By Dominick Rodrigues
Pune, Oct 10: The Territorial Army (TA) celebrated its 72nd ‘Raising Day’ here on October 9. Since its inception on 09 October 1948 as a “Citizens Army”, the TA has come a long way and played a major role in assisting the Regular Army as a “Second Line of Defence” in times of war by guarding Vantage Areas including Critical Ammunition installations.
Speaking on the occasion here, Lieutenant General CP Mohanty, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command, said that the TA soldier has always been recognised as a multi-skilled and talented candidate, and his contribution has increased manifold over the years. The TA has participated in all Wars since independence, while later many TA Air Defence and Artillery were converted into Regular Army Units owing to their battle skills, he said.
Mohanty also extended warm wishes to all serving & veteran TA officers, Junior Commission Officers, soldiers, and families in Southern Command Zone.
The Southern Command Zone extending from Kerala to Gujarat & Andamans consists of 13 Infantry TA battalions, that maintain permanent locations in Kannur, Coimbatore, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Pune etc. They not only provide Rear Area Security, but also assist in Flood Relief & Aid to Civil Authorities — when called upon — even while the bulk of the unit is embodied in the State of Kashmir and North Eastern region for security tasks.
The two Ecological TA units fully focus on afforestation task in the arid region of Marathwada in Maharashtra, and in Rajasthan deserts along the Indira Gandhi canal, while the departmental TAs (Railway, Oil, Marketing Sector) are ever ready for ESMA & Operational tasks in times of crisis. Thus, the TA continues to be a multifaceted and skilled combat force engaged in diverse roles contributing to Indian Army and Nation building.
