New Delhi: The Indian Army celebrated its 59th Army Day on Monday, with a parade at the Cantonment grounds in the Capital.
It was on this day 57 years ago in 1949 that K M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief.
On this day, the Army hands out gallantry awards and recognises its war heroes. This year, there was a special emphasis on the fight against terrorism within civil society.
Army Chief General J J Singh described 2006 as a historic year for the Army as it emerged successful in anti-terror, humanitarian and peace-time operations and achieved progress in modernisation efforts.
"An iron fist and a velvet glove will go hand in hand. While there will be no mercy for hardcore terrorists, misguided youths will be given a chance to abdicate violence," he was quoted by PTI as saying.
The highlight of the year was the release of its sub-conventional warfare doctrine, which he said banks on the Army's vast experience and gives due consideration to human rights while striving to produce results.
The Army showcased its weaponry including indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher system Pinaka, T-72 main battle tanks, improved reporter radars, mobile-based transceiver station and mobile decontamination vehicle.
The parade, attended by Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Air chief S P Tyagi, came to a close with a fly past by seven helicopters of the Army Aviation Core in an arrow-head formation.
The dare-devil motorcycle team of the Army 'Shwet Ashw' also displayed its skills to an large gathering which included several foreign delegates and former military men.
(With inputs from PTI)
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