Corps of Signals 100th Anniversary
1911 - 2011

Photographs and Report on 14th Reunion at Jablapur: 13- 15 Feb 2011

Monday 28 February 2011

World Class Training Centres

Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
1 STC Jabalpur 14th Feb 2011


Events: Adventure Show, Corps Museum, ESM Mela, Silent Drill with Band Concert and Lakeside evening
Transcript of Interview of Asia Defence News Editor-in-Chief Col P N Khera with Lieutenant General Partha Mohapatra Signal Officer-in-Chief.
World Class Training Centres
PNK: At the Signals Training Centres at Jabalpur and Panaji (Goa) for the JCOs/OR, what are the various trades being taught at these Centres?
SO-in-C: The Signals Training Centers are world class institutions and epitome of our commitment to create an adept and technically sound manpower with good professional and technical acumen. Once the recruits join Signal Training Centers, they undergo a common initial military training and later, depending upon their aptitude and abilities, they are divided into various technical and non technical trades. Thereafter, specialized training is imparted for specific trades. Due care is also taken to post technically qualified instructors to impart quality training to the men to enable them to blossom into well qualified Information Warriors.

Source: Interview transcript- Asia Defence News
Photographs: Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)

Sunday 27 February 2011

Harnessing Communication Revolution- Welfare a Potent Factor

Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
1 STC Jabalpur 12th and 13 Feb 2011


Events: Dinner/ Breakfast at 1 STC Mess on 12th/ 13th Feb 2011, Passing out Parade, Tea Break, Inauguration of Girls Wing, Exhibition Hockey Match, Cultural Show and Dinner at 1STC Mess

Transcript of Interview of Asia Defence News Editor-in-Chief Col P N Khera with Lieutenant General Partha Mohapatra Signal Officer-in-Chief.
Welfare Major Responsibility
PNK: For the welfare of the families of JCOs/OR, what type of training is being imparted by the Family Welfare Organizations (FWO)?
SO-in-C: Welfare of families of jawans is a major responsibility with us and we in Corps of Signals are well sensitized towards it. At all levels, there is regular and close interaction with the families and due care is taken to ameliorate their problems. The FWO is a potent organization which gives strength to the families of jawans. Various types of vocational courses are run in formations and units. Encouragement for higher studies and career development is stressed upon. Moreover FWO has succeeded in cultivating a sense of belongingness and strengthening closer bonds between families of officers and jawans. Our family welfare organizations work under the ethos of “Asha, Viswas, Astha” and aim at empowerment of women. A stable home yields an effective soldier. We strive to equip our families with skills to emerge as economically independent individual. The role of these organizations is important in assuring our soldier, a life partner who will confidently adapt to the environment that she lives in. We have also been providing education to children of our soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice so as to prepare them to face the challenges of the future.

Source: Interview transcript- Asia Defence News
Photographs: Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)

Saturday 26 February 2011

Hundred Years Of Honour And Glory





Corps of Signals Centenary Celebration
President Pratibha Patil, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, launched the Centenary Celebration of the Corps of Signals, marking hundred years of honour and glory, reports Asia Defence News.

On 15 February 2010 the Corps of Signals entered 100th year of its odyssey in its role as Communicators for the Defence Forces. It was the historic event of raising of 31st and the 32nd Divisional Signal Companies, the first Signal units, at Fatehgarh on February 15, 1911 that marked the raising of Corps of Signals. The motto of the Corps “Teevra Chaukas” i.e. “Swift and Secure” and its emblem depict the figure of “Mercury” the Roman version of “Hermes”, the messenger of Gods in Greek mythology.
The Corps of Signals is responsible to provide secure, reliable and responsive strategic, operational and tactical communications and spearheads the information technology revolution in the Indian Army. Given its onerous tasks, the Corps of Signals, has excelled in providing robust, resilient, ubiquitous, pan-India as well as area-specific defence communication networks which constitute a great national asset. The Corps has the honour of being presented the Regimental Colours by the then President, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan on February 20, 1965.
Some of its noteworthy communication projects like Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) was dedicated to the nation by the then Prime Minister Mr PV Narsimha Rao in August 1995 while in February 2006 the Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) was similarly dedicated to the nation by the then President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
In the field of sports, the Corps has an excellent record. It has produced many a world class/Olympian sportsmen like MP Ganesh (Hockey), Leslie Fernandes (Hockey), S Jayaram (Boxing) and Ramanand (Boxing) to name a few. Hav KC Ramu was the first Indian who represented and won the International Marathon in 2005. Jayaram and Ganesh are the proud recipients of the Arjuna Award. The “Dare Devils” motorcycle trick-riders of Corps of Signals have won accolades for their display all over the country including the Republic Day Celebrations and have several Guinness and Limca Book of World Records to their credit. The Corps has pioneered microlight and Power Hang Gliding in the country.
Source: Harnessing Communication Revolution
Interview of the Month: He Commands Network Of Networks: Asia Defence News-February 15, 2011

Friday 25 February 2011

100 Glorious Years

Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations
The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony addressing the gathering on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen. Photo no.CNR - 36762

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the commemorative stamp on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Home Affairs, Shri Gurdas Kamat, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen. Photo no.CNR - 36761

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011. The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Home Affairs, Shri Gurdas Kamat, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. V.S. Tonk and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen. Photo no.CNR - 36763

Source: PIB Photograph Gallery Friday, February 25, 2011

Thursday 24 February 2011

Reunion of Information Warriors

Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion in 1 STC Jabalpur 13th Feb to 15th Feb 2011




Origin and brief interlude
From earliest times some form of signalling has been used by armies in the field. The Greeks had the torch telegraph and the water telegraph, and the Roman army used coloured smoke as a means of communication. In England, during the 16th century, beacons were used and in 1796 the Admiralty adopted a shutter- type machine, known as the 'Murray Lettering Telegraph', to communicate between London and Devonport. The following year the Army introduced the Radiated Telegraph System, which proved to be a more mobile system than the Murray Telegraph, and was used during the Napoleonic wars.

The next important advances in the field of communications were the invention of the Morse code and the development of the electric telegraph during the period 1835 - 1837. They were used for the first time during the Crimean War in 1854 - 56. It was during this war that specialist soldiers, the signallers, were first expected to provide communications in addition to their other battlefield duties.

The Abyssinian War of 1867 brought further active service experience for field telegraphists and signallers. As a result of the experiences gained in the two campaigns authority was given, in 1869, for the formation of a Signal Wing at the Royal Engineers' Depot at Chatham. In the following year C Telegraph Troop was formed and was responsible for the provision of telegraph communications for the field army. C Troop RE saw active service in the Zulu War of 1879 and it was during this campaign that the heliograph first gained recognition.

In 1870, 'C' Telegraph Troop, Royal Engineers, was founded under Captain Montague Lambert. The Troop was the first formal professional body of signallers in the British Army and its duty was to provide communications for a field army by means of visual signalling, mounted orderlies and telegraph. By 1871, 'C' Troop had expanded in size from 2 officers and 133 other ranks to 5 officers and 245 other ranks. In 1879, 'C' Troop first saw action during the Anglo-Zulu War. The next major set forward in military communications was the invention of the telephone in 1876 and its introduction into military service. On 1 May 1884, 'C' Troop was amalgamated with the 22nd and 34th Companies, Royal Engineers, to form the Telegraph Battalion Royal Engineers; 'C' Troop formed the 1st Division (Field Force, based at Aldershot) while the two Royal Engineers companies formed the 2nd Division (Postal and Telegraph, based in London). Signalling was the responsibility of the Telegraph Battalion until 1908, when the Royal Engineers Signal Service was formed. As such it provided communications during World War I. It was about this time that motorcycle despatch riders and wireless sets were introduced into service.

Telegraph Battalion Royal Engineers 1891
In 1884, the Telegraph Battalion RE was formed and took part in the Nile Campaign and later played a prominent part in the Ashanti Campaign of 1895 - 1896. It was during this campaign that men of the Telegraph Battalion hacked a path for an overhead line from the Cape coast to Prahsu, covering 72 miles through the jungle. Men of the Telegraph Company staggered out of the jungle, confronted King Prempeh and accepted the surrender of his army. King Prempeh's throne is now displayed in the Royal Signals Museum at Blandford.

Members of the Battalion at Chevening Camp in 1891 who accepted the suggestion of Major Beresford that Mercury be the emblem for Signallers. Lieutenant Fowler later, as Major General, became the first Colonel Commandant of the Royal Corps of Signals.

The Telegraph Battalion was mobilized for the South African War and it was during this war that the Wheatstone Automatic Telegraph was successfully introduced. In the years 1895 - 1898, Marconi's experiments in the field of wireless communications were closely watched and in 1899 a wireless system, complete with operators, was hired by the War Office for use in the Boer War. The equipment at the time was heavy and clumsy and the engineers could not get it to work satisfactorily in the dry conditions of South Africa. Therefore, it was not taken into active service during the Boer War.

Indian Signal Corps
At the turn of the century there was no organised signal service in existence in India. As far back as 1857, there is a record of a Signals service in India, though it was not until 1911, as a result of the recommendations of Headlam Committee in 1910, that Signals in India came into being on a separate establishment under the auspices of the Corps of Sappers and Miners. The Corps was raised with a signal company for each Division and a nucleus of a wireless company for the line of communication. September 1935 saw the advent of the first Indian officer from the Indian Military Academy. 2/Lt AC Iyappa (later Director of Signals and Signal Officer-in-Chief) commissioned into the Corps. On India attaining independence in 1947, the Corps was completely Indianised and on 26 January 1950, on India attaining full sovereignity, the Indian Signal Corps was redesignated as the Corps of Signals.
During and even after World War I the Corps was officered by individuals from the Royal Signals trained in UK. During the Thirties (1933-40) the Indian commissioned officers were trained at STC Jubbulpore and Army Signal School Poona. Besides this, specialist training was imparted at Telecommunications School at Agra and Communication Security School (Cipher) at Mhow. A Signals Officers Training School, as part of the STC (British) Mhow, trained cadets commissioned into the Royal Signals as well as the commissioned officers of the Indian Signal Corps during the years 1940-46.

Many of the heliographs were made in India. The heliograph was used extensively during the various campaigns on the North West Frontier of India and continued in an active service role during World War I and even in the desert campaign of World War II.

Corps of Signals trivia
  • When India attained Independence in 1947, the Corps was completely Indianised and on 26 Jan 1950, when India attained full sovereignity, the Indian Signal Corps was re- designated Corps of Signals.
  • Regimental Colors were presented to the Corps on 20 Feb 1965 by then Dr Radhakrishnan President of India.
  • The original motto of the Indian Signal Corps Certo Cito was translated as Tez O Sahih but in 1949 the motto was changed to Teevra Chaukas meaning Swift and Sure/ secure
  • The Reunion of the Corps of Signals was celebrated at Rawalpindi in March 1931 and remaining being celebrated in Jabalpur in 1932, 1950 (1st Post War reunion), 1954, 1958, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006.

    14th Reunion in 1 STC Jabalpur
    A large number of serving and retired information warriors joined this nostalgic meet from 13 Feb to 15 feb 2011, to share their experiences and memories. What gave more credence was several stalwarts ambling with walkers and canes. They were the epitome of 'espirit de corps'. We salute them all.
    The highlights of the meet was the clockwork precison of stunning events commencing from the War Memorial Guard of Honour, Passing out Parade (comparable to our Academy days), Inauguration of Girls Wing, Adventure, Air Show, Dare Devils Display, Commemoration Ceremony honouring Veer Naris of Martyrs, Release of Corps History, Time Capsule, Silent Drill, captivating Band concert, finally culiminating in the Solemn Memorial Service and signing off with the Mercury Nite. 1 STC not only trains Signallers for War but also spearheads in imparting Management of Transportation, Logistics, and Catering Technologies to all its Trainees/ Recruits. Event Management skills of the Organising Committee surpassed even diehard standards of professionals. The Numero Uno Institution of Information Warriors, we can boast about for times to come. Cheers to 1 STC Commandant, Staff, Officers, JCO's, NCO's, Signalman, Recruits and all who made it happen- they made us all so proud. Teevra Chaukas.

    Origin Source: Royal Signals and Corps of Signals Museum
    Photographs: Lt Col James Kanagaraj
  • Wednesday 23 February 2011

    Col TN Baba: 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations

    Corps of Signals and 14th Reunion Centenary Celebrations
    1 STC Jabalpur 12th Feb to 15th Feb 2011



    My dear Friends,
    I attended the 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations of our Corps at Jabalpur from 12th to 15th Feb 2011. The Photoslideshow is as above- click on image for enlarged Photo slides. Some highlights of the events are given below.
  • Travelled from Nizamuddin to Jabalpur by train on the 11th Feb. Looked after by reps from the Corps right from Nizamuddin Station with help in boarding the train, Chai, Pani Snacks, Dinner etc. there were about 25 officers travelling in the same train with lots of Hai! Hai! with friends.
  • Reception and accommodation at Jabalpur was very nice on the 12th morning. The same day went on organized trip to BheraGhat. Met many other friends who had come in earlier/staying at different messes. Did boating and rode the cable way.
  • Attended all events viz., Passing out parade, Inauguration of Girls Hostel, Exhibition Hockey Match, Cultural Show, Sky Diving, Martial Art Demo, DR Display, Silent Drill,Band Concert, Commemoration Ceremony, Barakhana, Memorial Service & Mercury Nite.
  • Every event was very well organised and conducted with clockwork precision and grace. While all events were excellent, I must mention that the parade and the Band concert were remarkable. Most memorable event was the Memorial Service at the War memorial. It was organised with great thought and was executed in a solemn manner. Many eyes were moist during and after the event. Befitting way to remember "those who gave their today for our tomorrow".
  • Among YO 48 Gp, Chats, Madhav, and Laxi were there. From SODE 24 A Narinder Dhand and Sharat Anand were there.
    Brig S K Pillai, VSM, Comdt 1 STC and all Officers, JCOs, ORs, & Recruits deserve a very Big Salute for having organised the celebrations of this magnitude at Jabalpur so well.
    I, as a veteran who hung his uniform 17 years ago, feel that the Corps has not only grown leaps and bounds in keeping up with technology, but also has excelled itself in the organising ability. I feel previleged & honoured to have been invited to be part of this historic event in Jabalpur.
    Best Regards,
    Col T N Baba (Veteran)
  • Monday 21 February 2011

    Reunion Photo Quiz

    1 STC, Jabalpur 12th to 15th feb 2011
    Corps of Signals 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations



    Who is Who?
  • Former SO-in-Cs
  • Former MCTE Commandants
  • Veteran Signal Officer from Australia
  • Founder RMS Forum
  • Ex Corps Hockey Team Captain
  • Ex Corps Football Team Captain- Avid Golfer
  • Ace Golfer
  • First Indian Signal Officer posted to Tribal area of Pakistan
  • First Indian Officer to Base Jump- Adventure Hero
  • First Signal Officer who participated in the Antartica Expedition
  • Comdt 1 STC
  • Former Colonel Commandants
  • 2TTR/ 5TTR Commanders
  • Ex 17 MDSR Officers- Radio Communication Experts
  • Ex 11 COSR Commanders
  • Col Comdt Corps of Signals
  • Mrs Gowrishankar
  • Corps History- Author and Historian
  • Approved Lt Gens
  • Prime Mover- Corps of Signals Centenary Reunion
  • Troposcatter Specialist

    Note: Allow pop ups. Click for slideshow navigation buttons. Double click for enlarged Photographs
    Photographs: Lt Col James Kanagaraj (Retd)
  • 1 STC, Jabalpur sets simply superb standards




    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
    Dear Signallers,
    As you all know the Corps Centenary Celebrations were held at No 1 Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur, from 13 to 15 Feb 10.
    The Three Man Army of "REPORT MY SIGNAL", led by Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, was at Jabalpur in full strength.
    The standard of functions at No 1 STC were of such high standard that "REPORT MY SIGNAL" with any amount of publishing of articles and displaying of photographs cannot convey to you the real show that we saw and heard at Jabalpur. It is beyond description – simply superb.
    Therefore, we need help from all of you, who attended the functions at Jabalpur, to send us the photographs and articles in praise of Corps of Signals and 1 STC.
    Those of you attended Corps Celecbrations at other than Jabalpur are also welcome to send articles and photographs for circulation on "Report My Signal". “Few liners” and long articles – all are welcome.
    Send us only those photographs, which you feel are unique in some way as the Report My Signal team has also taken lot of photogrphs at Jabalpur.
    Group Photographs of members of any unit or HQ or course will also be welcome; those are not available with us.
    Please do name the photograph files suitably so that we know what it is about and help us in sorting them into suitable groups. It will take us another few days to sort out the material available with us.
    As the size of the material to be circulated to you all, is going to be a few GB, it may take us almost a fortnight to send it all to you– distributed over many dozens of emails.
    All the material being sent by emails will also be available on "Report My Signal" Blogs. Over 400 Photographs have already been embedded in the "14th Reunion Blog", event wise. For easy access click here
    Teevra Chaukas.
    In Service of The Corps of Signals
    Brig CS Kamboj, VSM

    Sunday 20 February 2011

    Corps of Signals observes raising day at Southern Command

    Wednesday, February 16, 2011 AT 11:19 AM (IST)
    PUNE: The Corps of Signals celebrated its raising day completing its centenary in its role as information warriors for the Indian Army.
     General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Southern Command, Lt Gen P Khanna and Chief of Staff (CoS) Lt Gen R K Swamy with their respective spouses graced the occasion.
    Since its raising on February 15, 1911, the Corps has valiantly mastered the waves of technological breakthroughs.  From the era of flag signaling to wireless and line communications of the forties, the Corps has adapted itself to the rapidly changing technological barriers, successfully revolutionised and provided communications, information technology and electronic warfare for the Indian Armed Forces spread over vast geographical areas and through rugged inhospitable terrain.
    Besides providing infallible communication during wars, Counter Insurgency Operations and peace, Signallers have stood by the Nation during hours of crisis and are amongst the first to reach and establish communications from disaster sites
    On this day last year, the Corps of Signal had kicked off year long event of Centenary Celebrations and re-dedication of the Corps of Signals to its commitment of 'Teevra-Chaukas' method of communication. The events included technical seminars, conferences, Adventure activities and many more, informed a Southern Command communique.
    Corps of Signals observes raising day at Southern Command

    The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book



    APN NEWS Feb 17, 2011
    The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony unveiled the Corps of Signals coffee table book on the occasion of Corps of Signals Centenary celebrations, in New Delhi on February 17, 2011.
    The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, the Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Home Affairs, Shri Gurdas Kamat, the Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. V.S. Tonk and the Signal Officer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. P Mohapatra are also seen.
    Release of Corps of Signals coffee table book

    Corps of Signals Centenary Celebration in USA

                                           
                                            

    There were only three Signals Officers available in NY- New Jersey on 14th Feb 2011. They all had retired in the eighties of last millennium. But their "Esprit De Corps did not retire with them. The three found each other and decided to drink a toast to the Corps on the eve of the Corps Centenary. It was a micro- gathering of our Mega Corps but it imparted a Global dimension to the centenary celebrations, Col SK Behl was gracious enough to host the occasion at his home in New Jersey. Seen in the Photographs (L to R) Cols KV Suri, SK Behl and SK Paranjape and their ladies.
    Col SK Paranjape (Retd)

    Mercury Nite- 15 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 15th Feb 2011
    Mercury Nite



    Photographs: Courtesy 1STC

    Memorial Service- 15 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 15th Feb 2011 at War Memorial
    Memorial Service



    War Memorial
    The memory of our comardes-at-Arms, who sacrified their lives in service of the Nation, was honoured by inauguration of the War Memorial on 13 Feb 1961. The Memorial befittingly adjoins the Gowrishankar Parade Ground of 1 MTR. It here that the Recruits swear their loyalty to the Corps and the Country, on their transformation from Recruits to Soldiers.
    Roll of Honour
    The Roll of Honour is a sacred book maintained by all Arms and services of the Indian Army. Inscribed therein in Golden Letters, are the names of all soldiers who have laid down their in war and operations. The book at 1 STC coimprises of three volumes: 1911- 1947, 1948- 2000 and 2001 till date. A total of 1150 names have been recorded.
    The roll of Honour is brought in with due ceremony and respect and is palced at the base of the War Memorial during the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Barakhana- 15 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 15th Feb 2011
    Barakhana



    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Unveiling of Time Capsule at Corps Museum- 15 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 15 Feb 2011
    Unveiling of Time Capsule at Corps Museum



    Corps of Signals Time CapsuleA Time Capsule consisting of the glorious history of Corps was unveiled as part of Centenary Celebrations in the Corps Museum Complex.
    The following has been encapsulated:
  • Headlam Committee Report
  • Corps History Vol 1,2 and 3
  • Corps Custom Book
  • Corps Coffee Table
  • Corps Directives
  • Details of Corps Institutions


  • Sports and Adventure
  • Evolution of Static and Tactical Comn
  • Centenary Celebrations
  • Photographs of SO In Cs and Senior Col Comdts
  • Corps films- Morse to Mouse
  • Centenary Celebration and all reunion photographs
  • Corps Song and History
  • Sapath Patra
  • Signal Units
  • Letter from present SO in C to future SO in C

    Corps of Signals Museum
    Lt Col later Brig T Barreto was commanding 1 TTR in 1948. Soon after Independence he decided to obtain Signal equipments primarily for training the recruits. The first pieces to be exhibited were DLL Telephone and SX-DX Base board. The collection grew and it was decided to convert it into a proper museum that was inaugurated on 13 Feb 1961 during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
    The present Octagonal shaped building was inaugurated on 13 Feb 2006. The museum has these themes- Valour, Heritage, Signals in Operations, Equipment, Sports, Adventure, Captured Equipment, War Trophies, Archives, AV Room and laboratory.

    Note: Allow pop ups on this page. Click image for slideshow navigation buttons. Double click for enlarged photographs.

    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC
  • Commemoration Ceremony- 15 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 15th Feb 2011 Pollard Arena
    Commemoration Ceremony



    100 Glorious Years
    On this day in 1911, the 31st and 32nd Div Sig Companies of Sappers and Miners, the first Signal units were raised at Fatehegarh. Lt Gen SH Powell, Royal Engineers, was the founder and first head of the Indian Signal Service, which subsequently became Indian Signal Corps. The 33rd and 34th Div Sig Companies were raised at Ahmednagar and 41 Wireless company at Roorkee on 01 Mar 1911.
    An innovation was raising of Women's Auxiliary Corps (Indian) in 1943, consisting of Europeans, Eurasians and Indians in 1942 and were employed during WW II as cipher and switchboard operators.
    When Lord Mountbatten decided to advance the date of Independence the plans to Indianise the Armed Forces were planned. SO In C Brig CHI Akehurst continued in the appointment till March 1954.
    After Independence there were few changes in the organisation of Signals till after the 1962 conflict with China. Major expansion of the Corps took place subsequently and in the Centenary year it is poised to take on greater challenges as the Army migrates to a fully automated digital battle space.

    Note: Allow pop ups on this page. Click image for slideshow navigation. Double click for enlarged photographs.
    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Exhibition Hockey Match 13 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 13 Feb 2011 at Copeland Stadium
    Exhibition Hockey



    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Hockey
    The French word "Hoquet" meant Shepherd's crook and it is believed that the game was simply named by altering the spelling of the French word. Hockey was brought to India by the British. The rules were formed in 1833 by the London Wimbledon Club. The Hockey Association formed in 1886. In 1928 the first Indian team participated in Olympics and won. Subsequently India has won eight Gold Medals and winners of World Cup in 1975.
    The Corps of Signals Team
    The team was formed in 1953 under Captain of Jemadar Ajit Singh. Present team consists of 39 players and is based in Jalandhar. International players Lt Col (late) Raminder Singh, Sub N Toppo and L/Nk MP Ganesh- Arjuna Awardee- have been part of the team.
    Centenary Championship Winners

  • Volleyball- 1 STC held in MCTE Mhow on 10 Sep 2010
  • Football- 2 STC held in Goa on 10 Nov 2010
  • Basketball- 1 STC held in AHQ Sig Regt on 10 Dec 2010
  • Hockey- 1 STC held in 1 STC jablapur on 11 Jan 2011

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    Photographs: Courtesy 1STC
  • Evening at Mercury Lake- 14 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 14th Feb 2011
    Evening at Mercury Lake



    Note: Allow pop ups on this page. Click image to use Slideshow navigation buttons. Double Click for enlarged photographs. 104 Photos in all.
    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Silent Drill, Corps Film and Band Concert- 14 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 14th Feb 2011
    Silent Drill, Corps Film and Band Concert



    A Military Band is set of combination of wood, wind, brass and percussion instruments. The band for this concert comprises of 115 musicians playing 25 different instruments. Conductors are Sub PK Gurung, Sub Mohd Yaseen, Sub Subhash Singh and Nb Sub Basant Ram.
    The programme opens with a rare display of synchronisation and coordination without any word of Command by trhe Silent Drill Team of Corps of Signals.
    This will be followed by screening of a movie depicting 100 glorious years of the Corps of Signals.
    The Band participants
  • Corps of signals Bands
  • Rajput Regimental Centre Band
  • Musicians from AEC Trg College and Centre
    Comperes
  • Lt Col PK Balaram Pillai
  • Capt Niharika Chaudhary
    Music, tunes and waltz
  • Mangal Gaan
  • Donau Wallen
  • Raag Bhupali
  • Mac and Mac
  • Amazing Grace
  • Rashmi
  • Brindavani Saarang
  • Kadam Kadam Badhayeja
  • Sobre Las Olas

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    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC
  • Ex Servicemen Mela- 14 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 14th Feb 2011 at Mercury Auditorium
    Ex Servicemen Mela



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    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Saturday 19 February 2011

    Adventure, Air Show and DR Display- 14 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 14th Feb 2011 at Cobra Ground
    Adventure/ Air Show and DR Display by Dare Devils



    The Corps of Signals has always been at the forefront of Adventure Activities having the Microlight and Power Hand Glider Team, Martial Arts Teams of Kalarippayattu and Taekwondo, Skydiving/ Freefall and the world famous Motor Cycle Display Riders named the Dare Devils.
  • Microlight and Gliders- The team is located and trained at Army Aero Nodal centre, MHOW.
  • Kalarippaattu- Martial art fro Kerala, the team was established in 2002 at 2 STC, Goa.
  • Taekwondo- This martial originated in Korea. The team established in 1998 at 2 STC, Goa.
  • Paradrop Freefall- The Paratroppers team is led by Lt Col Satyendra Verma. He is the Hero of Base Jump- first from India.
  • The Dare Devils- The first display in India was in Shimla led by Lt HK Ranjhi in March 1935. Capt Jitendar Siwach ex team Captain holds the record for standing and riding on a 15 feet ladder fixed on the Motorcycle for over 9 hours, hands free standing motorcycle ride for a distance of 2.5 Kms in 23m 56s and Motorcycle running over his body 1026 times in 15 minutes.

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    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC
  • Family Welfare and Cultural Meet- 13 Feb 2011

    1 STC, Jabalpur 13 Feb 2011, Mercury Auditorium
    Family Welfare Cultural Meet



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    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Appreciation- Lt Gen KK Khanna

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 13th to 15 th Feb 2011
    Dear Brig Kamboj,
    Great to hear about the conduct of the Centenary Celebrations from our course mates, other senior offrs and from you. Excellent. We wish the Corps all the best for all time to come. The organisers have done a great job.
    Thanks for informing us.
    Lt Gen KK Khanna
    Veteran

    Lt Gen Khanna is former Commandant IMA settled at Dehra Dun. During last visit to Delhi, he specially called at my place to convey his appreciation for the work being done by "Report My Signal".
    Regards,
    Chander

    Amazing Grace: Corps of Signals Pipes and Drum


    Amazing Grace (Hymn) Played by Corps of Signals Pipes and Drum during Centenary Celebrations at Jabalpur on 14 Feb 2011
    Corps of Signals Indian Army celebrated its Centenary at Jabalpur, where No. 1 Signal Training Center is located, from 13-15 Feb 2011 in a very befitting manner.
    One of the soul stirring and inspiring event was a Band Concert after dark in the Gowrishankar Parade Ground (named after one of our illustrious Signals general, who earned a Maha Vir Chakra- a very high gallantry award while commanding a brigade in Dera Baba Nanak Sector, in Punjab, during 1971 War with Pakistan).
    A poignant item in the Band Concert was playing of the Hymn 'AMAZING GRACE' by nearly thirty Corps of Signals Bagpipers. They came marching in slow time in two columns well separated by a large screen, each column lit by soft blue light, playing beautifully the haunting tune of the Hymn. As they came nearer, the sound of the bagpipes gradually increasing.
    The Pipers formed up in two rows in front of the audience continued to play the tune and then slowly returned the way they had come; the sound fading away in the semi darkness and leaving everyone spell bound and may be with some moist eyes as well!!
    A recorded version of the same tune played by US Marine Bagpipers can be seen and heard on this video below:



    The Corps of Signals Pipers played absolutely in the same manner and I feel even better, except that the setting was more serene and stirring, being in the quietness of night under subdued light!!
    A photograph of the Corps of Signals Bagpipers playing the tune is attached.

    WHAT IS AMAZING GRACE HYMN?
    "Amazing Grace" is a Hymn written by English poet John Newton in 1973 and published in 1779.
    Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He joined the Royal Navy and became a sailor, eventually participating in the slave trade. One night a terrible storm battered his vessel so severely that he became frightened enough to call out to God for mercy. After a few years he quit going to sea altogether and began studying theology.
    Ordained in the Church in 1764, Newton began to write hymns with poet William Cower. "Amazing Grace" was written to illustrate a sermon on New Year's Day of 1773.
    Gradually it was sung in Churches and congregations and over time set to many types of music. However, perhaps it sounds the best when played by Bagpipers.
    Each Regiment and infantry battalion in the Indian Army has a Pipes and Drum Band. Corps of Signals has two such bands, one located with each of its two Signal Training Centers.
    All Praise for Brig SK Pillai, Commandant 1 STC and his Team for masterminding and showcasing such amazing events, which make the Corps of yesterday and today so proud.
    Harbhajan Singh
    Lt Gen
    Former Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant

    Hundred Glorious Years- 14th Reunion Photographs

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jablapur 13th Feb to 15th Feb 2011



    Events
  • Passing out Parade
  • Officers Mess
  • Exibition Hockey Match
  • Musical Programme
  • Corps Of Signals Museum
  • Silent Drill and Military Bands
  • Commenoration Ceremony
  • Time Capsule
  • Barakhana
  • Memorial Service

    Photographs: Kind courtesy Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM
  • Guard of Honour- 13 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC, Jabalpur 13th Feb 2011 at War Memorial
    Guard Of Honour



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    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Inauguration of Girls Wing- 13 Feb 2011

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations, 1 STC Jabalpur 13th Feb 2011
    Inauguration of Girls Wing



    The Boys Hostel at 1STC was established in 1986. Four boys educated so far are serving in the Corps of Signals and other Arms as Commissioned Officers.
    It was felt similar opportunities should be given to the girls (wards) of War Heros.
    It was therefore mooted that a Girls Hostel be established. This proposal has been accepted and facility to admit 23 girls of willing war widows with effect from April 2011 has been created. The girls will be accomodated temperorily in the ground floor of the Boys Hostel, till permanent supoerstructure is constructed. The aim being to commission girl wards as lady officers in the Corps of Signals.

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    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    Friday 18 February 2011

    TV Panel discussion on Corps of Signals

    Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations





    A panel discussion on Corps of Signals was organized by Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, former SO-in-C which was telecast on “DAY AND NIGHT NEWS" TV CHANNEL”, Chandigarh on 12 Feb 2011, on the occasion of the Centenary of Corps of Signals.
    Participants
  • Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM (Retd), Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant 1988-91
  • Maj Gen Amarjit Singh Kahlon, former ADGT and Deputy Commandant MCTE.
  • Maj Gen Sudesh Kumar, former ADGSS
    The Program seen on Youtube
    Part-1: Defence Line - 'Nerves' Of The Army - 12th Feb 2011
    Part-2: Defence Line - 'Nerves' Of The Army - 12th Feb 2011
    TEEVRA CHAUKAS.
    Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh
    Former Signal Officer-in-Chief
  • India Post Released New Stamp on Corps of Signals



    India Post today released a commemorative stamp on Corps of Signals. The Corps of Signals was raised on 15 Feb 1911 and will be celebrating its centenary on 15 Feb 2011. The journey of hundred years has been a saga of rich heritage, technological excellence, modernisation, brotherhood and pure soldiering.Signals are essentially the NERVES of the Army. The nerves in our body connect the brain to the sensory organs and also to the limbs. It is through the nerves that the brain receives inputs from the various sensory organs.
    The vision of Signals Corps is to attain and maintain informatic ascendancy by developing infostructure to cater for Network Centric Warfare in a digitized battlefield of tomorrow. The aim and objective of Signals Corps is to make the Indian Army Network Enabled Force by 2012 and Network Centric Force by 2017.The momentous strides made by the Corps in the last few decades have truly been stupendous and without parallel. It has transited to a network enabled force, propelled by the intellect, sustained hard work and the inherent urge to excel which have been so vividly displayed by all officers and men. The domain of enhancing communication in the Tactical Battle Area and the facilitation of synergy of C4I2elements are going to be the major thrust areas for the future. The Corps is forward looking, with finely honed procedures and exacting standards for execution of tasks. The Corps has always had an abiding and strong ethical foundation. With character comes reputation, and the esteem that the Corps enjoys today stems from the value system and ethos which need to be continually preserved and nurtured. The Corps has also evolved drills and procedures that ensure the provision of reliable and responsive communications to the Army under harsh terrain and tough battle field conditions and is living up to the motto of the Corps -“TEEVRA CHAUKAS” or “Swift and Secure”.(official site- Corps of Signals
    India Post Released New Stamp on Corps of Signals

    Passing Out Parade 13 Feb 2011, 1STC Jabalpur

    1 STC Jabalpur 13 Feb 2011 Gowrishankar Parade Ground
    Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations



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    Photographs: Courtesy 1 STC

    The RMS Team

    Corps of Signals: Fourteenth Reunion in 1 STC Jabalpur, 1 STC Jabalpur
    Lt Col James Kanagaraj, Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, Brig CS Kamboj (The RMS Blog Team) With Maj Gen Chakraborty

    Maj Gen Chakraborty and Lt Col James Kanagaraj


    Dear Chander and James,
    It was so nice getting together at Jabalpur. I am sure you both enjoyed the superbly organised Centenary celebrations. Two pictures of the Blog Team are as above.
    Let us give a befitting coverage to the Centenary Celebrations at Jabalpur. I will be sending you a number of photographs.
    Thanking you for your dedication towards the RMS Forum and Blog. Chander and James are very well known personalities in the Corps and amongst the veterans. Please keep going in the Service of our illustrious Corps.
    Best wishes.
    Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM
    Former Signal Officer in Chief
    Founder RMS Forum

    Inauguration of the Centenary Celebrations- 15 feb 2010, New Delhi

    Corps of Signals and Centenary Celebrations
    Courtesy: Photos by Sipra Das of India Today- President Pratiba Patil inaugurates Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations- Monday Feb 15, 2010



    Corps of Signals: 14th Reunion Humour

    Reunion Humour
    True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your Young Officers are running the 'Signal' Corps.
    Top 10 Reasons NOT to Miss Corps of Signals 14th Reunion at Jabalpur
    1. You'll laugh, cry, and reminisce with some of your old Devils.
    2. It's fine to not remember somebody. That's why name tags were invented!
    3. Feel better realizing you are not the only one who has been married with grand kids and is still looking. (hmmmm...)
    4. Rekindle or begin renewed relationships or exchange notes of yesteryear's.
    5. Show everyone how sexy bald is!
    6. Even if you had some negative experiences, don't fret about it, you'll most likely laugh about it now.
    7. Enjoy an evening out without the kids (or grand kids), as the case might be.
    8. Use the Reunion as an opportunity to diet, play golf or shape up. (Okay, maybe it's TOO late for this one...!)
    9. Humour the Reunion Committee and Organisers who made it happen- and our 3 days a breeze- we are a bunch of deluded diehards who think everyone should show up to appreciate our efforts. (Uh, yeah!)
    10. And finally, studies have shown that those who were initially hesitant about attending their reunions, discover it was the event they wouldn't have missed!

    The 21st century arm of our forces- Corps of Signals

    Ministry of Defence 17-February, 2011 18:59 IST
    Antony Asks Forces to gear up to Fight Cyber Wars
    The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has called upon the Armed Forces to be vigilant against emerging cyber threats. Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Corps of Signals here today, he called upon the forces to keep abreast of latest technologies. Terming the Corps of Signals as the “21st century arm of our forces”, Shri Antony said it has a major role in promoting inter-Service synergy and joint operations.

    “The Corps is at the forefront of transforming the Indian Army to a network-centric force. It must continuously enhance its ability to absorb latest technologies in collaboration with the Industry and R&D establishment. The Corps has done commendable work, be it in fielding futuristic strategic defence communication networks, or development of state-of-the-art tactical communication systems. The contribution of the Corps in enhancing cyber security is worth a mention. However, the Corps needs to be ever vigilant, as cyber threats continue to multiply and intensify by the day,” Shri Antony said.

    Speaking on the occasion the Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju said that besides being vital to the Armed Forces, Telecommunication and Cyber Infrastructure is a national and strategic asset as various other key sectors such as the Railways, Airlines, Banks and Industry depend on it. Shri Pallam Raju said that I&CT will be a key factor in reshaping the methodology of war fighting in the future.

    “Any serious disruption can jeopardise our functioning including our responses to the war being raised by our adversaries. The ramification of cyber attacks launched by an unknown adversary or individual has necessitated a relook at the planning and security of Command and Control infrastructure at the highest levels of national governance,” Shri Pallam Raju said.

    Underlining that the modern warfare has undergone a paradigm shift, the Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh said that the Corps of Signals has emerged as the proverbial “nervous system” of the Armed Forces in contemporary times.

    “In all future wars, information superiority will be one of the key battle winning factors and future battlefield milieu would require communication system that are secure, responsive and reliable,” said General Singh. HH/NN (Release ID :69874)
    Antony Asks Forces to gear up to Fight Cyber Wars

    Definition: Nervous System
    System of specialized cells (neurons, or nerve cells) that conduct stimuli from a sensory receptor through a neuron network to the site (e.g., a gland or muscle) where the response occurs. In humans, it consists of the central and peripheral nervous systems, the former consisting of the brain and spinal cord and the latter of the nerves, which carry impulses to and from the central nervous system. The cranial nerves handle head and neck sensory and motor activities, except the vagus nerve, which conducts signals to visceral organs. Each spinal nerve is attached to the spinal cord by a sensory and a motor root. These exit between the vertebrae and merge to form a large mixed nerve, which branches to supply a defined area of the body. Disorders include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chorea, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, neural tube defect, parkinsonism, and poliomyelitis. Effects of disorders range from transient tics and minor personality changes to major personality disruptions, seizures, paralysis, and death.
    Read more: Answer. com

    Live Report- 14th Reunion in 1 STC, Jabalpur

    Corps of Signals: 14th Reunion in 1 STC, Jabalpur





    CORPS OF SIGNALS CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS AND 14TH REUNION
    The Corps of Signals was raised on 15 Feb 1911 and will be celebrating its centenary on 15 Feb 2011. The journey of hundred years has been a saga of rich heritage, technological excellence, modernisation, brotherhood and pure soldiering. Several functions in various military stations throughout the Centenary Year (2010-2011) had maximum participation of serving and retired personnel. The final part of the celebrations will culminate in the 14th Reunion which will enable old comrades to renew and maintain contacts with each other and to honour and pay homage to our heroes. This is being held in 1 STC, Jabalpur and is an excellent expedient to inculcate a sense of tradition and espirt-de-corps. To this end, Signal Officer in Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant Lt Gen P Mohapatra, PVSM, AVSM, ADC and Brig SK Pillai, VSM Commandant 1 STC have planned the 14th Reunion Celebrations- a three day packed with events- for a Galaxy of serving and veterans of the Corps of Signals to showcase the past and present. These spectacular events will be unfolded on the three successive days from 13th Feb to 15 Feb 2011.

    Live Report: 14th Reunion in 1 STC, Jabalpur

    Centenary Celebrations: Photos of Passing out Parade, opening of Girls Hostel and Exibition Hockey Match 13 Feb 2011










    Army flags off motorcycle expedition

    TEZPUR, Jan 31: The Corps of Signals of Indian Army will be completing 100 years of its service to the nation on February 15. To commemorate the glorious occasion, the Corps is holding various events across the nation with the aim of showcasing its proud history and achievements, according to a press release.

    The Mercury Explorer Motorcycle Expedition which is a part of the ongoing centenary celebrations arrived in Tezpur station in the evening from Tenga on January 30, after covering more than 3,000 km. The motorcycle team was flagged off by Lieutenant General Gyan Bhushan, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps on the balance of its expedition in a befitting ceremony. In spite of passing through rugged and difficult hilly terrain the expedition members displayed indefatigable spirit to continue their further journey to Shillong.

    Commencing from January 5 from Chandigarh, the motorcycle expedition aims at motivating the youths in Himalayan region to join the Army and also to interact with armed forces veterans to rekindle the nostalgia of their association. The expedition led by Captain KIS Khangura comprising 15-member will cover approximately 6,150 km passing through Himalayan terrain in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It has already covered half the distance and the balance is to be covered in the next fortnight before it’s flagging in at Jabalpur on February 14 by the Signal Officer-in-Chief.
    Army flags off motorcycle expedition

    Diamond Triangle team: 14th Reunion and Centenary Celebrations

    Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations
    Indian Express Mon Jan 31 2011, 03:14 hrs Pune
    The National Defence Academy (NDA) stopover of the Diamond Triangle Expedition, which started from Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, was marked by a spectacular 40-minute aerial display.
    The aim of the team, which includes 13 pilots and comprises four microlight aircraft and two powered hang-gliders, is motivating more youth to join the Armed Forces
    “The lot consists of two Savannah, an X Air and a Hanuman aircraft and Clipper hang-gliders. The whole idea is to expose more youngsters to the glory of the Indian Armed Forces and attract them to join the services,” said Major Ankush Goyal, one of the pilots in the team.
    The expedition, undertaken by the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, with participation of the Army Aero Nodal Centre (AANC) — an adventure node run by the Corps of Signals under the Army Adventure Wing—- marks the centenary celebrations of the Corps of Signals.
    The next stop is Belgaum on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border. It will touch Goa and head back to Madhya Pradesh. The expedition will cover 2,700 kilometres aerially and the path is roughly a triangular and hence the name.
    “...We are heading to Goa followed by Jabalpur on February 11. En route, we are displaying aerial acrobatics at various places,” said Goyal.
    The aerial display at the NDA was attended by NDA Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Ajit S Bhonsle and Chief of Administration, Southern Command, Major General Chacko Tharakan besides officers and cadets. The team displayed stunts like low flying, ladder formation, split flying and paradrop.
    Diamond Triangle team sparkles at NDA

    Bike Expedition: Centenary Celebrations

    Corps of Signals Fourteenth Reunion and Centenary Celebrations
    Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 6
    As part of its ongoing centenary celebrations, the Corps of Signals is undertaking a motorcycle expedition that will traverse 6,150 km through 14 states over a period of 42 days.
    Consisting of two officers and 13 other ranks, the “Mercury Explore Motorcycle Expedition” was flagged-off from Chandi Mandir by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen SR Ghosh, today.
    The expedition will culminate on February 14 at Jabalpur, where the corps has its training centre.
    Known as “Information Warriors”, the corps is completing 100 years of its existence on February 15.
    The aim of the expedition is to motivate the youth to join the Army and also to interact with armed forces veterans en route.
    To add to the adventure, the expedition is planned to travel across the breadth of country from Srinagar in the North to Arunachal Pradesh in the far East, passing through some of the most rugged and difficult terrain.
    Corps of Signals’ bike expedition flagged off

    Base Jump: Corps of Signals Centenary Celebrations



    NEW DELHI: In a daring effort, Lt Col Satyendra Verma is India's first BASE jumper leaping off the 235-metre-tall Pitampura Tower here.
    BASE jumping, considered one of the most dangerous adventure sports in the world, differs from the more popular sky-diving in that the former is made from a much lower altitude giving the jumper only a few seconds to deploy the parachute.
    An expert
    Col Verma is the captain of the Army Sports sky diving team and undertook the BASE jump as part of the centenary celebrations of the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. He has attempted more than 1,200 sky-diving jumps and is an expert in hand-gliding, para-gliding, hot-air ballooning, sky-diving and BASE jumping.
    He has participated in World Military Parachuting Championships in Russia and Switzerland. Backed by his massive sky-diving experience which is considered a pre-requisite, Col. Verma trained in Malaysia and the US before venturing on his first BASE jump. He has earlier performed BASE jumps from K L Tower in Kuala Lumpur and Perrine Bridge in the US.
    Elated by his success, a proud Col. Verma said he hoped his effort would make sky-diving and BASE jumping more popular in India. “I have done many such jumps outside India but this one being the first in our country makes it truly special,” he gushed. “My attempt reiterates the famed daredevilry of the Army and the Corps of Signals. I hope this invites the attention of youth seeking adventure and inspires them to join the armed forces.”
    Corps of Signals, known as the “nerves” of the Indian Army, shoulders the responsibility for providing to the Indian Army peace-time static and combat communication.
    Besides providing conventional communication, the Corps is also responsible for IT-related activities including networking, automated message switching and handling system and installation of state-of-the-art exchanges with latest interactive voice response systems.
    The Hindu: Armyman dares country's first BASE jump