The Central Command Investiture Ceremony 2025 took place at the Uttar Bharat Area, Bareilly, on 16 February 2025, honoring the valor and contributions of the Indian Army’s finest personnel and units.

The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Surya Command, who felicitated the bravehearts, distinguished personnel, and units for their outstanding contributions in service of the nation and the organization.

Recognition of Excellence: Surya Trophies Awarded

During the event, the Army Commander presented nine prestigious Surya Trophies to various units and establishments for their significant achievements, particularly in:

• Medical Care for Serving Personnel and Veterans: Acknowledging efforts to enhance healthcare services and support for soldiers and ex-servicemen.
• ‘Clean and Green’ Initiatives: Recognizing contributions toward environmental sustainability and ecological preservation within military establishments.

Honoring Dedication and Inspiring Service

Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, while addressing the gathering, applauded the awardees for their remarkable accomplishments. He emphasized that their dedication, professionalism, and selfless service should inspire others to continue striving for excellence with unwavering devotion and commitment.

The Investiture Ceremony, a tradition of the Central Command also known as Surya Command, reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence, fostering pride, and motivating soldiers to continue their legacy of courage and service.

A Tribute to Valor and Service

The event concluded with a tribute to all soldiers who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, service beyond the call of duty, and contributions to nation-building initiatives, reinforcing the core values of the Indian Army – Service Before Self.

The Surya Command continues to lead the way in operational excellence, welfare initiatives, and environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

New Delhi, February 16, 2025 – In a recent visit that underscores the dedication and commitment of the Indian Army’s medical services, Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, AVSM, VSM, DGMS (Army) & Senior Colonel Commandant, inspected forward medical echelons of Dao Division and Spear Head Healers in the Eastern Sector on February 15, 2025.

During her visit, Lt Gen Nair expressed her appreciation for the high-quality combat medical support provided by the teams. She lauded the skill and technological advancements exhibited by the medical personnel, highlighting the critical role they play in ensuring the well-being of soldiers in challenging environments.

Lt Gen Nair’s visit was not only a morale booster for the medical teams but also an opportunity for her to witness firsthand the operational readiness and the innovative approaches being employed in combat medical care.

In addition to her professional engagements, Lt Gen Nair also took time to pay her respects at the Walong War Memorial. Here, she honored the fallen heroes of the Battle of Walong, acknowledging their supreme sacrifice for the nation. The Walong War Memorial, recently renovated, stands as a testament to the valor of those who fought in the 1962 war with China.

This visit by Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, who became the first woman to hold the position of Director General Medical Services (Army) in August 2024, signifies a landmark in military history, showcasing the increasing role of women in leadership positions within the armed forces.

Her inspection and homage-paying visit were shared on DGAFMS-MoD, with tags to various military and governmental bodies, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and the recognition of the efforts by the medical teams in the Eastern Sector.

In a significant leap towards modern warfare preparedness, the Panther Gunners have spearheaded the establishment of a cutting-edge Drone Warfare Node, designed to train personnel from Artillery, Infantry, and Punjab Police in advanced drone operations and precision strikes. This initiative underscores the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to integrating emerging technologies into battlefield tactics.

A Hub for Advanced Drone Warfare Training

The newly established Drone Warfare Node features:

• Advanced Drone Simulators: Providing real-time, virtual combat experiences to hone precision and tactical decision-making skills.
• Tactical Obstacle Courses: Designed to simulate battlefield environments, enabling trainees to navigate complex terrains and execute drone-based operations under simulated combat stress.
• Live Battlefield Scenarios: Offering realistic, mission-based training to enhance coordination between drone operators and ground forces.

The comprehensive training program equips participants with the skills required to effectively utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes.

Multi-Force Collaboration: Artillery, Infantry, and Punjab Police

This joint training initiative brings together personnel from:

• Artillery and Infantry Regiments, leveraging their expertise in precision targeting and ground combat operations.
• Punjab Police, enhancing their capabilities for counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics operations, and border security using drone technology.

The collaboration aims to promote inter-agency synergy, enabling seamless coordination in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios.

Empowering Modern Warriors with Next-Gen Skills

The training program focuses on:

• Drone Piloting Techniques: From take-off to advanced aerial maneuvers.
• Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Using real-time aerial imagery to gather intelligence.
• Drone Swarm Tactics: Simulating coordinated drone attacks for maximum impact.
• Counter-Drone Operations: Developing techniques to detect and neutralize hostile drones.

Preparing for Future Conflicts

With drones becoming a critical component of modern warfare, from border surveillance to tactical strikes, this initiative ensures that Indian forces remain future-ready. The Panther Gunners, known for their expertise in artillery warfare, are now at the forefront of embracing and integrating next-generation technologies into their combat doctrine.

This pioneering effort not only enhances the combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces but also strengthens civil-military cooperation, ensuring that state law enforcement agencies like the Punjab Police are equipped to tackle emerging security challenges effectively.

The Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan debuted in a new format today, marking a significant update to this iconic military tradition. The inaugural show took place at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, witnessed by President Droupadi Murmu, who graced the occasion with her presence.

The revamped ceremony will now be held every Saturday and, starting from February 22, 2025, it will be open to a larger number of visitors, offering the public a chance to experience this majestic military tradition against the grand backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A Spectacle of Military Precision and Tradition

The new format promises an expanded and more captivating experience, with:

• Military drills performed by the elite troops and horses of the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
• Precision formations by the troops of the Ceremonial Guard Battalion, showcasing military discipline and valor.
• An impressive performance by the Ceremonial Military Brass Band, adding grandeur with traditional martial tunes.

The drills and performances will now be spread over a larger area, ensuring an immersive experience for the audience.

Public Participation and Online Booking

Visitors eager to witness this spectacular ceremony can attend it every Saturday, beginning from February 22, 2025. The event is expected to become a major cultural and patriotic attraction for both domestic and international visitors.

Bookings for the ceremony can be made through the official website:
👉 https://visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in

A Tradition of Pride and Valor

The Change of Guard Ceremony is a traditional military practice that symbolizes the formal handing over of security duties from one group of guards to another. This ceremony, steeped in military heritage, reflects the dignity and discipline of the Indian Armed Forces and has been a regular feature at Rashtrapati Bhavan, drawing admiration from visitors worldwide.

President Droupadi Murmu Commends the New Format

President Droupadi Murmu, who personally witnessed the inaugural show, expressed her appreciation for the impeccable military discipline and the splendid coordination displayed by the participating units. She also emphasized the importance of such ceremonies in instilling patriotic pride and showcasing the heritage of the Indian Armed Forces to the public.

An Invitation to Experience Military Grandeur

With the public opening of the ceremony, Rashtrapati Bhavan invites citizens to be a part of this awe-inspiring event that blends tradition, military excellence, and national pride. The redesigned format ensures a memorable experience for all attendees.

In a proud moment for the Indian military, the Honourable Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, presented the Governor’s Unit Citation to several distinguished units for their exceptional service in maintaining peace and security in the region. The ceremony, held at Raj Bhawan, Imphal, honored 46 Assam Rifles, 19 Assam Rifles, 8 Assam Rifles, 5 SIKH, and 165 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) on Sunday.

Governor Bhalla, who took oath as the 19th Governor of Manipur on January 3, 2025, after serving as the Union Home Secretary, expressed his admiration for the dedication and patriotism shown by these units. “Their service exemplifies the true spirit of sacrifice and commitment to our nation’s peace,” he remarked during the ceremony.

The event was marked by the presentation of citations, which were handed over in a formal investiture ceremony attended by high-ranking officials and military personnel. The backdrop of the ceremony featured the emblem of India, signifying the national importance of the event.

The Assam Rifles, with a rich history dating back to the British era, were recognized for their longstanding role in border security and counter-insurgency operations in Northeast India. Originally formed to protect settlements, their evolution into a pivotal force in maintaining regional stability was highlighted in this ceremony.

The Sikh Regiment, known as the most decorated regiment in the Indian Army, received accolades for its valor and service. With origins tracing back to 1846, the regiment has a legacy of participating in numerous international conflicts and wars, showcasing their bravery and commitment.

The ceremony not only celebrated the contributions of these units but also served as a reminder of the continuous efforts of the Indian military in ensuring peace, especially in sensitive areas like Manipur. Social media reactions from the public, including congratulations and expressions of gratitude, further highlighted the community’s appreciation for the military’s service.

This event underscores the unity between civilian governance and military forces in promoting peace and security, a vital aspect of Manipur’s development and stability.