Archive of One Strike Corps of Indian Army in Mathura opens tomorrow - The Economic Times
MATHURA: Commemorating 50 years of its raising, the city-based One Strike Corps of Indian Army here tomorrow will inaugurate a heritage building - an archive to relive the glorious history of its services to the nation.
"The Heritage (building) will be inaugurated tomorrow in the august presence a gathering comprising Lieutenant General A K Singh (Retd), Lieutenant Governor Andaman & Nicobar and Puducherry, General J J Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General A K Sahni, Army Commander South Western Command Lieutenant General Anand Sarup (Retd) and other dignitaries," a statement by Colonel Gen Staff (IW) said.
The archive was envisioned by Strike 1 General Officer Commanding (GoC) Lieutenant General AB Shivane, it said adding, "the vision was translated into action on April 15 this year, when the foundation of 'The Heritage' was laid adjacent to the War Memorial in Mathura cantonment."
The design of the building was conceived by Major General V Nangia, Chief of Staff, Strike 1. The Heritage comprises a central octagon-shaped structure with two rectangular flanks. The pictorial history of 1965 Indo-Pak war is laid out on the left flank while the history of 1971 Indo-Pak war is laid out on the right.
The essence of Strike 1 'The Yodha' is the core of central hall which symbolises the indomitable spirit of the Corps.
The central hall covers a kaleidoscope of enviable history of Strike 1 and its formations. The rich collection covers the aspects of raising of the Corps, the Mathura city and cantonment, the statement said.
A panorama of events over the years adorn the wall of the central foyer and the history of all the under command formations are displayed on walls of central hall.
History of Strike 1, reveals that it virtually was raised with war, as the order for raising of HQ 1 Corps as the first Strike formation of the Indian Army was issued on April 01 1965 while on August 19, 1965, it received orders to launch operations in Sialkot Sector, it said.
The raising commenced at Varanasi as an additional Headquarters of Army HQ to undertake offensive operations. Throughout its illustrious history, Strike 1 has been the decisive force that has always tipped the scales of battle in favour of the nation and has remained significant force in all major operations, it added.
Meanwhile, the prestigious and internationally renowned Army SymphonyBSE 16.23 % Band performed on the occasion of Musical Evening, organised for all ranks, here in Mathura Cantonment today, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Strike 1.
Raised in New Delhi in 1990, the Indian Army Symphony Band performs on a variety of Indian classical musical instruments like Santoor, Sitar and Jaltarang incorporated with Military Band, the statement issued by Colonel General Staff (IW) said ..
The evening highlighted Army's operations of 1965, 1971, Operation Pawan, Operation Parakram, major rescue and relief works undertaken by Strike 1, including aid to civil authorities during Kashmir floods last year and aid to Nepal during the April 15 earthquake.
The Band has had the privilege of performing its best during the visit of various foreign dignitaries to India and all national level functions.
"It has also participated in various military tattoos and music festivals world over to include countries like Russia, France, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Germany, Bhutan and Nepal", the statement added.