Infantry Day: PM Modi lauds soldiers for their unwavering bravery and dedication

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Infantry Day: PM Modi Lauds Soldiers for Their Unwavering Bravery and Dedication

Analysis (UPSC Style)

1. Context & Occasion:
   • Infantry Day, observed annually on October 27, marks a defining moment in India’s military history.
   • On this day in 1947, the Indian Army’s Infantry became the first troops to land at Srinagar airport to repel Pakistan-backed tribal invaders during the first Indo-Pak war, thereby safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s territorial integrity.
2. Prime Minister’s Tribute:
   • PM Narendra Modi extended heartfelt gratitude to Infantry personnel via X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging their unwavering courage, sacrifice, and commitment to national security.
   • He hailed them as a “beacon of strength and sacrifice”, symbolising the highest ideals of valour and service.
3. Commemoration Ceremony:
   • The Indian Army celebrated Infantry Day with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.
   • General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, paid tribute at the Amar Chakra, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the Infantry soldiers.
   • The event was attended by senior Army officials, veterans, serving personnel, and families of martyrs.
4. Honouring War Veterans:
   • Three decorated veterans laid wreaths on behalf of Infantrymen, representing operations across decades:
     • Major Ashish Sonal, Vir Chakra (Retd) – Operation PAWAN (1990).
     • Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Kunwar Singh, Vir Chakra (Retd) – Operation MEGHDOOT (1989).
     • Lance Naik Amrit, Vir Chakra (Retd) – Operation CACTUS LILY (1971).
   • Their participation symbolised the enduring legacy of courage and selfless service across generations.
5. Nationwide Celebrations:
   • Events were organised across India, including:
     • Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa Memorial Seminar in Lucknow.
     • Shauryaveer Run and Felicitation of Veer Naris at Delhi Cantonment.
     • Release of the ‘Infantry Magazine’, highlighting capability development and heroic sagas.
6. Significance:
   • Infantry Day is also known as Shaurya Diwas, reflecting the spirit of valour and commitment to national defence.
   • It reinforces the vital role of the Infantry as the backbone of the Indian Army, upholding national unity and sovereignty since Independence.

Static Information (from context)

• Infantry Day: Observed annually on 27 October to commemorate the Indian Army Infantry’s landing in Srinagar (1947) during the first Indo-Pak war.
• Operation Context (1947): Marked India’s first military response to external aggression post-Independence.
• Chief of Army Staff (2025): General Upendra Dwivedi.
• National War Memorial: Located in New Delhi, dedicated to soldiers who laid down their lives post-Independence.
• Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa: First Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after Independence (1949)
  
  Updated - 27 Oct 2025 ; 6: 30 PM | DD News