User:Jagan eef/sandbox/Maj Gen Kr Vijay Singh Lalotra AVSM, YSM, SM

Maj Gen Kr Vijay Singh Lalotra AVSM, YSM, SM new article content ... Kanwar Vijay Singh Lalotra Major General Kanwar Vijay Singh Lalotra कुंवर विजय सिंह ललोत्रा AVSM, YSM, SM

Native Name	Kanwar Vijay Singh Lalotra Born	Pathankot, Punjab

Allegiance	 India

Service/Branch Infantry, Indian Army

Years of Service	23 Dec 1973 – 30 Sept 2009

Rank	   Major General Unit 2/11 Gorkha Rifles

Commands Held	•	Commander,120 Infantry Brigade •	Commander, 61(Indep) Sub Area •	General Officer Commanding, 17 Mountain Division •	Additional Director General, Territorial Army Honours, Awards and Commendations •	   Ati Vishisht Seva Medal •	   Yudh Seva Medal •	   Sena Medal •	           GOC - in - C Army Training Command Commendation •	           GOC - in - C Western Command Commendation

Maj Gen Kr Vijay Singh Lalotra, AVSM, YSM, SM (Retd) was born to Lt Col Nasib Singh and Mrs Sita Singh on 5 Sept 1951 at Pathankot. His Parents migrated from Shahpur Jhangarhmah, Shakargarh, West Punjab, (now Pakistan) to India in 1947 during Partition. His father was commissioned into 2/16 Punjab in 1942 and transferred to 9 Gorkha Rifles in 1947. On commissioning from Indian Military Academy, in Dec 1973, Vijay joined the First Battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles.

Post a distinguished career in the army, Maj Gen Lalotra has contributed immensely in nation building through the educational field. He steered the prestigious Mayo College as its 16th Principal. Currently, he is serving on the Board of Governors of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School, Jaipur, Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public School, Jodhpur. He is Honorary Advisor to the Rajput Education Trust at Jodhpur and Advisor to  Extramarks Education Pvt Ltd, a  leading global digital teaching learning solution provider. Contents 1. Early life and education 2. Career o	2.1  Commissioning and Military Training o	2.2  Service with 11 Gorkha Rifles Battalions o	2.3  Service at the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre o	2.4  Nepal Assignment o	2.5  Command of a Brigade on Line of Control o	2.6  Command of an Independent   Sub Area in Deserts o	2.7  Command of a Mountain Division on Sino – Indian Border o	2.8  Heading the Territorial Army o	2.9  Empanelment to the Rank of Lt Gen and Retirement o	2.10 Appointments tenanted in Army o	2.11 A Quick Second Innings: As Army Consultant o	2.12 Third Innings: Principalship at 	Mayo College o	2.13 Post Principal ship at Mayo College 3. Personal life 4. Honours and decorations 5. References

1.	  Early Life and Education Vijay was born to Lt Col Nasib Singh and Mrs Sita Singh on 5 Sept 1951 at Pathankot. Hailing from a landed Rajput (Dogra) family, his parents migrated from Shahpur Jhangarhmah, Shakargarh, West Punjab, (now Pakistan) to India, in 1947, at the time of Partition. His father was commissioned into 2/16 Punjab (now part of Pakistan Army) in 1942. He opted for 9 Gorkha Rifles in 1947. Vijay accompanied his parents to Nepal in 1952 where his father was assigned for reorganizing and training the Royal Nepal Army, as part of Indian Military Mission to Nepal. Thus started his association with Nepal and the Gorkhas.

On return from Nepal, in 1954, Col and Mrs Nasib Singh looked for good residential schools for their children. Pramode (Priya) eldest of the four siblings, was admitted to the boarding at Avlon Girls’ School, Pathankot, an American Missionaries’ School. Rajinder, next in line, joined The Lawrence School at Sanawar, in Shimla Hills. Sanawar was the oldest co-ed Public School in the country. It was steeped in military traditions. Vijay and his younger sister Savita followed their brother Rajinder to Sanawar in 1961 and 1970 respectively.

While at School, Vijay represented his house in cricket, football, hockey, athletics, swimming, shooting and actively participated in dramatics. From school onwards, Vijay exhibited qualities of leadership. In Sixth Form (final year at school), he was awarded the President of India Medal for being the best all round scholar, Gen Thimayya Prize for organizing ability and Sir Henry Lawrence Prize for leadership of an exceptional order. His school leaving certificate describes him as ‘the ablest Head Boy in the last 14 years’ (1954 -1969).

Vijay took the O Level Senior Cambridge Examination and passed with First Division from Sanawar. He has to his credit a distinction in MSc (Defence Studies) and first divisions in M Phil (Defence Management) and Diploma in Software Engineering. A talented artist - he enjoys sketching, painting and sculpting. An avid gardener, he is also an excellent cook. A good rider and fond of trekking in the Himalayas, his other hobbies include philately, fishing and shooting – with a gun as well as with a camera!

2.  Career 2.1  Commissioning and Military Training Vijay joined the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun in Jan 1972 where he did exceedingly well. He was part of the Academy athletics team earning podium positions in middle distance and cross country runs and took leading roles in plays as part of the Dramatics Society. He was awarded the coveted Great Escape Medal and Parachute Regiment Medal for being the best cadet in tactical, practical performance and physical toughness. He passed out high in order of merit as Senior Under Officer on 23 Dec 1973.

At commissioning, it was natural for Vijay to opt for 9 Gorkha Rifles, where his father had raised a battalion and carried tremendous goodwill and reputation. Despite initial reservations by his family and 9 Gorkha Rifles Officers, Col Nasib supported Vijay’s decision of 11 Gorkha Rifles being his future home. Thus on commissioning Vijay joined the First Battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles.

Vijay took his professional training seriously. He was graded ‘Alpha’ and potential ‘Instructor’ on all military courses. He is remembered as an upright mentor and erudite faculty by the students he taught at the Infantry School and the Defence Services Staff College.

2.2  Service with 11 Gorkha Rifles Battalions

Vijay’s rich regimental and soldiering experience includes tenures with the First Battalion (First) on ceremonial duties at Red Fort and Rashtrapati Bhawan, in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, on counter terrorism operations as a company commander, in North East India and with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), in Sri Lanka. He utilized his knowledge on professional courses and vast experience as an instructor in raising standards of training in the First Battalion. He endeared himself to troops by organizing innovative, interesting and effective training and providing outstanding leadership during operations in Sri Lanka as part of IPKF and in the North East while fighting the insurgents.

Vijay took command of the Second Battalion (Shingo) in Nov 1993 at Miran Sahib, Jammu. Under his command, the battalion moved to Bhimber Gali on the Line of Control in Dist Poonch, J&K. While engaged in fighting the militants, the rank and file of the Battalion ensured that the local population was not affected by their actions and were well looked after. Pine Wood School at Hamirpur and a vocational training center at Dhargaloon, both very close to the Line of Control, were established. Mrs Nandita Lalotra helped Vijay and the Unit by putting into practice her knowledge and experience in setting up these institutions. The Battalion soon won the trust of the locals and achieved remarkable results. During this period he revived the regimental mountaineering spirit and organized an expedition to Mt Kamet at 25,500 ft.

2.3   Service at the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre

Though his tenures at the Regimental Training Centre were short, he left an indelible mark there. As Centre Adjutant, his passion for training and shooting were well rewarded. He took charge of the Regimental Army Rifle Association Shooting Team, arranged coaches of national repute and improvised shooting infra-structure. The results followed immediately. 11 Gorkha Rifles shooting team did exceedingly well in the tournament.

His tenure as Centre Commandant remains a hall mark. He accepted Lt Gen JBS Yadav, PVSM, AVSM**, Vr C, VSM, Col of the Regiment request to forego a staff assignment after the Higher Command Course for important regimental tasks at hand. To Vijay’s credit is the Master Plan of 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Center Key Location Plan and commencing its Phase I construction, designing and construction of the War Memorial. The artist’s impression of the Regimental Temple, Officers’ Mess and few other important buildings were also drawn up by him for the architects to develop. He also organized the Golden Jubilee on 01 Jan 1998, with large number of veterans and their families attending from India and Nepal. The functions were organized with meticulous planning and executed with precision. Many recall the Golden Jubilee as a land mark event in the Regt’s evolution. During the celebrations, the Regimental War Memorial was inaugurated by Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri. Gracing the impressive inauguration and wreath laying were martyrs’ families, Hon’ble Union Minister for Post and Telegraph Shri Beni Prashad Verma, Army Commander, GOC UP Area, Chief Secretary UP, DGP, DG P&T amongst others. A commemorative stamp and first day cover, designed by Vijay himself were released. The first Regimental Coffee Table book authored by him was also released on the occasion. It continues to be a bench mark. As a curtain raiser, he organized a successful regimental expedition to Mt Abi Gamin (7355m) in Jun 1998.

2.4 Nepal Assignment

In Nepal, Vijay did the country proud. He proved to be an excellent choice as an Assistant Military Attache’ for welfare of ex-servicemen. He established a warm and cordial relationship with bureaucrats and officers of Ministry of Defence and the Royal Army. The Bharitya Gorkha Sainik Niwas at Khatmandu, acquiring land for Pension Paying Office, Dharan, constructing buildings for over a dozen District Soldier Boards, executing numerous drinking water projects stand as testimony to few of his important initiatives in Nepal.

2.5   Command of a Brigade on Line of Control

Vijay commanded a brigade, during Op Prakaram, on the Line of Control (LC). He was  nominated for construction of the first stretch of the LC Fence, integration of surveillance devices and communications before they could be introduced along the entire LC. Vijay led by personal example, became the motivating factor. Inspired by his soldierly leadership, the units responded in equal measures. They were bold, effectively dominated the LC and neutralized large number of terrorists. Infiltration was checked. Effective LC management by his brigade brought a host of visitors. They included HE, Dr Abdul Kalam, President of India, Shri LK Advani, Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister, Shri George Fernandez, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon’ble Finance Minister, Shri GL Gupta, Hon’ble Rajya Raksha Mantri, Defence Secretary and Heads of Police and Para Military Forces responsible for border management.

2.6 Command of an Independent   Sub Area in Deserts

His next assignment, as an Independent Sub Area Commander had much in store. He was selected and positioned by the COAS to assist raising of  HQ South Wester Command  and setting up of over two dozen Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme poly clinics in Rajasthan. He quickly established an excellent working relationship with the Chief Minister (CM) and state bureaucracy resulting in meaningful civil – military liaison so essential for the impeding tasks. The Rajasthan State Memorial referred to as ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ was the result of the rapport. Vijay enjoyed with the Hon’ble CM. The State acknowledge his contribution, by erecting a plaque at the memorial in his and his staff’s honour.

2.7   Tenure at Army Training Command

The General Officer Commanding in Chief Army Training Command utilized Vijay’s talent well. Today, the Army Heritage Museum at Annadale designed and set up under his supervision is a landmark in Shimla. It finds a place on the Incredible India website.

2.8  Command of a Mountain Division on Sino – Indian Border Vijay commanded a mountain division on the Sino- Indian border with troops deployed at some of the highest posts in the world. He utilized this opportunity to get additional resources and equipment for border management, enhanced allowances and better service conditions for his troops deployed in high altitude. His inspiring leadership is recalled by officer and men who served with him. The Regiment and the Army would remember him for initiating the case of raising of Scouts for Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. 2.9   Heading the Territorial Army

Post command of the division, he headed the Territorial Army where he brought about far reaching organizational changes and initiated measures in the Departmental Units of the Ministries of Railways, Health, Forest & Environment and Petrolem to make the Territorial Army a potent force. All this required close interaction with their Ministries and Departments. He developed an excellent working rapport with them. It was a rare honour for Vijay when he was invited by to address Members of Parliament on Territorial Army.

During his assignment as ADG TA, the Chief of Army Staff tasked Vijay with overseeing the constructing and operationalizing the Manekshaw Center  at Delhi Cantt. Today, it is amongst the best convention facilities in the capital. The credit for this goes largely to Vijay’s vision and meticulous execution. The TA Fusion Band was raised, trained and made to perform at India Gate. As a welfare measure for the TA personnel he started the TA Parivar Kalyan Yojna. The Prime Minister’s TA Parade was also revived by Vijay in 2008.

2.10 Empanelment to the Rank of Lt Gen and Retirement

Though empanelled for the rank of Lt Gen, Vijay did not pick up his rank and superannuated on 30 Sept 2009.

2.11 Appointments tenanted in Army.

A modern day warrior, rare in military circles, at relatively lower ranks Vijay held some very challenging command, staff, and instructional appointments. He served at the Military Operations Directorate, taught at the Infantry School and the Defense Services Staff College. While serving with the Indian Mission in Nepal he become the trust of both the Ambassador and the host Kingdom. During militancy, anti-terrorist operations in J & K and the North East and during peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka, Vijay  brought about a turnaround   in his area of responsibility by application of mind to irregular warfare and anti-terrorist operations by a people centric approach and a cultural understanding. Vijay has  carved a place for   himself amongst the high caliber military intellects and soldiers of the Indian Army.

2.11  A Quick Second Innings: As Consultant

Post superannuation, on a request by the Chief of Army Staff to complete the Manekshaw Centre, Vijay continued with the Army as a consultant for next six months to complete the Project by Mar 2010 before heading for the third innings - The Mayo Challenge.

2.12  Third Innings: Mayo Challenge During Jan 2010, Shri Ajai Vikram Singh IAS (Retd), former Defence Secretary and Lt Gen Aditya Singh, PVSM, AVSM** (Retd),  on behalf of  Mayo College General Council, contacted Vijay for an assignment as Principal Mayo College, an all boys’ residential Public School established in 1875. He was still giving finishing touches to the Manekshaw Centre. As a follow up an interaction with the Mayo College Board of Governors took place and Vijay was offered headship at Mayo College. He accepted the offer and challenge and was appointed as its16th Principal in Apr 2010. While preserving and building on the rich traditions of the school, he initiated numerous steps both within and outside the classroom and under took vast infrastructure upgrade. He called it a day at Mayo after putting in five years of dedicated service. Today, Mayo College is ranked amongst the best schools in Asia.

2.13  Post Principalship at Mayo College

From the beginning, Vijay had taken keen interest in education. While in Nepal he provided assistance to schools in remote villages. For wards of ex-servicemen, he started education scholarships and sponsored them for higher education in India. He served on the faculty of Junior Leaders Wing, Infantry School and Defense Services Staff College. He planned and laid out a new campus for 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Training Centre at Lucknow. In his capacity as Commander Independent Sub Area, he was Chairman of Rashtriya Military Schools at Ajmer and Dholpur, two Kendriya Vidyalayas and an Army School at Jaipur. He was also on the Board of Governors of Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School at Jaipur. While serving at Army Training Command, he utilized the opportunity to visit army and civil institutions of research and education. These opportunities and assignments gave him rich experience in teaching and management of training institutions and schools.

Vijay has not rested on his laurels and achievements. He keeps himself busy and fruitfully utilizes his vast and rich experience at army training establishments, colleges, universities and educational institutions through lectures and leadership capsules. He is Director Consultant looking after the educational programmes of HH Maharaja Gajsingh of Jodhpur, on the Board of Governors of Maharani Gayatri Devi School, Jaipur, member of the Lawrence School (Sanawar) Society and its Board of Governors, Director on Board of Advisors of Extra Marks Pvt Ltd a leading digital learning-teaching solution provider. He also assists organizations in upgrading infrastructure and raising standards of education in schools set up under corporate social responsibility. He is consultant to State Govt of Arunachal Pradesh for designing and construction of a State War Memorial in Itanagar.

3.   Personal Life In 1983, Vijay married Nandita, daughter of Col and Mrs Harmohinder Singh. She too has a brilliant academic record being a topper at Sacred Heart Convent, Dalhausie and Martar Dei School, New Delhi. Nandita completed her post graduation in Child Development from Lady Irwin College, New Delhi and M Phil degree from Delhi University. Both at College and at University, her field of study was ‘Special Children’ and she was amongst the rankers. After marriage she taught in the station Army Schools/ Kendrya Vidyalays and contributed effectively in different capacities with Army Wives Welfare Association. Her knowledge of Child Development and experience in teaching were to be of great value and help to Vijay in his innings in the education field.

The couple is blessed with two sons. Gautam, a MBA in financial management, is elder of the two and is currently serving with a media house in Delhi. Bharat, is a mechanical engineer, is married to Mandvika, a software engineer. They are both working in Luxemburg.

Nandita has been a constant source of encouragement to Vijay in all his pursuits and endeavors. She has been a caring wife, a good mother to the boys and an effective member of the Army family. 4.  Honours and decorations During his 36 years’ service in the Army, a number of honours and awards were conferred on him, notable being Sena Medal for gallantry, Yudh Seva Medal for gallant leadership of a Brigade during operations in J&K and Ati Vishist Seva Medal for distinguished service of an exceptional order while commanding a Division on Sino-Indian Border. He was also recipient of the General Officer Commanding in Chief Western and Army Training Command Commendation Cards.

Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Yudh Seva Medal Sena Medal

Special Service Medal Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal

High Altitude Service Medal Videsh Seva Medal 50th Anniversary of Independence Medal

30 Years Long Service Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal

5.  References