Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa‘s (later who became Field Marshal ) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.[1][2] The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in all headquarters.[3] On 15 January 2023, India celebrated its 75th Indian Army Day in Bengaluru.[4][5] Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.[6]
While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment.[7] 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.[8][9] Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.[8] In 2020, Captain Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.[10][11
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.
Captain Tania Shergill
is the first Indian woman Parade Adjutant to lead an all-man contingent at an Army Day function in Indian Army, Republic Day (India) in 2020.[1][2]
Early life and education
She is a graduate of Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Shergill is serving at 1-Signal Training Centre in Jabalpur. She was commissioned into the Indian Army Corps of Signals in 2017.[3]
Family background
Shergill belongs to an Indian Army family background where her father served the 101 Medium Regiment (Artillery) and later in Central Reserve Police Force where he was awarded with a PPMG.[clarification needed] Shergill’s grandfather served in the 14th Armoured Regiment (Scinde Horse). Her great grandfather was in the Sikh Regiment. Shergill also led the Army’s contingent during the Republic Day parade in 2021.
Education
Shergill holds a B.Tech. degree in electronics and telecommunications from Nagpur University.[4]