Jaipur: Jaipur hosted the 78th Army Day Parade in public for the first time outside a cantonment area on Thursday, marking a significant shift in how the occasion is observed. The celebrations included a wide array of events across the city, reflecting the Army’s operational readiness and its connection with the people.Defence minister Rajnath Singh attended the Shaurya Sandhya display at Sawai Man Singh Stadium in the evening, one of the highlight events of the day.
Ahead of the parade, the Indian Army celebrated Veteran’s Day across military stations and establishments with full fervour and enthusiasm. Welfare events for Veterans, Veer Naris and their families were held at stations including New Delhi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, Ranchi and Rajouri. At Jaipur Military Station, under the aegis of South Western Command, the commemorations were presided over by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.General Dwivedi attended the Army Veteran’s Day Lunch at Polo Ground, Jaipur Military Station, where he interacted with Veterans and Veer Naris, acknowledging their contributions to the Army’s legacy and the nation’s security. He also felicitated officials of the Zila Sainik Boards who have worked to resolve veterans’ issues and released Samman magazine prepared by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Women’s Welfare Association, honoured Veer Naris and Veer Matas during the event.
In his address, General Dwivedi conveyed warm greetings to Veterans, Veer Naris and their families, and paid tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. He reaffirmed that the welfare of Veterans and the families of the fallen remains a priority and an enduring obligation of the Indian Army. Highlighting the evolving character of warfare, he underlined the Army’s continued focus on modernisation, technology infusion and operational readiness, while retaining its core values of honour, courage and duty. He lauded Veterans as role models and lifelong ambassadors of the Army’s ethos and urged continued engagement with the youth and community to strengthen national unity, discipline and resilience.
“Whenever the nation called, our veterans stood firmly with the country under all circumstances,” General Dwivedi said.The Army Chief also highlighted resettlement efforts, noting that more than 17,000 veterans were provided jobs this year through the Army Welfare Placement Organisation. Referring to veterans’ contribution during Operation Sindoor, he said, “Whether it is strategic brainstorming, wargaming, red-teaming, or operational planning, your contributions exceeded expectations.”
At the Investiture Ceremony, General Dwivedi presented 10 Sena Medals for gallantry and 49 COAS Unit Citations, along with COAS Certificates of Appreciation awarded to 60 units, including 26 for Operation Sindoor, recognising the outstanding efforts of units across all Commands. Six Veteran Achievers and three civilians were also felicitated for their distinguished contributions in support of the Indian Army.The day’s events culminated in the first public Army Day Parade at Mahal Road, Jaipur, followed by the Shaurya Sandhya display, showcasing the Indian Army’s professionalism, operational preparedness and its close bond with the citizens.
BI Bureau
