‘Indian Army Day’

 

India celebrates ‘Indian Army Day’ on 15th January every year. On this day, Lieutenant General Kondandera Madappa Cariappa OBE took charge of the Indian Army as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher in 1949.

Indian Army celebrates this day by showcasing military might through parades and display of equipment, tanks, other vehicles and the brilliant display of combat exercises. The main parade takes place in the Cariappa Ground, Delhi. The Chief of Army Staff takes the salute of the soldiers parading in their magnificent uniforms. He honours the gallant soldiers and exceptional units by awarding Sena Medals and unit citations.

Mapsians happen to witness Army Day Parade every year. Last year too, our students were highly enlightened to witness the 72nd Army Day Celebrations.

The parade started with the mesmerizing tunes of “Aarti” played by the Army band. Thereafter, the buglers made the call while all the contingents joined together forming a nice display of the parade.

Parade Adjutant Captain Tania Shergill, a fourth-generation Army officer became the first lady to command the all-men’s parade. She handed over the command to the Parade 2i/c (Second in Command) Brigadier-‘A’, HQ Delhi Area, who then handed over the command of the parade to the Parade Commander (Chief of Staff, Head-quarter Delhi Area).

One by one, GOC in C Western Command, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, ADC arrived. 

Finally, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, and ADC arrived there to accept the salute of the parade. He inspected the march past as it passed by the saluting dais. Excellent marching of the troops mesmerized the spectators. General Naravane addressed the Army and honoured 15 valiant soldiers with Sena Medal (Gallantry) and awarded Unit Citations to 18 units. Jeeps carrying the Gallant Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Sports awardees motivated all of us. 

Subsequently, the daredevils of the Indian Army showcased their balancing skills on motorcycles. They displayed exceptional courage and skills through various formations. Various tanks, guns and radars were part of the parade of marching troops.

Thereafter, with the thundering sound of guns, tanks and the procession of troops towards the artificial enemy posts imitated the scenes of the battlefield. The slithering of soldiers from the helicopters and then positioning themselves were quite exciting. The surprise attack on the enemy bunkers, fighting with them and destroying their bunkers were nicely demonstrated by the soldiers in their camouflaged attires.

It is always a thrilling experience to attend Army Day Celebration since it arouses a great feeling of pride and patriotism.

JAI HIND…!

                                                                                               

Second Officer Ruchi Shanker

Associate NCC Officer (Army)

The Mann School