Indian Army is celebrating the 197th Gunners Day today. Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande conveyed greetings and best wishes to all ranks, veterans, and families of the regiment of artillery on the occasion.
The date 28 September has a special significance in the annals of the history of the Regiment of Artillery because 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery was raised on 28 September 1827. As this battery has been in uninterrupted service since raising, its Raising Day is celebrated as Gunners Day every year. Speaking exclusively to Akashvani, the Director General of Artillery Lt Gen Adosh Kumar said that the regiment is witnessing unprecedented transformation.
Talking about the Aatmnirbharta, the Director General said that all capabilities development plans of Artillery are based on the Make in India initiative and the mantra of Modernisation through Indigenisation. Lt Gen Adosh Kumar also talked about the historic induction of women officers in the Artillery Regiment for the first time. On this occasion, Lt Gen Adosh Kumar lauded the services rendered by the Regiment of Artillery and urged the Gunners to maintain the highest levels of operational preparedness at all times.
The Regiment of Artillery is proud of a glorious past replete with rich traditions and gallant achievements. It has acquitted itself as the battle-winning factor in every occasion whenever the integrity of our nation has been threatened. The Gunners have also won accolades for their outstanding contribution to the ongoing counter-terrorism operations. The Regiment has a glorious history of serving the nation in war and peace as well as in missions abroad and is known for its professional excellence, selfless dedication and utmost devotion to duty.
The regiment has rendered yeoman service to the nation during all the major conflicts with adversaries and during disasters and natural calamities. The regiment boasts of One Victoria Cross, One Distinguished Service Order, 15 Military Crosses during the pre-independence era & many gallantry awards and decorations, in recognition of valour and professionalism shown by gunners in the battlefield. Regiment of Artillery has been bestowed with 40 Honour Titles during both pre and post-independence eras and has produced outstanding sportsmen of international caliber, including those honoured with Two Padma Shri Awards, Seven Arjuna Awards, Two Padma Bhushan and one Padma Vibhushan Awards.
The rapidly progressing transformation of the Indian Artillery into a state-of-the-art combat force by equipping itself with modern weapon systems with greater mobility and lethality incorporating the latest technological advancements will help the Gunners in honouring their motto, “Sarvatra Izzat-O-Iqbal – Everywhere with Honour and Glory”.
