TIL Desk Lucknow/ The 76th Indian Army Day Parade was held on 15 Jan 2024 at Thakur Sheodatt Singh Parade Ground, 11 GRRC, Lucknow. The Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande reviewed the parade & presented gallantry awards. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and other senior military personnel attended the parade.
India celebrates Army Day on January 15 every year to commemorate the achievements of the first Indian Commander in Chief of the Indian Army General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Cariappa. On this day, Gen Cariappa, who led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war, 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 Army Day is celebrated every year to honour Gen Cariappa and the Indian Army.
The Army Day celebrations commenced with a wreath laying ceremony at Smritika War memorial in Lucknow to honour brave hearts who have laid down their lives for the nation. The Parade witnessed six marching contingents and a military band comprising six regimental brass bands and four pipe bands from the various regimental centres. The marching contingents were from 50 (I) PARA Bde, SIKH LI RC, JAT RC, GARH RIF RC, BEG Centre & AAD Centre. 23 Foreign Service Attaches from 19 countries attended the parade which was also witnessed by Veterans, NCC Cadets, school children, serving soldier & their families. Around 500 soldiers of the Indian Army were part of the grand parade.
A fly past by the Army Aviation helicopters was held. 1 STC Motorcycle Display team Dare Devils with 35 motorcycles enthralled the audience by performing stunts. A team of eight paratroopers also showcased a combat free fall as they jumped out of a Dhruv helicopter, deployed their parachutes and manoeuvred down to land on the ground. Army Microlight flying expedition teams enthralled audiences with precision manoeuvres incl formation flags and display of flag & banners.
15 gallantry awards and 23 Unit Citations were awarded by the Army Chief in recognition of the valour and meritorious service of Army personnel and units. General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, while highlighting the military prowess of Indian Army also showcased Indian Army’s efforts to transform into a future ready, technology driven, lethal and agile force.
In his address on the occasion, General Pande said that soldiers of the Indian Army have discharged their responsibilities in every sphere, be it protecting our borders, counter terrorism operations or humanitarian and disaster relief operations. He said that recently through provisions for emergency procurement, the Indian Army has procured several modern instruments and equipment. General Pande added that the Indian Army’s focus has been on development of critical infrastructure and strengthening border infrastructure.
He said, “The situation is under control on our western borders in Jammu & Kashmir, but continued infiltration attempts make it clear that terrorist infrastructure still exists across the border.” He assured that the Indian Army is well trained and battle hardened, and is playing a crucial role in establishing a stable and secure environment that is essential for a nation’s development. Speaking on the Transformation road map laid out in his speech at Army Day 2023, General Pande said time bound deliverables have been identified under the 5 pillars of this roadmap.
He said that the Indian Army has focussed on Force restructuring and optimisation, Technology infusion, and making Systems, Processes and Functions more effective. He also mentioned other initiatives of the Indian Army such as the transformative Agnipath scheme, women empowerment through posting of women officers in operational theatres such as Siachen. General Pande also outlined measures taken to achieve Jointness and Integration such as common operational planning, Joint Acquisition, Joint Logistics Nodes, Common utilisation of bases and other initiatives.
General Pande also highlighted the unwavering commitment of the Indian Army to the welfare of its veterans, veer naaris. He ended his address by saying that the Indian Army has established a position of trust in every citizen’s heart and called upon all personnel to rededicate themselves to Naam, Namak, Nishaan and service of the nation on the occasion of Army Day.
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