Walkathon, cultural items mark platinum jubilee of Vajra Corps

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, March 1

Vajra Corps, the first Corps raised after Independence on March 1, 1950, celebrated its platinum jubilee at Jalandhar Cantonment on Sunday.

As part of the celebrations, many events, including cycling expedition, walkathon, blood donation camp, cultural programmes and light and sound show, depicting the illustrious journey of Vajra Corps, were organised from February 26 to March 1.

Raised by Lt Gen Kulwant Singh in Ambala, the Corps was shifted to Jalandhar in July 1951. Since then, the saga of the Corps is replete with acts of exceptional valour, courage and sacrifices epitomised in various battles fought along the Western Front.

From the graveyard of Patton tanks at Asal Uttar to the ruins of Barki and Dograi, numerous acts of individual and collective bravery, gallant sacrifices and inspiring leadership ensured that Vajra Corps played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the nation.

The sacrifice of CQMH Abdul Hamid, Major Asa Ram Tyagi, Lieutenant Colonel Satish Chandra Joshi, Lance Naik Shangara Singh and many other bravehearts have inspired the generations of Vajra warriors.

Officials said as many as 1,832 soldiers had laid their lives in upholding the territorial integrity of the motherland.

On the historic occasion, Lt Gen Sanjeev Sharma, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, former Corps commanders, veterans and gallantry award winners participated in a wreath-laying ceremony held at Vajra Shaurya Sthal to pay homage to the brave martyrs.

Corps Commander on behalf of all ranks of Vajra Corps assured that the Vajra warriors would continue to perform their duties as the ‘Defenders of Punjab’ both in peace and war with sincerity and resolve.