18 Sep :The Infantry celebrates 27 Oct every year as the “Infantry Day” to commemorate the supreme sacrifices made by the gallant Infantryman since our independence. It was on this day in 1947, that the first Infantryman landed at Srinagar and defended that city from the raiders that were threatening to overrun it. Since that day onwards, the Indian Infantry has always been at the forefront in guarding the territory and integrity of the country. The celebrations this year have a special significance since it is the Diamond Jubilee year of the Infantry Day.
Since 1995, another facet has been incorporated in this annual event. To commemorate the memory of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Indian C-in-C and an Infantryman, the Infantry Directorate at the Army HQ organizes the ‘Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Lecture’ as part of Infantry Day Celebrations, where eminent speakers are invited to address issue of national importance.
The thirteenth Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Lecture, was organized this year under the aegis of Director General Infantry. As professional soldiers, Infantry main concern is to ensure the security of this great Nation of ours, both from external as well as internal threats. Security of the nation has multi dimensional facet and is inextricably linked to the economics of the country. It is for this reason that “Emerging India – Economic and Security Perspectives” had been chosen as the topic for this year’s memorial lecture. Shri P Chidambaram, the Hon’ble Finance Minister delivered this talk which is being held at the DRDO Auditorium on 17 Sep. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor delivered the welcome note.