Hello defence lovers! Today We are celebrating our 73rd Army Day. Every year, the Army Day is celebrated on January 15 to honor the soldiers of the country, who have set the symbol of selfless service and brotherhood and more than anything the love for the country.
This year, on the occasion of the 73rd Indian Army Day, our great Indian Army will organise ‘Vijay Run’ to commemorate Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations of India’s resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war.
Why Army Day Is Celebrated
The Indian Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India because on this historic day that General KM Cariappa (later Feild Marshal) became the first Indian Commander-in-Cheif to take charge of the Indian Army in 1949. General KM Cariappa took over from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher who was the last English commander of the Indian army. He adopted the slogan “Jai Hind” as a standard greeting in the Indian Army.
Feild Marshal KM Cariappa
Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa (aka Kipper) was the first Indian Commander-in-chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army. Then lieutenant General KM Cariappa led the Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. As mentioned above, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. Later he was honoured by the rank Feild Marshal (a Five-star rank only awarded for exceptional performance of the leaders during wartime). He became the second person to reach the rank field marshal, after Sam Bahadur.
Kipper’s distinguished military career spanned almost three decades. Kipper was born on 28 January 1898, in Madikeri, Kodagu. He joined the British Indian Army shortly after the end of World War I and was commissioned as a temporary first lieutenant into the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry. Later he was transferred between multiple regiments early in his career before finally settling on 1/7 Rajputs, which became his permanent regiment.
Kipper became the first Indian military officer who attended the Staff College, Quetta. He was also the first Indian to command a battalion and was one of the first two Indians selected to undergo training at the Imperial Defence College in Camberley. Overall during his entire service, he gave the country his precious service with great versatility.
How Is Army Day Celebrated
Every year the Army day parade is organised at the Cariappa parade ground in Delhi Cantontment. The main parade is followed by the display of equipment of the army which often includes artillery, aviation and armour.. This year the centre of attraction was the display of drones which were indeginously developed.
The Major Highlights Of The Army Day Parade 2021
- Upgraded Schilka Weapon System- 140 Airdefence regiment.
- Samvijay Electronic Warfare System is of Electronic Warfare Battalion
- Bridge Laying tanks T-72 of 9 Engineer Regiment
- Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System of 841 Rocket Regiment.
- The contingent mounted on the horses of the 61 Cavalry
- The marching contingent of the elite JAT Regiment
- A contingent of the Garhwal Rifles
- The marching contingent of the Mahar Regiment
- The Massed Pipes and Drums of Madras Regimental Centre.
- The Massed Military bands of SIKHLI Regimental Centre playing the tune ‘The Rajasthani Troop’’.
- The marching contingent of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of 11th Battalion of The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment.
- The marching contingent of the Bengal Sappers of 69 Engineer Regiment.
- The marching contingent of the (Territorial Army), Madras of 172 TA MADRAS
- The detachment of the Main Battle Tank T-90 (Bhishm) of 54 Armoured Regiment.
- BMP 2K commanded by Captain Akshay Rastogi of 3rd Battalion Brigade of the GUARDS.
- The detachment of the BRAHMOS Missile System of 861 Missile Regiment.
Source Republic world
Also Read, Glimpse Of 73rd Army Day Celebration
Galantry Award Winners
After the parade and display, the braveheart soldiers are awarded gallantry awards for their display of exceptional courage. This year the following braveheart soldiers received the respective gallantry awards:
- Lt.Col Archit Goswamy,Sena Medal
- Major G Balaji Niranjan Sena medal
- Major Sachin Andotra , Sena Medal
- Major Aman Singh, Sena Medal
- Major Kunal Thackeray, Sena Medal
- Major Abhishek Katoch, Sena Medal
- Hav Pawar Vikas Basant Sena Medal
- Hav surender Singh Rautela, Sena Medal
- LNK Rajpal Sena Medal
- Major Ketan Sharma, Sena Medal, Posthumous
- Nb Sb Shivank Gyarson Sena Medal Posthumous
- Naik Sandeep Singh Sena medal Posthumous,
- Sepoy Rambir, Sena Medal Posthumous,
- Grenadier Hari Bhaker, Sena Medal Posthumous
Army day reminds us that we all are very lucky to have such a great army which is always ready to protect us from any threat. We all are indebted to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifices. The nation pays homage to those who have sacrificed their today for our tomorrow.
