Press Release
COMMEMORATIVE EVENT : CASSINO
1. Indian Army had played a significant role in the liberation of Italy during Second World War. Almost 50,000 Indian troops participated in the Italian Campaign out of which nearly half the soldiers were injured and 5782 soldiers gave supreme sacrifice. The courage of Indian soldiers is testimony to the fact that Six Victoria Cross, the highest award of those times were awarded to Indian soldiers. Indian soldiers are cremated in 40 War Cemeteries that are spread all over the Italy. Amongst those, Cassino has special significance since maximum soldiers are cremated in Cassino Cemetery and gallant action of Indian soldiers broke the core of defence of Cassino paving the way for future victories that eventually led to the liberation of Italy.
2. On the occasion of 73rd Republic Day of India, an event focusing on the ‘Role of Indian Army in Italian Campaign and Battle of Cassino’ was held in High School Medaglia d’Oro Citta di Cassino on 24 January 2022. The event was aimed to deepen the historical connect between India and Italy by highlighting the role and sacrifices of the Indian soldiers in the Italian campaign. The event was part of commemorative events to celebrate the 75 years of Indian Independence being celebrated as Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
3. The event was presided over by Dr Neena Malhotra, Indian Ambassador to Italy, Dr B Rajender, Minister Agriculture and Colonel VS Salaria, SC, SM, the Defence Attaché. Dr Enzo Salera, the Mayor of Cassino alongwith members of city council were present for the event.
4. The Military Historians Mr Pino Valente, Mr Roberto Molle, Dr Danielle Caserrati, Professor Gaetano De Angelis Curtis, Professor Nicola Bottiglieri provided a deeper insight into role of Indian soldiers in Italy. HE Dr Neena Malhotra thanked the people of Cassino for keeping the legacy of Indian soldiers alive who sacrificed for the ideals of freedom and liberity. Colonel VS Salaria, SC, SM encouraged to take forward the legacy of Indian soldiers through the younger generation and comprehensive roadmap as per directions of Hon’ble Prime Minister during his recent visit to Rome. Dr Neena Malhotra along with the participants of the event also visited the Cassino War Cemetery and laid a wreath in the honour of gallant Indian soldiers who gave supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in the time honoured traditions of the Indian Army and core Indian values.
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