Today is a significant day for about 12 lakh active army personnel, well over 9 lakh reserve personnel and their families today – it is the 71st Army Day today. 15th January is observed as Army Day to commemorate the significant event of Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa's taking over as the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher way back in 1949.
An Olympic medalist and former army officer himself, India’s Minister of State (I/C) Youth Affairs & Sports, MoS (I/C) Information & Broadcasting, paid his tributes to the Indian Army.
Tributes from both sides of the political divide pour in today for our soldiers. Respect for our soldiers is one thing that our leaders are united on; regardless of their political persuasion.
While politics, ideologies and much else divides people in India, love and respect for our soldiers is the unifying thread that runs through India people; acknowledging their great and selfless service to the nation's people
People from the film industry as well as famous sportspersons of India all took to twitter to express their admiration and thanks to bravehearts of the Indian army and the tireless job that they do 24x7.
The army is integral to India’s safety and integrity because of the way guards our borders, deals with internal and external threats and swoops to the rescue each time there is a natural calamity.
While the Indian soldier continues to serve in tough conditions to the best of his ability; never hesitating to make the ultimate sacrifice, there are many issues that soldiers face; which remain to be addressed. The plight of the families of those who lose their lives, the grim prospect of those who lose a limb or more to injuries and the psychological rehabilitation of soldiers remain problematic issues.
Indian soldiers operate out of some of the most hostile terrains in the world. There is an urgent requirement to equip, fund and train as well as to psychologically gear army personnel for their arduous duties. The need for modern equipment and updating of armaments continues to be pressing.
Though the Indian army is one of the biggest in the world; consists of some of the most highly trained and professional people, it is also one of the world's most peaceful armies. The Indian army has never been the one to initiate hostilities with any other force.
The 71st Army Day parade is unique in that Lt Bhavana Kasturi becomes the first female officer to lead the Indian Army's Service Corps (ASC) contingent, comprising 144 male personnel.
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