New Delhi: India celebrated its 75th Army Day on Sunday with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asking the army to be future-ready while drawing parallels with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Every year, January 15 marks the day to commemorate Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa who was the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949 replacing his British predecessor.
It was for the first time this year that the events took place outside the national capital Delhi. The Army Day parade, which is the main highlight of the day, was held in Karnataka’s capital city Bengaluru. According to a Ministry of Defence statement, the change was made “in order to give wider visibility and participation of citizens.
Defence Minister tells Army to be future-ready
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asked the army to be future-ready at a time when lessons should be learnt from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking at the 75th Indian Army Day event at the Army Service Corps (ASC) Bengaluru, he called upon the armed forces to enhance their adoption capabilities and that in the coming days, all major armed forces would boost their security mechanism.
"India's reputation has increased significantly in the international fora and this manifested in ceasing of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the leaders concerned to ensure safe evacuation of Indian students," he said.
Earlier, when India used to speak, no one would take it seriously, but now when we say, "the world listens to us carefully." "An example of it is the evacuation of Indian students caught during the Russia and Ukraine war. There was an outcry to bring students back home safely," Singh said.
Why is this day commemorated?
Army Day is observed on January 15 to mark Field Marshall K M Cariappa taking over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing his British predecessor in 1949. The day is dedicated to remembering those who fight relentlessly to protect the nation and its people. It also marks an important day which recognises army personnel and celebrates their achievements.
As for the annals, the British Indian Army was established in 1858. Field Marshal Cariappa, who was a Lieutenant General at the time, succeeded the last British Army Chief Officer, General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher on this day over 70 years ago. Therefore, this day is a significant one for India as despite gaining independence in 1947, we did not have an Indian commander-in-chief until 1949.
How is it celebrated?
Every year, the celebrations are marked with several events on the day, including the main Army Day parade which is typically held at the Cariappa Parade Ground in the Delhi Cantonment. In the weeks leading up to January 15, the Indian Army organises outreach programmes and other events like weapons and equipment displays, band performances, quiz competitions, and painting and essay writing competitions in schools and colleges and remote villages, across the nation. Additionally, Sena medals and gallantry awards are also distributed on Army Day to recognise the achievements of army personnel.
Tributes pour in
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday extended greetings on Army Day and said soldiers have always pushed the frontiers of valour besides acting as saviours in times of calamities. "I salute all brave soldiers of Indian Army and their families on this occasion," she said. "On Army Day, let us recall countless stories of Indian Army soldiers' sacrifices! They have always pushed the frontiers of valour and courage, and also acted as saviours in times of calamities. I salute all brave soldiers of Indian Army and their families on this occasion," Murmu tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greeting by tweeting, "On Army Day, I convey my best wishes to all army personnel, veterans and their families. Every Indian is proud of our Army and will always be grateful to our soldiers. They have always kept our nation safe and are widely admired for their service during times of crisis."
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hailed soldiers and veterans, and said the people are forever indebted to them for their unflinching courage, utmost dedication and selfless sacrifice. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also lauded the Indian Army and said every soldier is full of bravery, patriotism and sacrifice.
In a tweet, Kharge said, "Salutations to our brave soldiers, veterans, ex-servicemen and gratitude to their families, on the occasion of Indian Army Day." "We are forever indebted to your unflinching courage, utmost dedication and selfless sacrifice," the Congress president said. In a tweet, Gandhi said, "Bravery, patriotism and sacrifice every soldier of our army is full of these."
In a tweet, the Congress said, "On Indian Army Day, we salute the jawans of the Indian Army for their selfless service to the nation and also remember the proud day when the Indian Army got its first Indian Commander-in-chief, K.M. Cariappa, to lead & administer the operations of the army."
