AFVOA Newletters of Year 2004

Page 129 of 153 Earth 34. The Vedas glorify the earth as one’s mother and advise one not to cause injury to the earth. They proclaim that earth is the bestower of happiness, sustainer and supporter of all forms of life. 35. The talk by Dr Kannan was embellished with gems of knowledge on environmental awareness, since thousands of years in our proud nation. He had quoted fluently and extensively from our ancient scriptures to substantiate how our forefathers had laid down the ground rules for protecting the five basic elements, related to the environment, the ‘Pancha bhoothas’, namely the air, the water, the fire, the land and the space / atmosphere. He highlighted the role of each of these five elements, inter-alia bringing out the strict protective measures laid down to preserve each one of them in their pristine purity. 36. Due to paucity of time and threatening skies, he had to ultimately rush through with his talk. Many members were later seen to be engaged in a discussion with him, with a fervent request to him for a more detailed talk, later on. He can be contacted on telephone 2471 1246. His e-mail id is :arskannan@sify.com. Vote of Thanks 37. Gen Karthikeyan, thanked Dr. Kannan, for the interesting and informative talk that he gave. As a token of appreciation, he presented the guest with the association memento. (with inputs from Smt Lalitha Mohandas, Col A Krishnaswami, Brig NB Subramanian) If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place . ~ Nora Roberts For your Information please Matters – Military President administers oath at Kargil 38. The President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam during his recent visit to J & K toured Kargil also. While there he administered a five point oath to the Armed Forces personnel. He asked the jawans to repeat after him: “I am proud that I am a member of the Indian army which has a great tradition. I will always achieve victory and take my nation towards victory. I will be a model citizen and in case need arises, I will extend all help and assistance to my countrymen. I will celebrate with pride the victories of my nation and countrymen.” (source: The Hindu Thursday December 9, 2004, page 12) 39. Appointment of New COAS. Lt Gen Joginder Jaswant Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, presently GOC-in-C Western Command, an Infantry officer from MLI, will be the next COAS. He was commissioned on 02 Aug 64. The General Officer will be taking over the coveted appointment on 31 Jan 2005. 40. Appointment of Air Chief. Air Marshal S P Tyagi, PVSM, AVSM, presently AOC-in C, Western Air Command, will be the next Air Chief wef 31 Dec 2004. He was