Indian Army Day 2020: A day to honour our country’s soldiers

When we
enjoy our days and holidays with our friends and family, the Indian Army stand
tall in the harshest of conditions. Whether it be the disregard freezing cold
temperatures or scorching heat, they always remain brave, awake just to keep us
secure and safe.

Hence, to
honour our country’s soldiers Army Day is celebrated. Army Day is celebrated on
January 15 every year, to commemorate the day when (then) Lieutenant General KM
Cariappa took over General Sir Francis Butcher as Commander-in-Chief of India
on January 1949. This year, the Indian Army will celebrate 72nd Army Day.

Cariappa,
fondly known as Kipper, was only 49 when he took charge of the army. He served
as army chief for a full four years, retiring on January 16, 1953.

During the
partition, he played a key role in reaching an amicable settlement for the
division of the army between India and Pakistan. He was then a member of the
army sub-committee of the Forces Reconstitution Committee.

He was
elevated to the five-star rank of Field Marshal in April 1986, in recognition
of his distinguished military service. Only three military officers have held
the five-star rank: Cariappa, Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh and
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Indian Army
Day 2020: Significance

The Army Day
is celebrated every year at all Army Command headquarters to honour our
country’s soldiers who set the greatest example of selfless service and
brotherhood, and above all, love for the country. The Indian Army is one of the
most powerful militaries of the world, competing with superpowers like the US,
Russia and China.

Indian Army
Day 2020: Motto

The motto of
the Indian Army is ‘service before self’ and its mission is to ensure national
security and national unity, defend the nation from external aggression and
internal threats, and maintain peace and security within its borders.