July 1 was no lesser than a Historic Day for the Indian Army: New Leadership and a Sarhad Shauryathon and Silver Jubilee Celebration run of Kargil Vijay Divas.
New Delhi/Shimla/Leh: July 1 will go down as a significant and celebratory day for the Indian Army.
General Upendra Dwivedi assumed command as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff at Army headquarters taking over the baton from General Manoj Pande, who hanged his boots after assuming superannuation.
He met with Lt Gen PC Nair, DG Assam Rifles. COAS praised the synergy between the Indian Army and Assam Rifles and extended best wishes for future endeavors. Nair presented the Assam Rifles Annual Report 2023 on the occasion.
Alongside him, six new Commanders took charge of key Army Commands across the country, bringing fresh leadership to the force after their incumbents attained superannuation or promotion.
Adding to the day's significance, the Army celebrated the Silver Jubilee Kargil Vijay Divas with the grand *Sarhad Shauryathon* in Ladakh, the world’s highest battlefield.
This Shauryathon saw over 2,100 participants from across the nation including local men and women in Ladakh, paying tribute to the Kargil War heroes.
The marathon featured events including the 44 km Sarhad Shauryathon, the 25 km Kargil Vijay Diwas Run, the 10 km Tiger Hill Run, the 7.5 km ZoziLa War Memorial Platinum Jubilee Run, and the 4 km Future Heroes Run.
The participants including locals charged the Shauryathon with enthusiasm and patriotic fervor, reflecting the josh and high spirit of the Indian Army at the Sarhad, the remote Himalayan borders.
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, decorated with the PVSM, AVSM, SM, and VSM, assumed the role of Vice Chief of Army Staff.
Previously the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command based in Lucknow, he brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of operational dynamics on both the Western and Northern Borders to his new role.
Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, decorated with the AVSM and SM, took over the Army Training Command (#ARTRAC) in Shimla.
At Annandale, he reviewed a Military Guard of Honour and urged all ranks to continue their work with enthusiasm and dedication.
Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, recognized with the UYSM, AVSM, and YSM, assumed command of the Central Command.
He paid homage at the Smritika War Memorial in Lucknow, encouraging his troops to uphold their soldierly pride and honor.
In the Southern Command, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, awarded the AVSM, took command. At the Command War Memorial, he honored the brave hearts and stressed the importance of operational readiness and continued zeal.
Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, with the AVSM, YSM, and VSM, became the head of the Sapta Shakti Command.
At the Prerna Sthal in the Jaipur Military Station, he inspired his ranks to serve the nation with unwavering devotion and professionalism.
Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar assumed leadership of the Kharga Corps, succeeding Lt Gen Rahul R Singh.
Paying tribute at the Vijay Smarak, he motivated his troops to strive for professional excellence with zeal and fervor.
Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla took over the “Fire & Fury Corps” from Lt Gen Rashim Bali.
After honoring the brave hearts at the War Memorial, he called for relentless efforts to enhance operational effectiveness while maintaining the Army's traditions.
Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria took command of the Vajra Corps from Lt Gen Vijay B Nair.
He laid a wreath at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal to honor the fallen and urged all ranks to maintain high levels of operational readiness while contributing proactively to organizational ideals and nation-building.
This day of leadership transition and the golden jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas marked a special moment for the Indian Army, blending the celebration of past triumphs with a renewed commitment to future excellence.
