The Indian Army’s Central Command commemorated its 62nd Raising Day today with a ceremonial celebration in Lucknow, marking over six decades of distinguished service, strategic growth, and unwavering commitment to national defense.
Re-established on May 1, 1963, following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the Central Command has evolved from being a strategic reserve to a dynamic operational force responsible for securing key frontiers along the Indo-Tibet and Indo-Nepal borders. Headquartered in Lucknow, the Command oversees military operations across eight states—Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha—making it a central pillar in the Army’s security architecture.
In a message of solidarity and pride, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Army Commander of the Eastern Command, extended warm felicitations to the personnel, veterans, and families of the Central Command. “Your dedication to operational readiness and national service reflects the finest traditions of the Indian Army,” he said, emphasizing the Command’s role in border defense and capability enhancement.
The occasion featured a visually symbolic tribute, with the Central Command’s iconic red-and-black insignia with a radiant sun displayed prominently against the Command Headquarters. Messages throughout the event echoed the Army’s ethos of “Nation First,” honoring the courage and professionalism of its personnel.
The Central Command currently commands two static formations—the Uttar Bharat Area and the Madhya Bharat Area—and is home to 18 regimental centers, as well as numerous training and logistic institutions. This extensive framework not only underlines its operational breadth but also its importance in shaping future military leadership and preparedness.
This year’s Raising Day is especially significant in light of the Indian Army’s recent strategic restructuring, including the reassignment of select units to optimize operational coverage along critical borders. Even amid these transitions, the Central Command remains a beacon of stability and strength, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in its mission.
The 62nd Raising Day thus serves as both a celebration of history and a reaffirmation of the Central Command’s ongoing role in securing the nation’s frontiers with valor, discipline, and dedication.