Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK; New Delhi, May 30: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour on the lawns of South Block on Saturday as he prepared to retire from one of the country’s highest military positions. The ceremony marked the conclusion of his distinguished service in uniform and served as a tribute to his contributions to India’s armed forces and defence establishment.

Before stepping down from the post of Chief of Defence Staff, General Chauhan paid homage to the nation’s fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He laid a wreath at the memorial as a mark of respect to military personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the country. The gesture reflected a longstanding military tradition of honouring those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The occasion, General Anil Chauhan described receiving the tri-services Guard of Honour as a matter of immense pride and privilege. He said that being honoured by representatives of the Army, Navy, and Air Force at the conclusion of his service was a deeply meaningful moment in his military career. According to him, the ceremony symbolized his farewell to fellow service personnel and lifelong comrades with whom he had shared years of dedication and duty.

The outgoing CDS stated that with the completion of the Guard of Honour ceremony, he was formally bidding farewell to his colleagues in uniform and to the fraternity of soldiers with whom he had served throughout his career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation and acknowledged the bonds formed during decades of military service.

General Chauhan also explained the significance of his visit to the National War Memorial. He said that, wearing his uniform for what would be the final time in an official capacity, he offered a wreath in memory of those who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties. He described the tribute as an expression of humble respect and gratitude toward the brave men and women who laid down their lives in service to the nation.

The wreath-laying ceremony, General Chauhan was greeted by friends, family members, and well-wishers. He noted that the moment represented an important transition in his life, symbolizing his journey from military service into civilian life. The gathering reflected the respect and affection he had earned over the course of his long and distinguished career.

Reflecting on his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, General Chauhan said that his period in office had been highly satisfying and rewarding. He described his experience as “extremely satisfactory and remarkable,” expressing contentment with the responsibilities he had undertaken and the work accomplished during his tenure. His remarks highlighted a sense of fulfillment as he concluded his service to the nation after decades in uniform.

The Guard of Honour and the tribute at the National War Memorial marked the final official ceremonies of General Anil Chauhan’s military career, bringing to a close a significant chapter in India’s defence leadership and honouring his years of service to the country.