Army Day (India): Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}

{{Use Indian English|date=June 2022}}

'''Army Day''' is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of [[Field marshal (India)|Field Marshal]] [[Kodandera M. Cariappa]]'s (then a Lieutenant General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the [[Indian Army]] from [[General]] [[Roy Bucher|Francis Roy Bucher]] , the last British [[Commander-in-Chief, India|Commander-in-Chief]] of India, on 15 January 1949.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-day-live-updates-km-cariappa-indian-army-bipin-rawat-5538696/|title=Army Day 2019 LIVE Updates: PM Modi, President pay tribute to heroes from armed forces|date=15 January 2019|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsd.in/army-day-facts-about-indian-army-you-must-know/|title=Army Day: Facts about Indian Army you must know|last=Newsd|date=16 January 2019|website=News and Analysis from India. A Refreshing approach to news.|language=en-US|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref> The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital [[New Delhi]] as well as in all headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/army-day-2020-why-does-india-celebrate-army-day-on-january-15/articleshow/73243171.cms|title=Army Day 2020: Why does India celebrate Army Day on January 16|date=14 January 2020|website=Business Insider|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref> On 15 January 2022, India celebrated its 74th Indian Army Day in New Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-extends-his-greetings-on-army-day/|title=PM extends his greetings on Army Day|website=www.pmindia.gov.in|language=en|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/indian-army-day-2020-date-significance-and-inspirational-quotes-1636756-2020-01-14|title=Indian Army Day 2020: Date, significance and inspirational quotes|date=14 January 2020|website=India Today|language=en|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref> Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ssbtosuccess.com/indian-army-day-15th-january/|title=Indian Army Day|last=Team|first=Editorial|date=8 January 2018|work=SSBToSuccess|access-date=11 January 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

While celebrations take place across the country, the main '''Army Day parade''' is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in [[Delhi Cantonment|Delhi cantonment]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=News|first=Sa|date=2022-01-13|title=Indian Army Day 2022: The Day for the Unsung Heroes of the Country|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/indian-army-day/|access-date=2022-01-15|website=SA News Channel|language=en-US}}</ref> Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards. [[Param Vir Chakra]] and [[Ashoka Chakra|Ashok Chakra]] awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-is-jan-15-special-for-army-and-10-things-you-should-about-army-day/story-i6h3ehoT8UEnJ83hO3pTdP.html|title=Why is Jan 15 special for army and 10 things you should about Army Day|last=Singh|first=Rahul|date=15 January 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/72nd-army-day-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/73264609.cms|title=72nd Army Day: All you need to know|date=15 January 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref> Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.<ref name=":0" /> In 2020, Captain [[Tania Shergill]] became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/republic-day-2020-captain-tania-shergill-to-become-last-woman-parade-adjutant-2163939|title=Republic Day 2020: Captain Tania Shergill To Become 1st Woman Parade Adjutant|date=22 February 2019|publisher=Ndtv.com|access-date=1 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Who is Captain Tania Shergill |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/who-is-captain-tania-shergill/articleshow/73287676.cms |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=16 January 2020|access-date=26 January 2022}}</ref>