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 Indian armed forces, General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher. In memory of this historic occasion, the Indian Army marks an auspicious occasion.

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

Indian Army Day 2022

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

Grand celebrations will take place on this day all around the country. Military hardware, different contingents, and a combat display are scheduled. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also distributed on this day.

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Indian Army’s Mission

Indian army is among the most powerful armies in the world. It rivals competitors like US, Russia, and China. 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, 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 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. 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 1983 (five stars) awarded only to Sam Maneckshaw at that point in 1973.
7. After he retired from the Indian Army, Field Marshal served as 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.