SP Guide Publications completes 50 years
First and foremost, a very Happy and Prosperous New Year! For us at SP Guide Publications, 2014 is momentous as we move into our Golden Jubilee celebrations. As we pay tribute to our founder Shri Sukhdeo Prasad Baranwal, we reiterate our commitment to the readers that it will be our constant endeavour to enhance the product offering. SP’s M.A.I. is the youngest of the publications from the SP Guide Publications group and the niche magazine on military, aerospace and internal security will continue to address needs of securing the nation.
2013 has been an eventful year for the nation. There have been many highs and several lows. On the internal security front, there were terror strikes in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Bodh Gaya and Patna in which several people and police personnel were killed. The dastardly Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh claimed the lives of 27 people, including former Union Minister, V.C. Shukla. Then there have been constant border incursions on both the western and eastern fronts.
Two natural disasters of enormous proportions hit the country – one in Uttarakhand and the other on the eastern coast. While these raised issues of India’s preparedness to handle natural disasters, it showed the capabilities of the military in rescue and relief operations.
This has been highlighted in the interview of the new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal, Arup Raha who has pinpointed how the Indian Air Force did a record 3,702 sorties to evacuate nearly 25,000 people from the flood-hit areas of Uttarakhand, highly commendable efforts. While that is on the humanitarian front, the Air Chief has dwelt at length on how the vision of the IAF in evolving itself as a multi-spectrum strategic force capable of addressing the current and future challenges. One of the major challenges, he mentions, is for India to remain a contemporary aerospace power which possesses credible response options.
The armed forces are a force to reckon with in the region. Lt General (Retd) P.C. Katoch in his article ‘Afghanistan Calling’ has indicated how India can help Afghanistan in its efforts to rebuild the country. Militarily Afghanistan has sought tanks, mortars, artillery and aircraft besides military vehicles like troop carrying trucks, jeeps, a training facility in Afghanistan for its military and assistance in maintenance of military equipment. Naturally, India would obviously provide maximum possible assistance under the India-Afghanistan strategic partnership, of which security is an important facet. Similarly, in his fortnightly viewpoint the General has underscored the need for India and Japan to strengthen relationship on various fronts.
As we look ahead, there is a glimmer of hope that the general elections would bring a new government to steer the country to a stronger position in terms of securing the nation, in terms of economic growth and a positive investment climate. Importantly, we should see probity in governance and the first signs are already being witnessed in New Delhi. Once again, wishing you all a wonderful year ahead! We look forward to your continued association.