GOC in C, Western Command Parade & Investiture Ceremony

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command Parade & Investiture ceremony is an annual event at Delhi Cantt organized by HQ Delhi Area. The parade is unique as no such Military Parade is organized in our country at this level of participation. HQ Delhi Area organizes these events on behalf of HQ Western Command as a prelude to the forthcoming Army day parade on 15 Jan 2010 and the Republic Day Parade of 26 Jan 2010.

An impressive parade was held at Delhi Cantt showcasing the competency of the world’s second largest military in which tanks and the latest weaponry took part along with a flypast by helicopters and various regiments marching in perfect unison. Lieutenant General Shankar Ranjan Ghosh, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command reviewed the parade and extended his greetings to all Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, Other Ranks, Civilians and their families. He also exhorted all ranks to rededicate themselves to the glorious traditions of the Army for devoted and selfless service to the Nation.

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief bestowed various awards to Officers, Junior commissioned Officers and Other Ranks in recognition of their gallantry and distinguished service to the Army and the Nation. Among the 53 recipients of various awards 03 were Yudh Seva Medals, 11 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 14 Sena Medals (Distinguished) and 25 Vishist Seva Medals. Colonels Sidddharth Tiwari of the Kumaon Regiment, Naib Subedar Krishana Kumar of 16th battalion The Jat Regiment, Sepoy Sultan Singh of the JAT Regiment and Gunner Naveen Kumar of The Regiment of Artillery were decorated with the award posthumously.

The Parade also revealed the gallant and the might of Indian Army by the Malkhamb display, the eye catching Motor Cycle display by “The Tornadoes” of Army Service Corps and the grand finale of breath taking “Combat Exercise”. The Parade was open to civilians and obviously it was not only a visual carnival to all the spectators, but also the parade evoked the national spirit and motivated, inspired and attracted the young generation and school children to the Army.

The Parade was led by Lieutenant General KJS Oberoi, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Sena Medal, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. Brigadier Kuldip Singh, Vishist Seva Medal, Deputy General officer Comman ding was the parade Second-in-Command.