76th Indian Army Day: Why is it celebrated on January 15, theme and other details
Every year, 15 January is commemorated as ‘Army Day’ to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India.
The Indian Army originated from armies of the East India Company which later became the British Indian Army and the Princely States Army, and after independence in 1947, merged into the National Army of India. The units of the Indian Army have fought many battles in the past where they gained honor for the country with their bravery.
The Indian Army has the sole objective of protecting the nation from any foreign aggression that arises, ensuring the nation's security. They also try to protect the nation from internal threats. During natural calamities, the Indian Army conducts humanitarian rescue operations to save people's lives.
In a landmark announcement on January 1, 2025 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms', signalling a decisive shift towards a more agile, technologically advanced, and combat-ready Armed Forces, said a statement from the Indian Army.
The 'Year of Reforms' comes on the heels of the Indian Army's 'Year of Transformation' (2023) and 'Years of Technology Absorption' (2024 and 2025). However, acknowledging the long gestation period required for meaningful change, the Indian Army has already identified 2023 to 2032 as the 'Decade of Transformation'. The announcement of 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms' provides strategic direction and impetus to this long-term initiative.
Why is Indian Army Day celebrated on January 15?
Army Day is celebrated on this day to remember
