Maj Gen SM Hasnain’s contributions to the Indian Army, including his leadership of the 4 Garhwal Rifles, were remembered with reverence.
Tributes being paid to Maj Gen Syed Mahdi Hasnain on Sunday. (HT)
A solemn remembrance and memorial service was conducted at Prayagraj Military station to honour the legacy of Maj Gen Syed Mahdi Hasnain here on Sunday. The service paid tribute to his distinguished military career and unwavering commitment to duty.
Maj Gen SM Hasnain’s contributions to the Indian Army, including his leadership of the 4 Garhwal Rifles, were remembered with reverence, said Group Captain Samir Gangakhedkar, public relations officer (defence), Prayagraj region.
The speakers reflected on his valour during WW-II and his role in safeguarding refugees during the Partition. In his sterling military career Maj Gen SM Hasnain commanded a Mountain and an Infantry Brigade, an illustrations Mountain Division and was the first Inspector of Infantry at Army Headquarters. The service served as a reminder of Maj Gen SM Hasnain’s enduring impact on the nation, the Indian Army and Prayagraj town where he lived his post service life, he added.
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani presided over the function as the Colonel of the Regiment of the Garhwal Rifles and Garhwal Scouts and paid his tributes to the legend.
Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, son of Maj Gen SM Hasnain, also served the Indian Army in his father’s regiment and went on to command the prestigious 15 Corps. Presently, he continues his service to the nation as member of the National Disaster Management Authority.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by HT Correspondent, Prayagraj / February 26th, 2024
If you thought that the marching of an all-women tri-services contingent in the Republic Day Parade was just a show-off, you need to know about two women in the Indian Army to realise how women are not only joining the Military but also get the toughest assignments by being posted on treachrous terrains and hostile borders of India.
Captain Saria Abbasi and Captain Fatima Wasim are two women army officers whose names surfaced on social media. Abbasi is posted on the post on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the contentious working boundary with China and Fatima Wasim on a post in Siachen, the world’s highest and coldest battlefield along Pakistan.
Captain Saria Abbasi’s picture surfaced on social media after a visit of the media team to the Tawang border where India had deployed its latest acquisition anti-aircraft gun L70.
Capt Saria Abbasi on duty
Capt. Saria Abbasi briefed the media on the merits of the L-70 anti-aircraft gun with its deployment, which can target all types of unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and drones.
Capt Abbasi hails from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and had dreamt of wearing the Army uniform as a child.
This one video and some pictures caught the attention of the entire country as people were awed by a woman in that role and the gender parity in the Indian army.
Abbasi’s unit is one of the first AD regiments in the country, equipped with 70 guns. India has deployed anti-aircraft guns L70 in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, amid ongoing tensions on the Indo-China border in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
Saria Abbasi’s father Dr. Tehseen Abbasi is associated with All India Radio, and her mother Rehana Shamim is a junior high school teacher.
The second woman whose image also captured the imagination of the country’s men is Captain Fatima Wasim of the Siachen Warriors. She created history by becoming the first woman medical officer to be deployed to an operational post on the Siachen Glacier.
Capt Fatima Wasim at Siachen
Her posting was proclaimed by the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps in a post on X.
“She (Captain Fatima Wasim) was inducted to a post at an altitude of 15,200 feet after undergoing rigorous training at Siachen Battle School, which speaks of her indomitable spirit and high motivation,” Fire and Fury Corps posted on X.
The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps also uploaded a video in the post to further highlight Captain Fatima Wasim’s achievement and celebrate it.
"NATION FIRST"🇮🇳
Capt Fatima Wasim of #SiachenWarriors creates history by becoming the First Woman Medical Officer to be deployed on an operational post on the Siachen Glacier. She was inducted to a post at an altitude of 15200 feet after undergoing rigorous training at… pic.twitter.com/u5EovNNu1Y
Earlier this month, Captain Geetika Koul from the Snow Leopard Brigade became the first woman medical officer of the Indian Army to be deployed at the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, after completing the induction training at Siachen Battle School.
Siachen Glacier is known as the highest-altitude battle site in the world and is situated near the Indo-Pak Line of Control.
It is the largest glacier in India and the second-largest in the world. It is the highest battleground on earth.
Back to Saria Abbasi’s story: she is a graduate of Genetic Engineering and joined the army four years ago. She said she had no interest in engineering and was always dreaming of becoming an army officer as some of her relatives were. She was attracted to donning the olive green after listening to the stories of valour from her ‘fauji’ relatives.
Capt Abbasi with L70 Gun (released by Army)
She rejected all the job offers from big companies and focused on clearing the Combined Defence Service (CDS) competitive examination conducted by the UPSC for taking in officers for the Military.
There were only 12 seats for women and Saria cleared her examination in her second attempt. After passing the ongoing interviews held over several tours, she was selected for the training that is considered to be the toughest of all.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV / posted by Aasha Khosa / January 30th, 2024
Ex-Army man shot dead in Kashmir: The family was attacked at their home in south Kashmir’s Kulgam on Monday. The ex-Army man succumbed to his injuries while the condition of his wife and daughter are said to be stable.
New Delhi:
An ex-Army man, who along with his wife and daughter were attacked by terrorists in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, succumbed to his injuries on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay The family was attacked by terrorists in Behi Bagh area of Kulgam, earlier in the day.
The family was taken to a hospital where Wagay succumbed to his injuries. His wife and daughter are said to be stable.
“He used to stay at home. He retired in 2021. Our only demand is that we want justice and nothing else. He was running his own business,” said his younger brother while talking to news agency ANI.
Omar Abdullah expresses condolences
In a post on social media platform X, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that heinous violence has no place in our society. “Deeply saddened by the tragic killing of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay Sahab in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and prayers for the swift recovery of his injured wife and daughter. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms. May peace and justice prevail,” he wrote on X.
Hazratbal MLA Salman Sagar condemned the attack, saying, “We condemn whoever is involved in it. We have been a victim of terrorism of cross-border sponsored terrorism. The LG and the Ministry of Home Affairs should look into it. There has been peace after a long time and it is their responsibility to maintain it. It is a UT and it comes under the domain of the LG and the MHA. They should make sure that no lives are lost.”
Area cordoned off, search on to nab attackers
While condemning the incident, J&K Minister Satish Sharma talked about giving befitting reply to the enemies of the nation. “There is a dire need to act on the promises the PM and the Defence Minister have made to us. We have to take strict action,” he said.
Meanwhile, the forces have cordoned off the area to nab the terrorists.
source: http://www.newsnine.com / News Nine / Home> India News / by Prabhakar Jha (headline edited) / February 03rd, 2025
At the Republic Day Camp, Ulfat’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of Best Commander along with the DG Commendation Medal Certificate, highlighting her exemplary leadership qualities.
New Delhi:
Ulfat Khan, a Senior Cadet Captain from Uri District, has created history by becoming the first girl cadet to be command the Parade at the Prime Minister’s Rally (PM Rally) during the Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi.
This remarkable feat not only brings glory to the JK&L Directorate and the 1 J&K Naval Unit but also showcases the Govt College for Women Gandhinagar Jammu, where Ulfat is pursuing her BA Eng (Hons) despite all odds.
Ulfat’s Challenging Journey
Ulfat was selected from among 2,274 NCC cadets from 28 States and Union Territories and from 17 Directorates across the Nation. Her journey from a remote village on the Line of Control to a national leader is a reflection of her unwavering determination and resilience. She faced many challenges, including geographical barriers, but she never gave up on her pursuit of excellence.
Ulfat was born in Uri, Baramulla District in 2002. She completed her schooling in various Kendriya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Jharkhand and Odisha before joining GCW Gandhinagar for her higher education. She participated in various NCC camps, such as NSC, SNIC, RDC, Mini Sailing, and CATC, where she sharpened her skills and leadership abilities.
Ulfat’s Achievements At Republic Day Camp
At the Republic Day Camp, Ulfat’s outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of Best Commander along with the DG Commendation Medal Certificate, highlighting her exemplary leadership qualities and dedication to service.
Lieutenant Commander Ankur Kumar, Commanding Officer of 1J&K Naval Unit NCC, praised Ulfat’s dedication and perseverance, saying that she is a role model for cadets across the Nation. He said that her selection as Platoon Commander is a testament to her hard work and commitment. Sub Lieutenant Dr. Neelima, Ulfat’s ANO at GCW Gandhinagar, emphasized that Ulfat’s journey from humble beginnings to national recognition is a reflection of her strength and resilience.
She said that her struggles and triumphs inspire us all. Principal Prof. Minu Mahajan expressed her pride, stating that Ulfat’s achievement is a reflection of the values of discipline and determination instilled in our students. She said that she has brought immense honour to our institution.
Group Commander, Srinagar Group, remarked that Ulfat Khan’s journey from a remote area to becoming the first girl cadet selected as Parade Commander at the PM Rally is truly inspiring. He said that her resilience and determination in overcoming challenges are commendable, setting a new standard for excellence within the NCC.
Maj Gen R.K. Sachdeva, ADG JK&L Directorate, expressed that Ulfat Khan’s remarkable achievement is a reflection of her exceptional leadership and dedication to the NCC. He said that her selection as Parade Commander is a proud moment for the entire Directorate, and she is a shining example for cadets nationwide.
He said that Ulfat Khan’s journey exemplifies the spirit of Nari Shakti and serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cadets across the nation. He said that her historic accomplishment at the Republic Day Camp 2024 reaffirms the power of dedication, perseverance, and the limitless potential of women in the defence forces.
source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> News> India / by Syed Khalid Hussain Hussain / edited by Shivam Kumar Mishra / source : Bureau / January 31st, 2024
Captain Fatima Wasim’s historic role as the first female medical officer in an operational post at the Siachen Glacier is a remarkable achievement. The nation commends Captain Fatima Wasim for her groundbreaking accomplishment.
Captain Fatima Wasim makes history as the first female medical officer deployed at Siachen Glacier. / Image Source : INDIA TV /
Captain Fatima Wasim has etched her name in history by becoming the first female medical officer to be deployed on an operational post at the formidable Siachen Glacier. After undergoing rigorous training at the Siachen Battle School, she received her posting at an operational post situated at an altitude of 15,200 feet.
Historic deployment
Captain Fatima Wasim’s appointment as the first woman medical officer on an operational post at Siachen Glacier is a groundbreaking achievement. Following intensive training at the Siachen Battle School, she assumed duties at the operational post located at a challenging altitude of 15,200 feet.
Siachen warriors’ Captain
The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army shared a video on social media platforms, underscoring the milestone achieved by Captain Fatima Wasim. The video celebrated her as the first medical officer to be stationed at an operational post on the Siachen Glacier, emphasising her indomitable spirit and high inspiration.
Captain Fatima Wasim’s deployment at 15,200 feet is a testament to her resilience and serves as a source of immense inspiration. The challenging conditions of Siachen Glacier make this assignment not only historic but also a reflection of her unwavering dedication.
Acknowledgment by the Indian Army
The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army acknowledged Captain Fatima Wasim’s historic posting through a video shared on social media platforms. The caption emphasised her role as a Siachen warrior and celebrated her as the first female medical officer in an operational post at the Siachen Glacier.
Inspiration and determination
Captain Fatima Wasim’s deployment at such a formidable altitude symbolises her unyielding determination and serves as an inspiration for others. Her historic posting is not only a personal achievement but also a significant stride in breaking gender barriers within the armed forces.
source: http://www.indiatvnews.com / India TV / Home> English News> India / by Nitin Kumar / December 11th, 2023
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