Pune's Southern Command celebrated India's 78th Independence Day with a series of activities that showcased the nation’s patriotic spirit and honored the valor of its soldiers.

The day began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Command War Memorial, where Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, decorated with the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, led the tributes alongside military personnel and veterans, paying homage to the fallen heroes.

The celebrations featured the hoisting of the National Flag under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, symbolizing national unity and pride. The flag, a powerful emblem of India's independence, was displayed across the Southern Command, emphasizing the collective spirit of the nation.

In addition to the patriotic ceremonies, Southern Command launched an extensive tree plantation drive titled ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother).

The initiative, spearheaded by the Army Commander and supported by military personnel, saw the planting of over one lakh saplings in Pune Cantonment and various other locations under the Southern Command.

The saplings, ranging from fruit-bearing to medicinal plants, represent the Indian Army’s commitment to environmental sustainability and a greener future.

The Independence Day celebrations concluded with the return of a motorcycle expedition that had set out from Mumbai’s Colaba on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Covering a journey of 5,500 kilometers across several states, the expedition carried a message of patriotism and unity, culminating in Pune after traversing the challenging terrain to Kargil and back.