Indian Army Day, celebrated on January 15th, commemorates the appointment of Field Marshal KM Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949. The day honours the army's courage, sacrifice, and commitment to national security through parades, military shows, and gallantry awards.
The day is celebrated on January 15 every year to honour the Indian Army and its courageous soldiers, guarding the borders of the nation and protecting its integrity. The day holds special significance because it was January 15, 1949, when Lieutenant General Kodandera B Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief. This incident marked a significant milestone in the Indian military history, concerning the end of British rule and self-reliance in Indian defence.
The Legacy of Field Marshal KM Cariappa
Lieutenant General Kodandera M Cariappa was born on January 28, 1899, in Madikeri, Kodagu. He had a glorious career in the Indian Army. During India's initial military efforts against the enemy in the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War, he commanded the Indian forces on the Western Front. His appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949 was the first occasion that an Indian officer took command of the army, which had always been led by British officers.
Some highlights of Cariappa's exceptional achievements were that he was the first Indian officer to be enrolled at the prestigious Staff College in Quetta, that he did command a battalion, and that he was one of the first Indians to train at the Imperial Defence College in Camberley. He had a military life stretching almost three decades, and he was the first Indian officer to reach Field Marshal rank, a post held by only one other officer in Indian military history, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
How Indian Army Day is celebrated
Indian Army Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence across the country. The celebrations primarily take place at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment, which serves as the venue for the main Army Day parade. Here's how the day is celebrated:
1. Parades
The focus of the celebrations of Army Day is the grand parade that transpires at the Cariappa Parade Ground. The parade shows the might and discipline of the Indian Army with soldiers marching in precision, thus making a great display of military hardware including tanks, artillery, and other armoured vehicles. Lots of combat displays are also part of the parade, portraying the army's preparedness and power.
2. Military shows
Besides the parade in Delhi, army displays are organized at army command centres throughout the country. These include demonstrations of military skills, tactical manoeuvres, and displays of combat equipment, giving a glimpse into the capabilities of the Indian Army.
3. Gallantry awards and Sena medals
One of the most important elements of Army Day is the presentation of gallantry awards and Sena medals to soldiers who have demonstrated exceptional bravery and service. These awards are conferred to recognize the extraordinary courage and commitment of soldiers in going above and beyond their duty.
4. Cultural events
Cultural events are organized in this regard throughout the country in order to celebrate the day. These include singing patriotic songs, dances, or any performance paying tribute to the Indian Army and its contribution to the nation.
Understand in four points the importance of this day
Indian Army Day serves several important purposes, both ceremonial and emotional
1. Honouring the First Indian Army Chief
Army Day commemorates the day in 1949 when Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over command as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Leadership of the defence forces by its own officers after independence represented a major step forward on the path to self-reliance.
2. Saluting the sacrifices of soldiers
Army Day offers an opportunity to honour and remember, above all, the ultimate sacrifice made by men and women serving in the Indian Army while securing the life and liberty of the people.
3. Commemorating courage and bravery
The day also serves as an occasion to highlight the gallantry and fortitude shown by soldiers, across numerous conflicts, peace-making missions, and humanitarian efforts. It is a time to honour their sacrifices and commemorate their contributions so that they will never be forgotten by their fellow citizens.
4. Fostering national pride
Indian Army Day is a symbol of national pride and plays a crucial role in highlighting the importance of the army in the maintenance of peace and security. The celebration serves to remind that the army has a critical role to play in upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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