Lt Gen “Tindi” Sharma and Brig Mark Pillai – reunion of two Bombay Sapper family’s In 1942, then Lt MM Pillai was awarded a Military Cross for his daring escape from a POW camp in Singapore and his 5000 km journey home to India across Japanese occupied Malaya, Thailand and Burma. Later he was tasked with training Sappers, and his adjutant was the young “Tindi” Sharma who later retired as Engineer-in-Chief Indian Army, Lt Gen SN Sharma. A few days ago in Delhi, it was my privilege to reunite the 2 families – in this picture, we stand before a portrait of Lt Gen Sharma’s elder brother Major Somnath Sharma, the first winner of the Param Vir Chakra. From left to right are Col Ravi Pillai 63 Cavalry (Brig Pillai’s 3rd son), Gen Sharma and me. Lt Mark Pillai’s escape features in my book The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II that can be found here linktr.ee/gautamhazarikasing… @PenguinIndia @penswordbooks @sampathpillai @tebaccofficial @RE_Hist_Society

Veteran Achievers Award: Recognising Contributions, Rewarding Excellence. #GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS, felicitated five distinguished #veterans during his visit to #Pune for their exceptional contributions to #NationBuilding, social welfare and community empowerment. Lieutenant Colonel Vinod Marwaha (Retd), has made notable contributions in veteran resettlement, education, renewable energy and environmental conservation. His initiatives have provided vocational training, employment and welfare support to hundreds of ex-servicemen. Major Sanjay Shinde (Retd), has transformed his post-retirement journey into a mission of social entrepreneurship, empowering rural women, specially-abled persons and local families through Sun24 FMCG Pvt Ltd. Subedar Ajit Kallapa Patil (Retd), has dedicated himself to the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows and Veer Naris. Having assisted over 1,500 beneficiaries in pension-related matters and founded Sainik #NariShakti Samstha. Sergeant Suresh Shivram Dumbre (Retd), has rendered commendable service in mental health awareness, de-addiction support and community outreach through Parivartan Trust, Pune. His efforts have helped reduce stigma, encourage early treatment and promote social inclusion. Naik Sampat Shamrao Jadhav (Retd), has consistently supported ex-servicemen, widows and the local community through pension guidance, ECHS assistance, tree plantation, blood donation camps, cleanliness drives and women’s self-help groups. “Service is a lifelong journey - building a stronger, united India.” #RespectAndRecognition @DIAV20 @IaSouthern

"𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵, 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲." 1497 #Agniveers marched with pride at the historic Chatterjee Parade Ground, marking the successful culmination of 24 weeks of intense training at The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment Training Centre, #Fatehgarh. From discipline to determination, endurance to excellence, these young warriors have transformed into confident soldiers ready to serve the Nation with honour, courage and commitment. The #PassingOutParade (#POP) was reviewed by Brig Maneesh Kumar Jain, Commandant, The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment Training Centre. In a special initiative, parents of the Agniveers were given an insight into their training routine, exposure to New Generation Weapons, technology enabled training and daily military life. For every young Indian with a dream to serve, this parade stands as a powerful message, Hard work shapes you, Discipline defines you, Service makes you immortal, #IndianArmy #SuryaCommand #Agniveer #SikhLightInfantry #SikhLightInfantryRegimentTrainingCentre #MUPSA #NationFirst #YouthPower #NewIndia @adgpi @ProDefLko @PROdefprayagraj @PIB_India @HQ_IDS_India @PRODefDehradun @UBArea_IA

"𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱𝘀, 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟳𝟱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀." Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C #CentralCommand, flagged-in the #SuryaDisposers #WhiteWaterRaftingExpedition2026 at #Lucknow, marking the successful culmination of a spirited adventure expedition undertaken to commemorate the Unit’s #PlatinumJubilee and its 75 glorious years of dedicated service to the nation. The expedition covered a challenging 145 km riverine route from #Rudraprayag to #Rishikesh, passing through #Srinagar, #Devprayag and #Kaudiyala along the mighty waters of the #Bhagirathi, #Alaknanda and #Ganga. Navigating demanding rapids and tough riverine conditions, the team displayed exceptional courage, endurance, coordination and mental resilience. As the #SuryaDisposers rode the rapids of the #Ganga, the expedition emerged as a powerful symbol of adventure, unity and soldierly determination. It celebrated the proud legacy of the Unit while reflecting the indomitable spirit of the #IndianArmy, always ready to take on every challenge with confidence, discipline and resolve. #IndianArmy #SuryaCommand #WhiteWaterRafting #ArmyAdventureWing #AdventureWithPurpose #75GloriousYears #CourageAndEndurance #TeamSpirit #SoldierlySpirit @adgpi @ProDefLko @PROdefprayagraj @PIB_India @HQ_IDS_India @PRODefDehradun @UBArea_IA