75th Army Day 2023: The Indian Army was officially established on 1 April 1895. India got its first Army Chief in 1949. On 15 January 1949, Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa took over the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India. This year, India is celebrating its 75th Army Day on 15 January.
Greetings to all Indian Army personnel and their families on #ArmyDay. The nation salutes their indomitable courage, valour, sacrifices and service. We are proud of the Indian Army’s efforts to keep India safe and secure. pic.twitter.com/I7tqRyULma
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 15, 2023
According to the Global Fire Power Index 2017, India's army is considered the world's fourth strongest army. According to this index, America, Russia, and China have a better armies than India. India's neighbor Pakistan is ranked 13th on this list.
The Indian army was originated from the forces of the East India Company, which later known as the 'British Indian Army', and eventually, after Independence, it is known as the National Army.
The Indian Army was founded by the British on April 1, 1895. The Indian army was established on 1st of April, but Army Day in India is celebrated on the 15th of January.
Let us know the reason behind this.
Why is Army Day Celebrated in India?
India attained independence on August 15, 1947, after slavery under British rule for almost 200 years. At the time of Indian independence, the country was experiencing communal riots refugees were coming from Pakistan and some people were migrating toward Pakistan.
Due to this type of anarchic atmosphere, many administrative problems started arising when the army had to come forward to control the situation so that peace can be ensured during the partition.
At the time of Indian independence, the command of the Indian army was in the hands of British General Sir Francis Butcher. So this was the right time to hand over full control of the country in the hands of the Indians; hence Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Army Chief of Independent India on 15 January 1949.
Since this opportunity was very remarkable for the Indian Army, it was decided to celebrate this grand day every year in India as Army Day and since then this tradition has been continuing.
Hence the transfer of power of the army in the hands of an Indian citizen on 15 January is marked as Army day in the country.
It is celebrated every year at all the Army Command headquarters and national capital by organizing army parades including many other military shows.
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In celebration of Army Day, the parade is organized every year at the Cariappa Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment. Its salute is taken by the Indian Army Chief. In the year 2018, the 70th Army Day was celebrated, in which Parade's salute was taken by General Bipin Rawat, and in 2019 it was taken by General M.M. Narwane.
image source:business standard
The 71st Indian Army Day is celebrated on the 15th of January, 2019 in the national capital Delhi.
It was the first time in history that a woman officer will lead an Army contingent on the Army Day parade. Lt. Bhawana Kasturi has become the first woman officer leading a contingent comprising of 144 male officers.
Every year the salute of the parade is taken by the Indian Army Chief, and this year in 2022, General Manoj Mukund Naravane will be taking the salute.
Significance of Indian Army Day
The day is celebrated at all Army Command Headquarters. Preparations are going on but due to the ongoing global pandemic, the day will be celebrated amidst stringent protocols. On this day, soldiers of the Indian Army are honored, who selflessly served the country and set the biggest example of brotherhood. The salute is given to all those brave fighters who have given up everything to protect the motherland and maintain the integrity of the nation.
Know About Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa
Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa was born in 1899 in Karnataka and his father Kondera was a revenue officer. Cariappa led the Indian Army on the western border in the Indo-Pak war in 1947.
Image source:thehindu (के. एम. करिअप्पा)
Sam Manekshaw was the first Field Marshal of India, and he was awarded this title in January 1973. The second person to receive the title of Field Marshal was 'Konderera M. Cariappa', who was given the rank on 14 January 1986.
Now, you must have come to know why is Army Day celebrated on 15 January.
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