In a solemn and dignified ceremony, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, paid homage to the nation’s fallen soldiers at the Dhruva War Memorial in Udhampur as he marked his superannuation and relinquished command.
The event was a poignant tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. Lt Gen Kumar laid a wreath at the memorial, a powerful symbol of respect, gratitude, and remembrance. The ceremony was attended by senior military officials and personnel who stood in salute, underscoring the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to honoring its martyrs.
The Dhruva War Memorial, set within the picturesque grounds of the Northern Command headquarters, was adorned with marigold garlands and surrounded by manicured gardens. The centerpiece mural depicting soldiers in action—topped with the inscription “Batra Top”—served as a fitting backdrop for the event, encapsulating the valor and dedication of Indian soldiers.
Lt Gen Kumar assumed command of the Northern Command on February 19, 2024, following his tenure as the 45th Vice Chief of the Army Staff and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). His leadership over the past year has been marked by a sharp focus on operational preparedness and troop morale across the strategically sensitive northern frontiers, including Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the attending personnel in front of the memorial, reflecting the unity, camaraderie, and shared sense of duty within the armed forces. The farewell tribute was widely lauded within the military community for its solemnity and deep sense of respect.
As Lt Gen Kumar steps into retirement, his departure is marked not just by personal accolades, but by a reaffirmation of the Army’s enduring traditions—saluting the past, honoring sacrifice, and upholding the legacy of service to the nation.
