In a significant visit underscoring the Indian Army’s commitment to excellence in training and honoring its fallen heroes, Lt Gen Ulhas Kirpekar, Director General Financial Planning & Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Signals, visited the 1 Signal Training Centre (STC) in Jabalpur. The visit took place on January 11, 2025.

During his visit, Lt Gen Kirpekar participated in a solemn ceremony at the war memorial where he paid tributes to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This gesture not only showcased the respect and remembrance for the fallen soldiers but also reinforced the deep-rooted values of honor and duty within the Indian Army.

Following the tribute, Lt Gen Kirpekar reviewed the training protocols at the STC, commending the center for its infrastructure development and innovative initiatives aimed at providing realistic training scenarios to the trainees. He interacted with the trainees, encouraging them to strive for professional excellence, aligning with the Army’s ongoing efforts under the banners of #YearofReforms and #YearofTechAbsorption.

The visit reflects the Indian Army’s continuous push towards operational readiness and professional development, as well as its dedication to honoring and remembering the sacrifices of its soldiers. Lt Gen Kirpekar’s engagement with the trainees and his commendation of the training centre’s initiatives underscore the Army’s focus on modernizing training methodologies and ensuring that its personnel are well-prepared for future challenges.

The Indian Army, through its South Western Command, has demonstrated its commitment to excellence in oral health care with a recent visit by Lt Gen Vineet Sharma, VSM, Director General Dental Services (DGDS) and Colonel Commandant Army Dental Corps, to the Sapta Shakti Command Military Dental Centre. During his visit on January 11, 2025, Lt Gen Sharma reviewed the infrastructure, equipment, and dental care services provided to defense personnel and their families at the centre.

The South Western Command detailed the visit, emphasizing the Army’s dedication to ensuring high standards in oral healthcare. The visit aimed to assess the current state of dental care facilities and discuss future prospects for modernization within the military dental sector.

Lt Gen Sharma also took the opportunity to engage with Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, the Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, to discuss the mechanisms of oral health care delivery. This interaction highlights the collaborative efforts within the Army to streamline and enhance healthcare services for its personnel.

The focus on dental health care is part of a broader initiative to improve the overall well-being and operational readiness of military personnel. With the increasing recognition of dental health’s impact on general health, such visits are crucial for ensuring that the armed forces maintain peak physical condition.

The commitment to dental care modernization comes at a time when the Indian Armed Forces are also pushing forward with significant procurement plans, like the acquisition of 419 Indian Multi-Role Helicopters from HAL, showcasing a unified approach to enhancing defense capabilities across various fronts, including health services.

This development reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to not only equip its forces with the latest military technology but also to ensure their health and welfare are at the forefront of its strategic planning.

The Indian Army’s Western Command conducted its Investiture Ceremony on January 10, 2025, at the Manekshaw Auditorium in New Delhi, celebrating the valor and service of its personnel. The ceremony, marked by military precision and honor, saw the Army Commander of the Western Command bestowing various awards upon distinguished soldiers for their exemplary service to the nation.

During the event, a total of four Bar to Sena Medals (Distinguished), thirteen Sena Medals (Distinguished), one Bar to Vishist Seva Medal, and thirty-five Vishist Seva Medals were awarded. These accolades recognize the exceptional bravery, dedication, and contributions of the recipients in their service to the country.

In addition to individual awards, the Golden Arrow Division was honored with the coveted Army Commanders Banner. This prestigious recognition was given for their outstanding overall performance in professional activities, sports, and adventure, reflecting the division’s high standards and commitment.

The ceremony was not only a moment of pride for the recipients but also a testament to the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice within the Indian Army. The backdrop of the Manekshaw Auditorium, named after the architect of the 1971 war victory, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, added a layer of historical significance to the proceedings.

This event underscores the Indian Army’s tradition of recognizing and celebrating the valor of its personnel, reinforcing the ethos of duty, honor, and country. The Western Command’s investiture ceremony serves as a reminder of the ongoing dedication of the Indian military to uphold the highest standards of service and bravery.

The Southern Command of the Indian Army celebrated the grandeur of military discipline and technological prowess at the Southern Command Investiture Ceremony 2025, held at the iconic BEG & Centre Parade Ground in Khadki, Pune. Presided over by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, AVSM, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Southern Command, the ceremony was a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to excellence and readiness.

The event, themed with the motto ‘जयो वधो वा संग्रामे’ (Victory or Martyrdom in Battle), showcased an impressive march past by eight distinguished contingents from various Regimental Centres of the Indian Army, demonstrating the ethos and valor that define the nation’s armed forces.

A highlight of the ceremony was the display of the Indian Army’s technological advancements, underlining its modernisation roadmap for 2025. The parade ground was abuzz with state-of-the-art military technology, including advanced weaponry, combat vehicles, and other sophisticated systems, reflecting the Army’s operational readiness and its dedication to safeguarding the nation. This display was part of the broader initiative to foster public engagement and pride in the military’s capabilities, in line with the Army Day celebrations planned for Pune later this month.

The ceremony not only honored the bravery and service of the soldiers but also showcased the Indian Army’s commitment to embracing new technologies, which is pivotal for its future operations. The event aligns with the ongoing efforts to enhance the Army’s technological footprint, as seen in the recent ‘Know Your Army Mela 2025’, which attracted over 2.65 lakh visitors and showcased indigenous defense capabilities.

Pune, known for its rich military heritage and as a hub for defense training and innovation, was chosen to host this year’s Army Day, marking a significant shift from the traditional venue in Delhi. This decision underscores the Army’s intention to engage more directly with citizens across different states, enhancing the bond between the military and the public, and inspiring a new generation to consider careers in service to the nation.

The Investiture Ceremony 2025 in Pune not only paid tribute to the city’s contributions to India’s defense forces but also set the stage for the upcoming Army Day Parade, emphasizing themes of modernisation, inclusivity, and public engagement. As the Indian Army continues to adapt and evolve, these ceremonies serve as platforms to inspire, innovate, and honor the nation’s defenders.

The Indian Army’s Surya Command successfully concluded the 28th Infantry Centre Commandants Conference (ICCC) in the historic city of Varanasi on January 9-10, 2025. The conference was a platform for brainstorming sessions focused on enhancing the training infrastructure for Agniveers, reflecting the Army’s dedication to achieving excellence across all domains.

During the event, the JAK RIF Training Centre located in Jabalpur was honored with the title of ‘Best Training Centre 2024-25’. This accolade underscores the centre’s exceptional contribution to the training and development of Agniveers. Additionally, the MARATHA LI Centre in Belgaum and 39 GTC in Varanasi were recognized as runners-up, showcasing their commendable efforts in military training.

Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Director General of Infantry, praised the 39 GTC for their professional and flawless execution of this significant annual event, emphasizing the importance of such conferences in driving forward military training initiatives.

The conference not only highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to modernization of training but also celebrated the professional achievements of various training centers, fostering a culture of excellence within the defence forces.

As part of its efforts to integrate advanced technology into combat operations, the Battle Axe Division recently conducted a Drone Handling Validation Training at Jaisalmer under the banner of #TechInfusion.

The exercise focused on assessing the operational understanding of drones and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures following their induction as critical force multipliers.

The training tested the participants’ proficiency in drone operations and their ability to adapt to evolving combat scenarios. The insights gained from this exercise will help enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of drone deployment in real-world operational settings.

This initiative underscores the division’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster battlefield capabilities, ensuring readiness to meet contemporary and future challenges.