Indian Army Day: History and Significance

Team Udayavani, Jan 15, 2021, 3:28 PM IST

India is celebrating the 73rd Army Day today. It is celebrated each year at all Army Command headquarters in order to honor the soldiers of India.

General Bipin Rawat #CDS message on #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/VWZt03Wk2L

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 14, 2021

On January 15 1949, the Indian army got its first chief with the appointment of Lieutenant General KM Carriappa. Carriappa had taken over the command from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India.

Cariappa was the one to adopt the slogan ‘Jai Hind’ which means ‘Victory to India’.

#ArmyDay#IndianArmy, the land component of Indian Armed Forces, is one of the key instruments of Comprehensive National Power. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/tWG8wDOPmK

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 7, 2021

Significance of Indian Army Day

Indian Army Day is celebrated by felicitating bravery awards and Sena medals to soldiers for acts of valour. Army command headquarters make miniature flags that represent different values, which are sold at minimal price amongst the defense forces to raise money for a fund.

The celebrations have different themes or ideas to work on every year.

This year, Indian Army organised a marathon titled the “Vijay Run” to commemorate Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu took to twitter and extended their greetings.

मां भारती की रक्षा में पल-पल मुस्तैद देश के पराक्रमी सैनिकों और उनके परिजनों को सेना दिवस की हार्दिक बधाई। हमारी सेना सशक्त, साहसी और संकल्पबद्ध है, जिसने हमेशा देश का सिर गर्व से ऊंचा किया है। समस्त देशवासियों की ओर से भारतीय सेना को मेरा नमन।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2021

On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army.

We remember the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.

India will remain forever grateful to courageous and committed soldiers, veterans and their families.

Jai Hind!🇮🇳

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 15, 2021

My greetings to all the men and women of the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day today. Our brave soldiers are an embodiment of valour, patriotism and dedication. The nation is ever grateful for the invaluable sacrifices made by them. #ArmyDay #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/U1VZzpsZjV

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) January 15, 2021