NEW DELHI: India is immersed in patriotic fervor as it celebrates the 76th Army Day, commemorating the day Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949. The nation pays homage to its brave soldiers and reminisces about the historic moment that marked the beginning of a new era in Indian military history.
Significance of the Day
Army Day is more than a celebration; it’s a day for reflection and remembrance.It honors the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation and acknowledges the unyielding dedication of those guarding our borders. The day also highlights the sacrifices made by their families.
2024 Theme: ‘Year of Technology Absorption’
The theme for this year’s Army Day, ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ – a theme that underscores the Army’s focus and efforts to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to leveraging technology for transformational change.
Army Chief’s message: Embracing technology
General Manoj Pande, chief of Army Staff, extended greetings on this significant day. He paid homage to the martyrs and urged the ‘Olive Green’ fraternity to counter security threats robustly. “The character of warfare continues to change. To prepare ourselves for the future, we set into motion a holistic transformation process last year. We have made good progress and many milestones have been achieved. Our capability development endeavours stand on the edifice of Atmanirbharta, to which we are firmly committed. The transition towards becoming a modern, agile, adaptive and technology-enabled future-ready force shall continue as part of the Transformation Roadmap,” General Manoj Pande said.
He further added that the Army’s responsibility towards the veterans, Veer Naris and their families, remains a sacred commitment, adding, “Endeavours to augment welfare initiatives, proactively reach out to them and address their grievances must remain a focus area for commanders at all levels.”
“The Indian Army enjoys a distinct stature in the national mind space. I am sanguine that we shall forever remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold the trust reposed in us, by the nation. Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the service of the nation, in the true spirit of our core ethos of `Naam’, `Namak’ our Nishaan’. `Jai Hind’,” he added.
Presidential and Prime Ministerial salutations
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered their heartfelt wishes to the Army personnel.
President of India Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also conveyed her warm wishes to Indian Army personnel.
“The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s security. The Indian Army has always displayed professionalism during conflicts, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, national calamities and disasters. The exemplary leadership and selfless devotion exhibited by the men and women of the Indian Army is admirable,” President Murmu said in her message.
In a message to the soldiers on the occasion of Army day 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the bravehearts for extending a ‘helping hand in times of disaster’.
“Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the brave comrades of the Indian Army, ex-servicemen and their families on Army Day. The nation is proud of the indomitable courage, service and dedication of the brave men and women of the force. Be it firmly dealing with external threats and internal challenges or extending a helping hand in times of disaster, the brave men of the Army have impressed in every role,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a written message to the Indian army
“The Indian Army has created a unique identity in the world as an organized and disciplined force. The Indian Army is conscious of adapting itself to the challenges of the changing era and today the country also stands with its military heroes with all the facilities and resources,” he added.
“On the occasion of Army Day, I pay tribute on behalf of the nation to all those brave martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the service of the country. The country salutes the sacrifice and penance of these brave comrades,” he conveyed further.
PM Modi also highlighted the significant role played by the soldiers during the ‘Amril Kaal’.
“The nation is rapidly moving towards building a grand and developed India in the ‘Amrit Kaal’. The brave comrades of the Indian Army are playing a very important role in nation building while providing security and stability to the country. I am confident that the nation, energized by the power of collectivity, will reach new heights of progress.” Prime Minister conveyed in a written message.
CDS General Anil Chauhan wishes soldiers on Army Day
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, extended greetings to all the ranks of the Indian Army, veterans and Veer Naris.
In his message to the soldiers on the occasion of Army Day 2024, CDS Chauhan said, “On the occasion of Army Day 2024, I extend my greetings to all ranks of the Indian Army, Veterans and Veer Naris. Your unwavering dedication, invincible attitude and indomitable spirit are the bedrock of our nation’s security.”
Congress leadership acknowledges the Army
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi also extended their wishes. Kharge saluted the bravery and professionalism of the Indian Army, while Gandhi expressed gratitude for their incredible bravery and dedication.
In a post on X, Kharge saluted all the ranks of the Indian Army.
“In reverence and gratitude, we salute the brave soldiers, veterans, ex-servicemen and their families, on the occasion of Indian Army Day. The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in ensuring the national security of India, whilst defending our borders across some of the most perilous terrain in the world. It provides stability during internal security challenges and is often called upon to provide assistance during natural calamities,” he said.
“We are forever indebted to your unflinching courage, professionalism and spirit of selfless sacrifice protects our nation,” he added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is in Manipur, conducting his Bhara Jodo Nyay Yatra took to X and conveyed his wishes on the Army day.
“Best wishes to all the soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families of the country on Army Day. The whole of India salutes his incredible bravery, bravery and dedication,” he said.
A day of national pride
As India observes this special day, it stands united in its admiration and respect for the Indian Army. The day is a reminder of the Army’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s security and the sacrifices made by its brave soldiers. Army Day celebrates the spirit of nationalism and the unwavering courage of the Indian Army, inspiring generations to come.
(With inputs from agencies)
Significance of the Day
Army Day is more than a celebration; it’s a day for reflection and remembrance.It honors the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation and acknowledges the unyielding dedication of those guarding our borders. The day also highlights the sacrifices made by their families.
2024 Theme: ‘Year of Technology Absorption’
The theme for this year’s Army Day, ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ – a theme that underscores the Army’s focus and efforts to leverage technology as a catalyst for transformative change, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to leveraging technology for transformational change.
Army Chief’s message: Embracing technology
General Manoj Pande, chief of Army Staff, extended greetings on this significant day. He paid homage to the martyrs and urged the ‘Olive Green’ fraternity to counter security threats robustly. “The character of warfare continues to change. To prepare ourselves for the future, we set into motion a holistic transformation process last year. We have made good progress and many milestones have been achieved. Our capability development endeavours stand on the edifice of Atmanirbharta, to which we are firmly committed. The transition towards becoming a modern, agile, adaptive and technology-enabled future-ready force shall continue as part of the Transformation Roadmap,” General Manoj Pande said.
He further added that the Army’s responsibility towards the veterans, Veer Naris and their families, remains a sacred commitment, adding, “Endeavours to augment welfare initiatives, proactively reach out to them and address their grievances must remain a focus area for commanders at all levels.”
“The Indian Army enjoys a distinct stature in the national mind space. I am sanguine that we shall forever remain steadfast in our resolve to uphold the trust reposed in us, by the nation. Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the service of the nation, in the true spirit of our core ethos of `Naam’, `Namak’ our Nishaan’. `Jai Hind’,” he added.
Presidential and Prime Ministerial salutations
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered their heartfelt wishes to the Army personnel.
President of India Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also conveyed her warm wishes to Indian Army personnel.
“The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s security. The Indian Army has always displayed professionalism during conflicts, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, national calamities and disasters. The exemplary leadership and selfless devotion exhibited by the men and women of the Indian Army is admirable,” President Murmu said in her message.
In a message to the soldiers on the occasion of Army day 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the bravehearts for extending a ‘helping hand in times of disaster’.
“Hearty congratulations and best wishes to the brave comrades of the Indian Army, ex-servicemen and their families on Army Day. The nation is proud of the indomitable courage, service and dedication of the brave men and women of the force. Be it firmly dealing with external threats and internal challenges or extending a helping hand in times of disaster, the brave men of the Army have impressed in every role,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a written message to the Indian army
“The Indian Army has created a unique identity in the world as an organized and disciplined force. The Indian Army is conscious of adapting itself to the challenges of the changing era and today the country also stands with its military heroes with all the facilities and resources,” he added.
“On the occasion of Army Day, I pay tribute on behalf of the nation to all those brave martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the service of the country. The country salutes the sacrifice and penance of these brave comrades,” he conveyed further.
PM Modi also highlighted the significant role played by the soldiers during the ‘Amril Kaal’.
“The nation is rapidly moving towards building a grand and developed India in the ‘Amrit Kaal’. The brave comrades of the Indian Army are playing a very important role in nation building while providing security and stability to the country. I am confident that the nation, energized by the power of collectivity, will reach new heights of progress.” Prime Minister conveyed in a written message.
CDS General Anil Chauhan wishes soldiers on Army Day
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, extended greetings to all the ranks of the Indian Army, veterans and Veer Naris.
In his message to the soldiers on the occasion of Army Day 2024, CDS Chauhan said, “On the occasion of Army Day 2024, I extend my greetings to all ranks of the Indian Army, Veterans and Veer Naris. Your unwavering dedication, invincible attitude and indomitable spirit are the bedrock of our nation’s security.”
Congress leadership acknowledges the Army
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi also extended their wishes. Kharge saluted the bravery and professionalism of the Indian Army, while Gandhi expressed gratitude for their incredible bravery and dedication.
In a post on X, Kharge saluted all the ranks of the Indian Army.
“In reverence and gratitude, we salute the brave soldiers, veterans, ex-servicemen and their families, on the occasion of Indian Army Day. The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in ensuring the national security of India, whilst defending our borders across some of the most perilous terrain in the world. It provides stability during internal security challenges and is often called upon to provide assistance during natural calamities,” he said.
“We are forever indebted to your unflinching courage, professionalism and spirit of selfless sacrifice protects our nation,” he added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is in Manipur, conducting his Bhara Jodo Nyay Yatra took to X and conveyed his wishes on the Army day.
“Best wishes to all the soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families of the country on Army Day. The whole of India salutes his incredible bravery, bravery and dedication,” he said.
A day of national pride
As India observes this special day, it stands united in its admiration and respect for the Indian Army. The day is a reminder of the Army’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s security and the sacrifices made by its brave soldiers. Army Day celebrates the spirit of nationalism and the unwavering courage of the Indian Army, inspiring generations to come.
(With inputs from agencies)
