Pune, Nov 18 (UNI) The Corps of Engineers or Sappers, as they are commonly known, celebrated their 241st Corps Day on Thursday here at Southern Command Headquarters.
With a long glorious history dating back to the mid-18th century, the Corps officially recognizes its birth as 1780 when the senior most Group of the Corps, the Madras Sappers, was raised, followed by the Bengal and Bombay Sappers being formed. These Groups were later merged on November 18, 1932, to form the Corps of Engineers, a Defence release said.
The history of the Corps is replete with acts of valour, courage and supreme sacrifice, and this ethos continues in present time. Sappers have executed remarkable operational tasks and created modern infrastructure in the Southern Star Theatre focusing on embracing latest technology and best practices, aimed at improved quality, reduced timelines and reduction of recurring costs.
Additionally, Sappers have provided succor to civil population in recent times playing their part towards flood relief in Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh and in ‘Operation Namaste’ launched to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic, by creation and maintenance of essential medical and sustenance facilities.
On occasion of the Corps of Engineers Day, Lieutenant General J S Nain, Army Commander, Southern Command, complimented to the Sapper fraternity and expressed confidence that the Corps would rise to meet future challenges in all dimensions thus upholding their motto ‘Sarvatra’ in the truest sense.
Also, a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National War Memorial at Southern Command was organized to commemorate the Corps Day, which was attended by both serving and veteran sappers, the release added.
UNI SP SS 1842