Army Marks Infantry Day; Gen Upendra Dwivedi Pays Tribute at National War Memorial
New Delhi: The Indian Army on Monday celebrated Infantry Day with events across the country, as Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour the courage and supreme sacrifice of infantry soldiers.
The wreath-laying ceremony at the Amar Chakra was attended by senior Army officers, serving personnel, veterans, and families of martyrs, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Three decorated war veterans — Maj Ashish Sonal, Vir Chakra (Retd), a veteran of Operation Pawan (1990); Sub Maj and Hony Capt Kunwar Singh, Vir Chakra (Retd), who took part in Operation Meghdoot (1989); and Lance Naik Amrit, Vir Chakra (Retd), a participant of Operation Cactus Lily (1971) — also paid tribute on behalf of infantry veterans.
The solemn ceremony, also known as Shaurya Diwas, saw Gen Dwivedi salute the indomitable spirit, valour, and sacrifice of India’s infantry. Nationwide celebrations included the Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Memorial Seminar in Lucknow, the Shauryaveer Run, and the felicitation of Veer Naris at Delhi Cantonment.
An ‘Infantry Magazine’ showcasing the force’s modernisation, achievements, and heroic accounts was also released during the event.
Observed annually on October 27, Infantry Day commemorates the day in 1947 when Indian infantry troops were the first to land at Srinagar Airport to repel a Pakistan-backed tribal invasion — an act of extraordinary courage that safeguarded India’s territorial integrity.
The day, the ministry said, serves as a lasting reminder of the infantry’s unwavering dedication and unmatched bravery in defending the nation’s sovereignty.
