Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of
Lieutenant General
Lieutenant general (Lt Gen, LTG and similar) is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages, where the title of lieutenant general was held by the second-in-command on the battlefield, who was norma ...
Kodandera M. Cariappa's (later who became Field Marshal ) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the
Indian Army
The Indian Army (IA) (ISO 15919, ISO: ) is the Land warfare, land-based branch and largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Commander-in-Chief, Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, and its professional head ...
from
General
A general officer is an Officer (armed forces), officer of high rank in the army, armies, and in some nations' air force, air and space forces, marines or naval infantry.
In some usages, the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colone ...
Francis Roy Bucher, the last British
Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital
New Delhi
New Delhi (; ) is the Capital city, capital of India and a part of the Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). New Delhi is the seat of all three branches of the Government of India, hosting the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Parliament ...
as well as in all headquarters. On 15 January 2023, India celebrated its 75th Indian Army Day in Bengaluru. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in
Delhi cantonment. 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.
Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.
In 2020, Captain
Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.
See also
*
Armed Forces Day in other countries
References
Bibliography
Indian Army
January observances
Annual events in India
Armed Forces days
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