Events like Exercise Topchi restores your faith in the greatness of our nation and infuse a new sense of national pride.
On a day when the newspapers had nothing but bleak news of brutal murders of whistleblowers, a remote possibility of the politically-influential getting convicted and the rising number of young Indians seeking residence in Canada, Germany and New Zealand, an invitation for Exercise Topchi 2025 popped up through a phone call. The firepower exercise was arranged by the Regiment of Artillery in Nashik as an annual show of the prowess of our armed forces.
Like everything about the armed forces, the event was planned meticulously. The bumpy roads in Nashik’s ‘civilian’ areas transformed into smooth tracks as we entered the cantonment towards the Devlali Fields Firing Ranges. Army jeeps ferried us from the main car park to the open dusty ground where the firepower show was to take place. No on scrambled for seats that were clearly marked; trash cans placed everywhere ensured that there were no water bottles strewn on the floor and everyone sat in their seats. There’s something about the air in army areas that forces even regular, rowdy people to suddenly act disciplined. There seems to be a mortal fear of being court-marshalled.
Two helicopters thundered overhead, slicing through the stillness of the tented gathering. But the real spectacle was yet to begin. “Look straight ahead,” urged a voice from the public announcement system, directing our gaze toward the sprawling expanse of hills and ridges in the distance. A map projected on a screen laid out the terrain—a tactical canvas where the Regiment of Artillery, under the command of General Navneet Singh Sarna, would soon unveil its formidable prowess. What followed was a symphony of precision and power, showcasing not just advanced weaponry but also the sheer discipline and ingenuity of India’s armed forces.
Massive trucks rumbled into view, carrying the iconic FH 77B02 Bofors and the indigenous Dhanush, their silhouettes stark against the dusty horizon. In a blur of practiced motion, soldiers leapt from the vehicles, their movements fluid and purposeful. Within moments—three minutes, to be exact—the artillery was unloaded, assembled, and primed for action, a testament to the regiment’s readiness under pressure. Next came the sleek 155 mm M777 Ultra-light Howitzer, its lightweight frame belying its devastating potential. But the pièce de resistance was undoubtedly the K-9 Vajra, a self-propelled gun system that unleashed a torrent of firepower, its booming salvos reverberating across the firing range. Each shot was a declaration: of innovation, of preparation, and, perhaps most poignantly, of sovereignty.
On show were the indigenous ammunition systems that are being built as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat—K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, Pinaka multi-barrel launchers—that send a fresh wave of admiration for the technological advances of our country. The showcased cutting-edge rocket systems, unmanned aerial surveillance swarm drones and aircrafts.
The next instruction that came our way was, ‘keep your mouths open to minimise the impact of the loud sounds’. Nothing could prepare you for the booming shots as the guns were fired. Seconds later, the hills of Igatpuri in the distance were spitting out billowing smoke. The fire had reached a distance of more than 45 km in a few seconds. That’s how promptly we can defend our land and counter the enemy. The firepower was formidable.
They then simulated a war-like situation. Sitting comfortably in Devlali, a town with salubrious weather, we were told to imagine that the enemy was approaching. The army took positions, brought out it guns, swarm drone, helicopters and battle tanks. A truck went past carrying rockets and the screen showed images of missiles landing on the Nicobar Island during an earlier trial and training. It was nothing short of exciting! Every booming gunshot was met with a cheery applause from the audience. It was evident, yet again, that we are in the safe hands of our armed forces.
The event ended on a mixed note—some were stunned by the sheer magnificence, some were forcing a yawn top unblock their ears and for some like me, the national anthem led to moist eyes. Was it a fresh wave of national pride sweeping over us? Maybe yes.
There’s something disarming about watching young soldiers, unfazed by the deafening roar of gunfire, handle their weapons with the grace of a practiced craft. When they march with the national flag held high, their pride palpable, even the most hardened cynics might falter, if only for a moment. For every headline cataloguing corruption and decay, there is an untold story of a soldier standing resolute at the borders, far from home and family. For every grim report of power misused or violence unleashed, there exists the quiet heroism of a young Indian willing to risk everything - not for glory, but for duty.
An event like Exercise Topchi is a great initiative with a multi-fold impact. It showcases our growing power as a nation and it also serves as a reminder of our nation’s talent and prowess to everyone who complains of the current state of affairs.
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