New Delhi: The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day with a grand parade in Jaipur, marking the fourth occasion the event was held outside New Delhi and the first time it took place outside an Army cantonment, in the heart of a city.
The celebrations began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Prerna Sthal, where Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi paid homage to fallen soldiers. Representatives of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy also laid wreaths in tribute.
Hosted by the South Western Command, the parade was reviewed by General Dwivedi, who also presented Sena Medals (Posthumous) for gallantry to the next of kin of five soldiers. The event, witnessed by over one lakh spectators, showcased the Army’s growing focus on indigenous, next-generation technologies and future-ready capabilities.
The march-past featured seven marching contingents and over 30 participating entities, including special Bhairav Battalion contingents, reflecting the Army’s shift towards agile and high-impact warfare. Advanced weapon systems, armoured platforms, artillery, air-defence systems, unmanned technologies and Army aviation assets were also displayed, highlighting India’s push for self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Cultural performances, military band displays and participation by the Nepal Army Band underscored strong civil-military ties and regional cooperation. Addressing the occasion, the COAS emphasised indigenisation as a strategic necessity and reiterated that technology would continue to empower the soldier, not replace him.
The Army Day celebrations will conclude with ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ later in the day, to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior dignitaries, featuring a drone show, martial arts displays and tributes to bravehearts.
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