Indian Army Day: Tribute to General K.M. Cariappa and the Soldiers of the Indian Army

Indian Army Day is observed on January 15th every year. This year, the 77th Army Day parade will be held for the first time in Pune. Pune is also the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, which adds to its significance. The parade will take place at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre and will include military contingents, mechanized columns, and technical displays. Previously, this parade was held in Delhi, but since 2023, it has been organized in different cities. The first city outside Delhi to host the parade was Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, in 2023. In 2024, the parade was held in Lucknow. 

The Indian Army Day is not any ordinary day but a day of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women of the Indian Army.

It marks the day in 1949 when General K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, following India’s independence. This milestone in India’s military history is a moment to recognize the sacrifices, professionalism, and indomitable spirit of the Indian Army in its continued role in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. General Cariappa’s leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Army in its formative years, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers.

Significance of Indian Army Day

Indian Army Day is about the performance of the military, about the men and women who fought for the country, the ones who are fighting for the safety of their nation. The Indian Army has been part of many different battles, for example, in 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and the 1971 war, and is very actively involved with peacekeeping operations around the world. In times of disasters the Indian army has provided a fantastic response in the service of their nation and countrymen.

The day also points out the importance of military leadership and how the army should relate to civilian governance. As India celebrates this day, it’s crucial to reflect on how the Indian Army has grown since its inception, especially in the post-independence period, and how the armed forces have been central to maintain the nation’s security and strategic framework.

General K.M. Cariappa: A Visionary Leader

General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was among those visionary leaders whose role in establishing the growth of the Indian Army as a strong force throughout the world may not have been possible. During 1949, the then first-in-line and initial Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, General Cariappa, played a pivotal role in building professionalism and discipline toward their nation through army culture. 

Born on 28 January 1899, he is the epitome of determination and dedication towards success in Indian history. Cariappa came from a small Karnataka family to be the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Educated at the highly esteemed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England, Cariappa joined the British Indian Army with great prospects. He distinguished himself during World War II and gained the respect of his peers and superiors.

After gaining independence in 1947, India was confronted with monumental difficulties, such as the incorporation of princely states, the Kashmir issue, and providing national security following partition. During this critical phase, General Cariappa proved to be a stabilising force within the Army. He kept the high standards of the army and maintain its high standards of professionalism.

On 28 April 1986, in the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the 87-year-old General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was invested with the rank of Field Marshal and presented the baton by President Giani Zail Singh.

The Kashmir War of 1947-48: Leadership Challenge

Perhaps the first great test that General Cariappa faced was during the war in Kashmir of 1947–48, which had started just a couple of months after actual independence itself. It was a ‘long-drawn affair’ triggered by Pakistani forces invading Jammu and Kashmir, after which it was the Indian Army under Cariappa that came to be the protagonist of upholding the territorial integrity of the state.

Cariappa’s leadership during this war was critical. He ensured that troops were mobilized quickly to the Kashmir Valley, which was under threat at that time. General Cariappa, who accepted the responsibility of leading the Indian Army in the crisis and organizing the operations, won respect not only within India but all over the world.

It was his farsightedness and leadership that eventually led to the United Nations’ ceasefire agreement and the division of Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control, which has been a matter of dispute until now.

Civilian Control Over the Military: A Foundational Principle

This is one of the most important contributions made by General Cariappa, insisting that civilian supremacy is over the military. At the time when most newly independent countries were still in the process of trying to achieve an equilibrium between the power of the army and the political leadership, Cariappa proceeded to establish that fact that the Indian Army would always remain under control of the civilian government. This vision was in line with India’s democratic values and set a crucial precedent for the future.

In 1948, Rajagopalachari (Rajagopala Chari), the then Governor-General of India, gave a speech at the Indian Military Academy, where he spoke about the role of the army in post-independence India. Some of the statements made were considered controversial since they pointed out the concern of a more powerful or even free army role in governance. In response to such a letter written by Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajagopalachari ensured that the army should be brought back under the civilian leadership’s control.

On the other hand, General Cariappa always used to say that the Indian Army is a sort of instrument guarding the country and its ideals, but it should never try to tread the political field. His iron commitment to this ethos ensured that no military input in politics by the Indian Army ever happened, thus making him the classic one for others to be emulated.

Cariappa’s Professionalism and Discipline

General Cariappa was, in fact, a man of great discipline and integrity. His style of leadership suggested deep professionalism, but he inculcated the same values in the Indian Army. He devoted efforts towards the development of training systems for the Army along with his insistence on maintaining high standards of conduct and discipline, which formed the basis for what would become one of the world’s most respected armies.

He also felt a need to bring the Indian Army up to speed in modern ways and to have it ready enough to meet all the complex security demands of an independent India. This led him to take efforts that would enhance its infrastructure, its training facilities, and its working capabilities.

Indian Army’s Contribution to National Security

The Indian Army was not restricted to territorial defense alone; it always played a significant role in strategic decisions made by India in the hour of crisis. Border security, counterinsurgency operations, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions were integral parts of the Army. It has been crucial in upholding the sovereignty and national integrity of India by being responsive to both internal and external threats with professional and efficient behavior.

In modern times, the Army continues to play a vital role in maintaining peace and security along India’s borders, especially with countries like Pakistan and China. With growing regional instability and the rise of new security challenges, the Indian Army is continuously evolving and modernizing to meet these demands.

A Day to Remember

Indian Army Day is the best time to think about the great General K.M. Cariappa, who provided the right direction and leadership in the Indian Army’s early years. The general’s focus on civilian supremacy, discipline, professionalism, and ensuring the army’s preparedness to defend the country provided the basis for the institution we honor today.

General Cariappa’s legacy is not only a reflection of his exceptional leadership during the early days of independence but also of his lifelong dedication to the ideals of service, sacrifice, and duty. His efforts helped steer India through a crucial period in its history, ensuring that the Indian Army would remain a symbol of national pride and a pillar of India’s democracy.

On this Indian Army Day, we salute the countless men and women of the Indian Army who continue to serve with courage, dedication, and honor. Their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s freedom ensure that India remains secure, united, and strong. The legacy of General K.M. Cariappa continues to inspire the Army, reminding us all of the invaluable role the military plays in the nation’s progress.