Vajra Corps - 'Defenders of Punjab' - celebrates Platinum Jubilee

JALANDHAR: Indian Army’s Vajra Corps - the first Corps raised post-independence on March 1, 1950 celebrated its Platinum Jubilee at Jalandhar Cantt this week. As part of the celebrations, many events to include cycling expedition, walkathon, blood donation camp, cultural programmes and light and sound show depicting the illustrious journey of Vajra Corps were organised from February 26 to March 1.
Raised on March 1, 1950 by Lieutenant General Kulwant Singh at Ambala, the Corps was relocated to Jalandhar in July 1951. Since then the saga of the Corps is replete with acts of exceptional valour, courage and sacrifice and is epitomized in various battles fought along the western front.
From the graveyard of Patton Tanks at Asal Uttar to the ruins of Barki and Dograi, numerous acts of individual and collective bravery, gallant sacrifices and inspiring leadership ensured that Vajra Corps played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the nation. The sacrifices of CQMH Abdul Hamid, Major Asa Ram Tyagi, Lieutenant Colonel Satish Chandra Joshi, Lance Naik Shangara Singh and many other bravehearts have inspired generations of Vajra Warriors. 1832 Soldiers have laid down their lives in upholding the territorial integrity of our motherland. The Vajra Corps was also bestowed with the Theatre Honour: ‘Punjab’ and Battle Honours: ‘Dograi’, ‘Barki’, ‘Asal Uttar’, ‘Sehjra’ and ‘Dera Baba Nanak’.
While celebrating the Paltinum Jubilee, Lieutenant General Sanjeev Sharma, General Officer Commanding Vajra Corps, former Corps Commanders, Veterans and Gallantry Award Winners participated in a wreath laying ceremony on March 1, 2020 held at Vajra Shaurya Sthal to pay homage to our brave martyrs. The Corps Commander on behalf of all the ranks of Vajra Corps assured that the Vajra Warriors would continue to perform their duties as “Defenders of Punjab” both in peace and war with absolute sincerity and resolve.