Indian Army observed Army Day today with the three service chiefs paying tributes at the Amar Jyoti at India Gate today morning. The three chiefs namely; Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Robin K Dhowan, and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, also lay flowers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in remembrance of martyred soldiers. This was followed by a traditional Army Parade. The three service chiefs saluted the Army during the parade.
The weather in Delhi was extremely cold with dense fog engulfing the city. The minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 11°C on Wednesday morning, which dropped to 5.8°C Thursday. However, Army Day celebrations continued despite extreme cold conditions.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too greeted the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day. Modi, via a tweet, saluted the indomitable courage and valour of the Indian Army and also said that the dedication and determination of the army made the whole country proud.
President Pranab Mukherjee also extended his greetings to the Army staff and their families commending the high standards of professionalism and excellence displayed by the Armed Forces. President Mukherjee further added that the Army had ensured the protection of India's territorial integrity, fought the scourge of terrorism, and provided succor to fellow citizens in times of natural calamities.
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 each year, by the Indian Army. Army Day commemorates the day when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces (IAF) post independence. On this day, in 1949, General KM Cariappa took over the command of the Armed Forces from General Sir FRR Bucher, who was the last British Commander-in-Chief of the IAF.
