By Pratyusha Mukherjee, Bengdubi, WestBengal
Officers and soldiers of the Indian Army were felicitated with gallantry and distinguished service awards for their acts of bravery on February 10 at the Eastern Command Investiture Ceremony .
The programme was held at Bengdubi Military Station near Siliguri city in the northern part of West Bengal.
Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in- Chief, Eastern Command, felicitated officers and soldiers of the Indian Army with gallantry and distinguished service awards for their acts of bravery beyond the call of duty and distinguished service to the nation. He also conferred Chief of Army Staff Certificate of Appreciation and GOC-in-C Unit Appreciations to units in recognition of their exceptional professionalism and unparalleled achievements. During the ceremony, 26 awardees including 20 Sena Medals (Gallantry), two Bar to Sena Medal (Distinguished) and four Vishisht Seva Medals were presented with medals. In addition, two Units were awarded COAS Unit Appreciation and 32 Units were awarded GOC-in-C, Eastern Command Unit appreciation.
Captain Saurabh Gupta of 12 Para (Special Force) and Major Ronish Kumar of 19 Punjab were awarded Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their exemplary achievements and bravery in the line of duty.
Congratulating the awardees, General Tiwari exhorted all ranks to give their best in all spheres and keep up the high traditions and values of the Indian Army.
A large number of military personnel, civilian dignitaries as well as school and college students and the families of the award winners attended the ceremony.
