Leh, Sept 01: The Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army, renowned for its relentless dedication to securing India’s northern borders, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year. To mark this significant milestone, the Corps has undertaken a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing community welfare and strengthening national security in the challenging terrains of Ladakh.
Bridging the Digital Divide: In a landmark collaboration between the Fire and Fury Corps and Bharati Airtel, 39 new 4G mobile towers are being installed across the forward areas and vibrant villages of Ladakh. This initiative is a monumental step toward bridging the digital divide in these remote regions. Already, three of these towers have been installed in Tashiganag and Phunguk, extending coverage to the newly created Changthang District of Ladakh.
These 4G towers will provide the local community with much-needed access to information, enabling online education, facilitating remote healthcare services, and fostering economic opportunities through government schemes and digital transactions. This initiative underscores the Corps’ commitment to empowering the people of Ladakh while reinforcing its ethos of ‘Nation First’.
A Community-Centric Approach: The Silver Jubilee of the Fire and Fury Corps is being commemorated with a series of community events designed to strengthen the bonds between the military and the local population. These events include a cycle expedition, blood donation camps, medical camps, trekking, and various sports events. Each activity is a testament to the Corps’ unwavering dedication to serving the people of Ladakh, even as they continue to guard the nation’s borders with unyielding resolve.
One of the highlights of the celebrations is the two-week training camp for cadets from the 1 Ladakh NCC Battalion, conducted by the Force Ibex Battalion under the aegis of the Fire and Fury Corps at Phyang, Ladakh. Fifty cadets participated in the camp, which included physical training, drills, rock craft, firing exercises, and visits to several Army institutions. This training camp is a prime example of the Corps’ commitment to fostering the next generation of national defenders.
Cultural Outreach: The Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, under the aegis of the Fire and Fury Corps, is organizing a series of music concerts in the bustling Leh Market, running until September 2, 2024. These concerts, featuring melodious renditions by soldiers, aim to reach out to the local community, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh and enhancing the camaraderie between the military and civilians.
In a fitting tribute to its 25 years of service, the Fire and Fury Corps has also undertaken a massive tree plantation drive, planting saplings at 25 military locations across Ladakh. This initiative reflects the Corps’ deep commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that their legacy of service extends beyond the battlefield.
Showcasing Military Prowess: In a display of the Corps’ operational readiness, the Forever in Operations Division organized a New Generation Weapons Firing Competition on August 29-30, 2024. The event showcased the marksmanship skills of the elite warriors who guard the icy heights of Kargil, highlighting their readiness to defend the nation at a moment’s notice.
Tribute to the Bravehearts: The culmination of the Silver Jubilee celebrations was marked by a solemn ceremony in which Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC**, SM, VSM, GOC Fire and Fury Corps, hoisted the Corps Flag in the presence of Corps staff. Following the flag-hoisting, Lt Gen Bhalla, along with the personnel of the Fire and Fury Corps, paid homage to the bravehearts of the Corps at the Hall of Fame in Leh, reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to national security and nation-building.
In a parallel event, 125 soldiers, including officers and JCOs of the Chushul Warriors under the aegis of Ultimate Force, participated in a 25 km high-altitude run across the rugged terrains of Chushul. The run culminated at the iconic Rezang La Memorial, symbolizing the indomitable spirit and camaraderie of the Fire and Fury Corps soldiers.
Earlier, on August 31, 2024, the serene Suru Valley in Kargil, Ladakh, witnessed a “Run for Fun” organized by the Forever in Operations Division. This event, celebrating 25 glorious years of the Fire and Fury Corps, saw enthusiastic participation from community members, students of Ladakh University, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, and Army Goodwill School, Farona, alongside soldiers from the Khumbathang Military Station.
Culmination: As part of the grand finale of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, the Fire and Fury Corps organized a cultural event, Bharakhana, in Leh. The event featured a cultural program showcasing the rich heritage of Ladakh and was attended with great enthusiasm by serving military personnel. During the event, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla congratulated the gathering on the Corps’ 25th anniversary, honoring military personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication.
As the Fire and Fury Corps celebrates 25 years of dedicated service to the nation, its Silver Jubilee celebrations reflect a legacy of unwavering commitment to national security, community service, and environmental stewardship. The Corps continues to exemplify its motto of ‘Nation First’, standing as a bulwark of strength in the defense of India’s northern frontiers.
