Indian Army Day 2021: Field Marshal KM Cariappa was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 15 January 1949.
Army Day is celebrated every year to salute the brave soldiers who gave their lives to protect the country. The Army Day celebrations take place across India, but the main parade is held at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment. On January 15, 1949, General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and was the first Indian to appointed as Commander that’s why it is celebrated Army day. He adopted the slogan ‘Jai Hind’, which means ‘Victory for India’.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa received military training during World War I (1914). He was fond of being called a ‘keeper’ by his colleagues, In 1919, Field Marshal KM Cariappa was among the first group of Indians to be elected; He was sent to Indore for training. He was later commissioned in the Karnataka Infantry
After an outstanding career, Field Marshal KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 15th, 1949.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa was awarded the ‘Order of the Chief Commander of the Leg of Merit of Merit’ – the first of its kind award given by President Harry Truman to the Indian general.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa demonstrated the highest standards of discipline and compassion, inspiring people for generations.
In 1983 he was awarded the title of Field Marshal (Five Star). The only other person to have so far honored Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in 1973
After retiring from the Indian Army, Field Marshal KM Cariappa served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand until 1956
On Army Day, the Indian Army has organized a marathon – victory runs to celebrate the “Golden Victory Year Celebration” for India’s spectacular victory over Pakistan in 1971.