Captain Tania Sher Gill, first woman officer to lead all-men contingents at Army Day Parade
Happy Army Day 2020 Celebrations: The nation is celebrating the 72nd Army Day today in honour of the soldiers who serve the country selflessly and risk their lives to safeguard the borders. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is proud of its army, chief Gen M M Naravane said that the borders are strongly guarded and that India is ready for any future warfare.
The Army showcased its military might and some of its state-of-the-art assets at the majestic Army Day parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantt. In a first for any woman officer, Captain Tania Shergill, an officer with Army’s Corps of Signals, lead all-men contingents at the Army Day parade.
Army Chief Gen M M Naravane, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat are present on the occasion.
This is General Naravane’s first Army Day celebrations as the chief. Former Army Chief Bipin Rawat has been appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
In pictures: Rare photos of Indian soldiers during Indo-Pak, Sino-Indian war
Lieutenant General KM Cariappa
Referring to the scrapping of special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Army chief called it a “historic” step. “Abrogation of Article 370 will help Jammu and Kashmir integrate with the mainstream. The historic step has disrupted proxy war by our western neighbour.”
In his first speech on Army Day, Chief Gen M M Naravane said the soldiers are the strength of the armed forces. Adding that India has “zero-tolerance” for terrorism, Army chief said that the borders are strongly guarded and that India is ready for any future warfare.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extends wishes on Army Day
"I salute the indomitable spirit & bravery of the Indian Army on the occasion of #ArmyDay. I am proud to have been a part of this great institution," Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh tweeted.
'Our Army is our pride. They shield us from threats & guard our borders endlessly irrespective of the weather or the danger. My gratitude towards the brave soldiers on this 'Indian Army Day', salute your courage & valour! ' Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar tweeted
"Saluting the valour, courage & fortitude of all our soldiers on #ArmyDay. Let us come together and show our gratitude to the Indian Army for their selfless service to the nation and honour all those who sacrificed their lives for us," Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways and Commerce tweeted.
On the occasion of Army Day 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that the country is "proud" of the soldiers. "Our Army is known for its valour and professionalism. It is also respected for its humanitarian spirit. Whenever people have needed help, our Army has risen to the occasion and done everything possible!" he tweeted
"On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and to their families. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Your immense sacrifice has secured our sovereignty, brought glory to our nation and protected our people. Jai Hind!" President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.
Indian Army is the epitome of commitment, discipline and patriotism. My salute to the brave women and men of the Army on Army Day: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
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Army Day is celebrated to mark Lt Gen K M Carriappa taking over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949. He took over from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India. The transfer of power from the British to India signifies an important event in the Indian history.
Army chief General MM Naravane congratulated the armed forces and their families on the occasion of Army Day. Saluting the soldiers for their valor, 'supreme sacrifice' and selfless devotion, chief Naravane said, "The Indian Army is taking rapid steps with regard to 'technological embrace' and 'indigenisation'. We shall continue to do all that we can to uphold our core values and ethos as also to live up to the trust reposed in us."
Welcome to The Indian Express' live blog on Army Day 2020. 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. Follow LIVE updates on celebrations