By M S Nazki
Jivan Mein Tu Darana Nahin, Sar Nicha Kabhi Karana Nahin, Himmat Vaale Ko Marana Nahin! Hai Saathi Tu Apana Koyi Duuja Nahin, Apani Har Mushkil Mein Akela Tu Muskura, Jag Mein Tu Sabase Bada Hai. Dil Chhota Karana Nahin! ... for Corps of Signals!
-Dream of Valour – Three Peaks, One Mission, Infinite Resolve General Dhiraj Seth, COAS flagged in and interacted with the Corps of Signals Mountaineering Team following their successful summit of three challenging peaks in Ladakh. The team successfully summited on 13 Aug 2026, Mt Mentok Kangri (6,250 m) on 24 Aug 2026 and Mt Chamser Kangri (6,622 m) on 29 Aug 2026, completing the remarkable feat in just sixteen days. The expedition reflects an unwavering pursuit of excellence and the spirit of adventure in the Indian Army.!
-Mount Mentok Kangri is a 6,250-meter (20,505 ft) high mountain peak in the Rupshu valley of Ladakh, India, overlooking the blue waters of Tso Moriri lake.
-Key FactsElevation: 6,250 meters (Mentok Kangri ) Location: Rupshu Valley, near Korzok village, Ladakh
Meaning: "Mentok" means flower in Ladakhi and Tibetan, as the valley blooms with wildflowers in summer.
- Details Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to extreme altitude, but non-technical (no major ice or rock climbing required).
Summits: The mountain has a ridge connecting three peaks at 6,250 m, 6,150 m, and 6,210 m.Main Challenge: Low oxygen levels, freezing night temperatures (dropping below –15°C at base camp), and a long summit push.
-Starting Point: Korzok village, where trekkers acclimatize before moving to the base camp. Y
-Mt Chamser Kangri (6,622 m)
-Mt Chamser Kangri (6,622 m / 21,726 ft) is a prominent high-altitude peak located in the Rupshu valley of the Ladakh Himalayas in India, rising adjacent to the stunning Tso Moriri lake.
- Quick Facts & Climbing Profile:
-Elevation: 6,622 meters (21,726 feet)
-Prominence: 427 meters (1,401 feet)
-Location: Ladakh, India (near Tso Moriri)
-Glacier Status: Known as one of the highest summits worldwide that can be ascended completely without direct glacier contact, making it a non-technical yet strenuous high-altitude trek/climb.
Recent Expeditions:
-Corps of Signals (2026): The Corps of Signals Mountaineering Team successfully summited Mt Chamser Kangri on August 29, 2026, as part of a three-peak mission in Ladakh (along with Mt Kiagar Ri and Mt Mentok Kangri).
-Most people fly into Leh in winter just to tick off “frozen Pangong” from their list. But for those who want to test themselves beyond cameras and chai stalls, there’s Kiagar Ri. Standing at 6,100M, Mt. Kiagar Ri is one of Ladakh’s coldest and most unforgiving playgrounds. The peak lies tucked behind Tso Kiagar, a frozen turquoise lake in the Changthang plateau.
-This is not your first mountain. It’s a step up from 5,000–6,000M peaks like Yunam or Friendship, demanding resilience in a place where temperatures drop to –35°C, water bottles freeze solid, and every breath feels like sandpaper.
-The climb itself is not overly technical, but the altitude, biting winds, and sheer cold turn even simple movements into battles. Summit day can stretch 12–14 hours, demanding pace, patience, and the mental grit to keep moving when every cell in your body wants to turn back. And yet, the reward is unmatched: a 360° panorama of the Changthang plateau, Tso Moriri shimmering under a sheet of ice, and surrounding peaks that rise like jagged monuments against a barren, alien sky. Kiagar Ri is not just a climb. It’s a winter crucible. A place where silence is absolute, cold is unrelenting, and your respect for the mountains is rebuilt from the ground up. If you’ve already ticked off 6,000M summer climbs, this is the expedition that will tell you whether you’re cut out for the next level.
-Corps of Signals (India)
-The Corps of Signals is a corps and a combat support arm of the Indian Army, which handles its military communications. It was formed on 15 February 1911 as a separate entity under Lieutenant Colonel S H Powell and went on to make important contributions to World War I and World War II. The corps celebrated its 100th anniversary of raising on 15 February 2010.
-History
It was formed on 15 February 1911 at Fatehgarh under Lieutenant Colonel S. H. Powell. It originated from earlier telegraph units established in 1868 by Sappers and Miners, evolving into a separate corps during British colonial rule and achieving full Indianization by 1947 before being redesignated on 26 January 1950. During World War I, the Corps underwent significant expansion to meet the demands of global conflict, growing from its nascent companies into a vital support element for Indian Expeditionary Forces and units were deployed to multiple theaters where they established and maintained communication lines under challenging conditions.
-The Corps has participated in all wars as part of the Indian Army, including World War I, World War II, Operation in 1947, 1965 Operation Gibraltar in 1965, Operation Trident in 1971, Operation Pawan, and Operation VIJAY.
-After the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962, there was sudden expansion and two additional Centres were raised, one in Goa and the second at Jabalpur. In 1967, Signal Training Centre, located at Jabalpur , was disbanded. Each of the Training Centres now consists of one Military Training Regiment and three Technical Training Regiments.
-The Corps has the honour of being presented the Regimental Colours by the then Hon'ble President, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan on 20 February 1965 at No. 1 Signal Training Centre, Jabalpur. Some of its noteworthy communication projects like Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) was dedicated to the Nation by the then Hon'ble PM Shri P. V. Narsimha Rao in August 1995 while in February 2006 the Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) was similarly dedicated to the Nation by the then Hon'ble President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam!
-The motto of the Corps of Signals is "Teevra Chaukas", meaning "Swift and Secure", reflecting their commitment to providing reliable and rapid communication services.
-This commitment towards speed and reliability is mirrored in their emblem, which features the Mercury, symbolizing speed, communication and agility.
-The Corps Emblem
-Mercurius which is a roman version of Greek God "Hermes", the messenger of Gods in Greek mythology, a Magic Wand (Caduceus), Winged Sandals (Talaria), Winged Cap "Petasus" and Wings on Top of "Caduceus" Further enhance the motion of the sandals.
-The figure of Mercury on a Globe supported by a School, which bears our motto "Teevra Chaukas" and Twelve Laurel Leaves below. The whole Emblem with Mercury facing his right is surmounted by a detached Five Pointed Star.
-Role
The Corps of Signals is a combat support arm of the Indian Army responsible for military communications since its inception on 15 Feb 1911, the Corps has evolved significantly, adapting to the changing technological landscape to ensure seamless and secure communications within the armed forces.
-The primary role of the Corps of Signals is to develop, manage and operate the communication networks of the Indian Army. It has evolved over the years from rudimentary semaphores, signal flags, radio and telegraph systems to advanced satellite communications, cyber operations and electronic warfare.
-The Corps evolution has enabled the Indian Army to maintain secure and efficient communications across diverse terrains and operational areas.
-The Corps ensures that commanders at all levels can communicate effectively, which is crucial for operational success. It has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies with military strategy ensuring the Indian Army's agility and responsiveness in all combat and non-combat scenarios.
-The troops of the Corps of Signals are trained in all aspects of soldiering and also in Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering in premier Institutions like the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) and Signal Training Centres (STCs). This specialized training equips them to handle complex operational duties and communication systems.
-The Corps of Signals also contributes to various non combat operations like setting up communication networks to provide communication during natural disasters facilitating coordination amongst relief agencies. Their expertise is also critical during United Nations Peacekeeping Missions where robust communications networks and implementation of cyber defense measures are essential.
Jina Hai To Pyaare Tu Ladana Zindagi Se
-Aandhi Ho Ya Tuufaan Na Dabana Kisi Se ,Jag Mein Tu Aage Hi Badhana Pichhe Qadam Dharana Nahin
Signalmen belonging to the Corps of Signals—the communication and electronic warfare backbone of the Indian Army—frequently make the supreme sacrifice to maintain critical operational connectivity and protect their fellow troops during intense enemy engagements and counter-terrorism operations
-Nervous System: The Corps of Signals provides secure communication between command posts and frontline soldiers. Saving Lives: Maintaining communication lines under heavy enemy fire allows units to call for backup, coordinate tactical movements, and evacuate the wounded safely. Nipun Jamwal
-The men who gave up their lives!
-Signalman Dharam Chand Dhilan (Vir Chakra, 1962): Laid down his life while ensuring uninterrupted communication for his post during a fierce enemy attack in Ladakh.
- Signalman Vala Mahipalsinh Pravinsinh (2023): Displayed extraordinary devotion to duty during operations in Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir, making the supreme sacrifice to secure his team.
-Signalman Santosh Gope (2019): Defended his comrades and maintained vital coordination during intense cross-border shelling in the Rampur Sector.
The last few lines:
-A French lieutenant was asked by the commander of the French forces, “Jean, it seems to me that many people are only saying the things they think that I want to hear. Accordingly, what I am getting is not information, it is bullshit! One thing that became very clear on war service is that those who are actively taking part in war-like activities very seldom hate their former enemies. The reverse is the case with a great respect developing among the veterans, even if they happened to be on opposing sides You have only seen the least of what I can do………
