On the 77th Infantry Day, Lt Gen AK Singh, GOC-in-C Southern Command, paid tribute to the valiant infantrymen who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. Gathered at the Southern Command War Memorial in Pune, the event drew both serving and veteran infantrymen, united in their reverence for those who have served in this noble branch of the military.
Infantry Day is an annual celebration, marking the historic landing of the 1st Battalion of the SIKH Regiment at Srinagar airfield on October 27, 1947. This pivotal moment thwarted the nefarious plans of Pakistani Kabaili Raiders, backed by the Pakistan Army, to occupy Jammu & Kashmir. The infantry, often referred to as the “Queen of the Battle,” has a storied history dating back to the earliest human conflicts and has continued to play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty since India’s independence.
Throughout India’s history, from the 1962 conflict with China to the wars of 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and the 1999 Kargil conflict, the infantry’s contributions have been immeasurable. They have also been instrumental in Counter Insurgency/Counter Terrorist Operations in the North and North East, as well as operations such as Op BLUE STAR, Op RAKSHAK in Punjab, Op PAWAN in Sri Lanka, and more recently, Op SNOW LEOPARD in Eastern Ladakh. These operations have consistently showcased the professionalism and unwavering commitment of the infantry, ultimately leading to their success.
In his address, Lt Gen AK Singh praised the Infantrymen for their dedication and unwavering spirit in serving under challenging circumstances. He urged all members of the Infantry to draw inspiration from the bravery of their predecessors and remain steadfast in their mission to protect their country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
