In a solemn and inspiring ceremony held at the iconic Manekshaw Centre, the Indian Army celebrated the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-1), honoring gallantry awardees just a day after the national Gallantry Awards were presented at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
General Upendra Dwivedi, the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), along with Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), led the event, personally engaging with award recipients and their families. This occasion underscored the courage, dedication, and sacrifices made by Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and Other Ranks who have protected and inspired the nation through their bravery.
“These gallant individuals are not only defenders of the nation but also symbols of the indomitable spirit that defines the Indian Army,” remarked General Dwivedi, who assumed the role of COAS on June 30, 2024. He emphasized the importance of sharing the heroic stories of the awardees, which serve to motivate future generations and reinforce the Army’s enduring values of selfless service and national pride.
The ceremony was steeped in military tradition and honor, providing a platform to acknowledge acts of exceptional bravery and dedication in the line of duty. The presence of senior officers, regimental representatives, and families of the awardees added a layer of reflection and national gratitude to the proceedings.
This year’s Investiture Ceremony coincided with broader institutional initiatives, particularly the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” (2023–2032) and the “Year of Tech Absorption,” which aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s “Year of Reforms” for 2025. Under General Dwivedi’s leadership, the Army is intensifying its focus on technological modernization, indigenous innovation, and strategic self-reliance, in line with the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The ceremony’s tone celebrated not only past and present acts of valor but also a future-ready ethos within the Indian military.
Held at the Manekshaw Centre, named after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw—the legendary architect of India’s 1971 victory in the Bangladesh Liberation War—this venue imparted significant gravitas to the ceremony. It stands as a living tribute to ideals of leadership, legacy, and sacrifice, exemplified by the awardees honored on this day.
This event follows other important recognitions in 2025, including the Western Command Investiture Ceremony held on January 10, where 23 personnel were decorated for gallantry and distinguished service. Collectively, these ceremonies reinforce the Indian Army’s reputation for operational excellence, resilience, and modernization.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 served not only as a celebration of gallantry but also as a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s evolving role as a vital pillar of national strength, innovation, and inspiration.
