Vajra Corps marks 79th Infantry Day, pays tribute to bravehearts

The Vajra Corps on Monday commemorated the 79th Infantry Day with solemn pride and deep reverence, saluting the unflinching courage, sacrifice and dedication of the Indian Army’s valiant Infantrymen — the true defenders of the nation and the bedrock of its military strength.

Lieutenant General Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, laid a wreath at the Vajra Shaurya Sthal, Jalandhar Cantonment, in a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.

Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Chandpuria lauded the indomitable spirit of Infantrymen, urging all ranks to embrace technological advancements, remain future-ready and continue to adapt and transform to meet the challenges of evolving battlefields.

Recalling the historic significance of the day, he said that on October 27, 1947, troops of the 1st Battalion, the Sikh Regiment were airlifted to Srinagar to repel Pakistan’s invasion of Jammu and Kashmir. Their valour, determination and sense of duty safeguarded the sovereignty of newly independent India — a defining moment in the nation’s post-Independence history.

Since that historic mission, the Infantry has remained the heart and soul of the Indian Army, leading every battle, counter-insurgency operation and humanitarian mission from the front. Its unmatched tally of gallantry awards — 17 Param Vir Chakras, 70 Ashok Chakras and countless others — stands as a glowing testament to its courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.

The event saw the participation of soldiers, veterans and their families, who gathered to express gratitude, celebrate the legacy, and honour the enduring spirit of the Infantry — the Army’s steadfast “Queen of Battle.”