Indian Army Day - 15th January

Indian Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year. It is on this day that the first Indian took charge of the Indian Army as Commander-in-Chief. His name was General KM Cariappa, later Field Marshal. He took over from the last English head of the Indian armed forces, General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher. In memory of this historic occasion, the nation observes Indian Army Day on January 15 every year.

IAS aspirants can get the List of Important Days and Dates from the UPSC prelims perspective in the linked article.

To know more about Indian Army Day and its details in the context of preparation for the UPSC exam, read below.

How is Indian Army Day Celebrated?

Indian Army Day is celebrated grandly. It is a day to commemorate India’s Bravehearts and their service to our nation. A parade is generally held on the Parade Grounds of the Delhi Cantonment.

Indian Army Day 2024

A military and combat display ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ was organised at Lucknow Cantonment in Uttar Pradesh, as part of the 76th Army Day celebrations. Civil invitees and military personnel graced the event, which featured Martial Arts displays such as Kalaripayettu, Gatka, and a performance by North East Warriors. The static display included Akash Missiles, K9 Vajra, Anti-Drone equipment, Bofors guns, artillery weapons systems and other equipment and technology used by the Indian Army. A combat free fall from 8,000 feet was carried out by 12 Indian Army personnel. Su-30 MKI, Surya Kiran aerobatic team and Advanced Light Helicopters lit up the skies during ‘Shaurya Sandhya’.

Indian Army Day 2023

‘Shaurya Sandhya’ was organised as part of the 75th Indian Army Day celebrations in Bengaluru. It was the first time that Army Day was held outside Delhi in order to increase the participation of people, especially the youth in ‘Knowing their Army’. Events included a fly-past by Advance Light Helicopter-WSI, Army Aviation Helicopters and Microlight Aircraft of Army Adventure Wing, a show of equestrian sports of Tent Pegging and Six Bar Jumping, Army Aviation Combat Demonstration and Special Team Operations by personnel, sky-diving by paratroopers, and a display of martial arts by the ‘North East Warriors’.

Indian Army Day 2022

74^th Indian Army Day saw our Indian army debut its new uniform designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology. Parades, medal presentations, and other ceremonies were held to commemorate the day.

Grand celebrations took place on this day all around the country. Military hardware, different contingents, and a combat display were conducted. Gallantry awards and Sena medals were also distributed on this day.

Indian Army Day 2021

On 15 January 2021, India celebrated its 73^rd Indian Army Day. This day honours the brave soldiers of our country, who have set a high benchmark of love, honour and service to the nation.

This occasion is observed every year across Army Command headquarters. For India’s 73^rd Army Day, the Indian Army organised a marathon (Vijay Run) in order to pay tribute to Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971.

Our nation also pays tribute to jawans on this day for their selfless service.

Also, read:

Indian Army’s Mission

Indian army is among the most powerful armies in the world. The motto of the Indian army is ‘service before self’. Its mission is to ensure national security and unity. Moreover, it is also charged with the duty of defending the nation from external and internal aggression, and maintaining peace and security in the nation.

Know More About Field Marshal Cariappa

Here are some facts about Field Marshal Cariappa.

1. Field Marshal Cariappa’s colleagues in the Indian Army fondly called him ‘Kipper’. He received his military training during World War 1 (1914-1918).
2. In 1919, he was among the few Indians to be selected and sent to Indore for training. He was later drafted into the Carnatic Infantry.
3. On 15 January 1949, he was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after having had a very bright and successful career.
4. Field Marshal KM Cariappa was conferred with the ‘Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit’, the first ever given to an Indian General. American President Harry Truman gave it.
5. The Field Marshal was known for his compassion and discipline. He inspired generations by exhibiting the highest standards of decorum and rectitude.
6. In 1983, he was given the Field Marshal (five stars); it had been awarded only to Sam Maneckshaw at that point (in 1973).
7. After he retired from the Indian Army, Field Marshal Cariappa served as the High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand in 1956.

Thus, in conclusion, Indian Army Day is an occasion of great celebration for the entire nation, not just the Indian army. The day is marked with parades, awards and displays of valour. Hence, it is greatly anticipated by all. In the context of the IAS Exam, details of the day and its significance are important.