Ambala, January 15

Sena Divas was celebrated today by II Corps at the Kharga stadium in Ambala cantonment to pay homage to Indian soldiers.Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who was the first Commander-in-Chief of an independent Indian Army, was also remembered. Wreaths were laid at the war memorial to pay tributes to the martyrs.An exhibition of Army weapons was organised in which M-72 tanks, battle field, surveillance radar, air defence system, rocket launcher, multiple barrel were exhibited. A large number of students and civilians visited the exhibition. Army day parade was also carried out. — OC

Blood donation camp on Army Day

Tribune News Service,Shimla, January 15

A blood donation camp was held here on the Ridge by the local army authorities to mark Army Day here today.The camp was organized by the ARTRAC. The Army band was also on display on the Ridge. A drawing and sketching competition for the children of all ranks of the headquarter ARTRAC was organized on the occasion.Zarina Hariz, Regional President of the Army Wives Welfare Association, was the Chief Guest. She gave away prizes to the winners of the competition.A lunch for veteran officers and war widows and a ‘barakhana’ for JCOs and other ranks was organized to foster strong bonding between the serving and retired fraternity, a tradition cherished by the Army.

Army ready for any situation on border

Tribune News Service.Jammu, January 15

The Army today said it was well-equipped, well-trained and on alert to deal with any situation on the Indo-Pak border.Responding to media queries on the sidelines of an Army Day function here this morning, Maj Gen Sanjeev Narain, General Officer Commanding of Tiger Division, said after the Pathankot airbase terror attack and with the onset of foggy weather, the Army was well equipped, well trained and on alert to deal with any situation on the border.“Foggy weather and winter are an annual feature, but the Army is well trained and well equipped to deal with any of these situations,” said the General Officer Commanding of Tiger Division.Asked if there were any intelligence inputs on intrusion bids or terror attack plans in Jammu on Republic Day, Major General Narain said the Army was alert and vigilant about the situation.On the 68th Army Day, a ceremony was organised at Balidan Stambh and Tiger War Memorial. Wreaths were placed by Maj Gen Narain. Military bugles were sounded in consonance with the military band and added to the gaiety of the ceremony.Army Day is celebrated on January 15 to pay homage to the valour and courage of brave soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in protecting and upholding the territorial integrity and sanctity of the nation.

Tributes paid to martyrs on Army Day

Tribune News Service,Jammu, January 15

The Northern Command today celebrated 68th Army Day with solemnity and gaiety all across the state.Northern Command chief Lt Gen DS Hooda paid tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the service of the nation in the Northern Command theatre. He also extended his heartiest greetings and good wishes to all ranks, veterans, civilian employees and their families, said defence spokesperson Col SD Goswami.In recognition of their distinguished and gallantry services, awards and commendation cards were announced by Lt General Hooda on the occasion, added the spokesperson.

Army donates learning aids to special kids

Tribune News Service,Srinagar, January 15

To commemorate the 68th Army Day, the Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of Chinar Corps today donated a variety of equipment for the rehabilitation of 60 specially abled Children of ‘Chotay Taray’ centre at Bagat Bazula, Srinagar.“Equipment related to physiotherapy, hot and cold weather appliances, vocational training material and learning aids were distributed among children,” a Defence spokesman said, adding that the Army in its outreach programme had initiated various events in the fulfillment of the aspiration of specially abled children.The efforts of army was widely lauded by local people and the civil administration. Arajmand Makhdoomi, president, Chotay Taray Foundation, appreciated efforts of the Army.“This uplift in the infrastructure will further help in the rehabilitation of specially abled children residing in the foundation,” he said.The Army has been taking a series of initiatives and welfare activities across the Valley to commemorate the Army Day.The Jawan and Awaam actively participated in welfare activities to honour the gallant soldiers of the Army who made supreme sacrifice for the country.