PUNE: The Indian Army has celebrated its 77th Army Day with grandeur and solemnity at the Bombay Engineers Group and Centre Parade Ground in Pune, Maharashtra. This marks the third occasion that the Army Day Parade has been held outside Delhi, following the decision to rotate the prestigious event across different parts of the country. For the Southern Command, this is the second time hosting the parade, the first being in Bangalore in 2023.
The event has been graced by several distinguished 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; and Lt Gen Pawan Chadha, General Officer Commanding, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area. Foreign dignitaries and other esteemed guests have also attended.
The parade commenced with a Wreath Laying ceremony at the Command War Memorial, where General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), paid homage to the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
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General Dwivedi, serving as the Reviewing Officer, has taken the salute during the parade. (Photo Credit: Tejasvi Pandey)
General Dwivedi, serving
PUNE: The Indian Army has celebrated its 77th Army Day with grandeur and solemnity at the Bombay Engineers Group and Centre Parade Ground in Pune, Maharashtra. This marks the third occasion that the Army Day Parade has been held outside Delhi, following the decision to rotate the prestigious event across different parts of the country. For the Southern Command, this is the second time hosting the parade, the first being in Bangalore in 2023.
The event has been graced by several distinguished 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; and Lt Gen Pawan Chadha, General Officer Commanding, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area. Foreign dignitaries and other esteemed guests have also attended.
The parade commenced with a Wreath Laying ceremony at the Command War Memorial, where General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), paid homage to the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
General Dwivedi, serving as the Reviewing Officer, has taken the salute during the parade. (Photo Credit: Tejasvi Pandey)
General Dwivedi, serving as the Reviewing Officer, has taken the salute during the parade, commanded by Major General Anurag Vij, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area. The event has been highlighted by the presentation of 52 prestigious awards, including 15 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 8 of which are posthumous, and 37 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Unit Appreciations.
In his address, General Dwivedi has extended greetings to all ranks of the Indian Army, their families, veterans, and civil defence personnel. He has emphasized the Army’s readiness to tackle challenges on the Northern and Western borders while maintaining internal security. The COAS has also highlighted initiatives like the ‘Decade of Transformation’ aimed at enhancing operational readiness and the adoption of cutting-edge technology.
Indian Army celebrates its 77th Army Day. (Photo Credit: Tejasvi Pandey)
The parade has showcased remarkable marching contingents, including the Women Agniveer Contingent and the Girl’s NCC Contingent, symbolizing inclusivity and progress. A fly-past by Sukhoi aircraft and Army helicopters has added to the spectacle.
Notable equipment displayed included the K-9 Vajra howitzer, T-90 tanks, and innovative systems like the Robotic Mule and Swathi Weapon Locating Radar. The parade has also featured tableaus highlighting the Army’s Mission Olympics, veterans’ contributions, and environmental initiatives like Net Zero Carbon Emissions.
For the first time, the Nepal Army Band has participated, symbolizing the strong cultural and military ties between India and Nepal.
The 77th Army Day Parade in Pune has not only honoured the sacrifices and achievements of the armed forces but also reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation and fostering innovation for future challenges.
Nihal Kumar
Nihal Kumar holds a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from IIMC
