Adressing the joint curtain-raiser programme of the 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said it is a matter of pride that the city will host the parade in the coming month.
The parade will be organised on Mahal Road in Jagatpura, showcasing fly-past formations of fighter aircraft and helicopters, a display of drone technology, and demonstrations of modern warfare capabilities. A drone show will also be held in the evening.
The Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year. From 8 to 12 January, a 'Know Your Army' exhibition will be organised to allow the people to witness modern weapon systems and defence technologies up close.
Highlighting the Army's historic role, Sharma said the Indian Army has bravely faced every challenge — from the 1947–48 conflict to the 1965 and 1971 wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and recent military operations. Campaigns such as 'Operation Parakram', 'Operation Rakshak', and 'Operation Sindoor' have proven that the Army not only responds firmly to aggression but is also the strongest guardian of peace, stability and national unity, he said.
‘The land of valour and sacrifice’
The Chief Minister said Rajasthan is a land of valour and sacrifice. South Western Army Commander Lt Gen Manjinder Singh said the Army has protected the nation's borders from mountains to deserts and ensured internal security while combating terrorism and extremism.
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"The force has also played a crucial role in relief and rescue during natural disasters," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
During the event, families of martyrs — Naik Megh Raj Singh decorated with the Kirti Chakra (posthumous), Havildar Ram Singh Shekhawat decorated with the Sena Medal (posthumous), and Lance Naik Banshidhar Yadav decorated with the Sena Medal (posthumous) — were honoured. Retired Brigadier Jeevan Rajpurohit, Subedar Arjun Singh Rathore, and Havildar Madan Singh Kajla were also felicitated.
A short film related to the Army Day Parade 2026 was screened at the programme, which was attended by senior Army officers, administrative officials, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, NCC cadets and others.