Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of
Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa's (then a Lieutenant General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, and its professional head is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four- ...
from
General
A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations' air forces, space forces, and marines or naval infantry.
In some usages the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colonel."general, adj. and n.". OED ...
Francis Roy Bucher , the last British
Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital
New Delhi
New Delhi (, , ''Naī Dillī'') is the capital of India and a part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). New Delhi is the seat of all three branches of the government of India, hosting the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament Ho ...
as well as in all headquarters. On 15 January 2022, India celebrated its 74th Indian Army Day in New Delhi. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in
Delhi cantonment. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards.
Param Vir Chakra
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. Param Vir Chakra translates as the "Wheel of the Ultimate Brave", and the award is granted for "most conspicu ...
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.
In 2020, Captain
Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.
See also
*
Armed Forces Day
Many nations around the world observe some kind of Armed Forces Day to honor their military forces. This day is not to be confused with Veterans Day or Memorial Day.
Africa
Egypt
In Egypt, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 6 October, ...
in other countries
References
Bibliography
Indian Army
January observances
Annual events in India
Armed Forces days
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