Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Western Command, undertook a comprehensive visit to the Golden Arrow Division on July 19 to assess its operational preparedness, infrastructure progress, and welfare and digitization efforts.
The Golden Arrow Division, raised on October 1, 1940, at Attock, carries a distinguished legacy of service. It played a key role in the Burma and Thailand campaigns during World War II, participating in the disarmament of Japanese troops and the liberation of Allied prisoners of war. Post-Independence, it became an integral part of the Indian Army’s 7th Infantry Division.
During the visit, Lt Gen Katiyar reviewed modernization initiatives across the formation, including digitization projects aimed at boosting operational efficiency. These efforts align with Indian Army modernization goals, as recent data indicates that digital integration has improved coordination and response times by approximately 15% across formations.
A notable moment from the visit was the felicitation of Master Svarn Singh, a young boy from Ferozepur, for his association with Operation Sindoor, a border-area community engagement mission conducted by the division. While specifics remain classified, the initiative reflects the Army’s continued emphasis on local outreach and civic support along sensitive regions of the India–Pakistan border.
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Lt Gen Katiyar commended the formation’s professionalism and commitment to operational excellence. He emphasized the Army’s dual focus on maintaining high combat readiness while enhancing the welfare and morale of troops. Inspections during the visit included infrastructure development, living facilities, and ongoing projects to ensure the Golden Arrow Division remains agile and “Forever Ready” in the face of evolving security challenges.
