Military Grandeur in Pune: Southern Command Awards 35 Individuals and 29 Army Units for Valor And Outstanding Service

Pune, 29th February 2024: The HQ Southern Command hosted a solemn Investiture Ceremony at the Bipin Rawat Auditorium, RSAMI, Pune, where 35 individuals and 29 Unit Appreciations were conferred upon Army personnel and units of the Southern Command for their outstanding display of courage, valor, and dedication in service to the Motherland.

Leading up to the event on February 28, a cultural show was organized at RSAMI, Pune, for awardees and veterans participating in the Investiture Ceremony. The Symphony band, comprising bands of the Bombay Engineer Group & Centre, Guard Regimental Centre, and PARA Regimental Training Centre, played martial music. The band members delivered a special performance featuring Indian classical music Rags. A captivating dance performance by Mrs. Arundhati Patwardhan enthralled the audience.

On February 29, Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, presided over the investiture ceremony. A total of 13 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 08 Sena Medals (Distinguished), 02 Yudh Seva Medals, 13 Vishist Seva Medals, 27 General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Appreciations, and 02 Chief of Army Staff Unit Appreciations were awarded during the ceremony.

As per tradition, the investiture ceremony is held once a year to confer various awards to individuals and units who have distinguished themselves through acts of gallantry and exceptional devotion to duty. Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, in his address, congratulated all the awardees and recipients of unit citations, urging all ranks to emulate the award winners and contribute their best to the collective goals of the Indian Army.

The Army Commander highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Southern Command and its deployed units across peninsular India. He commended the efforts of every individual in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Southern Command and the Indian Army.