Indian Soldiers Who Became Legends.

 

Heroic Stories of Indian Soldiers

1.When Captain Vikram Batra displayed an example of valor. 

Captain Vikram Batra, was an officer of the Indian Army and was posthumously awarded with the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest and most prestigious award for valour, for his actions during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

He celebrated the capture of Point  5140, at an altitude of 17,000 feet, which was under the illegal possession of the Pakistani soldiers. Despite being fired at by heavy machine guns, Captain Batra and his men managed to destroy 2 machine gun posts. Captain Batra’s gallantry was proved when he single-handedly killed 3 enemy fighters in a dangerous combat.

He died rescuing an injured officer while leading his men on a successful assault on Point 4875.

2.When 2nd Lt. Arun Khetarpal single-handedly destroyed numerous Pakistani tanks and troops, denying Pakistan to enter the Indian soil.

During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, a bridge was constructed across Basantar river so that the soldiers could crack the enemy-mine field. But half way through, the enemy raided the bridge. The sufficiently armored Pakistan regiment, attacked the Indian troops, which were outnumbered.

Therefore, the commander of Squadron sought assistance from Arun Khetrapal. As soon as he got the message, he got into the enemy’s neck and captured many soldiers. Meanwhile, Pakistan blew India’s second tank. Arun Khetrapal single-handedly destroyed 4 tanks of Pakistan. In return, Pakistan wrecked the other two tanks, one of which was Arun Khetrapal’s. He didn’t accept defeat and continued to fight even in his flaming tank.

3.When Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey’s bravery led to India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil war.

“If death strikes before I prove my blood, I swear I will kill death.”

These were the words of Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey.

During the 1999 Kargil war, he led his troop to capture the Jubar top. During this, Pakistan continued to fire on his men. Demonstrating an act of bravery, he went ahead of his troop and fired a lot of bullets. He was wounded by bullets on the leg and shoulder.

As a part of Operation Vijay, he was asked to clear the enemy positions amidst heavy shooting. Bravely striking the 1st enemy position, he killed 2 enemies and destroyed the 2nd position by killing 2 more. While clearing 3rd, bullets injured his shoulder and legs. Undaunted, he continued to lead the assault on the 4th, which he destroyed with a grenade. At the end, a bullet penetrated hisforehead.

His daredevil act led to the capture of Khalubar.

 4.When Lieutenant Navdeep Singh displayed invincible spirit while fighting the terrorists and making an ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

After knowing about the infiltration of a group of terrorists in Jammu Kashmir on 20 August 2011, Lieutenant Navdeep Singh gauged the likely route of the terrorists and planned to lay an ambush at the appropriate spot. When the terrorists were spotted, an exchange of intense fire ensued.

Leading from the front, the officer eliminated 3 terrorists at close range. On seeing another terrorist approaching their position, with utter disregard to his personal safety, the officer swiftly changed his firing position and he got hit by a bullet on his head. He nevertheless managed to eliminate the 4th terrorist. Further displaying utmost bravery and comradeship, he pulled an injured fellow soldier to safety and kept firing till he became unconscious due to excessive blood loss.

He was posthumously conferred the highest peacetime gallantry award of India, the ‘Ashoka Chakra’ by President of India on the 63rd Republic Day.Though their acts of bravery cannot be limited to this article, but on account of Indian Army Day, let’s take a moment to salute these brave soldiers for their esteemed contributions towards the country.

5. Subedar Karam Singh

Born in Sehna village in the Sangrur District of Punjab, Karam Singh was the first non-posthumous Param Vir Chakra awardee. Singh retired from the Indian Army as Honorary Captain in 1948 and died in 1993 at the age of 77. He is also the only Indian to win the highest medals of both the British and Indian governments.

Among his several brave acts, Karam Singh is best known for his courage on 13 October, 1948, when Pakistan decided to launch a brigade attack to retake Richhmar Gali in Kashmir. The firing was so furious that it destroyed almost all the bunkers in the Indian platoon. The communication with the commander was also cut off and Singh could not update his situation or ask for reinforcements.

He was left with just one choice – to fight the enemy with whatever little army and weapons he had. The attacks had left Karam Singh severely injured but nothing could deter his spirit. He refused to evacuate the post even when the enemy got very close. When enemy soldiers came even closer, Karam Singh jumped out of his trench and stabbed two intruders to death. His brave act demoralised the enemy so much that they broke off the attack.

SURGICAL STRIKE (2016)

 

SURGICAL STRIKE

(2016)

What is Surgical Strike ?

Surgical Strike is a military attack that is carried out to damage military targets, minimal collateral damage to the surrounding and the general public infrastructure. The aim is to eliminate the target without causing collateral damage to nearby areas and civilians.

In India, the term is associated with Indian Army’s attack on militant launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India, on 29 September 2016, announced that it has conducted “surgical strikes” across the LoC in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir which inflicted "significant casualties". Media reports in India said the casualty figures in the attack ranged from 35 to 70. On the other side of the border, Pakistan rejected India’s claims. Pakistan claimed Indian Army troops did not cross the LoC and only had skirmishes along the border with the Pakistani troops. Pakistan also claimed that 8 Indian soldiers were killed and one was in their custody. India claimed one of its soldiers was in Pakistan’s custody but it was not linked to the surgical strike. India also denied any soldier getting killed during the operation.

 

The public announcement of the strike marked a change in India’s policy towards such attacks. The acknowledgment came amid scepticism and disputing accounts of the attack.

What led to the surgical strike?

On September 18, 2016, a fidayeen attack was carried out by four militants on an Indian Army base in Uri, which killed 19 Indian soldiers. India accused Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Muhammad. The Uri attack came after similar attacks in Gurdaspur and Pathankot. Indian Amry said, after the Uri attack, that the Indian side has shown considerable restraint, but it reserved the right to respond "at the time and place of our own choosing".

 

The attack

11 days after the Uri attack, the Indian government announced that it has conducted a surgical strike against suspected militants across the LoC. Lt. General Ranbir Singh, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), said it had received "very credible and specific information" about "terrorist teams" who were preparing to "carry out infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes inside Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros in other states". The Indian attack was carried out to pre-empt their infiltration plans. According to reports, the attack was ground-based and was carried out inside the 1-3 km inside the territory of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Reports also said that the attack was carried out by 3-4 teams of 70-80 soldiers from the 4th and 9th battalions of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

 

Some experts dispute whether the term surgical strike is appropriate for such types of attacks. It was also noted by many experts that similar attacks have also been carried out earlier. The difference this time was the public acknowledgment by the DGMO and the country’s top political leadership.

 

The Secretary-General of United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, said that the UN Observer Group in Pakistan Kashmir did not directly observe any "firing across the Line of Control" relating to the incident. The Indian envoy at UN during the time, Syed Akbaruddin, dismissed Secretary General’s statement. Akbaruddin said "facts on the ground do not change whether somebody acknowledges or not."

How India avenged the Uri attack ?

Nearly 10 days after the Uri attack that claimed 18 jawans, India carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists and 'those protecting them" and indicating a change of stand on the rules of engagement on the disputed line of control.

Indian DGMO Lt Gen Ranbir Singh announced that Pakistan had been informed about the strikes and that India has no intention of continuing the operations but is ready for any reaction from the Pak side. ..

Here's what happened in 4 hours, according to reports:

1. Operation begins around 12.30 am on Wednesday. According to reports, paratroopers from Special Forces were involved.

2. The commandos were airdropped at the LoC, from where they crossed over to the Pakistani side.

3. According to sources, Indian commandos entered three kilometres across the Line of Control to conduct the 'surgical strikes'

4.The strikes were carried out in Bhimber, Hotspring, Kel & Lipa sectors, on Pak's side of LoC, according to reports.

5. The location was 500 meters-2 Km across LoC, sources said

6. 7 terror launch pads were destroyed during the surgical strike

7. 38 terrorists and 2 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Indian Army surgical strikes, no Indian casualties. Those killed included terrorists, their guides and handlers

8. Helicopters were used. Mission, accor ..

 

 

Kargil War

The Truth About the Kargil War

On Vijay Diwas, which is observed on July 26 every year, glowing tributes are rightly paid to the soldiers who laid down their lives to ensure India’s victory in the historic Kargil War. But the nation also witnesses another drama of a different kind.

A lot of old Army generals, who never saw an artillery shell fall closer than two km, that too during demonstrations in firing ranges, as well as the likes of those who have seen snow only in Bollywood classics like Kashmir ki Kali and Aarzoo, emerge as great experts on TV channels. Some can even be heard yelling their lungs out. They heap praise upon themselves for ensuring India’s victory in Kargil and indulge in a lot of chest thumping from the safe confines of television studios. But the truth behind the fiasco that resulted in the loss of more than 500 Indian soldiers, and another 1,500 wounded during the war gets suppressed in the cacophony.

So, even as I salute those young men without whose bravery and sacrifice India could have never won the Kargil War, there is a dark underbelly to Kargil which must be spoken about.

The events which led to the Kargil fiasco, which I will go on to narrate in some detail in this story, are not classified. They are available as court records, information procured through RTI queries and from books published by those involved in the war, including General V.P. Malik, Major General Verma, Captain Amarinder Singh and a few others. In fact, all relied upon action reports supplied to them by General Malik, as also briefings provided at Army headquarters, in order to put together their books.

A reading of the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) report lays bare the details of how military decisions were taken at the highest levels vis-à-vis the intelligence inputs that were at hand. But the KRC report fell far short of providing the full picture.The genesis of the Kargil War can be traced back to 1984, when India took control of what is known as the highest battlefield in the world: the Siachen Glacier. We preempted Pakistan and occupied the glacier on April 13, 1984, following Operation Meghdoot. Apart from India, Siachen is strategically important for Pakistan as well as China. Thereafter, to prevent the Pakistanis from doing the same to us in the thinly held area of Kargil, a division was specially raised by the Indian Army and deployed to plug the gaps.

The Pakistani strategy, therefore, was to again create gaps in Kargil, and to raise and train enough forces from locals from their side of Kargil and the Northern Areas. Their strategy was also to replace regular troops from ground-holding roles and use the regulars for capture of areas not held by India in Kargil. For Pakistan, a total secrecy in the military build-up was to be maintained over the years.

A memorial for soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War. Photo: PTI

In the early 1990s, Indian intelligence agencies detected that Pakistan had raised 10 Northern Light Infantry (NLI) battalions. The issue was discussed in detail between Military Intelligence (Military Intelligence Directorate) and Military Operations (Military Operations Directorate). During these discussions, it was agreed that these new raisings were intended to relieve regular troops from ground holding roles but how the relieved regular troops would be used was not vigorously discussed and left at that due to the bizarre logic that we did not have enough troops to counter that.
Pakistan resorted to two steps to create gaps in Kargil again. First, they kept the Kargil Sector absolutely quiet for years. Second, they inducted terrorists into the Kashmir Valley in large numbers. As anticipated by them, our generals reacted to the infiltration by moving the division specially meant for Kargil to the Valley. Kargil was left to the Kargil Brigade, with very large gaps.

A memorial for soldiers who lost their lives during the Kargil War. Photo: PTI

Must watch video..

Navy Day..

 

                                                                 Navy Day 

Navy Day in India is celebrated on 4 December every year to recognize the achievements and role of the Indian Navy to the country. 4 December was chosen as on that day in 1971, during Operation Trident, the Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar, killing hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel.On this day, those killed in the Indo- Pakistan War of 1971 are also remembered.

During the days leading up to Navy Day, during Navy Week and the days prior to that, various events take place such as an open sea swimming competition, ships are open for visitors and school children, there is a veteran sailors lunch, performances by the Naval Symphonic Orchestra take place, an Indian Navy Inter School Quiz Competition happens, a Navy Half Marathon as well as an air display for school children and the beating retreat and tattoo ceremonies happen.

History of Indian Navy Day 

Indian Navy Day is being celebrated today to commemorate the attack carried out on the Karachi harbour by Indian Navy ships during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This day is also marked to honour the Bravehearts of the Indian Navy for their selfless service to the nation.

During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, Pakistan had launched an offensive on Indian airbases on the evening of December 3. In response to Pakistan’s attack, the 25th Missile Vessel Squadron dispatched three missile boats - Nirghat, Veer and Nipat at maximum speed towards Karachi. These missile boats carried out attacks on Pakistani vessels before midnight of December 4. In the operation known as Operation Trident, Indian Navy sank Pakistani Destroyer Khaiber, Minesweeper Muhafiz and MV Venus Challenger. It also destroyed Kiamari oil fields and killed hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel. With the brave efforts of the Indian Navy, India dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan. The best part about Operation Trident is that during this, the Indian side did not suffer any damage.

Indian Navy Day 2020: Significance and importance

This year, India is celebrating the 50th anniversary of victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. On the occasion of Indian Navy Day, the country pays homage to those Bravehearts of Navy who laid down their lives in the line of duty and those who still serve the nation selflessly. Indian Navy over the years has carried out many operations, including those for the rescue of Indian citizens. This year, Operation Samudra Setu was launched to repatriate Indian citizens from overseas by sea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Indian Navy Day 2021: Theme

The theme for Indian Navy Day 2020 is “Indian Navy Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive". India is currently grappling with COVID-19 and engaged in a standoff at the border with China. Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh on the eve of Navy Day 2020 ensured that they are ready to face challenges posed by COVID-19 and China

Indian Navy is one of the strongest maritime forces in the world. It is the seventh strongest naval force in the world with 67,252 active and 55,000 reserve personnel in service as of June 2019. Indian Navy had 150 submarines and ships and 300 aircraft till June 2019

Some interesting facts about the Indian Navy day 

 

 India celebrates Navy Day on December 4 every year to commemorate the achievements of Indian Navy and remember the valour of bravehearts who launched a naval strike on Karachi harbour during 1971's Indo-Pakistan war under Operation Trident. 

It was on this day nearly five decades ago that the Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar as part of the Operation Trident in the Indo-Pak war, killing hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel.

The Indian Navy conducted the operation on the intervening night of December 4 and 5, inflicting heavy damage on Pakistani vessels and facilities. 

The Indian side did not suffer any damage or report any casualty during the mission making Operation Trident one of the most successful operations conducted by the Indian Navy. Whereas, Pakistan lost a minesweeper, a destroyer, a cargo vessel carrying ammunition, and fuel storage tanks in Karachi.Operation Trident saw Indian Navy using anti-ship missiles for the first time in the region. INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer- the Indian Navy's three warships -- played a significant role in the attack and ensured the successful implementation of the operation.

The Indian Navy fleet entered in Pakistani waters through Gujarat's Okha Port and attacked minesweeper PNS Muhafiz, disintegrating the vessel before it could send a signal to the Pakistan Naval Headquarters (PNHQ) of Karachi.

The task group comprised three Vidyut-class missile boats — INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer from, two anti-submarine Arnala class corvettes – INS Kiltan and INS Katchall, and a fleet tanker – INS Poshak. The group was led by the Commanding Officer of the 25th Missile Boat Squadron, Commander Babru Bhan Yadav.

Several Indian Navy personnel were honoured with gallantry award for the successful operation. 

Every year, the Navy also organises a Beating Retreat ceremony at Gateway of India in Mumbai to mark Navy Day.

Navy Day 2020: Inspirational Indian Navy Quotes

• "No matter what happens, the Indian Navy won’t be found resting. They are the heroes guarding us when we sleep in peace. Thank you and Happy Navy Day."
• "From the ocean to the sand, I adore this land! I salute the men in white. Happy Indian Navy Day."
• "A good Navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace." - Theodore Roosevelt
• "The Navy is much more than a job; much more than service to country. It is a way of life. It gets in your blood." - Albert F Pratt
  
• “A country can be free if it has heroes guarding it with love for the nation in their hearts. Best wishes on Indian Navy Day”
• “We are safe because we have our Navy protecting us each and every moment. Salute to our Navy and best wishes on Indian Navy Day”
• “A country can be free if it has men guarding it with love for the nation in their hearts. Best wishes on Indian Navy Day”
• “Freedom in mind & words, Pride in our hearts, Memories in our souls, Lets salute, the nation on the Navy day!!”
• “On Indian Navy Day, let us salute all the heroes who brought us freedom and all the heroes who are protecting it” 

Indian Navy Day (2020) Video --

Army Day...

                                                                 Army Day 

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Fransis Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Fransis Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.

The motto of the Indian Army is 'service before self' and its mission is to ensure national security and national unity, defend the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and maintain peace and security within its borders.

Salute to the brave soldiers, who risk and sacrifice their lives to protect us. Even the Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965 had given the slogan i.e. "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan".

History of Indian Army Day 

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India as it is on this historic day that General KM Cariappa became the first Indian to take charge of the Indian Army in 1949. He took over from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher who was the last English commander of our nation's army. 

The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in all headquarters.On 15 January 2021, India celebrated its 73rd Indian Army Day in New Delhi. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.

While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantoment. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year. Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.In 2020, Captain Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.

Indian Army Day 2021: Significance and importance

 Every year, the Indian Army celebrates the Army Day on January 15 because on this day in 1949, the Indian Army got its first commander-in-chief. Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over as the reins of the armed force as first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India. He adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’, which means ‘Victory to India'”. India is celebrating the 73rd Army Day today. The day is celebrated each year at all Army Command headquarters in order to honour the soldiers of our country who have set the greatest example of selfless service and brotherhood. The nation also pays tribute to the valour of the bravehearts on this day while thanking them for their selfless service.Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Friday expressed gratitude to Indian soldiers, saying that their valour and sacrifices are an inspiration to many.“On the historic Army Day, we pay homage and express our gratitude to those brave soldiers, whose valour and Supreme sacrifice in line of duty inspires us to rededicate ourselves with renewed vigour,” Rawat said in a message. He added, “Your dauntless courage, indomitable spirit and unparalleled devotion to duty in the true traditions and ethos of the Indian army will continue to inspire future generations. Jai Hind!”

President Ramnath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to Army officers, ex-servicemen and their families on the occasion.

President Kovind remembered the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation and said the country will remain forever to the courageous of soldiers and their families.

Every year, the day is celebrated with different themes and ideas. Last Year, the ‘Digital Transformation of Defense’ was the Indian Army Day 2020 Theme.

This year the Indian Army has organized a marathon – Vijay Run – to “commemorate the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations of India’s resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971.”

Indian Army Day 2021: Theme

Army Day 2021: PM Modi, Prez Kovind Greet 'Strong, Brave & Resolute' Soldiers for 'Making India Proud'

Some interesting facts about the Indian Army day 

 

 New Delhi: Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year. This is marked to commemorate the day when the first Indian general took charge of the Indian Army. In 1949, KM Cariappa (later Field Marshal) took over as the commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. 

This year, the country will be celebrating its 74th Army Day. The day is observed across the country and the main parade takes place at the Cariappa Parade Ground at Delhi Cantonment. 

Cariappa replaced British commander General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher and took charge when he was just 49-years-old.

The first two chiefs of the army after the country got independence were British.

Cariappa, fondly known as Kipper served as army chief for four years, before his retirement on January 16, 1953.

During the Army Day parade, which is held at the Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment, the army chief takes the salute and inspects the parade led by the General Officer Commanding, HQs Delhi Area. The parade is also a part of the Republic Day parade.

The parade will comprise of different contingents along with a combat display of soldiers simulating action in enemy territory.

Military hardware is also displayed during the parade every year.

The army chief also confers gallantry awards to soldiers and unit citations to different battalions for their performance during operations.

Recipients of Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra also take part in the parade every year.

The army chief hosts a traditional reception at his official residence on Rajaji Marg every year. The President, Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, top officials from the forces attend the reception.

Army Day 2021: Inspirational Indian Army Quotes

• “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round." -Major Som Nath Sharma
• “There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be issued.”- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
  
• "You have never lived until You have almost died, And for those who choose to fight, Life has a special flavor, The protected will never know.” -Capt R Subramanium
• "We fight to win and win with a knockout because there are no runners up in war." -General JJ Singh
• "No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards.” -Lt. Arun Kehtarpal
• “If death strikes, before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill death.” -Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey
• ”Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail.” -Capt Manoj Kumar Pande

Indian Air force Day (2021) Video --

Air Force Day..

 Air Force Day 

Several nations with an armed forces observe an Air Force Day or Day of the Air Force as a military holiday to recognize their country's air force. These holidays often hold the same status as any military's Armed Forces Day.

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8, every year in the country. Read on to the full story to know why the day is celebrated, its history, significance and some interesting facts about the IAF.  On this day, the most crucial and vintage aircraft put up a magnificent show which is displayed in the open sky.

History of Indian Air Force Day 

Also known as ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena’, the Indian Air Force was established in the country on October 8, 1932, by the British Empire. The first operational squadron came into being in April 1933. However, it was only after the participation in World War II, that the Air Force in India came to be known as the Royal Indian Air Force.

The Air Force in India was officially raised in 1932 as the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom. Since then, the day has been celebrated every year as Indian Air Force Day.

Indian Air Force Day 2021: Significance and importance

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm and a crucial organ of the Indian armed forces which plays a vital role in the wars fought by the country. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial activities during armed conflicts within nations.The Indian Air Force has taken part in several wars since independence, including four wars with Pakistan and one with the People’s Republic of China.

Indian Air Force Day 2021: Theme

The celebrations on Indian Air Force Day are marked every year with a unique theme. Last year, the theme was “the untiring efforts and supreme sacrifices of its personnel”. Meanwhile, in 2019, the nation witnessed the theme of “know your Air Force”.

Some interesting facts about the Indian Air Force (IAF) 

 

As India commemorates Indian Air Force Day 2021, we bring to you some interesting, lesser-known facts about the IAF.

- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is ranked the fourth largest operational air force in the world. Only the US, China and Russia are ahead of India.

- The motto of the Indian Air Force is ‘Nabham Sparsham Deeptham’, which literally means ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’. Interestingly, IAF has taken its motto from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.

- The Indian Air Force employs over 1,400 aircraft and about 170,000 personnel.

- Hindon Air Force station, situated in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is the largest airbase in entire Asia. It is also the 8^th largest in the world.

- IAF has always taken part in relief operations during natural calamities in the country, including the Gujarat cyclone (1998), the tsunami (2004) and floods in North India. However, IAF made a world record while rescuing civilians stranded during the Uttarakhand flash floods. The mission was named ‘Raahat’ during which the IAF rescued about 20,000 people.

- IAF has also been an important part of various operations such as Operation Poomalai, Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and more.

- IAF even works with the United Nations in peacekeeping missions.

- IAF has included a significant number of women fighter pilots, women navigators and women officers who provide their services to the Indian Air Force. Even the Rafale fleet of the IAF has a woman fighter pilot.

Indian Air force Day (2021) Video --

Indian Navy...

    

Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star admiral, commands the navy.

The primary objective of the navy is to safeguard the nation's maritime borders, and in conjunction with other Armed Forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace. Through joint exercises, goodwill visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief, Indian Navy promotes bilateral relations between nations.

Motto :  ( शं नो वरुण ) Shaṁ No Varunah

Part of : Indian Armed Forces

Size :  67,252 active personnel, 55,000 reserve personnel, 150 ships^[(incl.auxiliaries), Approx. 300 aircrafts

Headquarters : New Delhi

Founded : 1612; 409 years ago

Commander in Chief : President Ram Nath Kovind

Notable; Commanders : Admiral S.M. Nanda, Admiral Ram dass Katari

 Logo of Indian Navy.

Headquarters : Integrrated Defence Headquarters,Ministry of Defence New Delhi.

Indian Navy ( History, Facts & Present Structure) 

Video - 

  

 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE -   http://indiannavy.nic.in/  ( To know more click here...)

GALLERY  -