By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Jan 14:
The Investiture Ceremony of the Indian Army’s Southern Command was conducted at Madras Engineers Group & Centre, Bengaluru (Karnataka) with spectacular parade on Thursday and Friday.
Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Command presented the gallantry and the distinguished awards to 40 Army personnel and 24 Units of Southern Command for their outstanding contribution in various field, an official statement read.
The grand Investiture Ceremony witnessed an impressive march past by six contingents from Madras Engineers Group & Centre, Madras Regimental Centre, Bombay Engineers Group & Centre, Mahar Regimental Centre, Para Regimental Centre and Artillery centres (Nashik and Hyderabad) culminating into many major attractions such as Weapon and Equipment Display, Motor Cycle display, Combat Free Fall and Flypast by Army helicopters from Army Aviation unit.
The Army Commander during his address, congratulated all the awardees and the recipients of unit appreciation for their meritorious service and exhorted all to continue their pursuit for excellence. He also encouraged all ranks to emulate the valour, courage and the dedication displayed by the award winners to make the nation and the Indian Army proud.
Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh also highlighted the critical role of Southern Command being the oldest and the largest Command of the Indian Army covering nearly 40 % of Indian landmass and spread over nine States & three Union Territories. The Southern Command has withstood the test of time and successfully participated in numerous operations with distinction, he added.
After the presentation ceremony, he interacted with all the award winners and their families and conveyed his gratitude for their phenomenal dedication and commitment towards the service of the nation and also for their outstanding achievements in the line of duty. The Army Commander also interacted with the veteran’s present during the ceremony and expressed his appreciation for their rich legacy, tradition and the contribution rendered by them. He reaffirmed the commitment of Southern Command towards the welfare and well being of the veterans.
The Southern Command Investiture Ceremony was held at Bengaluru for the first time. Similarly the Army Day Parade 2023 will be held in Bengaluru on Sunday.
