Edited by Deepali Verma
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Army Staff chief General Manoj Pande and several other leaders extended their greetings on the occasion of 76th Army Day on January 15.
This day is observed every year to commemorate the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief General Francis Roy Bucher in 1949. With this Cariappa became the first Bharatiya Commander-in-Chief post-independence.
General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff voiced his greetings on the occasion of 76th Army Day on January 15. General’s address to the troops involved paying homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.
“This occasion of Army Day 2024, I forward my felicitations and warm wishes to all ranks of the Indian Army, civilian employees, Veterans and their families. We remember solemnly and pay our respects and homage to the comrades who have laid down their lives in the line of duty to the nation. Their supreme sacrifice is always a source of inspiration for us,” he said.
“The Indian Army holds a crucial role to perform in ensuring a stable and secure environment to facilitate the nation’s progress unabated. Thus, our resolve must remain robust and grow stronger everyday,” he added.
Further asserting, the Chief of Army Staff remarked that the Indian Army will mark the year 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ — a theme that collaborates on the Army’s focus and efforts to leverage technology as a driving force for transformative change.
“The character of warfare is ever changing. Hence, to prepare ourselves better for the future, we have set into motion a holistic transformation process the previous year. We have made significant progress and several milestones have been achieved. Our capability development initiative stands on the edifice of Atmanirbharta, that sees our complete commitment. The transition towards establishing us a modern, agile, adaptive and technology-enabled future-ready force shall advance as part of the Transformation Roadmap,” General Manoj Pande said.
Adding further, he said that the Army’s responsibility towards the veterans, Veer Naris and their respective families, remains both a sacred and dedicated commitment. “Efforts to incorporate welfare initiatives, actively reaching out to them and addressing their grievances must stand as a top focal area for the commanders at all levels.”
Beyond this, other significant personalities of the nation also extended their wishes on this auspicious occasion. Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed their sincere wishes to Indian Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day on January 15.
The President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed forces, in her address to the Indian Army said, “I extend my warm felicitations to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day 2024.”
“The Indian Army is absolutely crucial in assuring the country’s security. The Indian Army is the epitome of displayed professionalism during conflicting times, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, national calamities and disasters. The exemplary leadership and selfless devotion exhibited by the men and women of the Indian Army is admirable,” President Murmu said in her message.
PM Modi’s message to the Indian Army was appreciative of the role played by the force in times of conflict and calamities. “Whether it is combating external threats or helping at the times of natural calamities, the brave soldiers of the Indian Army have undertaken their duty with courage, ” the Prime Minister said.
The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, taking to his social media handle on ‘X’, wrote, “The Indian Army is always present at the service of the nation. Right from guarding the world’s highest battlefield to facilitating civilian rescue efforts, from neutralising threats to constructing bridges, the Army does it all and with precision. On Army Day I salute the personnel of our brave force, who sacrifice their sleep so that the other 1.4 billion people can sleep peacefully. Jai Hind!”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi on January 15 extended their wishes on the 76th Army Day via ‘X’
“In reverence and gratitude, we salute the brave soldiers, veterans, ex-servicemen and their families, on this occasion of the Indian Army Day. The Indian Army has a pivotal role to play in managing the national security of Bharat, whilst defending our borders across some of the most difficult terrain in the world. It guarantees stability during the internal security challenges and is often relied upon to grant assistance during natural calamities,” said Kharge.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is currently in Manipur on his Bhara Jodo Nyay Yatra also took to X and conveyed his wishes. “I extend my best wishes to all the soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families on Army Day. The whole of Bharat salutes your incredible bravery and dedication,” he said.
