AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 138 of 170 universities. Back home Posted back home in 1972 on promotion to Maj Gen, Aban Naidu was given command of 9 Infantry Division. In 1974, he moved on to become the Chief of Staff of 15 Corps, which, then, as now, had a very vital role in the defence of J and K. Maj Gen Naidu was able to achieve many efficiencies, particularly with respect to critical stores and on expenses on airlifts to Leh and Ladakh. There followed a stint as the GOC M and G area at Bombay. The close of 1975 saw the Maj Gen posted as GOC Delhi Area, which is a very sensitive and important assignment. The four years thereafter saw the Maj Gen accomplishing varied and daunting assignments as diverse as organising and commanding the annual Republic Day and Army Day parades, and all the apparently endless ceremonials that go with a posting to the Capital. Retirement? - Not really! 37 years after commissioning, Maj Gen Aban Naidu’s Army career drew to an honourable and satisfying close on 31 Jan 1979. But this was not to get into a vegetative retirement-on the contrary! He was and is involved with corporate bodies as a senior member of their boards. He is the Member, Central Advisory Committee for the TA, The Patron/President of the Kilpauk Residents Welfare Association, and Member - Amalgamated Funds for Ex Servicemen, and Chairman, Citizens’ Advisory Bureau. Gen Aban and Mrs Jaya Rukmani Naidu are active and inspiring members of the AFVOA. Of Mrs Naidu, it can be safely said that hers has been as diverse and interesting a life as the General’s, which it would almost take as much space to recount. A post graduate, she in her own right, probably had her finest hour when she did her country proud throughout her stay in the US, when she stood out as an example among the diplomats’ wives. This, in no way detracts from her equally sterling role elsewhere at other times. New Members A friend is someone who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. ~ Anon The new members were requested to introduce themselves to the gathering which had swelled of over 160 members. They were: a) Col D Davidson, b) Maj Gen D Ranganathan, AMC, c) Col D Subbiah d) Wg Cdr S Sukumar Next Meeting The greatest happiness in the world is to make others happy. ~ Luther Burbank