Pune : 18 November 2021

 

The Corps of Engineers or Sappers as they are commonly known, celebrated their 241st Corps Day on 18 November 2021 at Southern Command Headquarters in Pune.

Indian Sappers have a long history dating back to the mid-18th century. The Corps officially recognizes its birth as 1780 when the senior most Group of the Corps, the Madras Sappers, was raised, followed by the Bengal and Bombay Sappers being formed. These Groups were later merged on 18  November 1932 to form the Corps of Engineers.

The history of the Corps is replete with acts of valour, courage and supreme sacrifice, and this ethos continues in present time, with the Corps earning accolades from the three Services and the Nation, for their professional excellence in the multiple dimensions of combat support, infrastructure development, sustenance and aid to civilians. Sappers have executed remarkable operational tasks and created modern infrastructure in the Southern Star Theatre focusing on embracing latest technology and best practices, aimed at improved quality, reduced timelines and reduction of recurring costs. Additionally, Sappers have provided succor to civil population in recent times playing their part towards flood relief in Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh and in ‘Op NAMASTE’ launched to mitigate the Covid-19 Pandemic, by creation and maintenance of essential medical and sustenance facilities.

On the occasion of the Corps of Engineers Day, Lt Gen JS Nain, Army Commander, Southern Command conveyed his compliments to the Sapper fraternity. He expressed confidence that the Corps of Engineers would rise to meet future challenges in all dimensions thus upholding their motto ‘SARVATRA’ in the truest sense.

A solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National War Memorial at Southern Command was organized to commemorate the Corps Day which was attended by Serving and Veteran Sappers to honour the supreme sacrifice made by their Comrades in Arms who laid down their lives in service of the Nation. Lieutenant General PP Malhotra, Vishisht Seva Medal, Commandant CME, Lieutenant General BT Pandit, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Vir Chakra (Retired) and Subedar Major Sheikh Amir Basha laid wreaths, during the ceremony.

 

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