"I believe that in the coming days, conflicts and wars will be more violent and unpredictable. The use of unconventional and asymmetrical methods [of war] is increasing," said Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Gaurav Gatha show organised as a part of the 77th Army Day Parade celebrations in Pune. Singh prefaced his remarks by saying, "When we talk of making the Indian Army a modern warfare machine, then along with the dynamic geopolitical world order, the increasingly changing character of warfare must also be kept in mind.” The face of future wars is going to change due to the increasingly fast development of technology, he added. Singh further said that cyber and space domains are also emerging as areas of war, and that a war of narratives and perceptions are being fought around the world. “The Indian army has to focus on holistic capacity building and reforms…along with this I also want to draw your [audience’s] attention to the self-reliance of the defence sector. I have always believed that without becoming self-reliant we cannot achieve strategic autonomy in any way,” said Singh. Talking about Pune, the Defence Minister said, “This is the birthplace of brave sons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Bajiro. This is the land that is remembered by the sacrifice of Ma Tarabai’s sacrifice. This is the land where Bal Gangadhar Tilak raised the consciousness of self-rule. The organisation of the Army Day at such a punyabhoomi (holy land) is an important moment for all of us.” Gaurav Gatha show The Gaurav Gatha light and sound show was organised at the Bombay Engineers Group and Centre on Wednesday evening. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and various civil and military personnel were also present at the event. At the event, Singh inaugurated the foundation stone for the Army Paralympic Node virtually, which will be established at Dighi, Pune. He also launched the ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App’ and released a commemorative medallion marking the 352nd Coronation of Shivaji, along with a special day cover. Singh also felicitated eight Veer Naris and the next of kin of soldiers, acknowledging their sacrifice and courage. The light and sound show, composed of chetak helicopters, paramotor gliders, and drones, entertained a full house audience. First up, the Yudh Kala segment focused on India's rich tradition of martial arts like Gatka, Khukri Hath, Tang-Ta, Kalaripayattu, and Mallakhamb. Next, the Yudh Pradarshan segment depicted a tactical raid on a model of a terrorist hideout created on the ground. The display included a simulated battle scenario using advanced military equipment. After that, the Pracheen Ranneeti section brought forth the military culture of India through the historic periods from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It showcased prominent strategic thinkers and warriors whose unique & successful strategies have been imbibed into Indian Army. The Yudh Parivartan segment explored close-quarter combat during ancient times, through the introduction of cavalry and elephants, to the use of explosives and firearms and further fomenting into trench warfare, and mechanised warfare. The Shaurya Gatha section honoured key battles like the Battle of Badgam (1947-48), Battle of Asal Uttar (1965), Battle of Longewala, and the Battle of Tololing, celebrating the bravery of leaders such as Major Somnath Sharma, CQMH Abdul Hamid, Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, amongst others.
