Maj Gen Nijjar: GOC of Karnataka, Kerala Sub-Area

Bengaluru, Dec 05: Major General K S Nijjar took over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area today.

Major General Nijjar is a 1982 batch officer commissioned in the Corps of Artillery. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakvsala, School of Artillery Deolali, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Army War College, Mhow.

According to Ministry of Defence, he takes over as the GOC with a vast operational experience.
"He has successfully commanded an Infantry Brigade in an operationally-active high altitude environment," says an official.

Soon after taking over, the GOC is said to have outlined his priorities in enhancing the quality of life of serving soldiers and their families.

Interestingly, for the first time in many years, the event was kept out of the eyes of the media. Though the local PRO had first invited the media, it was later withdrawn sighting no reason.

Even when the outgoing GOC Major General A K Singh took charge from Major General A K Singh in April 2013, the media was given the opportunity for a formal interaction, following the tradition followed by the Indian Army for many years.

ASC celebrating 255th anniversary

The Army Services Corps (ASC) is celebrating its 19th reunion and 255th anniversary from December 7-9 at ASC Centre and College in Bengaluru.

ASC is tasked with the role of providing mechanical transport, animal transport, air maintenance and provisioning-cum-supply of rations, petroleum products to the Indian Army. It is also mandated to extend the selective services to Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and certain Para Military Forces.

Eight marching contingents, one horse-mounted contingent and one animal transport pack column of smartly dressed soldiers, horses and mules will participate in the colourful ceremonial parade.

ASC has so far been awarded 1 Maha Vir Chakra, 14 Vir Chakras, 21 Shaurya Chakras, four Kirti Chakras, 15 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 35 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 57 Vishisht Seva Medals, 113 Sena Medals, four Arjuna Awards, one Jeevan Raksha Padak and 144 Mention in Despatches.

Veteran activist Anna Hazare is a retired Havildar of the ASC and he was bestowed with the Padma Shree in 1990 and Padma Bhushan in 1994 in recognition to his contribution for rural upliftment and eradication of social evils.

OneIndia News