Army Day: Field Marshal KM Cariappa, first Indian to command the Army

Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to commemorate the day when Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over as the first Indian chief of the Indian Army.

It is on this day in 1949 that British General Francis Bucher handed over the charge of the Indian Army to then Lieutenant General KM Cariappa.

Field Marshal Cariappa is known as one of the most prolific generals of the Indian Army. He received his military training during the first world war and was among the few selected for the first batch of King’s Commissioned Indian Officers at the Cadet College in Indore.

He also led the Indian forces on the Western Front during the Indo-Pak War of 1947 and successfully recaptured Zojila, Drass and Kargil and established a linkup with Leh. He retired in 1953.

In 1986, he became the 2nd Indian general to be given the highest rank of Field Marshal, the first being Sam Manekshaw.

Parades are held every year on this day at all command headquarters. In Delhi, the parade and military display is held at the Cariappa ground presided by the Army chief.

Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also presented during the event.