Indian Army celebrated its 73rd Army Day on Friday. Every year Indian Army celebrates 15 January as ‘Army Day’ to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Carriappa took over the command of the Army from General Sir F.R.R. Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army post-Independence. The celebrations commenced with a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial where CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and the three Service Chiefs paid homage to the martyrs.
General M.M. Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff, reviewed the Army Day Parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment and awarded 15 Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of Gallantry and 23 COAS Unit Citations for commendable performance of their respective units. The Army Day parade was commanded by Maj Gen Alok Kaker, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area. The leading contingent of the parade was formed of the recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees. This was followed by army contingents which included T-90 tank BHISHMA, infantry combat vehicle BMP II, BRAHMOS missile system, PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System, upgraded SCHILKA Gun System, Bridge Layer Tank, international sports awardees and seven marching contingents including mounted horse cavalry.
The Indian Army also carried out a live demonstration of Drone Swarming capability using 75 indigenously designed and developed drones which executed an array of artificial intelligence-enabled simulated offensive missions and close support tasks.
NORTHERN COMMAND LAUNCHES THE BIGGEST TALENT EVENT OF J&K
On the occasion of the Army Day, Lt Gen Yogesh Kumar Joshi, GOC-in-C, Northern Command paid a tribute to the brave-hearts of the Indian Army by laying a wreath at the Dhruva War Memorial. Later in the day he interacted with the media where he also launched the biggest musical talent hunt event of UT of J&K called “Shaurya”.
The Army Commander during his interaction with the media said that in Northern Command, we are contending with triple challenges. First we have the western adversary that is Pakistan which has not relented from using terror as an instrument of state policy. Secondly, we have northern borders where we have seen the Chinese belligerence on the LAC where it has tried to alter the status quo which has been contested with resolve and courage by the Indian Army. Thirdly, the internal situation in J&K which is stable and under control but has the propensity to flare up at any time. There is also the collusivity factor with threats ranging from supplying weapons to sharing of operational practices and so on.
The Army Commander also brought out the complex, volatile, uncertain and ambiguous conflict paradigm in the Northern Command. Relentless operations on the LC backed with robust multi agency grid in hinterland has forced the deep state in Pakistan to recalibrate its approach to handle this situation. The terrorist networks across are trying hard to abet recruitment by extensive use of social media. The recent DDC elections have conveyed the resolve and will of the awaam to shun separatism and embrace democracy. The abrogation of Article 370 and improvement in governance has been a major game changer and helped in restoring faith of the common people in the institutions of the Government.
Indian Army has played its designated role of creating an ecosystem of safety and normalcy during Covid. “Op Sadbhavna” has been pivotal in providing avenues of employment and education to the youth. The challenge in eastern Ladakh has been further complicated by vagaries of weather and terrain. The Indian Army has displayed immense grit and determination to match the Chinese belligerence and give them a befitting reply. The Army Commander said that we Northern Command is now perched at a position of operational advantage and are negotiating with the PLA from a position of equivalence.
While inaugurating the launch of the musical talent hunt “Shaurya”, the Army Commander lauded the efforts of “Mausqui Studios”, who along with active support of the Northern Command Army, have conceptualized and organized musical talent hunt programme. Bollywood celebrities such as Shukhwinder Singh and Dilshaad Shabbir Shaikh have promoted the talent hunt and provided an opportunity at the doorsteps of the youth of J&K to help them explore new vistas in the music industry.
Over 2000 talented youth of Jammu & Kashmir joined the online audition which was spread over seven days. This was followed up by offline audition for four days, two days each from Jammu and Srinagar. Finally, ten talented youth comprising vocalists and instrumentalists have been selected to form the J&K Band. This Band will be groomed before they showcase their talent on 18 Jan 2021 in Srinagar. While the entire Band will share the stage with famous singer Sukhwinder Singh, the top three will be performing with him. Post this performance, the Band members will be travelling to Mumbai for training and grooming and undertaking contractual performances
While interacting with the media, based on the recommended list provided by Press Council of India, Jammu, the Army Commander awarded “Certificates of Appreciation” to the outstanding media personnel, who have served the public interest in a fair, accurate and unbiased manner, especially during Covid times, bringing out the best form of truth but yet holding the national interest. The Army Commander commended all ranks of Northern Command for their dedication and devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He brought out that the success of the Indian Army is due to its gallant and brave soldiers who have minimal requirements but will achieve victory every time even at the cost of their lives. He said it is never about the weapon but the man behind it who wins the battle.
‘KNOW YOUR ARMY’ MELA IN UPPER SUBANSIRI, ARUNACHAL
A ‘Know Your Army’ Mela was organised by Indian Army on 15 January at Government Higher Secondary School, Daporijo as part of the Army Day celebrations. The aim of the Mela was to spread awareness about armed forces among the civil population and motivate youth to join the forces.
The event included display of a wide array of state-of-the-art military weapons and equipment which demonstrated the technological advancement and military might of our country. During the event, the students were allowed to get hands-on experience of handling real weapons and it was the main attraction of the event. In addition to the above, Army Band Display was also organised. This event saw overwhelming participation from students and youth of the adjoining areas.
SOUTHERN COMMAND ARMY AWARENESS OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
Headquarters Southern Command organised a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, Pune on 15 Jan being 73rd Army Day. Lieutenant General C.P. Mohanty, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command laid the wreath and paid homage to all valiant soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice while safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the Nation. The Army Commander also conveyed his best wishes to all ranks, veterans, veer naris and their family members on the auspicious occasion and called upon all ranks of Southern Command to rededicate themselves to the task of protecting and safeguarding the motherland from both internal and external adversaries.
He said that despite the Covid-19 pandemic the Southern Command was operationally geared up to give a befitting response to misadventures by our adversaries and was prepared to thwart any challenge that comes on its way. He also reassured Southern Command’s commitment towards continued assistance to citizens in times of any calamities or natural disasters.
On the occasion of 73rd Army Day results for the Southern Command Army awareness campaign on the theme “Indian Army a Symbol of Unity in Diversity” which was run by Headquarters Southern Command through Social Media from 19 October 2020 to 10 January 2021 were announced.
The competition was organised in four disciplines namely video making, painting, slogan writing and photography. The response was overwhelming with over two lakh entries having been received from within the Army as well as civil society.
Out of 52 prizes at the National level, Puneites bagged five individual prizes. Lieutenant General C.P. Mohanty, GOC-in-C Southern Command gave prizes to the winners. The Army Commander felicitated and congratulated the awardees at the National War Memorial.
SWORDS & SHIELD AREA CELEBRATES 73RD ARMY DAY AT MUMBAI
Swords & Shield Area celebrated the 73rd Army Day at Shaheed Smarak in Colaba Military Station, Mumbai yesterday. Lieutenant General S.K. Prashar, General Officer Commanding Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area laid the wreath on behalf of all ranks. Several senior dignitaries attended the solemn ceremony of honouring the supreme sacrifice by our gallant soldiers made while safeguarding the sovereignty of the Nation.
The Indian Army remains steadfast in its resolve and commitment to serve the nation with vigour and professionalism of highest order.