Indian Army Day 2024: Celebrating the Valor and Sacrifice of Our Frontline Warriors

Indian Army Day is celebrated every year on 15 January to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our frontline warriors, the Indian Army. This year marks the 76th Army Day, dedicated to commemorating the victory of the Indian Army over the British Army. On this historic day in 1949, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army, taking over from the British Commander-in-Chief General Francis Butcher.

Army Day 2024 will be celebrated in the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with a special Parade attended by esteemed dignitaries. The esteemed General Manoj Pandey, Commander-in-chief of the Bhartiya Sena, will be present to take the honor of the salute. It is a departure from the tradition of holding the Parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment, chosen to ensure greater participation and inspiration for the people.

The theme for Indian Army Day 2024 is “In Service of the Nation,” highlighting the unwavering dedication, commitment, and professionalism of our soldiers. This theme resonates with the motto of the Indian Army, “Service Before Self,” emphasizing their priority of safeguarding the nation’s security and inspiring the youth with love and respect for the country.

Army Day, also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas, serves as a grand platform to honor the valor and service of Army officers and create awareness among the youth about the noble profession. It symbolizes the strong bond between the military and civilians and recognizes the Indian Army’s sacrifice and dedication in protecting the country from external threats.

Originally established as the Royal Indian Army by the British in 1895, the Indian Army underwent a significant transformation after India’s independence on 15 August 1947. On 15 January 1949, General K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Sir Francis Roy Bucher. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually as Army Day, commemorating this significant milestone in India’s defense history.

The celebration of Army Day 2024 is a testament to India’s self-reliance in the field of defense, as the Indian Army stands as the fourth strongest force globally after the US, Russia, and China. It also serves as an opportunity to remember and pay homage to the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to protect our nation.

As we celebrate Indian Army Day, let us honor the courageous soldiers who exhibit unmatched bravery and selflessness in their duty to serve and protect our beloved nation.

Sources: The Quint