Impressive contingents, awards and medals among highlights of parade

Gen Dwivedi, as the Reviewing Officer, took the salute during the spectacular parade, which was commanded by Major General Anurag Vij, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area.

For the first time, the Nepal Army Band participated in the Army Day Parade, symbolising the synergy and deep cultural bonds between the Indian and Nepali army. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)

The Indian Army celebrated its 77th Army Day with military splendor and solemnity at the Bombay Engineers Group and Centre Parade Ground in Pune on Wednesday. This marks the third occasion that the Army Day Parade was held outside Delhi, following the decision to bring this prestigious event to other parts of the country.

The parade commenced with a wreath laying ceremony at the Southern Command War Memorial, where General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, paid tribute to the brave soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Gen Dwivedi, as the Reviewing Officer, took the salute during the spectacular parade, which was commanded by Major General Anurag Vij, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area.

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The 77th Army Day Parade was marked by the presentation of 52 awards. Among the highlights were 15 Sena Medals (Gallantry), including eight posthumous awards, and 37 Chief of Army Staff Unit appreciations.

The eight impressive parade contingents included two special contingents: The Women Agniveer Contingent from the Corps of Military Police and Girl’s NCC Contingent from Maharashtra Directorate.

The parade also honoured Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and Ashok Chakra (AC), the highest military decorations. These included Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC, Sub Major Sanjay Kumar, PVC and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar, AC, who attended the event as guests.

A highlight of the Army Day Parade was the performance by the Joint Armed Forces Military Band including teams from Madras Regiment, Bombay Engineer Group, The Guards Regiment Centre, Army Service Corps, Corps of Military Police and the PARA Regimental Centre.

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For the first time, the Nepal Army Band also participated in the parade, symbolising the synergy and deep cultural bonds between the Indian and Nepali arm.

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