‘SANKALP VRIKSHA’ PLANTED AT SHAURYA SMARAK WITH SOIL FROM ALL 55 DISTRICTS OF MADHYA PRADESH TO MARK COMMENCEMENT OF ARMY DAY 2027 CELEBRATIONS

The countdown to the 79th Army Day celebrations commenced at Shaurya Smarak, Bhopal, with the ceremonial planting of the ‘Sankalp Vriksha’ on the occasion of the 71st Sthapna Diwas of Madhya Pradesh, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Lt Gen Arvind Chauhan, General Officer Commanding, Sudarshan Chakra Corps.

An Arjun tree sapling was ceremonially planted as the Sankalp Vriksha, using soil collected from all 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh by NCC cadets under the state-wide ‘Meri Maati’ campaign. The initiative, themed ‘Ek Bharat Ek Sena Ek Sankalp’, symbolises national unity, collective resolve and the people's enduring gratitude towards the courage, sacrifice and dedication of Indian Army personnel.

The coming together of soil from every district, brought by NCC cadets, represents the collective sentiments of the people of Madhya Pradesh in a shared tribute to the soldiers who safeguard the nation's security and sovereignty. The Sankalp Vriksha will stand as a living symbol of the bond between the people and the Indian Army.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the curtain-raiser video for Army Day 2027, formally heralding the countdown to the celebrations in Bhopal. The city will host the Army Day celebrations for the first time on 15 January 2027, with a series of commemorative activities planned across the state in the run-up to the occasion.

The Sankalp Vriksha embodies the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Ek Sena Ek Sankalp’—one nation united in its resolve and enduring gratitude towards the soldiers who serve and protect it.

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Ankush Chavan, PRO Defence