Date:17/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/17/stories/2008011758630400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Sena gallantry awards presented

Staff Reporter

Photo: M.Vedhan

Martial Arts Display: A demonstration of the traditional martial exercise routine of Maratha warriors conducted as part of the programmes organised in Chennai on the eve of the Army Day on Monday. —

CHENNAI: The Indian Army’s southern command investiture ceremony was held at Officers Training Academy on Tuesday as part of the Army Day celebrations.

Lieutenant General Noble Thamburaj, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, presented the Sena gallantry awards announced by the President to honour the armed forces.

Of the 42 medals presented, 19 were awarded for individual acts of bravery and exceptional devotion to duty.

Others included 20 Vishisht Seva Medals, also for individual acts of bravery and devotion to duty besides two Bar to Sena Medals and one Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal, a press release said.

One Sena Medal for gallantry was presented posthumously to Sepoy Ittamsetty Krishna Babu. His mother, M. Ramayamma, received the award.

On the eve of Army Day on Monday, a two-hour cultural extravaganza was held in honour of the awardees. Percussionist Sivamani and dancer John Britto performed for the audience.

The programme included Bharatanatyam performances, patriotic songs and martial arts routines.

Army Day is celebrated in honour of General K.M. Kariappa (later Field Marshal), who became the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Army on January 15, 1949. The investiture ceremony was held in Chennai after a gap of 10 years.