This year’s Anzac Day parade in Melbourne witnessed an impressive turnout, with around 80 veterans, alongside their families and children, marching proudly under the Tri-services Banner and the Indian Tricolour.
Among them, Col (retd) Rajesh Kaswan expressed his pride, hailing it as the largest marching contingent ever assembled. It marked the first inclusion of family members and children of veterans or serving officers, who felt deeply honoured to pay their respects to the fallen heroes.
“This was the biggest marching contingent,” he said.
Participants echoed sentiments of joy and pride, relishing the opportunity to reminisce about their cherished days in the armed forces. Samiksha Verma, daughter of Group Captain Sudhir Verma, encapsulated the collective sentiment, describing the experience as an honour to represent their country on foreign soil alongside other decorated officers.
For decades, retired Indian army officers and their families have actively participated in Anzac Day parades across Australia, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
Col (retd) Kaswan, a dedicated participant for 12 years and a key figure in organising the march for Indian veterans, shared his perspective. Commissioned in the 6th Battalion, The Sikh Light Infantry in December 1990, his military journey instilled in him a profound sense of duty, sacrifice, and camaraderie. He emphasised the enduring bond between India and Australia, forged through shared military history and mutual respect.
Reflecting on the sacrifices made during the Battle of Gallipoli by approximately 16,000 Indian soldiers, Col Kaswan stressed on the significance of the Anzac Day parade in commemorating their legacy. The parade, he noted, serves as a poignant reminder of the values of sacrifice, remembrance, and camaraderie instilled during his service in the Indian Army.
Asked how his service in the Indian Army shaped his perspective on sacrifice, remembrance, and the values of camaraderie?, Col (retd) Kaswan reflected on his military service, emphasising the soldier’s duty to uphold the flag’s honour, even at the cost of their own lives, and the importance of camaraderie among fellow soldiers. He recalled the Chetwode motto of the Indian Military Academy, highlighting the principles of prioritising country, comrades, and self.
Some of the senior-most veterans present were Air Marshal Ajit Bhonsale, Maj Gen APS Sandhu, Maj Gen Ranjit Nadkarni, Brig TS Aulakh, Col PS Brar, Col Sameer Roychowdhury, Col SK Sakhuja, etc. besides others. Some visiting veterans from India also participated in this year’s parade, as also in the previous years.
The parade culminated in all veterans gathering at the Consulate General of India, where CGI Dr Sushil Kumar and the staff organised a cultural event and lunch, extending heartfelt appreciation for the veterans’ contributions.
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