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Indian Army Celebrates 199th Gunners' Day
What’s the News?
- The Regiment of Artillery of the Indian Army celebrated its 199th Gunners' Day on September 28.
- The day commemorates the raising of the first Indian artillery unit in 1827.
- A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, led by the Director General of Artillery, to pay tribute to the gunners who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
History and Significance
Gunners' Day holds deep historical importance for the Indian Army, marking the foundation and evolution of its formidable artillery arm.
- Historical Origin: The day is celebrated on September 28 to mark the date in 1827 when the first Indian artillery unit, the 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery, was raised.
- Significance:
- It honours the immense contribution, valour, and professionalism of the gunners in all major military operations.
- The Regiment's motto is “Sarvatra Izzat-O-Iqbal”, which translates to “Everywhere with Honour and Glory”.
Additional Info
- Regiment of Artillery:
- It is the second-largest arm of the Indian Army and is often referred to as the “Arm of Decision” due to its capability to deliver overwhelming firepower.
- Popularly known as the "Gods of War", the Regiment has played a decisive role in every conflict involving India, most notably during the Kargil Conflict (Operation Vijay), where its precision strikes were critical to victory.
- Modernization and Key Equipment:
- The Regiment is undergoing significant modernization to enhance its combat capabilities.
- Key artillery systems in service include:
- Dhanush: An indigenously developed 155mm towed howitzer.
- K9-Vajra: A 155mm self-propelled howitzer produced in India with South Korean collaboration.
- M777: Ultra-Light Howitzers procured from the USA, ideal for mountainous terrain.
- Pinaka: An indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system.