A composed General to steer Indian Army’s tech empowerment

Express News Service

NEW DELHI:  Following the announcement that Lieutenant General Manoj Pande will turn out to be the twenty ninth chief of Indian Army, one has to juxtapose this elevation with the way in which Indian armed forces have tailored to main technological and institutional modifications of late.

Lt Gen Pande is the primary Corps of Engineer officer to take cost of the Indian Army in its 75-year historical past. This day by day  spoke to his course mates, officers beneath whom he served and officers who served beneath him to know extra about him.

One level reiterated by each particular person is the innate composure of Lt Gen Pande. “It is a crucial appointment, when the country is facing a number of external and internal security challenges, including the stand-off along the northern border and proxy war on the western border,” mentioned Major General SB Asthana (retired).

Lt Gen Pande has lots of expertise in engaged on the Line of Control, Line of Actual Control and the tri-services matter which can form the way forward for the armed forces. India is heading in the direction of integration of the armed forces and right here is an officer who led the one tri-services command.

“He is a thorough professional — cool, calm and composed  — with a stable mind to handle such a variety of security challenges which the country faces,” mentioned Maj Gen Asthana, “He has experience in various theatres within the country as well as in the international environment, including the UN where we served together.”

Maj Gen Asthana and Lt Gen Pandey served on the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, when Asthana was a Colonel and Pande a Lt Colonel. A senior serving officer within the military headquarters mentioned he’s essentially the most appropriate particular person to steer the Indian Army at this important time. “With his technical background, combined with military professionalism, he will be able to handle the modernisation transformation, indigenization and technological enablement and technical empowerment of the Indian army,” mentioned the officer.

Major General Ajay Seth (retired) remembers his course mate as one who has lots of confidence in what he does. Seth and Pandey had joined the 61 Course of National Defence Academy and have been commissioned collectively in December 1982. “We each have been showing for Part D exams at Yol, Himachal Pradesh, in 1988 that are essential for promotions. We have been the junior most amongst these showing, as we had round six years of service. We had not been in a position to put together however I had a bonus as I used to be in a position to put together notes.

Manoj requested me to share the notes throughout evening once I was about to fall asleep. And, the notes have been again in my room which was reverse his room, earlier than I awoke, with out failing.” Both of them cleared the examination of their first try.

His composure and talent to pay attention and be taught goes to assist not simply the Indian Army however your entire nationwide safety equipment, mentioned Major General Seth. Lt Gen Pande is blessed with a son who’s a serving navy officer. Simplicity is the advantage which he shares together with his spouse Archana Pande, added Major General Seth.