Indian army day 2024 marks 76th anniversary of the Indian Army and it will be celebrated on January 15. The location of the parade is Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
It is the day on which Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa (then a Lieutenant General) took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, General Fransis Bucher in the year 1949.
Parades, medal presenting and other ceremonies are organized to celebrate the Army Day.
With “Service before self” as its motto, the Indian Army is the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces.
Indian Army Day 2024 Overview
| Event | Indian Army Day |
| Date | January 15 |
| Day | Monday |
| Parade Location | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
Indian Army Day 2024 Theme
Indan Army day 2024 theme will be updated soon. Check below past years’ theme of this day:
2023 Theme: “ON PATH TO TRANSFORMATION”
2022 Theme: “In Stride with the Future”
Schedule of Indian Army Bharti 2024
History of Celebrating Indian Army Day
Originally, the Indian army was formed under the British rule on April 1, 1895 and was called as British Indian Army.
After India got its independence in the year 1947, it was only on January 15, 1949, when the country got its first Indian chief. Lt Gen K M Carriappa took over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India.
The transfer of power from the British to India signifies an important moment in the Indian history and is celebrated as Army Day. This special day also also honors the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
Who was Kodandera M. Cariappa?
Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army after getting independence from the British rule.
Along with Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Cariappa is one of only two Indian Army officers to hold the Five-star rank of Field Marshal.
His eminent military career spanned almost three decades from 1920s to 1950s.
Cariappa was also one of the first two Indians selected to undergo training at the Imperial Defence College, Camberley, UK.
Before he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Cariappa served as the commander of the Indian Army’s Eastern and Western Commands.
The day he took over the reins of the Indian Army, i.e. 15 January 1949, was marked as official Army Day and is now celebrated annually.
Check: GK Questions on Indian Army
Indian Army Day 2024 Celebration
All Army Command headquarters celebrate Army Day to honor the soldiers of the country, who live for the protection of its independence and dignity and give their lives for it.
Grand celebrations take place all across the country on this day.
The main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment where salute is given to the fighters of the country.
Military hardware, different contingents and a combat display are part of the parade. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded to the soldiers for their bravery on this day.
Check: Army Chief of India From 1947 to 2023
Indian Army Day 2024 Quotes
On the occasion of Army Day, here are some inspiring quotes for you to raise your spirit and the feeling of patriotism.
Send it to your friends and family to wish them Army Day as well.
“Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolour, or I will come back wrapped in it, but I will be back for sure.” – Captain Vikram Batra
“If death strikes, before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill death.” – Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey
“If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or a Gurkha.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
“Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail.” – Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey
“I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.” – Major Somnath Sharma
“I won’t die in an accident or die of any disease I will go down in glory.” – Major Sudhir Walia
“There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be issued.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
“We live by chance, we love by choice, we kill by profession.” – Officers Training Academy, Chennai
“Only Best of the Friends and Worst of the Enemies Visit Us.” – Indian Army
“Quartered in snow, silent to remain. When the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again.” – Siachen base camp
Frequently Asked Questions
Because on this day in the year 1949 Indian Army got its first chief.
It was “ON PATH TO TRANSFORMATION” last year.
1 April 1895
It has over 1,200,000 active personnel
