Army Day

New Delhi: The Army on Sunday commemorated its 57th Foundation Day by paying homage to martyred soldiers. Chiefs of the three wings of the armed forces - Chief of Army Staff General Joginder Jaswant Singh, Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshall SP Tyagi - offered floral tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti (Eternal Flame) at the India Gate memorial in the national capital New Delhi.

Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to commemorate Field Marshal KM Cariappa's taking-over as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander, in 1949. "On this day, we pledge that we'll continue to serve our nation and would not hesitate to lay down our lives for the country. This day is very important for the Army," General Joginder Jaswant Singh said. Various functions are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, President APJ Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee have extended their wishes to all members of the Army, to ex-servicemen and to their families. Extending his greetings and felicitations on the occasion, Kalam said: "It is a matter of pride that Indian Army has displayed high standards of excellence in all tasks entrusted to it. Their professionalism, humane spirit, positive attitude and commitment to the nation are praiseworthy. I am confident that our Army personnel are fully prepared to face any challenge that the future may present". Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "The Indian Army is a source of pride for our nation. It has played a commendable role in protecting the unity and integrity of our country, and in reaching out to people affected by natural calamities.

Our Army personnel have a record of rendering selfless service and saving precious lives. The devotion to duty displayed by those brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice and laid down their lives will always be honoured. A grateful nation salutes the courage and valour of the Army". Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee complimented the Army for exceptional performance in all spheres, saying, "In the year gone by you have displayed your caliber in the most commendable manner in all situations, whether be it conflict assistance to civil authorities during calamities or the multi-faceted role in UN tasks. The nation looks up to your professionalism and commitment to the cause as a source of strength and for Nation building, You are the nation's pride". He further expressed confidence that the Army would be able to meet the challenges that may come about in future too. "On this day I extend my best wishes to all service and civilian personnel of the army, ex-servicemen and their families. I also humbly salute all our valiant soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation," he added.
Jan 15, 2006