In a ceremony filled with military grandeur, HQ Southern Command held its Investiture Ceremony at the Bipin Rawat Auditorium, RSAMI, Pune. The event acknowledged the exemplary efforts of 35 individuals and 29 units within the Southern Command, celebrating their unwavering commitment, bravery, and dedication to the service of the nation.
Leading up to the ceremony, on February 28, 2024, a cultural show at RSAMI, Pune set the tone for the awardees and veterans participating in the event. The Symphony band, comprising musicians from the Bombay Engineer Group & Centre, Guard Regimental Centre, and PARA Regimental Training Centre, played martial music. The special performances, including a rendition of Indian classical music and a dance performance by Mrs. Arundhati Patwardhan, captivated the audience.
On February 29, 2024, Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, presided over the investiture ceremony. The awards included 13 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 08 Sena Medals (Distinguished), 02 Yudh Seva Medals, 13 Vishist Seva Medals, 27 General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Appreciations, and 02 Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciations.
Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, in his address, congratulated all the awardees and unit citation recipients. He encouraged all ranks to emulate the award winners and contribute their best to the collective goals of the Indian Army. The Army Commander praised the outstanding achievements of the Southern Command and its units deployed across peninsular India, applauding every individual’s efforts in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Southern Command and the Indian Army.
