Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh PVSM, AVSM, since 2003, is the Governor of Assam state in India. He is also the chairman of the North Eastern Council (NEC). Ajai Singh was born on 20th November 1935 to father Shri Raj Dalpat Singh.
Careers of Lt.Gen Ajai Singh
His academic qualifications are all related to the military academics. These are Senior Cambridge from Mayo College, Ajmer and M.Sc (Defence Studies), Madras University - 1969. He joined Indian Army after his studies and became Lt General. He has also attended some important Training Programme like Tank Commanders Course, Czechoslovakia in the year 1966, Defense Services Staff Course, Wellington in 1972, Higher Command Course at College of Combat, Mhow during 1979-80, Royal College of Defence Studies, London (UK) in1983 and Discussions at RAND Co-operation, USA in 1983 & 89. During his days in Indian Army he has experienced the Indo-Pak war of 1965-71. He also held the positions of Commander Independent Armed Brigade, Ambala from 1980 to 82, BGS I-Corps, Mathura from 1982 to 84, Director General, WE, Army Headquarters, New Delhi from the year 1985 to 87, GOC, 31 Armoured Division, Jhansi from the year 1987 to 89, Director General, Mechanized Forces, Army HQ, New Delhi from1989 to 90, General Officer Commanding - 4 Corps, Tezpur, Assam from1990 to 92, Director General, Combat Vehicles, Army HQ New Delhi from1992 to 93, CCR&D, Defence Research & Development Organisation from 1993 to 95 (Ministry of Defence, Government of India.)
Achievements of Lt.Gen Ajai Singh
Through out his career he has won three special achievements. These are:
Operation "BAJRANG" and "RHINO"-- He commanded the prestigious 4 Corps in Assam from 1990 to 1992. Ajai Singh was given the responsibility of wiping out ULFA rebellion. For that he was given over 1 lakh troops and Police Force, under his command. Proper civil support and funds at his disposal were also placed. He demolished the ULFA insurgency in less than three months, by launching two consecutive operations, viz., "Bajrang" and "Rhino" and creates a record in counter-insurgency operations.
As a result he was awarded for outstanding qualities of leadership, dynamism and courage, the coveted "Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)". Close co-ordination with the various agencies, which are involved in bringing the law and order situation under control in Assam, contributed in the success of the operations. It is the Chief Minister, who masterminded the coordinated actions between State Administration, Political leaders of various regions, Para-military Forces and the powerful regional media of the State of Assam. This act required diplomacy, perceptive and managerial skills of a very high order. The State of Assam because of this close teamwork recognized his services by giving him the "Governor`s Gold Medal" for exceptional services delivered to the State.
For his contribution several awards was conferred on him-- Indian Military Academy (IMA) Sword of Honor and Silver Medal. (Best All Round Gentleman Cadet of June 1956 Batch), Mentioned in Despatches for Gallantry (1965 Indo - Pak War), Ati Vishist Seva Medal for Gallantry - (1986) and Param Vishist Seva Medal for Gallantry - (1992) (Highest Distinguished Service Award of India) are some of them.
Operation `SEHYOG`BY Lt.Gen Ajai Singh
Operation "Sehyog" is done by Lt Gen Ajai Singh to liberate Assamese people from the hands of ULFA. To win the hearts of afflicted people of Assam, during his command of 4 Corps, a major welfare programme, aimed at rendering support to the poor and under-privileged people in far flung areas was undertaken. Several activities like medical care, construction of sheds, adult education, digging of tube wells, the Army undertook constructions of roads etc. Ajai Singh directly supervised these as GOC 4 Corps. By the State Government and the media, this act was highly commended. He to wipe out the root cause of insurgency support and to project an image of a Nation that cares conceived this operation.
Induction of ARJUN - MBT into Indian Army
In 1992, he was posted as Director General, Combat Vehicles (DGCV) and attributed with the task of rescuing the stillborn Main Battle Tank (MBT) project. This project had been careworn to produce Arjun Tank for the past 20 years. This tank was given an operational shape within a matter of six months, and on 28th February 1993, the Hon`ble Defence Minister devoted MBT Arjun to the Nation. It was a significant instance for DRDO. This was their major achievement after the successful missile programme.
He was again suggested for the award of PVSM, but since there was no past preference for awarding PVSM for the second time, it could not be awarded. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri, having acknowledged his talent and work created a new appointment in DRDO for him.
Lt Gen Ajai Singh as a Chief Controller R&D (Land Systems)
As he retired, he was seated as Chief Controller R&D (Land Systems). He was, on induction as CC R&D, given another challenging task of developing the existing fleet of T-72 M Tanks. For the past eight years this project had been with the Army and had not progressed much. In a record time of 6 months he achieved this and that too within the resources of the DRDO.
This multifaceted persona has a keen interest in sports and also plays Golf. His other interest includes Oil and Crayon Painting, Landscaping, Music, Wildlife and Environment, Time and Personnel Management Techniques and Resource Optimization.
