Indian Army Day : Date, Themes, History of Army Day
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Indian Army Day [15 January]: General Knowledge
Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year. On this day in 1949, Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa (who was then a Lieutenant General) was made the first Commander-in-Chief of independent India. The last British Commander-in-Chief of India was General Francis Roy Bucher, who handed over the position to Cariappa on 15 January 1949.
Indian Army Day is a celebration of the valour displayed by the Indian Army. To honour Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, parades are held in the Cariappa parade ground in Delhi Cantonment. On Army Day, many medals and awards are also distributed to soldiers.
Army Day – History
The history of Indian Army Day can be traced back to 15 January 1949. On this date, the Indian Army welcomed Lieutenant KM Cariappa, the first Army staff member. General (later Field Marshall) KM Cariappa was appointed General Commander of the Indian Army on this day. To remember this event, 15 January is celebrated as National Army Day.
About Lieutenant KM Cariappa
He was the first Indian to be appointed Commander-in-Chief. He took charge of the chair from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander of India.
- The day he took charge of the office is commemorated as Army Day.
- He propagated the slogan ‘Jai Hindi’, which means ‘Victory of India’.
- Cariappa led Indian troops on the Western Front during the 1947 war between India and Pakistan.
- He also held a five-star rank as a Field Marshall.
Army Day – Significance
Here is why the day is considered so significant –
- It reminds us of the dynamic process of independence – India gained independence in 1947, but the Army was not officially handed over to the Indian Army until 1949, two years later. Army Day reminds us that freedom was not achieved in a day and was part of a long process.
- Paying homage to the military leaders of the country – Indian Army Day is about paying homage to the soldiers. Indian military leaders bravely fight along the border, keeping the country unharmed.
- An opportunity to learn about the Army – Even before independence, the Indian Army had a rich history of contributing to international war and security issues. National Army Day is about educating yourself on the efforts of the Army.
How to Celebrate Indian Army Day?
Here are some ways in which you can celebrate Army Day –
- Watch the Parade – The Indian Army holds a military parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment and presents gallantry awards on Army Day. The ceremony is broadcast live on the public TV channel Doordarshan, YouTube, and Twitter.
- Understand India’s contribution to the World Wars – Indian Army Day is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself about the Indian Army’s contribution to the World Wars.
- Read about Indian military history – There is much to discover about India’s long military history and its development across civilizations, dynasties, and conquests and Army Day is the perfect time for it.
Q. When is Indian Army Day celebrated?
Indian Army day is celebrated on 15 January every year. This day is observed to celebrate the selfless efforts of the Indian Army in protecting the nation fearlessly. The Indian Army’s mission is to protect the country from external attacks and internal threats and to guard the borders of the country.
Q. Why is Indian Army Day celebrated?
Indian army day is marked every year on 15 January to remember the event when General KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. He took control of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, in 1949.
Q. When was Indian Army Day declared in India?
Indian Army Day was declared on 15 January 1949 and the first celebration of the day took place on the same day. On this day, the Indian Army welcomed Lieutenant KM Cariappa, the first Army staff member.
Q. How is Indian Army Day celebrated?
On Indian Army Day, many celebratory events are held. Some of the events that take place on this day include –
- Indian Army Day is celebrated by hosting events in which the brave soldiers are awarded medals and trophies.
- Parades are held in the Cariappa parade ground in Delhi Cantonment.
- All Army headquarters celebrate Indian Army Day.