HEADQUARTERS SOUTHERN COMMAND CELEBRATES ITS 125TH RAISING DAY
Pune based Headquarters Southern Command celebrated its 125th Raising Day with usual gaiety and splendor on April 1. Southern Command, which is the oldest field Army has not only been successfully maintaining the sovereignty of its area of responsibility but has also relentlessly contributed towards nation building during this glorious journey.
Southern Command was raised on 01 April 1895, with its Headquarters in Pune. On 21 April 1942, the Command comprising of Bombay District, Deccan District, Madras District and Pune Independent Brigade Area, was re-designated as the Southern Army and shifted to Bangalore. It was once again re-designated as Southern Command and re-located at Pune on 01 July 1946. Lieutenant General Rajendra Sinhji, Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was the first Indian General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command who took over on 01 May 1948.
The Southern Command is the largest Command of the Indian Army so far as the geographical area is concerned. The area of responsibility of the Command spreads over 11 States & 4 Union Territories covering almost 41 per cent of the land mass of India. Today, its formations and units including 43 Training establishments are located at 56 Military Stations/ Cantonments.
Since inception Southern Command has been instrumental in ensuring the territorial integrity of the Nation through raw courage, grit and dedication of its soldiers, both at home and overseas. The troops of the Southern Command have taken part in various important operations to safeguard the Nation. The Command during 1947 – 48 played a key role in assisting Junagarh and Hyderabad to join the Union of India. In 1961 Goa, Daman and Diu were liberated after 450 years of Portuguese rule and brought under the Tri Colour. In 1971, in the Battle of Laungewala, our valiant soldiers showed undaunting courage to thwart the Pakistani attack. Further display of offensive spirit ensured capture of Islamgarh and Bhai Khanewala Khu in the same sector. For these Operations troops of Southern Command were bestowed with 70 Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards. From 1987 to 1990, the Command spearheaded OPERATION PAWAN in Sri Lanka. The Command showed its valour both in OPERATION VIJAY in 1999 and OPERATION PARAKRAM in 2001. The Command has proved its mettle in various Operations and has also contributed immensely in various Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions in Southern India.
On the occasion of the Raising Day a solemn wreath laying ceremony was organised at National War Memorial to pay homage to the brave sons of Southern Command who laid down their lives in service of the Nation. The final wreath during the ceremony was laid by Lieutenant General SK Saini, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command on 01 April 2019.
