#ArmyDay2021: Nation hails sacrifices of soldiers as Indian Army pays tribute to 2020 battle casualties

India is today paying tribute to the brave heroes of the Indian Army for their valor and sacrifice. On the occasion of the 73rd Army Day, the Indian army showcased different types of tanks and missile systems at Army Day parade 2021 in New Delhi. While CDS General Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs paid tributes to the brave soldiers of the army today observing the “Army Day”, the India Army also paid homage to the 100 battle casualties in the year 2020. Also, for the first time, the army demonstrated ‘mighty’ combat swarm drones before the public at Army Day Parade in Delhi.

It was for the first time ever that while demonstrating its might before the world with armoured elements like tanks and infantry combat vehicles today, the Indian Army also exhibited combat swarm drones at Army Day parade 2021 in New Delhi. While they look like a ‘flock of birds’, these drones can actually dodge the enemy easily as they can penetrate up to 50 km behind enemy lines and create havoc while drone operators can stay hidden safely. Over 15 such swarm drones of the army today flew for the first time ever in public at the Army Day Parade in Delhi. The government not only backs the drone development initiative as part of the “Make in India” programme, but also sees this powerful element as a milestone achieved by the Indian Army.

On the 73rd Army day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while greeting the Indian Army took to his social media handle to congratulate the soldiers and their families and expressed pride saluting the brave warriors on behalf of the entire nation.

The significance of “Army Day” and Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army

Every year on January 15, Army Day is celebrated to honor the soldiers and greet their families who not only stand ahead in the line of duty but also serve the nation selflessly while sacrificing their lives to safeguard the countrymen. Army Day is celebrated at all respective Army Command HQs every year.

On this day in 1949, Gen KM Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and the day is since then commemorated as “Army Day”. General Cariappa was the first Indian to be appointed as Commander-in-Chief, who took over the reins of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last Commander in Chief of India. General KM Cariappa had led Indian forces on the Western Front during the 1947 War between India and Pakistan. He also adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’ which means ‘Victory of India’.

In 1919, Gen KM Cariappa was in the first group of Indian to be selected, he was sent to Indore for training. Later he was commissioned into the Carnatic Infantry. After an outstanding career, KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 15th Jan 1949. During his tenure in the Army, Gen Cariappa exhibited the highest standards of discipline and compassion, inspiring people across generations. In 1983, he was graced with the title of Field Marshall. Other than him, the only person who has been conferred the title so far is Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw, in 1973.

“Indian Army, the land component of the Indian Armed Forces, is one of the key instruments of Comprehensive National Power. It derives its core values from the idea of “India”, it is committed to preserve National values, national interests, defend territorial integrity and unity of our nation,” the Army tweeted on its official page on the social media platforms.

2020 was a big challenge for the Army but was responded in a befitting manner: Gen Naravane on 73rd Army Day

The Indian Army today paid homage to the 100 soldiers and officers who sacrificed their lives in 2020 in different operations including the Galwan valley clash in Eastern Ladakh. On the 73rd Army Day, CDS General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General MM Naravane, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh also paid tributes at National War Memorial.

While recalling the martyrdom of the 20 Indian soldiers last year in the violent face-off with Chinese troops, Army Chief MM Naravane said that the sacrifice of the soldiers will not go in vain. He said that although 2020 was a big challenge for the army on the northern border due to the standoff with China, the challenge was responded befittingly. He termed the Chinese aggression in Eastern Ladakh as “a conspiracy to change status quo”.

The standoff between India and China has now entered in the ninth month while both sides have made heavy deployments of troops in close proximity. Despite eight rounds of top-level talks, the deadlock in Ladakh continues as there has been no progress in finding a solution. However, Indian army soldiers have despite harsh and adverse conditions ensured security so far not only on the Eastern front but the western front as well and are dedicatedly committed towards doing so in the future, as and when required.

As is rightly said by Gen MM Naravane, “Our enemies should not underestimate our strength. Nobody can test our patience.”