Celebrating 68 years of the Indian Army.
On 15 January, 1949, Lieutenant General K M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Army from General Sir Francis Butcher. This day was since been called as the National Army Day, and is celebrated at every Army Command headquarters in the country and in the national capital.
Army Day is observed to honour our brave soldiers, living and dead, who true to the Army's motto: "Service before Self", put their lives on the line to guard our country.
On Sunday in Delhi, celebrations began with the commemoration of soldiers who were killed in the line of duty at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. This was followed by different military shows that featured the artillery, cavalry and technology that the Army is equipped with. There was also a beautiful display of parades honouring soldiers, exhibiting the Army's technological progression and skill.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday saluted the courage and invaluable service of the soldiers and officers, including the veterans. He tweeted:
Greetings to all soldiers, veterans & their families on Army Day. We salute the courage & invaluable service of the Indian Army.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2017
Indian Army always leads from the front, be it in protecting the sovereignty of our nation or helping citizens during natural disasters.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2017
We remember with great pride all the sacrifices made by our Army. They put their lives at risk so that 125 crore Indians live peacefully.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2017
1. Largest Volunteer Army in the World
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India has the largest volunteer army in the world. Our soldiers are all willing to sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.
Caption: Army soldiers march as part of the Army Day parade in New Delhi on Sunday (Image courtesy: PTI)
2. Third largest army in the world
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The Indian army has an active workforce of over 12 lakh, making it the third largest army in the world.
Caption: Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat pays homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in India Gate on the occasion of Army Day on Sunday.
3. Major contributor to the United Nations' Peace Keeping Force
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The Indian Army is one of the biggest troop contributors and a major part of the UN Peace Keeping Force.
Caption: Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa stand at attention after paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Sunday. (Image Courtesy: PTI)
4. Indian Army's Cavalry Regiment
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The 61st Cavalry Regiment of the Indian Army is said to be the largest non-ceremonial horse-mounted cavalry unit in the world.
Caption: Indian Army soldiers exhibit the Army's cavalry regiment during the Army Day parade in Delhi on Sunday. (Image courtesy:PTI)
5. Indian Army's Jungle Warfare
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The Counter-insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Vairengte, Mizoram is often visited by forces from the US, United Kingdom and Russia, among others.
Caption: Army soldiers display their warfare skills at the Army Day parade in New Delhi on Sunday (Image courtesy: PTI)
6. The Army and Construction
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The Military Engineering Services (MES) is one of the biggest construction agencies in India. In times of war, MES can provide accessory services such as military roads, water and electricity supply, drainage, refrigeration, furniture, required by the Army, Navy and Air Force in India like no other agency.
Caption: Akash Missile System on display at the Army Day parade in New Delhi on Sunday. (Image courtesy: PTI)
7. Indian Army at Siachen Glacier
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The Siachen Glacier under the Indian Army's control is the highest battlefield in the world. It is situated 5000 metres above sea level
Troops are deployed at a height of up to 22,000 feet around the year in Siachen in sub-human conditions and holds a perfect record in all conflicts in that region.
Caption: The Siachen Glacier. (File Photo: DNA)
