Army Day: 10 Things Every Civvy Should Know and Remember about Our Faujis

Army Day commemorates a pivotal moment in India’s post-Independence history. On 15 January 1949, Lt Gen Kodandera M Cariappa, OBE, later Field Marshal, took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from Gen Sir Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief. This marked India’s complete transition to self-reliant military leadership.

It was not just a change of guard; it was a powerful assertion of sovereignty at a time when the nation was still stitching itself together after colonial rule and partition. Since then, every Army Day is both remembrance and gratitude—for past sacrifices and present duty.

Unlike some nations with compulsory conscription, India’s Army is a volunteer force—men and women who choose service above self. This reflects a profound commitment to the country that extends far beyond a career choice; for many, it is a calling.

Spanning hundreds of diverse ethnicities, languages, and cultures, the Indian Army embodies the nation’s unity in its very ranks.

From scorching deserts to biting cold glaciers, Indian soldiers are at the forefront in every terrain imaginable. The army holds custodianship of strategic frontiers like the Siachen Glacier—the world’s highest battlefield—where troops endure freezing temperatures and treacherous terrain to secure the nation’s interests.

Their daily existence in such environments, often with little more than tenacity and training, is a testament to extraordinary human resilience.

For every war fought—from the wars of 1947–48 and 1965 to the 1999 Kargil War—the army’s story is written in bravery and sacrifice. The Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, has been bestowed on only a select few whose actions went beyond duty.

These honours aren’t mere decorations; they are symbols of lives given for the nation’s safety.

The Indian Army isn’t only about defending borders. It regularly undertakes humanitarian missions during natural disasters. In Operation Rahat during the Uttarakhand floods, Indian Army personnel rescued thousands of civilians, often risking their own safety to bring people to safety.

This dual role—warrior and guardian—resonates deeply with every citizen who has seen soldiers in action not just with rifles, but with ropes and helicopters.

Indian Army soldiers don’t just adapt to challenges—they are trained to overcome them. Institutes like the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) have earned global acclaim for preparing troops to operate in some of the harshest conditions on earth.

This intense preparation ensures readiness not just for known threats, but for any unexpected ones.

Behind every soldier stands a family that bears long separations, unspoken anxieties, and the heavy toll that comes with military life. Army Day isn’t only about uniforms and parades—it’s also about acknowledging the silent strength of Fauji families who sacrifice just as much.

Across the nation—from Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi to civilian centres like Jaipur this year—Army Day is celebrated with parades, exhibitions, and honours. These aren’t merely spectacles; they are narratives of history, technology, and courage on display. Tanks, drones, cavalry units, and marching contingents each tell their own story of preparedness and pride.

The Indian Army isn’t stuck in the past. It is evolving with the times—adopting advanced technology, collaborating with academic institutions for AI and robotics training, and enhancing its digital and reconnaissance capabilities.

This adaptability ensures that while values remain timeless, strategies are always forward-looking.

Ultimately, Army Day is not just an army celebration. It’s a day for every civilian—a moment to reflect on the freedoms and security we often take for granted. It is a reminder of the silent hours our soldiers spend on duty, often far from their homes, while we enjoy the warmth of ours.

When we salute the flag, whistle the parade, or watch the flypast, we are honouring not just uniforms—but the spirit of service, sacrifice, and steadfast resolve that holds our nation’s peace.

Army Day is not just about parades, medals, or history lessons—it is a quiet reminder of the lives lived on constant alert so that the rest of us can live in peace. For civilians, understanding the Indian Army goes beyond admiration; it is about awareness, respect, and responsibility. When we remember the sacrifices of our faujis, acknowledge their families, and value the institutions that support them, we strengthen the bond between those who serve and those they protect.

On Army Day—and every day—may we never forget that the freedoms we take for granted are safeguarded by men and women who ask for little more than our gratitude and our remembrance.

Your next read: Ghosts, GOCs & Gymkhanas: What You’ll Find Inside Cantonment Ghosts & Other Stories