Sanjha Morcha

#ArmyDay: 10 things to know about this day honouring the Indian Army

The Indian Army Day, which marks its 68th year today, is being today celebrated nationwide.

The Indian Army

For Indians, January 15 happens to be a very important day. It is when the Army Day is celebrated nationwide, honouring the soldiers of our country.

Wonder why and how this day came to be celebrated? Here some things about the Army Day you should know:

  1. Army Day is observed in the memory of our country getting its first Indian Army’s Commander-in-Chief, Lt General KM Cariappa, after the Independence.
  2. On January 15, 1948, Lt General Cariappa took over the position from British Army General Roy Butcher.
  3. This year, 2016, we are celebrating the 68th Indian Army Day.
  4. Army Day is celebrated at every Army Command headquarters in the country and in the national capital.
  5. In Delhi, celebrations begin with tributes being paid to the martyred soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in India Gate.
  6. Different military shows featuring the technology and achievements of the Army are then carried out.
  7. The Indian Army also hold parades, which include the exhibition of BLT T-72, T-90 tanks, Brahmos Missile, carrier Mortar Tracked Vehicle, 155 MM Soltum Gun, Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps, etc.
  8. Bravery awards like Unit credentials and Sena Medals are also distributed to the soldiers on this day.
  9. The soldiers of the Indian Army take a pledge on staying dedicated to be a part of the ‘War Winning Team’.
  10. Army Day is observed to honour the valiant soldiers, living and dead, who risk and sacrifice their lives to guard our country.

This Video about the Indian Army’s past 100 Years Will Give You Goosebumps

The Indian Army is justifiably famous for its legendary discipline, professionalism, and bravado. For more than a 100 years — when the men of the army first fought in World War I — they have been doing India proud.

But their greatest contribution, their incredible gift to over a billion countrymen, is perhaps that they allow us to live our dreams, to follow our passions without fear. Sometimes, the cost of this gift is their lives.

indian army

From having successfully defended India in a number of wars to the liberation of Bangladesh and the capturing of Siachen (the world’s highest battlefield!), our soldiers have reminded us time and again what a superlative defence force looks like. Even today, when the enemy in the form of terrorism is faceless and constantly shifting and the battlefields are our very cities, the Indian Army isn’t letting us down.

The army has also been part of United Nations peacekeeping missions in as many as 7 different countries, helping secure the lives of people around the globe.

The army is also most often the fastest responder during times of national emergency.

During crises such as the floods in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chennai, or even the earthquake in neighbouring Nepal, the army has helped rebuild the lives of thousands of people.

indian army

To learn more about the army, watch this video, which was originally posted on the Indian Army’s Facebook page: