Army Day (India)

HAL Dhruv and Pinaka Army day.jpg
Army soldiers conduct a drill at the Army Day parade in New Delhi on 15 January 2013

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa's (later who became Field Marshal ) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.[1][2] The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in all headquarters.[3] On 15 January 2023, India celebrated its 75th Indian Army Day in Bengaluru.[4][5] Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.[6]

While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment.[7] Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year.[8][9] Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.[8] In 2020, Captain Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.[10][11]

  1. ^ "Army Day 2019 LIVE Updates: PM Modi, President pay tribute to heroes from armed forces". The Indian Express. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  2. ^ Newsd (16 January 2019). "Army Day: Facts about Indian Army you must know". News and Analysis from India. A Refreshing approach to news. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Army Day 2020: Why does India celebrate Army Day on January 16". Business Insider. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  4. ^ "PM extends his greetings on Army Day". www.pmindia.gov.in. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  5. ^ "Indian Army Day 2020: Date, significance and inspirational quotes". India Today. 14 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  6. ^ Team, Editorial (8 January 2018). "Indian Army Day". SSBToSuccess. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  7. ^ News, Sa (13 January 2022). "Indian Army Day 2022: The Day for the Unsung Heroes of the Country". SA News Channel. Retrieved 15 January 2022. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  8. ^ a b Singh, Rahul (15 January 2020). "Why is Jan 15 special for army and 10 things you should about Army Day". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  9. ^ "72nd Army Day: All you need to know". The Times of India. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  10. ^ "Republic Day 2020: Captain Tania Shergill To Become 1st Woman Parade Adjutant". Ndtv.com. 22 February 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  11. ^ "Who is Captain Tania Shergill". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2020.