As India celebrates its 78th Army Day, various key personalities reflected on the prosperous occasion. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reflected on Thursday on how the Indian Army is moving forward as a future-ready force, while emphasising the need for indigenous equipment, terming it a “strategic necessity”.
General Dwivedi also stressed upon the Army requiring equipment in the future that would be designed and developed within India itself, highlighting the need for Research and Development.
General Anil Chauhan, CDS, General Upendra Dwivedi, #COAS, Air Vice Marshal M Bandhopadhyay & Commodore P Verma, honouring the valour and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers, who died in the line of duty. (Source: X/@adgpi)
Military Display at it’s finest in Jaipur
Meanwhile in Jaipur, the Indian Army organised it’s first ever Army Day Parade outside a cantonment area on Mahal Road. The parade displayed the technologically advanced BrahMos missile, advanced armoured platforms, the formidable Bhishma Tank (T-90), as well as the Indigenous Arjun Tank. A large number of people witnessed the parade, with air warriors in Apache, Prachand, Dhruv and Rudra helicopters intersecting the sky above them.
General Anil Chauhan, CDS, General Upendra Dwivedi, #COAS, Air Vice Marshal M Bandhopadhyay & Commodore P Verma, bow down in the honour of these courageous and selfless soldiers. (Source: X/@adgpi)
The grand display of the Army’s festivities was marked by modern equipments such as the upgraded BMP-II infantry combant vehicles, Nag missile system, K-9 Varja artillery system, mobile anti-tank teams and a ZU-23 twin-barrel anti-aircraft gun.
The motorcycle team of the Army’s Service Corps performed some daring stunts, much to the thrill of the audience, who were all cheers. The parade began with General Dwivedi presenting the Sena Gallantry awards to posthumous soldiers, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Hawaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar and Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar.
It was followed by a salute from the Parade Commander alongside Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra and Kirti Chakra awardees. A short film featuring the journey and evolution of the Indian Army was also played.
Renowned Military figures such as Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi alongside several senior military officers marked their presence for the parade.
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On the other hand, Political Figures such as Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bajwa were also in attendance for the parade.
Indian Army Helicopter in action. (PTI Photo)
Droupadi Murmu lauds the ‘nation-first spirit’ of the Indian Soldiers
President Droupadi Murmu commented on how their ‘nation-first’ spirit serves as a source of inspiration for each and every Indian. “The Indian Army remains steadfast in safeguarding the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation,” Murmu said in a post on X.
PM Narendra Modi on Army Day: Indian Army as a Symbol of selfless service
Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the efforts of the Indian Army, speaking about on how they stand as a symbol of selfless service, describing their sheer commitment towards protecting the nation even under the most challenging conditions. “Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country,” he said in a post on X.
Indian troops practice shooting, army dogs watch. (PTI Photo)
Arunachal Leaders honour Indian Soldiers
In Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khadu paid tribute to the Indian Soldiers honouring their unwavering dedication and supreme sacrifices in protecting the nation, serving as a testament to the soldiers’ selfless and fearless nature.
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Army Day is celebrated on January 15 each year, in the honour of Field Marshal KM Cariappa being appointed as the inaugural commander-in-chief of the Indian Army, taking over from his British Predecessor General Sir FRR Bucher in 1949.
“In celebrating Indian Army Day, we salute the unmatched valour, unwavering dedication and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers who stand as the shield of the nation,” Khandu said in a post on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also expressed his gratitude to the soldiers. “Today, on Indian Army Day, I join the nation in expressing heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women of the Indian Army, whose courage and dedication safeguard our country every day,” Mein said.
Indian Troops in action. (PTI Photo)
Congress Leaders extend their wishes
Congress Members such as Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi extended their wishes to the soldiers. Kharge lauded the efforts of the Indian Soldiers, referring them to as the shield of the nation. “The Indian Army stands as the steadfast shield of our nation, protecting our borders across the most formidable terrains, strengthening stability during internal security challenges, and extending unflinching support during natural calamities,” he said. Former Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi also commended the army for their courageous and sacrificing nature.
