Since independence, the soldiers and jawans of the Indian Army have been serving the nation with pride and honour, laying down their lives to protect the country. Thus to honour those valiant soldiers, we observe Army Day on January 15 every year. The motto of the Indian Army is “Service before self”.
January 15 is observed as Army Day because it was this day in 1949 when Field Marshal Sir Kodandera “Kipper” Madappa Cariappa took over the charge of Indian Army from British General Sir Francis Butcher. Field Marshal Cariappa, who was the first officer of the Indian Army to hold a five-star rank, had led his troops in the World War II and the first Indo-Pak war of 1947. He was known for his bravery and ability to lead troops from the front.
“I am an Indian and to the last breath would remain an Indian,” he had said once.
Field Marshal Sir KM Cariappa was the first commander-in-chief of the India Army after the indepence. Known for his bravery, Field Marshal Cariappa had joined the Indian Army shortly after the first World War and had fought on the frontlines in World War II and Indo-Pak war of 1947.
