Jaipur, Dec 20 () Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said Army Day is a symbol of India’s glorious history, honor and national pride.
He expressed pride that Jaipur will host the 78th Army Day Parade 2026.
The Chief Minister was addressing the joint curtain-raiser program of the 78th Army Day Parade at JECRC University on Saturday.
He said that for the first time the Army Day Parade 2026 will be held outside a Military Cantonment at Mahal Road, Jagatpura in the presence of general public.
He said that this initiative will further strengthen the trust, engagement and mutual respect between the Indian Army and civilians.
The Chief Minister said that the parade will feature spectacular fly-past formations of fighter jets and helicopters, march past of soldiers and display of drone technology and modern warfare capabilities.
The Chief Minister said that during Shaurya Sandhya 2026 at the SMS Stadium, a First Day Cover will be released, families of martyrs will be honoured, traditional martial arts will be demonstrated and a grand light and sound show on ‘Operation Sindoor’ will be presented.
A special 1000-drone show will also be organized using modern technology. He further said that the ‘Know Your Army’ exhibition to be held from 8 to 12 January 2026 will provide an opportunity to the general public to have a close look at the modern weapon systems and defense technologies of the Indian Army.
The Chief Minister said that from the Indo-Pak wars of 1947-48, 1965 and 1971 to the Kargil War of 1999 and recent military operations, the Indian Army has faced every challenge with courage and determination.
Operations like Operation Parakram, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor have shown the world that the Indian Army not only responds decisively to aggression but is also the strongest protector of peace, stability and national unity.
He emphasized that Rajasthan is a land of bravery, where every particle of the soil contains stories of bravery and sacrifice.
Addressing the gathering, Army Commander of Sapta Shakti Command, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh said that the Indian Army has protected the country’s borders from mountains to deserts with unparalleled courage.
He further said that the Army has also ensured internal security by fighting terrorism and Naxalism and has continuously helped the citizens during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and storms.
During the programme, the Chief Minister honored the wife of Naik Megh Raj Singh (posthumously awarded Kirti Chakra), Havildar Ram Singh Shekhawat (posthumously awarded Sena Medal) and Lance Naik Banshidhar Yadav (posthumously awarded Sena Medal).
He also honored retired Brigadier Jeevan Rajpurohit, Subedar Arjun Singh Rathore and Havildar Madan Singh Kajla.
A short film on Army Day Parade 2026 was also shown.
Senior army officers, administrative officers, ex-servicemen, widows of martyrs, NCC cadets and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.
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AMT/DKP