Indian Army Day 2024: Honouring Valour, Reflecting on Legacy, and Inspiring the Nation

Army personnel during Army day celebrations at the Parade Ground, Lucknow (Photo: PTI)

Indian Army Day is an annual commemoration that signifies the historic moment when General KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander in Chief. In 2024, the significance of this day is heightened, marking the 76th anniversary since Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa assumed command, succeeding the British in 1949.

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Historical Background

On January 15, 1949, Field Marshal K M Cariappa etched his name in history by taking over leadership from the last British Commander-in-Chief General Francis Butcher. Each year on this date, people unite to honour and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. It’s a day to acknowledge the unwavering dedication of those standing guard at our borders and to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by their families.

In 2024, the parade, a focal point of the celebration, was led by the Central Command of the Army based in Lucknow. The Central Command is one of the seven crucial groups comprising the Indian Army, a departure from the Southern Command’s leadership in Bengaluru the previous year.

Theme

Year of Technology Absorption

The theme for this year’s Army Day, ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ – a theme that underscores the Army’s focus and efforts to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to leveraging technology for transformational change.

The day is characterized by military parades and performances nationwide, with the primary parade unfolding at the iconic Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment.

Significance

The significance of Indian Army Day extends beyond historical milestones; it serves as a moment to reflect on the continued dedication of soldiers who tirelessly safeguard our borders. Their commitment remains instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of the nation, and this celebration stands as a tribute to their unwavering valor and sacrifices.

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Some Inspirational Quotes

“There will be no withdrawal without written orders, and these orders shall never be issued.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

“We fight to win and win with a knockout because there are no runners-up in war” – General JJ Singh

“If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Army Chief’s message: Embracing technology

General Manoj Pande, chief of Army Staff, extended greetings on this significant day. He paid homage to the martyrs and urged the ‘Olive Green’ fraternity to counter security threats robustly. “The character of warfare continues to change. To prepare ourselves for the future, we set into motion a holistic transformation process last year. We have made good progress and many milestones have been achieved. Our capability development endeavours stand on the edifice of Atmanirbharta, to which we are firmly committed. The transition towards becoming a modern, agile, adaptive and technology-enabled future-ready force shall continue as part of the Transformation Roadmap,” General Manoj Pande said.

He further added that the Army’s responsibility towards the veterans, Veer Naris and their families, remains a sacred commitment, adding, “Endeavours to augment welfare initiatives, proactively reach out to them and address their grievances must remain a focus area for commanders at all levels.”