Rodrigues to deliver Cariappa memorial lecture

New Delhi, Oct 23 (UNI) The 12th Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial lecture will be delivered by Gen (Retd) S F Rodrigues, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, here tomorrow.

He would talk on "Resurgent India : The way Ahead" at DRDO Auditorium.

The Defence Minister A K Antony will be the chief guest on the occasion. Gen Deepak Kapoor, Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chief's will also be present.

The event is being organised by the Director General of Infantry, Lt General Rajender Singh and his team of officers from Infantry Directorate. Field Marshal KM Cariappa is an unforgettable name in the history of Indian Army.

Born on January 28, 1900 in Mercara state, now part of Karnataka, he was among the first officers to receive the King's Commission in 1919. After an outstanding career, he became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 15 January 1949. A hardcore Infantryman, Field Marshal KM Cariappa was a thorough gentleman who exhibited the highest standards of self discipline and compassion.

He had been a legend in his life time and left an indelible impression that would inspire the people for a long time. He was bestowed with the highest rank of Field Marshal by the Government in 1983. He breathed his last in May 1993.

In order to perpetuate his memory, the Infantry Directorate at the Army Headquarters has been organising the 'Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Lecture' every year, since 1995, as part of Infantry Day celebrations.

UNI