The nation is celebrating the 76th Infantry Day today by paying homage to the martyrs, remembering the supreme sacrifices made by the great Indian foot soldiers, who braves harsh climatic conditions, faces sly enemies , keeps the nation’s faith alive and is the greatest motivator to the youth of India.
The Infantry Day is observed on 27 October to commemorate the contributions of Infantry, the largest fighting arm of the Indian Army. This day has a unique significance for the Nation, as it was on this day in 1947 that Infantrymen from Indian Army, led by 1 SIKH, landed at Srinagar Airfield and saved the State of J&K from a ruthless and treacherous Pakistani invasion. The Infantry since time immemorial has displayed fortitude, indomitable resoluteness and dogged determination all through its glorious history. The fighting spirit of Indian Army’s versatile ‘Infantry’ has always been appreciated by all over the world.
As part of the Infantry Day celebrations, a ‘Wreath Laying’ ceremony was held at Vijay Smarak, Fort William, Kolkata, to honour the bravehearts of the Infantry, who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Nation.Wreath laying was done by senior veterans like Lt Gen John Ranjan Mukherjee, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Lt Gen BJ Gupta,VSM, Maj Gen Ananta Bhuyan and other soldiers.Wreath laying was also done by Maj Gen DK Kushwah, AVSM,SM, Head Quarter, Eastern Command.
Like all armies the world over, infantry is the prime arm of the Indian Army. Army is the final bastion of the nation’s security and Infantry ensures its achievement. The Gorkhas, the Sikhs, the Marathas, the Rajputs, the Punjab, the Parachute Regiments, the Bihar, the Mahar, the Jat, the Kumaon, and many more have been a part of the great traditions of the Indian Army and even today give it the formidable strength.
Even in this age of hi-tech weaponry, it is the foot soldier who ultimately delivers. Guns, missiles, rockets, fighters and submarines-to name a few- only tame the adversary. Victory is established only when the Infantry soldier raises the national flag on captured territory.
Source : Indian Army
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
