This article will continue to focus on the important days that are integral to the defence forces. Every year, there are certain days kept for celebrating the spirit and history of the Army, Navy and Airforce. The idea is to educate defense aspirants as it will be beneficial for them to know about the history and reason behind the celebration of these days.

6. Military Nursing Services Day

Military Nursing Services Day is observed every year on 1st October. It has its origin in the Army Nursing Service formed in 1888 as part of the British Army but It is celebrated as a historical day in the year 1926, when the Nursing Service was first raised as an independent part. The motto of this service is “ Service with a smile” It is regulated by The Army Act of 1950 and aims at providing medical assistance to the army personnel .

2020 marked its 95th celebration where all Nursing Officers rededicate themselves to render high quality, selfless nursing care to their patients by reading the Florence Nightingale Pledge on the occasion.

7. Armed Forces Flag Day

Armed Forces Flag Day also known as Flag Day, is celebrated every year on the 7th of December by collecting funds from the people of the country for the betterment and expansion of the Indian Armed Forces. It was first celebrated in 1949, immediately after India achieved independence as a need arose for the government to manage the welfare of its defence personnel.

The idea behind observing a Flag Day was to distribute small flags to the general public and in return collect donations from them. Flag Day throws light on the fact that it is the responsibility of the civilians to take care of the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who fight in order to keep us safe.

8. Kargil Vijay Diwas

Kargil Vijay Diwas is a holiday observed in India on the 26th of July. It is celebrated on account of the success of “Operation Vijay”. The Kargil War was a territorial armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LOC).

The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days and ended on 26 July 1999, when the Pakistani army took advantage of the melting snow and - betraying the bilateral understanding of both the nations that the post would remain unattended during the winter season - took command of the high outposts of India. Therefore, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated to commemorate the lost lives of the 527 soldiers during the war.

9. Vijay Diwas

Vijay Diwas is entirely different from kargil Vijay Diwas because it is celebrated for an altogether different war that took place between India and Pakistan in 1971. It is celebrated every year on the 16th of December to mark India’s military victory over Pakistan during the war of Independence between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

2020 marked 21 years of victory over Pakistan and India’s indomitable valour and sacrifice of soldiers.