75th Army Day 2023: The Indian Army was officially established on 1 April 1895. India got its first Army Chief in 1949. On 15 January 1949, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in India. This year, India celebrates its 75th Army Day on January 15.
Greetings to all Indian Army personnel and their families on #ArmyDay. The country praises their courage, bravery, sacrifice and indomitable service. We are proud of the efforts of the Indian Army in keeping India safe and secure. pic.twitter.com/I7tqRyULma
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh)
January 15, 2023
According to the 2017 Global Fire Power Index, The Indian army is considered the 4th strongest army in the world. According to this index, the US, Russia and China have better armies than India. India’s neighbor Pakistan ranks 13th on this list.
The Indian Army originated from the forces of the East India Company, later known as the ‘British Indian Army’, and finally, after Independence, it came to be known as the National Army.
The Indian Army was established by the British on 1 April 1895. The Indian Army was established on 1 April, but Army Day in India is celebrated on 15 January.
Tell us the reason behind this.
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Why is Army Day celebrated in India?
India gained independence on August 15, 1947 after nearly 200 years of slavery under British rule. At the time of India’s independence, the country was experiencing communal riots, refugees were coming from Pakistan and some people were migrating to Pakistan.
Due to this type of anarchic atmosphere, many administrative problems began to arise as the army had to take control of the situation to ensure peace during the partition.
At the time of India’s independence, command of the Indian army was in the hands of British General Francis Butcher. This was therefore the right time to place the entire control of the country in the hands of the Indians; thus Field Marshal KM Cariappa became the first Indian Army Chief of Independent India on 15 January 1949.
Since this occasion was so remarkable for the Indian Army, it was decided to celebrate this momentous day every year in India as Army Day and since then this tradition has continued.
Hence, the transfer of military power into the hands of an Indian citizen on January 15 is marked as Army Day in the country.
It is held every year at all Army Command headquarters and the national capital by holding military parades including many other military shows.
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To commemorate Army Day, a military parade is held every year at the Cariappa Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment. Its salute was performed by the Indian Army Chief. In 2018, the 70th Army Day was celebrated in which the Parade Salute was performed by General Bipin Rawat and in 2019 by General MM Narwane.
Image source: business standards
The 71st Indian Army Day was celebrated on January 15, 2019 in the capital Delhi.
This is the first time in history that a female officer will lead a troop in the Army Day parade. Lieutenant Bhawana Kasturi became the first female officer to lead a team of 144 male officers.
Every year, the Indian Army Chief takes the salute and this year in 2022, General Manoj Mukund Naravane will take the salute.
Significance of Indian Army Day
This day is celebrated in all Army Commands. Preparations are underway but due to the ongoing global pandemic, the day will be celebrated according to strict protocols. On this day, soldiers of the Indian Army are honored who selflessly served the country and set the greatest example of brotherhood. Salutes are given to all those brave fighters who gave up everything to defend their homeland and preserve the integrity of their nation.
Know about Field Marshal KM Cariappa
Field Marshal KM Cariappa was born in 1899 in Karnataka and his father Kondera was a tax collector. Cariappa led the Indian Army on the western border during the 1947 Indo-Pak war.
Image source: thehindu (के. एम. करिअप्पा)
Sam Manekshaw was the first Field Marshal of India, and he was awarded the title in January 1973. The second person to receive the title of Field Marshal was ‘Konderera M. Cariappa’, who was conferred the rank on 14 January January 1986.
Now, you probably know why Army Day is celebrated on January 15.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn