PIB News Update:Infantry celebrates 27th October each year as Infantry Day to commemorate the first engagement with an armed adversary post independence. In response to the threat posed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation, on this day in 1947, the leading elements of the Indian Army air landed at Srinagar and fought Pakistani tribesmen from the erstwhile North West Frontier Province gallantly.
To honour the gallant actions of the Infantry soldiers, a wreath laying ceremony is being organised at the National War Memorial. General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff and other senior generals of Infantry will pay homage to the bravehearts in a solemn ceremony. Veterans of the 1971 War involved in liberation of Bangladesh led by Brigadier VK Berry, Maha Vir Chakra, Honorary Captain Vasudevan Bhaskaran, Vir Chakra and Havildar Kachru Salve, Vir Chakra will be representing the veterans during the ceremony.
To honour the Next of Kin and disabled soldiers, ‘The Ultimate Run’ involving 1.2 Km Run/ Walk for Next of Kin, wheel chair bound disabled soldiers (assisted by Army Public School students) and ASHA School Children is being organised on 19 October. The event has received an overwhelming response with nearly 7500 participants.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Lecture is also planned at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantonment on 25 October. A Talk on ‘The Strategic Dimensions of Kashmir Issue, will be delivered by well known military analyst Mr Maroof Raza followed by release of commemorative postal stamp ‘Siachen Warrior’,to commemorate the selfless contributions of the indomitable Indian Army soldier, who participated in OPERATION MEGHDOOT.