71st Army Day: Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi to become first ever women to lead male marching contingent

Army Day is celebrated on 15th January in recognition of Lieutenant General of India, K. M. Cariappa's taking over as Indian Army’s first Commander-in-Chief. He took over the reign from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15th January 1949.

71st Army Day

New Delhi: Indian Army celebrated its 71st raising Day in New Delhi on Tuesday. India celebrates Army Day with great show and pomp on 15th of January every year. Army Day is celebrated on 15th January in recognition of Lieutenant General of India, K. M. Cariappa's taking over as Indian Army’s first Commander-in-Chief. He took over the reign from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15th January 1949. Extending the wishes for the Army Day on microblogging site Twitter, President Kovind wrote, “On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and their families. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Citizens sleep securely knowing you are ever awake and ever vigilant.” Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat congratulated all ranks, families, veterans, ‘veer naris’ and Armed Forces fraternity on the occasion of the 71st Army Day. The three service Chief's paid homage to the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation at the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’. The sacrifices of the soldiers are remembered and every other solder pledges that when the time comes, he will not back from laying down his life as well. The Army Day is celebrated every year at all the Army Command headquarters, army formations and national capital by paying homage to the valiant army soldiers at war memorials and army parades, which display the military might and heritage of our army with rich splendour. According to reports, the Army Day parade in Delhi Cantonment on Tuesday is slated to be led by Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi. This is for the first time when a woman officer will lead the Army Day parade. She will lead the Indian Army’s Service Corps contingent. The Army's 33-member Daredevils Motorcycle display team with also be led this year by a woman officer, Captain Shikha Surabhi. Addressing the nation ahead of the Army Day, General Bipin Rawat on Monday remembered the martyrs, praising their inspiring and unparalleled gallantry. He said, “We solemnly remember our martyrs whose acts of unparalleled gallantry shall continue to inspire us in the years ahead.” “Indian Army remains steadfast in its resolve to be enabled and prepared to pre-empt, negate and defeat any challenges to the national security,” the Army chief further said. He added, “Past year has had its share of challenges. It makes me proud to state that we have been able to counter them effectively. We have given a befitting response to the perpetrators of proxy war in a highly professional manner in both - LoC and hinterland.” On the eve of the Army Day on Monday, the Indian Army organised a cycle expedition based on them – Cycling for Peace and Prosperity