Imphal, November 19 2009: Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM , GOC 57 Mountain Division has handed over the baton of the GOC to Maj Gen Deependra Singh Hooda, VSM** while also welcoming Maj Gen DS Hooda, VSM** to 57 Mountain Division and promised him a very challenging but professionally satisfying command in the year ahead.

A PIB (DW) release informed that Maj Gen D S Hooda, VSM** is a very highly qualified officer of the Indian Army who has been handpicked for the coveted command of the most professional Division of the Indian Army today.

The General officer has qualified on the most prestigious courses of the Armed forces - an alumni of the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College as also the National Defence College, New Delhi he has served as the Chief logistics officer of a United Nations Mission in Asmara (Ethiopia) and other distinguished appointments in the Army headquarters.

The General officer arrived with his wife Mrs Rashmi Hooda from Army Headquarters, New Delhi on November 15 to assume command of the formation.

Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM a dynamic and professional soldier needs no introduction to the people of Manipur.

A very highly qualified officer in his own right, he has served as the Defence Attache in Myanmar and for the last thirteen months was one of the most approachable generals of the Division.

His humane nature and the projects initiated under his able command for the betterment of Manipur and convenience of the people of the state needs no elaboration.

The General was assisted in ensuring the successful completion of all the projects initiated by the formation by his graceful better half, Mrs Madhu Gurung as the Convenor of the Family Welfare Organisation of the Red Shield Division.

Both the General and Mrs Gurung will leave a vacuum as they move to Army Headquarters, New Delhi, where the General will assume his next appointment in December, the statement conveyed.

As he prepares to leave, Maj Gen Shakti Gurung, VSM requests the people of Manipur to be more proactive towards the process of peace and prosperity because without their will and support this will remain an elusive commodity.

He thanks all sections of the society, Government officials and the media for the unstinted support provided to him for carrying out his tasks.

The General and his wife said God Bless and God Speed as they wished the people of Manipur an abundance of GOD's blessings for peace in the days ahead coupled with prosperity and happiness, it added.

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