Gen Manoj Pande during his Army Day speech in Lucknow, on January 15, 2024. (India Sentinels photo)
Lucknow: India observed the 76th Army Day, on Friday. The main Army Day parade this year was held here, in the capital of Uttar Pradesh, for the first time. It was held under the aegis of the Central Army Command, also known as Surya Command, which has its headquarters in Lucknow.
This is the second time that the event was held outside Delhi. Last year, it was held in Bangalore.
In his speech at Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre, the Army chief, General Manoj Pande, assured the country that the force’s soldiers are well-trained and battle-hardened to take on any challenges along the northern border, implying the line of actual control with China. Tensions have been simmering along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since May 2020 where troops of both India and China are locked in a bitter stand-off against each other.
The Army chief said, “Soldiers have carried out their responsibilities in every sphere, be it protecting our borders, counterterrorism or humanitarian and disaster relief,” adding, “Our soldiers are well trained to take on any challenge.”
On Jammu & Kashmir, Gen Pande said, “The situation is under control on our western borders in J&K, but continued infiltration attempts make it clear that terrorist infrastructure still exists across the border.”
On adopting new technologies in the force, the Army chief said the service has procured several modern instruments and equipment recently through provisions for emergency procurement. He also drew attention to the Army’s current focus on developing critical infrastructure and strengthening border infrastructure, such as roads and tunnels.
On the occasion, Gen Pande gave 15 gallantry awards and 23 Unit Citations in recognition of the valour and meritorious service of Army personnel and units.
Gen Manoj Pande giving a gallantry award to a relative of a fallen hero who was killed in action. (India Sentinels photo)
The parade
In the parade, which took place on a chilly winter morning, six marching contingents from the Army’s various regiments took part. The marching contingents were from 50 (Independent) Para Brigade, Sikh Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Jat Regimental Centre, Garhwal Rifle Regimental Centre, Bengal Engineers Group Centre, and Army Air Defence Centre.
Parachute Regiment soldiers during the Army Day 2024 parade. (India Sentinels photo)
Jat Regiment soldiers during the Army Day 2024 parade. (India Sentinels photo)
Sikh Light Infantry Regiment soldiers during the Army Day 2024 parade. (India Sentinels photo)
Garhwal Rifles soldiers during the Army Day 2024 parade. (India Sentinels photo)
A band comprising five regimental brass bands and three pipe bands participated in the parade.
A combined band of five regimental bands during the Army Day 2024 parade. (India Sentinels photo)
The Army Aviation Corps’ advanced light helicopters (ALH) participated in the flypast in two formations. Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI jets also performed a flypast in the event.
A team of eight Army paratroopers also showcased a combat free fall as they jumped out of a Dhruv helicopter, deployed their parachutes, and landed on the ground with surgical precision.
Army paratroopers during the free-fall and parajumping display at the Army Day 2024 parade. (India Sentinels photo)
A team of daredevil motorcyclists with 35 motorcycles from the 1 Signal Training Centre also captivated the audience by their sensational stunts.
The 1 Signal Training Centre team of daredevil motorcyclists performing a stunt during the Army Day 2024 parade. (India Sentinels photo)
A total of 23 foreign attaches from 19 countries also attended the parade.
Why is Army Day celebrated on January 15?
India celebrates Army Day on January 15 each year to mark the achievements of General (later Field Marshal) Kodandera Madappa Cariappa (January 28, 1899 – May 15, 1993) – the first Indian officer who became the commander in chief of the Indian Army.
Field Marshal KM Cariappa.
On this day, Gen Cariappa, who had a highly distinguished military career and led Indian forces in the Western Front to victory in the 1947 war with Pakistan, took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher – the last British commander in chief – on January 15, 1949, and became the first Indian commander in chief of India after Independence.
Later, decades after his retirement from active service, as a mark of recognition for the commendable service rendered by him to the nation, the Government of India conferred the rank of field marshal on Gen Cariappa on April 28, 1986, at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
© India Sentinels 2023-24
