Army Day...

                                                                 Army Day 

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Fransis Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Fransis Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.

The motto of the Indian Army is 'service before self' and its mission is to ensure national security and national unity, defend the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and maintain peace and security within its borders.

Salute to the brave soldiers, who risk and sacrifice their lives to protect us. Even the Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1965 had given the slogan i.e. "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan".

History of Indian Army Day 

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India as it is on this historic day that General KM Cariappa became the first Indian to take charge of the Indian Army in 1949. He took over from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher who was the last English commander of our nation's army. 

The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in all headquarters.On 15 January 2021, India celebrated its 73rd Indian Army Day in New Delhi. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.

While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantoment. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year. Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.In 2020, Captain Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.

Indian Army Day 2021: Significance and importance

 Every year, the Indian Army celebrates the Army Day on January 15 because on this day in 1949, the Indian Army got its first commander-in-chief. Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over as the reins of the armed force as first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India. He adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’, which means ‘Victory to India'”. India is celebrating the 73rd Army Day today. The day is celebrated each year at all Army Command headquarters in order to honour the soldiers of our country who have set the greatest example of selfless service and brotherhood. The nation also pays tribute to the valour of the bravehearts on this day while thanking them for their selfless service.Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on Friday expressed gratitude to Indian soldiers, saying that their valour and sacrifices are an inspiration to many.“On the historic Army Day, we pay homage and express our gratitude to those brave soldiers, whose valour and Supreme sacrifice in line of duty inspires us to rededicate ourselves with renewed vigour,” Rawat said in a message. He added, “Your dauntless courage, indomitable spirit and unparalleled devotion to duty in the true traditions and ethos of the Indian army will continue to inspire future generations. Jai Hind!”

President Ramnath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to Army officers, ex-servicemen and their families on the occasion.

President Kovind remembered the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation and said the country will remain forever to the courageous of soldiers and their families.

Every year, the day is celebrated with different themes and ideas. Last Year, the ‘Digital Transformation of Defense’ was the Indian Army Day 2020 Theme.

This year the Indian Army has organized a marathon – Vijay Run – to “commemorate the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations of India’s resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971.”

Indian Army Day 2021: Theme

Army Day 2021: PM Modi, Prez Kovind Greet 'Strong, Brave & Resolute' Soldiers for 'Making India Proud'

Some interesting facts about the Indian Army day 

 

 New Delhi: Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year. This is marked to commemorate the day when the first Indian general took charge of the Indian Army. In 1949, KM Cariappa (later Field Marshal) took over as the commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. 

This year, the country will be celebrating its 74th Army Day. The day is observed across the country and the main parade takes place at the Cariappa Parade Ground at Delhi Cantonment. 

Cariappa replaced British commander General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher and took charge when he was just 49-years-old.

The first two chiefs of the army after the country got independence were British.

Cariappa, fondly known as Kipper served as army chief for four years, before his retirement on January 16, 1953.

During the Army Day parade, which is held at the Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment, the army chief takes the salute and inspects the parade led by the General Officer Commanding, HQs Delhi Area. The parade is also a part of the Republic Day parade.

The parade will comprise of different contingents along with a combat display of soldiers simulating action in enemy territory.

Military hardware is also displayed during the parade every year.

The army chief also confers gallantry awards to soldiers and unit citations to different battalions for their performance during operations.

Recipients of Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra also take part in the parade every year.

The army chief hosts a traditional reception at his official residence on Rajaji Marg every year. The President, Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, top officials from the forces attend the reception.

Army Day 2021: Inspirational Indian Army Quotes

• “The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round." -Major Som Nath Sharma
• “There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be issued.”- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
  
• "You have never lived until You have almost died, And for those who choose to fight, Life has a special flavor, The protected will never know.” -Capt R Subramanium
• "We fight to win and win with a knockout because there are no runners up in war." -General JJ Singh
• "No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards.” -Lt. Arun Kehtarpal
• “If death strikes, before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill death.” -Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey
• ”Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail.” -Capt Manoj Kumar Pande

Indian Air force Day (2021) Video --