Army Chief Leads the Solemn Ceremony
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, started the day by placing a wreath at the Amar Chakra. This simple act spoke volumes about the respect we hold for infantry jawans who gave their lives for the country. Senior officers, active soldiers, retired veterans, and families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice stood shoulder to shoulder. It was a quiet moment that reminded us all how much we owe these heroes.
Veterans Add a Personal Touch
What made the ceremony even more special was the presence of three decorated veterans. Major Ashish Sonal, who earned the Vir Chakra during Operation PAWAN in 1990, stepped forward first. Then came Subedar Major and Honorary Captain Kunwar Singh, another Vir Chakra recipient from Operation MEGHDOOT in 1989. Finally, Lance Naik Amrit, who fought in Operation CACTUS LILY back in 1971, joined them. Each laid a wreath representing countless infantry veterans. Their actions showed that the spirit of service never retires.
Nationwide Events Bring Everyone Together
The tributes did not stop in Delhi. Across the country, units organized events to mark this important day. In Lucknow, defence experts gathered for the Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Seminar. They discussed how infantry tactics have evolved while staying true to the core values of courage and sacrifice.
Over at Delhi Cantonment, the Shauryaveer Run saw soldiers and civilians jogging side by side. It was a fun way to channel the energy of those 1947 heroes. The same venue also hosted a warm felicitation for Veer Naris, the brave widows of fallen soldiers. Giving them a moment in the spotlight felt like the least we could do.
Another highlight was the launch of a fresh issue of the Infantry Magazine. This publication dives deep into how foot soldiers are adapting to modern challenges. It also carries gripping stories of real battles, the kind that make you sit up and salute.
Why 27 October Matters So Much
Let us roll back to 1947. Pakistan backed tribal invaders were closing in on Srinagar. On 27 October, the very first Indian troops touched down at the airport. These infantry soldiers, with whatever they had, pushed back the enemy and saved Kashmir. That daring landing and the fierce battles that followed form the bedrock of Infantry Day. Every year, we pause to say thank you for that split second decision that changed history.
Think about it. No fancy tanks or aircraft at first, just boots on the ground, rifles in hand, and a fire in the heart to protect the motherland. From the icy heights of Siachen to the jungles of the northeast, infantry jawans are always the first in and the last out. They carry heavy packs, patrol tough terrain, and face danger head on, all so the rest of us can sleep peacefully.
Lessons for the Next Generation
Events like these are not just about looking back. They inspire young recruits joining the ranks today. Modern infantry is high tech with night vision, drones, and smart weapons, but the soul remains the same, selfless service and raw courage. Seminars, runs, and magazines keep that flame alive, passing stories from one generation to the next.
If you ever visit the National War Memorial, take a quiet minute at the Amar Chakra. The names etched there belong to infantry soldiers who chose duty over life. Their legacy pushes the Army to keep raising the bar, whether in counter insurgency ops or disaster relief.
So the next time you hear the crunch of boots on parade or see a soldier standing guard, remember 27 October 1947. That is the day our infantry drew a line in the snow and said, not an inch further. Shaurya Diwas is our chance to say, we have not forgotten.
From wreath laying in the capital to runs in cantonments, the 79th Infantry Day wrapped up with a clear message, the foot soldier is the backbone of the Indian Army. Here is to many more years of valor and victory.