Indian Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year, to commemorate the day when the forces’ first Indian Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over first Indian Commander-in-Chief General Sir Francis Butcher as Commander-in-Chief of India in January 1949. This year, the Indian Army celebrated 72nd Army Day.
As a tradition, every year, the army chief hosts a reception at his official residence, which is attended by the President, the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers and other dignitaries. Also, Army Day parade is organised in Delhi to mark the special event. On this day, Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded to the brave hearts. In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards on the Indian Army Day.
Besides, Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees take part in the Army Day parade every year. Military hardware, contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.
Why is Army Day Celebrated?
The Army Day is celebrated every year at all Army Command headquarters to honour India’s brave soldiers for their selfless service and brotherhood, and especially, love for the nation. The Indian Army is one of the most powerful militaries of the world, competing with superpowers like the US, Russia and China.
Here’s how Twitter paid tribute to the country’s brave soldiers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted army personnel on the Army Day, saying they are the pride of India. He wrote on Twitter, “The Indian Army is the pride of Mother India. On the occasion of Army Day, I salute the indomitable courage, the valour of all the soldiers of the country.”
Major Surendra Poonia: Country Above all on #ArmyDay, remembering martyrs who gave their life for safety, integrity, & sovereignty of our motherland. I am proud to have been a part of the best institution of our nation.
SPYFromSouth: Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.#ArmyDay
Confiance Communications: 4th Generation Soldier Captain Tanya Shergill became the 1st female officer to command an all men contingent on the 72nd #Armyday Parade. Breaking all stereotypes with her head held high she makes India Proud
Dr PM Dhakate: A proud moment, Tania Shergill an officer with the army corps signals, becomes the first woman to lead an all-male army contingent on #ArmyDay & the first woman adjutant for Republic Day 2020. She is the 4th generation officer of the Indian Army from her family.
Here are some inspirational quotes on Indian Army Day:
“We fight to win and win with a knock out because there are no runners up in war.” -General JJ Singh
“There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be issued.”- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
“If death strikes, before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill death.” -Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey
“You have never lived until You have almost died, And for those who choose to fight, Life has a special flavour, The protected will never know.” -Capt R Subramanium
“Either I will come back after hoisting the tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.” – Capt. Vikram Batra, PVC.
We live by chance, we love by choice, we kill by profession.” – Officers Training Academy, Chennai
The enemy is only 50 yards from us. We are heavily outnumbered. We are under devastating fire. I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.” -Major Som Nath Sharma
“No Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My gun is still working and I will get these bastards.” -Lt. Arun Kehtarpal
”Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail.” -Capt Manoj Kumar Pande
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, and it is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff—a four-star general. There are two officers in the Indian Army who have been conferred with the rank of field marshal (a five-star rank), which is a ceremonial position of great honour.
The Indian Army was formed in 1776 by the East India Company in Kolkata. It is one of the powerful militaries of the world, competing with superpowers like the US, China and Russia. The units and regiments of the Indian Army have diverse histories and partaken in a number of battles and campaigns across the world, earning many battle and theatre honours before and after Independence.
The prime mission of the Indian Army is ‘service before self’ and its mission is to ensure national security and national unity, defend the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and maintain peace and security within its borders. The Indian Army also conducts philanthropic rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances.
The Indian Army is a primary component of national power alongside the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The army has been involved in four wars with neighbouring countries—Pakistan and China. Other important operations undertaken by the army include Operation Meghdoot, Operation Vijay and Operation Cactus. Besides, the Indian army has conducted large peacetime exercises like Exercise Shoorveer and Operation Brasstacks. It has also been an active participant in many United Nations peacekeeping missions like Cambodia, Namibia, Cyprus, Somalia, Lebanon, Mozambique, Congo, Angola, Vietnam, El Salvador, Liberia and South Sudan.
There is a regimental system in the Indian Army, which is divided into seven commands.
India has the second-largest military in the world with 1.39 members.
Indian Army Day Images on India Content
The Indian Content website has a good collection of HD images related to India Army Day. Check out the images on the website which are available in three sizes—small, medium and large.
You can purchase various other content images from the https://www.indiacontent.in
