India celebrates Army Day on January 15th every year. The Army Day is celebrated on this day because on January 15, 1949 Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
On this occasion, homage is paid to the martyrs, parades and military shows are organized and the President and Prime Minister extended their greetings to the men and women in uniform.
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Why January 15?
It is in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He took over the reign from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15th January 1949, the day popularly came to known as the Indian Army raising day.
Here are some facts about the glorious India Army will leave you with pride
– The Indian Army is the 2nd largest standing army in the world with about 1,129,900 active troops and 960,000 reserve troops.
– Indian Army defends the country’s border at the hightest battlefield in the world- Siachen Glacier- which is about 5000 meters above sea level.
– The Indian army has a horsed cavalry regiment which is among last three such regiments in the world.
– Assam Rifles, formed in 1835, is the oldest paramilitary force in India.
71st Army Day in Pics:
On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and their families. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Citizens sleep securely knowing you are ever awake and ever vigilant #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 15, 2019
सेना दिवस के अवसर पर हमारे जवानों, पूर्व सैनिकों और उनके परिवारों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। हम सभी देशवासियों को अपने सैनिकों के दृढ़ संकल्प एवं समर्पण पर गर्व है। मैं उनके अदम्य साहस एवं वीरता को प्रणाम करता हूं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2019
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