India / Why is January 15 observed as Army Day in India?

India is celebrating 73rd Army Day today. It's celebrated each year at Army Command headquarters to honour soldiers of our country who've set the greatest example of selfless service and brotherhood. On this day in 1949, General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa became the first Indian to be appointed Commander-in-Chief. He took over from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher.

Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 15, 2021, 04:24 PM

Army Day 2021: India is celebrating the 73rd Army Day today. The day is celebrated each year at all Army Command headquarters in order to honour the soldiers of our country who have set the greatest example of selfless service and brotherhood.

The nation also pays tribute to the valour of the bravehearts on this day while thanking them for their selfless service.

President Ramnath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat extended their wishes on the occasion.

Why is Army Day celebrated on 15th January?

So why January 15? Every year, the Indian Army celebrates the Army Day on January 15 because on this day in 1949, the Indian Army got its first chief. Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over as the reins of the armed force as first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India. He adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’, which means ‘Victory to India'”.

One can also watch the parade live on different social media handles of the Indian Army.