Soldiering on, against all odds

Jan 15, 2013

The Indian Army celebrates its coming of age as Army Day on 15 January every year, commemorating the appointment of Gen. K.M Cariappa (later honoured as Field Marshal) as the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. Army Day is an appropriate occasion to reflect on the Indian Army as it represents every ethnic group and level of society in India. The Indian Army is the largest component of country’s defence and it has carried out its role with unflinching devotion, often against heavy odds. The Indian Army has fought five high-intensity maximum-force defensive wars, besides continuous engagement in internal security operations to preserve the integrity of the nation against the separatists.

Throughout the present socio-economic turmoil, with the attendant collapses in ethics, values, and institutions, the Indian Army has steadfastly held on to its traditions of integrity, patriotism, valour, courage and devotion to duty. In so doing, the Army has retained the admiration, and affection of the people and is viewed as a shining example worth emulating by each one of us.     

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) K. M. Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander, in 1948. The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in national capital as well as all 6 Army Command headquarters. On 15 January 2010 India celebrated 62nd Indian Army day in New Delhi. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificied their lives to protect our country and the people living in it. On this day in 1948 Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief. Army played equally important role as the other freedom fighters in instilling democratization in India.
General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa shared a good bonding with both natives and Britishers and then succeeded General Roy Butcher of British Army to become the first Indian Commander in Chief of the democratic India.
The Indian Army fights adversities on borders as well as with natural calamities. The major feature of this army is that it combats in hot, chilly, temperate, forestry, terrain. One best example is the siachen glacier where the Indian soldiers guard the border at -80 degree celsius. The Army works with true dedication and spirit of the motto ‘fight to win’.

Indian Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and the people living in it. The day is celebrated on January 15^th every year. On this day in 1948, Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief. Army played equally important role as the other freedom fighters in instilling democratization in India. General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa shared a good bonding with both natives and Britishers and then succeeded General Roy Butcher of British Army to become the first Indian Commander in Chief of the democratic India.

The Indian Army fights adversities on borders as well as with natural calamities. The Army works with true dedication and spirit of the motto ‘fight to win’.

Celebration

The Army Day celebrated on 15th January, 2013 will be the 65th Anniversary of Indian Army. The Army re-dedicates itself to become a part of the ‘War Winning Team’ on this day. The day begins with paying homage to the martyred soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate, New Delhi. Parades and many military shows which features the technology and achievements in Army are held at the Delhi Cantonment. Unit credentials and Sena Medals were also presented for gallantry on the occasion every year.

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