71st Army Day was witnessed across the country on Monday, January 15, 2019. A day to mark the significance and commemorate General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa, who took over the command of Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in post-Independence era then.

Addressing the Army personnel and their family members on the occasion at the Field Marshal KM Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, in New Delhi, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff, reviewed the Army Day Parade at the Cariappa Parade Ground and awarded 15 Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of Gallantry and 17 COAS Unit Citations for commendable performance of their respective units on the occasion.

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Earlier in the day, wreaths were laid at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, by the three service chiefs to commemorate the Army Day. The 71st Army Day parade was commanded by Maj Gen Rajpal Punia, Chief of Staff, Delhi area. The leading contingent of the parade was formed of the recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees. Whilst addressing the occasion, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said the Armed forces will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan. He said the country, alongside India’s western border, is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively. General Rawat also said the Army will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border.

The parade was followed by diverse army contingents which included T-90 tank BHISHMA, infantry combat vehicle BMP II, M 777 ultra-light howitzer, K-9 Vajra guns, Akash missile system, Mobile transportable satellite terminal service vehicle, surface minimum clearing system, international sports awardees and seven marching contingents including mounted horse cavalry. As a part of many combat and on-ground assault enactments, mechanized assets of the force like Pinaka multi-barrel rocket systems, 155-mm Bo-force guns, Cheetah helicopters, 4mm mortar launchers, Rudra and other Advanced light helicopters also showcased their strategic significance in context to hour of any concern.

The veterans’ tableaux, organized by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, depicted their role and contributions towards the nation. A motorcycle display by “Dare Devil” team of the Corps of Signals was surely an attraction of the parade.  A paramotors display was also carried out by a team from the 50 (I) Para Brigade.

The grand finale was a combat demonstration which showcased combat techniques. Combat actions included strafing runs depicted by armed helicopter combat manoeuvers by tracked combat vehicles and special operations including air insertion and extrication of soldiers behind enemy lines.

The day was also graced by a couple of Bollywood celebrities later who shared a close cordial relationship with Indian Army due to their recent releases based on various operations by the forces.

(The writer is a Delhi-based independent contributor to print and online publications)