Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15 in honour of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who succeeded General Francis Butcher. In 1949, he assumed the role of the Indian Army's first Commander-in-Chief. India will commemorate Indian Army Day's 75th anniversary in 2023. However, it is a proud moment for all the Indians.
Various parades, medal ceremonies, and military and cultural events mark the day in New Delhi and at each Army Command headquarters. The first general of the British Army, Chief Francis Butcher, took command of the Indian Army in 1949 after it had been formally constituted on April 1st, 1895. When the British commander-in-chief gave up leadership of the Indian Army later that day, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa was named the first Chief Commander of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949.
The army of our nation is one of the most formidable in the world. It functions under the guiding principle of "Serve others before self" alongside nations like the US, China, and Russia. Learn more about the origins, significance, and festivities of Indian Army Day.
When is Indian Army Day?
On January 15 of the year after, the nation will commemorate the momentous occasion when the Indian Army named Kodandera M. Cariappa as its first Indian Commander in Chief to direct and coordinate the army's activities. This is when Indian Army Day is celebrated. Army Day is a time to remember the courageous soldiers who gave their lives protecting the country and its citizens.
Indian Army Day's historical context
Happy Indian Army Day was first observed in 1949 to honour Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who succeeded British Army General Roy Butcher as the nation's first Commander-in-Chief.
In 1945, nearly 200 years after the country had been under British rule, India won its freedom. At that time, there was a lot of instability and unrest across the country as a result of the enormous number of immigrants and refugees coming from Pakistan. A military invasion was necessary to regain control of the situation and guarantee that there would be peace throughout the divide as a result of the administrative shambles. A British colonel named Francis Butcher was in charge of directing the army of newly independent India. The British general now handed command of the army to Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa.
Indian Army Day has been commemorated to recognise his contribution to the administration of the Indian army. Hence, this is why Indian army day is celebrated. In other words, we commemorate the day an Indian citizen took charge of the national army.
Celebrations for Indian Army Day
All army command headquarters in New Delhi observe the day in memory of the Indian army personnel who fought for their nation's freedom and honour throughout their lives. After the honour, lavish celebrations take place all around the country.
Every year to mark the event, a multitude of parades, including military displays, are held at the Cariappa Parade Ground of the Delhi Cantonment. It is a prime example of the army's prowess, bravery, audacity, and devotion to the nation.
The commander of the Indian Army gives the parade a salute on this occasion. The day is remembered in honour of the gallant Indian soldiers who gave their lives defending the nation.
Indian Army Day's significance
Being an Indian, you should know when is Army Day. Despite being liberated from British authority in 1947, the country did not fully gain control of the Indian army until 1979, two years later. When the nation's constitution was declared on January 26, 1950, India officially became a republic. The holiday intends to serve as a reminder that the struggle for independence was a long one that lasted many years.
On this day, which is celebrated by numerous army command centres in New Delhi, K. M. Cariappa became the country's first chief commander after independence. The salute is given in appreciation for their heroic efforts to protect the country on the front lines.
After India gained independence from British rule, Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, often known as K. M. Cariappa, was selected to serve as its first Chief Commander and command the army. In Karnataka, he was born in the year 1899. Kondera, his father, had been a revenue officer. Army officers Sam Manekshaw and Cariappa both held the Five-Star rank of Field Marshal. Cariappa was the first president of India and a five-star army general, but his influence went beyond those positions.
Before becoming the Troops's top commander, he was in charge of the country's army in the west during the 1947 Indo-Pak War. He played a big part in the Kargil areas being taken back. In March 1937, he married Muthu Machia in Secunderabad, the daughter of a forest officer. He has won many awards. At 94 years old, he died in Bangalore in 1993. The exploits of this Man of Principles are commemorated on Indian Army Day. He set a high standard for patriotism, which motivated future generations. Moreover, if you want to know and understand Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in detail, you can take online GK Olympiad classes. Those classes will help you with any questions related to GK.
Conclusion
The Indian army made important contributions to global welfare and security issues both before and after independence. The purpose of Indian Army Day is to recognise the valour and bravery of Indian army personnel who have protected their country in battle. At military sites across the country, parades are staged to mark the occasion. However, knowing about essential dates like Army Day is necessary, especially for GK exams. You can enrol in Online tuition classes if you want full knowledge about GK and current affairs. Many students are part of online tuition because they get suitable classes and well-experienced tutors. You should enrol too! However, nowadays, everyone is leaning towards online tuitions because they are seeing the benefit of it.
