Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Indian Army celebrated its 68th Army Day with great enthusiasm today.
General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the parade at Army Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment and awarded fifteen Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of gallantry and thirteen COAS Unit Citations for commendable performance of their .respective.units.
Every year Indian Army celebrates 15th January as ‘Army Day’ to commemorate the day when General (later Field Marshal) KM Carriappa took over the command of Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army post Independence.
On the occasion of Army Day, an impressive parade was organised at Army Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, where Army contingents including seven Mechanised (T-90 Tank, BMP II, Brahmos Missile System, Akash Missile System, Smerch Multi Barrel rocket launchers, Troop Level Radar and Integrated Communication Electronic Warfare System) and nine marching contingents participated. The marching contingents also included an Army Dog Contingent wherein the dogs and their trainers marched in unison past the saluting dias. The Army Dogs are utilized for specialist jobs like explosive detection, tracking, guarding and assaulting. Tableaux of Indian Army as also of the Veterans depicted their role and contributions towards the nation. Motorcycle display by the Army daredevils was the other attraction during the parade.
Earlier in the day, wreaths were laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate by the three service chiefs to commemorate the Army Day.
Meawhile, Army on the solemn occasion, organized a brief function at Balidan Stambh Jammu, Tiger War Memorial. Wreaths were placed at eternal flame by Major General Sanjeev Narain, General Officer Commanding, 26 Infantry Division. The Military Bugles sounded in consonance with the military band and added to the gaiety of the ceremony.
Keeping idea of “empowerment through awareness” Jhangar battalion of Nowshera Brigade under Ace of Spade Division organised a “ weapon and equipment display” for the children and youth of the area. The event was organised on as part of Army Day. The event highlighted the role of Indian Army and the brave civilians of the villages close to line of control in conflicts with our adversaries in 1947-48, 1965 and 1971.
Rashtriya Rifles battalions under the aegis of Counter Insurgency Uniform Force Headquarters, Reasi celebrated the Army Day with great enthusiasm at Talwara, Kalakote, Lam, Samote and Bagga.
To commemorate the event, various functions like ‘know your Army, weapon display, Medical camps and screening of movies on National integration’ were organised at various locations. People from all walks of life attended the events including students, veterans and officials from the civil administration. The Medical camp at Lam was attended by 378 patients including women and children from remote areas. Doctors and nursing assistants from the Army and the civil administration provided free Medical treatment on the occasion including free distribution of medicines.
The weapon display and know your Army events at Talwara and Kalakote drew large crowd of students and the youth. Lectures and motivational talks were also conducted for them on the occasion including guidance on preparations and procedure to appear for entry to NDA, IMA and OTA.
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