Intro: A cultural tribute to military valour marked the Southern Command Investiture Ceremony 2026 held in Gandhinagar.
Gandhinagar
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday said that a special cultural programme honouring gallantry and distinguished service awardees of the Indian Army formed the centrepiece of the Southern Command Investiture Ceremony 2026, held in Gandhinagar.
The programme, titled Shaurya Sandhya, was organised as part of the formal investiture ceremony and brought together serving armed forces personnel, veterans, and civilian dignitaries to recognise acts of courage, dedication, and service to the nation. The event was hosted at the amphitheatre of the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, a key venue for national-level programmes in Gujarat.
Senior military leadership was present at the ceremony, including Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, and Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command. Several senior officers from the armed forces also attended the event.
The cultural presentations featured a series of curated performances inspired by India’s rich military heritage and cultural traditions. The programme combined elements of history, music, dance, and martial arts to portray the bravery and sacrifices of the armed forces. The evening concluded with a visually striking drone display, drawing applause from the audience.
Organisers said the performances were designed to pay tribute not only to the courage and sacrifice of soldiers but also to the contributions of citizens involved in strengthening national security. The thematic focus of Shaurya Sandhya reflected the interconnected roles of diplomacy, economy, defence, and technology in shaping India’s growth and its standing on the global stage.
The programme was aligned with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and highlighted the traditions, values, and discipline of the armed forces through a cultural medium. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Patel said he was pleased to attend the programme organised by the Southern Command in Gandhinagar and praised the armed forces for their unwavering commitment to the nation.
Officials said the ceremony successfully blended honour, culture, and national pride, reinforcing the bond between the armed forces and the citizens they serve.
