Kovind awards President’s Colours to Army Air Defence in Odisha

Gopalpur: President of India and supreme commander of Indian Armed Forces, Ram Nath Kovind, presented the President’s Colours Award to the Corps of Army Air Defence at Gopalpur Military Station today.

The coveted award was presented on completion of 25 years of Army Air Defence as the independent Arm of Indian Army at Gopalpur in Ganjam district of Odisha.

The award was received by Army AD Centre on behalf of the Corps of Army Air Defence.

Kovind conveyed his happiness on bestowing the honour to the Corps of Army Air Defence. In his address, he recalled the glorious legacy of the Indian Armed Forces in protecting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation in general and the Corps of Army Air Defence in particular.

The Air Defence has been in existence since 1940 as a part of Corps of Artillery. However, it was bifurcated from the Regiment of Artillery and got recognition in 1994.

During World War II, the Air Defence troops had participated in various operations like Burma campaign, Seige of Imphal and Kohima, recapture of Rangoon, operations in Arakans, Myitkiyina, Hongkong, Singapore, Malaya, Bahrain, Iraq and Persia and won multiple gallantry awards namely four Military Crosses, one Medal of the British Empire, seven Indian Distinguished Service Medals and two Orders of the British Empire.

The Corps of Army Air Defence has been awarded with two Ashoka Chakras, two kirti Chakras, 20 Vir Chakras, nine Shauryas Chakras, 113 Sena Medals and 55 Mention-in-Despatches in addition to four Honour Titles awarded during 1971 Indo-Pak war. This also provides motivation to the younger generations for maintaining the high standards set by their predecessors so that the service to the Nation remains their prime goal.

The President’s Colours is the highest honour bestowed upon a Regiment of the Armed Forces in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the security of the nation during peace and hostilities.

Worth mentioning, President Kovind is on a two-day trip to Odisha since yesterday to grace the Colours award presentation programme today.

Before heading for Army Air Defence College (AADC) in Gopalpur, he was given a rousing welcome at Rangeilunda air strip on Friday. After arriving at the venue, he was presented the Rashtriya Salute at the commencement of an impressive parade led by the contingent.

The occasion was also graced by Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal and other senior government officials of the state.