Indian Army Day is annually observed across India on 15 January to honour and salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who fought at borders and sacrificed their lives to safeguard the nation from the attack of enemies.
- The Day also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas, recognises the achievements of the 1st Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army General (later Field Marshal) Kodandera Madappa (KM) Cariappa.
15 January 2024 marks the observance of the 76th Indian Army Day.
Note: The Indian Army will observe the year 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption.’
Why January 15?
i.The Indian Army, established in 1895, did not have its 1st Army chief until 1949.
ii.It was on this day in 1949, that Indian Army General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa succeeded General Sir Francis Robert Roy Butcher of the British Army and became the 1st C-in-C of independent India.
- General Roy Butcher was the last British C-in-C in 1949.
Note: The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in New Delhi, Delhi as well as in all headquarters.
2024 Events:
i.The 76th Indian Army Day was celebrated on 15 January 2024 with a main parade in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh for the 1st time.
- Traditionally, the parade was conducted at Delhi Cantonment every year.
ii.The events were organised at the parade ground of the 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre in Lucknow under the command of Major General Salil Seth.
Note: This is the 2nd time that the event was held outside Delhi. In 2023, it was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Dignitaries:
Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence; Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; and Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande attended the event.
About the Parade:
i.Paramotorists of the 50 Para Independent brigade were performed at the army parade in Lucknow.
ii.6 marching contingents from the army’s different regiments have participated. They were:
- The 50th (Independent) Parachute Brigade; Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre; Jat Regimental Centre; Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre; Bengal Engineer Group Centre; and the Army Air Defence Centre.
iii.A military band comprising 5 regimental brass bands and 3 pipe bands participated in the parade.
iv.The parade was reviewed by Army Chief General Manoj Pande, who gave 15 gallantry awards and 23 Unit Citations in recognition of the valour and meritorious service of Army personnel and units.
Highlights:
i.As part of the 76th Army Day celebrations, a military and combat display ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ was organised at Lucknow Cantonment.
ii.The event featured Martial Arts displays such as Kalaripayettu, Gatka, and a performance by North East Warriors.
iii.The Daredevils motorcycle team and Tent pegging & trick riding by 8 horses of the Remount Veterinary Corps showcased precision and skill.
iv.Static displays featured cutting-edge equipment like Akash Missiles, K9 Vajra, and Anti-Drone technology.
- Su-30 MKI, Surya Kiran aerobatic team, and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) illuminated the skies during ‘Shaurya Sandhya.’
