Students of Army Public School Binnaguri with the hockey championship trophy and (right) Raj inspects the refurbished auditorium

An interactive session held in Gangtok on September 30 and October 1 had stressed on the need to create a high level of synergy and understanding between the army, the media and the common man.

The seminar was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding, Black Cat Division Maj. Gen. K.V.S. Lalotra.

The speakers included journalists and senior citizens like G.D. Aggarwal, a representative of the Hanuman Tok temple committee, Gangtok.

They dwelt upon sensitising the media on the requirements of the army, its role and how the media could help moulding public opinion on issues related to the armed forces.

The media’s role, constraints, and measures that need to be taken to achieve a more harmonious working relationship were also discussed.

lThe Eastern Command Inter Army School Hockey Championship was held at Narangi on October 11 and 12.

Army School teams from Shillong, Dinjan, Barrackpore and the Army Public School, Binnaguri, participated in the tournament.

In a closely contested final match, Army Public School Binnaguri defeated Army School Barrackpore by 4–2 goals in a tie-breaker.

lThe Corps of Military Police (CMP) celebrated its 68th Raising Day on October 18 at Sukna.

The CMP was raised on October 18, 1947. It had participated in several army operations in Somalia, Cambodia, Congo, Mozambique and other countries.

To celebrate the day, a Barakhana was organised at Sukna which was attended by all ex-servicemen, junior commissioned officers and other ranks.

Lt Gen. Deepak Raj, SM, the general officer commanding of the Trishakti Corps, congratulated all personnel of the CMP on the occasion and conveyed his best wishes to them in all of their future endeavours.

lA facelift to the Trishakti auditorium was carried out. The move was a part of a special drive to improve the quality of life for the troops.

The work consisted of fitting of push-back seats, complete tiling of the auditorium floor, replacing wooden platform on the stage with Kota stone and improving its lighting system. Various other work in the green room was also done.

The refurbished auditorium was inaugurated by Lt Gen. Raj on October 22.

lOctober 27, 1947 is a milestone in the annals of India. On this day, in response to the threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, the first infantry contingent was airlifted to Srinagar to drive away Pakistani invaders. The infantry fought a courageous battle to uphold the territorial integrity of India.

To commemorate the action, October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day every year. The 60th anniversary was celebrated in the Trishakti Corps with pomp and vigour.

A wreath laying ceremony was held at the Trishakti War Memorial and a special ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented.

A Barakhana was organised wherein the present generation rubbed shoulders with the veterans to learn and share their experience.