Army Day 2022: History, significance, and how it is celebrated

In India, Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to commemorate the instatement of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after Independence. The Army Day is marked by a grand parade at the national capital Delhi, and by smaller parades at army headquarters around the country.

History and significance:

The Indian Army was established on April 1, 1895 from the forces of the erstwhile East India Company. However, even after India’s Independence in 1947, the Indian Army remained under the command of the British Empire.

General Sir Robert McGregor Macdonald Lockhart took charge of the Indian Army post-Independence, and remained in charge till December 31, 1947. Subsequently, General Francis Roy Butcher took over as Commander-in-Chief from January 1, 1948.

The following year, on January 15, 1949, Lt General KM Cariappa took the mantle from General Butcher to become the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and served four years till his retirement on January 16, 1953. Lt General Cariappa is also credited with adopting the “Jai Hind” slogan, which, in English, means “Victory to India.”

How is Army Day celebrated?

The main celebratory event on Army Day is a grand parade that takes place on the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment, while other smaller parades are held across Indian Army bases across the country. The main parade includes military hardware, various contingents of soldiers, and a combat display.

The main event is attended by India’s Chief of Defence Staff, currently General M M Naravane, along with the chiefs of the Air Force and the Navy. Various gallantry awards are also given out during the Army Day parade in Delhi, and Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees also participate in the event.

What is going to be on display at the Army Day parade in 2022?

Reportedly, the new Light Combat Helicopter from state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be on display at the 2022 Army Day parade, along with the BLT T-72 ‘Bharat Rakshak’ tank, the 155mm Soltum Gun, and the BrahMos Missiles.

Contingents of soldiers are also expected to participate, but given the situation with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the involvement of soldiers may be limited in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.