aden, on 31 Mar 15 received a directive to proceed for ‘Operation Rahat’ to evacuate thousands of Indian and Foreign nationals, from the war- ravaged Yemen.
On receiving the Op Directive, Cdr Mokashi immediately took stock of the challenging situation and proceeded to Aden Harbour. While entering Aden Harbour on the night of 31 Mar 15, he observed heavily armed Houthi rebels patrolling harbour in boats and also stationed on jetty. Additionally, he also observed occurrence of fierce fighting and air strikes by Saudi led coalition. To ensure safety of hundreds of innocent Indian evacuees comprising ladies, children and elderly persons, the officer immediately deployed armed boats manned by sailors in close proximity of the ship and also created a cordon of the ship’s Quick Reaction Team (MARCOS) around the evacuees, to neutralise any incoming threat. In display of resolute courage he personally lead from front in the prevailing challenging situation and positioned himself at the embarkation point, so as to take positive control of the safety boats and quick reaction teams. Braving the heavy firing and shelling, the officer took charge of the situation and ensured safe embarkation of Indian and Foreign evacuees amid heavy cross firing. The officer also ensured that during the entire operation the ship remained in the highest state of readiness with ship’s weapon systems manned to counter any eventuality.
While executing embarkation of evacuees in darkness with continuous occurrence of bombing, shelling and small arms fire, the officer faced a tense situation wherein few Houthi rebels suddenly approached evacuee cordon. The officer in the face of active hostility used mix of deterrence, diplomacy, and tact to diffuse the explosive situation and ensured safe evacuation of the stranded Indians and Foreign nationals. His brave efforts resulted in successful evacuation of 1621 evacuees, during five different operations, which he undertook from the Port of Aden, Port Ash Shihr and Port Al Hodeidah. The officer’s inspirational leadership during fog of war ensured that no untoward incident took place in the war zone which could have spiralled into adverse international ramifications.
Cdr Milind Mohan Mokashi, thus displayed, unparalleled valour, conspicuous gallantry, bold and daring decisive actions beyond the call of duty, under heavy firing and shelling at war ravaged Yemen, which resulted in the successful evacuation of 1621 Indian and foreign evacuees. For this conspicuous act of personal bravery Cdr Milid Mohan Mokashi, has been awarded of
Shaurya Chakra.
NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
CAPTAIN RAJESH DHANKHAR (03587-A)
On 30 Mar 15, Captain Rajesh Dhankhar, Commanding Officer INS Mumbai, was tasked to undertake mass evacuation of Indian nationals from war-torn Yemen as part of ‘
Ops Rahat’.The officer in the face of hostility, violence, fierce fighting in the Port of Aden, undertook most daring execution of operations, leading to the safe evacuation of 441 Indians and foreign nationals.
On arriving off Aden, Captain Rajesh Dhankhar received reports of heavy shelling in the Port area, with warships also coming under fire. On receiving this specific input, the officer positioned the ship’s Force Protection Team in boats and on jetty to provide necessary fire cover to the evacuees. He ensured that all exit / entry routes to the evacuee enclosure on the jetty were strategically plugged so as to ensure their safety from any threat. Undeterred by the prevailing security scenario ashore, amidst heavy bombing, shelling and small arms fire, the officer led his team from the front and continued his efforts to evacuate stranded personnel even during dark hours. He showed utter disregard to his personal safety and displayed raw courage during entire evacuation operation which was fraught with danger and risk due to continuous bombarding and firing.
While evacuation operation was in last phase of completion, it was brought to the notice of the Officer that number Indian Nationals were still stranded at the jetty entrance awaiting assistance. Caring little for the inherent dangers in evacuation during dark hours, that too at an unknown location, he acted swiftly, reached the location in cover of darkness and laid an effective cordon of the ship’s Quick Reaction Team around the stranded personnel. His brave effort resulted in successful evacuation of 262 Indians and 179 foreign nationals under extreme hostile conditions.
Captain Rajesh Dhankhar (03587-A), displayed dauntless courage, most conspicuous gallantry, bold and daring actions under most challenging circumstances, wherein, he successfully accomplished evacuation from the combat zone of Yemen and brought laurels to the nation. For his rare tactical skills, unmatched professional acumen and conspicuous bravery at the face of grave danger, Captain Rajesh Dhankhar (03587-A), has been awarded
Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry).
NAO SENA MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
CAPTAIN PRADEEP SINGH (03702-N)
Captain Pradeep Singh has been in command of INS Tarkash since 21 Jan 15. When the ship was deployed for Op Rahat in Apr 15, the officer played a sheet anchor role in the meticulous planning and a most daring execution of operations leading to the safe evacuation of around 600 civilians of 18 different nationalities from AI Hodeidah and Aden harbours in the face of hostility and the back drop of violence and fighting ashore, in the port and on the jetty. Mindful of the poor security situation and always wanting to be in a position to exit the combat zone, the officer decided neither to go alongside, nor anchor the ship and instead remained underway and maintained constant movement, stopping only to embark civilians from boats.
Apart from evacuating the above mentioned people, the officer improvised the available information and resources and evacuated the body of the first Indian casualty in Yemen conflict in a make shift coffin. The officer also evacuated 10 nurses who were stuck in heavy cross firing, directing them to the safer, though farther little Aden oil terminal jetty and using local boats to bring them onboard. The evacuation operation was fraught with extreme danger and risk due to continuous bombarding and firing near the port area.
The officer calmly faced a tense situation when encountered with 2-3 boats with AK-47 armed Yemenese closing the ship. The officer directed both the armed RIBs to intercept these armed boats, conveyed relevant RoE to the OI/C in each boat and brought to bear greater force on to these armed boats. Thereafter with a mix of diplomacy, deterrence, tact, force and hope the potentially explosive situation was defused and the armed boats were made to return to harbour. In the face of opposition and active hostility, the officer led the troops from the front being physically present at the evacuation point.
He ensured a very robust Force Protection Measures organisation onboard judiciously using all assets onboard including utilising both the RIBs, VBSS team, sniper and Prahar. The very effective baggage screening organisation onboard resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 magazines with 56 rounds, several empty cartridges and knives from the baggage of embarked evacuees.
In the face of these threats, the officer displayed extreme tenacity, bravery and courage to rally his men to achieve a feat, which the Navy is proud of. His maturity, composure in the face of rebel activities and valour have been vital to the mission’s success and have boosted the country’s and the Indian Navy’s image. For this conspicuous act of personal bravery in leading his ship’s teams in an exemplary manner under fire in the combat zone off Yemen, Captain Pradeep Singh has been awarded
Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry).
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Ministry of Defence
14-August, 2015 16:16 IST
Gallantry and Other Decorations for Coast Guard Personnel
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / BROADCAST BEFORE 0000 HRS ON AUGUST 14/15, 2015
On the occasion of Independence Day, the President of India has awarded one President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and seven Tatrakshak Medals (TM) to the Indian Coast Guard personnel for displaying conspicuous acts of gallantry. The President has also awarded one PTM for distinguished service and two TMs for meritorious services to Indian Coast Guard personnel. The detailed list of the awardees are as follows:-
PRESIDENT’S TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
· Commandant Chandra Shekhar Joshi, TM (0510-J)
TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (GALLANTRY)
· Commandant Sandeep Safaya (0440-X)
· Commandant Abhay Maruti Ambetkar (0485-C)
· Commandant Kanwaljit Singh (0506-X)
· Commandant Satish Bisht (0546-P)
· Ami Chand, Uttam Adhikari (RP), 02787-P
· Bikash Bagchi, Adhikari (ME), 03225-L
· Madan Lal, Pradhan Navik (STD), 05308-R
PRESIDENT’S TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (DISTINGUISHED SERVICE)
· DIG Raj Mani Sharma, TM (0018-P)
TATRAKSHAK MEDAL (MERITORIOUS SERVICE)
· DIG Kandambakkam Ramani Suresh (0166-C)
· DIG Manoj Vasant Baadkar (0173-Q)
These awards are being given to the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard on Republic Day and Independence Day every year, since 26 Jan 1990 onwards.
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