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October 1, 2000, Chandigarh, India   
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DEHRA DUN: The Indian Military Academy transforms young men from diverse castes and religions into courageous, dynamic and erudite young leaders with team spirit and commitment to excellence. 982 die in WB floods Polling in Dausa
ends peacefully Website on ‘hijras’ launched |
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Nagappa
delayed release: Gopal Conference on child
care from Oct 3 Forsaken by kids, cared for by a ‘home’ Man held for
wife’s murder National assembly for disabled on Oct 5 Abducted girl
recovered Anti-quackery
campaign 
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A revered institute that moulds soldiers DEHRA DUN: The Indian Military Academy transforms young men from diverse castes and religions into courageous, dynamic and erudite young leaders with team spirit and commitment to excellence. Situated between the Shivalik and Himalayan foothills in the scenic Doon valley at Dehra Dun,
the IMA campus covers an area about 1400 acres mid-way between the Ganga and the Yamuna. With a glorious and colourful history, its dynamic efficiency and valiant traditions are not an integral part of the nation’s proud heritage, but also from an indispensable sheet-anchor of national security. It is the nodal institution for pre-commission training of Gentleman Cadets, who become the future officers of the Indian Army. The path of leadership of the troops is paved with a challenging, exciting and exacting service. IMA is no soft option. It is an austere institution imparting rigorous training in leadership, self-discipline and the art of war. Although the IMA came into being on October 1, 1932 and was formally inaugurated on December 10, 1932, but its origin dates back to the growing demands for gradually inducting Indians as Army officers. By the end of the 19th century, the demand for increasing participation by Indians in the governance of their homeland had taken firm roots. The persistent efforts of Gopal Krishna Gokhale and other leaders of the freedom struggle led to the formation of the Imperial Cadet Corps. Only selected Indians of proven loyalty were admitted to the Corps but when Indians proved their valour in World War -I the British changed their attitude. Indianisation of the Army started with grant of King’s Commission to 31 Indians, including KM Carriappa, who later became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Royal Indian Military College was set up at Dehra Dun in 1922 with a view to provide necessary preliminary training to Indian youth for entry into the Military College in Britain. The Indian leadership was not satisfied with the measures taken so far towards Indianisation of the Army. In 1923, Justice T.V. Sheshagiri Ayyar, a former Judge of Madras High Court in the first Central Assembly, raised the issue. Later, Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Pandit Moti Lal Nehru, M.A. Jinnah and many others raised a similar voice. Finally, the matter was taken to the first Round Table Conference held at London in 1930, where a defence sub-committee having 30 members under the chairmanship of Mr J.H. Thomas recommended that a committee of experts from Britain and India be set up to work out the details of the establishment of a military college, without any further delay. As a result, the Indian Military College committee was constituted consisting of 18 experts under the chairmanship of the then Commander-in-Chief of India, Sir Philip Chetwode. In 1931 the committee framed a comprehensive plan for setting up a military college capable of producing 60 commissioned officers per year. The Chetwode committee selected Dehra Dun as an ideal place for setting up the proposed military college. The building and the estates of the former Railway Staff College were acquired for this purpose. In January 1932, Brig. L.P. Collins was appointed first Commandant of the Indian Military Academy. It took him eight months to modify the buildings and playfields according to the need and to select a suitable staff for training. The first batch of 40 cadets arrived by the end of September 1932 and the course commenced from October 1, 1932. Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode delivered the inaugural address in the hall, which has been named after him and at present hosts a museum. The present IMA credo has also been adopted from his address. The credo is: “The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last always and every time,” Between December 1934 and May 1941, 16 regular courses passed out of the IMA and 524 GCs were commissioned. From August 1941 to January 1949, the Academy commissioned 3887 Indian and British GCs. Independence brought about a change in the command of the Academy. The first Indian Commandant was Brig Thakur Mahadeo Singh. The bifurcation of the Army at Independence led to redefining the training needs. The new scheme of training officers brought about the establishment of the Armed Forces Academy in 1949 with IMA as its nucleus. As part of IMA Joint Services Wing, Clement Town was opened in 1950, which later became the National Defence Academy. In 1954, NDA shifted to its present location at Khadakwasla, Pune, and the IMA reverted to its original identity and role. In the aftermath of the Chinese aggression in 1962 the academy expanded. During the emergency from November 1962 to November 1964, a total of 4051 GCs were granted emergency commission. During this period, a peak strength of 3090 GCs was reached in July 1963. In 1977, Army Cadet College, the progeny of Kitchener College, Nowgong, shifted from Pune to the Academy Campus; it now functions as a wing of IMA. The Indian Military Academy was presented colours for the first time after Independence on December 10, 1962 by the then President, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and on that day, the King’s Colours, which had been first presented to the IMA on November 23, 1933, were laid to rest. The then President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, presented colours to the IMA for the second time on December 15, 1976,as the old colours had worn out. The forested environment and rugged mountains in the vicinity form ideal training ground for young Gentleman Cadets. It is interesting to know that Dronacharya, the ‘guru’ of the Mahabharata set up his ashram nearby, after whom the ceremonial gate opposite the Chetwode Building was named as “Dron Dwar”. A large number of competitions in training, sports and other fields are held each term to foster healthy competitive spirit between the companies and battalions. Apart from the awards for individual competitions, the IMA Commandant’s Banner, the Army Commander Army Training Command’s Banner and the Chief of the Army Staff’s Banner are also awarded. The Reviewing Officer at the passing out parade awards the Chief of the Army Staff’s Banner while the Commandant awards the others during the awards ceremony. The crest is composted of the crossed swords of the profession of arms, with a flaming torch symbolising knowledge, superimposed in the middle by the dharamachakra of Ashoka, against a back-ground of steel-grey and blood-red. The scroll bears the inscription ‘veerta aur vivek’ meaning ‘valour and wisdom’. The colours of the academy are steel-grey and blood-red. Red for blood signifies the ultimate in sacrifice and devotion to duty, while steel-grey denotes strength and resilience. |
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982 die in WB floods CALCUTTA, Sept 30 (UNI) — With the situation still grim, particularly in North 24-Parganas, Nadia and Mushidabad districts, the death toll in flood-ravaged West Bengal stood at 982 persons and over 18 million marooned. Deputy Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee confirmed 751 deaths and said 231 persons who were missing were reported to have been washed away by the devastating floods. He said 284 had died in the Lalgola and Bhgabangola areas of Murshidabad district in the 24 hours. He, however, did not elaborate how these people died. Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta said the situation still remained critical in North 24-Parganas and Nadia districts. Dr Dasgupta said the flood waters had spread to fresh areas of North 24-Parganas district, creating more difficulties for the authorities. The state government has mounted relief operations and spent nearly Rs 80 crore. More than six million persons have been rescued and sent to over 6,000 relief camps. At least 15 Army columns and 45 speedboats have been pressed into service in addition to over 3,000 country boats. Air Force helicopters dropped food packets at Kaligang, Krishnaganj and Tehatta in Nadia district. The helicopter, hired by the state government, carried medicines to Krishnagar in Nadia district. About 200 trucks carrying relief material, which were earlier held up because of disruption in road communication, had now started moving towards the affected areas. Polling in Dausa
ends peacefully JAIPUR, Sept 30 — Polling in the Dausa parliamentary and Loonkaransar Vidhan Sabha constituencies ended peacefully yesterday. The Dausa Lok Sabha seat had fallen vacant due to the demise of Rajesh Pilot and Loonkaransar on account of the death of Bhim Sen Chaudhary. The Congress party fielded Ms Rama Pilot, wife of Rajesh Pilot, and Mr Virendra Beniwal, son of late Bhimsen, as its candidate in the Dausa and Loonkarnsar constituencies, respectively. Though both constituencies have five candidates each, the real fight has been between the Congress and the BJP. The Dausa, former minister Rohtas Kumar is challenging Ms Rama Pilot. Though Mr Rohtas has been defeated twice in this constituency by Rajesh Pilot, he had narrowed down the margin of defeat to a meagre 6000 votes in the last election. He also has the distinction of having defeated Ms Pilot in 1993 Vidhan Sabha elections in Bansur. In Loonkaransar, former minister Manak Chand Surana contested on behalf of the BJP. The outcome in both constituencies will, however, depend largely on the votes shared by BSP candidates. |
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Website on ‘hijras’ launched BHOPAL, Sept 30 — Are Kinnars (eunuchs) men who dress themselves up as women? Are they in nexus with criminals? Do all of them indulge in prostitution? Do they have diabolical death ceremonies and mutilate their dead? Do they kidnap young children and forcibly castrate them? Do they have their own separate religion and gods? Does the guru beat the chelas (eunuchs) often and force them to work? These and many more, questions have been answered in the first ever website on eunuchs (kinnars.com) launched by the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr Digvijay Singh, in Bhopal on Friday. It portrays eunuchs as human beings. It was prepared often interviewing some 500 Kinnars in 19 cities and 34 villages. It tries to explain that Kinnars, ‘hijras’ as they are called, have always been marginalised by society. The third gender is not even an issue for those who consider themselves the champions of social justice. No group or society has ever taken the trouble to understand the pain and sadness behind the smiling faces of these Kinnars who have been forced out of their families for no fault of theirs. It gives a glimpse of their festivals, rituals, society, lifestyle and blessings. After leaving home in their early age they never turn up at their old home and make a new Kinnar family within the Kinnar community. Kinnars earn their living through blessings on the occasion of birth and marriage. The Indian society is their patron. Many believe that a Kinnar’s blessings come straight from the goddesses. Music plays an important role in the lives of the ‘hijras’. The importance of music in Kinnars’ life is enhanced by the fact that their profession is related to it. While giving blessings on the occasion of birth and marriage, they dance and sing. This earns them their livelihood. According to a senior member of the Kinnar society, earlier the songs and music were based on religious events and stories but these are now film-oriented. They are conforming themselves to the changing times. Music and dance is not only a source of livelihood for them but also a means of entertainment. Among themselves, they love to perform and entertain each other. As dholak is a part of their music, they are often accompanied by a “dholakwala” who is the only non-Kinnar living around them as a friend and well-wisher. |
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Nagappa delayed release: Gopal CHENNAI, Sept 30 (UNI) — Government emissary R.R. Gopal today returned to the city abruptly without being able to secure the release of Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar and others held hostage by forest brigand Veerappan as his fourth mission suffered a setback following the escape of one of the hostages, Nagappa, late on Wednesday night. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, after receiving a detailed briefing from Mr Gopal, said the emissary would be sent to the forest again after he received signals from Veerappan. Mr Nagappa’s escape was a setback to Mr Gopal’s mission to secure the release of the hostages, Mr Karunanidhi said. Mr Gopal told reporters earlier that but for the escape, it was certain that Dr Rajkumar and others would have been here by October 3. |
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Conference on child
care from Oct 3 NEW DELHI, Sept 30 — The first international conference on early childhood care and development in India will begin here on October 3. The three-day conference will be inaugurated by the Minister of State, Women and Child Development, Mrs Sumitra Mahajan, and the UNICEF country representative in India, Mr Alan Court. A press note issued by UNICEF here today said the conference being organised by the Department of Women and Child Development, UNICEF in collaboration with the World Bank and the NIPCCD will bring together experts from India and abroad, besides government representatives and local non-government organisations. Delegates from nine countries are expected to attend the conference. Experts from universities as Maryland, London and Cornell will contribute to the technical deliberations. The conference will examine scientific theories, policies, practices and programmes that have adopted an integrated approach to child survival, growth and development in India and other countries. It will also make recommendations on policies and programmes that can be adopted in India. According to the note, the current research on child growth and development shows that the first three years of the child’s life are crucial for his or her full development. |
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Today is International
Old Age Day BHOPAL, Sept 30 (UNI) — He is 103 years old and lost his wife four decades ago but that has not forced Bishandas to lead a hapless life, thanks to the prescriptions given by the old-age home he stays in these days. No medicine forms part of the set of homilies he adheres to. Like the rest of the 75-odd inmates in the city-based ‘Asra’, his daily chores range from spiritual exercises like kirtan singing and meditation to worldly engagements like playing cards and watching television besides the occasional cooking or washing. “A disciplined routine keeps me going. I am healthy even now. I have no major ailments,’’ says Bishandas, faltering with words at times — a minor problem with the speech being the only thing which bothers him. Not that the centurion has no cup of woes. Born in Pakistan, he migrated to India 10 years after the 1947 Partition. Deserted by his eight sons, he spent his initial years in a gurdwara before seeking refuge in ‘Asra’ in 1994, the year the old-age home was founded. Such not-so-distant memories of a sad phase in life which snapped their family ties, however, do not stop him or his “younger” friends from celebrating the International Old Age Day tomorrow. As if eager to relive one’s youthful days, many of them are busy decorating their abode for the annual event. Mr R.C. Bhargava, secretary of the government-aided home notes: “the personal background of the inmates is more or less similar. So they tread ahead on a common dais synergised with love and care.’’ “Above all, they no more bear a feeling of being unwanted. They have learnt lessons in life yet inculcated a burning desire to march on with dignity and fortitude,’’ adds the chief of the Gandhi Bhavan Nyas-run establishment under the New Delhi-headquartered Gandhi Peace Foundation. A 93-year-old inmate of the home, Lahore-born Prithvi Chand Sharma, had changed his name to Phakir Chand to avoid being tormented during the Partition riots. He worked for 10 years from 1926 as a railway booking clerk and later joined the Air Force. He even went to Switzerland to get a diploma in instrument mechanics, and had to out a livelihood for himself and his family by repairing the meters of planes. For him problems confounded when he was made to feel as an alien in his homeland. His salary was stopped, and was repaid only after he changed his name to Phakir Chand. It was in 1954 that he moved to India. He worked in the Indian Air Force Stations in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune before quitting his job and opening a watch-repairing shop in this city. A timely advertisement fetched him a job in the state police headquarters, where he worked as a steno for another 12 years. Comfortable with Hindi and English, he still retains his vigour, so much so that he is involved in a legal battle for his pension. “I will not give up,” he avers, adding that his minimal tenure requirements were yet to be met. “I am just asking for clubbing of my services in the Railways, Air Force and State Police,” he says, adding that he is carrying out his fight by sending letters to the authorities. |
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Man held for
wife’s murder NEW DELHI, Sept 30 — A cook at the Mexican Embassy, Jang Bahadur Rana has been arrested by the Delhi Police on the charge of murdering of his wife, Savita (24). Jang Bahadur’s accomplice, Dinesh alias Anju Massy, whom he hired to kill his wife, has also been arrested Jang Bahadur. He married Savita only four months ago. According to the police, Jang Bahadur Rana allegedly had illicit relations with other girls, which was objected by his wife. This strained their relations. The police said that Jang Bahadur hatched a plan to get rid of Savita. As per the plan, Jang Bahadur, who belonged to Ambala, took Savita to “Peer Baba Mazar” near Jahan Panah Forest in South Delhi, where Dinesh waited. When they reached the forest, Dinesh emerged from the bushes shot Savita, stabbed Jang Bahadur twice and robbed jewellery and Rs 300 from him. Jang Bahadur informed the in-charge of the Peer Baba Mazar, who later informed the police. However, the police was not satisfied with his statement. During investigations he was cross questioned and broke down and confessed to the murder. |
National assembly for disabled on Oct 5 NEW DELHI, Sept 30 — Over 200 disabled persons are expected to participate in a day-long national assembly on October 5 being organised by the Disabled People’s International (DPI) at the United Service Institution of India here. Senator Narong Patibatsarikh, Chairperson, DPI Asia-Pacific Regional Council, and Mr Topang Kulkhanachit, a renowned disability rights activist are expected to participate in the assembly. Both are based in Bangkok and are said to be severely disabled. Mr Javed Abidi, member of the DPI said the organisation based in New York, is a self-help human rights organisation of disabled persons. “The prime objective of holding a national assembly was to re-activate, the DPI as the time had come to have one formal organisation representing all disabled persons.” Mr Abidi said the DPI had few members in India. “As a result, India has been left out in the international disability movement. We want to demonstrate that it is truly an international movement and a national assembly.” |
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Abducted girl
recovered NEW DELHI, Sept 30 — The Delhi Police claimed to have worked out the abduction case of a two-and-half-year-old girl, Somi Ali, with the arrest of two persons. The victim was abducted by the alleged accused, Nawab and Sajjad, for ransom on September 23 when she was playing outside her house in the Gautampuri area of North-Ease Delhi. A case of abduction was registered the next day, the police said. The accused telephoned the parents of the victim on September 25 for ransom of Rs 2 lakh for safe release of the girl. The accused made the call from different PCOs. The telephone number of the victim was put under observation and the ransom paying date was decided for today. The rendezvous was fixed at Banthala village in Ghaziabad district. A police team in plain clothes went to the village along with the parents of the victim. Fake currency notes were put at the railway crossing of Bnathala village, the police said. As one of the accused picked up the bag in which the money was kept, he was arrested. The other accused was also arrested. Following his interrogation the girl was recovered, the police said. |
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Anti-quackery
campaign NEW DELHI, Sept 30 — The Delhi Medical Association (DMA) plans to launch a fortnight-long anti-quackery drive on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. For the past four years, Gandhi Jayanti is being observed as the national anti-quackery day. Dr Anil Bansal, chairman of the anti-quackery cell of the DMA told TNS here today that a delegation of doctors would pledge to fight quackery at Rajghat on October 2. Dr Bansal said Delhi had about 40,000 quacks, who practiced allopathy. “We also plan to present a memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister, the Delhi Health Minister, the Union Minister of Health and the Prime Minister. The main demands included passage of anti-quackery Bill, continuous raids on clinics run by quacks, bogus medical institutions which awarded fake degrees and chemist shops which sell medicines without bill or prescription. |
Intelligence panel
submits report NEW DELHI, Sept 30 — The task force on intelligence apparatus, which had been set up to review the national security system in view of the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee, has submitted its report to the Group of Ministers headed by Mr L.K. Advani. The report, covering all aspects of the terms of reference of the task force, constitutes a valuable input for the GOM for formulating its own recommendations. The 224-page report by the task force, headed by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Mr G.C. Saxena, has chapters dealing with role of intelligence. |
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