General

8 Mountain Div: Forever in Operations: A tribute

by Nitin A Gokhale

21 Jul/13

General, NDTV

Fifty years ago, the Indian Army raised a new formation, primarily to combat insurgency in the north-east. Today, not only it has accomplished its missions in the north-east along with Jammu and Kashmir, but more importantly, won the Kargil conflict for India in 1999.This is the story of the formation,…

Only money for a Mountain Strike Corps in not enough

by Nitin A Gokhale

3 Comments

18 Jul/13

General, NDTV, Vivekananda International Foundation

After the initial euphoria, the reality check. The financial sanction given by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday to raise a Mountain Strike Corps specifically aimed at launching offensive operations against China–if need be–is but a first step in what promises to be a long haul in…

Forever in Operations: Story of 8 Mountain Division

by Nitin A Gokhale

2 Comments

14 Jul/13

General

The Formation sign Travelling to Kargil and Drass from Srinagar has never been easy. For years since 1999, that is what I have felt despite making at least two dozen trips. Last week was no different. The challenge posed by the might Zozilla, the traffic, the terrain everything is different…

Many tales of duty and dedication from Uttarakhand

by Nitin A Gokhale

1 Comment

28 Jun/13

General, NDTV, Rediff

Sitting amidst Indian Air Force helicopter pilots less than 36 hours after they had lost five of their buddies in the Mi-17 crash, provided an object lesson in putting duty before self. Grieving they certainly were over the loss of close friends and colleagues but the sorrow was channelised in doing…

Why C-130 J’s flight to Dharasu is a breakthrough for the Indian Air Force

by Nitin A Gokhale

4 Comments

22 Jun/13

General

In a very innovative, yet daring move, the IAF today virtually established an aviation fuel supply bridge at Dharasu to give greater impetus to rescue operations which were severely restricted due to non availability of aviation fuel in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand. With the road connectivity to Uttarkashi completely…