Sewa Paramo Dharma | Indian Army Day Special

Service is our Prime Duty – Sewa Paramo Dharma

With this motto, the Indian Army proudly marches into its 74th Army Day on January 15, 2022.

Why this Day?

The Indian Army was officially established on April 1, 1895; then why the celebration of the day on January 15?

Until our mind is free, our actions are independent, thought-process informed, and we have complete ownership of our work, nothing feels “our own.” India achieved independence after facing a lot of hardships and putting in untiring efforts. However, in essence, the freedom felt incomplete, till the time the Indian Army got its first chief on January 15, 1949.

Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, the then General Cariappa took over as the Chief of the Indian Army replacing General Sir Francis Butcher, thus marking the official and complete transfer of the Indian Army to India!!

About the First Chief – the ‘Kipper’

Born in 1899, Field Marshal KM Cariappa received his military training between 1914-18, the time of World War I. The year 1919 marked the start of his military career. He completed his training in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and was placed in the Carnatic Infantry.

He toured a couple of countries meeting various civilians and people from military backgrounds, thus gaining insights and enhancing his knowledge.

While achieving the training during World War I, he was all set and led his troops during World War II.

The Firsts…

• The first Indian to undergo a training program at Imperial Defence College, UK
• The first India-Pakistan war in 1947 was led by him
• The first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, thus, leading to the observance of the Indian Army Day
• The  first Indian officer to be conferred the ‘Order of the Chief Commander of  the Legion of Merit’

Role in Independent India

• Served as the C-in-C of  the Indian Army for four years and retired in 1953
• Served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956
• Conferred the five-star rank of Field Marshal in 1986

The Field Marshal symbolized his exceptional work that always aimed towards the victory of the Indian subcontinent, through the adoption of the ‘Jai Hind’ slogan.

Indian Army

The Indian Armed Forces that collectively define the military forces of India consist of three professional uniformed services, i.e., the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. The Indian Army is the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. It operates and fights on the land.

Our Army is also the second-largest in the world in terms of the number of military personnel.

Our physically and mentally strong Army Men have shed their blood in uncountable wars and unplanned attacks, in order to maintain the safety and dignity of our country.

• First Kashmir War – Indo-Pak War – 1947
• Operation Polo – Annexation of Hyderabad – 1948
• Operation Vijay – Annexation of Goa, Daman and Diu – 1961
• Sino-Indian War – 1962
• Second Indo-Pak War – 1965
• Cho La incident – Sino-Indian War – 1967
• Operation Steeplechase – Operation against the Naxalites – 1971
• Bangladesh Liberation – Indo-Pak War – 1971
• Operation Meghdoot – Indo-Pak conflict – 1984
• Operation Blue Star – Operation Woodrose – counter insurgency activities – 1980s
• Operation Golden Bird – combat insurgency in Northeast India – 1995
• Operation Vijay – Kargil War – 1999
• Surgical Strikes – Indo-Pak conflicts – 2016-18
• Doklam issue – Indo-China border standoff – 2017

These and many other instances define the exemplary bravery showcased by our soldiers on the borders. Besides, the Indian Army has been on the front assisting and supporting other countries & in UN peacekeeping operations.

Marching forward with the mission to protect the country’s frontiers and keeping itself always fit and healthy through various defined exercises, the Indian Army has never skipped a beat in serving India & the Indians!

All salutes to our Jawans & more to their families this Army Day!

Avani Raj Arora