76th Army Day on January 15th

Every year on January 15, soldiers mark the highlights and achievements of Field Marshal Cariappa and the Indian Army.

The Indian Army, established in 1895, did not have its first Army chief until 1949. On this day, back in 1949, Field Marshal KM Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army after India received independence.

The country witnessed communal rights after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, prompting soldiers to come forward to maintain peace in the country. It was the right time to take over command of the Indian Army from the Britishers. Thus, Field Marshal Cariappa took over charges from General Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.