Army Day is celebrated in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, the then Lieutenant General taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. It is celebrated every year in memory of him taking charge from General Sir Francis Butcher, who was the last British Commander-in-Chief of India on 15 January 1949.
On this day a lot of parades and other military shows are conducted in the national capital of India, that is New delhi. Similar shows are also held at the headquarters. This year was marked by the celebration of the 73rd Indian Army Day in New Delhi. Army Day is also celebrated so as to pay homage and give tribute to the brave soldiers across the country who sacrificed their lives in order to protect us.
Definite protocols were followed keeping in mind the pandemic. Each army troop wore masks marching close to each other. While celebrations took place across the country, the main Army Day parade was conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment.
Lt.Col Archit Goswamy, Major G Balaji Niranjan, Major Sachin Andotra ,Major Aman Singh, Major Kunal Thackeray, Major Abhishek Katoch, Hav Pawar Vikas Basant, Hav surender Singh Rautela, LNK Rajpal were awarded Sena medals.
Whereas, Major Ketan Sharma was awarded posthumously and the award was received by Smt. IRA Mandar Sharma. Nb Sb Shivank Gyarson was awarded the Sena medal, posthumously which was received by Smt. Tanzing Wangmo. Naik Sandeep Singh was awarded the Sena medal posthumously and the award was received by Smt. Geeta. Sepoy Rambir was awarded the Sena Medal posthumously, received by Smt. Neetu . Grenadier Hari Bhaker was awarded Sena Medal posthumously, which was received by Smt Kamla Devi, the mother of the Gr. Hari Bhaker.
Image Source : DD National
On this day, the army chief , MM Naravane in his own words and ways, gave a warning to china. While addressing the nation, he said, “You all are aware of the ongoing tension with China on northern borders. Regarding conspiracy to unilaterally change the status quo on borders, a befitting reply was given. I want to assure the country that the sacrifice of the bravehearts of Galwan would not go in vain.” With a great spirit and keeping an aim in his mind, he further added, "We are committed to finding the resolution of our disputes through discussions and political efforts but no one should commit the mistake of testing our patience."
Image Source : DD National
Apart from this, for the very first time in Indian history, this day brought with itself the demonstration of an offensive swarm drone system at the annual Army Day parade in the national capital. These types of drones can be effectively used in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses/ Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses abbreviated as SEAD or DEAD.
Image Source : DD National
About 75 drones were demonstrated, who were supposedly working autonomously to identify and take down targets with Kamikaze missions attacking the enemy Air Defense sites. This was indeed a proud day for every native.
