Lt Gen Gambhir Singh paying tribute to the fallen soldiers at the Gajraj Corps War Memorial in Tezpur, Assam, after assuming command of the corps. (Photo: Indian Army)
Tezpur: Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, AVSM, YSM, has taken over as the general officer commanding (GOC) of the prestigious IV Corps, also known as Gajraj Corps, of the Indian Army, on Thursday. He succeeded Lieutenant General Manish Mohan Erry, UYSM, AVSM, SM, who has completed his tenure.
Lt Gen Singh’s assumption of command was marked by a solemn ceremony where he paid tributes to the fallen soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland. The Gajraj Corps, headquartered in Assam’s Tezpur, plays a crucial role in the defence and strategic operations in the eastern theatre of India.
Lt Gen Gambhir Singh took over the command of #GajrajCorps from Lt Gen MM Erry. On assuming command, the General Officer paid solemn tributes to the #Bravehearts for their invaluable sacrifices. He exhorted All Ranks of @GajrajCorps_IA to continue the relentless efforts towards… pic.twitter.com/SS6zGgBTUD
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 1, 2024
Lt Gen Gambhir Singh’s Career Highlights
Lt Gen Gambhir Singh brings with him a wealth of experience, having served in various distinguished capacities over his career spanning more than three decades. Prior to his appointment as GOC Gajraj Corps, he was the additional director general of the Army’s public information department. His notable appointments include commanding a mountain division in the challenging terrains of the Northern Command and serving as the chief of staff in a corps headquarters.
He has also held key instructional roles at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
Throughout his career, Lt Gen Singh has been recognized for his exemplary service and leadership. He has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) for his outstanding contributions to the Army.
About Gajraj Corps
The IV Corps or the Gajraj Corps was initially raised in 1942 during World War II for the defence of Assam frontier. It was re-raised in October 1962, just before the India-China war. Over the years, the corps has been instrumental in both conventional and counterinsurgency operations, including the famous advance to Dhaka during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
The IV Corps currently consists of the 71 Mountain Division, headquartered at Missamari; 5th Mountain Division (Ball of Fire Division), headquartered at Rupa near Bomdila, which was converted to a mountain division in 1963; and the 21st Mountain Division (Red Horn Division), headquartered at Rangia.
The Gajraj Corps has also been actively involved in various initiatives and operations, showcasing its commitment to both military excellence and community welfare.
Some of corps’ recent achievements include the following:
Healthcare Camps in Remote Areas: The Gajraj Corps organizes medical camps from time to time in remote locations with limited healthcare infrastructure. For example, in June, the IV organized a comprehensive medical and eye camp in Mago, a remote village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district. This initiative provided essential healthcare services to 94 patients, addressing various health issues, including ocular health.
Community Engagement: The corps has been actively engaging with local communities to strengthen bonds and support development. Their efforts include organizing educational programmes, infrastructure development, and providing rescue-and-relief assistance during natural calamities. These initiatives have helped build trust and cooperation between the Army and the local population.
Environmental Conservation: In addition to their military duties, the Gajraj Corps has also been involved in environmental conservation efforts. They have undertaken tree plantation drives and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices among the local communities.
Operational Readiness: The Gajraj Corps continues to maintain high levels of operational readiness, conducting regular training exercises and drills. These activities ensure that the corps is prepared to respond effectively to any security challenges in India’s eastern theatre.
These achievements highlight the Gajraj Corps’ dedication to not only safeguarding the nation’s borders but also contributing positively to the welfare of the communities they serve.
Lt Gen Gambhir Singh’s extensive experience and strategic acumen are anticipated to further strengthen the operational capabilities of the Gajraj Corps. Under Lt Gen Singh’s command, the corps is expected to continue its legacy of excellence, ensuring the security and stability of the region.
