Infantry Day – Update (October, 2022)

The 76^th Infantry Day was celebrated by the Indian Army recently.

When is Infantry Day celebrated?

Infantry Day is observed on October 27 each year to give recognition to the contributions of Infantry – the largest fighting arm of the Indian Army.

Why is the day significant?

Infantry Day commemorates the day in 1947, when the Indian Army’s Infantry men became the first troop to land at Srinagar airport and prevent Jammu and Kashmir from being invaded by Pakistan-backed tribal invaders. Pakistan launched the military campaign after Maharaja Hari Singh of Srinagar signed the instrument of accession on October 26 and made Jammu and Kashmir a part of Indian territory. Pakistani forces were successfully defeated by first Battalion of the Sikh Regiment. During this operation, Lt. Col. Dewan Ranjit Rai from the first Sikh Regiment played a major role in stopping Pakistani invaders by preventing them from capturing the strategically important Srinagar airfield. However, he was martyred in Baramulla area of Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Col Rai was the first Commanding Officer to be killed in action in Independent India. He was bestowed with Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery.

How was the 2022 edition of the Infantry Day observed?

As part of the celebration of 2022 Infantry Day a Wreath Laying Ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in honour of Infantry men who were martyred. Bike rallies were also organized form four cardinal directions starting from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Wellington in Tamil Nadu and Shillong in Meghalaya. They were organized as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. These bike riders covered a distance of over 8,000 km in over 10 days while interacting with veer naris, veterans, NCC cadets and students en route.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2022

Category: Defence Current Affairs • Important Days & Events Current Affairs