Why is it in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupani Murmu conveyed their warm wishes to Indian Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day.

Why is Army Day celebrated?

• On January 15, KM Cariappa took charge of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher in 1949, who was the last British-serving Army chief.
• KM Cariappa became the first-ever Indian General to command the Army in its long eventful journey.
• Later, General Cariappa also became the Field Marshal of India.
• KM Cariappa, who is popularly known as Kipper, received King's commission in 1919 and was part of the first group of Indian cadets at the Royal Military College in Sandhurst, UK.
  • He was the first Indian who attended Staff College in Quetta and the first one to command a battalion.
• In 1942, Cariappa raised the 7th Rajput Machine Gun which was later known as 17 Rajput.
• He was conferred with Field Marshal Rank in 1986 and passed away in 1993 at the age of 94.

Indian Army Day 2024: Theme

• The theme of the Indian Army Day 2024 is “In Service of the Nation”.
• The theme of 2024 focuses on the main essence of the Army.
• This year’s theme also resembles the motto of the Indian Army, “Service Before Self.”
• This year marks the 76th Army Day.
  • The parade will be held under the command of the Army's Central Command, which is headquartered in Lucknow.

Indian Army Day 2024: Significance

• Indian Army Day is also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas.
• The day promises a grand celebration to honour the valour and service of the Army officers.
• It also proves to be a day dedicated to spreading awareness and enthusiasm among the youth of the nation to join the Bhartiya Sena and serve the country selflessly.
• Army Day is dedicated to appreciating and acknowledging the sacrifice and dedication of the Indian Army towards protecting the country from the illegal invasion of enemies and attacks.

Indian Army Day 2024: History

• The Indian Army was established on 1 April 1895 by the British.
• Initially, the Indian Army was known as the Royal Indian Army.
• India attained Independence on 15 August 1947.
• On 15 January 1949, the first Commander-in-Chief of India General K.M. Cariappa took over the rule of British Army Official General Sir Francis Roy Bucher. Since then, this historic moment has been celebrated as Bhartiya Sena Divas.
• India is following the tradition of celebrating this grand day with great zeal and patriotism.
• Since 15 January 1949, India has been self-reliant in the field of defence.