Army Day 2021 image: Rare Photo Of Field Marshal KM Cariappa (extreme right) and C Rajagopalchari
Army Day is observed every year to salute the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect the country. Army Day celebrations take place across India, but the main parade is held at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi cantonment. A brief history of the Army Day shared on Twitter by the Indian Army read: "General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa was appointed as Commander In Chief of the Indian Army on 15th January, 1949 and was the first Indian to be appointed as Commander In Chief. Army Day is celebrated on this day. He adopted the slogan 'Jai Hind', which means 'Victory to India'".
The Army also tweeted the social media platforms where one can watch the parade live.
On Army Day, the Indian Army has organized a marathon - Vijay Run - to "commemorate Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations of India's resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971."
Army Day 2021: Know about Field Marshal KM Cariappa
- Fondly called 'Kipper', by his colleagues, Field Marshal KM Cariappa received military training during World War I (1914-18)
- In 1919, Field Marshal KM Cariappa was in the first group of Indians to be selected; he was sent to Indore for training. Later he was commissioned into the Carnatic Infantry
- After an outstanding career, Field Marshall KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 15th January, 1949
- Field Marshall KM Cariappa was conferred the 'Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit' - the first ever award of its kind given to an Indian General, by President Harry Truman
- Field Marshal KM Cariappa exhibited the highest standards of discipline and compassion, inspiring people across generations
- In 1983, he was given the title of Field Marshal (five stars). The only other person who has been conferred the title so far is Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw in 1973
- After retiring from the Indian Army, Field Marshall KM Cariappa served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956