71st Army Day celebrated across the nation to honour Troops

Guwahati, January 15, 2019:

While people across the country are celebrating harvest festivals, marked by plenty and cheer, the nation is also graced by the 71st Army day. Army day is celebrated every year on January 15 to mark the vigilance and exemplary achievements of army personnel who risk their lives for the nation.

The day started with an annual parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground in New Delhi at 10.15 in the morning.

Speaking at the event, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that the Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border. Taking a dig at neighbouring Pakistan, the Army Chief said, “The country along our western border is providing support to terror groups. We are dealing with them effectively.”

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark the day when (then) Lieutenant General KM Cariappa took over from General Sir Francis Butcher as Commander-in-Chief of India on January 1949.

Popularly known as “Kipper”, KM Cariappa was the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He is one of only two Indian Army officers to hold the five-star rank of field marshal.