Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday urged the armed forces to fine-tune their strategies, tactics, and policies to meet future challenges besides lessons learned from the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Making this assertion on the occasion of the 75th Army Day in Bengaluru, he lauded the Armed Forces for adapting to the constantly-evolving times and dealing with the challenges with poise, patience, and bravery, he exhorted them to further develop their capabilities and implement the lessons learned from the ever-evolving global security scenario, including the Ukrainian conflict.
Addressing the ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ to mark the Army Day, held outside the national capital for the first time, Rajnath said militaries across the world are actively engaged in modernisation and are working on new ideas, technologies and their organisational structure.
He urged the Indian Armed Forces to work on their strategies, tactics, and policies keeping future challenges in mind. “Every today becomes tomorrow's yesterday. Any military or organisation, which prepares itself only according to the present soon becomes old and ineffective. “It is imperative to work on tomorrow, the day after, and the next 25-30 years. This will ensure our security and prosperity. Let us together build a developed and secure India,” the defence minister said
‘Shaurya Sandhya’ was also attended Chief of Defence Staff General(CDS) Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt General BS Raju, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command Lt General Ajai Kumar Singh, other senior military personnel, families of gallantry awardees, renowned sportspersons, prominent civil personalities, personnel of paramilitary forces, police forces and other defence establishments located in Bengaluru as well as students. The defence minister began his address by wishing all the personnel on Army Day, which coincides with the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa formally took over the command of Indian Army from General Sir Francis Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949, thus becoming the first Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. Rajnath paid glowing tributes to Field Marshal KM Cariappa, saying that the first Commander-in-Chief of Independent India, who hailed from Karnataka, made a significant contribution in strengthening the Indian Army. He also paid rich tributes to a number of revolutionaries of the state, who sacrificed their lives to ensure the country’s freedom from foreign rule.
Rajnath commended the Armed Forces for ensuring the territorial integrity of the country since independence, terming their determination in dealing with challenging situations as unwavering. He said the Government’s focus has always been on developing a strong and foolproof security apparatus and it is now playing a crucial role in the progress of the nation.
He said due to the strength of its security system, India has become the fifth largest economy in the world and emerged as a preferred and reliable investment destination. In the last financial year, India recorded the highest-ever FDI inflow of $US 83.57 billion, he said.
‘Shaurya Sandhya’ commenced with a standing salute to the Chief Guest and a breath-taking fly-past by Advance Light Helicopter-WSI, Army Aviation Helicopters and Microlight Aircraft of Army Adventure Wing. It was followed by a thrilling show of equestrian sports of Tent Pegging and Six Bar Jumping.
The display of adventure activities included Army Aviation Combat Demonstration and Special Team Operations by the bravehearts of the military.
The ‘North East Warriors’ put on an awe-inspiring display of Martial Arts while the daredevil Para Troopers enthralled the gathering with Sky Diving.
The skillful and daredevil performance of the Army Service Corps Motorcycle Display team ‘Tornadoes’ was a treat to watch for the audience, while the Taekwondo team captivated one and all with their stunts.
The Para Motor display by the elite Para Troopers displayed the indomitable spirit and unflinching valour of the Armed Forces. A performance by the Military Band added to the colour of the event. After the display, the defence minister interacted with the gallantry awardees and their families and felicitated them.