India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, and heads of the army, air force and navy paid tribute to the country’s armed forces at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on Wednesday on the occasion of Army Day 2020.
The main celebration to commemorate the day was held in New Delhi, where parades by soldiers from all the six army commands took place, along with a display of the Army’s prowess.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to extend their greetings to the personnel of the Indian Army, noting their indomitable spirit and sense of sacrifice.
भारत की सेना मां भारती की आन-बान और शान है। सेना दिवस के अवसर पर मैं देश के सभी सैनिकों के अदम्य साहस, शौर्य और पराक्रम को सलाम करता हूं।
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2020
“The army is the pride of Mother India. On the occasion of Army Day, I salute the indomitable courage, valor and valor of all soldiers of the country,” said Modi.
On Army Day today, I salute all valiant Indian Army personnel and recall with pride their indomitable spirit, valour and sacrifices in making India a safer place. #ArmyDay2020 pic.twitter.com/cbdbdnc1VH
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 15, 2020
History was made when Captain Tania Sher Gill from the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals became the first woman to lead an all-male contingent in Wednesday’s Parade.
Captain Tania Shergill, fourth generation army officer of the Corps of Signals leading all men contingent on the #ArmyDay2020 Parade.
— Mayank Singh (@scribesoldier) January 15, 2020
Happy Army Day @adgpi pic.twitter.com/OIOAztTK4d
WATCH NOW -
— Doordarshan National (@DDNational) January 15, 2020
"The Annual #ArmyDay Parade 2020" from Carriapa Ground on DD Bharati & Live-Stream on https://t.co/uc0SkZSrQ5#ArmyDay2020 @adgpi pic.twitter.com/g8BSMPOt7l
Commissioned in the Indian Army in 2017, Gill is a fourth-generation woman army officer. Her great grandfather served with the Sikh Regiment, her grandfather with the Armoured Corps and her father with the Artillery
Netizens were also effusive in their praise of the Indian Army on the occasion of the 72nd Army Day.
On Army Day today,Let's salute the army for their courage,indomitable spirit & commitment towards the nation. #ArmyDay2020 🌺🙏 pic.twitter.com/1uXfhcFRnk
— RAJESH KUMAR (फालो,💯%फालो मिलेगा जी) (@RajeshK40860744) January 15, 2020
My respectful SALUTE to the SACRIFICE, DEDICATION AND PATRIOTISM of the brave soilders of Indian Army on the auspicious occasion of the ARMY DAY....
— Chandra Nath Kundu (@ChandraNathKun1) January 15, 2020
JAY HIND..🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
BHARAT MATA KI JAY ....🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
VANDE MATARAM ....🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/HAGEg0RNO7
Indian Army is the epitome of commitment, discipline and patriotism. My salute to the brave women and men of the Army on #ArmyDay.
— Amitoj Acharya (@AmitojAcharya) January 15, 2020
Salute to the Courage &
— Brijesh K Gupta 🇮🇳 (@brijeshopg) January 15, 2020
Invaluable Service of
the Indian Army.
Indian Army Day 🇮🇳#ArmyDay 🇮🇳@adgpi pic.twitter.com/Kn30goc688
Eighteen army contingents took part in Wednesday’s Army Day parade. Soldiers also performed a combat readiness display in a simulated enemy environment. Military hardware, including infantry BMP-2K combat vehicles, K9 Vajra-T artillery guns, indigenously manufactured Dhanush towed guns, T-90 main battle tanks and a short span bridging system were also showcased.
Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane presented gallantry awards to 15 soldiers and unit citations to 18 battalions for outstanding and sustained performance during operations and in peacetime.
