By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
India on Tuesday commemorated Infantry Day, also known as Shaurya Diwas, honouring the courage and sacrifice of infantry soldiers and recalling a decisive military operation that helped save Kashmir from falling to invading tribal raiders in October 27, 1947.
Indian troops of the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment were airlifted to Srinagar airfield as India responded to the invasion of Jammu and Kashmir by tribal raiders backed by Pakistan. Their arrival marked the first major infantry operation undertaken by the Indian Army after Independence and proved crucial in halting the raiders’ advance towards Srinagar.
The operation followed the signing of the Instrument of Accession by Jammu and Kashmir’s ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, on October 26, 1947, through which the princely state acceded to India. Indian troops were inducted the following day to defend the state against the advancing raiders.
The swift deployment and subsequent fighting by the infantrymen helped prevent Kashmir from falling into enemy hands, making October 27 a landmark date in India’s military history. Infantry Day is observed annually to recognise the contribution of the infantry, the Indian Army’s largest fighting arm and a key component of ground combat operations.
The infantry is often described as the “Queen of the Battle” because of its central role in close combat, holding territory and defending ground against enemy forces.
The day honours generations of infantry soldiers who have served in wars, counter-insurgency operations and challenging deployments along India’s borders. Their service reflects the demands of endurance, discipline, courage and sacrifice in protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
On the occasion, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, to pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Nation.
General NS Raja Subramani, CDS, along with Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, VCOAS, Lieutenant General AK Pundir, DG Infantry, Colonels of all Infantry Regiments and Veterans laid wreaths, honouring the legacy of courage, sacrifice and the indomitable spirit of the Infantry that continues to inspire generations of warriors.
Infantry Day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role played by soldiers in the defence of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 and of the sacrifices made by infantrymen in subsequent conflicts.
Nearly eight decades after the Srinagar airlift, October 27 continues to commemorate a defining chapter in independent India’s military history and the contribution of the soldiers who stood at the forefront of its defence.