Sikkim: Indian Army Commanders’ historic conference in Gangtok

Guwahati: The Indian Army is holding its Army Commanders’ conference in Sikkim capital Gangtok for the first time, marking a historic milestone in its operational leadership.

The conference is being held on Friday (October 11) and Saturday, and being attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside senior military officials, the Ministry of Defence said in a press statement.

The conference aims to address critical strategic matters, discuss defence preparedness, and enhance operational readiness in a rapidly evolving security environment, it added.

This gathering of high-ranking officials underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to adapting to contemporary challenges while reinforcing its operational capabilities, it said.

On Friday, Defence Minister Singh inaugurated the Prerna Sthal - a memorial dedicated to the 22 soldiers who tragically lost their lives during the glacial lake outburst flood on October 3 and 4, 2023, it added.

Located in the Himalayan state’s Burdang, this memorial stands as a testament to their bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty, and will serve as an inspiration for future generations, it said.

The Defence Minister will participate in the traditional ‘Shastra Pooja’ on Saturday, commemorating Dussehra with rituals that reflect the Indian Army’s deep cultural heritage, it added.

This ceremony, which includes the ‘Kalash Pooja’ and ‘Vahan Pooja,’ highlights the reverence for military equipment as guardians of national sovereignty, the statement said.