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Bangalore- Today, India is celebrating its 73rd Army Day. This day is celebrated by the Army Command headquarters to commemorate the country’s soldiers. Let’s find out the significance of this annual celebration.
Why Army Day Celebrated across India?
On 15th January 1949, Lt Gen KM Carriappa took over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India. This day especially marks the beginning of the Indian Army. This day is also dedicated to honour those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for India.
How Army Day is celebrated?
In various Army command headquarters, military parades are organized on this day. This parade includes various aerial stunts, bike pyramids, and so on. The ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ at India Gate is where the country as a whole pays tribute to the army. The main venue for the parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi. On this day, the bravery awards and Sena medals are distributed.
Why is Gen Cariappa important in the history of the Indian Army?
Kodandera “Kipper” Madappa Carriappa took over from the British as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in independent India. He is one of the only two people who received the title of Field Marshal of India. During the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947, he played an important role in the Indian Army.
A native of Karnataka, Gen Cariappa’s army career spanned over three decades. When he led the Eastern and Western Commands of the army, he won many accolades. Gen Cariappa was the first Indian to receive training at the Imperial Defence College in Camberley, UK.
73rd Indian Army Day
On 73rd Indian Army Day in 2021, the Indian Army has also organized a marathon – Vijay Run – to “commemorate Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations of India’s resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971,” ADP-PI, Indian Army, tweeted.
