Southern Army Command celebrates its 128th Raising Day

New Delhi: The Southern Command celebrated Friday its 128th Raising Day. On the occasion of Raising Day, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was organised at Southern Command War Memorial in Pune to pay homage to the brave sons of Southern Command who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

In his message on the occasion, Lieutenant General JS Nain, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command felicitated all ranks, civilian staff, veterans and families. He also acknowledged the stellar role played by all health care workers in combating the COVID pandemic. He urged all ranks to rededicate themselves in service of the nation and continue to perform their constitutional role in a professional manner.

During its glorious journey, Southern Command, the oldest field Army, has successfully maintained the sovereignty of the area under its responsibility and has also relentlessly contributed toward nation-building.

Since its raising on 01 April 1895, the Command has been instrumental in ensuring the territorial integrity of our nation through the bravery, grit and determination of its soldiers. Troops of the Command have participated in several military operations aimed at safeguarding our nation. In the years 1947-48, the Command played a key role in annexing the erstwhile princely states of Junagarh and Hyderabad to the Union of India. Liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu from Portuguese rule took place under the behest of this Command in 1961. During the 1965 War, Command played a crucial role in Rann of Kutch. The Battle of Laungewala fought during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, saw the gallant troops of Southern Command defending the Indian territory against Pakistan's aggression. In a retaliatory offensive, the formation and units of Command captured vital enemy areas in Khokhrapar and Gadra.

For unmatching successes in these operations, troops of the Command were bestowed with 70 Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards. Apart from spearheading 'Op PAWAN' in Sri Lanka, Command also showed its valour in 'Op VIJAY' as well as 'Op PARAKRAM'. While continuously proving its mettle in various military operations, Southern Command has also contributed immensely through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions undertaken in its vast area of responsibility spread across eleven states and four union territories.

Over the years, Southern Command has emerged as a formidable fighting force. With its focus on training, the Command recently conducted Exercise Dakshin Shakti, involving more than 30,000 troops in the Desert terrain. In the past year, Southern Command also hosted many joint military training exercises with friendly foreign countries. With its focus on continuous modernisation, the Command has taken many initiatives to incorporate the latest technologies sourced from the indigenous industry.

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