National Indian Army Day
What is National Indian Army Day?
In India, National Indian Army Day is celebrated every year on 15 January. 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 of the Indian Army. National Army Day is when the nation pays tribute to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
The day is celebrated in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa taking over the command of the Indian Army of independent India from the hands of British General Sir Francis Butcher of the British regime on 15 January 1949. It was a very remarkable day for the Indian Army, and an important moment in the history of the nation, it was decided to celebrate this grand day every year in India as National Army Day.
The tradition continued thereafter. On this day, soldiers of the Indian Army are honoured for selflessly serving the country and setting the greatest example of unity and brotherhood.
The history behind the National Indian Army Day celebration
India attained independence on August 15, 1947, after almost 200 years of slavery under the British regime. After India, as well as Pakistan, were declared independent nations, both countries came to face severe communal riots. Refugees, in large numbers, were migrating to India, as well as many were moving to Pakistan. Some factions showed resistance, and many were forced to leave their ancestral homes to move to the other separate country.
Religious communities – mainly Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims – clashed with each other to claim their rightful nationality. The situation quickly turned hostile, and the anarchic atmosphere led to many administrative problems. At last, the army had to come forward to control the situation so that peace can be ensured during the partition.
At the time of independence, the command of the then British Indian Army was in the hands of British General Sir Francis Butcher. Since India was already declared an independent nation in all its rights, it was the right time to hand over full control of the country in the hands of the Indians. Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, at the time a Lieutenant General, took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher, the last Commander-in-Chief, on 15 January 1949.
How is National Indian Army Day Celebrated?
In a long-running tradition, the Army Day parade is organized every year at Cariappa Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment in the capital city of New Delhi. The Indian Army Chief takes the Parade’s salute, and the whole nation joins in to salute the valiant soldiers who gave their lives in service to the country of India and all of its citizens. The salute is given to all the brave fighters who had willingly sacrificed everything to protect their motherland and who had taken up the responsibility to maintain the integrity of the nation.
National Army Day is also celebrated at all Army Command Headquarters, as well as, all the places throughout the country where soldiers of the Indian Army are posted. Deserving soldiers are awarded Gallantry awards, bravery awards and Sena medals on this day. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees also participate in the Army Day parade every year. The Indian Army organizes combat displays, Military Hardware and numerous contingents for the government and citizens of India. The entire event is streamed live on the DD National Channel a.k.a Doordarshan.
In which countries is National Indian Army Day celebrated?
National Army Day is celebrated in India. It is a day to commemorate the brave soldiers – those who had given their lives in service to the country and those who are still striving to ensure the safety and integrity of the nation.
