What this Artillery Major is doing in the Ashram?


Yes, there is a Major from the Artillery Corpse of the Indian Army sitting right here in the middle of the SRSG. It is really not a matter of surprise. Major Satya Pal Nijhawan (Retd.) is now our new General Manager, the top executive of our Ashram. He has not only served the Indian Army but has a chequered career.

Mr. Nijhwan had his Honours degree in Economics from the Delhi University and went on to join the prestigious Delhi School of Economics for his Master’s degree which he obtained in 1958.

Subsequent to the India-China military engagement in 1962, Mr. Nijhawan answered the call of the motherland and joined the Indian Army in the Emergency Commissionin 1963 and went up to become a Major in the Artillery Corpse of the Indian Army and was posted on the front. He subsequently joined the Indian Defence Estates Service (Central Allied Service Class I) in the Ministry of Defence, the Government of India. Mr. Nijhawan served with distinction some of the most prestigious military cantonments in India like Pune, Kanpur, Agra, Delhi, Mhow, etc. In his job, he also dealt with the land acquisition and management as Defence Estates Officer in circles like Delhi and Jullundar. After leaving the Ministry of Defence, he continued to serve as Consultant to that ministry.

His next assignment was in the famous Ambuja Cements Ltd. as Adviser,
Administration.

Mr. Nijhawan has been a decorated officer and was awarded J. & K. Medal for 1965 India Pakistan War. While still in the Indian Defence Estates Service, he was decorated with President’s Bronze Medal for Census Operation of 1971. He also received commendation from the Chief of the Army Staff for his excellent service record.

Before joining the SRSG, he has been off and on working as a free-lance consultant.

Mr. Nijhawan now joins the SRSG with his enormous experience in administration and management. He wants to give a new dimension to the administrative organization of the Ashram. He is already busy building his team and reorganizing the activities of the Ashram with the blessings of Swamiji and the Board of Directors of the Association of the Himalayan Yoga and Meditation Societies International (AHYMSIN).