AFOVA Newletters of Year 2000

Page 2 of 22 01 MAY 2000 EXSOA NEWSLETTER # 1/2000 1. It has been decided that in future, communications to our members will be in the form of a newsletter. It is hoped, that this will include, information other than the proceedings of the previous meeting. Memories 2. Inevitably, Time takes it’s toll, even of old soldiers: it is with deep regret that we record the passing away in Bangalore of Gen PP Kumaramangalam, DSO, who was the COAS between 1966 and 1969. He had the distinction of being the last King’s Commissioned Indian Officer to have risen to the highest office. Besides, he was the first officer from the gunners to become the COAS. During the Second World War he escaped from the custody of the German Army while he was a PW. He was also a man of principle – a rarity these days - when offered the Padma Vibhushan, he declined the honour, saying that it was not a soldier’s business to accept awards not related to the soldiering. 3. During January this year, Mrs. Raji Parthasarathy, wife of Brig V Parthasarathy, Sigs, passed away in a tragic road accident. Brig Parthasarathy who sustained multiple injuries, is still pretty poorly off being treated at CH Pune. We wish him an early recovery. 4. In the last few weeks, two of our members passed away. 5. The first was Maj S L Narasimhan, APS, who had joined the Association during the meeting in January this year. Members may recall, that during the meet in March, an associate of his - Wg Cdr CS Krishnamurthy, mentioned that Maj Narasimhan, was undergoing treatment in the Cancer Hospital. His operation was postponed due to a bronchial problem. Unfortunately, he passed away, a couple of days before the scheduled date of operation. He leaves behind his wife - Vasantha, and two sons – the first is married and is in the US, whereas, the second is a serving Sapper officer (bachelor) presently stationed at Chandigarh. 6. On 08 Apr 2000, a soldier of commendable spirit passed away suddenly due to a cardiac arrest, at the MH, Chennai. In spite of the fact that he was both a diabetic and an amputee (having had his right foot amputated), Lt Col V Chandrasekhar, was a cheerful and involved member of the EXSOA. We extend our sympathies and prayers to Mrs Indira Chandrasekhar, their son and the two daughters, all of whom are yet to be married. The EXSOA was privileged to honour the old soldier at his funeral. Meeting of 19 Mar 2000 7. The second meeting of the year was held on 19 Mar 2000 at our usual venue. The turn out at the meeting was as overwhelming as it was heartwarming, with as many as 102 members and their families making up the count. The proceedings commenced at 1800 hrs with the Wg Cdr ME Muthu, the President requesting all present to stand and observe a minute’s silence in the sacred memory of the late Gen PP Kumaramangalam DSO, and of Mrs Raji Parthasarathy. All those present prayed for the souls of the departed. New Members 8. A large number of new members – 21 in all - record for any single occasion, were welcomed by offering them a rosebud. This makes the total strength to 175, The members who are now part of the EXSOA rolls are: Maj D K Augustine - AOC Lt Col G V Ananthan - AOC Maj Gen A Balasubramanian, AVSM, - Sigs Lt Col S J Baskar Rao - Engrs