Friday, 15 January 2016


15 JANUARY 1949 INDIAN ARMY DAY


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Story of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, whose valour impressed even the Chinese commanders

ADITYA BHUSHAN DWIVEDI
15 JANUARY 2016
Army day is observed on January 15 every year, to mark the anniversary of Lieutenant General K.M. Carriappa taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, from the last British officer. The Indian army originated from the East India Army, which then later became British India Army. Known around the world for its bravery, our Army has fought many a battle, and was the largest volunteer army in World War II.
Defence institutions ride on tales of bravery from their past, but, most often, it is the historical acts of individual officers that plant the seeds of pride and inspiration in young soldiers for posterity.
Memorial of Jaswant Singh Rawat
Memorial of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat
So, on Army Day, it is only fitting to remind our readers of the story of Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat, MVC. a soldier whose valour was celebrated even by his enemies.
Rifleman Jaswant Singh is considered the hero of Sino-India Warin 1962. According to a local legend,he single-handedly fought the Chinese army for three days. It was the last phase of the war in November 1962, and due to a lack of resources, his company was asked to fall back. But, Jaswant Singh remained at his post. With the help of two local girls, Sela and Nura, Jaswant Singh set up weapons at three different spots and fired them non-stop for three days. Thinking a big contingent was firing at them, the Chinese Army stayed put.
As the time passed, the Chinese Army grew frustrated, as they knew no way to counter the purported attack of the Indian Army. They finally caught the man who was providing food to Jaswant and the two girls and interrogated him. The man spilled the beans. The Chinese then surrounded Jaswant Singh from all sides. Nura was captured and Sela died in a grenade burst. Jaswant Singh, realising he was about to be captured, shot himself.
The Chinese forces cutoff Jaswant Singh’s head and took it back to China as a war souvenir. After the war was over, the commander of the Chinese forces, impressed by the late Jaswant Singh’s show of bravery, returned his head along with a brass bust made of the soldier. It is now installed at the site of the battle. He was posthumously awarded Maha Vir Chakra for his bravery. Jaswant Singh’s display of valour, and his love for his nation has proved to be a great source of inspiration to Indian soldiers since.
Today, we also revisit a conversation we had with a few army officers and aspirants awhile ago:

Army Day

Army Day in India is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year on 15th of January. It has been started celebrating to respect the Lieutenant General of India, K. M. Cariappa (Kodandera Madappa Cariappa) who was the first Indian Army’s Commander-in-Chief. It is celebrated every year at all the Army Command headquarters and national capital by organizing army parades including many other military shows.

Army Day 2016

Army day 2016 would be celebrated on 15th of January, at Friday. It would be celebrated as 68th Indian Army day in the national capital.

Why Army Day is Celebrated

It is celebrated to pay homage and salute to the courageous and brave Indian soldiers who have been sacrificed their lives for protecting the country. Indian Arny General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was succeeded the British Army General Roy Butcher and became the first Commander-in-Chief of the independent India.
Indian Army soldiers are always ready to fight with all the hard times at Indian borders as well as with the natural disasters. They courageously face all the challenges and difficulties come their way to save the nation and people.
Army Day Celebration
Indian army plays a great and big role during the disaster situations in the country as they are dedicated to the country to become the War Winning Team. The day was decided to be celebrated as the army day in India to start paying tribute to the sacrificed Indian army soldiers at the “Amar Jawan Jyoti” at India Gate in New Delhi.
After paying homage, an excellent parades including military shows takes place to indicate the new technologies and accomplishments in the Indian Army. Bravery awards including Unit credentials and Sena Medals are distributed at this great occasion.
At the Army Day celebration in Jammu and Kashmir, serving army personnel get the bravery and famed service awards (Sena medals, Vishist Seva medals and etc). The day has been marked to memorize the daring and bold Indian soldiers who lost their lives while protecting their nation.
Army Day Parade
Army day parade during the army day celebration is carried out by the Indian army soldiers (Indian army bands) which involves the exhibition of BLT T-72, T-90 tanks, Brahmos Missile, carrier Mortar Tracked Vehicle, 155 MM Soltum Gun, Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation Corps and etc.
Serving Indian armies take a pledge at this day to maintain their service and protect the nation from enemies whether they are foreign or domestic.
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Rediff.com  » News » On founding day, Army shows its colours

On founding day, Army shows its colours

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January 15, 2016 18:49 IST
The Indian Army on Friday celebrated the Army Day in recognition of Lieutenant General (later Field Marshal) K M Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the force from General Sir Francis Butcher -- the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on January 15, 1949.
Addressing the Army Day parade in New Delhi, Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag complimented the soldiers for giving a befitting reply to the enemy at the Line of Control which has been "active" due to cross-border firing and continuous infiltration attempts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Saluting the indomitable valour, determination and dedication of our Army on Army Day."
Here are some glimpses of the celebrations:
Army soldiers participate in the Army Day parade in New Delhi on Friday. Photograph:Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
Army daredevils perform at the Army Day parade. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
A tableau on display at the Army Day parade in New Delhi. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
An Army paratrooper performs during the Army Day parade. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
Army soldiers display their combat skill during the Army Day parade. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
A marching contingent during the Army Day parade. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, Navy Chief R K Dhowan and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha after paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Photograph:Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
An army contingent marching during the Army Day parade. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag pinning decorations on a soldier. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag honours a martyr's widow. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo

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