Indian Army Day 2023: Date, Theme, History, Significance, Celebration, Quotes

Indian army day 2023 is being celebrated on 15th January 2023 and it will mark the 75th anniversary of the Indian army day.
Every year on January 15, India celebrates its Army Day. 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. The year 2023 will mark the 75^th anniversary of the Indian Army Day. Complete details related to Army Day 2023 such as significance, celebrations, etc are provided here in this article.

History & Significance of Army Day 2023

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 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.

Indian Army Day 2023 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.

Indian Army Day 2023 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.

1. “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

2. “If death strikes, before I prove my blood, I swear I’ll kill death.” – Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey

3. “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or a Gurkha.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

4. “Some goals are so worthy, it’s glorious even to fail.” – Capt Manoj Kumar Pandey

5. “I shall not withdraw an inch but will fight to our last man and our last round.” – Major Somnath Sharma

6. “I won’t die in an accident or die of any disease I will go down in glory.” – Major Sudhir Walia

7. “There will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be issued.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

8. “We live by chance, we love by choice, we kill by profession.” – Officers Training Academy, Chennai

9. “Only Best of the Friends and Worst of the Enemies Visit Us.” – Indian Army

10. “Quartered in snow, silent to remain. When the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again.” – Siachen base camp

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When do we celebrate Indian army day?

Answer: Every year, this day is celebrated on 15th January.

Question 2: Why Indian Army celebrate on 15th January?

Answer: Because on this day in the year 1949 Indian Army got its first chief.

Question 3: What is the theme of Indian Army day 2023?

Answer: It has not decided yet, however, last year it was “In Stride with the Future”