Along with the festival of Makar Sankranti, the nation is also celebrating the 72nd Army Day, today. Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa’s (then a Lieutenant General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.
The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
The celebration of 72nd Army Day, this year, marked itself as a peculiar one as for the first time on Army Day, a parade of all-men contingents was led by a female officer, Captain Tania Shergill.
15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participated in the Army Day parade every year. Military hardware, numerous contingents, and a combat display were part of the parade.
Army Chief Gen M M Naravane, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat are present on the occasion.
(Internet Photo)