Indian Army Day [15 January, 2023]

Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15 January to honour the Indian soldiers. On this day, the brave soldiers of the Indian Army are honoured and revered for their service to the country. The celebration of Indian Army Day takes place with many parades and military shows in New Delhi and all the headquarters of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army is one of the most powerful troops in the world, competing with superpowers such as the United States, Russia, and China. We have shared more details about Indian Army Day, its history, theme and significance here.

About Army Day

Indian Army Day is observed to celebrate the Indian Army’s selfless service, values of brotherhood, and undying love for the country. This day is celebrated on 15 January every year. The celebrations of Army Day are widespread and include parades, shows, and other honorary events in the Army headquarters, and the capital city.

This year, on 15 January 2023, India will celebrate its 75th Army Day. As much as this day is about celebrating the army, it is also about honouring the soldiers who lost their lives for the country.

When is Army Day?

Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year. On this day in 1949, Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa (who was then a Lieutenant General) was made the first Commander-in-Chief of independent India. The last British Commander-in-Chief of India was General Francis Roy Bucher, who handed over the position to Cariappa on 15 January 1949.

Indian Army Day is a celebration of the valour displayed by the Indian Army. To honour Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, parades are held in the Cariappa parade ground in Delhi Cantonment. On Army Day, many medals and awards are also distributed to soldiers.

Indian Army Day 2023 Theme

The theme of Indian Army Day 2023 has not been declared yet. It will likely be declared on the day of the celebration itself. Last year, the Indian Army 2022 theme was "In Stride with the Future", which is a declaration of the increasingly integral role played by niche and disruptive technologies in modern war. Here is more information about the Army Day theme and the celebrations that took place around it -

• The Indian Army faces an overload of security challenges, traditional and non-traditional.
• They are examining Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Robotics and Quantum Technology to find creative solutions to such disputes.
• The Army Day celebrations started with the Wreath Laying ceremony at the National War Memorial, where Service Chiefs paid tribute to the Bravehearts.
• The Chief of the Army Staff inspected the Army Day Parade and awarded 15 Sena Medals for individual acts of bravery for their admirable performance.
• The Indian Army Day parade included International Sports awardees and seven marching delegations, including scaled horse cavalry. Hariharan sang a song, 'Maati', dedicated to the nation and Army.

Army Day - History

The history of Indian Army Day can be traced back to 15 January 1949. On this date, the Indian Army welcomed Lieutenant KM Cariappa, the first Army staff member. General (later Field Marshall) KM Cariappa was appointed General Commander of the Indian Army on this day. To remember this event, 15 January is celebrated as National Army Day.

About Lieutenant KM Cariappa

• He was the first Indian to be appointed Commander-in-Chief. He took charge of the chair from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander of India.
• The day he took charge of the office is commemorated as Army Day.
• He propagated the slogan 'Jai Hindi', which means 'Victory of India'.
• Cariappa led Indian troops on the Western Front during the 1947 war between India and Pakistan.
• He also held a five-star rank as a Field Marshall.

Army Day - Significance

India will be celebrating its 75th Army Day on 15 January 2023. Here is why the day is considered so significant -

• It reminds us of the dynamic process of independence - India gained independence in 1947, but the Army was not officially handed over to the Indian Army until 1949, two years later. Army Day reminds us that freedom was not achieved in a day and was part of a long process.

• Paying homage to the military leaders of the country - Indian Army Day is about paying homage to the soldiers. Indian military leaders bravely fight along the border, keeping the country unharmed.

• An opportunity to learn about the Army - Even before independence, the Indian Army had a rich history of contributing to international war and security issues. National Army Day is about educating yourself on the efforts of the Army.

How to Celebrate Indian Army Day?

Here are some ways in which you can celebrate Army Day -

• Watch the Parade - The Indian Army holds a military parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment and presents gallantry awards on Army Day. The ceremony is broadcast live on the public TV channel Doordarshan, YouTube, and Twitter.

• Understand India's contribution to the World Wars - Indian Army Day is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself about the Indian Army’s contribution to the World Wars.
• Read about Indian military history - There is much to discover about India's long military history and its development across civilizations, dynasties, and conquests and Army Day is the perfect time for it.

Army Day Status and Messages

Below are Army day wishes and messages you can put on your social media channels or spread among your friends and family to make them realize the day's importance.

• Let us unite to celebrate National Army Day to honour our brave soldiers who are the reason behind our pride and smiles. Happy Army Day 2023!
• Let us commemorate Army Day by saluting the army forces for their patriotism, bravery, and dedication.
• Give a salute to our Soldiers on Army Day, and say I am proud to be an Indian.

Quotes for Indian Army Day 2023

It is vital to comprehend Indian Army Day's history and relevance before spreading its awareness. Below are some of the Army Day quotes proposed by the top renowned personalities.

• "There will be no escape without registered orders, and these orders shall never be published." - Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
• "We fight to win and succeed with a knockout because there are no runners-up in war" -General JJ Singh.
• "I shall not remove an inch but will battle to our last man and our last round." - Major Somnath Sharma.
• "Some dreams are so worthy, it's magnificent even to fail." - Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey.
• "If an individual says he is not scared of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha." - Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

FAQs on Indian Army Day

Q1. When is Indian Army Day celebrated?

Indian Army day is celebrated on 15 January every year. This day is observed to celebrate the selfless efforts of the Indian Army in protecting the nation fearlessly. The Indian Army's mission is to protect the country from external attacks and internal threats and to guard the borders of the country.

Q2. Why is Indian Army Day celebrated?

Indian army day is marked every year on 15 January to remember the event when General KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. He took control of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, in 1949.

Q3. What is the Indian Army Day 2023 theme?

The theme of Indian Army Day 2023 has not been declared yet. The theme will revolve around the service of the Indian Army in protecting the nation selflessly. Last year, the Indian Army Day 2022 theme was "In Stride with the Future".

Q4. When was Indian Army Day declared in India?

Indian Army Day was declared on 15 January 1949 and the first celebration of the day took place on the same day. On this day, the Indian Army welcomed Lieutenant KM Cariappa, the first Army staff member. This year, on 15 January 2023, India will celebrate its 75th Army Day.

Q5. How is Indian Army Day celebrated?

On Indian Army Day, many celebratory events are held. Some of the events that take place on this day include -

• Indian Army Day is celebrated by hosting events in which the brave soldiers are awarded medals and trophies.
• Parades are held in the Cariappa parade ground in Delhi Cantonment.
• All Army headquarters celebrate Indian Army Day.