January 15: Indian Army Day

On January 15, 2020, India celebrated its 72^nd Army Day. It is being celebrated every year to honour soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The Army Day Parade was held at the Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment as a part of the celebrations. It is important to remember such great soldiers as they serve with the motto “Service before Self”

Highlights

On January 15, the first General of Indian Army General K M Cariappa took charge in 1949. The transfer of power from British to India is being celebrated on the day in the form of parades. The power was transferred to Mr Cariappa from the last British General Bucher.

The parade was held at the Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment. The Parade Ground was also named after him and is called Cariappa Ground. Gallantry awards were distributed on the occasion.

General Cariappa retired on January 14, 1953. His retirement day is being celebrated as Armed Forces Veterans Day every year

First Woman Officer

In 2020, Tania Sher Gill became the first woman Army Officer to lead the parade. She led an all-men contingent at the parade. She joined the army in 2017. In 2019, Captain Bhavna Kasturi became the first woman officer to lead an all men contingent during the Republic Day celebrations.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020