In a solemn and grand display of military tradition, the Southern Command held its esteemed Investiture Ceremony at the iconic Bombay Engineers Parade Ground, Khadki, Pune. This distinguished event recognised the exceptional courage, valour, and unwavering dedication of Army personnel and units, with 34 individual awards and 27 Unit Appreciations presented in tribute to their remarkable service to the Nation, stated a press release.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command, presided over the ceremony. The event was a momentous occasion, marked by the presentation of prestigious awards, including 08 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 09 Sena Medals (Distinguished), 14 Vishist Seva Medals, 02 Vishist Seva Medals and Bar, One Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and 27 General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Unit Appreciations, recognizing the outstanding efforts of units across the command.

In a moving gesture of recognition, the Army Commander also felicitated several distinguished veterans for their remarkable post-retirement contributions in various fields. These individuals, having continued their service to the nation after retiring from active duty, were honoured for their selfless dedication to societal welfare.

Among the honored veterans was Colonel (Dr) Ratan Mukherjee (Retd), Director of the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), recognized for his exceptional work in improving the lives of soldiers with disabilities. Lieutenant Colonel Monish Ahuja (Retd) was celebrated for his contributions to renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental causes, as well as her tireless pursuit of social initiatives. Captain CM Chitale (Retd) was acknowledged for his significant efforts in assisting Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in their post-retirement resettlement and career-building.

Other awardees included Subedar (Honorary Captain) Amsiddha Bhise (Retd), a 1971 war veteran, who was lauded for his work in supporting Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and war widows, particularly through government schemes and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Havildar Bajrang Nimbalkar (Retd) was recognized for his commitment to the welfare of ESM and Veernaris, particularly in securing employment opportunities and facilitating resettlement.

The Investiture Parade, held at the BEG Centre in Khadki, also featured a spectacular display of military precision, discipline, and national pride. The parade included an impressive march past with eight distinguished marching contingents from various Regimental Centres of the Indian Army. The event also showcased the Indian Army’s technical prowess, featuring advanced weaponry, combat vehicles, and cutting-edge technology.

Four tableaus were also displayed, each representing a significant facet of the Indian Army’s contributions to national defense and development. These included themes such as the Army's Mission Olympics initiative, the vital role of veterans in nation-building, the commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions, and the technological advancements shaping the modern Indian Army.

This year’s Investiture Parade was particularly special, coinciding with the Army Day Parade being held in Pune for the first time ever. This offered the public a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the innovations and technological advancements that are driving military operations. Notable displays included Robotic Mules, a quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle designed for reconnaissance and perimeter security, and the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, a sophisticated system capable of precisely tracking hostile artillery and enabling effective counterfire.

The Army Commander also acknowledged the exceptional achievements of the Southern Command and its units, deployed across the length and breadth of peninsular India. He lauded the efforts of every individual that has contributed significantly to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Southern Command and, by extension, the Indian Army.