Every year, the 15th of January is celebrated as the Indian Army Day. There is not a single day when we heard the loss of our brave son and martyred for the nation. The Indian Army is one of the strongest defence forces of the country who is keenly active to protect the nation against attacks and infiltration. But how many of you why we celebrate the Army Day on 15th of January, every year? Indian Army is a team of brave soldiers who have the safety of the nation as the foremost priority. Even their family comes next. Indian Army has its motto as “Service Before Self” so this describes almost everything to the readers.
History of Army Day Celebration on 15th January:
After India achieved independence on 15th August 1947, the Indian armed forces were also supposed to be distributed between the two newly built nations i.e. India and Pakistan. So, in 1948, out of ten Gurkha regiments, four were transferred to the British Army. Out of the rest six regiments, the distribution was made between India and Pakistan. Till 1949, the Indian Army was not headed by an Indian leader. So, on 15th January 1949, the then Lieutenant General K M Cariappa took over the charges as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Before General K M Cariappa took over the position of General of the Indian Army, General Sir Francis Butcher was holding the position who is still termed as the last British Commander-in-Chief of India.
Since then, every year on 15th of January, we all come together to celebrate the Indian Army Day. In simple terms, the Indian Army Day is celebrated as the day when we got our Indian leader to lead the Army for any future operations.
About Indo-Pak War of 1947:
During the Indo Pak war of 1947, Sir Francis Butcher was holding the position of General of the Indian Army. During the war, K M Cariappa was posted on the Western front at that time. In 1942, K M Cariappa becomes the first Indian Army Officer who was passed on to command a unit.
How is Army Day celebrated?
Indian Arm day is celebrated every year in order to pay tribute to the war heroes of the nation who sacrificed their life for the nation. On this day, the tribute is given to the martyrs of Indian army at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, situated at India Gate.
Different shows are organized at different locations across the country. On this day, the Indian army showcases their tanks, missiles, carriers, modern arms and other weapons as the power of Indian Army.
On this special day for the Indian Army, the honor ceremony is executed to honor the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. The bravery awards including Vishist Seva medals, Sena Medals, and unit credentials are offered to the respective soldiers of the Army.
List of Battles Fought by the Indian Army:
Below is the list of wars that Indian Army has fought and sacrificed any of our brave soldiers.
1947 India-Pakistan War: This was held just after India got independence and Pakistan were separated from the map of India. In this war, nearly 1500 soldiers were martyred and out of them, 4 soldiers were awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Here are their names:
- Jadu Nath Singh form 1 Rajput
- Rama Raghoba Rane of Bombay Sappers
- Piru Singh Shekhawat of 6 Rajputana Rifles
- Karam Singh of 1 Sikh
1962 India-China War: During this war, Indian again witnessed a huge count of casualties which is about 1383. However, India lost this battle with China. During this war, two of our soldiers were martyred showing distinct bravery and hence were awarded Param Vir Chakra.
- Joginder Singh Sahnan form 1 Sikh
- Shaitan Singh of 13 Kunoan
1965 India Pakistan War: After Pakistan tries to capture the Jammu & Kashmir, then Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Defence Minister supported India and hence Indian Army Actifed aggressively against Pakistan. This battle continued for nearly 22 days which resulted in the loss of nearly 3000 Indian soldiers. After the end of this war, two of our brave soldiers were awarded Param Vir Chakra.
- Abdul Hamind form 4 Grenadiers
- Ardeshir Burzorji from 17 Poona Horse
1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: In 1971, India fought for the liberation of Bangladesh that resulted in the development of a new country named as Bangladesh. In this battle, the Pakistan Army was forced to surrender in front of Indian troops. For this war, four soldiers were awarded Param Vir Chakra.
- Albert Ekka from 14 Guards
- Nirmal jit Singh Sekhon from No.18 Squadron (Indian Air Force)
- Arun Khetarpal from 17 Poona Horse
- Hoshiar Singh from 3 Grenadiers
1999 Kargil War: This is the most mentioned war of all time. This war resulted in a huge loss to the Indian Army where numerous soldiers were martyred. This war was started after Pakistani Army initiated an unexpected full-fledged war. But even after a sudden attack from Pakistan, Indian Army showcased their best skills and won the battle with the loss of nearly 500 brave men. For this war, four of our soldiers were awarded Param Vir Chakra.
- Manoj Kumar Pandey from 1/11 Gorkha Rifles
- Yogendra Singh Yadav from 18 Grenadiers
- Sanjay Singh from 13 JAK Rifles
- Vikram Batra from 13 JAK Rifles
Special Video on Indian Army Day
On 15th January 2018, Indian Army will be celebrating the 70th Indian Army Day. On the day dedicated to Indian Army Day, we all salute the Indian Army and pay our tribute to all our soldiers who sacrificed their life for the nation.