Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations - Free Press
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Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations
Free Press News ServiceThe Free Press Journal June 2, 1999
Title: Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations
Author: Free Press News Service
Publication: The Free Press Journal
Date: June 2, 1999
(Inputs by Shilpa Shaligram, Ujwala Kondalkar and Tritho Banerjee)
A large number of retired Defence personnel have reacted strongly to the statement of the Chief Minister Digvijay Singh that the Kargil crisis was nothing but a political gimmick and that the BJP was responsible for the current situation at the LoC. Free Press sought the opinion of some retired Defence personnel on the statement of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, on whether India should declare war against Pakistan, to teach them a lesson.
Many civilians, whom, Free Press approached, also found the, CM's statement unpalatable. Majority of the people feel that the Kargil episode is not a political gimmick played by the BIP. However, all of them maintain that even if the situation deteriorates, India should
restrain itself from declaring a war on Pakistan.
Commenting on Digvijay's statement Brigadier R N Sharma, reacted strongly and termed it an insult to the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, who are indirectly being made a party to it. It was also an insult to the thousands of defence personnel, paramilitary forces and other Indian nationals, who have been fighting insurgency to safeguard the national interest, he felt.
He said such irresponsible statements were indeed demoralising for those fighting and their families and the CM was unfit to hold the position.
He said an officer has the responsibility to safeguard the security of the nation against all threats - internal or external irrespective of such unbecoming conduct from any political leader and Digvijay's statement was really painful.
Ms Sharma, wife of Brigadier Sharma, lamented that it was traumatising to hear such a remark. She said, she has been an integral part of the Indian Army during the service of her husband and was still associated with defence, with her son currently serving in the forces. She said, the CM should have thought of the trauma of the family of Squadron leader Ajay Ahuja and Flight Lt Nachiketa before questioning the integrity of the defence personnel.
Colonel Vasant Kondalkar, stated that military acts are never politically motivated, especially when they are related to international issues. "I totally disagree to what Digvijay Singh
said, because there are always international ramifications to these issues and so how can they be called as an artificial scenario." He said as far as war is concerned, India shouldn't go for it. Diplomacy and not might is the right answer to the situation, he felt. Major R P Jain termed the Kargil issue as downright aggression by Pakistan on India and India had every right to protect its territory from the mercenaries.
He termed the statement of the Chief Minister, regarding this move being politically motivated, as totally irresponsible. He said that as Indian troops were well equipped to handle the situation, India should not declare a war.
Major General Vijay Madan also felt it was very irresponsible for Digvijay to make a statement like this, more so as he is occupying an important post. "He is speaking through his hat," said Gen Madan and added that the Pakistan army has never been in favour of reconciliation. He said Digvijay should know the cost of losing an MiG plane and of losing a Defence official.
Colonel V K Gaotham termed the CM's statement immature. "He might be having knowledge about internal security matters, but certainly, I am sorry to say, not about external security matters."In fact it's not the BJP, but Digvijay Singh, who is playing a political gimmick by calling the Kargil crisis so," he said. He said India cannot think of war because it is not economically strong. Brigadier Iyer firmly said it is no time to talk such nonsense and rubbish. 'Digvijay Singh should remember that it is no fun sitting on the ice-covered areas defending one's country."
Brigadier V Ramanan stated that Digvijay's comment was unfortunate for, the issue has nothing to do with politics. He said the situation is not political, but factual. "Let me remind the honourable CM that it is the soldier's life which is at stake and not politics." "I am totally convinced that it is not a political gimmick. The BJP is not going to score from it. And it's not something new," he said. "Thinking practically, we should not go for war for it's too small an
episode," he felt.
Colonel S Rattan, who was on a short visit to the city, stated it was a pity that the politicians never think of the country and make statements that exposed their vested interests. "If the CM really thinks that the BJP is playing politics then he should expose the party or else keep quiet "' he added. Y S Rajput, a retired colonel, said that Pakistan will lose more compared to India if a war breaks out at this stage and therefore, Pakistan will never go for a full scale war. He added that we were paying a heavy price for our negligence. We should have monitored the infiltration and prevented them at the outset. O P Bhatia of SGSITS said that it was absurd to think that BJP could have started the whole thing to win applause from the public. He said
rather than blaming the BJP government, all the parties should unite in the interest of the country. He said a war should be avoided as it will mean total annihilation of both the countries.
Rajiv Vaidya of UCO Bank explained that the Kargil episode has been motivated by Pakistan and India had only shown that it can give a firm reply. He said it is not the BJP which is diverting the people's attention but, Nawaz Sheriff, who is trying to hide the internal disturbances in Pakistan. Vaidya said that India cannot afford to declare war in view of the economic crisis that it is facing.
Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations
Free Press News ServiceThe Free Press Journal June 2, 1999
Title: Armymen balk at Digvijay's accusations
Author: Free Press News Service
Publication: The Free Press Journal
Date: June 2, 1999
(Inputs by Shilpa Shaligram, Ujwala Kondalkar and Tritho Banerjee)
A large number of retired Defence personnel have reacted strongly to the statement of the Chief Minister Digvijay Singh that the Kargil crisis was nothing but a political gimmick and that the BJP was responsible for the current situation at the LoC. Free Press sought the opinion of some retired Defence personnel on the statement of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, on whether India should declare war against Pakistan, to teach them a lesson.
Many civilians, whom, Free Press approached, also found the, CM's statement unpalatable. Majority of the people feel that the Kargil episode is not a political gimmick played by the BIP. However, all of them maintain that even if the situation deteriorates, India should
restrain itself from declaring a war on Pakistan.
Commenting on Digvijay's statement Brigadier R N Sharma, reacted strongly and termed it an insult to the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, who are indirectly being made a party to it. It was also an insult to the thousands of defence personnel, paramilitary forces and other Indian nationals, who have been fighting insurgency to safeguard the national interest, he felt.
He said such irresponsible statements were indeed demoralising for those fighting and their families and the CM was unfit to hold the position.
He said an officer has the responsibility to safeguard the security of the nation against all threats - internal or external irrespective of such unbecoming conduct from any political leader and Digvijay's statement was really painful.
Ms Sharma, wife of Brigadier Sharma, lamented that it was traumatising to hear such a remark. She said, she has been an integral part of the Indian Army during the service of her husband and was still associated with defence, with her son currently serving in the forces. She said, the CM should have thought of the trauma of the family of Squadron leader Ajay Ahuja and Flight Lt Nachiketa before questioning the integrity of the defence personnel.
Colonel Vasant Kondalkar, stated that military acts are never politically motivated, especially when they are related to international issues. "I totally disagree to what Digvijay Singh
said, because there are always international ramifications to these issues and so how can they be called as an artificial scenario." He said as far as war is concerned, India shouldn't go for it. Diplomacy and not might is the right answer to the situation, he felt. Major R P Jain termed the Kargil issue as downright aggression by Pakistan on India and India had every right to protect its territory from the mercenaries.
He termed the statement of the Chief Minister, regarding this move being politically motivated, as totally irresponsible. He said that as Indian troops were well equipped to handle the situation, India should not declare a war.
Major General Vijay Madan also felt it was very irresponsible for Digvijay to make a statement like this, more so as he is occupying an important post. "He is speaking through his hat," said Gen Madan and added that the Pakistan army has never been in favour of reconciliation. He said Digvijay should know the cost of losing an MiG plane and of losing a Defence official.
Colonel V K Gaotham termed the CM's statement immature. "He might be having knowledge about internal security matters, but certainly, I am sorry to say, not about external security matters."In fact it's not the BJP, but Digvijay Singh, who is playing a political gimmick by calling the Kargil crisis so," he said. He said India cannot think of war because it is not economically strong. Brigadier Iyer firmly said it is no time to talk such nonsense and rubbish. 'Digvijay Singh should remember that it is no fun sitting on the ice-covered areas defending one's country."
Brigadier V Ramanan stated that Digvijay's comment was unfortunate for, the issue has nothing to do with politics. He said the situation is not political, but factual. "Let me remind the honourable CM that it is the soldier's life which is at stake and not politics." "I am totally convinced that it is not a political gimmick. The BJP is not going to score from it. And it's not something new," he said. "Thinking practically, we should not go for war for it's too small an
episode," he felt.
Colonel S Rattan, who was on a short visit to the city, stated it was a pity that the politicians never think of the country and make statements that exposed their vested interests. "If the CM really thinks that the BJP is playing politics then he should expose the party or else keep quiet "' he added. Y S Rajput, a retired colonel, said that Pakistan will lose more compared to India if a war breaks out at this stage and therefore, Pakistan will never go for a full scale war. He added that we were paying a heavy price for our negligence. We should have monitored the infiltration and prevented them at the outset. O P Bhatia of SGSITS said that it was absurd to think that BJP could have started the whole thing to win applause from the public. He said
rather than blaming the BJP government, all the parties should unite in the interest of the country. He said a war should be avoided as it will mean total annihilation of both the countries.
Rajiv Vaidya of UCO Bank explained that the Kargil episode has been motivated by Pakistan and India had only shown that it can give a firm reply. He said it is not the BJP which is diverting the people's attention but, Nawaz Sheriff, who is trying to hide the internal disturbances in Pakistan. Vaidya said that India cannot afford to declare war in view of the economic crisis that it is facing.
Sporting ventures undertaken by HT-PACE
HT-PACE, Bhopal had been a trend setter in very field. Be it Power Point Competition, Inter-City Quiz Competition, Inter-School Garden Competition, Inter-School Talen Hunt Razzmatazz or just a Summer Camp. We, at HT-PACE had made an attempt to do something really unusual. This time, it was time for some sporting ventures and HT-PACE was not behind. We organised Inter-School Young Cricket Tournament, in which about 20 schools had participated. 
The cricket fever commenced with friendly matches between the school teams, but the students wanted serious cricket matches. And there we were. With the support of Hotel Noor-Us-Sabah and our sponsors, we made it possible. Thanks to the support by the then Deputy General Manager Mr Fehmi Hussain, cricket lovers and ardent sportsmen in the league Director of Red Rose Group of Schools, Mr Sumeet Ponda and St Michael School chairman Mr Shakeel.
The Inter-School Cricket Tournament was a runaway success, as the sports teachers, students and the school managements gave whole-hearted support to the same. The matches were inaugurated by the then Governor of Madhya Pradesh Mr Bhai Mahavir, who also applauded the cause.Thanks to efficient reporting by the then Hindustan Times sports reporter Ramendra, the Inter-School Young Cricket Score column became a runaway hit among students and the schools across the fortnight.
HT-PACE's sporting ventures kept abounding as HT-PACE later organised Inter-School Basketball Tournament and Inter-School Athletics Meet.
HT-PACE And EPCO - Going the Green Way
HT-PACE has been associated with spreading awareness for a cause. After addressing various issues pertaining to education, freedom through education, etc, HT-PACE later decided to venture in its drive to protect greenery. In its pursuit, we managed to associate with EPCO - Environment Planning Coordination Organisation. Sadhna Tiwari, a senior official from EPCO, Bhopal had been forthcoming enough to associate with HT-PACE in its pursuits. HT PACE along with EPCO, initiated a Inter-School Power Point Presentation Competition for which the topic was Preserving Bhopal - The City of Lakes. An overwhelming response by the students, was applauded among all circles, as it had initiated a Movement. Conservation of lakes and natural resources in Bhopal had been of major concern. The students handled the topic so well, that the suggestions and visuals used by the students for their presentations formed a basis of a Survey.
This competition paved way for an ongoing bond between the EPCO and HT-PACE as both kept moving in one direction. The objective was addressing the concerns arising out of growing industrialization.
The other initiatives undertaken by HT-PACE in this series were an Inter-School Garden Competition and Inter-School Group Discussion Competition. Both competitions had been conceptualised by Alpana Mishra in association with EPCO and Samarthan, an NGO.
The Inter-School Group Discussion Competition had been organised on the topic "Impact of the development projects undertaken under the purview of JNNURM in Bhopal. The youngsters, media and the student community were sensitized through this series of group discussions which had been organised in almost thirty schools across Bhopal. This series culminated into a Talk Show on the same subject, which was presided over by State Minister Jayant Mallaiah.
The Inter School Garden Competition had become an absolute hit as it had revolutionized the often overlooked school gardens. A few months time had been given to the schools to prepare for the same. It was indeed heartening to know that the schools had taken that extra step to beautify their gardens and look into their landscaping. The Competition was also appreciated, as steps had been undertaken to train the gardeners of the schools for the competitions with regard to parameters of the same.
HT School Times - Some Special Experiments as an Editor
THE MOST SPECIAL TWO PAGE SPECIAL STORY I'VE EVERY DONE, WHICH TOOK ME ALMOST A FORTNIGHT TO INTERVIEW ABOUT FIVE TO SIX PRINCIPALS AND ABOUT SIX BEST QUIZZINGS TEAMS FROM BHOPAL, WHO HAD WON AT INTERNATIONAL AS WELL AS NATIONAL LEVEL QUIZZES. THE EFFORTS TAKEN BY ALL THESE SCHOOLS TO PROMOTE QUIZZING TALENT WERE AN EYE OPENER INDEED. HATS OFF!!!
A SPECIAL STORY OF THE NCC GIRL CADETS ACROSS SCHOOLS OF BHOPAL WITH DETAILED INPUTS BY THOSE OF RECKONING AND THE NCC TEACHERS WHO WERE THEIR GUIDING FORCE BESIDES THE THEN PRINCIPALS OF CARMEL CONVENT S S SCHOOL BHEL SISTER NOEL AND ST JOSEPH"S CONVENT, IDGAH HILLS SISTER FRANCIS JOSEPH.
SPECIAL STORY ON THE OPENING OF SCHOOLS AND VIEWS BY THE PRINCIPALS
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2004 HT-PACE INQUIZITIVE LOCATION FINALS - THE INTER-SCHOOL QUIZ
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2004 HT-PACE INQUIZITIVE LOCATION FINALS - THE INTER-SCHOOL QUIZ
A FEATURE TO MARK THE ONSET OF SPRING SEASON...
INTERVIEW OF SENIOR ACADEMICIANS AND PRINCIPALS ON THE OCCASION OF TEACHERS DAY.
INTERVIEW OF A YOUNG GIRL SANIA, WHO HAD BEEN GLOBAL TO SHOWCASE HER DANCING TALENT.
INTERVIEW OF A YOUNG GIRL SANIA, WHO HAD BEEN GLOBAL TO SHOWCASE HER DANCING TALENT.
SPECIAL STORY ON THE OCCASION OF R-DAY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MANISH CHOURE
FICTION STORY OF A TECHNO KID OF THE FUTURE PORTRAYING LIFE IN THE YEAR 2050.
INTERVIEW OF THE MP STATE UNICEF HEAD MR MANOUCHER ASSADI
GLIMPSES - 2002-2003
HTST SPECIAL ISSUE CARRYING THE PROFILE OF THE INDIAN CRICKETERS.
HT-PACE INTER-SCHOOL CRICKET TOURNAMENT YOUNG CRICKET - 2002
HTST SPECIAL ISSUE IN VIEW OF BOARD EXAMS
A SPECIAL STORY IN HTST CARRYING THE VIEWS OF THE VARIOUS HEAD BOYS AND HEAD GIRLS OF THE TOP SCHOOLS OF BHOPAL ON THE OCCASION OF REPUBLIC DAY
SPECIAL STORY ON THE CHANGING TRENDS IN KIDS FASHION
HTST SPECIAL STORY ON THE OCCASION OF FAMILY DAY WITH AN APT ILLUSTRATION BY MANISH CHOURE.
HT-PACE 4th ANNIVERSARY HTST ISSUE
INTERVIEW OF THE THEN GOVERNOR OF MADHYA PRADESH MR BALRAM JAKHAR
HT-PACE RAZZMATAZZ - 2002 - A CHRISTMAS PARTY
HT-PACE RAZZMATAZZ - 2002 - A CHRISTMAS PARTY
HT-PACE DRISHTIKON - A TEACHERS EVENT GROUP DISCUSSION AND EXHIBITION - 2004 INAUGURATED BY THE THEN CM of MADHYA PRADESH MR BABULAL GAUR.
MAGIC SHOW BY RENOWNED MAGICIAN MADAN KUNDU FROM LUCKNOW ATTENDED BY FIVE THOUSAND CHILDREN IN FOUR SHOWS AT BHEL CULTURAL HALL, BHOPAL.
GLIMPSES - 2002-2003
TEACHERS DAY SPECIAL ISSUE FULL OF MESSAGES BY MORE THAN 150 CHILDREN
HTST SPECIAL ISSUE CARRYING THE PROFILE OF THE INDIAN CRICKETERS.
HTST DIWALI SPECIAL ISSUE WITH SPECIAL INPUTS BY THE ENTIRE PACE TEAM - ALPANA MISHRA, UJWALA KARANDIKAR, ANOOP SINGH, GHUFRAN KHAN AND RAHUL RAMPAL
HT-PACE INTER-SCHOOL CRICKET TOURNAMENT YOUNG CRICKET - 2002
HTST SPECIAL ISSUE IN VIEW OF BOARD EXAMS
Face to Face with Dr Kiran Bedi
In sync with our philosophy, HT-PACE continued its endeavor of providing class events to the city of Bhopal, which was immensely appreciated by all principals and intelligentsia of the city. One fine afternoon, the new PACE manager Alpana Mishra walked into the office with a great cheer on her face. She was happy!!! We did not know why, but yes, she wanted to share something with all of us. She made an announcement, "We were going to have Ms Kiran Bedi to address our Principals Meet this year". WOW!!! That was the word.
Myself and my counterpart Anoop Singh sprung into action. The first thing that we needed to do was to prepare a campaign for the Principals Meet publicity. And the task had to be carried out by none other than our official designer Manish Choure. We shared the concept of the Principals Meet with him and informed that we were also having Dr Chakraborty from IIM Kolkata to address the Principals Meet besides Ms Kiran Bedi.
And as usual, our dear friend Manish Choure never let us down and came up with a brilliant campaign highlighting the side portrait of Ms Kiran Bedi and the advt stated:
FACE TO FACE
WITH THE SUPERCOP KIRAN BEDI.
The advertisements won a great applause among the HT readers as well as the school fraternity.
Dr Kiran Bedi was a phenomenon in herself. She had taken the school principals, teachers and the student community by a storm. She had transformed lives through her enigmatic presence. A personal and one-to-one interaction with the school principals had made their dreams come true - to be able to witness a phenomenon.
It was simply unimaginable, that the students come to school on a Sunday. But the school ground of Carmel Convent S S School, BHEL was chockablock with students at 7 am in the morning- with children pouring in from all parts of the city to be able to come face to face with the super cop.
Rest is history!!!
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