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Every year on January 15, Indian Army Day is observed in honor of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on this day in 1949 from the last British Army Chief, General Francis Butcher. India will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Indian Army Day in 2023.
The day is commemorated by various parades, medal presentations, and cultural military displays in New Delhi and at all Army Command headquarters.
The Indian army was officially formed on April 1, 1895, with its first British Army, Chief Francis Butcher, in 1949. Later, on January 15, 1949, the British commander-in-chief appointed Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as the first Chief Commander of the Indian Army.
With countries like the US, China, and Russia, our nation’s army is one of the biggest armed forces in the world that operates on “Serve others before self” as its ultimate agenda. Know more about the history, significance, and celebrations of Indian Army Day.
When is Indian Army Day?
The country will commemorate the 75th anniversary of Indian Army Day on January 15, 2023, in remembrance of the proud day when the Indian Army received its first Indian Commander in Chief, Kodandera M. Cariappa, to lead and administer the army’s operations.
History of Indian Army Day
The historical happy Indian Army day commemorates the day in 1949 when Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa succeeded British Army General Roy Butcher and accepted his new role as the first Commander-in-Chief of independent India.
India gained independence from British rule in 1945, after nearly 200 years of British rule. The country was in chaos and riots at the time, as many refugees and people were migrating from Pakistan.
This administrative disorder necessitated an army invasion to control the situation and restore peace during the partition. During India’s independence, British officer Francis Butcher was in command of the country’s army. This is when the British General delegated command of the country’s army to Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa.
As a result, Happy Indian Army Day has been observed to recognize his role in the management of the Indian army. In other words, we are commemorating the day when the control of the national army gets transferred to an Indian citizen.
Celebrations of Indian Army Day
The day is observed by all army command headquarters in New Delhi to honor Indian army soldiers who lived, survived, and died while defending the country’s independence and dignity. Following the homage, grand celebrations are held across the country.
To commemorate the day, various parades, including military displays, are held yearly at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment. It exemplifies the army’s strengths, bravery, daring, and devotion to the country.
Soldiers are awarded gallantry awards and Sena Models such as the Param Vir Chakra and the Vir Chakra, among others, for their bravery and courageous acts. On this occasion, the Indian Army Chief salutes the parade. The day is observed in memory of the valiant Indian soldiers who died while fighting for their country.
Significance of Indian Army Day
Even though the country gained independence from British rule in 1947, it did not take control of the Indian army until two years later, in 1979. Finally, on January 26th, 1950, the country’s Constitution was declared, and India became a republic. The holiday reminds us that achieving independence was not a one-day battle, but rather a long process.
Many army command headquarters in New Delhi commemorate the day when K. M. Cariappa became India’s first chief commander after independence. The day has national significance because it honors the true fighters of the army who died while protecting the country. The salute is given for their courageous actions on the battlefield to safeguard the country.
