Marching Ahead: ARTRAC Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence in Shimla

The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) commemorated its 35th Raising Day in Shimla with a vibrant blend of military precision and cultural camaraderie. Established in 1991 at Mhow and relocated to Shimla in 1993, ARTRAC has become the backbone of institutional training across the Indian Army.

Celebratory highlights:

1. The festivities began with a spirited band display by the Army Symphony Band at Ridge Maidan, featuring a mix of military tunes and Bollywood melodies  
2. A 3-km ‘Run for Excellence’ from the Institute of Advanced Studies to the Ridge was flagged off by Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC  
3. Troops, families, and local residents participated, showcasing unity, fitness, and community engagement  
4. The run concluded with a lively Zumba session led by fitness trainer Varsha, reinforcing ARTRAC’s commitment to the Fit India initiative  

Cultural collaboration:

- A theatrical production titled Project Turmoil was staged at the Gaiety Theatre in partnership with Shimla’s Amateur Dramatic Club  
- The play, set in 1960s London, featured a comic espionage plot and brought together Army officers and civilian artists  
- The cast included Maj Gen Ajay Feroz Shah, Lt Col Vikram Singh, and several local performers, highlighting the fusion of discipline and creativity  

Strategic vision:

- ARTRAC oversees 34 training establishments nationwide  
- It is spearheading 57 initiatives under the Army’s Decade of Transformation, focusing on tech integration, jointness, and modernisation  
- By 2030, 15 institutions will evolve into Centres of Expertise for 33 niche technologies, backed by Rs 390 crore in investment  

Sources: Punjab Newsline, Tribune India, HimbuMail