Nashik/PUNE: In his capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Ram Nath Kovind presented ‘Colours’ to the Army Aviation Corps on Thursday in a ceremonial parade held at the Army Aviation Base in Nashik.
Speaking on the occasion, President Kovind complimented the Army Aviation Corps and lauded their immense contribution towards nation-building.
Complimenting the Corps for 273 honours and awards for gallantry and distinguished services, the President Ram Nath Kovind said, “This speaks volumes of the exceptional valour and esprit-de-corps and is a model for all soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces to emulate. They are the true force multipliers in some of the most inhospitable terrain and climatic conditions in the world.”
He highlighted that although the Army Aviation Corps is the youngest corps, but in these 32 years, the arm has excelled in all spheres and proved their mettle in various operations.
A ceremonial parade was conducted as per military tradition and it was commanded by Brigadier Sarabjeet Singh Bawa Bhalla. The ceremony was witnessed by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and various civil and military dignitaries.
Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Lieutenant General PS Rajeshwar, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chief of Staff Committee and Senior Colonel Commandant Regiment of Artillery, and Lieutenant General SK Saini, GOC-in-C Southern Command along with a large number of serving officers and veterans witnessed the grand ceremony and the helicopter fly past.
The President congratulated Lieutenant General Kanwal Kumar, Director General and Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation and all ranks (both serving and retired) for their devotion to duty and professional conduct and interacted with the guests.
