New Delhi: The historic Regiment of Artillery marked its 200th Raising Day on Monday, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the unit and said the Gunners have distinguished themselves through courage, precision and unwavering commitment across generations, while remaining a “formidable pillar” of India’s combat prowess.
The Indian Army and the force’s chief, Gen Dhiraj Seth also extended his greetings to serving personnel and veterans of the Regiment, and said, with precision, firepower and an unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment, the Gunners “remain a formidable force on the battlefield”, serving with pride and upholding the motto of ‘Sarvatra Izzat-O-Iqbal’.
September 28 has a special significance in the annals of the history of the Regiment of Artillery as the first Indian Artillery unit, 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery equipped with 2.5 inch RML Gun, was raised on this momentous day in 1827.
The Regiment celebrates the occasion every year as Gunners Day on September 28.
The Regiment of Artillery proved its mettle also during the operations of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999.
After the 1999 Kargil conflict, the artillery has acquired further prominence, and with its vast array of weapons, it is acknowledged as a significant “Arm of Decision”, the defence ministry had said earlier.
Defence Minister Singh in a post on X said the Gunners have distinguished themselves through courage, precision and unwavering commitment across generations, “remaining a formidable pillar of India’s combat power”.
“As the Regiment embraces modern technologies and evolving capabilities, I am confident that it will continue to uphold its proud legacy and contribute decisively towards a stronger and future-ready India. My best wishes to the entire Gunner fraternity. #IndianArmy,” he said.
The Regiment of Artillery constitutes a formidable operational arm of the Indian Army.
The Army has said that its high standards of training and promise to deliver at any place, any time with devastating effects, is fittingly encapsulates in its motto — ‘Sarvatra Izzat-O-Iqbal’.
“On the occasion of #GunnersDay, #GeneralDhirajSeth, #COAS and All Ranks of #IndianArmy extend warm greetings and best wishes to All Ranks, #Veterans and Families of the #RegimentofArtillery. With precision, firepower and an unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment, the Gunners remain a formidable force on the battlefield, serving with pride and upholding the motto of Sarvatra Izzat-O-Iqbal. #GunnersDay,” the force posted on X and also shared a video clip on the Gunners.
Director General of Artillery, Lt Gen Anoop Shinghal also extended greetings on the occasion and paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.
He reaffirmed the commitment to self-reliance and highlighted the Regiment’s vital role and unwavering contribution towards safeguarding the nation, the defence ministry posted on X.
On the occasion of the Gunners Day, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
Lt Gen Shinghal, Director General of Artillery and Colonel Commandant, accompanied by several serving personnel and veterans, paid homage to the bravehearts on behalf of all ranks of the Regiment.
“The ceremony honoured the courage, sacrifice and distinguished legacy of the Gunners who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation,” the Army said, and also shared some photos of the ceremony.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) posted on X, “Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, #CISC and all personnel of the #IndianDefenceForces extend warm greetings to all ranks, veterans and families of the #RegimentofArtillery on 200th Gunners’ Day. We salute the professionalism, courage and indomitable spirit of the Gunners, whose firepower continues to strengthen the Nation’s defence.
