M S Nazki
The skills available to us through mindfulness make it possible to bring love to our connections with others.
The sky won’t shed tears if stars refuse to shine; it will wait for the sun: Officers and men from 10 Div!
Don’t choose men by their CVs but by their TVs; their Talents and Visions.
Amongst a lot of precious things in the world, the most precious is knowledge. And amongst the number of knowledges, the most beneficial is the knowledge of the skill……
Your certificate and skills are vital but only to the extent of jumpstarting your career and giving you a chance to compete in a global space………… 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 | 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
Under the Akhnoor Division Ignited Minds Initiative, a joint effort by Indian Army, AVNL and NIEDO, students from Jammu are being empowered through mentorship and academic support.
This year, three students have successfully cleared JEE Mains, marking a significant milestone in their journey. The initiative reflects a strong commitment towards nurturing talent, expanding opportunities and shaping future nationbuilders.
Akhnoor is a strategically important town and municipal committee in the Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir, located 28 km from Jammu on the banks of the Chenab River.
It consists of three administrative subdivisions—Akhnoor, Chowki Choura, and Khour—and serves as a critical defense area near the LoC. It is also known as the historical Virat Nagri.
Key Aspects of Akhnoor:
Administrative Structure: The area comprises seven Tehsils: Akhnoor Khas, Chowki Choura, Maira Mandrian, Jourian, Kharah Balli, Khour, and Pargwal.
Military Significance: The 10th Infantry Division of the Indian Army is based in the area. It is often referred to in military context due to its location, sometimes labeled as a target in the “Chicken’s Neck” area during conflicts.
Infrastructure & Development: The region has seen development initiatives like road connectivity projects for rural areas, which improve access to services.
Key Services: The area is served by the Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Akhnoor.
Tourism: It features the historical Akhnoor Fort, linked to the Mahabharata era, along with the banks of the Chenab.
Critical military and logistic hub:
Known as a “choke point”, its proximity to the border makes it a vital defense link, connecting Jammu city to Poonch and Rajouri districts. It acts as a primary supply route for Indian Army operations and protects against enemy encroachment near the International Border.
Military “Choke Point”: Akhnoor is considered vital for the defense of the entire Jammu sector. Its capture has been a consistent objective of the Pakistani military, notably during the 1965 Operation Grand Slam, because it would disrupt connections between Jammu and the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Logistics & Command Center: The area houses the headquarters of the Indian Army’s 10th Infantry Division, making it a crucial command base.
Bridge Over Chenab: The Akhnoor bridge serves as a major logistics lifeline. Protecting this bridge is essential to maintaining control over the surrounding hilly regions.
Border Security & Infiltration Monitoring: BSF troops closely monitor the Chenab River at Akhnoor to prevent terrorist infiltration attempts, particularly in the aftermath of ceasefire violations.
The “Chicken’s Neck” Challenge: The region is historically threatened by the “Chicken’s Neck” (Akhnoor Dagger), a 170squarekilometer stretch of Pakistani territory jutting into India, pointing directly toward the bridge.
Strategic Connectivity Infrastructure: The JammuAkhnoor Corridor is undergoing a 4lane upgrade to boost military movement speed, reduce travel time, and strengthen troop logistics, crucial for both defense and regional development.
Historical Significance: Known to be the site of the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1822, its elevated, fortdefended position on the Chenab River has always been used to monitor threats.
Young generation in Akhnoor:
The young generation in Akhnoor, Jammu, is actively involved in sports, academic excellence, skill development, and pursuing careers in national service (army/NCC), often supported by initiatives to foster talent in this border region. As of 2026, they are achieving success in national sports and military training, demonstrating a blend of traditional values and modern aspirations.
Key Trends & Achievements:
Athletic Success: Young athletes from the area are making nationallevel achievements. For example, Yuvraj Singh Chib of Akhnoor recently won a silver medal in the 100meter sprint at the 24th National Junior U20 Athletics Championship 2026.
Military & Service Orientation: There is a high level of motivation to join the Indian Armed Forces and NCC. Local youth regularly participate in military equipment displays, mentorship, and motivational workshops conducted by the Army (e.g., Cross Swords Division).
Empowerment & Skill Initiatives: The Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana and initiatives like the [Akhnoor Ignited Minds Initiative (AIMI)] are empowering local youth through education, skill development (such as LED light repair), and training to become entrepreneurs.
Leadership & Civic Engagement: Youth from the area are engaged in political and social organizations, including the [Youth Congress of Akhnoor], which focuses on community work and development.
Cultural & Technical Education: Students from local institutions like [Government Degree College Akhnoor] are recognized for their participation in cultural, scientific, and heritage initiatives, including presenting local heritage at regional events.
Only a few are geniuses due to genetics, and the rest of the geniuses are due to subconscious mind activity of habits and beliefs. Skills don’t die; only people do……….!
Your greatest asset is the way you think. Not your skills, resources or the position you occupy. Because with the right mindset, you can turn any situation into greater success…………!
Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power Within India by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is a motivational book aimed at inspiring Indian youth to dream big, develop a positive mindset, and take charge of transforming India into a developed nation. It focuses on overcoming selfdoubt, embracing innovation, combining science with spirituality, and transforming India through selfreliance.
Key Themes and Concepts
Motivation for Youth: The core focus is to inspire the youth to become proactive leaders and innovators, rather than settling for the ordinary.
Changing Mindsets: The book argues that India’s growth is hindered by a lack of conviction, encouraging people to remove “things that hold us back” and adopt a, “we can do it” attitude.
Science and Spirituality: Dr. Kalam emphasizes fusing modern technology with India’s traditional spiritual heritage and value systems to create a unique development model.
Actionable Vision: The book, which is available on Amazon.in, calls for a “mission mode” approach to improve education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Role Models: It encourages finding inspiration in local heroes and countrymen rather than always looking to other nations.
The book was written to spark a national movement of selfbelief and action, urging readers to take responsibility for India’s future.
About The 10th Infantry Division (now 10 RAPID):
The 10th Infantry Division (now 10 RAPID) is a premier formation of the Indian Army, officially raised in 1941 for World War II, seeing action in Iraq, Syria, and Italy. Following Independence, it was reraised and famously participated in the 1965 and 1971 IndoPakistani wars, specifically defending the crucial Chhamb sector.
Key Historical Phases of the 10th Division:
World War II (1941–1945): Formed in January 1941 at Ahmednagar, India. The division was heavily involved in the Middle East and Mediterranean theaters, including the AngloIraqi War, SyriaLebanon campaign, AngloSoviet invasion of Iran, and the Italian campaign.
PostIndependence: Following the partition of India, the division was reraised.
1965 IndoPakistani War: Played a significant role in Operation Grand Slam.
1971 IndoPakistani War: Heavily engaged in the Battle of Chamb (Chhamb).
Current Structure and Role:
Headquarters: Based at Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir.
Reorganization: The division was converted into a RAPID (Reorganised Army Plains Infantry Division), designated as 10 RAPID. This reorganization allows it to act as a highly mobile force with organic tank and mechanized infantry units for plains warfare.
Composition: It operates with a mix of regular infantry, tank regiments (approx. 100 tanks), and mechanized infantry regiments (using BMP vehicles).
The division has been crucial in maintaining security in the Jammu region for decades.
1965 war:
During the 1965 IndoPakistani War, the 10th Infantry Division (nicknamed the “Crossed Swords Division”) played a pivotal role in defending the critical ChhambJourian sector in Jammu and Kashmir against Pakistani advances.
Here are the key details regarding the 10th Division in the 1965 war:
Reraising and Role: The division was reraised on April 1, 1965, as a mountain division and shortly after moved to the ChhambJourian sector under Major General Dharam Bir Chopra to bolster defences.
Response to Operation Grand Slam: When Pakistan launched Operation Grand Slam on September 1, 1965, intended to capture Akhnoor and sever vital communication lines, the 10th Division was rushed to the sector to take command of the 80th and 191st Infantry Brigades.
Key Defensive Operations: Despite being a newly raised formation, the division, along with reinforcements, stabilized the defense in the ChhambJourian sector by September 10, preventing the fall of Akhnoor.
Key Engagements: The division engaged in intense fighting at the ChambJaurian sector, with units like the 6th Sikh Light Infantry and 1/1 Gorkha Rifles securing important points such as Point 3776 and Point 2357 on the Kalidhar ridge.
Command Change: Due to the heavy pressures and challenges in the sector, Major General B.D. Chopra was relieved of his command during the conflict.
Recognition: The division acquitted itself well, earning numerous accolades, including six Maha Vir Chakras and fourteen Vir Chakras.
Order of Battle (10th Infantry Division 1965)
191 Infantry Brigade: 6 Sikh LI, 15 Kumaon, 3 Mahar, 3 J&K Militia, 9 Punjab
28 Infantry Brigade: 2 Grenadiers, 5/8 Gorkha Rifles, 1/1 Gorkha Rifles
41 Mountain Brigade: 9 Mahar, 1/8 Gorkha Rifles
Supporting Units: ‘C’ Squadron 20 Lancers, 14 Field Regiment, 38 & 39 Medium Regiments!
1971 War:
The 10 Infantry Division (nicknamed the “Crossed Swords Division”) of the Indian Army played a critical role on the western front during the IndoPakistani War of 1971, specifically in the Jammu and Kashmir sector.
Under the command of Major General Jaswant Singh, the division was responsible for defending the strategically important ChhambJourian sector.
Key Actions and Events (1971)
- Battle of Chhamb (3–10 December 1971): This was a major engagement where the division faced a massive offensive from the Pakistani 23rd Division.
- Initial Pakistani Success: Following the launch of the war on 3 December, Pakistani forces managed to capture the vital town of Chhamb and pushed Indian troops back.
- Stabilization of the Front: Following a change in command, the 10th Division held the line on the east bank of the Manawar Tawi River.
- The Counter Attack: On 10 December, Indian forces successfully launched a counteroffensive, stalling the Pakistani advance. The Pakistani forces were forced to pull back after losing six tanks.
- Defense of the Heights: While the enemy managed to capture some areas on 8 December, many of their attacks on positions like Picquet 707 and Laleali were repulsed.
Order of Battle (10 Div 1971)
The Division was composed of the following major units during the conflict:
- Infantry Brigades: 28th (Brigadier MV Natu), 191st (Brigadier RK Jasbir Singh), 68th (Brigadier RT Morlin), and 52nd (Brigadier KK Nayyer) Infantry Brigades.
- Armoured Element: 3 Independent Armoured Brigade (Brigadier BS Irani), featuring 72 Armoured Regiment and 9 Horse (Deccan Horse).
- Artillery: 10 Artillery Brigade (Brigadier K Srinivasan).
Despite being forced to relinquish territory west of the Tawi River (which was finalized after the war as part of the Simla Agreement), the 10 Infantry Division successfully achieved its primary objective: stopping the Pakistani advance toward Akhnoor, which would have threatened the JammuSrinagar line of communication.
So as usual the final lines: Learn like a bird, create tools, and improve your abilities! Some managers ignore the longlasting nature of skills acquired through training. They give employees no alternative skills which can be used beyond their current jobs. Unless, if those employees get selected for new positions. What you do again and again defines who you are……….!
