Every year on 15 January Army Day is celebrated to honour the Indian soldiers for their valour and sacrifice. This year, the Indian Army has celebrated the 72nd Army Day. It is also. observed because Field Marshal KM Cariappa took command of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher on the same day in 1949.
History
In 1949, the command of the Indian Army was handed over from General Sir Francis Butcher to Lieutenant General KM Cariappa. Therefore, 15 January marks the transfer of power from the British colonial rulers to Indians.Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, hailed from Karnataka. With a career spanning over three decades, Cariappa was a recipient of the title of Field Marshal of India, after Sam Manekshaw.
Why is Army Day celebrated?
“Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in India as it is on this historic day that General KM Cariappa became the first Indian to take charge of the Indian Army in 1949. He took over from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher who was the last English commander of our nation’s army”.
what is special about Army Day 2020?
This year, Captain Tania Shergil, of the Corps of Signals, will lead as Parade Adjutant. The parade will also display indigenous weaponry such as the Dhanush towed guns. The parade will also have about 18 contingents wo will display various combat skills. A number of gallantry awards will also be given at the Cariappa Parade Ground. This is the 72nd Army Day.
Army Day is a grand celebration of India’s military might and it’s unsung personnel. The Army Day parade is typically held at Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, where this year General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Chief of Army Staff, will inspect the parade. This is also the first year where the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, will be present.
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