Celebrating 35 years of distinguished service, the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Shimla, commemorated its Raising Day with a remarkable fusion of military tradition and cultural expression. In a one-of-a-kind initiative, ARTRAC collaborated with the iconic Amateur Dramatic Club, Shimla, to stage the theatrical comedy Project Turmoil at the historic Gaiety Theatre on 18th and 19th September 2025.
This cultural celebration was more than just entertainment — it was a reflection of ARTRAC’s enduring commitment to building bridges between the armed forces and civilian society.
Project Turmoil, directed by Anil Walia and Siya Minocha, is a humorous 1960s spy farce that whirls through a plot of missing agents, mysterious files, and espionage chaos at London’s Ritz Carlton. Packed with mistaken identities, disguises, and eccentric characters, the play combines classic spy tropes with sharp wit and theatrical flair.
The cast brought together a dynamic mix of ARTRAC officers and accomplished civilian performers, including Tarini Sud, Krishna Sharma, Devya Jubbal, Gagan Chaudhary, Lt. Col. Vikram Singh, Neha Desai Bakshi, Chandrajit Singh, Jyotika T Vashista, Col. Ankush Gupta, and Maj. Gen. Ajay Feroz Shah. The backstage support came from Ajit Butail, Girish Minocha, and Manmohan Manchanda — underscoring the seamless teamwork between military and civil contributors.
Before its Shimla debut, the play was also performed at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, on 12th and 13th September, receiving enthusiastic responses from cadets and officers alike.
The final evening performance in Shimla was attended by , PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC, along with senior military officials, veterans, dignitaries, and local residents. The audience was treated to an engaging show that resonated with humour, camaraderie, and community spirit.
This Raising Day celebration not only honoured ARTRAC’s legacy in shaping the Indian Army’s training and doctrine but also reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for cultural engagement and military-civil synergy.
As ARTRAC enters its 36th year, this memorable event stands as a testament to its evolving identity — one rooted in operational excellence and equally in the values of unity, heritage, and creative collaboration.
