Diplomat Desk
Mathura: DD, Northern Command Investiture Ceremony was held in Mathura on 12 Feb 2025 to honour the individual acts of gallantry and distinguished services as well as to commend the efforts of the Units for their exceptional performance in the Northern Theatre.
Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, YSM VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, felicitated the officers and soldiers with gallantry and distinguished service awards, for their acts of bravery beyond the call of duty and also for their distinguished services to the Nation. A total of 38 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 05 Sena Medals (Distinguished), 02 Yudh Seva Medals and 10 Vishisht Seva Medals were awarded to the individuals. The General Officer also presented GOC-in-C Unit Appreciation to Units in recognition of their exceptional professionalism & unparalleled achievements in operations, maintenance and communications while being deployed in the Northern Theatre under adverse terrain and challenging security situation.
The GOC-in-C during his address commended the efforts of the individuals for their acts of gallantry & distinguished services and also the Units for their collective exceptional performance. He emphasised that their efforts and contributions has made the Northern Army stronger in its area of responsibility. The GOC-in-C expressed his condolences to the Veer Naris for their loss and assured them of the Army’s commitment for assisting them in their resettlement in the society. The GOC-in-C, also congratulated the family members of the award winners and further extorted all ranks to be ever vigilant and prepared for any security challenges.
Among the awardees were Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and Jawans who have displayed exceptional courage and sacrifice in the line of duty. Major Prasoon Pandey of Ladakh Scouts, risked his life to save a medical evacuation team under attack during a UN peacekeeping mission, showcasing the highest standards of bravery and selflessness. Major Laldingngheta of the Madras Regiment exhibited leadership and presence of mind despite being grievously injured thereby foiling an infiltration bid, and Captain Rohan Rabindra Hanagi an officer of the Corps of Electrical Mechanical Engineers (EME) exhibited bravery in the face of extreme adversity in Siachen Glacier that led to safe extrication of him and his men who were all buried under twenty feet snow. Similarly, Sepoy Tarachand Ranwa of Rashtriya Rifles engaged a terrorist in intense firefighting audaciously in Jammu and Kashmir, and Sepoy Muttu Sappuri of Rashtriya Rifles displayed quick thinking and raw courage in eliminating a terrorist at close quarters again in a village in Jammu and Kashmir, exemplifying the Indian Army’s commitment to protecting human life and upholding the highest standards of military professionalism. Both the Sepoys were awarded Sena Medal for Gallantry in their courageous acts. In another noteworthy effort Naik Lalhmangaihsanga Chinzah of Assam Regiment displayed camaraderie under challenging conditions to save his critically ill post commander which saved his life.
The Northern Command Investiture Ceremony is a solemn reminder of the valour and sacrifice of the soldiers and the Units in upholding the safety and security of the nation’s Northern borders. Northern Command with its ethos ‘Always in Combat’, is the most operationally active Command of the Indian Army dealing with two adversaries and also countering the menace of terrorism in the hinterland. The Command also renders aid to civil authorities when needed while ensuring peace and security in the region.
The Northern Command Investiture Ceremony-2025 at Mathura Cantt was organised in an eco-friendly manner under the theme of ‘Go Green’ with key initiatives of using recycled materials and CNG & electric vehicles as transport, exemplifying the Indian Army’s commitment to environmental sustainability.DD
