NE NEWS SERVICE
LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI, JAN 15
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday took a swipe at the Pakistan army’s history of meddling in the country’s politics while stressing that the Indian military’s devotion towards the constitutional values was incomparable.
Attended the Army Day celebrations during ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ in Lucknow today.
Govt’s unwavering resolve is to strengthen the Armed Forces & ensure ex-servicemen welfare:
⁰Idea of celebrating Army/Navy/Air Force Day outside Delhi is to take the country’s tradition & military… pic.twitter.com/5BFPJwVyNj— Rajnath Singh (मोदी का परिवार) (@rajnathsingh) January 15, 2024
Without naming India’s western neighbour, Singh said, “In our own neighbourhood, we can witness the disconnect between the military and their constitutional values. But the Indian military’s devotion towards the constitutional values is incomparable and recognised by all.”
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Singh’s comments came during his address at the ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ function, a combat display organised to commemorate the 76th Army Day in Lucknow.
He spoke about the Indian soldier’s unique character that is rooted in the cultural values of the country, and described “patriotism, courage, humanity and loyalty” towards the Indian constitution as the four most important qualities of a soldier.
“A soldier who protects the motherland, with the spirit of ‘Whether I live or not, my country must remain safe’, is an exemplary patriot. It is this patriotism that gives courage to the soldier,” he said.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, civil invitees and military personnel graced the event, which featured Martial Arts displays such as Kalaripayettu, Gatka, and a performance by North East Warriors.
A thrilling display by the Daredevils motorcycle team of the Indian Army as well as Tent pegging & trick riding by eight horses of the Remount Veterinary Corps also enthralled the spectators. The static display included Akash Missiles, K9 Vajra, Anti-Drone equipment, Bofors guns, artillery weapons systems and other equipment and technology used by the Indian Army. A combat free fall from 8,000 feet was carried out by 12 Indian Army personnel. Su-30 MKI, Surya Kiran aerobatic team and Advanced Light Helicopters lit up the skies during ‘Shaurya Sandhya’.
Earlier in the day, the 76th Army Day Parade was held at Thakur Sheodatt Singh Parade Ground, 11 GRRC, Lucknow. The Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the parade & presented gallantry awards. The Chief of Defence Staff and other senior military personnel attended the parade.
The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to commemorate the achievements of the first Commander in Chief of the Indian Army General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa. On this day in 1949, Gen Cariappa, who led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war, took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief and became the first Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.
Army personnel pillars of strength, resilience, lauds PM Modi
On Army Day, we honour the extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our Army personnel. Their relentless dedication in protecting our nation and upholding our sovereignty is a testament to their bravery. They are pillars of strength and resilience. pic.twitter.com/jD6FbM1Gkr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of Army personnel on the Army Day on Monday, and said they are pillars of strength and resilience.
He said on X, “On Army Day, we honour the extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our Army personnel. Their relentless dedication in protecting our nation and upholding our sovereignty is a testament to their bravery. They are pillars of strength and resilience.” The Army Day is observed in January 15 to commemorate first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army General K M Cariappa, who went on to become a Field Marshal.
