Pune (Maharashtra), Jan 15 ( UNI) The Indian Army on Wednesday celebrated its 77th Army Day at the Bombay Engineers Group and Centre Parade Ground here.

This marks the third occasion that the Army Day Parade was held outside Delhi, following the decision to bring this prestigious event to other parts of the country.

For the Southern Command, this is the second time the parade has been hosted under its aegis, the first being in Bengaluru in 2023.

The parade commenced with a Wreath Laying ceremony at the Command War Memorial, where General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

The event was attended by various military and civil dignitaries, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lt Gen Pawan Chadha, General Officer Commanding, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area, among other esteemed guests, including foreign dignitaries.

General Upendra Dwivedi, as the Reviewing Officer, took the salute during the spectacular parade, which was commanded by Major General Anurag Vij, General Officer Commanding, Dhakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area, a Defence release said .

The 77th Army Day Parade was marked by the presentation of 52 prestigious awards. Among the highlights were 15 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including 8 posthumous awards, and 37 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Unit Appreciations, which recognised the outstanding efforts of units across the command. These accolades honoured the courage, dedication and exemplary service of personnel who continue to serve the nation with distinction.

In his address to the troops, General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS extended his heartfelt greetings to all ranks of the Indian Army, their families, veterans, war widows and civil defence personnel. He paid tributes to those brave souls who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation’s defence and assured their families that their well-being remains a priority.

The COAS highlighted that this year, the Army Day Parade in Pune holds significant historical value, symbolising the rich military heritage of the region. He expressed pride in the dedication of soldiers who continue to serve with commitment, whether in securing borders, performing disaster relief, or maintaining peace in challenging environments.

General Dwivedi assured that the army remains fully prepared for any situation on the Northern and Western borders, with ongoing improvements in critical infrastructure. He also emphasised that in internal security, the forces continue to bring stability across India, contributing to a safer and stronger nation.

The COAS mentioned that as India moves towards becoming a 'Developed India', the role of the Indian Army remains pivotal. General Dwivedi further stated that the 'Decade of Transformation' initiative aims to enhance operational readiness, efficiency, and the adoption of technology.

He reiterated the Army's commitment to empowering women and supporting the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families. General Dwivedi expressed gratitude to the Indian Navy and Air Force for their invaluable support and assured the nation that the Indian Army, backed by the trust of the people, remains ready to face any challenge.

He concluded by stating that, together, the nation is advancing towards the goal of a strong and prosperous India.

UNI SP CS1622