Retain our anchors with past customs and traditions: Army chief

Nashik, Apr 7 (UNI) Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor today reiterated the commitment that every soldier feels for the regiment, the Army and the nation.

''We are a professional army and as we adapt to new technological thresholds, we should retain our anchors with past customs and traditions, which are the foundations upon which the Regiment has been built upon,'' said Gen Kapoor during his interaction with the soldiers on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Artillery Centre at Nasik Road here.

The celebrations were marked with solemnity and grandeur befitting the occasion. The Artillery Centre was privileged to play host to a large number of serving and retired senior officers and men, who reaffirmed their association with the Centre and the Regiment on the occasion.

The Chief of Army Staff, who is also the Senior Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery, began the ceremonies by paying his respects to those Gunner martyrs, who have made the ultimate sacrifice, at the War Memorial. He also commemorated the memorial wall, celebrating sixty years of excellence of the oldest Artillery Centre.

During his address to an assembly of over 2,000 army personnel (all ranks) of the Centre, Gen Kapoor felicitated the assembly and their families and complimented the Centre on its evolution and growth.

On the occasion, he graciously released the First Day Cover and the coffee table book of the Artillery Centre, which will remain milestones for the future.

Mrs Kirti Kapoor, president of Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), accompanied the Army chief on the occasion.

UNI GB SSS AM US2327