Chandigarh, Sep 15 (IANS) The Western Command of the Indian Army on Tuesday commemorated its 80th Raising Day at Chandimandir, paying tribute to eight decades of distinguished service, valour and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation’s western frontiers.

On the solemn occasion, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, laid a wreath at the Veer Smriti War Memorial and paid homage to the fallen heroes.

General V.P. Malik, former Chief of the Army Staff, also laid a wreath and joined in paying tribute to the bravehearts whose supreme sacrifice has contributed to the command’s illustrious legacy.

The genesis of Western Command dates back to the reorganisation of the Indian Army under the Kitchener Reforms of 1905. Following Independence and the Partition, the eastern portion of the erstwhile Northern Army was reorganised as the Delhi and East Punjab Command in September 1947, which subsequently evolved into Western Command in January 1948. Since then, the command has distinguished itself in the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971, as well as in numerous subsequent operations.

More recently, during Operation Sindoor, Western Command demonstrated exemplary operational readiness, professionalism and joint synergy in the effective execution of assigned tasks along the Western Front.

This steadfast commitment was equally evident during Operation Rahat in 2025, wherein the command swiftly mobilised its resources for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, providing timely rescue, relief and support to affected communities.

Together, these operations exemplify the command’s ability to remain decisive in operations and compassionate in service, upholding its enduring legacy of valour, sacrifice and service to the nation.

The annals of Western Command bear testimony to exceptional courage, steadfast devotion to duty and supreme sacrifice. Its warriors have displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty, earning 11 Param Vir Chakras, one Ashoka Chakra and 143 Maha Vir Chakras, besides numerous other gallantry and distinguished service awards.

These honours epitomise the highest traditions of the Indian Army and continue to inspire successive generations of soldiers.

Sharing sweet memories, Chandigarh-based Wg Cdr H.S. Gill (retd) told IANS that he retired from Western Command in 1995 while being in Advance Headquarters Air Force.

“Those were the good old days,” the veteran remarked, who was posted in the Western Command in his last posting prior to his retirement in May 1995 on completion of 30 years of service in the Indian Air Force.

At that time, Advance Headquarters Air Force was part of Western Command. Over the decades, Western Command has progressively transformed into a modern, agile, technology-enabled and combat-ready force, responsive to the evolving character of warfare.

Its continued growth is underpinned by capability enhancement, technological absorption, innovation, jointmanship, realistic training, resilient infrastructure and sustained operational preparedness.

Drawing strength from its rich legacy while remaining firmly focused on future operational challenges, Western Command continues to stand resolute in the defence of the nation’s western frontiers.

–IANS

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