Shaurya Diwas celebrated in Srinagar

Tags: place in news Defence

The Defence ministry organised the ‘Shaurya Diwas’ celebrations in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) on October 27, 2022 to commemorate the 75th year of air landed operations of the Indian Army at Budgam Airport in 1947. 

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the Chief Guest at the Shaurya Diwas’ celebrations. The event was organised as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Background to the Day 

On October 27, 1947, the Indian Army was air-lifted by the Indian Air Force and landed at the Budgam Airport to evict the Pakistani backed Tribal invaders from J&K, a day after the ‘Instrument of Accession’ was signed between Maharaja Hari Singh and the Republic of India.

Infantry Day 

27th October is also observed by the Indian Army as ‘Infantry Day’.  It was on this day in 1947 that Infantry-men from the Indian Army became the first troops to land at Srinagar airport.

Speaking on the occasion Rajnath Singh paid rich tribute to the courage and valour of the first Param Vir Chakra recipient, Major Somnath Sharma, who despite being injured led a company & saved the Srinagar airfield. This enabled the Indian to land its forces in Jammu and Kashmir and saved the state from falling into Pakistan’s hand. 

He also paid glowing tributes to the bravery of other Gallantry award winners such as Brigadier Rajinder Singh and Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai, who gave away their lives to protect the motherland.