Nation Celebrating 75th Army Day Today, Learn Why This Day Is Celebrated

 

Army Day is celebrated every year on 15 January in India. This year India is celebrating its 75th Army Day.
There is a special reason to celebrate this day in India. This day reminds one of the most important events in the history of India.
On January 15, 1949, for the first time after nearly 200 years of British rule, an Indian was handed over the reins of the Indian Army.
On this day the achievements, service to the country, immense contribution and sacrifice of Indian soldiers are honoured.

KM Cariappa was first Indian officer to become Commander-in-Chief

On January 15, 1949, for the first time, the post of Commander-in-Chief was given to an Indian military officer from a British military officer. Commander-in-Chief is called the head of the three armies.
At present, the Commander-in-Chief in India is the President of India, who is the head of all the three armies.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa then took over from General Sir Francis Butcher as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
Francis Butcher was the last British man to hold the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Field Marshal KM Cariappa was the lieutenant general at that time.
Cariappa was 49 years old at that time. KM Cariappa adopted the slogan 'Jai Hind'.
The Indian Army was formed from the armies of the East India Company which later became the 'British Indian Army' and after independence, the Indian Army.

Cariappa led Indian forces during Indo-Pakistan War of 1947

Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. He is one of only two Indian Army officers to hold the Five-star rank of Field Marshal; the other being Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

His distinguished military career spanned almost three decades. Born on 28 January 1899, in Madikeri, Kodagu, Cariappa joined the British Indian Army shortly after the end of World War I, and was commissioned as a temporary first lieutenant into the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry. He was transferred between multiple regiments early in his career before settling on 1/7 Rajputs, which became his permanent regiment.  

Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground

While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year. Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade