New Delhi: India on Monday the January 15th is celebrating it 70th Army Day with parades and shows at its major locations across the country.
But, Why is Amry Day celebrated on January 15?
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year, this was the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K M Cariappa became the first Indian the commander-in-chief of the Indian Army taking over from Lt Gen Roy Butcher.
Here are some facts about the glorious India Army will leave you with pride
– The Indian Army is the 2nd largest standing army in the world with about 1,129,900 active troops and 960,000 reserve troops.
– Indian Army functions at the Siachen Glacier which is about 5000 meters above sea level which is the highest battlefield in the world.
– The Indian army has a horsed cavalry regiment which is among last three such regiments in the world.
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– Sepoy Kamal Ram of Royal Indian Army was the youngest Indian to receive Victoria Cross for his valor in WW2 at just the age of 19.
– Assam Rifles, formed in 1835, is the oldest paramilitary force in India.
– The High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) from Indian Army is often regarded as one of the most elite military training centers in the world. Even the US Special Forces trained at HAWS before their deployment during the invasion of Afghanistan.
– In December 1971, the Battle of Longewala was fought between India and Pakistan. This battle is interesting because with just 120 Indian soldiers and a jeep with a M40 recoilless rifle stood its ground against 2000 Pakistani soldiers. As the Indian soldiers held their ground all through the night. The help from the Air Force came in the morning.
On Army Day, I convey greetings to the soldiers, veterans and their families. Every citizen of India has unwavering trust and pride in our Army, which protects the nation and is also at the forefront of humanitarian efforts during times of natural disasters and other accidents.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2018
Our Army always puts the nation first. I salute all those great individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. India will never forget our valiant heroes.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2018
On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and to families of those who have worn the uniform. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Citizens sleep securely knowing you are ever awake and ever vigilant #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 15, 2018