Every year on
January 15, a grand parade is held at the All Army Command Headquarters to celebrate
India’s military might and commemorate its soldiers as part of the annual Army
Day celebrations. This year will mark the 73rd anniversary of the
event.  

Army Day commemorates
Lt Gen KM Cariappa becoming the first Indian to take charge of the Indian Army,
when he took over from took over from General Francis Roy Butcher, the last
British commander, as commander-in-chief.  

Army Day
marks a historic transition of power and also pays tribute to the countless
unsung soldiers who have given their lives for the country. Here is what you
need to know about the history of this day and how it is celebrated.

History of Army Day:

Established
on April 1, 1895 from the forces of the erstwhile East India Company, the
Indian Army was commanded by the British until 1949. The first post-independence
commander was General Sir Robert McGregor Macdonald Lockhart, who served in the
top post from August 15, 1947 to December 31, with Butcher taking over from January
1, 1948.

On January
15, 1949, 49-year-old Cariappa, who later went on to become Field Marshal, took
over as the Army’s first Indian chief, serving for four years until his
retirement on January 16, 1953. He adopted the slogan “Jai Hind”, which means “Victory
to India”.

How is it celebrated:

The highlight
of the celebrations is the Army Day parade, held at the Cariappa Parade Ground,
named in 2016 in honour the legendary commander, in Delhi Cantonment. Chief of Army
Staff, General Mukund Narvane, will take salute and inspect the parade.

The chief of
defence staff, General Bipin Rawat, along with the chiefs of the two other
services, the Air Force and the Navy, will also be present on the occasion.

Gallantry
awards are given to soldiers and unit citations to various battalions for
distinguished service both during battles and other operations and during peace
time. Army Day parades also feature recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and the
Ashoka Chakra, which are the highest gallantry awards for war time and peace
time respectively.

Additionally,
a reception is hosted by the army chief at his official residence, attended by
the likes of the President, Prime Minister, top ministers and military
officials and former army chiefs, among others.

This year,
the XII Corps, also known as the ‘Konark Corps’ after its insignia based on the Konark Sun Temple
in Puri, is organising a ‘Vijay Run’ marathon to commemorate the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’
or the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Army’s victory
over Pakistan in the 1971 war.