Infantry celebrates 27 Oct each year as the Infantry Day. On this day (27 Oct 1947), 68 years ago the leading elements of the Indian Army from 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment landed in Srinagar as part force to evict the Pakistani intruders from Jammu and Kashmir which became part of the Indian Union following the signing of Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh. Their resolute defence of the city saved it from falling into the enemy hands. The gallant action of these Infantry Soldiers reversed the tide of the battle and contributed immensely towards integrating Kashmir as part of independent India.
Infantry Day 2015 was celebrated with traditional fervor on 27 Oct 15 with Wreath Laying Ceremony organised at ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’. Gen Dalbir Singh, the COAS, Senior Veterans, Colonels of Infantry Regiments and serving officers attended the Ceremony. Lt Gen GS Rawat (Retd) represented the veterans in the Wreath Laying Ceremony.
Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw Memorial Lecture was also organised at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt as part of Infantry Day celebrations. Proceedings began with welcome address by Lt Gen Sanjay Kulkarni, Director General of Infantry. Lt Gen VR Raghavan, (Retd) delivered lecture on “Old and New Wars: Structural Challenges”, highlighting changes in character and scope of wars. Distinguished Soldier Diplomat, Lt Gen SK Sinha, (Retd) spoke of his association with Field Marshal Manekshaw, with whom he had the privilege to serve. The lecture culminated with closing remarks by the COAS, and a vote of thanks by the Director General Infantry.